Royce

It’s amazing how a hangover feels worse on the 100th floor, almost like the sun burns brighter and deeper into your eyes he thought, or maybe..... just maybe he was getting too old for this.

Luke Royce rolled over with a groan, the whispering of the silk sheets sounding too loud, competing with the throbbing in his head.

He gingerly swung his feet out of bed sitting up slowly, moving into the classic feet on the floor head in hands , eyes closed position. 
He carefully raised his head and opened his eyes to see the one thing he dreaded the most, the pious disapproving expression of his once junior officer and now business partner Kai Tarrin.His eyes burning holes in him from a leather recliner at the other end of the ridiculously bright hotel room.
It wasn’t even so much the disapproving expression thought Royce, as the fact that he always looked so damn healthy and clean.

Royce had served with Kai off and on for almost fifteen years, meeting as cadets in their early twenties being briefly separated as their contract with New World Corps expired a year ago..
Their friendship and mutual respect had grown stronger over the years, even when Royce had been promoted far beyond that of his friend.

“Well partner as much as it is damn good to see you I feel it only fair to tell you that I am not at my best right now so go away before I shoot your damn alien head off”