Beka had scored herself a good deal, she thought. Jarmin was certainly more than fair to work for. He also paid well.

The only problem, and it really wasn't much of a problem, was that he had all sorts of lowlifes working for him. There were Flash addicts, sex addicts, you name it. And Jarmin wasn't above helping them score.

Beka tried to keep to herself, for the most part and stay out of everything. When she wasn't off on runs, she stayed on the Maru. She told herself she was happy. There was no emptiness inside her that needed to be filled.

But, of course, it was there.

One night, it got to be a little too much for her and she decided to break her self-imposed isolation. She had just finished a particularly good run and it was something to celebrate.

She went back to the bar she had met Jarmin in. He was there, as always. "So, the snob pilot decides to grace us with her presence?"

"What the hell is that supposed to mean?"

"It means that you never socialize with the rest of us. I'm hurt. You think you're too good for us, don't you?"

"I never said that. Besides, what do you care?"

"I care because I like my runners to know their place. There's no room for snobs in my organization. You're the best pilot I've ever had but, I still don't like it." He scowled.

"So, what do you want me to do to ease your mind?"

"Something, anything." He pointed out to all the activity in the bar. "Like them. I like my employees to have vices. I, myself have them. It promotes harmony."

Beka laughed. "Vice promotes harmony? Interesting theory."

"Don't laugh. This is my operation and it's how I like it. If you don't, you can always leave. No one's forcing you to stay and work for me--Beka Valentine." Beka gasped. Jarmin laughed. "Yes, I know who you are. I knew it all along. Did you really think I didn't? Maybe no one else around here does but, I do. I mean, you helped restore the Commonwealth and all. You are pretty famous. And I gather

that you don't want anyone from the erstwhile government to know where you are, judging from the expression on your face. I could, of course, send a message to President Hunt informing him of your whereabouts. Or not.

It all depends."

Beka was furious but, managed to keep a semblance of calm. "What do you want?"

"Can't you guess?" He leered at her.

Yes, she could. Jarmin repulsed her but, it would just be sex. Nothing she hadn't done before, right? It would be no problem. "Give me fifteen minutes. Your place or mine?"

"Oh, mine, my dear. You know where it is.

I'll be waiting and if you're not there in fifteen minutes, the message gets sent." He lurched off the stool.

Beka felt physically ill. She didn't know why it was bothering her so much all of a sudden; she'd had meaningless sex with less desirables before. But, for some reason, she knew she wouldn't be able to get through it without...something. So, she turned to one of the white-eyed wonders. "I'd like to score some Flash. Can you help me?"