"Yipes!" cried Harper, nearly dropping a welding tool onto the floor of the Machine Shop. He quickly set it down on a tool bench and pulled off his safety goggles along with their magnifying lens attachment. His eyes looked pleadingly at the Nietzschean who had caused the upset. "Could you please not sneak up on me when I'm working? This is a very delicate operation."

"My apologies. I didn't mean to startle you. No one else seems to mind," said Tyr, mildly. He moved out of the shadows. He was surprised by Harper's reaction. He hadn't been able to take anyone off guard for days. He had begun to think he was losing his touch.

Harper shook his head. "Yeah. Well, they all have out-of-this-world nervous systems. I, humble Earthling, need fair warning." He picked up tweezers and carefully adjusted some circuitry on the item he was making. Harper finished the adjustment, set aside the tweezers, and consulted a schematic. "What brings you to my neck of the woods?"

The Machine Shop was arranged according to Harper's own system of chaotic order. Empty cans of Sparky cola shimmered in a disposal container Andromeda had provided for him which she routinely emptied into her recycler. Work benches were covered in spare parts, refitted objects, and an array of projects, both finished and unfinished. The floor hosted Harper's larger projects, some scale models of ancient machinery, and other odds and ends.

"Captain Hunt and the Magog have gone down to Platea to make inquiries," said Tyr, nonchalantly.

"Yeah, I know. But I'm stuck up here so I thought I'd get some work done." Harper studied his schematic, sat down at a table, and picked up a scanning device.

Tyr continued, "Somehow I doubt their efforts will bring anything to light."

"What do you mean by that?" asked Harper, pausing for a moment in his work.

"Please," said Tyr, scornfully. "Why would anyone, even a Yil Yimur, send an entire ship after you, for a violation which in most places would be handled with a simple parking ticket? Which leads to me to believe that there must be another reason they followed you. The box!"

"The box?" asked Harper, absorbing the thought. "That's not such a bad idea. I mean, I did think someone followed me after I left the shop."

"Are you still trying to make me believe that you do not know what was in that box?" Tyr bellowed.

Harper started to scan his work. "Hey, relax. All I know is Beka asked me to do her a favor. She gave me the address and told me to go pick up the box for her. It was locked. I never saw what was in it. I had a lot of things to do. A lot of errands to make and other things to pick up." Harper's eyes lit up with an idea and his voice filled with excitement. "But I did scan it."

Tyr gave him a questioning look.

Harper tried to explain. "It's something I do. A precautionary measure. Sometimes you get such a great bargain that the person who sold it to you is steamed. So I scan things to make sure no one slips any unwanted bombs under the lid." Harper linked his scanning device to a panel and punched some buttons. "Granted it wasn't a very detailed scan, enough to detect explosives, not enough to see inside, but it does provide a photographic image."

And as Harper spoke, an image of the box popped up on a screen in front of them.

"There's a symbol on the lid," said Tyr. "I'm certain it is Nietszchean but I cannot place the pride."

Harper magnified the symbol until if filled the entire display. "No prob," he said, punching a few keys. "Just initiate a search. Matchmaker, matchmaker, make me a match." The symbol was pushed to the left side of the screen as symbols began to stream by rapidly. At last, a symbol halted beside the original. The two were identical. "All systems go," cried Harper. "Here it is! This symbol is most often connected with Plu Valtari born blah, blah. Died blah, blah of the (I'm not gonna even try to pronounce that name) pride. Does that help?"

"Valtari?" Tyr repeated and recognition was in his voice. "There are legends about him. It is said that when the Nietzschean Alliance broke, prides like the Banyamulenge, Three Rivers, and others grew weak. Fearing all would be lost to the approaching darkness, Valtari gathered the strands of their power and hid them in the wind."

"Strands of power? In the wind?" asked Harper, boggled. "How'd he do that?"

"I have no idea," replied Tyr. "I always believed it to be solely a legend."

"Nice story, but it still doesn't tell us what's in the box. I guess the only two who really do know are Beka and she's obviously not talking and--"

"And who?"

Harper grinned and held up the item he'd been working on. "Hey, big guy. Care to test out one of my latest inventions?"

Beka and Trance were getting a tour of the famed Monarchean museum. Administrator Elva would have liked showing it to them personally, but due to pressing business, she assigned one of her aides to be their tour guide. The guide was less serious than most Monarcheans they had met, informative, and even eager to please. The museum was more impressive than Elva's residence. Its walls were constructed of blue marble and its floor was made up of shiny black tiles.

Beka wanted to find out as much as she could about the Monarcheans. Her trust did not come easily and she had suspicions about the upcoming trial. "It just doesn't add up right, Trance. Why would they release all of us, including Harper, yet insist on keeping my ship?"

"Maybe they think we're thieves," suggested Trance.

"We're not thieves, Trance!" Beka said, then self-consciously lowered her voice. "We haven't done anything like that in a really long time."

"I know, but maybe they think we are."

"Why would they think that? You didn't tell anyone anything, did you?"

"No."

Beka relaxed. "Well, anyways, that still wouldn't explain why they want to keep my ship."

Thus far, throughout the tour, they had stopped to explore almost every chamber of the museum but Beka noticed they were bypassing one.

"Where's that lead?" asked Beka, pointing and raising her voice to catch the attention of their guide who walked ahead of them.

The huge double doors Beka pointed to were at least nine feet high and were decorated in intricate wood carvings. The brass of the knobs had been polished to gleaming. The area around the doors seemed brighter and more maintained than any other area they had seen of the museum. The doors stood closed which only increased Beka's interest in knowing what was behind them.

Their tour guide halted, turned and said, "Those doors lead to the Hall of Music. It's not open to the public except on special occasions or by special arrangement." The guide explained that once a star traveler had come to Monarchea and gifted the ruler of that time with a song. The ruler had been so delighted that the traveler's musical instrument was given a place of honor. Through the years, other musical instruments and songmakers from various places had been gathered to be placed in the Hall of Music. The collection was the pride of Monarchea. Music festivals were held periodically and specially trained musicians would present the music of other cultures and lands so that anyone who wished could enjoy it.

"The Monarcheans really do love music," Beka remarked, impressed by the story.

"Just like you, Beka," said Trance.

"Yeah," Beka agreed with a little surprise. She had more in common with these people than she had at first thought.

The world was blue. The buildings were blue. Even the street signs were blue. This annoying blue vision left Tyr wondering why he had agreed to this venture and, to top it off, Harper's voice was buzzing in his ear. "Turn to the left. No, I meant the right. No, wait a minute. Did you pass that yellow building yet?"

Tyr pulled the visor up to get a view of Platea without all the azure. "I wouldn't know," said Tyr. "Everything's blue. Can you hear me?"

"Yep. Acoustics are great!" replied Harper, comfortably staring at the camera feed from Tyr's visor as he sat on board Andromeda. "I think I'm upside down. But I can see in all the colors of the rainbow. This is my best invention yet. Why didn't I think of it before? I'm here but I'm also virtually there. I can see and hear everything you do. Harper, you're a genius!"

Tyr lowered the visor and the world took on its blue hue. "Would you stop your self-adulation and tell me which way to go before I decide to abandon this endeavor altogether?"

"Oh yes," Harper's voice squawked in Tyr's ear. "Alright, keep straight down this street and your turn will be coming up. I'll say when. You know you didn't mean what you said just now. Steer clear of Dylan and Rev while you're down there, get back before they do, and I'll take care of Rommie with a bit of selective amnesia. Then, we both get to find out what's in--WHEN."

"What?" asked Tyr.

"Turn here, Leroy."

Tyr halted his walk. "Getting forgetful yourself, child? I am not Leroy."

"No, no. Course not. Make a Leroy, I mean. Turn left."

The streets of Platea were narrow and maze-like. Tyr did his best to follow Harper's directions and, at last, came to the shop at the edge of town.

"Ah," said Harper. "Guy named Beni runs the shop. He sold Beka the box. He's gotta know what's in it."

"Are you certain?" questioned Tyr, opening the door and entering the shop. "Look closely, Little Man."

Tyr turned in a circle so Harper could get a complete view of the room.

Empty display cases, open drawers, bare cabinets, the trash scattered on the floor told them that someone had packed up recently.

And left in a hurry.

Two hours and one slipstream jump route away, night fell over Monarchea. The Eureka Maru was parked on a grassy airstrip just next to a large plaza. The huge square was flat and lined with rectangular pieces of gray pavement.

"Um," Trance tapped a Monarchean sentry on his winged shoulder with the tip of her tail. "Excuse me?"

"What do you want?" asked the sentry, turning to glare at her intrusion. "This area is restricted."

Trance stood with her hands behind her back and her tail waved back and forth. "Um...well, that ship you're guarding happens to belong to a friend of mine. And you see, I rode down here in it and left a few things on board. So, I was wondering," Trance paused to flash one of her cutest smiles. "If you would mind letting me go in there for a teeny tiny moment so I could get them."

The sentry shook his head. "This area is restricted," he repeated. "Until the trial is over no one is allowed inside the ship. Be on your way."

Trance's tail drooped. "The trial. Yeah, I know about that but couldn't you just this once make an itsey bitsey exception. For me? Please?"

The sentry narrowed his black eyes. "Who are you?"

Trance giggled. "I get that question a lot. You can call me Trance. Trance Gemini. Can I go in now?"

The sentry pulled an electronic list from his pocket, punched some buttons, and studied the display. Then, he looked up again. "Trance Gemini," he said, slowly. "Do you speak Common? This-area-is-restricted. That means you have to leave. Now."

Trance glanced over her shoulder, smiled and said, backing away, "You know what? I just remembered some important things I have to do, so I think I'll leave. Yeah. I'm gonna go. Nice chatting with you. Bye now." The Purple Girl exited the scene swiftly but her innocent demeanor melted away as she stopped around the corner to make her report to a figure dressed in black. "Sorry," Trance shrugged. "I did my best."

"Not a problem," Beka said, clutching the detailed scans she had succeeded in taking of the perimeter guards and areas around the Eureka Maru. "We got what we came here for."

"I am glad you have returned, Captain Hunt," said Administrator Elva's image on the main screen of the Command Deck. She nodded pleasantly. "You are still planning to act as defense in the trial?"

"Yes, Administrator," said Dylan.

"Then, I have been asked to send you the security records, audio and visual, of the night of the ball for you to review so you may see the correct procedures were followed."

"We are receiving them now," said Holo-Rommie.

"Thank you, Administrator," said Dylan.

That matter out of the way, Administrator Elva changed the topic to something closer to her heart. "My people, Captain Hunt, have always been very cautious when it comes to trading and communicating with worlds outside our own. It has only been in fairly recent years that more off-world travel has been encouraged and this increased when Platea became our ally. We welcome others to come live in Monarchea if that is their desire. But I have noted a disturbing trend. The presence of the Yil Yimurs has increased here. There are rumors they will soon ask permission to set up a station on Monarchea. I fear, if this became so, my people would lose the things we have gained. The Commonwealth, Captain Hunt, might be exactly what we need to solve the problems with the Yil Yimurs."

A voice was heard in the background and Elva nodded to the unseen speaker. "I have an incoming call. Would you please excuse me a moment?"

"Of course," nodded Dylan.

Administrator Elva's face faded from the screen. The screen went dark.

"Communications suspended," said Andromeda.

Rommie turned to Dylan and said, "As long as we respect Monarchean law, it seems Administrator Elva will still back the signing of the charter."

"Then, that's what we have to do," Dylan replied with determination.

There was a look of concentration on Rommie's face, as if she were considering a different course of action. "Dylan, if it hadn't been for the Maru and its crew, you and I would still be stuck on the edge of that black hole. It doesn't deserve to be destroyed."

"We'll try our best to keep that from happening, but within the law," Dylan ordered.

"Yes sir," Rommie replied.

The darkened screen flashed blue and Dylan nodded towards it.

"Resuming communications," said Andromeda.

Administrator Elva reappeared on the screen. "Sorry for the interruption, Captain. Is there anything else I can do to offer my assistance?" she inquired.

"Yes," nodded Dylan. "You can tell me where I can contact my first officer."

Beka flipped on the communication's screen in the room where she was staying. "Dylan. Welcome back."

"I trust nothing happened while we were away, Captain Valentine."

"Depends how you define happened, Captain Hunt," Beka grinned.

"I suppose I'm asking how you and Trance spent your time planetside," Dylan clarified.

"Not much. Trance revealed her true origins, unleashed her magical powers, we stormed the city and forced it to surrender," said Beka with a straight face. She paused. "Had you going for a moment, didn't I? Seriously, Dylan, we did some sightseeing," said Beka. "What about you? Find out anything that will save my ship?"

"I don't know yet," Dylan replied with a laugh. "Rommie and I are working on the best defense we can, but I'm afraid there isn't very much to work with, Beka. The locals weren't very talkative."

"Surprise, surprise," said Beka.

"But I'll do the best with what we've got," Dylan assured her. "See you at the trial."

"Sure. Beka out."

Beka had a saying. Whenever anyone decided to go on a suicide mission, they took her ship. Not that she totally blamed them for it. When it came to being covert the Maru was much more practical than the imposing Andromeda. And she herself was guilty of her own adage. Suicide missions while piloting the Maru were becoming her specialty.

However, in this particular case, with the Eureka Maru under charges of being a menace to society in general, Beka almost wished the Maru hadn't been involved in quite so many of those missions.

It was almost more than she could bear, sitting in the courtroom, listening to disparaging remarks about her beloved ship as the prosecution painted those missions in an ugly light. She didn't know where they had gotten their information, but they had definitely done their research.

Dulpheen, the main prosecution, was a blue-winged, swaggering personage whose main object seemed to be discrediting anyone who got up on the stand to give testimony for the defense.

He questioned Tyr about Midden and then summed up the incident in these words.

"I submit that the Maru's trip to Midden was a devastating tragedy caused by the Maru's unreliability in flight resulting in the unfortunate deaths of humans and Nietzscheans."

He questioned Harper and Trance about their experience with Gerentex.

"I submit that that the Maru's faulty security made it vulnerable to a hijacking by a Nightsider. Under such control, what's to prevent this vessel from wreaking havoc on untold innocent victims?"

On the other side, the arguments the defense offered in favor of the Eureka Maru's release, presented by Dylan and Rommie, of how much of an asset the smaller craft was to the Andromeda and its use in carrying relief supplies to oppressed peoples seemed very small beside the huge accusations.

The trial continued in this way. Evidence mounting more and more against the Eureka Maru in spite of the defense's efforts.

"Ew," said Harper who had been allowed to stay planetside after giving his testimony and view the trial. He whispered aside to Trance. "That Dulpheen guy's almost got me believing that the Maru's bad news. I mean, you gotta admit, it is kinda strange how many scrapes that ship's been in of and out of and in of and out of and--" His voice rose a little higher during his speech and dirty looks from other observers silenced him.

"Beka, I know you don't want to hear this," said Dylan, during one of the court's recesses.

"Then, don't tell me," Beka replied, walking rapidly through a corridor outside the courtroom.

Dylan nearly had to jog to keep up with her power stride. "I'm a captain of a ship too, Beka. I know how it feels."

"Don't try to empathize with me, Dylan," Beka snapped.

"In this case, for the good of the Commonwealth, I don't see any other way."

Beka's eyes blazed. "So you want me to just give it up? To turn it over to the Plateans when all they want to do is turn it into scrap metal because of some stupid law? You heard the testimony today. They're killing our side. I'm not going to let them destroy the Maru too."

"It does look bad now," Dylan admitted. "But just try it my way? For a little bit longer. Please. For the good of the Commonwealth. If they join--"

"If you say for the good of the Commonwealth to me one more time, Dylan, I swear I'll--" Beka swallowed the last few words and then covered her face with her hands. "It's been a long day. Just leave me alone, Dylan. I need to be alone. Okay?"

"Okay." Dylan backed away and let her walk on alone.

But she didn't remain that way for long.

"Beka?" asked Harper's voice. "Can I talk to you for a minute?"

Beka stopped, turned to him, and sighed. "Yes?"

Harper looked around to be sure no one was in hearing distance and then said, "It's about Beni. Tyr and I tried to see him."

"You saw Beni?"

"No, that's just it. We didn't. Beka, his shop was deserted." Harper handed Beka a video flexi with the recording from the visor on it. "You can see it for yourself on this."

"Where is Tyr?" asked Beka, taking the flexi. "Sometimes I think one of chief amusements is skulking about in the shadows just to startle someone. Have you seen him?"

Harper shrugged. "Tyr's been scarce lately."

Beka nodded. Since his appearance to testify, no one she knew of had seen him. And he hadn't spoken to her nor asked her about the box. "That's not like him," Beka observed. Not unless he's up to something. Whatever he was up to, she wished she knew where to find him. Somehow, she felt, he would be the only one to understand the conflict she currently faced.

"Tyr's really wondering about this box," Harper said. "And to tell you the truth, Beka, I am too. Maybe you should tell Dylan."

"Tell Dylan whatever you want. I won't stop you. But I started this, Harper," Beka said, quietly. "I'm going to finish it."

"Beka?" asked Trance. "Are you sure you're okay?" It was the end of another long day at court and the Purple Girl stood in the entrance of the room Beka had been staying in during the past few days and studied her with concern.

Captain Valentine nodded, wearily. "I've got it all under control, Trance. Run along now, I'll be fine."

Beka picked up her force lance as Trance's footsteps disappeared. She grabbed her gear and walked off into the night.

Nearing the landing site of the Eureka Maru, a multitude of voices could be heard. They were repeating some kind of chant.

"Scrap. Scrap. Scrap. Scrap," beat the chant. Beka felt her skin crawl. The trial of the Eureka Maru had drawn public attention. Trouble was brewing. It was in the wind. In the rhythmic tapping of the chanters. In the tension that hung in the air.

Her mouth went dry. Her hand took a tighter grip on her force lance as she picked her way through the sea of waving fists and scowling faces towards her ship. Several armed guards were patrolling the perimeter, keeping the agitated crowd back, but it wouldn't take much to get that angry mob to cross the line.

She pressed her way to the edge of the crowd, studying the movement of the people. Her eyes moved to a spot across the square and she studied it carefully, calculating in her mind. Dylan wouldn't be thrilled about what she was going to attempt, but she knew he would never forgive her if anyone innocent was killed due to her actions. She wouldn't forgive herself. So, she waited patiently until the spot across the square was clear, then she reached into her pocket, pulled out a transmitter, and pressed its button.

KA-BOOM!

The blast shook the earth and sent shivers through the pavement underfoot. A surprised gasp issued from the throng and all eyes went to look towards the fiery explosion. The chanting halted. Several startled screams pierced Beka's ears, but she was satisfied that the blast had only done what she had intended it to do. No permanent damage. As anticipated, the sentries around the Maru ran out into the crowd to investigate the cause of the explosion and attempted to keep the crowd from widespread hysteria. Beka watched and bit her lip to keep back a grin. The sentries took out scanners and searched the crowd. They were looking for the cause of the detonation but she had already stashed the trigger device in an unfortunate bystander's pocket.

She edged slowly towards the ramp which led up to the Maru's airlock. A foot. Another foot. Getting closer. A step. Another step. So far, so good. Just a little bit more and--

Twack! A swinging object bumped into her shoulder and nearly threw her off her feet. With the one-mindedness crowds sometimes possess they had already noticed what had been Beka's intention from the start. No one was left guarding the Maru and they surged towards it, little caring who was lost in the mad shuffle in their eagerness to destroy the feared object. Beka was right in their path. This sudden turn of events was something she hadn't anticipated. Pain shot through her side as a second blow knocked her to the ground. Her ears rang. Sparkles of light flittered before her eyes. She struggled to return to her feet but the peoples pressed closely around. Her hand went to her force lance but the crowd was now packed tightly in its outraged rush towards the Maru. There wasn't enough room to pull it out. Feet flew over her head. Dust stung her eyes. She gasped but only breathed in choking dust.

In danger of being crushed underfoot, she let out a desperate cry and fought to stand, but was attacked by a coughing fit. Her knees buckled. The coughs didn't clear her lungs. She inhaled and swallowed more dust. She gagged. Once more she tried to rise.

It was useless.

Beka was trapped underneath the raging mob and there wasn't any breathable air left.

When strong arms reached down and pulled her from the fray, her world had already faded to black.

"No. She's not dead," Rommie replied, looking with a frown towards the engineer who was inclined to jump to hasty conclusions.

Harper let out a sigh of relief. "He knew our communicators wouldn't reach inside Monarchean buildings so Tyr used the Maru's comm to contact my mainframe. As soon as I stepped outside, I received his message," Rommie explained. "He and Beka are secure. Locked inside the Maru. At least for the moment."

"What do you mean for the moment?" asked Harper, anxiously.

Rommie quirked an eyebrow. "Apparently, some of the natives are pounding on the Maru's hull. It is an unpleasant state of affairs at best and should not be allowed to continue."

"Man, I wished she let me know when she was gonna make her move," said Harper.

"Poor Beka," sighed Trance. "That's not the way it was supposed to work."

"Alright, wait a minute," Dylan said, feeling a headache coming on. "Let me get this straight. You knew she was going to do something like this?"

"Well," Harper said, slowly. "I didn't know she was gonna do something like this. Only that she was thinking about doing something like this. If I'd known she was really gonna do it, Dylan, I would have told you."

"Would you?" Dylan raised his eyebrows.

"Okay. Maybe not. But believe you, me," Harper nodded. "I would have thought about it. Ah, c'mon, Dylan. You had a heads up. We'd mapped out the plan for you on that flexi."

"Oh yes, Mister Harper, I remember. A plan I rejected."

"Yeah, because you already had a plan. But, face it."

"Face what?"

"You know, Dylan. The plan wasn't really working. So there was Plan B."

Dylan bridled back his irritation. "Generally, Mister Harper, you don't try Plan B until you're finished with Plan A."

"Oh," said Harper, upon hearing the disappointment in Dylan's voice all cockiness was washed away. He looked down at his feet. "Sorry, Boss."

"Now, I'm going to have to try to explain this to Administrator Elva and the rest of the court. Harper, having problems with Yil Yimur I could explain. My first officer blowing up a piece of Monarchean plaza is an entirely different matter."

Beka sat up with a start and a splitting headache pounded so ruthlessly in her ears that she let her head drop back to her pillow. "Where am I?" was her first thought. Quickly, followed by, "I'm on the Maru." Yes, she was laying in her own bed, for although she had been assigned her own quarters aboard the Andromeda more often than not she chose to bunk in the Eureka Maru. Truth be told, her quarters on the Andromeda were only used for sleep when the Maru wasn't in the hangar deck.

"I wouldn't exert myself too quickly if I were you," said a somber voice. Then, it added, "There's water if you want it."

It was Tyr's voice. Beka turned her head to follow it and for the first time noted the figure that was sitting in the far corner of the room. He held an open book. Apparently, he'd been engaged in reading it while waiting for her to revive.

Noting her inquiring glance at the book, Tyr said, "It's a myth of Ancient Earth adapted by a man named Hawthorne called, "The Paradise of Children". A child's tale but its managed to hold my interest."

Memories of the last few moments before she had lost consciousness spurted through Beka's mind. "I was trying to save my ship," she said and was shocked how scratchy and dry her throat felt. She sat up slowly, propping herself up with pillows, coughed, and reached for the glass that rested on the shelf next to the bed.

It was just out of reach.

Tyr noted this, rose, got the glass and placed it in her hands, saying, "It wasn't worth the risk. You were nearly trampled to death."

Beka raised the glass of water to her lips and drank it down. She watched him as he returned to his seat, book still in hand. He was disheveled; dust clung to his clothes, not characteristic of the Nietzschean who was meticulous about his looks. "You too, from the looks of it."

"I followed you," Tyr replied. "It was a good thing for you I was there when you fell under the crowd."

So that's why Tyr hadn't been seen much since Andromeda's return from Platea. He had hoped to discover more about the situation by following her actions from afar. And she had been so distraught by the danger to her ship that the fact she was being observed had gone totally undetected. There was a pause, then Beka said, "You followed me, but you didn't try to stop me."

"I am not a mind reader. I had no idea of the details of what you were planning."

After another moment, Beka asked, "Why'd you risk it? Saving me?"

Tyr stared into the pages of his book. "Your survival was worth the risk."

"Of your life. I'm touched. But there really had to be more to it than that? Was it some kind of mistake. You know, a knee-jerk reaction?" she joked.

"No," said Tyr.

"Oh." Beka looked over at him curiously. "Then, what?"

Tyr said solemnly, "You're a fundamental member of the crew. They're dependent on you and the damage control if you were lost would be a time consuming task. Our chances of survival on the whole are increased if you remain alive." Tyr looked back down at his book and turned to the next page.

Beka thought this over for moment and a frown appeared on her face.

She was startled from her thoughts when Tyr unexpectedly spoke again. "I still do not altogether comprehend this sentimental attachment to your ship. Though granted, Captain Valentine, it does happen to be a remarkable ship, tougher than appearance would at first make it seem. Technology tends to resemble those who apply it."

Beka smiled to herself. In a roundabout way, Tyr had just admitted he thought she was tough. Perhaps it was just her recent brush with death, but suddenly she felt tears welling up in her eyes. She sniffed and grinned to keep them back. "Maybe you would call it sentimental. But this ship was one of the last things my father ever gave me. As long as I have it, its like having a part of him. It's home." At the end of this speech, Beka was surprised to find Tyr listening to her with a look on his face of complete understanding.

"It belongs to you," Tyr commented. She then remembered how Tyr had risked himself to recover the remains of what the Nietszcheans called "The Progenitor." When asked later about it, he had replied it was something that belonged to him. It had taken her weeks of probing and pestering to find out exactly what that belonging he had risked his own survival to obtain could possibly be and she still wasn't certain if he had told her the whole story.

"Yes." Beka took a deep breath as if inhaling the ship itself. This was where she had been born, where she had grown up, what had earned her a living before she had met Dylan and Rommie. It had been willed to her when her father died and it was something she intended to hang on to with all her might.

"Yet," Tyr said. "Even if you lost it, you wouldn't lose everything. For as long as you remain alive, a part of him still lives in your genes and in your memories." His book closed with a snap and he rose from his seat. "If it came down to a choice between your life on Dylan's ship and this, and these are your words, 'bucket of bolts,' which one would you choose?"

For a long time Beka's survival had been coupled with the Eureka Maru. She realized that was no longer the case. She was no longer simply Captain Valentine of the Eureka Maru. She was Acting First Officer of the Andromeda Ascendant yet that ship would always belong to Dylan. It wasn't the same. "But if I let it go, what else is there left for me to hold onto?"

For a moment, as Tyr knelt by the bedside, she thought he said, "Me." But her ears must have deceived her or caught just the first syllable for then, she heard, "Many things." She was feeling a little light-headed. That's what a head injury will do to ya.

"What kinds of things?" Beka inquired.

Tyr didn't answer. He raised his head, listening.

Beka listened too. From far off her ears seemed to catch it. Rat-tat-tat. Rat-tat-tat. A look of puzzlement filled her eyes. "What is that?"

"A minor inconvenience. A small portion of the natives are attempting to dismantle your ship.".

"What!" That news made Beka sit up all the way. Her headache was forgotten. She swung her feet out over the edge of her bed.

Tyr held up his hand and shook his head. "I have no desire to scrape you off the floor. The attack isn't very well coordinated. Its mostly just sticks and stones. The airlock is sealed. I doubt anyone will find a way in." Tyr stood, laying his book on the shelf near the bed.

"Easy for you to say," Beka scooted herself forward, preparing to stand. Her equilibrium was off. She wished the world would stop plunging up and down. Noticing the look Tyr gave her, Beka snapped, "Why don't you help me?" And then, immediately regretted snapping because that was certainly an odd question to ask someone who was responsible for saving your life.

Tyr didn't move. "There's one other thing I think you should know."

"Yes?"

Tyr crossed his arms. "I sent a message to Dylan. I expect the good Captain Hunt will be responding to it any time now."

The soles of her shoes touched the floor and Beka frowned. "If we're inside the Maru why are we still on the surface, Tyr? Why didn't we fly up to the Andromeda?"

"Your unconscious state made it difficult to get flight controls transferred to me."

"Couldn't figure out my launch authorization codes as easily as my door codes, huh? All the more reason for me to get to the cockpit." As Beka moved once more to stand, Tyr scooped her up, carried her rapidly out onto the cockpit area and deposited her in the pilot's seat before Beka could utter one word of surprise.

"Ow!" Beka let out a cry as she landed on the seat. She shot him an infuriated look and when she managed to recover her power of speech said, "What did you do that for?"

"You said you wanted to get to the cockpit. Now you are here," Tyr replied with a shrug.

Beka could have sworn she saw him hiding a smile and she fought down one of her own. Stationary again, she noted that the world seemed steadier than it had a few moments ago. Her attention turned to her ship's console and a blinking light. "An incoming transmission," she observed. She pressed a button and Dylan appeared on screen.

The captain's face on the screen looked stern. "Thank you for contacting me, Tyr. I need to have a word with Beka."

Tyr nodded his head and left for other regions of the ship, welcoming the opportunity to explore its spaces.

"How are you doing?" Dylan asked.

"I'll live."

Dylan looked stern. "You told me once you weren't big on trust, but I wish you had trusted me this time. All this could have been avoided."

"I made a mistake," Beka admitted. "I don't know if you noticed this but I get a little crazy when it comes to my ship."

"Oh, I've noticed," Dylan nodded. "All of us have. But I still expect more from my first officer. Perhaps this is partly my fault."

"What?" Beka's eyebrows flew up. "Your fault?"

"I should have told you more about what would happen if the Monarcheans agreed to sign the charter. Especially since it looked as if the trial wasn't going so well."

"I don't understand what you mean. What are you talking about, Dylan?"

"It's customary," Dylan replied. "When the Monarcheans enter into an agreement to grant a favor of some sort. Entering the Commonwealth, I, of course, would offer them all the benefits due to members and they, in turn, would have granted me one favor."

Beka snapped to attention and comprehension flashed through her face. "You mean? My ship--".

"Yes, Beka. Even if it had been decided that the Maru was to be destroyed, I planned on respecting their decision. Then, if they agreed to sign the Commonwealth Charter, my request was going to be a pardon for your ship."

"And the Butter--the Monarcheans would do that?"

"Yes," Dylan replied with conviction. "As Rommie has pointed out to me, the saying, 'one good turn deserves another' is like the Monarchean's golden rule."

"Dylan," Beka demanded. "Why didn't you tell me that in the first place?"

"At first, because I wasn't sure what you're reaction would be. Later, when I did try to explain it to you, you were too upset and wanted to be left alone."

"My reaction?" asked Beka.

"If I had told you it might not matter and might even be better if your ship was condemned to be destroyed? It certainly would have helped me greatly. The Monarcheans would see I meant what I said about respecting their laws even if it meant an unfavorable outcome for myself. I'm sure it would have influenced them enough to join."

"Sounds like a pretty big 'if' to me, Dylan," said Beka. "I don't care for the stakes. And don't tell me, for the good of the Commonwealth gave you the right to gamble with my ship without asking me first."

She heard clanging footsteps and glanced over her shoulder to see that Tyr had returned.

Dylan frowned. "You weren't altogether truthful with me either, Beka. What is this box Harper's babbling about? Why does he seem to think its so important?"

"Because it is," Beka replied, looking up at Tyr. "It is very important. More important than even I thought it would be. Yes," Beka thought aloud. Her eyes took on a far off look. "It is. It is! IT IS!"

Dylan was worried by this behavior. "Tyr, how long did she go without oxygen to her brain?"

"It is! It is!" Beka continued to repeat with thrilled excitement, bouncing in the chair.

Dylan looked alarmed. "Tyr, it isn't--"

Tyr took a close look at Beka and shook his head. "No," he replied. Beka's heart was racing and her face was flushed with excitement, but this was not due to the effects of any drug. Her eyes were contact free and clear. It wasn't flash. Tyr stayed near to Beka's chair with concern. "Give her time."

Beka grinned widely to herself.

"Time is something we don't happen to have. I've tried but there doesn't seem to be a way I could ever hope to get them to join the Commonwealth now," Dylan replied in a strangely defeated tone unlike himself.

"You don't understand," Beka nearly choked with exultant laughter. "It is the solution!"

"It looks like you're getting your wish, Beka," Dylan said, still not understanding her behavior nor her words. "Fly the Maru to Andromeda. The Monarcheans have asked us to leave their planet."

"But I'm just beginning to like them," said Beka.

Tyr touched her shoulder. "Are you daft? Did you hear what he just said? There is no hope of them joining the Commonwealth now. If you value your survival, get this ship off the ground and back to the Andromeda!"

Beka turned to him. "Yeah, I feel a little crazy and no, I'm not leaving yet," she replied, staunchly. "It isn't going to end like this! Not because of me." Beka gripped the arms of her chair and stood up.

"Beka?" Dylan questioned from the screen.

"Dylan, you have to talk to Elva for me. Negotiate, do whatever you do! And you tell them, I want a meeting. A meeting in the Hall of Music. With all the Administrators present. I want them to hear me out."

"Have you lost your mind?" asked Tyr, unable to keep silent any longer listening to this madness. "How do you expect to get out the door of your ship let alone to the Hall of Music?"

The crowd outside of the ship must have wearied of their stone throwing and had returned to chanting.

"Good point," Beka nodded to Tyr. "Dylan, add to that list a protective escort to the museum hall and send Harper with them."

"Beka, you're really not in a position to be making demands," Dylan began.

"No! I'm not in a position to cause the most hopeful captain in the universe to feel hopeless. I've never seen you give up this easily. So do what you do best, Dylan. Against all odds, win! Arrange the meeting." And with these parting words, she reached out and pressed a button, cutting communications.