“I know you were desperate to leave there before, but when I bought the last load of Tyrenium I could only afford 10 tons, and I know the mine still had a bit more. It would be worth our while going back to pick that up, even if it's just @ couple of tons.”

Alyssa didn't react aversely, she just seemed to be turning things over in her mind.

"Is that ok with you then, honey?" he asked, to make sure she had heard him.

“Oh, sorry," she apologised.

“I was just thinking about something I left behind there. Sure, a trip back sounds great!"

They headed up to the bridge, and Alyssa laid in a new course to Karron. She hit the button on her console, and the large holographic display showed the winding path through the stars.

“There we go, 11.9 days!" she said, satisfied that she couldn't reduce the journey time any further.

"That journey took me over 4 weeks in the Fool's Gold!" John exclaimed, marvelling at the difference his talented young companion, and their powerful new ship had made.

"You're welcome!" Alyssa smiled at him, tipping an imaginary hat, causing John to Laugh at her mimicry of him.

“Permission to get under way Commander?" Alyssa asked politely.

“Take us out of here X0," John said, as he smiled at the beautiful young woman.

Alyssa grinned happily and flipped the switch to release the docking clamps. She clicked a couple more buttons, and the engines throbbed with power, as the massive cruiser glided out of the docking bay under her smooth and steady hand. The 500 metre long behemoth pivoted elegantly, in a manoeuvre that seemed unnaturally graceful for a ship of that size, and then leapt forward as Alyssa engaged full drive power. They reached the Nav-beacon in what seemed like no time, before the cruiser eagerly clawed its way into hyper warp.

"We better get back to Calara," John said, looking at the ships chronometer.

“fourteen hours are nearly up.”

“Can't wait to round out that Lovely coffee coloured tummy again, eh?" Alyssa smirked at him teasingly.

"You're such a vixen!" John exclaimed as he laughed. "You know I just want to make sure she's ok.”

“I know, that's why I love you!" The beautiful blonde said, standing eagerly.

“Come on, let's go see how sleeping beauty is doing."

They didn't have to wait much Longer before Calara started to stir. Her eyes fluttered awake, and it took her a moment to realise where she was. When the events of last night began to flood back to her, she huddled into the covers, blushing with embarrassment.

“Hello there," Alyssa smiled at her warmly.

“How are you feeling?"

“A bit thirsty," Calara mumbled, self conscious to find herself in Alyssa's bed.