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Alternity 2 - Chapter 17
Date: CY 10091 - AD Mar 5168 Day twelveLocation: Mohendjo Daro spaceport
Six days later Beka was at the Mohendjo Daro spaceport saying goodbye to Harkness ad O'Riley. Tyr was already aboard the Maru. Beka had ordered him to stay aboard Because she was afraid she might shoot him , or Harkness or both of them. She had spent the past six days tying up loose ends and trying to keep Tyr and Harkness from butting heads. She had been tempted to let them settle their differences but decided against it on the grounds that it would create even more paperwork for her to deal with.
"It was a pleasure working with you Captain Valentine," said O'Riley. "A courier ship will be taking the memory chip and Professor Venst to Mobius. Someone much higher up in the food chain than me decided that it would be best if the professor finished up his work with your organization. Hopefully he'll be able to finish his work there."
"Before you go, Captain," said Harkness handing Beka an object wrapped in brown paper.
"What's this?" asked Beka as she took the package.
"It's for your granddaughter," explained Harkness.
"I'm not..." began Beka than stopped She really didn't feel like explaining to Harkness that Aurora wasn't her granddaughter.
"Go ahead open it, "said O'Riley.
Beka unwrapped the package. It was a child’s doll. It was purple and had a tail
"I had it custom made for her," said Harkness. "A little girl should have a doll. I know." There was an awkward moment of silence and a look passed over Harkness' face as if he was recalling painful memories. "Try to keep your partner out of trouble, Captain," he said after a minute. "I'm sorry about using you but I figured it was the best way to get the job done." He turned towards O'Riley. "I'll meet you in the vehicle Zachariah" There was no goodbye Harkness simply turned around and began walking away.
Beka stared at Harkness' retreating back for a moment than turned towards O'Riley. "What did he mean when he said he knew?" she asked.
It was O'Riley's turn to look uncomfortable. "I'm not at liberty to say Captain Valentine. Maybe you should ask Mike the next time the two of you cross paths."
"I'll do that Lieutenant. Goodby, good luck, and thanks for the help." With goodbye's completed Beka entered the Maru's airlock elevator. Maybe Trance was wearing off on her she thought because she was certain that she and Harkness would be meeting again.
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