Finally through the gate of the city, they rode out toward the wide plain to the south, Mari and Alain side-by-side in the lead, Jason and Kira riding together behind them, the cavalry led by their colonel following. Several of the Urth drones flew at a distance to either side and behind, keeping watch on their progress. Kira could see her parents talking to each other intently as they rode, keeping their conversation shielded from the drones.

"What do you think they're saying?" Jason asked nervously.

"They're planning," Kira said, trying to sound confident.

"Do you really think they can do anything to help?"

"Jason, I've been told by many people that the only thing more dangerous than my parents when they're caught by surprise is my mother and father when they've had time to plan." She reached out toward him. "Will you promise me something? If the worst happens, if you must return to Urth, please don't go back to being the boy I met the first time. Try to remain the guy you are now, no matter what they do to try to change you back."

He reached out as well, touching her hand with his. "I'll do my best. I promise."

"And do not forget me," Kira added. "Not ever."

"No one could possibly forget you," Jason said, smiling through his worries.

A bright spot appeared in the sky, swiftly growing to become the silver shape of the ship from Urth. Kira watched it glide across the sky until it reached a spot a few hundred lances ahead of them, then settle onto the pasture.

Mari turned in her saddle. "You and your troop wait here, Colonel. Could you have someone hold our mounts? Thank you. Dismount, family. That includes you, Jason."

Handing off her reins to a soldier, Kira followed with Jason as her mother and father walked toward the ship from Urth. When they were less than ten lances distant from the ship, Kira's mother halted them.

"Alain, stand over there," Mari directed. "Kira, beside your father. Jason, right here between Kira and me." Four people facing the menacing bulk of the ship from Urth. It felt unnaturally quiet. The wind sweeping across the field held a cold edge brought down from the north that tempered the heat of the noon sun.

Talese Groveen came out, walking like a conqueror. She stopped in front of them, extending an imperious hand. "I am happy to see that you have seen reason and the futility of your opposition to me."

Mari reached out to Jason, who gave her the Invictus Drive. She then tossed it lightly to Talese, who caught it.

Talese examined the drive, tapping the surface and studying the results, before turning a thin-lipped look of triumph on Jason. "Your brainless, ill-considered actions have once again resulted in nothing but failure for you and embarrassment for me."