The first thing Beka was consious of was the pain. It was excruciating. she also felt like she was on fire , which was strange because she was also cold, the coldest that she'd ever been in her entire life.

What had happened? She tried to piece it together. She'd been out looking for something. What? Oh yes, the lost treasure of Forrest Wintergreen. Had she found it? Didn't look that way. Something must have happened. She strained to remember.

Yes. There hadn't been any treasure. Then what? Oh no. She remembered the avalanche and getting caught in it and being trapped.
She'd been dying. So, she must be dead now, right?

Beka tried to move and found that she couldn't. Something was enveloping her. That didn't make any sense. Nothing made any sense. If she was dead, why did she feel incredible pain? Wasn't the afterlife supposed to be pain free? She should have paid more attention to Rev. Her eyes flew open and a cry escaped her lips. Where was she? Trance's face appeared above her. "You're dead too?" She asked in wonder.

Trance grinned. "No, Beka, I'm not and neither are you. You're aboard the Andomeda.
We just got to you in time. How are you feeling?"

"Awful. Everything hurts, I can't move and I'm so cold."

"You're wrapped up in blankets, that's why.
We had to get you warm as soon as possible because of your hypothermia and frost bite. But, you're going to be fine now."

"I don't feel fine. I've got to get up." She tried once again to wriggle out of the blankets.

Trance stopped her. "Just relax Beka. I know you're in pain. You've just got to ride it out. Trust me, please."

"All right." She settled down.

"Andromeda. You can tell everyone that Beka's awake. Oh, and can you please bring her something hot to drink?

Beka looked at Trance gratefully. That sounded so good because she really didn't feel any better since waking up. "Am I really O.K. I'm not going to lose ..." She couldn't bring herself to ask it.

Trance knew what she was trying to say, anyway. No. you were very lucky in more ways than one."

They both fell silent. Rommie arrived with a mug of cocoa. Trance helped Beka to sit up. Now just sip it slowly. It should help some."

"It does. Thanks." She finished it and then looked at Rommie. "You don't have to tell me how stupid I was."

"Oh, don't I? You nearly got yourself killed and you endangered our mission."

Trance interupted. "O.K. Rommie, I'm sure Dylan will say all that when he sees Beka."

"I should hope so." she turned on her heels and left.

"I imagine everyone is more than a little upset with me."

"We were all worried about you, Beka."

"Well, I was on my way to face the music before being so rudely interupted. So, it might as well come whenever."