EXCUSE ME CAPTAIN PHOENIX BUT CAPTAIN REX WISHES TO COMMUNICATE WITH

YOU ON A MATTER SHE REGARDS WITH SOME URGENCY.

“Yes. Put her on,” said Phoenix absently. He sat up as what Marshia had said registered. “Rex? Is she still ... Is the police ship all right?”

THE POLICE VESSEL LIMA OSCAR THREE HAS BEEN DESTROYED, CAPTAIN.

“Oh,” said Phoenix with some concern.

Captain Rex’s hysterical voice came over the communications channel. “Phoenix!” she shouted most unbecomingly. “Who the hell do you think youare! ”

“She seems a tad cross, wouldn’t you say?” said Phoenix to Apricot. “Where is she, anyway?”

HOLDING BAY THREE, CAPTAIN.

“What’s she doing there?” asked Phoenix.

“Phoenix?!Phoenix?! ANSWER ME, YOU BIG PUFF!” Rex was becoming most unladylike.