[the mixer]

        Miyami and Rhiannon entered their dorm.  Dusty was laying on the
bed, staring at the ceiling.

[...]

        "Aren't you getting dressed?" Miyami asked.

        "I'm not going," Dusty answered, sitting up.

        "Why not?"

        "It's a social event," Rhiannon said, putting on her dress tunic.
"One thing Cadet Traitor isn't, it's social."

        "This coming from someone who is going to the mixer alone," Dusty
shot back.  "Rick might be able to squeeze in a dance with you, if you two
would admit you're attracted to the other."

        "Just what I need, advice from the love lorn."  Rhiannon finished
fastening the last button on her tunic, then turned to face Dusty.  "For
your information, one can enjoy themselves perfectly well without an
escort."

        "That does explain the noises I hear from you when you think
Miyami and I are asleep."

        Rhiannon stomped over to Dusty and smacked her across the cheek.
Dusty only stared back with a blank expression.

        "Could you slap the other cheek next time?" she said.  "People are
starting to ask questions."

        "I knew I shouldn't have bothered talking to you."  Rhiannon
stormed out the door, slamming it behind her.

        Miyami stared at the door, then turned back to Dusty.  "You are a
hateful person."

        "I try."

        "Why?  Why do you push her like that?"

        "I have my reasons."  Dusty swung her legs to the floor.  "You're
going to be late."

        "Lars is going to be disappointed."

        "I know."

        "He loves you."

        "I know that, too."

        "So why don't you go out with him?" Miyami asked, starting to feel
frustrated.  "Is he not good enough for you?"

        "I'm not good enough for him."

        "Can't you be serious?"

        "I am.  Anyone else would be lucky to have him.  Not me.  I don't
deserve him."  Dusty stood up.  "Don't worry about me; it's a full-time
job.  Go and enjoy the mixer.  Dance with Lars for me, and once for
yourself."

        Miyami finished buttoning her tunic and started pulling on her
boots.  "I don't understand you, Dusty.  You're a first class bitch most
of the time; then you say things like that and I don't know what to think
of you."

        "You tell anyone I was nice and I'll deny it."

        "No-one would believe me."  Miyami walked to the door.  "If you
change your mind . . . "

        "I know.  They're waiting for you."

[...]