When the Chimera Speaks

She laughed as she looked around at the buildings. "You know," she said, "I don't remember how to get back to my house."
"You have a house?"
"Yeah, a friend has been staying in it. I don't even know where I am."
"What street are you on?"
"Uhh...." She was surprised that she had to stop and think. "Tanga...yeah, Tanga 1454."
"That's on the east side of the city, right?"
"It was, I don't know if the city's spread. I've never been to this dock before. It's new." She stopped and turned in a circle. "Kind of sad that I'm lost in my own town, huh?"
"Yeah, kind of...."
"Well," she said, pulling her cell phone out, "I'm calling a taxi."
"Ok."
As she waited for the taxi company to pick up she looked at him. "Don't wait for me."
He shrugged. "It's fine. I'm trying to find a good time to ask you to meet us at the Navy bar tonight."
"Yes, hello, please send a taxi to the Navy yard, Dock 12. Thank you." She closed her cell phone and looked at him. "I'd like to know your name first."
"Yeah I'd guess you'd want that, huh? Tuvia Lova." He offered his hand.
"Hey there, Tuvia Lova." She took his hand. "Tawny McCallen."
"I like it." He smiled. "Are you coming?"
"Why not? When?"
"Two hours, at the Yatea Bar."
"Coming, then."

Tawny felt oddly female as she got out of the taxi in her black halter top satin dress. Her lips curved upwards as she drew stares. She pulled out her military ID from her small handbag and the bouncer did a double take--evidently he didn't see a mechanic in a sexy dress every day.
She saw Tuvia at the bar, and she sidled her way to the bar. Sitting down on the bar stool next to him, she put her handbag on the bar.
"Whoa!" he said with a grin. "Nice!"
Tawny laughed. Crossing her legs, she rested her elbow on the bar. "I'm glad y'all like it," she chuckled, looking around at his friends.
Tuvia flicked her knee with his finger and slammed his hand down on the counter. "Hey, John, get this hottie a soda, huh?"
She spun to face the counter. "No achohol?"
"It's banned in Gracian now."
"Good," she said. "I got beat up by a drunk, once." She looked sideways at him. "He paid for his sin, believe me."
He grinned back. "I have a feeling you are a blazer."
"I might burn," she said back.
"Hello, Tawny! I haven't seen you in forever! And who is this?"
Tawny almost turned around, but she saw the reflection of the girl behind her in the mirror. She didn't bother to face her, just raked her fingers through her hair. "Brittany."
"So, what number is he? I mean, in eight years with like what three thousand guys on one ship you can't have not hooked up!"
"Brittany, leave us alone...please."
"What? It's just a simple question. I mean, when you lived here I always thought you were an easy one. You always said no but I read people. You're so easy."
"Shut up..."
"Come on, tell me! How many guys did you hook up with?"
"I said shut up, you-!" In one, catlike movement Tawny turned and threw out her fist, connecting solidly with Brittany's jaw. The blonde screamed as she hit the ground, blood flowing down her perfect chin. Tuvia grabbed Tawny's arms as she lunged again, blindly wanting to hear Brittany scream. The bar had gone silent, everyone holding their breath. Brittany was the resident queen of the Yatea.
Brittany got up slowly, wiping the blood away. Tawny cocked her head, daring her to try something.
Everyone was watching Brittany now, and she could feel the stares. Finally, after a short staredown with Tawny, she backed up. "You're going to regret this," she snapped.
Tawny gave a patient smile, as if she was talking to a five year old. "Whatever, Brittany, whatever."
Walking backwards as quickly as she could in her short skirt, Brittany turned tail and disappeared through the door.
No one said anything, then Tuvia quickly let go as Tawny looked up at him. "You pack a punch, girl," he said as he sat back down.