They walked quickly to the cargo bay, feeling a tremor through the ship as it Landed at the shipyard. John pressed a button on the wall mounted console and the airlock spiralled open, the servos in the door whirring in eagerness to perform their task. The couple stepped out of the freighter into the huge cargo bay, the extensive floor lighting illuminating their surroundings in a warm glow.

A young naval officer approached them quickly.

“Commander Blake, the Vice Admiral sends his apologies, he's in a meeting at the moment. If you would like to follow me, I‘11 Lead you to his office."

John nodded his assent and they followed the navy officer as he led them through a series of corridors before ushering them into a reception room. He walked briskly to a desk, pushing a button on the intercom. "Vice Admiral, the Commander is here to see you."

There was no reply and then a door on the other side of the room opened. A uniformed figure strolled over to meet them and Alyssa studied him as he approached. He was a man in his mid to late 50's she guessed, his stern face sporting a bushy grey moustache.

“Vice Admiral" John saluted the man, his face showing a wry grin.

The man laughed and returned the salute “Commander Blake! It's good to see you, how long has it been?" The man's stern face relaxed into a warm smile.

“Retired 11 years now" John replied as he shook his old friends hand vigorously.

“Sorry I couldn't come to meet you personally, damnable meeting overran" The Vice Admiral apologised. .".. and who is this lovely young lady?" The older man enquired, his hawk Like eyes locking on Alyssa.

“This is Alyssa Marant, my Executive Officer" John grinned happily.

He turned to his beautiful companion.

“This is Vice Admiral Charles Harris, we served together a Long time ago."

“Call me Charles, please" John's old colleague shook Alyssa's hand, smiling at her cordially.

“Nice to meet you Charles” the slightly intimidated teenager replied.

“Civilian life seems to be treating you well John" The perceptive older man looked at his friend speculatively.

“Come join me in my office and let's catch up" Charles offered, leading the way. They followed him into his office and sat down in comfortable leather seats surrounding a coffee table. The seats were placed in a semi-circle facing a huge window that overlooked the incoming and outgoing traffic of the starport.

“That's one hell of a view Charles" John said, watching a massive Terran Federation Carrier as it slowly made its way to the Nav beacon.

"Isn't it just" Charles replied. "Now tell me John, what brings you to see me after all this time? I can’t imagine you came all this way just to relive old war stories" He smiled good naturedly.

John turned to look back at his old friend.

“Tyrenium... 10 tons of it." Charles looked startled before he whistled appreciatively. "Civilian life really has been good to you John."

John glanced at Alyssa, before nodding emphatically. "ll take the whole cargo if

Charles tapped his chin thoughtfully. you're willing, just name your price.”