Leo didn’t see the third.

What he saw was this:

A cement porch with wooden rails, the paint starting to peel. The steps leading up to it cracked, perhaps the work of a tremor, itself the work of the mining that had started nearby. A blade of grass sprouting from a step, seeming to grow out of solid rock. An impossibility, this single blade, stuck in stone like an ancient sword meant for a destined king.

A gentle hand bends down to free it from its moorings. The stem of grass, pinched between two fingers, twists back and forth. Back and forth. A pair of warm hazel eyes turns his way.

I see you, my little lion.

She is so beautiful it takes his breath away.

Normally this is where the moment ends, just this one little glimpse, but not this time. This time Leo keeps going, approaching slowly. One step. Another. She sits half in sun and half in shade as if she can’t decide which she prefers.

She turns and smiles at him. Such a rare thing, that smile. It doesn’t last, turning into a frown to mimic his own. Why are you sad?

He looks around. At the street where he learned to ride his bike. At the driveway graffitied in chalk. At the familiar wooden sign hanging by the door. I want to come home, he says. I want to be with you.

She nods, the sun catching her auburn streaks. This is how he always wants to remember her.

I know you do. And you will. I promise. But not yet. It’s not time.

But I miss you, he says.

I know. I know you do. And that won’t stop. It’s the rule, in fact.

He frowns. What rule?

The most important rule, Leo. The one I taught you. Always leave them wanting more.

She gives Leo one last fleeting smile and then closes her eyes.

I’ve got you, Leo. I’m here. I’m right here. Just hold on.

His own eyes flutter open briefly. Just long enough to see his father’s face.

This message is directed toward any planet where EL-four eight six is currently being mined or has even been discovered, any world that has been caught in the interminable struggle between the Aykari and Djarik empires. Your planet, your people, your entire way of life are in danger, and that danger comes from both sides. The Aykari and the Djarik may have different aims and means, but the end result of their interference is the same, whether it is the slow environmental collapse of your home or its sudden, violent destruction. There is a way to protect your world from these forces, but this measure comes at a cost—namely the power and potential of the element. It is your choice, but I implore you to do everything possible to protect yourselves and your planets and prevent further tragedy. And I hope that those two empires come to realize the price we all pay is not worth the prize they seek.