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if
limited, effect on some species of insect. But to see such an intense pheromonal
effect on a humanoid is quite breathtaking.”
    Pete raised his hand. “Hold on, Doc. You’ve lost me
already.”
    The doctor glanced around the table. “You haven’t been in
communication about this matter?”
    Jake stared stonily at him. Although Strom was pale, he maintained
his usual impassive expression. Pete was utterly bewildered.
    “Very well, I will start at the beginning. Through a series
of genetic mutations, Cyraelian males have evolved as sexually passive, while
the females are sexually dominant. In fact, there have been some documented
instances of female hypersexuality, which—”
    Pete guffawed with laughter. “You mean Jake’s girlfriend is
from Planet Nympho?”
    “That is a crude summary of the facts and not necessarily
pertaining to Ms. Jasson.”
    Jake glared at him. If Pete didn’t shut up, he was going to
punch him.
    The doctor continued his report. “Ms. Jasson has a series of
markings on her spine, denoting sexual maturity, called a Dermatrax .
Unfortunately, perhaps due to a series of emotionally traumatic events recently,
the process has been accelerated.”
    “And the problem with that is?” Pete prompted.
    “The Dermatrax is emitting a pheromone-like
substance, which can prove irresistible to an unmated male. Cyraelian
scientists have been working on the problem for centuries.”
    “Okay, she’s a honeypot, Doc. But I don’t see why we’re
having a doom and gloom session about it.”
    “Chief Engineer Olafson,” a brief hint of annoyance crept
into the doctor’s tone, and Strom flashed Pete a warning glance.
    “Data supplied by the Cyraelian Council of Scientists
indicates that their females are potentially the dominant sex, although
culturally they have been denied this position. If Ms. Jasson were to be
allowed to move unfettered throughout the ship, her influence would be such that
I estimate that she could seize control of this vessel within a week.”
    “Now you are joking, Doc.”
    “Believe me, Engineer Olafson, I do not joke. Ms. Jasson
simply needs to exert control over a few key officers on board this vessel, and
that is well within her capabilities.”
    “So keep her locked up.” Pete shrugged. “Sorry, Jake, but it
seems to be the only solution.”
    Strom sat back in his chair. “You seem to forget, Pete. Ms.
Jasson has been in custody for the past week. During that time, she has
hijacked a shuttlecraft, put one of my crew in sick bay with a concussion,
caused a near riot outside the brig, attempted to seduce me and, if I am
correct in my assumption, succeeded in seducing my first officer.”
    Jake flushed. Put like that, it was pretty damning and after
last night’s little escapade, Strom was embarrassed and seriously angry.
    “Jake, will you please drop those ridiculous charges against
her so that we can take her to the nearest spaceport and send her home.”
    “Absolutely not, do you know what those Cyraelian bastards
will do with her? If Atam doesn’t get his claws into her, they’ll lock her up
in some kind of prison until she agrees to marry a genetically suitable male.
Then she’ll live under virtual house arrest for the rest of her life.”
    “I’m sorry, Jake, but I have a ship to run and that woman is
a complete menace. I want her off my ship.”
    “She didn’t look so menacing when she was in your quarters
last night, Strom. You’ve been like an iceman ever since you left Ingrid. You
want to get rid of Tanith because she got under your skin.
    “Damn,” Pete said glumly. “How did I miss all the fun?”
    “Lieutenant Svenson,” Strom sighed with frustration. “Jake.
You created this mess, now you can deal with it. Ms. Jasson will be released
into your custody today. If there are any further incidents during the next
week, I will override your charges and release her. Do you understand?”
    Jake nodded. He had no doubt that Strom would do exactly