"Did any one find out anything?" Beverly asked over an early breakfast the next morning. She was dreading going back to Jarcock's class, but at least some measure of ammo against Mina would make it a bit more bearable.

"Our main focus was Data." said Lennie. "We knew Mina was over by him that night, and we also know he never lies. At least that takes care of her story. As for you though, we still don't have any proof."

Jack cut in. "You see, Beverly, there is no proof you were in your quarters that night. True, everyone says you weren't in the dining room, but this is a big complex. You could have been anywhere."

"But, Jack," whined Beverly, "You saw me go to my quarters." It was her last desperate hope. She could only wish.

Jack sighed. "Unofficially, yes, I saw you head for your quarters, and my presumption was that you were going o them. Officially, however, I couldn't go on record to say you 'went to them', as I never saw you do such a thing. Besides, I'm your friend. What good would it do? Do you understand?"

"Yes. I understand. I only wish it could be different." She sighed mightily, and turned her attention to a blob of yellowish eggs.

There was a silence in the room as each contemplated what to do. Tafton changed the subject.

"We missed you last night. Everyone as talking about what happened. It was the main topic at this party we all went to..." Suddenly her voice dropped off. Walker moved his hand back and forth near his throat. The brunette girl realized she had said too much.

"Yeah," said Beverly. "I'm sure you all missed me a lot." There were tears welling in her blue eyes, and she fought hard to restrain them. It was a terrible feeling to be left out. "I have to leave. I definitely do not want to be tardy." With that she scooped up her books and he headed for the doors, walking through as they parted.

Once in the halls, she let the tears flow freely, and they soon evaporated into anger. She felt utterly alone in the crowded hallway. No one seemed to care about her at all. She knew everyone had heard. They clearly did not want to be seen with her. Why tarnish their reputations as well?

"Beverly, wait up!" She heard the voice call from down the hall, but didn't acknowledge it. If this was some sorry excuse for an apology, she didn't want to hear it.

"Bev, I want to talk to you," the voice pleaded, but she still ignored it. She knew there was nothing she wanted to hear in that pitiful requiem.

"Cadet Howard. Talk to me. Now." There was a touch of finality in how the voice said "now." It halted her in her tracks.

"Walker, I don't want to talk right now. Please leave me alone." She sighed, and turned to face him. "Jack?" Her voice was a whisper of surprise.

"Beverly, I just wanted to tell you that I didn't go to that party last night. I was following you, but you didn't see me. I tried your door, and you didn't answer. I wanted to tell you something." He was quiet for a moment, so she probed a question at him.

"What? I don't have time for this," She added, tapping her foot impatiently.

"I wanted to tell you that I'll believe you, no matter what happens. I think Mina's a fake, and I know you're for real." He smiled.

"Thanks Jack." Her smile was brief. She was still angry about the night before. "I have to go. Sorry." She walked off, not even waiting to hear his reply.

He sighed, and went the other way