It's so horribly lonely here. We don't mind
you're Rebels. WE don't much like The Empire, ourselves. That's why
most of us joined this crew. But here we had a certain amount of
freedom exploring, but we want to see cities
again....people....children....real women, something besides food grown
in our production units, something besides all this damned sand!"
16 "Don't worry," North promised, "we'll come back, we'll take you
home."
17 The Commander's face lit up like a happy child. "We'll be right
here!" he assured, "We'll be waiting!"
18 North awoke with a start, and pressed the communicator at the head
of his bed. "Yes sir!" came a sharp response.
19 "Time," requested North.
20 "One hour before first cycle, sir!"
21 "Good," continued North, "I'll be up in a while."
22 North showered, dressed, then made his way to the command deck. The
first line crew was reporting in. The reports on repairs encouraged
him. Everything but the engines was almost fully functional.
23 A few minutes after the watch began the Doctor entered the deck.
"Time for post leap scans," she announced. "Everybody up to it?"
24 "Sure!" agreed North. "After my dream last night, post leap scan
would feel like nothing; not after dining with the crew of the "Ain't
Been There Yet!'"
25 There was a loud BANG as the Doctor's scanner bounced off the floor.
"Three foot worms?" she stuttered, "Mechanical women?"
26 North sat bolt upright in his chair. "So lonely!" put in
Communications, "Been there so long!"
27 "Had to come back for them," added Firing Control, "you had to
promise you wouldn't leave them behind!"