III
Four waiters passed Retief's table without stopping. A fifth leaned against the wall nearby, a menu under his arm.
At a table across the room, the Captain, now wearing a dress uniform and with his thin red hair neatly parted, sat with a table of male passengers. He talked loudly and laughed frequently, casting occasional glances Retief's way.
A panel opened in the wall behind Retief's chair. Bright blue eyes peered out from under a white chef's cap.
"Givin' you the cold shoulder, heh, Mister?"
"Looks like it, old-timer," Retief said. "Maybe I'd better go join the skipper. His party seems to be having all the fun."
"Feller has to be mighty careless who he eats with to set over there."
"I see your point."
"You set right where you're at, Mister. I'll rustle you up a plate."