Chapter 2
One month ago.
"Dylan, I need some time off."
Dylan stared at Beka. "Now?"
"Yes, now. Things are finally pretty stable and all. And you know I was a big part of making all that happen. I just want to collect my just reward."
Dylan sighed. "I know the World Ship is gone and that's good but we're still rebuilding the Commonwealth. There are still a lot of corrupt and miserable worlds out there that could use our help. And I could use yours."
Beka kept her temper. "Dylan, that's always going to be true, it's never going to be perfect. My point is that things are now as stable as they going to get. And I need to get away. I just have to. I'll be back, I promise. I just need this."
He looked at her. The war had taken its toll on her; it had on all of them. "Fine. Go on shore leave. Take as long as you want. I hope you come back but if you don't it was nice working with you."
"Don't be like that. I said I was coming back and I will. You have my word on that."
"O.K. It's just… Are you sure you aren't going to off to make one of those shady deals you used to make a living at."
"Of course not. Why would you even say that?"
"I don't know. Never mind. You'd better go."
"O.K. I'll see you in a couple of weeks O.K." She left.
Dylan looked after her. "I don't know why but I've got a bad feeling about this."