Chapter 54

Harper and the Maru had begun going over the details for the Mark hologram and android avatar. Dylan was nearing the end of his shift as Beka entered Command. "So, how did it go with Rhade?"

Dylan sighed, "I owe him one, a big one, and now I just have to wait for the moment when he calls in his marker."

Beka cringed slightly, "That well, hmm?"

Dylan took a deep breath, "It could have been worse. So, how did your morning go?"

Beka smiled, "I had breakfast with Trance and the twins, did you know they're already talking?"

Dylan's eyebrows raised, "Talking, hmm? Should make our baby sitting duties more interesting in a few months."

Beka laughed, "Cassia can eat her own weight in fruit, Lil' Seamus can pack away an impressive amount of pancakes and he's definitely his father's child."

Dylan looked worried, "Do I even want to know what you mean by that?"

Beka giggled, "Probably not, but, he's a rascal and as full of energy as Harper ever dreamed of being, plus."

"Plus?"

"Plus."

Dylan rubbed his face, "Is there a patron saint of baby sitters I should be petitioning about now?"

Back aboard the Maru, Harper had started with the basics, "Height?"

"Six foot"

Harper nodded, "Tall but not too tall, I like it. Next, build?"

"Slim but athletic"

"Ok, not too thin but not to bulky. Next, skin tone?"

"A shade darker than yours"

"Ok, me with a tan. Next, hair color?"

"Brunette"

"Brown or black? And yes there is a difference."

"Dark Brown, not quite black."

"Eye color?" There was a drawn out pause.

"I… I'm not sure. Green or Blue?"

Harper scratched his head, "Well we've already got quite a few pairs of blue eyes aboard the Andromeda, perhaps a change would prove interesting?"

"That's true, green would make me stand out from the crowd… yes green."

"Ok, once we get your base image programmed in we can add the more distinct features. And I'd like to see if I can't program some irreverent humor into your routine, you still sound like you've got a rod up your…"

"Harper! I get the picture. If you think it will help me adapt then fine, but don't go overboard."

Harper grinned, "Overboard? Who me?"

Maru mumbled, "What have I unleashed?"

Just then a signal came over the intercom, "Harper, you have a message from Trance coming in."

Harper tapped the console, "Hi honey! I'm just finishing up for the day. I should be there in five maybe 10 minutes tops."

Trance gave him the, 'uh huh, sure,' look, "I take over on command in one hour, you'd better be here before then. And, by the way, your son has decided while teething it's Ok to bite others, so beware, or you may lose a finger." Harper's eyes got wide, and Trance ended the call.

Maru piped in with, "Trouble in paradise?"

Harper rolled his eyes, "Now, you start showing a sense of humor."