"Around 10 hours." she interjected helpfully.

"So relax and we'll get you back to civilisation soon." John finished. Alyssa opened up the airlock at the back of the dropship and the traders and Ore haulers began to disembark into the Hangar. John, Alyssa and the Nymph followed them outside and found Sparks waiting for them at the double doors that led to the interior of the Invictus. She waved to them with a huge grin on her face and then stopped to look curiously at their green skinned companion.

John strode up to the inquisitive redhead and wrapped her in a big hug “Thanks for saving our butts!" He said, grinning.

Sparks smiled back at him “You're welcome handsome!" she said, but she was distracted and looked back at the Nymph "... but who's that?" she asked curiously.

“I'll explain later. Can you and Calara get these people settled on deck 4 and then come and meet us in the debriefing room on the command deck?" he asked.

“Yeah, sure John." Sparks said distantly, fascinated by the exotic alien woman.

John turned to face the people they had freed from captivity. "You won't need the guns now, can you Leave them in a pile by the door when you go out please." he asked politely.

The group of civilians placed their appropriated pirate weaponry in a pile by the door, as they filed out to follow Sparks to their temporary accommodation and left John, Alyssa and the Nymph alone in the hangar bay. The three of them followed behind the throng of people, who all just about fit into the elevator and they waited behind while the elevator doors swished closed quietly. They watched the elevator rise up through the deck levels until it reach deck 4 and waited for it to empty and return back to them.

“So what's your name?" Alyssa asked the Nymph curiously, as she turned to face her.

“This one was called bitch or slut by her last master." The green hued girl answered helpfully.

“You don't have your own name?" Alyssa asked. "Something you were called before you had a master?"

“This one does not know, it was long ago." she answered sadly. "This one would like it if master chose her a new name though." the Nymph said, smiling warmly at John.

“How about calling you Jade?" Alyssa said tentatively. "You remind me of a beautiful Jade stone I saw once, that they'd found in a mine". The Nymph looked to John for confirmation.

“If you like it, then sure." he said to the exotic young woman.

“Jade Likes her new name very much master, thank you!" The girl said, glowing with happiness.

“You don't have to have a master now," John said to her.

“you can be free."

“Whatever you say master!" Jade replied, nodding eagerly.

John sighed, realising his bid to emancipate her was hopeless.

"Can I ask you something Jade?" Alyssa asked cautiously.

"Certainly Alyssa, ask whatever you wish." Jade said openly.

“why did you turn into a copy of me when we first met you?" Alyssa wondered.

“That is the form that master considers to be female perfection." Jade replied guilelessly.

Alyssa's eyes welled up and she moved over to kiss John tenderly “I love you." she said, her voice full of emotion.

“I Love you too honey," John said, “my perfect woman.“ He smiled and kissed her again.