The Alliance Fleet had auctioned off an exclusive contract to provide food on their ships, and that contract had been the cornerstone of the winner's business ever since.

Timmermann's was a chain of fast-food restaurants that was based on one principle- "Get what you want." They had done more than just allow customers to order their burgers with no pickles or extra hummus, though. The first time a customer came in, they had to register in their system. Their face and DNA key were scanned and saved to a central database, and a profile was created for them. They could then start making a menu, combining ingredients to create their own meals. They were priced based on which ingredients were used, and they were made available by a number. Anyone with a registered profile could walk into one of the many Timmermann's restaurants in Alliance space, order their number three, and get the same meal they would get at any other one, only restricted if it was an Outpost Timmermann's, which had a more limited supply.

While the ingredient limitations made people prefer non-Outpost locations, the staff at an Outpost were usually much more friendly and tended to make themselves much more a part of the community.

The Temporos had an Outpost Timmermann's on board, and the staff there were well-liked by all. This was partially due to their easygoing attitude, but also partially because they delivered.

After about five minutes after the Temporos left orbit, the doors to the Command Deck opened up to reveal Stan Ehrman, laden with several bags of food. "Someone order a snack?"

Captain Endyan's head whipped around. He had been watching a replay of the video and hadn't heard the doors open. He looked confused for a moment, then shot a look at Vince, who gave him an innocent smile.

"I was hungry," he said, "and I figured it would be good to relax while we can."

Stan spoke up. "I've got something here for you too, Dave."

Endyan smiled and sighed. "I guess you've got a point, Vince." Stan handed out his bags, and they everyone pulled out their food.

"So, what's going on, anyway?" Stan asked, "Commander's Initiative and whatnot."

Endyan explained about the transmission, and Andrea brought up the video and played it.

Stan was silent for a few moments, then said slowly, "Now, you know I can't say anything about what I overhear on the job, right?"

Endyan frowned. The Timmermann's Employee Code of Conduct was very strict, and the penalties for violations were severe. An employee caught revealing privileged information could be fired- or worse. There was nothing official, but there were stories about employees who'd found themselves on the wrong side of an airlock for breaking the Code. If Stan was volunteering information, then it must have been important.

"Well," Stan continued, "you might want to talk to Dr. Tanner about her latest work. I'm not saying it's related to this, but you might find it worthwhile to look into."

Vince frowned as well. Dr. Tanner's doing theoretical work, he thought, experimenting with ways to extend the range of Dilation Fields. What could that have to do with anything?

"Right. Thanks," Endyan replied, still frowning. He remained frowning as Stan left, and even as he returned to his video. In fact, he was still frowning when, a few minutes later, something beeped and Vince said, "We're here."

"Right," Endyan said, "Vince, scan the area for wreckage. Andrea, monitor all frequencies for additional messages. I'll be down on the research deck talking to Dr. Tanner."

"Do you want me to call ahead, sir?" Andrea asked as the Captain headed for the doors.

"No," he replied, "if she's got something to hide, I don't want to give her a chance to do so."

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