Neil had been admired by a few women before, and he often felt an instinctual, playful elation in a way only a man could. He realized he felt something extra when Sayeeda gave him a look of interest. Maybe it was pride. He'd felt somewhat miffed that she'd never at least checked him out before, so her doing it here was a pleasing change of pace. Or maybe it actually hit home they were going out. He shrugged it off, either way he didn't mind. 

"Taya, what are you talking about?" Neil said incredulously, waving her off. "You're the one who always looks good. [i]We're[/i] the ones that look like we've been through wood chippers."

[hr] 

Neil kept an eye on Taya to make sure she didn't feel left out, and he enjoyed the free food. Though he kept by Junebug throughout the party. Unfortunately, they hardly had any time to enjoy it before they were called forth before Aiden. Unfortunately, it went tits up almost immediately. He knew Aiden couldn't have been as perfect as he portrayed himself to be, but this was, as the kids say, horseshit. He expressed as much through his sarcasm. But he couldn't keep Aiden from arresting Junebug under charges even Neil found hilarious. 

"Hey whoa, hold on." Neil said, holding his hands up between the officers and Junebug, halting their approach. The men didn't show emotion behind their helmets, but they did slow. "Under interstellar law, this is a contested case-" 

"For heroism-" Aiden continued, speaking over Neil and imploring his men to continue their advance. They did so at his motion, pushing past Neil to apprehend Junebug. "and bravery, you are to receive 120,000 units of credit, and as you were not in agreement with the perpetrators I wish to apprehend, you and lady Taya are free to leave, if you vacate the planet within six galactic hours and never return." 

The hall had quieted fully at that point, and Neil realized he had the room's full, undivided attention as they restrained his Captain and date. For a moment, Neil wasn't necessarily certain what he would do. Taya seemed torn, and near the verge of tears and shouting at Aiden. On the one hand, Neil had never passed up such a large sum of money before. One could retire on that amount of money in luxury, even at his age. He realized all he would need to do give the word fly away, and he would receive a fortune, one that he would only need to split in two ways. 

On the other hand, that was his fucking date. 

"Who the hell do you think I-" 

"First [i]officer[/i]," Junebug barked, snapping him to attention. The pilot blinked, halting his hand that had been inching toward his concealed firearm. He gave Junebug a look that showed he was having none of this, but her iron gaze shut down anything he was about to try. He seemed to hesitate, and he let out a sigh. Taya looked between the two, and Neil gave a light bow as he acquiesced to Aiden's offer. "Your Highness, thank you. The Lady Taya and I are most grateful, and we will accept this offer." 

"[sub]What!?[/sub]" Taya whispered ferociously, glaring at Neil and opening her mouth to give Aiden and Neil an earful of her mind. Neil returned her look, grabbing her arm to keep her quiet. "[sub]I have a plan. Let's just go. Now shut up and curtsey, soldier.[/sub]" He ordered her. Taya's mind caught up with her, and realized that even though he never really used the authority, Neil outranked her in the crew and was now effectively the captain if Junebug was under arrest. She fumed, but visibly pulled herself together and curtseyed. Neil curtseyed too, and they left. 
[@Penny]