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Pike’s yeoman smiled at Kirk. “He’s waiting for you. You can go in.”
“Thanks.” The door opened and Kirk entered the office. “Sir, I came to speak to you about my schedule for next semester?”
Pike nodded. “Of course. Have a seat, cadet.” Kirk started for the chair directly across from the desk, but Pike stopped him. “Not that one.”
“Why?” Then he looked down at the seat. “Oh!” Curled up on the chair was a small, orange cat.
“You’re not allergic, right?” Kirk shook his head. “Good.” He motioned to a free chair. “You can sit there. She doesn’t like that one as much.”
“You…have a cat?” Kirk ventured as he took his seat. “Sir?”
“Her name is Mango. And I only get two weeks a month with her. She lives with my ex-wife the rest of the time.”
“You have joint custody of a cat with your ex?”
“Yes, I do.” Pike crossed the room to pick up Mango, who settled easily in his arms. “Do you have a problem with that, cadet?”
Kirk bit back a smile. “No, sir. No problem at all.”
“Good,” Pike replied. “I have no tolerance for people who disrespect my cat.”