The Lunar Blade sang out, forcing Tycho to draw it. "Look at the blade. An image is forming," Psikaris said. The two leaned closer and saw a brilliant stag the colour of smelted gold, standing proudly beside the Cave of Time. It tossed its head, almost inviting them to come. "Let's go," Psikaris said, leading the way down to the hangar.
 

Psychro was laying beneath the Ice Runner when the pair came down. "Psychro! Tycho, we have to take him!" Psikaris said, rushing to her brother.

"Take me where?" Psychro asked suspiciously.

"Why, back to Plundarr of course. Is the Ice Runner ready? We have to catch that stag! Can we please Tycho?" Psikaris said, hurriedly.

"Don't worry Psychro. I'll explain on the way," Tycho said, hopping on the Ice Runner.
 

* * *
 

As Tycho had seen in the Lunar Blade, the stag was standing at the mouth of the Cave of Time. "Now what?" Tycho asked.

"I say we ice the beast and make it take us through the cave!" Psychro said, causing the stag to snort derisively.

"We can't do that. I guess we'll just have to grab hold of it and let it guide us through the cave. Once we're at the back, we say Plundarr or some such thing," Psikaris said.

"That's probably the best idea," Tycho agreed. Slowly the three inched forward. The stag merely watched them, hazel eyes focussed on their movements. As they got to within a metre, it sprang away, dashing between them.

"See? We should ice it!" Psychro cried.

"No. Gilgliam had to chase it for several years. Maybe we must also go through something similar," Psikaris suggested.

"I don't have time to wait several years," Tycho said.

"Maybe we won't have to," Psikaris said, moving to the Ice Runner. "I always make sure there are emergency rations in this thing, assuming you haven't eaten them." She turned to Psychro.

"Tug Mug used it last. He threw the seat out of whack. That's what I was trying to fix," Psychro said, "he'd be more likely to eat your food than anyone."

"Good. My sandwich is still here," Psikaris said, pulling out a small package wrapped in waxed paper. "Are you hungry?" she cooed at the stag, holding the food out to it. Tentatively it took a step toward her, sniffing the air. "That's right, num, nums. Food for our hungry little stag," she said.

"Oh please. I'm going to be sick!" Psychro said.

"Shh. You might scare it away," Tycho said, "this is the only thing between us and getting home."
 

The stag crept closer and closer, finally bending to nibble on the sandwich. Once it was done it rubbed its head against Psikaris gently and seemed to indicate that she should get on. "I think it worked," she said with a shrug. She mounted gingerly, afraid of hurting the animal, but was shocked when it easily lifted her and pranced over to the two men. Stranger still was the discovery that they too could easily mount up.

"We'd better take the Ice Runner with us," Psychro said, tapping a button to call the vehicle.
 

* * *
 

Travelling through the Cave of Time and not aging felt strange to the three Lunataks. But the stag walked with confidence to the back of the cave and not even a year's aging took place. Then it stopped, lowering slightly to allow the three to dismount more easily. "Now then," said Tycho. "I think it's time we returned to the original Skycruiser."
 

* * *
 

A young pilot stood looking dejectedly at his ship, the Lunar Star. It had taken a serious blow to its left wing and would be out of commission for some time. "Damn it," he said, kicking the landing gear, and regretting it.

"Easy there, Cameo. Navigating asteroid fields are tricky. Especially when you've got bogies on your tail. The important thing is that you made it home," King Tycho said, placing a hand on the youth's shoulder.

"I know. I just can't believe he got away!" Cameo replied.

Their discussion was interrupted by a flash of light. "Intruders!" one of Tycho's royal guard shouted, catching sight of three figures within the blaze.

"Knock it off Gratoris. It's me, Tycho," one of the figures said.

"Bull. Tycho's standing next to me," the Graviton replied, jerking a thumb over at Tycho. The figures stepped out of the dimming light, revealing Psychro, Psikaris, and Tycho.

"What the?" Gratoris asked, an equally dumbfounded look crossing the faces of everyone in the room.

"Perhaps I can explain what's happening," the man who had been talking to Cameo said. "I'm not really Tycho. I am his shape shifting companion Darius."
 

Cameo frowned looking between the two Kings. "Guards, cover the two strangers. I'll verify this." He bowed slightly to both Tycho's. "The true King knows my power, I ask to be allowed to use it."
 

Tycho shrugged. He had nothing to lose in this encounter. Any tests would prove himself the king. Besides. He was sure that Darius had good reason to 'play' the part of king. He knew of Cameo. A young Lunatak of mysterious origins. He could mimic the powers of those he touched. Cameo walked forward and placed his hand on Tycho's shoulder. He concentrated for a moment and looked up at the gathering crowd. He then proceeded to the other Tycho and repeated the process. This time, after absorbing the other Tycho's powers, he shape changed into a smaller version of himself and back. "King Tycho," He announced kneeling before the true king. "Sire I suggest we retire to the officer's lounge with Darius and your two, um companions and discuss this."
 

* * *
 

Tycho's briefing room was filled with a few select people. Psychro, Psikaris, Tycho, Darius and Cameo. Tycho ran down what had been happening lately on Third Earth, explaining Queen Luna's whereabouts etcetera. Then Darius stepped forward. "Well, you haven't missed much. Aristarchus and I, rather you, are still locked in that stalemate you left us in. Trouble is. With the power of the Moons divided evenly, any war would cause the mass destruction of our people. Something we cannot allow to happen at any cost," Darius said, now in his natural form.

"Which brings us back to the problem of getting Luna here," Psychro sighed.

"You know what might work? If we concentrated our science on producing an engine capable of travelling faster than light. We might be able to construct a ship that would bridge the gap between the stars and return to Third Earth. From there we could pick up Luna and bring her here," Psikaris suggested.
 

Cameo rubbed his chin for a moment while thinking. "Excuse me my lord. But I have an idea." Then he turned to Psikaris. "Is your brilliance a trait of your mental heritage? If so I may be able to copy it then we can hopefully come up with a design."

Psikaris balked for a moment. If she didn't know better, she'd swear it was a pick up line. A bad one at that. She'd heard worse though.

"So, Psikaris, are you really blue all over?" Alluro had asked. She'd fallen for it, at the time, and had shown him. But then she'd discovered why she'd been so willing.

"Damn that Dream Manipulator!" she said aloud.

"What?" Darius asked.

"Sorry. My mind wandered for a second. To be honest, I don't know whether my Psi-Race heritage has anything to do with my so-called brilliance. If Tycho thinks it would help our cause, feel free to try," Psikaris said, extending her hand to the strange Lunatak when Tycho nodded.
 

Cameo took her hand gently. "Don't worry this wont hurt." So saying he closed his eyes and channelled his awareness down his arm and into hers. He didn't know how his powers worked but when in contact with another he could copy them. His racial power DNA soon assumed the same structure as hers, and his mind gained her knowledge of how to use it. Opening his eye's he smiled. Her high intelligence was indeed part of her genetics, along with ice powers. "It's done." He said.
 

* * *
 

While Psikaris and Cameo went down to the lab, along with Psychro, to work out some theories with a few of the other scientists Darius and Tycho went up to the large dining hall. "You seem to have put a lot more faith in Cameo than I would have," Tycho said.

"You forget. While you were busy running the kingdom, I was dealing with the new recruits. Who do you think led Psychro and Psikaris to you in the first place?" Darius asked.

"So there's some 'hidden potential' in that kid?" Tycho asked, sipping from a glace of mulled cider.

"Something like that. He's an excellent pilot, fiercely loyal to us, and a keen fighter hand to hand. I've got a nasty scar from where one of his concealed knives slashed me open. He'll serve you well, if you let him," Darius said.

"Well, I do have two openings in my royal guard. And another fighter couldn't hurt," Tycho mused.

"Take him. You won't be disappointed," Darius said.
 

* * *
 

Psikaris' hand still tingled from where Cameo had touched her. Being part Psi-Race, she had gained a unique perspective of Cameo's powers. One he was probably unaware of. During the initial contact with him she had received a faint brush of his memories and feelings. He was nervous, not as sure as seemed. The two were sitting at a large table with three other scientists. A fourth was off getting blueprints for the latest engine design while Psychro was bringing in the actual thing. Psikaris had explained the task to the other scientists. "Build an engine that will take us to Third Earth and a ship to hold it."

"You make it sound so simple," one of the scientists, a Darkness Lunatak, sneered. He was a large male named Darkoniel. The others were a female Ice-Graviton cross named Gretchel and a Psi-Race female named Lura.
 

The snap blade in Cameo's left arm slide from its sheath and gleamed menacingly. "I'd advise you to keep a civil tongue. I'm the captain of this project and more over this woman is a noted scientist and has the king's full trust." Without withdrawing the blade he looked over the plans. "I think our biggest concern is heat, we can use magna(magnetic) pulses to keep the engines just separate from the main ship body space it's self could be our coolant." Without looking at the Darkness Lunatak he handed the plans to Psikaris. "What say you?"

"It could work. The other thing we've got to think of is the sheer size of the power source. Our regular engines are huge and would allow us to reach Third Earth in a hundred years. At that rate we'd need a star to power our ship," Lura said.

"Wait a minute. That could work!" Psikaris said.

"I was only kidding," Lura began.

"No, I mean it. What if we had some storage device that would draw on the energy of the stars we were passing. It'd be chancy but . . . " Psikaris began.

"It's not going to work. One trip past a black hole and we're sunk. I fail to see why Tycho chose you to lead this project," Darkoniel growled, pushing himself away from the table.

"The answers right in front of you." Cameo snarled to the Dark Lunatak. "Psikaris, Lura, gravity carbines work by creating a shield against gravity right? Causing it to be 'weightless', if we could convert the ships secondary shield to emit that same field, it should protect us from the gravity well of the black wholes just like a small carbine protects from the planets."

The two women looked at each other.

"It could work." They said in unison and began comparing notes.
 

* * *
 

Psychro paced back and forth across the top secret mechanic's bay. Psikaris was helping a few hand-picked engineers to build the new engine they'd spent the last few hours designing. The door chimed and he pushed the curtain shut behind him. It was Cameo and another man, one who didn't have authorization to go any further. "We're bringing up some scrap metal and some random parts," explained the ice Lunatak.

"I see. Well I'm afraid I can't allow you to go further. I'll carry them for you," Psychro said.

"Sure thing," the pure bred Lunatak said.
 

As soon as Psychro's hands touched the box the Ice Lunatak had breathed ice on him, covering him from head to toe. As Cameo made for the curtain he turned and saw the scene. Still possessing Psikaris' powers, he used them. With his mind he touched the cells of the ice Lunatak and began warming them. His blades were out in a nanosecond. "This is Cameo," he announced to the ships comm link, "Security team to my location we have a small problem."
 

* * *
 

Tycho, relaxing in his quarters, heard the call from Cameo and sprinted down the halls. On the way he encountered Darius. "Have you heard anything yet?" he asked, still running. Darius fell into step beside him.

"Not yet. Probably one of Aristarchus' spies," Darius replied.

"He never gives up, does he," Tycho muttered.

Darius nodded and, as an impulse decision, shape changed into an exact duplicate of Tycho. Soon they arrived, at roughly the same time that the security staff did. One of them was already in the process of thawing Psychro.

"Report!" Darius, still as Tycho, barked.

Cameo snapped to attention but left his blades out in case some how the ice Lunatak managed to attack. "Sir this Lunatak froze Psychro and attempted to gain entry into the classified area, he would have succeeded if I hadn't had Psikaris' powers, I used them to raise his body temperature a few degrees, do you wish to question him or should I kill him?"

"We probably know all the answers already, but let's do this formal like," Tycho said.
 

Darius shape changed into a hulking brute and pinned the Lunatak to the wall. "All right fool. Who're you working for?" he growled.

"I'll never talk," the Lunatak gasped.

"I think you will. I carry with me a drug known as Harworzene. Better known as 'Make Me Talk.' Care to try some? No? Too late!" Darius growled, jamming the needle firmly into the Lunatak's belly.

"I'm working for Aristarchus. My orders were to kill everyone on your staff and steal your plans," the Lunatak babbled.

"Got that on tape?" Darius asked.

Tycho nodded and then turned to Cameo. "He's all yours. He's outlived his usefulness."
 

Cameo smiled, although he wasn't normally vicious he hated spies. "I sentence you to death by heat stroke." His eyes narrowed, he concentrated on the Ice Lunataks heart slowly raising the temperature until with a scream of pure agony the spy died.
 

"Good work gentlemen. Cameo. You've done well. I would like to speak with you once you've done dropping off this stuff. Darius can show you the way to my room," Tycho said, turning to leave.
 

Psychro chose that moment to become thawed. He stumbled forward and was caught neatly by two security guards. He looked at the corpse and spat on it. "Good job kid. You'll fit right in," he said to Cameo.

Cameo couldn't help but smile, "Your sister deserves the credit, it was her powers that did it." He turned to Darius. "Mind if I use your powers for a second?" When Darius shook his head, Cameo copied his shape changing powers and became an Amok. "I'll just toss this in a replicator." So saying he lumbered off and in a few moments returned in his own form. "Should we go see the king now?"
 

* * *
 

"You've impressed me Cameo, and I don't impress easily. As you heard in the briefing, a while back I left two of my Royal Guard behind on Third Earth. From both first hand experience and from Darius accounts you are worthy to take up that spot. It's not that complicated. You'd more or less continue what you normally do, you'd just have one shift where you follow me around and watch my back. Plus you'll get a salary raise," Tycho said, placing a tiny pin on the table bearing Tycho's insignia.

Cameo smiled in spite of himself. "Thank you sire," he paused, "Sire if you don't object I have one request and one question before I agree."

"Oh?" Tycho asked suspiciously.

Cameo cleared his throat nervously. "Um, sire," he stopped and started again, "Um . . . do you have any policies against dating within your guard?"

"Ah, you've got interests in one of my guards? Well, I suppose not, so long as you don't spend more time on duty protecting his or her body than mine," Tycho smiled. "Just out of curiosity which is it?"

"Psikaris," Cameo replied.

"Well then. I'd be careful. She's about a week off being abused by a man she practically worshipped. The hardest part will be her brother. Very protective, though he's been known to have his share of torrid affairs," Tycho sighed.

His blades were out so fast it stung his arms. "I'll cut his head off and!" He roared before he could stop himself, calming down he retracted his blade. "My apologies sire." He murmured. "My request was perhaps you could speak to her for me. I accept your offer gratefully. I think with your permission I'll go see Psychro." Though he didn't say, he was burning to know who hurt Psikaris.
 

* * *
 

Back in the lab Psikaris, in blue coveralls smeared with grease, was placing a cylindrical block onto the massive engine. "Now the fun begins," she said, stepping behind the protective shielding along with her brother and the three scientists. "Begin Engine Test 1."

"Beginning Engine Test 1," Lura said.

The massive engine, taking up half the room, began to whine, drawing on the power of the sun, visible through the hangar door. "Report!" Psikaris shouted over the noise.

"Picking up traces of radiation. Levels are otherwise fine," Lura said.

"This thing's sucking up energy big time. More than we expected," Gretchel said.

"The heat sinks are holding out, could probably use a few more though," Darkoniel added.

The door hissed open as Cameo entered, but he was not heard by any of those behind the shielding due to the noise. Using Darius's power he became a Psi-Race Lunatak "Psychro!" He called mentally to the half breed. "I need to talk to you, meet me in the mess hall!"
 

* * *
 

Psychro glanced up and saw Cameo standing in the doorway. Gently he squeezed Psikaris' arm and indicated that he was going to leave. "All right. Let's shut this puppy down. We'll need to do something about that radiation. Let's get another heat sink or two up here!" Psikaris shouted, watching her brother leave.
 

* * *
 

The mess hall was located at the far end of the ship, meaning that Psychro had to take a few lifts down the halls. He was actually impressed with the reputation Tycho's badge gave him. People scurried out of the way at his approach. If they weren't quick enough, they got a glare that could kill, and usually a shove.

"M-m-master Psychro. If I'd known you were coming I'd have prepared your usual, to keep you from waiting," the man at the front said.

"Just get me your best beer. Your best mind you, none of the second rate swill you serve to most of your guests," Psychro snarled, he found he got better service that way.

"Of course sir, I wouldn't think of doing anything else. Our finest beer, on the house of course," the waiter said.

"And one for my friend Cameo," Psychro said, moving quickly to where he saw the man.
 

Cameo laughed in spite of himself. "Handy little trinkets aren't they." He said touching his new badge then he grew serious. "I asked you to come because we have some things to discuss." He slid one of his blades out. "I had these embedded when I joined, life was hard till I learned my powers, since then I've never killed with them." His eyes turned cold as he spoke the normally light manner completely gone. "I want the man who hurt your sister. I want to paint my blades red with his blood."

"Join the line up to kill Alluro then. You'll have to beat this guy named Knave and his wife Shade. Seems Alluro hit on Knave's sisters, half sisters really, used them and Psikaris as part of a love fest. More importantly though. You'll have to beat me to the punch," Psychro said, as the waiter dropped the mugs on the table. A glare from Cameo sent the waiter away quickly.

"Quite a line, no matter we'll be there first," he took a swig of his beer, "My next comment might not be to your liking however. I want to try for your sister but I don't want to go behind your back to do it."
 

Psychro leaned back in his chair. A flicker of anger behind his eyes. "My sister, eh?" he said, his voice calm and almost collected. A waiter nearby recognized that tone of voice and dropped his tray of food. "Well, you obviously know about what's happened to her lately. I hope you're not looking for easy prey. A quick night of screwing around with her?" the waiter and some of the patrons uneasily looked for the nearest exit. A fight was coming and they could smell it. Cameo's voice was soft but as sharp as the snik of his blades. "I'm not looking for a one night stand, if I was I could have almost anyone on this ship."

"Funny. That's exactly what Alluro said. 'Psikaris, I love you and only you,' and then he made her sleep with two other women to 'prove her love,' what makes you any different from him?" Psychro snarled low, pounding his fist on the table.

Cameo's eyes locked with Psychro's, he spoke. "The fact that right now I'm holding Darius's powers and could be anyone on this ship, yet I'm still sitting here talking rather than breaking your face."

Psychro held the gaze for a long time before looking down at the table. "Waiter. This table's got a crack in it from my fist. Get me a new one!" The waiter rushed to comply. "Now then, a piece of advice. I've killed for less than that. You would do well not to upset me again. Your guard won't always be up. I'll be watching you," Psychro spat. He grabbed his mug of ale off the new table and stalked away, back to the lab.

Cameo stood up slowly. "Psychro!" He called. "Never turn your back on me!" Quick as a flash he sent his mug flying at the Psi.
 

Psychro turned at the shout and barely managed to freeze the block, though it still spun and hit him in the chest. He'd never done it before, had only heard of it being done. But now seemed like as good a time as any. He had a reputation around here to maintain, and he wouldn't let this young upstart show him up. A jet of pure liquid nitrogen shot from his mouth in a narrow stream, focussed on Cameo. One patron nearly got hit, but had been pulled back by a friend. Cameo dropped to the flood letting the blast pass over him. "Nice trick." He said standing up. "Here's one of mine." He became an Amok type Lunatak and hurled the now-ice table at Psychro.

"Is that supposed to impress me?" scoffed Psychro.
 

Then a thought occurred to him. The typical Ice Lunatak could shoot fire and ice. Why would such a killing blast be confined to ice? He let his rage flow through his hands. A stream of fire, equivalent to a star burst spewed forth, turning the table to ash and scorching the floor as it went for Cameo.
 

Not much he could do at this point, time seemed to slow down. He could see the wave of flames coming toward him but couldn't move to avoid it and if he turned to an ice Lunatak the heat would kill him before he could put it out. "Tell Psikaris I loved her!" He shouted before awaiting his fate.
 

* * *
 

Psikaris entered the mess hall where Psychro was, according to the system. She witnessed the fight beginning. Then she saw the flames and heard Cameo's words. "No!" she shouted. One of the few powers people knew about was Psikaris' ability to shape change others, people and objects. So overcome with emotion was she transformed Cameo into a creature she'd encountered made entirely of flame.
 

Psychro turned, his anger fading as he saw his sister swoon from the exertion of the shape change. He caught her as she fell. Their eyes met. "What's happening?"

As the flames were absorbed harmlessly into Cameo's body, he saw Psikaris swoon. "By the gods no!" He roared. The flames left him as his own powers reasserted themselves. "Is she ok!?" He dropped next to Psychro.

"Yeah. Don't worry, Karis, I'll explain everything when you're better," Psychro said, cradling her head in his arms.

"You certainly will be explaining. To me," Tycho said, a dozen guards clad in gold behind him. "Take them to my office!" two guards moved to take Psikaris but were pushed aside by Psychro.

"I'll carry her myself," he snarled. Tycho raised his hand to stay the guards.

"Sire." Cameo murmured falling into step, he changed form subtly so he could use telepathy. "We're in deep shit." He said to Psychro, who nodded.
 

* * *
 

"There I was, having a nice nap, when I'm informed that two of my guard, my personal guard are tearing the mess hall apart. At first I figure it's just misinformation, that they're controlling a situation at worst. And what do I find when I get there? My newest member fighting with someone twelve years his senior. Someone who should know better. What am I supposed to do with the two of you? I'm going to be forced to do the one that is fair and just. Put you before your peers, the royal guard, and let them determine your fate. Keep in mind though that I have the power to overrule them if they're being nice to you. Ideally I'm looking at a permanent demotion for both of you and hard labour to repair all the damage you caused! Have you anything to say that might change my mind?"
 

Helplessly Psikaris watched on, unable to speak for her brother. He had made many enemies among his peers in the royal guard, and Cameo wasn't likely to know any of the royal guard, except for Darius.
 

"Sire, if I may speak." Cameo said hesitantly. Tycho nodded. "Sir, Psychro was just doing what he thought necessary to protect his sister's honour, I cannot fault him for that." He licked his lips, "also I through the first punch, or rather mug, I fully accept whatever punishment you deem necessary, but I respectfully request you over look his part in this matter."
 

Tycho paced thoughtfully. "I see why Darius was so high on you. You've got a strong since of honour and duty. I don't think I could justify drumming the two of you out, despite previous incidents," he said pointedly to Psychro.

"I don't know what to say," Psychro stuttered, stunned by Cameo's statements.

"You will say nothing. You do know I can't just let this incident go unpunished, despite Cameo's admission of guilt. You will both be given twenty lashes and forced to repair the mess hall, bearing the marks you earned therein. As for you Cameo. Your admission may have spared your career, just don't expect a promotion anytime soon. Get out of my sight," Tycho barked, his hand resting on the Lunar Blade. Gently Psychro helped Psikaris to her feet. "Let's get you to your room," he said soothingly.
 

* * *
 

Lashes over and mess hall cleaned, Cameo stood up, then winced. "I still want your sister," he said "but this time I'll do it the right way." Sitting down he sighed. "Read my mind, I'm not in possession of PSI powers right now so you know it'll be true."

"Forget it kid. The words that should've been your last were proclaiming love for Psikaris. That's proof enough for me. Besides. I can't do those fancy psi tricks like 'Karis can," Psychro said.

Cameo smiled. "Now comes the hard part, convincing her."
 

* * *
 

Down in the lab. Lura let out a whoop of joy. "It worked! In your face Darkoniel!" she shouted. The Darkness Lunatak scowled.

"Take it easy you two. We still have to install it into the ship before we proclaim victory. And even then there are still some bugs to take care of first. Then we'll need a crew. I guess since I'm leading this mission, I should go. Then we'll need a pilot, and someone to man the engines," Psikaris said, stepping gingerly between the two.

"You called for an engineer? Count me in," Psychro said, entering. Close behind him was Cameo.

The younger Lunatak smiled. "I am the best pilot in the fleet."

"But you're both hurt. I saw the lashing myself," Psikaris said, quietly so the others couldn't hear.

"Think nothing of it. There's no way in hell I'm letting you get in that deathtrap without me watching the engines. You and I both know that anything you can build, I can maintain. You'll probably have more engineers anyway," Psychro said.

Cameo shrugged uncomfortably. "I have my reasons for wanting to go," he shrugged again, "But I am the best Pilot."

"I can tell that I'm not going to get away with letting me leave without either of you. But we aren't leaving until tomorrow, so I want you both to rest up. You'll do me no good if you're falling asleep," Psikaris said. Darkoniel, Lura and Gretchel walked out the doors.

"As you wish Karis. Night," Psychro said, casting a glance at Cameo, "Don't do anything I would do," he snickered, and then left, leaving only Cameo and Psikaris in the room.
 

Psikaris moved to the sink and began scrubbing her hands clean of the newly acquired grease. Cameo put out a hand to lean on a cart so as to appear nonchalant. Unfortunately, the cart had wheels. "Oh shit!" He cried as he fell on his back, the pain from the lashing left him too stunned to move. Psikaris rushed to his side, her hands covered with soap. "Are you okay?" she asked, "should I call a medic?" she touched his face tenderly, and then remembered her hands. "Sorry," she apologized, wiping the suds away with a rag at her side. When she did this, an oily smear appeared on his cheek. "I'm not doing very well, am I?" she muttered.

Cameo grinned. "Don't worry about it. I blew any chance of looking cool anyway. I was hoping to be upright when I asked this but um . . . you wanna get dinner or something?" He winced. "I'll never see the mess hall the same way again."

"How can I pass up the offers of a man who's last thoughts could have been me, and especially after the hard work you put in cleaning it up," Psikaris said, helping him to his feet. "Shall we then?" she asked, extending her arm.

"Let's," he replied.
 

* * *
 

At that moment, in the Skycruiser, Shade walked up to Knave and placed her hands on his shoulders, gently massaging them. "Dear. There's something that you should know," she said soothingly.

"Oh? What?" Knave asked.

"You've probably already guessed this but I figured I should make it official," Shade began, "I'm pregnant."