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back on one of your long hauls again, far away from your family.”
    “You know that’s not true. I merely meant that I’m not the one making the decisions here.”
    “No, but you can persuade Jon to push harder. He has influence with the Colonel. He can make them take us there.”
    “I bring it up every time I see him. I’m doing what I can.”
    “You’re not trying hard enough.”
    “Of course I am.”
    “No, you’re not. You know what I think? You’re hoping we don’t ever make it to New Byzantium. You’d rather be on a spaceship. Even if it is as awful as this.”
    “That’s not true and you know it.”
    “All I know is we’re suffering and you don’t care.”
    An alert sounded. Jon, Breeah and Anki were at the door, saving Captain Seiben for the moment from Darla’s wrath. He knew it would resume later, but for now there would be safety in numbers. He jumped out of his chair and headed for the door. It slid open and he welcomed his three guests.
    “Anki,” yelled Alina, waving for the little girl to come and play with her. Anki’s face lit up as she rushed towards Alina and her toys. In seconds the two were happily chattering away, inventing some new game to play.
    Jon smiled and shook Seiben’s hand, his grip controlled, but still powerful enough to make Seiben wince.
    “I have good news for you,” said Jon, still smiling.
    “Great. I could use some right now,” said Seiben.
    “We’re heading for New Byzantium.”
    “What? Really?”
    Jon nodded, grinning like a boy.
    He felt like hugging the overgrown bastard. “That’s great,” he said, excitedly. He turned to Darla, who still sat at the table with a sour look on her face, “Did you hear that, honey? We’re going to New Byzantium.”
    Darla’s face brightened instantly. She got up from her chair and practically ran over. “Are you serious?” she asked, her face betraying a hint of apprehension.
    “Yes, said Jon. New Byzantium is our next destination.”
    Darla leapt at Jon, throwing her arms around his thick neck and screamed. Jon laughed, placing a hand to his ear, a hopeless attempt at protecting his eardrum from Darla’s high pitch.
    “Come, let’s sit down while Jon can still hear,” said Seiben, comfortable in teasing Darla now that the matter was resolved. The group walked to the table and sat down. He liked it much better to have his wife smiling beside him. He rested his hand on her knee and she left it there, glancing his way to let him know the argument was over.
    “So, what are your plans for New Byzantium?” said Jon.
    Darla answered. “We’ll find some temporary lodging and then look for something more permanent. After the years at the station I can’t wait to have a house and a yard again.”
    “That sounds nice,” said Jon. “I’m sure you’ll be very happy there.”
    “What about you?” said Darla, a mischievous look in her eye.
    “What do you mean?”
    She looked at Breeah and said, “You should think of joining us. Settling down. New Byzantium is a free world. A democracy. The corporations don’t govern there.”
    “That does sound lovely,” said Breeah, looking at Jon, who seemed a bit uncomfortable now.
    “I don’t know. We’re still looking for the Hermes crew,” said Jon.
    “And then?” said Breeah. “What happens after you find your crew?”
    I… I’m not sure,” said Jon.
    Breeah shook her head. “We could do it, you know. We could settle down and make a life there.”
    Seiben chuckled, enjoying the show. He preferred Jon to himself on the hot seat. He figured he might as well earn some extra points with Darla while they were at it. “It’s nice on New Byzantium,” he said. “There are lots of good schools. Anki would love it.”
    Jon shot Seiben a threatening glance, and Seiben had to bite his lip to keep from laughing. The reality was that while he may be having some fun at Jon’s expense, he did think it was the best option for him. He could see that Jon was happy