He's not really much different from Alex Row. Same invincible reputation, same black cape, same cold eyes, even the same bored expression as the officers rattle off their commands. It's such a lifeless face, and it pains Tatiana because she remembers when it was so alive.

She remembers when Claus Valka's face glowed with all kinds of life.

"Captain." She says, speaking with all her usual calm. "We are now coming up on the service station, preparing to dock."

He just nods. No response, just like the old captain.

"Attention all hands!" She speaks into the intercom. "We are now docking with Imperial service station ten. We shall remain here for a week while repairs and refitting is conducted. During that time, you will all have leave, but remember that we are at the capital. Please act accordingly."

She hangs up the phone, trying to ignore the cheers she hears echoing around the ship, and follows the captain out the door. "Captain, we must go over the specifications for refitting the Norkia." She knows them already, but she wants him to talk. He's been quiet all day.

"Tatiana…." He groans, rubbing his eyes. "Repair the armor. Refit the cannons. Resupply on ammo and fuel, and see if Godwin has anything new for us. It's fairly straightforward."

She hates to do this, but she can't let him get away so easily. "I meant for the funeral procession."

He just glares at her and moves away coldly.

She runs after him. "Captain…"

"I do not care what you do for the Empress' procession." His speech is hard and fast, and Tatiana feels he's lying, but she says nothing. "We are staying here for the funeral, and then we will leave. What decorations we put on for it…" He spits in disgust. "…is of no interest to me. This whole procedure is a waste of time." His gaze rambles over the wall. "What Admiral Mad-Thane was thinking…"

"We didn't have anything really pressing on the frontiers." She shoots back. Every so often he pushes too far, and then she snaps.

He doesn't say anything, and finally mutters, as if to himself. "Anything would be better than attending this damn parade."

"It's for the Empress." She reminds him. "We owe her that much. All the rest of the Silvana will be there." She notices him tense at the name, and exploits it. "The crew should gather for one more reunion. "

"Reunions." He sighs, moving into his quarters. "The more we have, the more I hate them."

He doesn't say why, but he doesn't have to. Every reunion has been a funeral. Each time they see each other, there's always one they don't see.

"Do whatever you want with the decorations." He moves to shut the door. "I'm not leaving until we go

"Claus…" She follows him into his quarters. "Admiral Mad-Thane has renewed his request."

Claus settles into his chair. "Tell him no."

"Sir, we're not doing anything out in the fringes." She frowns at him. "The Admiral is getting old, he'd like to know someone like you was taking over the fleet." She looks away. "And someone needs to help Prince Alexander as he becomes emperor."

Claus doesn't answer, he just sighs and runs a hand through his hair. Frustrated, Tatiana glances around and catches glimpse of a small photo on the desk. She's seen it a hundred times, but it hits her every time she sees it. Hamilcar Valka, George Head, Captain Row and some girl—Tatiana still can't remember who—all perched on an old vanship. In the front, laughing with their fathers, are Claus and… Lavie.

Lavie…

Kneeling, Tatiana sits down in a chair and looks across the table at him. He's not much like the sleepy head who ran aboard to look after a little girl. He's taller now, and stronger. He's still young, too, though his face doesn't look like it. Doesn't exactly wear a cape, it's more one of those new over-coat things.

She's changed too, she supposes. Her hair is a little longer, but still fitting for a ship. She looks tired, her eyes aren't quite so hard and cold as they used to be. Still calm, but not hard. And she wears a more ornate uniform, not the flight-suit she's used to.

They've both changed. But he's changed in ways she never will, and in ways she doesn't want to. So the only thing she can do is try to change him back.

"What exactly do you want from me?" The grunt recalls her to her task, and she glances back. "I'm not going to help with the decorations, I can tell you that much."

She nods, she didn't really expect him to. "The Admiral would like you to make an appearance at the funeral." She answers. "You knew her well aboard the Silvanna, so it's only fitting. And it would be a great inspiration to everyone there."

He grunts noncommittedly.

"Will you do it?"

Sighing, he nods.

Tatiana enjoys a small feeling of triumph. She doesn't get many. "Good." She stands up and straightens her uniform.

"Tell the station…"

"…that you are not onboard, yes sir." She allows a smile to cross her face. "I shall make sure no well-intentioned dignitaries come prowling around looking for you. And I will close off this area, you will have no visitors."

The nod he gives her is almost grateful, and she steps outside. Closing the door, she sighs and leans against it.

Just the same as Alex, really. Fear, guilt, and anger. Except with no one to focus them at. Tatiana isn't sure if it's better or worse. But she hopes he can conquer it, because she really doesn't want to be just like Sophia.

A/N: I really loved this anime, but the ending left me rather dissapointed, as I think it did many people. And none of the fanfictions really expressed what I wanted. So I wrote this thing up. If anyone's confused as to what Tatiana and Claus are doing back on Nestor, or where Lavie is, it will be explained. It's not an alternate Universe, that's all I can say.

Please review. Reviews are good.