“You mean she’s sulking.”
“That is not what I mean.”
Did Esense sound a little sharp? Was Atlas managing to get under the skin of someone who was born enlightened? That was very satisfying.
“My records indicate that you punished Tessil several days ago, is that correct?”
It was correct, and Atlas indicated as such. He did not elaborate that he had punished her since. In his experience, volunteering additional information rarely made anything easier. He certainly didn’t mention that he’d fucked her until they both almost passed out.
“Have you checked on Ensign Tessil since the incident?”
“I have monitored her activity to ensure she is compliant.” Another technically correct response.
“Ah.”
There was so much judgment in that simple syllable that if only it could be harnessed, it could power the Audacity for years to come.
“Is moping an official diagnosis, Counselor?”
Esense took a deep breath, which was impressive because he didn’t need oxygen. When he spoke it was in his calmest, most therapeutic tone. Every word was like a shank to Atlas’s heart.
“Captain Janus allows physical punishment, but within certain parameters. No medium- to long-term physical or mental damage can be done. Ensign Tessil is showing all the signs of a mild depression caused by punishment exceeding her tolerance.”
“She’s showing all the signs of a well-spanked brat,” Atlas replied. Now he understood. Tessil was putting up such a meek front the counselor was worried she’d been harmed. That went to show how little understanding there truly was of Jerri’s psychology. She was not the kind to be cowed by harsh treatment. She wasn’t depressed. She was finally calm.
“According to my records, Tessil has never been physically disciplined while on the Audacity. She may literally not know how to take that kind of punishment. What aftercare was provided?”
“Aftercare?”
The question hung in the air between them. Aftercare had never been standard on any ship Atlas had ever served on. One didn’t go about snuggling rebellious ensigns. He doubted Esense would count the subsequent thrashing and figging as aftercare. Or the rest of what he’d done.
“I don’t believe Ensign Tessil is suffering in any way as a result of my discipline,” he said simply.
“Very well. I intend to consult with her too. It may be that your disciplinary methods will need to be amended. I understand that on the Kitari home world, harsh beatings are a matter of regular procedure, but humans are more delicate.”
Ridiculous. Atlas finally understood precisely what the Goshian was driving at, and the destination was ridiculous.
“Tessil is, was, on the verge of a complete breakdown, not from discipline, but from neglect and indulgence. She is the most ill-behaved, disrespectful, and lost little soul I have ever encountered, on this ship or off it.”
“I think I would know if someone on this ship was in distress.” Esense smiled in a way that made his gleaming face so smug it practically demanded to be put through the nearest wall.
“Not all distress looks the same,” Atlas replied. “And not all humans have the same needs.”
“I think I understand humanity a little better than you, Commander Atlas. But thank you for your input.”
Esense was lucky he had no true physical form, or the temptation to rend him limb from limb might have been too much to bear.
“Ensign Tessil. Report to Commander Esense.” The request came over the comms channel as Jerri was lying on her back in her bed, still feeling the aching aftermath of Atlas’s rough lovemaking and wondering when she’d see him next.
Atlas had banned her from recreational activities, but he hadn’t banned her from thinking. She had been thinking about a lot lately. Mostly she had been thinking about ridged thighs and blood-red eyes. She had been thinking about rough hands and pleasure given with pain. She had thought about all of it over and over. She had touched herself to the thoughts, and she had enjoyed them very, very much.
The voice made her hand stall between her legs. Esense was about the last person she wanted to see right now. She was immediately worried he’d see through her. Though the Goshians were very clear that they were not actually mind readers.
She rose from the bed very reluctantly and took a shower. She did not want any stray pheromones tipping the counselor off. For now he probably just thought she’d spent three days in bed. If he had any idea of the real reason for her behavior he would refer her for long term treatment.
“Fuck,” she cursed to herself as she got dressed in her thickest uniform. She was still afraid that the counselor would be able to smell her need. It was all she could do to hope that Atlas wasn’t involved with this. If she saw him in the counselor’s presence there was no way she’d be able to hide her desire. He’d read it in every micro-expression she had. He’d sense it in her energy field. It would be a big deal.