After several minutes, the Captain returned with another man who appeared very reluctant to be seen here."Tell them what you told me," the Captain dir...cted, without introducing him."We was anchored near Ossabaw Island at dawn this morning when our lookout spied a fleet of ships on the horizon. We could easily see twenty-five ships -- large warships and there may have been more that we couldn't see past the horizon. They was sailing north well off of the coast. They looked to be English, but we. ”“They were very special, David, and instrumental in my finding reality, or at least resolving issues, in my faith. But, David, you’re not inadequate, just ... different. Especially recently.”“Thank you. Yes. Recently. After the Christmas service, I was greeting people and shook hands with a visitor. As I did so, something ... opened up ... in me.” He touched his head and his heart. The young woman just watched him, and didn’t comment. “I went to see her. I wanted to try to get her to join us.. Have you missed me?" I asked her in a low growl."Oh yes, Master, more than you know. I am so glad you could come to visit me," she said softly, but I could sense the lust in her voice right away."Well, I am here now. Have you been a good girl for me?" I asked."Yes, Master, I've been very good. I have gotten all my work done before you came here so I could spend all my time with you," she said proudly of her achievements."That IS a good girl. I may just have to reward such thoughtfulness. Would. ." It has been a privilege serving with you, Sir" And you have served with honor Lieutenant..."He searched for more to say, but there was nothing. His species paid compliments rarely so the Communications Officer knew what she had meant to him. Her respect and loyalty for her Captain had long since turned to unspoken love, a love which would die with her here, in the cold reaches of the edge of the galaxy."Captain, I..." No need for words Lieutenant." You... knew?" Yes." Could there ever have.