On board a passenger shuttle Miles, Rif and Leroy look out the porthole at their destination: Deneb V.

"The most heavily populated system in the Federation." says Miles "It still amazes me how four Earth-type planets can be in the same system."

"Ever been here before?" says Rif

"Once, on leave after the Kzatti War." says Miles

"I was stationed here before the war. The 201st Fighter Squadron was based here and I was XO before Zeta Gadni."

"How about you Leroy?" says Miles

"Never been here. Tell me about it."

"Deneb II is a large mining colony and has a heavy gravity. Anyone born there is extremely strong. Deneb IV and V are run by Spacefleet and are the headquarters for the entire sector. They have the best facilities anywhere. And Deneb VII is a scientific center, home to the Hawk Institute of Technology."

"I've heard of it." says Leroy "I thought HIT was based on Earth."

"It was originally. But Wesley had the headquarters moved here about 50 years ago."

****

After landing the three of them head for the local hotel. Later that night the three of them are sharing drinks in the hotels bar.

"Great place isn't it?" says Miles

"So far." says Leroy

"So what do you guys want to do first?" says Rif "See a holomovie, go to the holo firing ranges or just eat and drink until we puke."

"Hee hee! Sorry Rif, I have other plans." says Miles

"Yo Miles, were about to start!" says a human out in the hall.

"Ah, poker calls gentledogs. Gotta run."

From across the bar, a female fox-sapien looks in their direction.

"Rif? Rif is that you?"

"Rose! Rose it's good to see you again!"

They hug like old friends.

"Rose, I'd like you to meet Leroy. Leroy this is Rose."

"Pleasure ma'am."

"Hello."

"Well, I let you two catch up." says Leroy

"No, no. Stay. I wouldn't want you be alone tonight."

"You sure?"

"Not a problem." says Rose "Hey Annie, over here."

A female doberman walks over.

"Annie, this is Leroy."

"Well howdy there handsome. Ya'll alone tonight? Come on, I'll show you a good time!"

"Uh, sure."

Leroy shoots both of them a look as Annie drags him away.

"You wanna explain that little episode?" says Rif

"Very simple" says Rose "I'm the entertainment director for this hotel."

"I honestly had no idea. So how's Mickey?" says Rif

"You didn't hear?" says Rose "He was on Alpha Tambor when the Yuva'zag invaded."

"Oh, I'm sorry. I was hoping to see him again some day after..."

"Don't bring it up! I've had enough grief thank you."

"Why'd you choose him Rose? I offered more than him."

"To travel the galaxy with you and stay on the ship hoping you came back from your mission in one piece?"

"I was a fighter pilot Rose!"

"And Mickey was a desk jockey. He had a safe job here on Deneb. And then he just had to volunteer to be the General's aide on Alpha Tambor and get himself killed."

"Blame the Yuva'zag."

"I don't! I blame him for even going! Why did the two of you treat me like some prize? I loved you both, but I had to chose one."

"You still got me."

"I can't Rif! No more waiting for you to come back. I'm headed for Earth next month. When I heard you got shot down on Zeta Gadni I feared the worst. I didn't hear from you again until after the planet was taken. I'm sorry Rif, but I can't take that kind of worry anymore."

"I understand. Will you at least give me the honor of buying you dinner tonight?"

"Certainly."

As they get up to leave, they notice Annie throwing a drink in Leroy's face and leaving. The bartender hands him a rag.

"Leroy, what'd you say to her?" says Rif

"Sorry Ms Rose, but I just wasn't interested. She came on kinda strong."

"She can be hotheaded at times. I'll talk to her tomorrow."

"Do you mind if I tagged along for dinner?

"Not at all." says Rif "Come on."

"Keep an eye on the place for me Frank." says Rose to the bartender

"You got it Ms Rose."

At another area of the hotel Miles is deep in a poker game with two humans, a snow leopard, a borzoi and a cat.

"Read 'em and weep gentlemen. Full house!"

"That's three in a row! Impossible!"

"He cheated!"

"I did no such thing." says Miles. "Now, if you'll place your prints on my padd, I'll be going along."

"Already?"

"I'm fellin lucky tonight! Casino here I come!"

to be continued...