Jane, wearing her long yellow dress, was moving through the infirmary, dispensing bowls of hot soup as she went. Flower followed behind her with a carton of hardbread rolls. Whiting struggled upright and took his bowl gratefully.

"Thank you, Miss Porter." He smiled weakly. "That smells good."

"It's just powdered stew mix," Jane shrugged. "We can't really do much silver service here."

Whiting managed a laugh. "Ah, well. I don't know about you, but I come here for the atmosphere."

Jane watched the canine lap at the soup experimentally, balancing the bowl on his remaining hand. Flower offered a bread roll but Whiting shook his head politely.

"No, thank you, lance corporal. But I've caused enough trouble without needing dental attention as well."

Flower grinned. "I wouldn't blame you, sir."

Jane nodded to the Procyon pistol sitting by Whiting's bedside. "Would you like me to move that for you?"

Whiting shook his head again. "I might need it."

"You really think so?" Jane looked up. Ko was on the other side of the room, helping another patient field strip a rifle.

"I hope not," Whiting shrugged. "The lieutenant knows what she's doing."

Jane smiled and it suddenly struck her that it had been a while since she had last heard anyone refer to Amelia's rank with the nominal 'acting' prefix.

"She does, yes."

Archimedes bustled up. "Still doing the dinner round, Jane?"

"Yes, father," said Jane. "Almost done."

"Jolly good. By the way, I found a few things that you might be interested in. I've left them on the desk in the storeroom if you'd like to take a look at them."

"Where did you find them?" Jane asked.

Archimedes shrugged. "Around the town. I went down there to have a look around with that big Arrow fellow."

Jane sighed. "Father, you shouldn't be leaving the fortifications like that."

"Mr Arrow is a fortification," said Archimedes. "I was in no danger, Jane, I promise. But you should have a look at what we found. Give me the soup, I'll finish the round for you."

Jane smiled and handed it over. She wiped her hands on her apron as she moved past the beds and into the store room. Her father had left a small pile of salvage on the desk. Jane chuckled to herself as she went through it, trying to imagine how he had convinced himself that some of it might be useful. But at the bottom of the stack, she pulled out a misshapen piece of black felt and brushed the dust and dirt off it. At first she puzzled at it, but then recognised the triangular golden badge on it and she smiled. Swiftly cleaning the rest of the hat, she returned to the ward as her father was spooning the last of the soup into four bowls.

"That's one for Jane, one for the lieutenant, one for you, Mr Orchid-"

"-Flower."

"And one for me," Archimedes finished calmly. "Ah, Jane, back with us. Did you find anything useful there?"

"Yes, father, thank you. I'm looking for Ame- I mean, the lieutenant. Do you know where she is?"

"I last saw her going up into the attic, ma'am," said Flower, still glaring at Archimedes.

"Thank you," Jane stuffed two bread rolls into her pockets and picked up two of the soup bowls, keeping the hat held against her body under her arm. "Will you two be all right down here?"

Archimedes slurped noisily on the soup and looked up, the liquid dripping from his moustache. He smiled and nodded. "Oh, I think we can manage, eh, Mr-"

"Flower," said Flower quickly. "Yes, Miss Porter. I'll send a call for you if we need you."

"Very good, then." Jane let the lance corporal add spoons to her soup bowls and she headed off through a side door. A short corridor led off from the main hall. A set of double doors in the wall were open, but rather than another room being behind them there was just a narrow cupboard. A set of folding stairs came down from the ceiling, revealing the attic space beyond. Jane looked up, smiled and sighed happily to herself, checked her reflection in a small mirror hanging on the wall, and set off up the stairs.

She emerged into a long room under an angled roof. In the middle, under the highest part of roof where the two slopes joined, it was more than tall enough to stand. As the ceilings lowered towards the floor, however, it rapidly closed in and a person could stand only under the shape of the dormer windows, set into the side at regular intervals. Most of the light in the room came from these windows, although a couple of long bulbs were strapped to the room's longitudinal beam. Jane looked around, remembering the details of the attic even as she closed the door behind her. It had been a long time since she had been up here. It was mainly used for storage, with much of the space was occupied by crates and barrels, both empty and full, pieces of equipment and piles of material stores that had never been able to be used. Motes of dust floated in the light from the windows, but Jane's eye was drawn to the end of the room. Amelia was standing at one of the window, scanning the forest intently with her telescope. As Jane stepped off the stairs and onto the attic floor, causing a floorboard to squeak, she looked around. The tense expression on her face was quickly replaced by a genuine smile.

"Jane. It's nice to see you…and something smells rather good, too."

Jane indicated the bowls of soup in her hands. "Well, it's nothing special. But I thought you might be hungry."

Amelia sighed and folded up the telescope. "Now that you mention it, I could do with a little something."

"It really isn't much," Jane handed over a bowl. "Just what we could recover. Some of the stores your people brought took a direct hit but it turned out that some dehydrated stew survived."

"It'll do. Thank you," Amelia blew on a spoonful and smiled. "You're very kind."

Jane looked down, feeling her cheeks heating up. She put her soup down on a pile of rugs and carpets by her knee. "And, um, there were a few bread rolls, too."

She produced them from her pockets and passed one to Amelia, who took it and laughed. "Oh, yes. I should have known these would survive."

"How do you mean?" said Jane.

Amelia grinned. "They say that a single piece of this bread can keep a ship from hunger for a week. Because that's how long it'll take you to get desperate enough to try to eat it. I'd recommend soaking it in the soup for a while first if you're planning on trying it."

Jane laughed. "I wondered what Mr Whiting meant about dentistry…that must be why. Thank you for the advice. I'll be sure to heed it."

"I'm glad. It would be a shame if anything were to happen to you," Amelia gave a small grin and looked down at her soup. "I'd rather miss that smile."

Jane stammered for a moment and smiled, shaking her head. "Well…if I needed any greater incentive to look after it."

"I'm sure you won't need any." Amelia coughed and turned back to the window. Jane moved to her side and watched her face.

"Are you all right, Amelia?"

"Oh, yes. Tip-top." Amelia shook herself and tried to look serious.

Jane smiled. "Because I have something here that might cheer you up if you need it."

"Hmm?" Amelia looked sideways curiously, raising a sculpted eyebrow. Jane's smile widened and she produced the folded black felt from under her arm. Amelia frowned in puzzlement for a moment and then laughed as she took her hat back.

"Oh, goodness…where did you find this? I thought I lost it by the gate when the bombardment began."

Jane shrugged. "My father found it, actually. He and Mr Arrow went out to see if they could find anything useful."

"I bet they were disappointed if this is all they could find." Amelia put her bowl on the windowsill and stretched the hat back into shape. She stuck it back on her head and turned to the window to try to use her reflection to straighten it. As she tried to see herself, she felt a gentle presence behind her. Jane was watching over her shoulder, a smile hovering on her lips.

"May I?"

Amelia smiled back and relaxed. "Of course, Jane."

She closed her eyes and relaxed as Jane set her hat straight, her breath only catching when Jane's hands brushed her sensitive ears. Jane tried not to laugh as they twitched instinctively, trying to flick her away.

"I'm sorry, Amelia, I didn't mean to bother you."

"You're not, I promise." Amelia gave a wry expression. "Ignore them if you must."

"I'll try to," Jane smiled at them. "But they're hard to overlook."

Amelia felt herself blush as Jane stepped back, leaving her hat perfectly positioned. "Well…thank you for your assistance."

"Any time." Jane picked up her soup again and smiled with satisfaction. "It does rather suit you, after all."

Amelia grinned. "I knew there was a reason I wanted that promotion."

"Ah, of course. You're an acting lieutenant. What does that actually mean?" Jane put her head on one side. Amelia laughed.

"A cynic would say that it means that I have to do a lieutenant's job on a midshipman's pay. But if I survive this tour of duty and my Captain approves, I get the job permanently and my pay is backdated."

"You must have done something special to earn it," said Jane. "And to be trusted with a mission like this."

Amelia smiled modestly. "There was…an incident with a few pirate ships. The ship's Third Lieutenant was killed, so the Fourth took over from her, the Fifth took over from the Fourth and one of us Midshipmen had to be selected to move up as well."

"Yes, but I imagine you didn't draw straws to see who," Jane watched her curiously for a moment. "So…what did you do?"

Amelia coughed. "The Third Lieutenant and I had boarded a pirate ship…I had to take command in her absence."

"You make it sound so easy," Jane sighed. "But I can't imagine what it was like. Living your life out there among the stars...I suppose once I might have thought that it was an adventure but it can't be, can it. Not when it can cost so much."

"You've been through more than most people have yourself," said Amelia. "And you're still here and still holding your head up."

"Well, yes, but…I don't think I would be if it wasn't for you." Jane's voice trailed off quietly.

Amelia shrugged. "The timely arrival of reinforcements is always a help."

"No, I didn't just mean that." Jane bit her lip. "Or the times when you've saved my life…I mean…that you've been a good friend to me."

Amelia's hand found hers. "I hope I've been more than that, Jane," she said softly.

Jane squeezed her hand. "Oh, Amelia. So much more. I never would have thought…but I'm so glad you're here. For so many reasons."

Amelia smiled and kissed her cheek softly. "As am I."

Jane sighed happily and turned her head to meet Amelia's lips. They stood holding each other as the last light of the sun began turning a burnished orange outside, making the jungle seem as if it were sculpted of fresh copper. Jane looked out over the trees and hugged Amelia closer.

"Are you all right?" Amelia looked down at her, stroking away a stray lock of her brown hair.

Jane nodded, but then sighed again, this time with sadness.

"I just wish it was different, that's all. If none of this had happened, I'd never have met you…but if none of this had happened, so many people would still be alive. And we wouldn't be facing more death again tomorrow."

Amelia's eyes widened with concern. "Excuse me?"

Jane looked up, her blue eyes calm, and she shrugged matter-of-factly. "Well, it's true, isn't it? There aren't enough of us left. The enemy, those Procyons, are too strong. And even if we survive tomorrow…unless your ship comes back, there's no way to leave. It's like that prisoner we took said."

Amelia shook her head firmly. "Don't start listening to Procyons, Jane. They can't be trusted. He was trying to scare you."

"I thought that was what the shells were for," Jane smiled. "It's all right, Amelia. You don't have to hide the truth from me."

"I wouldn't lie to you," Amelia began.

"I know," Jane rested her head against Amelia's shoulder. "But you would protect me. Like you always have."

"It's what we came here to do." Amelia closed her eyes and breathed in the scent of Jane's hair. "But I won't lie to you."

"I don't think you ever would." Jane looked up at her face. "But this is a last stand now, isn't it."

It was a statement, not a question. Amelia gazed into Jane's blue, unwavering eyes, and sighed.

"Yes."

Jane bit her lip. "Is there...is there no hope?"

"There's always hope," said Amelia comfortingly. "While we live. While the ship is still out there. They'll come back for us."

"When?"

Amelia hesitated. "I...don't know. After they left orbit to chase that other ship...I don't know."

Jane nodded. "Of course. It's the uncertainty...not knowing what our fate will be. And therefore not knowing what we can do to change it."

"Our best is all we can ever do," said Amelia. "And I don't doubt that you'll do that, just like the rest of us."

Jane smiled shyly. "Well, I may not do it as well as you."

"You're just as important," Amelia said softly. "You've done so much for us already. How many of my people would be worse off right now if it wasn't for you?"

Jane shook her head. "I'm doing what I can. I can't hold a weapon."

"Not everybody needs to." Amelia stroked her hair. "Not even now. I'll be looking out for you."

"You?" Jane smiled again. "Don't you have better things to do than keep an eye on me?"

"If I do, I can't imagine it right now," Amelia smiled back. "But really...if it comes to it...I want you to stay close to me. Let me protect you."

Jane reached up a hand to her soft-furred cheek. "My astoundingly protective Amelia."

Amelia blushed. "Well, I..."

"It's quite an honour," said Jane. "Thank you..."

She paused and looked down. "I really don't...what you're offering...nobody else has ever said those things to me. I don't know how to say...just thank you. Thank you. For everything."

"There's nothing to thank me for." Amelia kissed her forehead lightly.

"You sound so sure," said Jane quietly. "I wish there were more things we could be sure of."

Amelia shrugged. "I don't know about you, Jane, but I have more than enough that I'm certain of for now."

"Like what?"

"My duty. My command. My responsibility..." Amelia gently lifted Jane's face to meet her eyes. "...my feelings."

Jane caught her breath at the sight of Amelia's green eyes. Her gaze was calm and level, but there was a steel in its depths, a determination. It was a caring gaze and Jane felt somehow safer already, knowing that this young feline was on her side. Through the window, the night sky was clear and the stars were coming out. Something caught Jane's eye and made her pull her gaze away from Amelia for a moment. There was something different- a star brighter and whiter than the others, moving against the darkness of space. She puzzled at it.

"Amelia?"

"Hmm?"

"Do you see..." Jane went to point to the star, but it had already disappeared out of sight, passing beyond the view of the window. She shook her head. "Nothing...I just thought I saw something moving up there."

"Up where?" Amelia raised her head.

"In the sky," said Jane. "A moving star. Like when you first arrived and we saw your ship in orbit...I thought I saw something similar."

Amelia watched the night and shook her head. "I'm sorry...I don't see it."

"I'm sure it was there." Jane sighed. "Or perhaps I'm seeing things."

"Or perhaps not," said Amelia. "There's no way to be sure...at least of that."

"I know." Jane smiled sadly. "There aren't many things to be sure of nowadays."

"The one thing I am sure of," Amelia went on in a whisper, "Is that we have tonight."

"How do you mean?" Jane shivered as Amelia's hand stroked the back of her head.

"I mean...the enemy won't move against us tonight. They'll save their strength for tomorrow morning." Amelia stepped closer. "Which means that...whatever happens tomorrow...tonight belongs to us."

"One night..." Jane's fingers touched Amelia's face. "If only it were longer."

"It may yet be long enough." Amelia took her hand, intertwining their fingers. "You're right about the kind of life a spacer leads. And one of the things that it teaches you is that you need to take the opportunities you have...they may never come again."

Jane smiled. "Especially those opportunities you didn't expect."

"Especially that variety, yes." Amelia smiled too. "Jane..."

Jane watched her face as she struggled to find the words. They didn't come, and a look of irritation settled into place instead, but the look in her eyes didn't change. Jane laughed.

"Oh, dear, Amelia...cat got your tongue?"

Amelia chuckled and looked up. "I'll try not to take offence at that."

"No, no, I think I know how it feels." Jane blinked, realised how that could have been interpreted in the context of her previous remark, and spoke quickly to pre-empt the grin that had already started to shape Amelia's lips. "I mean, I know how it feels not to be able to find the words you want. The words to say...to say what you feel..."

Amelia's expression softened, but she still smiled. "Sometimes words just don't do the trick."

Jane looked up as she drew nearer. "Sometimes they don't..."

Amelia stroked a lock of Jane's hair back from her forehead, her fingers staying to trail through the softness of her tresses. "Sometimes...only actions will do..."

Jane's gaze flickered from Amelia's green eyes to her red lips. "What...kind of actions?"

Amelia smiled knowingly. "Oh, Jane..."

Their lips met softly and their eyes closed, letting their other senses take over, two souls together in the starlight, shutting out the war for one precious night of peace.

The rising sun had turned the sky orange by the time Amelia woke up. Her mind swam back to wakefulness and she opened her eyes. She was lying on her back and Jane had turned and was now lying against her, one hand unconsciously resting on Amelia's chest. Amelia turned her head and smiled. Jane was still sleeping, but the light of the dawn was falling against her. A few loose strands of her brown hair caught the light and glowed in tones of copper and gold. Amelia enjoyed the colour and then yawned.

"Hmm..." Jane shifted. She eyelids fluttered for a moment before they opened. Her blue eyes were dazed for a moment and then they focused. She raised her head and looked around at Amelia, who was watching her affectionately.

"Good morning," she said.

Jane smiled. "A very good morning, I think."

Amelia chuckled and kissed her. "The best I can recall for a long time."

Jane kissed her back, rolling on top of her. "Certainly one I'll never forget."

Amelia stroked her hair back, hooking a curl of brown threads behind her ear. "After last night...there's a lot to remember."

Jane blushed. "Last night..."

"Was the most beautiful of my life." Amelia kissed her again. Jane sighed with relief.

"Oh, Amelia...mine too." She smiled. "Mine too."

"I'm glad I could make it so." Amelia touched her cheek. "You really don't deserve any less, my Jane."

Jane placed a kiss on the tip of her nose. "Amelia...I don't really know what to say to that."

"You don't have to say anything." Amelia returned the favour with a small feline lick. "You just have to believe me."

"Oh, I do," Jane said earnestly, looking into her captivating green eyes. "With all my heart, I do."

"I meant it," Amelia nuzzled her. "I meant everything last night. Every part of it."

Jane closed her eyes happily at the words. "So did I. Oh, so did I."

Amelia felt her heart lift. She pulled Jane's head towards her and kissed her deeply. Jane closed her lips on hers. It was a heartfelt kiss rather than passionate as the night before had been, and it seemed to last much longer.

"If only we had longer," Amelia stroked Jane's face.

Jane looked down. "It's all right...I know why we don't."

Amelia lifted her head and kissed her again. "I'd be here all day if I could."

Jane laughed. "And I wouldn't object. But it's all right. We'll both be needed soon."

Amelia threw back the edge of the rug and stood up, quickly gathering up the pieces of her uniform, putting her vest back on and slipping her shirt and waistcoat around her shoulders. Jane sat up and watched Amelia dress, playing with her hat. Amelia grinned as she handed it over and she put it on, carefully adjusting the angle. Jane smiled at the sight of her, once again the smartly-dressed officer. She stood up and began gathering her own clothing.

"I suppose I'll meet you downstairs soon," said Amelia.

Jane nodded. "I'll be down there."

Amelia looked at her and went to hug her. Jane, her dress bundled in one hand, hugged her back as best she could.

"Thank you," Amelia whispered. "Whatever happens, I'll never forget that night."

"Neither will I. And I won't forget your words." Jane smiled and touched a hand to Amelia's soft-furred cheek. "It's really all right. Go and do your duty, lieutenant."

Amelia smiled back and touched her hat with exaggerated formality. "Thank you, Miss Porter. I'll see you presently."

Jane watched her go, giving a small sigh of satisfaction as she turned back to the window, in time to see the sun rising above the eastern horizon.