She's the captain of the Norway and a thorn in Union's side
Protector of Pell station and a source of grudging pride

Left the Mazianni with a price upon her head
And stayed to guard the stations that the company left for dead

They say she doesn't think about the lives that she has lost
They say when Norway goes to fight, she doesn't count the cost

That once she's planned a course, she never recons wrong or right
So why does she stare sleeplessly into the dark of night

?Perses Flight Control, Fighter Erinyes requesting clearance to launch.?

?Roger that Captain, clearance to launch has been given. Hunting today??

?Negative, Control. Just shaking off the rust.?

?Roger that, Check Six, Captain.?

She flipped her visor into position and brought up the HUD. She skillfully maneuvered her fighter into the hold position. Once the go ahead signal was given, she dropped into the black and brought her engines up to full. It was as easy as getting back on the bicycle.

Many questioned the wisdom of getting behind the stick. She didn?t care. She was the type of Captain that did not believe in sitting back and giving orders. If she couldn?t do it herself, then she didn?t order it. Pissed off a number of her superiors doing that too.

Captain Signy Mallory has no soul they say
The captain of the Norway has a heart of frozen clay
That on the bridge of the Norway, she throws men's lives like dice
Captain Signy Mallory, her eyes are fire and ice

She had the respect of her crew but that was a respect returned. She always maintained her flight status in case the extra hand was needed. They had been fortunate so far. No major encounters that required her attention in that manner. She figured everyone thought she was neglecting her duty when she did this. Nothing was further from the truth. She just needed to fly?

?And to think.

They say for Norway's captain disciplines an iron whip
That it's worth your life to break her rules in dock or off the ship
That no-one sane serves under her command but if that's so
Then why do her troops cheer her when she passes them below

They say the captain has no crude emotions to control
Just an iron fist, an iron will and an iron-banded soul
They say she shows no mercy they say she never can
So why is Norway refuge for a burned out Union man

It was almost peaceful in the cockpit. She could think and feel. After 6 years on the mission, she began to wonder if she made the right choices in her life. There were three things that ruled her life ? Discipline, Duty, Dedication? Was she right in not getting entangled? Perhaps. She needed to maintain discipline. She had a duty to the Fleet and she had dedicated her life to this mission.

Captain Signy Mallory has no soul they say
The captain of the Norway has a heart of frozen clay
That on the bridge of the Norway, she throws men's lives like dice
Captain Signy Mallory, her eyes are fire and ice

She's the captain of the Norway and a thorn in Union's side
The Mazianni fear her, she's the heart of Norway's pride

And stationer or merchant from Fargone back to Pell
Know for Mallory all Norway would fight demons out of hell

She was surrounded by men, the best in the Fleet. She could look?

She could fantasize in private?

Captain Signy Mallory, her eyes are fire and ice

?But she could never touch and be. At least here, a tear could escape without being seen. None needed know the Captain was a woman after all with real feelings.

(Signy Mallory - Character by CJ Cherryh, Lyrics by Mercedes Lackey)

Officer?s Lounge was probably the most relaxed place to find the command staff on the ship. It was here they could unwind and talk in comfort without much formality. Sometimes they would find themselves in the enlisted lounge, getting to know the crew had been encouraged. Except today, she wanted that time to herself - Craved that time.

She was nursing a glass of beer as she looked out the observation port in the lounge. What would they find with this system, Shivan?s? Or more mistrustful locals looking to set the foreigners in their place. She rubbed at a set of scars on her chin, barely visible unless you knew what was there. Her eyes seemed unfocused as she thought on the past.

She had been such a tomboy growing up. She didn?t want dolls, dresses and tea parties. She wanted to fly. She was forever tagging after her brother and his friends. Of course, young males did not want a girl following them on their adventures. Especially one that could keep up with them.

When did she start liking boys? She mused as she swirled the beer in her glass. She always had a crush on one of her brother?s friends. She never said anything though, almost scared of loosing the friendship. She went her way, with one failed relationship after another. Jameson was the last straw. How long had it been? Six, almost Seven years? It sucked, but what could she do?

Was he right? Was she married to her duty? Or was she just afraid. Afraid was more like it.

Still that night out, even with him dozing off was fun? Except for the wolf knocking her off her stool and injuring her shoulder. She rotated it a bit, still getting twinges here and there. She supposed she should have Doc do a scan, but she was already not living it down.

She sat at the window thinking of what-ifs and could-have-beens. The glass was tipped back in a smooth motion. She was faced away from the rest of the room, though if one could see her reflection they might wonder if they saw a tear fall down her cheek. It was all she could afford. If nothing else, she realized one thing.

She still had a crush on him?