h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

* Eli's glare now becomes downright dangerous - an effect that is enhanced by the carefully measured, soft tone of his voice. *

This isn't just about *you*, you self-centered brat. Anything you do here can have consequences for *anyone* in the future - even on other planets. And as long as you're unable - or unwilling - to see the big picture, you shouldn't be allowed out *without* a babysitter - not even in our own time.

*Kyra glares coldly back at Eli*

How did I ever survive so long without you? </>

* Eli's look is just as cold as Kyra's. *

Oh, you'll do just fine as long as you only have *yourself* to worry about.

*Kyra doesn't drop her gaze, though she wants to*

That's right. I survived in this hell for 12 years by only looking after myself, and another eight in spaceports and prisons doing the exact same thing. I'm sorry I can't be your idea of a perfect employee. I do what I know, and I do what I *want* </>

*Frankie whines, and Kyra finally drops Eli's gaze to pet her. She's shaking slightly, but doesn't let it show*

* Eli shakes his head. *

That's a luxury you no longer have, and you *know* it - and that has nothing to do with who you're working for. And as I've told you before, I don't need you to be perfect. I need you to be *smart*.

*Kyra doesn't look up, and she doesn't answer until she's taken a few deep breaths*

I'm going to get another drink. Do you want one?

* Lucy exchanges a glance with Eli and speaks up, for the first time in quite a while. *

I think we all could do with a glass of wine...

* She smiles at Kyra. *

*Kyra nods and goes into the kitchen. She takes her time opening a bottle of wine and getting three glasses, and doesn't return to the lounge area until she's calmer. She isn't used to fighting with words. She'd much rather be hitting someone, or be hit herself than have to listen to much more of this*

*She pours the wine and passes Eli and Lucy a glass each and sits back down*

* The wine is drunk in more or less companionable silence. There's not much more to say in the quiet after the storm. *

* After a while, Eli gets up and disappears into the kitchen to prepare dinner. Upon hearing the soft clatter of pots and pans, Frankie gets up and trots into the kitchen, too, with what can only be described as an expectant look on her face. *

* Lucy gives Kyra another smile. *

You two may be angry at each other, but you should keep one thing in mind: We came here to get you back... </>

*Kyra nods at Lucy, but she doesn't think Eli is particularly pleased he came*

Thanks.

*She calls out a soft 'goodnight' through to the kitchen, smiles sadly at Lucy, and leaves for her bedroom. She's not feeling very hungry*

* In the kitchen Eli hears Kyra's call, and wishes her goodnight in return. *

* A little later Lucy joins him. They cut the vegetables and talk in low voices about the evening. *

* When Frankie has finished her meal Eli brings her to Kyra, while Lucy sets the table and finishes the cooking. *

* They continue their talk while they eat, storing some of the food in the stasis box for Kyra. After a last glass of wine in the garden, they retreat to their bedroom. *

*Kyra's been carefully avoiding everyone all day, but hunger finally drives her out and to the kitchen. She finds some food in a stasis box and sits down to eat*

* Lucy has once again spent most of her day in the tardis' garden with Eli. As talking had made them thirsty. Lucy has offered to get them something to drink. *

* She sees Kyra when she enters the kitchen and smiles at her. *

Hi Kyra. How are you?

*Kyra looks up when she hears someone, and smiles when she sees it's only Lucy*

Hi Lucy. I'm alright.

*She shrugs*

Hey, listen ... I'm sorry you had to come here. But I'm glad you're here.

* Lucy gives Kyra another smile. *

Don't worry about it. We wouldn't leave you stuck in your own past.

*Kyra smiles sheepishly*

For a while I thought you had.

* Lucy fills a pitcher with fruit juice and puts it on a tray with some glasses. *

Well, both Eli and Tavaron were quite angry with you. They needed some cool-down time.

* She gives Kyra a conspiratory wink. *

*Kyra smiles wryly*

Yeah, 'cause I'd hate to see him mad ...

* Lucy chuckles. *

He wouldn't have been angry if you weren't important to him.

* She smiles at Kyra. *

*Kyra looks down*

I guess.

I just needed to do this my way.

*She pauses, then brightens again. She pulls a slightly ragged photograph out of her pocket and shows it to Lucy. It shows the man Kyra presumes to be her father steadying a chubby black-haired baby while she takes a hesitant step. A swing-set is visible in the background*

Look, see? I have to find him.