The Objects of Power

Her name was Lynn. She was a very pretty girl of seventeen, a wicked tease, and Noel’s current favorite in a growing harem. She liked Jerel’s horn, liked his silky mane. She liked to stroke one and braid the other as she and Noel talked. Jerel was uncomfortable with the attention, but Noel demanded it to keep Lynn happy. And after all, it was amusing, a Human girl taunting an Equian like that when the Equian could do nothing about it. Noel encouraged it.

For totally different reasons. He was pushing, pushing Jerel to run. To give the Equian his freedom would only defeat his purpose. Jerel had to find his manhood. No one could give it to him. Lynn was merely an opportunity to be taken advantage of.

So Noel encouraged it.

DelMonde sat lost in memory, completely involuntarily. His mind wove pictures of nine years ago with relentless, merciless precision. He had been desperate to find someone to trust, someone to share his newfound ideas and plans. Someone with intelligence. And Jerel was the only one he’d found in the entire palazzo. When had he first noticed that Jerel was something more than a pretty animal? Jerel had always been there; pet, servant, shadow. What had made Noel see intelligence? Jerel had always had a clever wit, a way to amuse his masters, a softer version of his Prince’s acid tongue - and it was Sulu, of course, who had made him realize that where there was wit, there must be intelligence. But how to make Jerel see it? He’d been a pet for twelve years. One way, only one. Whip an animal enough and it will turn on you, but whip it and then let it run from you - and he may find he doesn’t need you. And if there’s a man there, he’ll find it out of hatred and revenge. So, after twelve years of loving, trusting companionship, Noel had to beat his Equian enough to force that turning. It hadn’t been easy. He had truly loved Jerel, even if only as a pet. But he needed a man. Lynn was to be the last straw.

Jerel hadn’t understood the change in Noel. He was uncertain, beginning to be more than resentful. Nothing he did was right anymore, and what was right today could be wrong tomorrow. It all depended on Noel’s whim. Lynn’s attentions seemed to please him, so Jerel sat and let himself be fondled.

“Noel,” Lynn asked sweetly, running a fingertip over the golden spirals of Jerel’s horn, “has your Equian been out to stud?”

Jerel’s eyes lowered and Noel laughed. “Of course. We can’t let him suffer, and it’s that or gelding.”

Lynn giggled. “That would be a waste.” She stoked the silky mane. “Who does the Don get?”

“Oh, mostly harem who aren’t exactly in favor,” Noel replied.

“I’d think it would be those especially in favor,” Lynn said.

Jerel’s head shook involuntarily, and Noel snapped, “Stop that!” Then he smiled at Lynn. “Are you offering?” he asked.

She gazed at Jerel, her eyes following the pared lines of muscle, the soft, almost velvety texture of the golden coat, the corded strength in the powerful, hoofed legs. “It would certainly be interesting,” she murmured seductively. “Wouldn’t it, Jerel?”

Noel watched avidly as Jerel glanced covertly at him, then swallowed uneasily. “Interesting perhaps, Lady,” he answered, “but hardly proper.”

“If I say I want it, it’s proper, pet,” she warned softly.

“If the Prince approves, begging your indulgence, Lady,” Jerel replied.

“Are you arguing with her?” Noel snapped again. Jerel whinnied nervously.

“No, forgive me, Prince.”

Lynn turned to Noel. “I’ve heard,” she breathed, “that Equians are built - differently.” Her eyes gleamed. “Do you suppose I could see it?”

“It might make me jealous,” Noel returned wickedly.

“Ooh, that good?” Lynn squealed.

Noel kissed her. “Why don’t I let you judge that, Lynn?”

Lynn turned eagerly back to Jerel. “How do I arouse him?” she asked excitedly.

After a moment’s pause, Noel’s hand grasped Jerel’s mane. “Well, tell her!” he demanded.

Haltingly, Jerel explained Equian genitalia; a sack-like sheath, covered in the same, coarse coat as the rest of his body, which held both the testicles and the blindingly sensitive penis, as long and as thick as that of the largest Human. It pushed forth from the sheath when he was aroused, which was accomplished by manipulation of the sheath itself, or by touching the softer coat of his inner thighs, or - and Jerel flushed - by repeated stroking along his horn and the skin at its base.

Lynn licked her lips. “Will kissing your horn work?” she asked, her eyes hard and lustful. Jerel felt Noel’s hand pulling his head forward, bringing his horn to Lynn.

“Let’s find out,” Noel murmured.

Lynn’s hot breath warmed his forehead as she tentatively planted a kiss at the base of his horn. Her tongue snaked out, teasing, tasting, rising up along the spirals, then back down to his skin. She pressed her lips to him, mouthing along the golden hardness, almost sucking. It only took a few minutes for Jerel to feel the tightening of the muscles in his sheath as it slowly pushed his organ from its restrictive confines. He let out a soft whicker and Noel pulled him backwards, exposing the glistening, ruddy flesh.

“By the gods!” Lynn gasped, and reached out one elegant fingertip to touch the throbbing shaft. Jerel cried out, the sensation searing him. “Noel, I want him!” Lynn begged.

Noel laughed, pulling Lynn into an erotic kiss, an action he knew both would take as assent, but one which he could later claim was obvious indication that Lynn was his alone. He took her then and there, right in front of his aroused and suffering pet, and for the rest of the day, gave them every opportunity to indulge in increasingly serious fantasy. He noted that Lynn’s fascinated arousal was arousing Jerel more and more urgently. He had never had a Human, would have never dared, and Noel knew the thought excited him. He retired early, letting Lynn return to the Harem after only a very brief coupling, one calculated to leave her unsatisfied. He wondered where they would meet. Lynn could easily bluff any guard who asked where she was going with the Prince’s pet. Not Jerel’s room, nor any of the harem rooms. Outside. The courtyard. Probably the gazebo, knowing Lynn. He’d give them plenty of time, then a restless, irritated Prince would go looking for his favorite. The guard would say he saw her with the Equian. And the Prince would storm out to the yard and catch his pet having sexual relations with a Human. And then...

Lynn had screamed, falling to her knees before him. Jerel, too, fell, terrified. He no longer remembered the words he’d shouted, but none were aimed at Lynn. Jerel was a monster, an ungrateful, perverted beast. He knew what was done to slaves who took their mistresses to bed, how much worse for a pet. He sent Lynn with a guard back to the Harem. Jerel was begging, trying to explain that he had thought Noel had wanted it.

“Wanted you in my favorite?” Noel scorned. “An alien, an animal? How stupid are you, Equian? You’ll learn not to second-guess your masters!” Guards held him, and Noel had whipped him. Hard. For a very long time. Jerel begged at first, and Noel beat him for daring to speak. He whinnied with the pain, and Noel beat him for that, Long after he was thoroughly cowed and covered in bloody welts, his coat and mane heavy with the ruddy stickiness, Noel beat him. Then had him pulled upright, and drew out a dagger. The fear burst from Jerel in rasps of horror.

“Noel, you let her!” he screamed, and the flat of the blade came across his cheek.

“Don’t call me ‘Noel,’ Equian!” Noel hissed. “I own you, and I’ll do with you as I please! If I want my harem to touch your cock and make you suffer for my pleasure, I’ll do it. By the gods, what makes you think that gives you any rights?”

It was then that the blue eyes came up, meeting his for the first time since they’d been children and the Don had seen the eye contact and had beaten Jerel for it. Icy, glacial betrayal and glimmers of hatred turned the brilliant sapphire into lasers. Noel lowered the blade again, and Jerel only glared at him. He would’ve had to go through with it if the Captain of the Guard hadn’t come to tell Noel his father wanted to see him immediately. Lynn had made quite a scene in the Harem, as he had known she would, and the Don was calling him to account for her. He sheathed the dagger. “Tomorrow, Equian,” he promised, “and we won’t have to worry about letting you stud.”

Jerel had run that night, sure he’d die in the escape attempt, but knowing death was better than what Noel had planned. Del had not made the escape easy. He couldn’t, not if Jerel was going to prove to himself that he was a man. That he had run at all was proof enough for Del. Freedom and self-respect were things Del knew Jerel needed, but knew, too, that he could never teach. So he took the risk of losing him, and later, of losing his own life, to gain the friendship of an equal. And now, he had to take another risk - over the boy, Kelet.

Del sighed, clearing his mind of the painful memories, scrubbing unshed tears from his eyes. He sat forward to call Jerel to his office. To his surprise, Jerel came striding in before his finger touched the com button.

“You said we would discuss it, Don,” Jerel said coldly. “I think it will be now.”

Del nodded, motioning for Jerel to sit down. He remained standing. “Why did you allow your son to be given an Equian child as a pet?” he asked, his voice filled with accusation.

Del sighed. “I didn’t arrange it,” he replied. “You’re welcome to take care of Taylor as you see fit.”

“Yet you allowed it,” Jerel repeated. “Why?”

“All I could’ve done at the time was refuse it, and Kelet would’ve been returned to Kestral - to be sent elsewhere.”

“And this way you can control his fate,” Jerel put in bitterly. Del took a painful breath.

“Go on,” he said.

“You seek to make your son’s Consigliore, Don? What worked with such success once will work again?” Jerel went on before Del could reply. “And what of the boy? Will you tell him that what will be done to him is for his sake, as all you did to me was for mine? You have seen to it that your pet will always worship you, and you will help Geoffrey do the same? You made me, Don. I am grateful. Yet I can remember when I was not. I know what Kelet will feel.” There were sudden tears in the blue eyes. “I came freely, because you saw to it that I would. I made the choice you wanted me to make, for if I hadn’t, you would be dead and past caring, and I would have nothing but empty vengeance. Yet I carry your scars, Don. I will carry them forever.” Tears again became cold anger. “I will not let you scar Kelet to free him when you could as easily teach him to be free.”

DelMonde listened, absorbing Jerel’s fear and remembered anguish. It was hard, more than hard to see tears in the steel blue eyes, harder still to face them now that he had. He breathed deeply, forcing himself to look up. “I understand, Jerel,” he said. “I would have preferred to avoid it altogether, but we weren’t so fortunate.” He shrugged. “Why did I allow it? First and foremost, to save Kelet, and yes, to direct his fate. This is what I am. You know the reasons for it. The more men I have around me, the better our chances. Second, to avoid Imperial suspicion. Such ‘pets’ are traditional, and it would have looked too odd if I had refused.” Jerel was bristling, and Del held the blue eyes. “Hear me out, Jerel. I have to be concerned with appearances. You know that. Why else is LiLing here?” He took another breath for his final argument. “And as to why as a pet - could Kelet understand having to act like one whenever he and Geoff were somewhere they could be seen? They’re children, how could they understand? And if we don't have that act, Jerel, Kelet wouldn’t live long enough to worry about scars, and we’d have a thousand Imperial spies on our hands. I don’t like it, my friend, and with luck it won’t have to be this way for long - but if luck fails us...” He smiled gently. “... as painful as it was, you survived it. Should it have to happen, so will Kelet. And Geoffrey will be in as good hands as I am.”

“Is there no other way, Del?” Jerel asked in a hoarse, strangled whisper.

“I’m sorry, my friend,” Del replied softly. “I have no other choice while the Empire stands.”

“He’s a child...” Jerel glanced up at him. “You don’t know the pain of a beating at the hands of a friend, a playmate who suddenly turns owner.”

“And you don’t know the pain of that friend,” Del returned.

“You had none,” Jerel snapped sharply.

“No. But I do now. And Geoffrey will. I want to save my son as much as you want to save Kelet. Do you understand, my Consigliore?”

“No,” Jerel replied tightly. “But I accept, and I trust you, as always, Don.” He turned to leave.

“Look out for him, Jerel,” Del called.

“I intend to,” Jerel called back.

Del leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes.

A moment later, Gates appeared. “Don,” he said, “the Donna requests an immediate audience.”

Del sat back up. “Of course,” he sighed. “Escort her to me.”

Gates nodded and left.

Jade had arranged her hair, and changed to the white brocade gown which was the traditional garb of a Rigellian Donna. The actions both calmed her and reaffirmed her status. She would go to the Don as Donna, not an hysterical wife. Firm, controlled, demanding her due. Cool anger, not fiery chaos. The sweep of Gates’ eyes as he came to escort her, insolent though it was, was confirmation that her regal beauty hadn’t deserted her.

Del was in his accustomed chair as she entered. He rose, courteous acknowledgment of his wife’s position, but his face looked weary and the black eyes were set. He knows what I’ve come for, Jade thought, and steeled herself to fight for her rights. She glanced at Gates. “Leave us,” she said. He looked to the Don and she whirled. “I said leave us!” If the Don nodded assent, she didn’t see it, and Gates silently withdrew. She faced Del. “All right, you bastard, what do you think you’re doing?” she said tightly.

“Jade...” Del began. She cut him off.

“I won’t allow it. You can rid yourself of me, but it won’t be easy to rid yourself of your Donna. I don’t know what brought this on, and I don’t really care. It was stupid of me to think it would never happen just because you said it wouldn’t. But stupid or not, I’ll fight you. My son will not be deposed. And your bitch won’t bring her bastard into my house.”

“There are reasons...” Del tried again. Jade didn’t acknowledge it.

“You lied to me, Del,” she went on, the cold determination tinged with pain and fear. “All you’ve done, it’s all been a lie. You had reasons for it, I’m sure, but not the ones you told me. Make me into a fit mother for your heir, who you intend to be more - and less - than you are? I believed it. After all you put me through, how could I help it? But now... How can you care so little for your son? I don’t ask for me. You’ve used me all along. But I thought you genuinely loved Geoffrey...” Her voice broke, and she turned, hiding the tears that burned in her eyes. “I’ll pull every Imperial string I have to to keep him as Prince. And the first one is having that slut’s child aborted. And I’ll have any other rivals you conceive aborted as well. I can do it, Don. To divorce me would take years. And as long as I’m Donna, I can do it. I will do it. My son is Prince of Rigel. He’ll stay Prince as long as I have one ounce of power and to Tartarus with your reasons!”

“Jade - Donna,” Del stated firmly. He walked over to her. She turned from him. He grabbed her shoulder, turning her back. “I let LiLing get pregnant to help Geoffrey.”

She glared at him, her laughter bitter. “Odd aid you give, Don!” she spat.

“Yes, I know. Imperial suspicion is getting too great. Especially after I appoint a new tutor.” Jade looked at him in surprise and he smiled grimly. “Taylor’s dead. Probably already. That’s Jerel’s business. If I let the Empire believe I might change my heir, they’ll concentrate on LiLing’s child, not Geoff. He - and if it’s a girl, LiLing will be in trouble - can become as much of a puppet as they want, while Geoff grows and learns, out of danger, out of Imperial sight.”

Jade blinked, the soft voice soothing, his dark eyes almost demanding to be trusted. She remembered a time, months before, when he’d told her LiLing was a spy, to put up with her, that she was no threat. She’d trusted him then, without question. But she’d been right, her fears had proved valid. LiLing was pregnant, and he wanted... “I don’t believe you,” she said.

“Why not? Have you one real reason not to?” he demanded gently. “I love my son - Geoffrey. Li’s bastard will be just that. I won’t betray you, Jade, especially not for something like Li. She thinks she’s clever and I let her think so, but the power, and trust, remains with my Donna.”

“You told me LiLing was no threat,” Jade replied, her voice catching.

“She isn’t.”

“She’s carrying your child!” Jade cried. “No, she doesn’t mean anything to you, you don’t love her.” She paused. “But you don’t love me, either, and all I meant to you when Geoffrey was conceived was potential mother material.”

Del’s hand softly caressed her cheek. “You were Donna.”

“An arranged marriage. It’s why you molded me, Del, you knew you were stuck with me and you always use what you’ve got.”

“Do you want me to lie to you?” Del asked. “Should I tell you that I love you to the ends of the galaxy and beyond and that LiLing is no more than a convenient pussy? I’ve used you, and her, and Jerel, and everyone else I’ve ever come into contact with. I’ll use Geoffrey, and Kelet, and this other child. It’s what I am, woman, what I have to be. At least I won’t lie to you, or hurt you if I can help it. I respect you - your intelligence, your strength. I didn’t make them, they were already a part of you. I was given them and I used them...”

“Without apology,” Jade broke in.

“Without lies,” Del countered.

“Do you love her?”

“No.”

“Jerel, your hawk, Geoffrey?”

“Yes.

“And me?”

“No.”

“Then you hurt me, Don, and if you’ll hurt, you’ll lie.” Jade took a deep breath. “Have you one real reason why I should believe you?” His eyes stayed locked on hers.

“No, I guess not. Except that what I’ve said is the truth.”

She nodded bitterly. “No one uses my son,” she stated, her tone even, “not even his father. Isn’t that what you’ve told me - men use, they aren’t used? My son will be a man. And neither you nor anyone else will stop him. Or me. You got a stronger tool than you bargained for, Don. It’s too hard to be pounded or melted or forged into something you’d find more useful. I’ll fight you, DelMonde, and you can lie awake at night and think on the irony of it.” She pulled away from him, heading toward the door.

“Jade!” his voice thundered. She stopped, damning herself for doing it. “Don’t walk away from me.” It wasn’t an order, and she whirled.

“Why? You don’t care!” She screamed at him.

“I love my son,” he said calmly, but there was a tremor to his voice.

“Then you tell him why he’s suddenly out of your favor. I won’t.” For the first time since she’d met him, Jade saw confusion cross Del’s face.

“He won’t be.”

“Won’t LiLing question that, Don? ‘If my son is to be heir, Del...” Jade mimicked LiLing’s sultry pout. “...why not just get rid of that old slut’s brat?’” Her eyes blazed. “How will Geoffrey feel when his father lavishes attention and gifts and affection on his new half-brother, while he gets ignored and moved out of the Prince’s apartments, shoved into lesser rooms? How will Jerel feel when you force Kelet to give your new darling ‘horsy rides?’ And when your bastard gets old enough, how do you stop it from despising and tormenting Geoffrey? How do you explain to Geoff that it’s just an act for Imperial eyes - ” Tears fell from Jade’s eyes and she didn’t try to stop them. “ - while you divorce his mother? How can you exalt LiLing’s bastard without degrading him? Or didn’t you think of that, God DelMonde!?” She was sobbing, and she again spun away from him. He was silent, and the pain inside her hardened, drying her tears. “Anything, anyone who threatens Geoff will die,” she promised, and left without another word.

Now, what to do about that? Del thought as he walked back to his chair. She’s right. I hadn’t thought about how I’d have to treat Geoff. And I can’t expect him to understand public versus private behavior anymore than I can expect Kelet to. If Jade’s wrong, Jerel’s right, and either way, I’m wrong. Taylor’s ‘surprise’ was a test, I’m sure of it. LiLing is a test. I can’t fail either. There has to be some way to get out of an Imperial trap without letting on that I knew there had ever been one. He suddenly remembered Spock’s ‘cryptic message’ - knowledge shared strengthens an alliance - and found himself longing for Sulu. Sulu would know what to do. Would he? He’d invent a reason LiLing displeased him and see that she lost the child under his discipline. Crude, but effective, and Imperial. Effective, and Imperial. Del smiled. I think I’ve found Geoff’s new tutor. I never offered - but he never refused. Come home, hawk. I need you.

But - knowledge shared. A rebuke. Which means Spock has discovered something he believes I knew and should have disclosed. Rebuke - or taunt? Shared knowledge. Del closed his eyes, seeing Sulu’s: reckless, savage - and caring. Desperately caring. Shared knowledge. Sulu.

His eyes flew open in an angered panic. What had the Vulcan done? He reached for the intercom, calling Jerel. Intuition, pure intuition, but he was certain he was right, and the certainty was both infuriating and terrifying.

“Courtland,” came the firm response to his call.

“Jerel, get me a line to the Enterprise.” There was a pause.

“Don, is that wise?”

“I don’t care, get it!”

Jerel’s voice came more softly. “Del...”

“Spock’s ‘cryptic message,’ Jerel. I need to talk to my hawk. I need to find out if he’s still mine.”

“Don...” Jerel began again, but was called away from the com for several seconds. When he returned, his voice held even more concern. “That was the port. An Imperial shuttle just landed. We should have been informed of its entering the system hours ago. Since we were not, it would indicate that this is a serious matter.” He took a breath. “There is a messenger on the way here. Might I suggest that we avoid any actions until we have more information concerning the Empire’s intentions?”

A sick, trapped feeling washed away the panic and the anger. Del sat back in his chair and closed his eyes. All his careful precautions, all the acting and manipulating - it had all been a waste of time. There was no escaping the Empire. Had there ever been any hope, or was it all arrogant fantasy? There were too many spies, too many failsafe mechanisms. No one man could avoid them all. Not even you, God DelMonde, he told himself bitterly. Your whole life has been a waste, a game you’ve played with yourself. How many innocents did you destroy doing it? How many lives have you twisted to your own ends? And how, in the final analysis, are you, even with your lofty ideals, any different from Ruis Calvario?

“Don.” Jerel’s voice sounded small and far away. Del heard himself laugh hollowly, the sound empty. “Del... Noel! Answer me!”

“I’m sorry, my friend,” he said softly, and Jerel’s silence told him his Consigliore understood. “My wife just left here. Please ask her to wait. I want to see her after I speak with the messenger.” He paused. “And Jerel - I love you.”

“Don DelMonde,” the courier said after a just-courteous-enough bow. “I bear a personal invitation to you from the Emperor.”

Before him, the Don smiled languidly, but neither stood nor invited him to sit. “Really?” he asked. “For what am I needed? Wedding? Birthday celebration? Funeral?”

The man stiffened and cleared his throat, then glanced disdainfully from the obviously bored Don to the Equian that stood guard behind his chair. He had not been told that DelMonde was a cretin, only that he was an enemy of the Empire. He had hoped to see at least some sign of terror. The Don of Rigel certainly didn’t look dangerous to him. He stopped his sigh of contempt, and addressed himself again to the Don.

“Nothing so frivolous, I assure you. There is a celebration honoring Starfleet, especially the accomplishments of the Enterprise concerning the Draco world - ” He consulted his notes. “ - Caros. The Emperor wishes all important members of the Imperial hierarchy to attend.”

DelMonde nodded slowly. “Of course. “I’ll have my yacht informed. When shall I have to leave?”

“My ship was ordered to transport you, Don,” the messenger replied. “It will be faster.”

“Of course.”

“If tomorrow gives you enough time to prepare?”

Another nod, another “of course.” “How thoughtful of the Emperor,” the Don added. This time the messenger heard the grim amusement. The Don wasn’t an idiot after all. He knew how serious the matter was, he simply hadn’t wanted him to know he knew. An enemy, yes, an obvious danger if he could try to bluff an Imperial courier. This was one, however, who wasn’t going to be bluffed.

“Yes,” he agreed, matching the Don’s tone.

“I can bring my current favorite, of course?” The Don asked.

Though wondering why, and making a note of it, the courier replied, ironically, and with no little relish, “Of course.”

Jade was apprehensive when Courtland stopped her in the passage from the Don’s office to her rooms. His words and manner were more than strange: “Please wait, Donna. He will need you.” She would have ignored any demand, or any other request, but that... It was only a few minutes until Courtland returned from the office and nodded to her. She went in silently.

Del stood at the window, staring down at the courtyard. She moved soundlessly behind him. He was quiet for so long, she began to wonder if he knew she was there. Just as she was about to speak, he did.

“Jade, I’ve been invited to Terra, a personal request from the Emperor. An official function, one commending the efficient handling of the Caros problem. An ‘escort’ was sent.” He paused, a smile briefly touching his lips. “You won’t have to plot my death, Donna.”

Jade stifled the ripple of fear. Of course, he had understood her threat. She hadn’t really intended he wouldn’t, or she would’ve kept silent. And it was suddenly swept away with the realization of what Del was telling her.

“If it’s any comfort,” he went on, “you were right. About Li. She’s coming with me, so you won’t have to worry about an abortion.” He paused again. “Unfortunately, so is Jerel. A regent will be appointed.” He turned from the window to look at her. There were tears in his eyes. “Do what you have to to keep our son safe, Jade. Teach him anything, do anything... and try to make him what we’ve hoped. But if you can’t, keep him alive, and pass on the hope so that he can learn from my mistakes and try again with his son. Find him a wife who can be the kind of mother you are. Be Imperial, Donna. Survive. I can’t give you any more than that.” He sighed deeply. “I’m sorry for putting you in danger, Jade. The next few years would have been much easier if I had let you stay a pampered, Terran princess.” He glanced again at the window, and Jade could now see Geoff and Kelet wrestling in the yard below. “Take care of him. Take care of them both. Geoff might someday need his own Jerel. Goodbye, Jade.”

She swallowed the lump in her throat, touching his shoulder. “Del...”

He turned and they were suddenly kissing, deeply, passionately. She clung to him until his gentle pressure on her arms told her he had to leave. He smiled down at her, his eyes sad.

“I never loved you, Jade, and you’re going to get out of this alive. Maybe you were the lucky one after all.”

She watched him walk away, then turned to stare down at her son. Del appeared shortly, hugging Geoff, and promising, she knew, to bring him something from Terra. You’ll never see your father again, she thought. And I’ll never see the only man I’ve ever loved.

Survive, Donna.

I will, Don.

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