“Uranium and Old Lace” The whole thing starts in Teesdale in Spenceria, Higher Aspiration had been repaired from her pirate attack, but there was the issue of obtaining a new crew (not to mention the costs of repair and aerodrome docking fees). Kyr has assembled most of his crew and was looking for a navigator when Cynthia comes into everyone’s life. Shortly after hiring her, as Kyr is heading to the bar, he is intercepted by an older fellow who claims to be her father! Much to Kyr’s surprise, he is made a tempting offer… reject Cynthia’s offer for a job and he will cover the Aspiration’s repair and docking fees. Justinian explains his reasons, which naturally upset Kyr, and he declines.

As the crew is leaving the bar, with Cynthia in tow, they encounter her would-be husband with several rather tough guys in tow. Much to the surprise of everyone (esp. Cynthia) Horatio looks right at her, then past her, then leads his posse toward an alternate entrance. The last thing anyone wants is a confrontation before they can even leave port, so they return to the hanger for the night while Westwind puzzles over the quickest way to pay off everyone.

The morning is briefly met with morning services from Catherine Gaudi who briefly explains the nature of the Catholic Church of Ayre to Stavos, who explains to her that he may not return that evening as she is not the only person being hunted by their past. Finalizing acquiring supplies for the trip, several shadowy figures are seen trailing Stavos and everyone decides to return to the hanger… where they run into Horatio, and the dock master of the aerodrome.

Everyone expects a fight but decides to let Cynthia try to persuade Horatio first. Instead, much to everybody’s surprise, they are told that “after” paying their dock fees and repair costs, a zeppelin under charter to Horatio is arriving and they have been “bumped”… they are politely told to LEAVE! Once out of earshot, Horatio explains to Cynthia and company that he has no desire to marry ever. In return for her “rescue” he demands that they at least have the courtesy to announce themselves in the future… so he can go in the exact opposite direction. As far as Horatio is concerned, a lengthily “merry chase” will “keep me from the sacrificial alter” until it’s ominous shadow darkens my doorstep no more”!

… Somewhat miffed that Horatio is so EAGER to place as much of Chariot between her and himself, she nevertheless quickly joins everyone else aboard the Higher Aspiration and they flee into the night sky…

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