Mark Stern sat before the viewer scanning security images. He was particularly interested in viewing access to the Admirals’ Quarters. Since the Beast’s discovery of the bug, a few risings ago, he spent most of his time trying to pin down suspects. The list was short. Other than the Admirals and the Beast, only Saxon, Lunas, Bane, and he, himself, had entered the StarRoom since their departure from Earth. He had no access to alien tech. That left three suspects, one of which was his lover, Bane. It didn’t look good. He had set the computer to silent to facilitate concentration. He became aware of the message light on the console at the same moment he heard the frantic knock.
“Stern, Mark, Medical Officer, Chief of Security. Open.”
Both Lunas and Saxon stood on the other side and entered
