"I'm not exactly in charge of the planet," Mari said. "I can promise you that if you come back to Tiae with us, Queen Sien will be only too happy to let you choose a horse from the royal herd. But, to be honest, every place on Dematr is going to want you and your knowledge. They'll all offer you whatever you want."

Doctor Sino looked at Jason. "I think to start off with I'll put my trust in the people who were smart enough to outfox TG, and who gave this guy reasons to smile. I like Jason, and it means a lot to me that you put yourselves on the line for him. Besides, I have to go where you do so we can get that surgery done. It's a good thing I've got my bag."

"You will help Mari?" Alain asked as he moved to stand beside her. Kira was surprised to hear how clear the hope sounded in her father's voice.

"I am a doctor. That's what we do. And she's already sort of my patient."

Kira watched in shock as her mother sagged, having to be supported by her father. "Are you all right?"

Mari got her feet under her again, giving Kira a smile. "I'm fine. I just never thought there'd be a chance that you could have another brother or a sister."

"A brother or a sister?" It finally hit Kira. "After the doctor works on you, you'll be able to have another child! But…"

"But what?" her mother asked.

"Aren't you a little old for that?"

Mari stared at her. "I am going to make you pay for that, young lady. You'll never know where or when. Oh, uh, Doc-tor? Kira was hurt. Can you do anything for her?"

"Hurt?" Sino frowned as Kira took off her coat. "If there are modesty issues here, everybody else turn while I take care of this." Kira opened her shirt, wincing as parts of the fabric stuck to the cuts pulled free, while Alain and Jason quickly faced in other directions. Sino whistled softly. "What did this?"

"A dragon," Kira said, uncomfortable.

"A dragon. What a cool planet." Kira felt a chilly sensation on the cuts as Sino sprayed something, the stinging and itching disappearing. "Was this the same one that hit Jason? What happened to the dragon? Did you slay it?"

"Yes," Kira said.

"Wicked! You had a nasty bruise developing on your chest as well, but the spray will also help bring that down quickly. There. You'll be fine. Next time you want to fight a dragon, wear some armor or something."

As Kira buttoned up her shirt, Sino pointed to the cavalry waiting not far away. "Do we get to go back with them?"

"Yes, we do," Mari said. "You can ride with us."