Jason gave her a level look in reply instead of a sullen frown. "I guess so," he said in a neutral voice.

She frowned at him, thrown off by his reaction to her disdain. "Get in the ship. We're leaving."

"Mom, I want to stay here," Jason said, not moving.

"Don't be ridiculous."

"Mom, please let me stay. I'm happy here. Happier than I've ever been."

"I'm sure, now that you've found yourself a plaything desperate enough to—"

"Don't talk about Kira like that!"

Mari spoke before Talese Groveen, startled by Jason's defiance, could say anything else. "My husband and I are willing to accept responsibility for Jason. We would ensure that he is well treated, protected, educated, and set on a path for a successful adult life. We ask that you grant us guardianship of him."

Talese Groveen laughed. "You think I'd actually consider that? For even one moment? Jason is my child. I will not give him away, no matter how much he or anyone else begs for it. Now, get in the ship!" she ordered Jason, turning away from Mari.

"Wait," Kira's mother said, using the sort of voice that even emperors and presidents paid attention to. "There's something that you've wanted ever since the first day you arrived. If you get that, will you reconsider?"

Talese Groveen paused, turning back to study Mari through narrowed eyes. "What exactly are you speaking of?"

"A sample of my genetic material, along with my approval for you to use it as you see fit."

"Mother!" Kira gasped. "You can't give that up!"

"Lady Mari!" Jason said, shaking his head frantically. "No!"

Mari held up a hand, palm out, to quiet them. "Well, Talese Groveen? If I agree to those things, can Jason stay here?"

"Agreeing to total control of your genetic material by Universal Life Systems?" Talese Groveen asked. "In accordance with the provisions in the ULS waiver we have already prepared?"

"Yes. If we get this over with before I change my mind."

"I have no desire to linger here," Talese Groveen informed her, smiling. "We have a deal." One of her fingers moved before her. "Doctor Sino! Come out here and bring your med bag!"

"Lady Mari," Jason begged. "Don't. I'm not worth this."

"Yes, you are, Jason," Mari said, giving him a glance. "Even if you weren't Kira's friend, you'd be worth it. The freedom of any person would be worth it."

"But she's not going to keep the deal! As soon as she has your stuff she'll try to haul me off anyway!"

Mari smiled at him. "Jason, sometimes you have to trust in people."

Kira saw the derisive look in Talese Groveen's eyes, but said nothing. She had seen that sort of smile from her mother before. It meant that somebody was about to learn what happened when they underestimated Lady Mari.