Belladonna navigated the evening crowd with Beauregard in tow. She had regained her usual composure, and seemed to hold her nose even higher. A sign loomed overhead the walkway, announcing "Gallagher Height Hotel." Although it was not ideal, Belladonna didn't care. Between the delay; that impertinent mechanic; and the news of possible sabotage of her ship, she had more then enough worries on her plate. "This will have to do," she declared, turning to her butler.<br/><br/>The hotel suit was at the very least spacious. A window overlooked Moran Station, and at this hour bore witness to the twinkling of the gas-lamps that illuminated the main streets. Having shed the pale dress, Belladonna slipped into the steaming water of a bath with relief. Closing her eyes she let her mind wander through the halls of memories. It had been several months since she had seen her sister. Business had kept her occupied, while her younger sibling was undoubtedly preoccupied with her nuptial preparations. With a resigned sigh she lamented the lost time that this delay had cost her. It seemed that everyone was slipping away from her. A workers Union riot had taken her father; grief and loneliness had stolen her mother; and very soon her sister would be gone too, living their childhood dream with her white knight. "Damn the filthy weasel that sabotaged my ship!" she exclaimed slamming her fist against the rim of the brass bath. A trepidatious knock at the bathroom door preceded the concerned voice of Beauregard, "Is everything alright, Miss Andler?" The throbbing pain in her hand tempered her anger. "It's nothing," she assured the butler. "Nothing but under-the-table politicking," she thought. But who stood to gain from having her removed from the picture? The business was owned by her, so there were no partners with ambitious intentions. There wouldn't be any change in marketshare by her competitors even if she were gone. The business would simply transfer to her sister. This thought sat uncomfortably with Belladonna. Her sister was the only beneficiary were she to disappear.<br/><br/>When Belladonna emerged, she was met by a set table and an evening newly arrived. "I had taken it on myself to order your dinner. I'm sure you must be hungry," piped her ever thoughtful butler. Wordlessly she sat down and picked at her meal with half-hearted interest. After a few mouthfuls she put down her fork and stood up. "I'm sorry, Miss Andler. Was the meal no to your liking?"<br/>"It's fine. I just don't seem to have much of an appetite tonight. I think I'll retire for the night."<br/>"Certainly, Miss Andler," Beauregard replied.<br/><br/>Morning came streaming into the hotel room on the sun's golden rays. Belladonna's green eyes fluttered open, straining against the light. The previous day's worries had melted away with the night. "Good morning, Miss Andler," greeted Beauregard, who had already woken and was pouring out a cup of tea for her. "I have some splendid news." Lifting herself into a sitting position she accepted the tea and allowed him to continue. "The mechanic whom we saw yesterday has completed the repairs." On hearing this Belladonna snapped from her sleep addled stupor. "You mean we can leave soon. I thought he said it would take two days!"<br/>"Well, it seems that he had given you a conservative estimate." As he made his way to his room to begin making preparations to leave he added, "I also thought it would be prudent to have him accompany us, lest any further problem's arise." An unsure "oh" was all Belladonna could manage as she remembered the man's comment from the previous day.<br/><br/>When she made her way to the hotel reception, she found both Beauregard and the mechanic already waiting. She approached the man, eyeing his tacky attire. With a courteous grace she greeted him, "I had not introduced myself before. I am Belladonna Andler." Once the formalities were aside the trio returned to<span style="font-style: italic">The Nauge Solitaire </span>, and were soon back in the skies and on their way to Lordale.