It is a miserable state of mind to have few things to desire, and many things to fear. –Francis Bacon

Depressed Dread

"The architecture of this ship is beautiful. I bet the circuitry is even more stunning," said Anwen.

"Why thank you," said a female voice behind them.

Anwen turned her head to see a woman with bobbed brown hair.

"Did….." she started to say.

"Oh, Rommie, this is Harper's older sister, Anwen," interrupted Trance with hint of excitement.

Rommie raised an eyebrow.

"Yeah, amazing isn't it? Two so-called geniuses aboard the same ship," said Anwen wryly.

"There are two Harpers aboard!" Said holographic Andromeda as she appeared next to Rommie.

"It's…..you're…the…alive," stammered Anwen.

"Why yes," replied Andromeda and Rommie at the same time.

"Did my brother have anything to do with………" Anwen started to say.

Rommie nodded her head yes.

"That doesn't surprise me in least. He never really got out much," Anwen said rolling her eyes.

"Anwen, if you are done here the captain would like a word with you," Rommie said.

"I figured as much, though if it's not that much trouble could I take a shower?" asked Anwen as she got up.

Rommie did notice that woman did have a smell to her, but didn't know how to mention it tactfully. Rommie nodded her head in agreement, and left Anwen in the care of Trance.

Anwen stepped out of the shower to find her clothes gone. She saw laying on the bed several tops and pairs of pants. She pulled the towel tighter as she walked toward the bed. She touched each shirt in amazement. Never in her life had she seen so much color and texture. After trying on all the pants and tops, she decided on a long-sleeve, blue velvet shirt and black pants. She put on her well-worn black boots, and looked at her hair. Even after a thorough washing it still hung limply. She tucked it behind her ears, and gave herself a smile.

"It might have done nothing for my hair, but it did wonders for my tattoos," thought Anwen of the shower.

She neatly folded the shirts and pants, and placed them into a pile. It was then she noticed her disks lying on the bed. She smiled and put them in her pocket.

"I was going to have one made for Cora," she thought sadly as she slid them into the pocket. She became so lost in her thoughts that she didn't hear the door open. Someone clearing their throat brought her back to reality. She turned around to see Rommie standing there.

"I'm ready now," she said.

"Please follow me," said Rommie.

Anwen followed Rommie through the maze of corridors and ladders to Dylan's office.

Dylan looked up to see Rommie entering the room with a much cleaner Anwen. He noted that she was indeed a dark blonde after all. She was wearing one of Trance's tops and a pair of Beka's pants. Her black boots looked very large on her small frame. He stood up and offered Anwen a warm smile. She looked at him skeptically but gave a polite smile. He pointed to a chair, and waited until she sat down before he did.

"I'm Captain Dylan Hunt of the Commonwealth Starship Andromeda Ascendant. I'd like to ask you a few questions, if it's okay with you?"

"Um, sure. I'm Anwen by the way," the woman replied.

The appearance of Andromeda prevented Dylan from speaking.

"Captain, we have an unidentified ship requesting permission to dock."

"I'll be right there," said Dylan sprinting from his chair. Rommie and Anwen followed after him.

"Andromeda, on screen," ordered Dylan as he entered the command deck.

Suddenly a man with a jagged scar across his face filled the screen.

"Attention, this is Vassy of the Anthem requesting permission to dock. We have run into some engine difficulties."

"This is Captain Dylan Hunt of the Commonwealth ship Andromeda Ascendant. Your request for docking has been granted."

"Thank you," the man said before the screen went black.

Anwen watched the exchange with dread. She knew Vassy was none other than Vasco de Leon. The man responsible for killing Gerald and she was the one who gave him that scar. She knew he'd kill her the first chance he got. She felt torn between warning Captain Hunt and hiding.

As he passed by she reached out grabbed his arm. He stopped and gave her an impatient look.

"Excuse me, Captain Hunt. I don't think it's wise to let that man aboard. He is a slave trader, and well, I've had a few run-ins with him in the past."

"You are on the most powerful warship in the universe. I promise no harm will come to you," he said before continuing on his way.

Anwen stared in disbelief as Dylan and Rommie walked away. She had hoped he would've done something other than offer up an empty promise. She gave in to her instinct to hide and took off running. She didn't know where her feet were taking her except that it was down. Finally she sat down when her lungs felt like they were going to explode. Tears came down her face as she remembered Gerald being killed.

"Damn it, Gerald! Why did you have to go out that day?" yelled Anwen in the empty corridor. She hit her fist against the wall and let out a loud sob.