“You back off — ” Margolis began.
“I’d say you should probably both be quiet and listen to what Zahrias has to say,” Julia interposed in her calm, low voice. Her expression was neutral, but I could see the way she kept her gaze fixed on Brent and wouldn’t look at the commander. Not that I could blame her. Frankly, I didn’t see how she could even bear to be in the same room with him.
Brent slouched in his seat, but the second Julia spoke, Margolis smiled again, a nasty, leering smile. “So that’s how it is?” he asked. “I should have known. Once a slut, always — ”
“That is enough,” Zahrias broke in. His tone remained even, but something about it cracked through the air like a whip. “Ms. Innes is here because she always offers valuable input. Unlike you, Captain Margolis.”
Something suspic
