He was obviously enjoying himself. “One more thing I heard about the Calliope flight. I understand you found out something else.”

“What was that?”

The lights flickered, and suddenly they were on Iapetus. Hutch sat facing her host, but when they both turned and looked toward the place where the control room had been, the Iapetus angel looked back. The eyes that actually gazed out at the rings reflected something more than she’d noticed before. Maybe something other than the sense that the universe was a cold and uncaring place. Her eyes suggested an understanding that we are all in it together.

They were sisters.

“Hello, Sola,” she said.

Epilogue

Wednesday, March 11, 2257

Governor Rankin escorted her guests into the town hall, past the overflow Volarians lining the street. The group consisted of the interstellar pilot, Clay Clairveau, and Beth and Ken Squires. They followed her through the center of the auditorium and up onto the stage, where they joined Kwylla and Arin, who were already seated.

The governor took her place behind the lectern and switched on the microphone. “Friends and neighbors,” she said, “there’s no one in the building who isn’t aware why this place is full tonight. We’ve all lived under a heavy cloud these last few months. Kwylla and Arin traveled a long distance to present our case. And they are back to give us the results.” The audience already knew, of course. The news had gotten out within hours after their return. “I doubt there’s anyone here who doesn’t know Kwylla and Arin, but if you will, please stand for our audience. And let me introduce Clay Clairveau and Beth and Ken Squires.”