Time: CY 10090 AD July 5167
Location: The Andromeda Ascendant's officers' mess

“Good night, Beka,” said Trance as she walked into the Andromeda's officers' mess. “I'm calling it an early night tonight.”

“Good night, Trance,”replied Beka. “Don't let the bedbugs bite.”

“What are bedbugs, Beka?”

“I haven't a clue but it was something my father used to tell me when I told him I was going to bed and now I'm telling it to you.”

“Oh, OK then. Anyway, good night.” With the last goodnight Trance left the officers' mess.

“You treat her just like your daughter,” commented Rommie, who had been sitting in the mess with Beka. Both women were at one of the mess tables enjoying a cup of coffee. As an android Rommie didn't get any effect from the drink, but she had the capability to drink and she found that she enjoyed the sociability that went with sharing a cup of coffee.”

“Actually she is my daughter,” answered Beka. An instant later she learned something new about Rommie; an android can choke on a drink.