Valerie and Harper were spending a lot of time together. "You're a good assistant, Val."

Valerie looked up from her work. "Do you really mean that?"

"Yeah. For someone with no exposure to today's technology, you're doing great with picking it up."

"Thanks." Valerie smiled. Only her close friends or family called her Val. But, here Harper was calling her that. It thrilled her to no end. She was glad he felt like calling her that. "I really love getting this once-in-a- lifetime opportunity. Everything just fascinates me. I enjoy it as much as I enjoy being a Pussycat." Then she sighed. "As great as all this is, I still miss home and wish we could find a way there."

"You will. After we finish up our recruiting in this part of space, we'll go back to where we found you guys and send you back."

"That won't necessarily send us home", Valerie pointed out.

"Sure it will. Remember, I'm a genius and you are the closest thing they have to one. Between the two of us, we'll think of something."

Valerie had to laugh. She'd spent enough time with Harper to really get to know him. And she liked what she saw. "That's actually comforting. I can almost believe it. Except for...one thing."

Harper knew what she meant. "Alexandra. Well, we can fix her, no problem."

"We can't kill her, Harper."

"Awww!! You're no fun." Then he grinned. "Don't worry. I wasn't thinking along those lines. Remember, you're all destined to get home so Melody can become Beka's grandma." He snickered.

Valerie frowned. "I know you only mean that as a joke but, Melody is my friend. I know she's not very bright compared to you and Beka gets really mad when you bring it up but, I love her, O.K."

Harper's face fell. "I'm sorry, Val. I was only doing it in fun to zing Beka."

"Which zings Melody because of what that implies."

Harper sighed. "I didn't think."

Now she felt bad. "I know. I understand, really. Forget I said anything. It's not like you're Alexandra. There's no maliciousness in your teasing."

Harper nodded. "You got that right. I love Beka as much as you love Melody. It's just harmless fun."

"I know. Don't worry about it. Teasing is different for family."

"True. And I just love to watch Beka erupt when I do it."

"You are evil."

"I know. I'm so proud of myself. Let's get back to work.