"I seem to be making this a habit, and I"m sorry," she said.

"Hurry and eat," the commander interrupted, and she could sense his impatience. Surprised by this, she moved to the tray by her bed and began shovelling in the tasty, yet cold food and merida that fifteen minutes ago had probably been steaming hot.

He then, to her surprise, ushered her from the room and down a massive corridor, filled with opulent paintings and other decorations that were clearly of alien design. But she wasn"t even allowed to stop and admire them, so swiftly did he move her along. Realizing he must be pressed for time, she brooked...