The runabout had cleared the Briar Patch and was now bearing down on the Serenity system. Off in the distance a large cloud of radiation and nebulous material filled the viewer.
"Tyvek we're coming very near a storm of sorts. Its present course will take it very close to Serenity," Gunney reported.
"Adjust course to go around it. Sub-Commander Rhea I'm afraid it's going to be a few days longer before we get you back to Romulus." commented Tyvek.
"I am in no hurry to return there. Because of your treachery resulting in the destruction of the Algeron, I'll be fortunate if I even make it back there alive." scorned the Romulan female.
Tyvek did not reply but rather looked on to the screen.
The Runabout had went around the storm and opened up the warp drive to get some distance between themselves and the storm. At present speed the storm would arrive in the Serenity system in a little over two weeks.
As they dropped out of warp the elegant beauty of Serenity was breath taking to the three that called it home and even more so to Rhea.
"Approaching Starbase 901, Lieutenant." reported Corporal Smith.
"Hail the base Corporal." commanded the Vulcan.
"They are relaying us to Serenity base sir. Something about .... the base being decommissioned." replied Gunney.
"Patch me through to Commodore Hunter then."
A few seconds later Commodore Hunter's voice filled the speaker.
"Good work Lieutenant, set down near the Marine base and report to my office with your... guest." commanded the Commodore.
"Thank you sir. And about my guest, she is not a native of Amphibia as I may have led you to believe." replied Tyvek.
"She's not? Maybe you should beam down to my office instead, with your guest. Gunney can park the runabout." commanded the Commodore.
"Aye aye sir. "
Tyvek turned and stood beside his Romulan passenger as Smith activated the transporter.
Rick Hunter was a fair man when times called for fairness and a ruthless man if need be. Tyvek was unsure which he would be once he discovered what had happened on Amphibia.
"Lieutenant Tyvek reporting as ordered sir."
"At Ease Lieutenant. Make your report. But first who is this person?" asked Hunter.
"This is Sub Commander Rhea, former first Officer of the Romulan War Bird Algeron. My official report is on this disc. She is hear because I promised her that I would try to find a way to allow her to keep her position with in the Empire. As you will discover after viewing my report the Algeron was destroyed before Rhea was able to return to help in its repairs. Due to the Romulan occupation of the Amphibian village I felt her safety was in jeopardy. Only my crew and yourself knows that she survived. Sir, I would very much request permission to honor my promise to her." reported Tyvek.
"You don't ask for much do you? She will need a place to stay until I can figure out how to help her. Do you have any ideas?" asked Hunter.
"I will offer her my quarters, until you make your decision." replied Tyvek.
"Very good then. We have a lot going on with the removal of the star base. I'll fill you in on all of that in a day or two. Let me work on your little problem until then, Dismissed."
Tyvek and Rhea jumped onto the commodores personal transporter and vanished. Only to re-materialize inside of Tyvek's personal quarters.
"Do not get any ideas." Rhea warned.
"You have nothing to fear. The Commodore is an honorable man. He will find a way to get you home with out revealing our secret." replied Tyvek.
"That's not what I meant. I will sleep in the bedroom and you can sleep out here, on that." Rhea added pointing to a strange looking sofa.
"Logically!"
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