Author's Note: Sorry this took so long. I've been insanely busy with finals and training. The next part might take awhile, too. But while you're waiting, why don't you review? :)
Author's Note, Take Two: This is a filler part. The "action" is next part. Be warned. The next part is the R-rated part. But who looks at the rating anyhoo? Enjoy!
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Trance, Rev, Tyr, Rommie's avatar, and Harper are gathered in Command, standing around Dylan.
Dylan: I want someone with her at all times.
Rommie: I can keep an eye on him.
Dylan: Do that, too, but I want someone physically with her.
Harper: Beka's a big girl. She can take care of herself. She fended off guys who were very interested in her before, and no doubt she'll do it again. Man, have you ever seen her in action? She's great! One time, she-
Rev: (Cuts him off) She will notice.
Dylan: I don't care. I don't think Mr. Havanna will do anything, but I don't want to give him a chance.
Tyr: (Sarcastically) Would you like one of us to sleep across her door?
Dylan: No, Tyr, I don't believe that will be necessary.
Harper: She's been sleeping on the Maru, anyway.
Everyone turns to look at him.
Harper: What? I'm just keeping an eye on her! Hey, I don't trust that Havanna guy.
Trance: I don't like him, either.
Tyr: Harper is right. For once.
Dylan looks exasperated.
Dylan: Then why didn't anyone say anything before we agreed to the deal?
Trance: Because we have to help those poor people!
Harper: My mouth was full.
Tyr: If you recall, I did.
Dylan looks close to rolling his eyes or screaming.
Dylan: Well, you'll just have to put up with him for a few more weeks.
Harper: No problem. As long as he doesn't bother Bek.
Dylan: So, do you agree that we should keep an eye on him? Like I said, I'm sure he won't do anything, but it's better to be prepared.
Harper: Whatever, Dylan. But if she gets mad, this was all your idea.
Trance: I'll go find her now. (Leaves with a worried expression on her face)
Rev: It is a good idea, Dylan.
Rommie: I'll keep an eye on Mr. Havanna at all times.
Tyr doesn't look convinced.
Dylan: Tyr?
Tyr: I will asist you in this foolish endeavor, but I have better uses of my time than to fend off Beka's lovesick boyfriend.
Harper: Ahem. Ex-husband. Different breed.
Tyr doesn't respond. He shakes his head and walks off Command.
Tyr: (Muttering) I am glad I am not human.
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Beka is making coffee on the Maru. She sits down-on Trance's tail.
Trance: Ow ow ow ow!
Beka jumps up.
Beka: Oops, sorry, Trance. I didn't notice you were there.
Trance: I've been sitting here for five minutes!
Beka: Well, you should have said something.
Trance: I did! I said hello!
Beka: Whatever. I didn't here you.
Beka slumps more than sit down on a chair.
Trance: Are you okay, Beka?
Beka: Just tired. Nothing a little coffee won't fix.
Trance: (Quoting Beka from many times back) Did you "have a late night?"
Beka: Huh? Yeah, I guess so. Vic couldn't sleep, so he came and hung out here, and we talked for awhile.
Trance: Did you have a nice time?
Beka looks surprised at the question, and as surprised at the answer.
Beka: Yeah, I guess so. He's just like I remember him. Very sweet, and very chivalrous. But he's different, too. (Beat) Maybe better.
Trance: How? Better than what?
Beka: Mmm, never mind. Want something to drink?
Trance: No thanks.
Beka: Oo-kay, I'm going to go work out.
Trance: (A little too quickly) Can I come?
Beka: (SLightly suspicious) Um...
Trance: I want to work on...my fighting techniques!
Beka: Alright, come on.
They start walking off the Maru.
Beka: (Voice trails off as she leaves the ship) Ya know, I never liked Tyr teaching you how to fight...
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Harper is sitting and working on some part of the Andromeda.
Victor comes up next to him.
VEH: Hello, Mr. Harper.
Harper: Oh, hi, Mr. Havanna.
VEH: Victor, please.
Harper: You can call me Harper. What can I do for you?
VEH: I was wondering if you could take a look at my ship. Make sure it's in top condition before I start transporting little children.
Harper: Well, I'm kinda busy...
VEH: Oh, whenever you get the chance will be fine. There is still time before we get to the system, after all.
Harper: Okay, I'll check it out when I have time.
VEH: Great, great. You might want to check Rebecca's ship as well.
Harper: Beka's ship is fine. If it wasn't, she'd freak.
VEH: (Sits down next to Harper) She still spends a lot of time there?
Harper: Are you kidding? It's practically her life! She keeps her stuff there, she showers there, she even sleeps there!
VEH: Doesn't she have quarters on the Andromeda?
Harper: Yes, of course, but she likes the Maru better, sometimes. I don't know why. I mean, rooms on the Andromeda are bigger, and you don't have to guess if the showers are going to be warm unless Rommie's mad at you, and-(Cuts off abruptly. Harper is starting to get suspicious) But why do you care?
VEH: I just want to make sure my Becky is living in comfort.
Harper: You know, you aren't married to her anymore. She isn't yours.
VEH: Of course not! But I've always felt bad. I've only been looking for her all these years because I'd like to help support her, you know. I though that this deal was a chance to make it up to her, but it looks like she's been doing fine on her own.
Harper: Yeah, Beka's like that.
VEH: Anyway, I understand she still believes that I want to marry her.
Harper: Sort of.
VEH: I'm sorry to hear that. This has all been a misunderstanding, really. I would love nothing more than to make it up to her and set things straight. Do you know where she is?
Harper: Rom doll, what's Beka up to?
Rommie: (V.O.) She's currently lifting weights.
Harper: (To Victor) That's three decks up, third door on your right.
VEH: Thank you, Harper.
Victor leaves as Harper goes back to work.
VEH: (Out of Harper's hearing) For all of your help.
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Beka is working out in a tight tank and shorts. Trance is fighting the punching bag. It's winning.
Beka: Do you want me to hold that for you?
Trance: Nope, I'm fine! (Gets hit by the punching bag) Oof!
Beka: Try moving out of the way next time.
Trance gives Beka a "thumbs-up" sign and gets hit by the punching bag again. Beka tries hard not to laugh.
Trance: Ow! I think-I think I'll go practice my...forms now.
Beka: (Still trying not to laugh) Good idea.
Beka shakes her head and turns back to the weights. Victor, having entered the room when she was occupied with Trance, is now standing in front of her.
Beka: Victor!
Trance: Victor?
VEH: Beka, you look wonderful! So grown up and fit!
They stand there looking at each other for awhile. Trance is looking at them, ready to call for help at a moment's notice if needed-or attack Victor.
Beka: (Turns away) I'm busy. Could we talk later?
VEH: Oh, Becky-Beka, I wanted to say this right away. I want to apologize for what I've put you through all these years.
Beka: (Glances at Trance) It's-Vic, it's okay. I'm fine. No scars. (Under her breath) None that anyone can see.
VEH: Still, I'd like to make it up to you. How about we start over dinner tonight?
Beka: Sure. I guess.
VEH: Great. I'll see you at seven?
Beka: (Very unsure) Great. See you then.
Victor leaves.
Trance: Are you sure about that, Beka?
Beka: (Not sounding very convincing) Yeah, I'll be fine. Why?
Trance: Never mind.
Beka: And if you tell Dylan, you will feel pain. And that includes you, Rommie.
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Beka is sitting in her room on the Maru, talking to Rommie.
Beka: I had a great time! I haven't laughed that hard in years! And it was nice to talk with someone who remembers my father the way I do. (Beat) I don't see why everyone's so concerned.
Rommie: Dylan just doesn't want Mr. Havanna to bother you, that's all.
Beka: So Dylan's behind all this. I knew I shouldn't have told him.
Rommie: Told him what?
Beka: Nothing. Nothing important, anyway. Something that happened a long time ago and will never happen again. Goodnight, Rommie. Lock the door behind you.
Rommie: Goodnight, Beka.
Rommie leaves. Beka lies down in her bed.
Beka: Lights off.
Beka lies there for awhile in pitch blackness. She hears noises.
Beka: Rommie, is that you? Haven't you left yet?
No response.
Beka: This is not funny. I'm tired. I'm sure Victor isn't going to come hit on me in the middle of the night. Go away!
Beka hears quiet laughter.
Beka: (Starting to sound scared) Lights. Lights on!
She remains in darkness.
Beka: (Now sounding very scared) Hello?
End Part Four