She smiles out at space like an old friend. He thinks, 'This really is her home,' and feel s a little jealous.

"You're Maria Traydor?" The captain had asked. "The Federation has had a notice out for you – how did you end up in a place like this?"

She had glanced at Albel, and he thought she might blame him, but instead she had blamed herself, blamed engine trouble. He snorted. Noble people and their stupid ideas about honor.

They're on their way to the nearest Federation Station, where Maria can get on a faster ship to get to HQ. When news of her reappearance got through to the Federation, they immediately ordered her there. At first she had frowned and looked worried, but now she looked happy again.

What was she thinking?