Maggie's Story (Intergalactic Matchmaking Services) by Ava Louise Page A

serious about getting to know someone on our starship? Or are you just using us for a break from your current troubles?” asked Daxon. His eyebrow ridge was raised questioningly; it looked like he doubted she would answer honestly. He did not want to see any of his friends hurt by this program. Before she could answer, however, they arrived at their destination. “Here we are. This is the eating hall.”
    There were a large number of tables with benches on all four sides. To one side there was a bank of panels which Maggie could see other Nordonians operating. They would tap a few things on the screens, wait a few seconds, then open a hatch and withdraw a tray of food. They would then take their trays to one of the tables.
    “This looks a lot like the cafeteria at the school,” replied Maggie. “But before I eat, let me answer your questions. Yes, I am serious and No I am not using you. The timing happened to work out this way. If at the end of my two weeks there is someone interested in me and I am interested in them, then it would be a serious consideration for me. I do not appreciate the implication that I am only using you. That is not who I am!”
    Maggie turned her back to Daxon and looked around quickly, then turned back to him. “Dammit! I can’t even walk away from you because I would get lost!” She stomped over to the nearest empty table and sat down, placing her head in her hand.
    Daxon was unsure what to do now. He had not meant to make her angry, he just wanted to keep his crew safe. It was his job after all. He knew he needed to calm her down, but apologizing did not come easy to him. He saw that several of the males in the room had watched his exchange with Maggie and were currently frowning their displeasure at him.
    He approached the table slowly and sat opposite her. She raised her head as he settled in the seat. Drawing a deep breath, he said, “I apologize for upsetting you. I am only trying to keep the well-being of my friends and crew members in mind. It is not easy seeing them hurt when one of the human females comes up here, then decides she cannot make a commitment to one of them.”
    “Well, it isn’t fair to judge us all by the actions of a few. Keep an open mind and you may be pleasantly surprised!” She didn’t seem to stay angry with Daxon, so he was hopeful they could move past the moment. “So what do you eat up here? If it isn’t something I am familiar with, I’ll let you pick and tell me what it is.”
    “We have included several items from your culture. We thought it would help us adjust to humans if we knew more about what you ate. I like something you call pot roast.”
    “Ah, a human classic. That is fine, or I will try something you are used to eating. All I ask is that it be dead and thoroughly cooked. No living food, please,” Maggie said with a shudder.
    Daxon could not help but smile at the exaggerated shudder Maggie gave.
    “Ohmygosh! You can smile! See, it didn’t hurt at all, did it?” Maggie laughed as she teased him.
    “I told you I smile,” Daxon replied, continuing to smile at her teasing. Maybe being Maggie’s guide would not be too taxing on him after all, he thought. “Let me grab a variety of dishes and see what you like. I will even get pot roast to make sure you have something you like. Be right back.”
    Daxon rose and went to the nearest panel not in use. He made his selections, then waited for the program to supply their meal. Picking up the laden tray, he headed back to the table where Maggie awaited him. He explained what each item was after her initial question of, “Is it meat, fruit, or vegetable?”
    As they worked their way through the selections, other Nordonians wandered over, looking for an introduction to the newest human female among them. Each put in their opinion of what the best food choice was, bringing more and more samples of foods from not only Nordo, their home planet, but from other worlds, too. Soon the small table was