"Didn't you tell the captain all this?" Roy's eyes widened in amusement.
"I tried to, but he wouldn't listen. I don't think he even believed me. He certainly didn't want to know."
Roy stood up impetuously. "I will go back and talk to him. When I have explained all the details, he will have to let you come with us."
Putting a restraining hand on his arm, Layla said, "Thanks, Roy, but it wouldn't do any good. He will just say that I have spun you a whole web of lies."
"Well, there must be some way I can help," Roy said, sitting down again, his brow creasing into a frown as he tried to think.
"I'm going to have to take you aboard, whether or not the captain approves."
Layla smiled at him, her faith in humanity partially restored. "Thanks, Roy. I really appreciate that, but I don't want
