On the eve of a critical mission against the Created, a long overdue reunion occurs aboard a UNSC ship in deep space. Miranda's first punch had caught Riker off guard, but he'd let it slide. After all, Miranda had always outclassed him in agility. The second attack, a kick to the ribs, knocked some of his air, but he recovered with two quick jabs that staggered his foe back. But the third strike, a knock to the head, had shaken him. Riker could tell he was off his game and so did Miranda. "Riker –" "Don't," he began. "– what's going on? You're never distracted like this."