Okay, All, here's Chapter Five!!! Sorry it's so short...kinda gooshy too. Ah, well, Chapter six is a lot longer - and finally we see a bit of action!!!!!!!! R&R, I thrive on criticism.

B.E.N. found Nik in her room, eyes closed, balanced precariously on her hands and resting her body against the wall.

"Hello B.E.N." She said as she entered, her speech slightly slurred.

B.E.N. let the door swing closed and studied her carefully. "You know, I don't mean to pry.but I'd really like to know what you're doing."

She remained motionless. "Letting all the blood in my body rush to my head. Helps me think clearly for a few minutes. Then I pass out and forget everything I thought of. Works like a charm every time."

"Wouldn't it be easier if you just held your breath?" Jim's voice caused her to open her eyes and turn her head - ultimately resulting in her loss of balance.

"WHOA!" She tucked her knees and rolled gracefully to a stop at his feet.

"Wow." He peered down at her bright red face. "Impressive."

"Cat-like reflexes." B.E.N.'s eyes widened. "Faster than a speeding solar surfer, able to-"

"Fall flat on her face in a single bound." Nik finished his sentence and shot him an odd look. "Faster than a speeding solar surfer?"

B.E.N. shrugged. "I was caught up in the moment."

Both Jim and Nik just stared.

"Eh heh, heh, yeah." He tugged at the metal around his neck. "I uh, I think I'll be going now." He scooted sideways to the door and slipped out quickly, closing the door quietly behind him.

Jim brushed a stray lock of hair out of his eyes and offered Nik his hand. "I see you're all packed."

She ignored his outstretched arm and hopped to her feet. "Well we know your eyes work, don't we?"

She turned her back on him and Jim frowned. "Hey, what happened here? A while ago we were buddies, you trusted me. Are you going to let that dumb letter turn friendship into hatred?"

She shook her head, causing her thick brown curls to sway. "Not hatred, Jim." She turned to face him, and he saw the tears welling in her eyes. "I made a mistake, and now I'm paying for it."

"What mistake?" He made his way to her side and rested his hand on her trembling shoulder.

Nik glared down at his hand and brushed it off. "Please don't do that."

"Okay, I won't. Now please answer my question." He looked down into her eyes. "Please."

She looked away. "I learned along time ago that I was meant to be alone and friendless in the universe.but when I came here." Her voice trailed of, and she cleared her throat. ".I thought maybe I was wrong. I felt like I belonged here, you know? I knew everyone here cared, and like a fool, I trusted them. I got this crazy idea that no one could harm me while I was here.but I was wrong, and I need to leave.

"No you don't!"

"Yes, I do. I'm in danger.I'm a danger. They could kill all of you just as easily as they can me."

Jim sat down on the edge of the bed and smacked the wall with his open palm. "No."

She frowned. "No what?"

"No you're not going."

Nik wiped a tear from her eyes and turned away, exasperated.

"Listen to me!" He jumped up and grabbed her arm. "We're your friends here, we care about you. You are not going to run off and leave us wondering if you're dead or alive. You are not going to walk out us, on me. Everyone I've known has left.and I'm not adding your name to the list. I won't let you do it, you hear me? I won't."

He released his grip on her arm and let the silence stretch on. The minutes ticked by, and yet she didn't speak. Finally Jim could stand it no longer. He turned her gently to face him, and saw the reason for her silence; she was crying.

"Nik?" His eyes grew gentle.

She looked up at him, her gaze heartrending. "No one's ever cared enough to tell me 'no.'" She choked back a sob. "I don't even know what to say."

Tears flowed freely down her cheeks, and Jim resisted the urge to join her. Taking her gently by the shoulders, he began to draw her into a hug, but she pulled away and backed up against the wall. "No." She shook her head. "Don't touch me. No one can hug me."

Jim looked confused as he fished his handkerchief out of his pocket and handed it to her. "Why?"

Her cat like eyes grew larger, and the tears that had just ceased welled up in them again. "The last person who hugged me was my mother. No one could compare to her."

Jim closed his eyes and ran a hand through his hair. "I-I just want you to know something, Nik. We may not match up to your mother, but we care about you. My own mother has spent hours fussing about you, Morph adores you, B.E.N.'s obviously crazy about you, and I'd go out on a limb for you anytime."

She studied him closely for a minute, then slowly nodded. "Alright. I'll stay."

Jim smiled and held up a letter. "Good. Now guess hat this is."

Nik shrugged. "I have no idea, really."

His smile widened. "It's from the Academy. My ship is ready for inspection. I have to head up to the spaceport to check it out. How'd you like to come along?"

Nik chewed on her lip for a moment, then nodded. "Why not."

"Great." Jim stepped towards the door. "Be ready in about an hour, okay?"

"Yep."

Her eyes followed him out the door, and even after he had gone she stared at the spot where he'd been.

"You're treading in awfully deep water, James Hawkins, and you have no idea what's lurking in the depths...."

~~~~~~~~

There you go! Another Lame cliffhanger. Sorry for that.

Thanks to all who have reviewed so far! Keep them coming, the less I get the less I write :-( Happiness for Silver fans in the next chapters!