The Eureka Maru sailed through eternal night. On autopilot for the hours between slip points. In her cabin Captain Rebecca Valentine lay fast asleep on the bunk taking the opportunity to rest while she could. The sensors were blind to the lone slipfighter as it approached.

So don't you dare and try to walk away

I've got my heart set on our wedding day

The slight smile that graced Tyr's lips as the airlock opened would have sent Harper scampering from the room.

'I've lost count of the number of times Beka has altered the security protocols trying to keep me out. She hides her annoyance at my bypassing her measures well.'

Silently Tyr walked across the deck plates. His senses alert, if there had been anyone to see him they would have said he looked like a feral animal. Tyr's body language broadcast 'hunting predator'.

'I should have known Beka would see my influence in Ladrone's demise. Our children will be truly superior. If she had gone to Dylan, he would have only delayed my plans.'

I've got this vision of a girl in white

Made my decision that it's you all right

Weeks Earlier Andromeda Ascendant

Beka Valentine strolled down the corridor, the crew hustling about performing repairs. Her thoughts swirled, jumbling, going in and out of focus with only one subject at their center, Tyr.

'I never thought he would betray me. But to him its not is it. He just manipulated the situation for us to kill the Dragans.' Silently Beka stepped through the airlock into her sanctuary, her home. Her fingers danced across the control panel sealing all point of entry.

"I feel like I could sleep for a week." Beka thought aloud. Automatically her body made its way to the captain's cabin. One step into the cabin and her eyes landed on a small ivory white cloth lying on her bunk. 'Silk' some abstract part of her mind identified as her hand touched the cloth. Gently she unwrapped the folds of cloth to reveal a silver helix band with sapphire inlays.

And when I take your hand

I'll watch my heart set sail

Beka knew without asking which Pride the symbol on one of the links belonged too, Kodiak. Her fatigue vanished as her fight or flight instincts kicked in sending adrenaline coursing through her veins. Her racing footfalls not slowing as she entered the cockpit, leaping over the steps and flinging herself into the pilot's station. Her fingers flying over the controls, powering the engines and signaling for the bay doors to open. The Maru squeezed through the still opening doors as Beka fled into the vastness of space.

I'll take my trembling fingers And I'll lift up your veil

Tyr pulled the sheet down to Beka's waist, leaving her arms exposed. Her eyes opened as Tyr's fingers, barely touching, traced the shape of her lips. Their eyes remained locked as his fingers glided over her skin to the silver band encircling her left upper arm.

"It is not like you to surrender so easily, Beka." Tyr stated, his eyes locked with hers. His fingers tracing the Kodiak symbol on the helix.

"You know I lost this battle when you decided I belong to you." Defiance in her eyes and voice.

"

Then I'll take you home

And with wild abandon

Make love to you