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“Now would I do something like that?” asked Maddox.

  “I see. What if Cook orders you to drop your prisoners off at Pluto?”

  Maddox shook his head. “I’m not going to inform him about my whereabouts until I greet him in Geneva.”

  “What if he uses the Long-Range Builder Communicator to check up on you?”

  “I’m not going to answer,” Maddox said.

  “Truly?”

  Maddox leaned down and kissed his wife’s luscious lips. “Cross my heart,” he whispered. “I do need a rest. I also need to speak to my grandmother. After I see her, you and I will go on a cruise, or maybe rent a boat and just row around and lie on a Southern Pacific tropical island.”

  “Sounds like fun.”

  “It will be. You and I will do plenty of skinny-dipping.”

  “What’s that mean?” Meta asked.

  “Swimming naked in the ocean,” Maddox said with a leer.

  Meta kissed him, saying, “I’m looking forward to it.”

  They sat together quietly for a time, simply enjoying each other’s company.

  “Do you think it will work at Alpha Sigma 9?” Meta asked later.

  “It was worth a try. Sometimes you have to forgive and forget to bring about peace.”

  “And all the Liss cybers are dead there?”

  “I hope so, and I believe they are.”

  “The mobile null region won’t give Earth any more trouble?” Meta asked.

  “Not for a while, at least,” Maddox said. “But look, honey, I don’t want to talk about Meyers or the Liss. I’m relaxing for a little while, anyway. I’m taking a break so I can come on stronger next time.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Meta, my dear, this is what I do. In the end, I love it. Next time, I’m going to be sharper than ever. Two months on Earth, that sounds about right.”

  He kissed her again. Then, he stood, taking Meta by the hand and beginning the walk back to their quarters.

  ***

  Galyan had glimpsed them from time to time during their meal and relaxation in his ghost mode. Captain Maddox and his wife were safe, and they were happy. The crew of Victory was safe and secure again. The little AI was glad. According to his computations, he would outlive everyone aboard the starship, so he wanted to enjoy their company for as long as possible.

  To that end, Galyan vowed to himself once again to do everything in his power to keep his family safe. If that meant guarding the starship alone while the crew took a vacation, well, that is what he would do.

  Galyan smiled, and then he disappeared, heading for the professor’s science laboratory to make sure the Methuselah Man wasn’t up to some new mischief.

  THE END

  From the Author: Thanks Reader! I hope you’ve enjoyed THE LOST TECH. If you liked the book and would like to see the story continue, please put up some stars and a review to support the series. Let me know what you would like Captain Maddox and the crew to challenge next!

  -VH