"I should go."
"Wait! Don't go!"
Rommie turned back. "Why should I stay?"
"Because you're right. I never knew you, not really. I didn't want to."
Rommie came back. "Why not?"
"Because why get to know anybody, least of all a ship? I might start caring about you and I can't have that."
"Again, why not?"
"Because that's not me. I don't get close. It only brings me trouble."
Rommie was puzzled. "But, you got close to your crew. I see that."
"Yeah, and look what it's gotten me. Only more trouble. Harper's infested and will probably die. Trance is-well-who knows? And Rev's a Magog. Great bunch, hunh. They'll all go someday. Everybody I ever get close to does. So, I'm in for it again. I can't win, no matter what." She sighed.
Rommie thought she was starting to understand. "Is that why you went after the treasure?"
Beka gave a bitter laugh. "I always put more stock in money than anything else. Except, I can't even hold onto that. It leaves me, too. And the treasure turned out to be nonexistent. That is just sooohow my life turns out."
"I'm sorry Beka. For what it's worth, you'll always have a home here. I know Dylan would agree with me."
Beka looked up at her. "Thanks. It's worth a lot, actually. And I'm sorry, too. I never thought..." She drew in a shaky breath. I'm finding out that I don't know as much as I thought."
"Well, you're still pretty smart. Nobody knows everything. Except for me and Harper, super genius, of course." They both laughed.
"So, we're O.K again?" Beka had to be sure.
"Yes, we are."
"I'm glad."
"So am I." Rommie got up to leave. "Of course, if you go on anymore unauthorized treasure hunts, I will personally kick your ass. Understand?"
"Understood. No more. I promise."
"Good." With that, Rommie left.