When Pete and Janet reached their cabin, he closed the door safely behind them. Then he looked at her. "Janet!"

She hugged herself, her eyes wide open, but never had she been more beautiful than today. He embraced her, wordlessly.

Another tremor crept through the ship's floors.

He let go of her and tried to smile. "I... I have to look after the passengers." He did not mention Ralph nor his intent to track him down. That would just make her want to stay with him. "The people will be frightened. They need to see my face, see that there's nothing to worry about. You go ahead, get into your cot. I will follow later."

Janet nodded. "Okay, but be back here in time. Don't take any risks. Promise?"

"Yes, promise. I want to survive this, too."

He kissed her, tasting the salt from her tears. Then he left the cabin.

Outside, he comm'ed his security officer. "Charlene?"

"Yes, Captain." As usual, her reply was almost instantaneous, as if she had been waiting for his call.

"Take a couple of your people and search the ship for my brother."

She hesitated, which was unusual.

"But, you know," she said, "he is the Commander now... we cannot take action against him."

Damn you, brother.

Charlene was loyal to the ship and its law, all the way to her core. He adored her for this. But now wasn't the time. Ralph had to be stopped.

He took a deep breath, trying to steady his voice. "Yes... of course. But please look for him. And when you see him, give me a call. Would that be okay, Charlene?"

"Aye-aye, Captain."