“Damn it. Computer, continue playback.”

Memory banks damaged. No further playback possible.

“Terrific.” He started to command an analysis, but then he caught a glimpse of Libby. She was sitting limply in the chair beside his, her cheeks a dead white, her eyes glassy. “Hey.” He was up quickly and leaning over her. “Take it easy.” Cupping her face in his hands, he pressed his thumbs lightly on either side of her throat.

“It was like I was there.”

He cursed himself and took her icy hand in his to warm it. He had known better, Cal thought in disgust. But he had only been thinking of himself and his need to see what had happened. “I know. I’m sorry.”

“It was horrible.” Whatever doubts she had harbored had vanished completely during the playback. Her fingers tightened convulsively on his as she looked up at him. “It’s all been horrible for you.”

“No.” He combed his fingers through her hair. “Not all.” Softly, gently, he touched his lips to hers, then skimmed them over her jaw. She reached a hand to his face, letting it linger while she gave and took the comfort.

“What are you going to do?”

“I’m going to find a way back.”

She felt a pain, sharp and sudden. Of course he couldn’t stay. Carefully she laid her hand back in her lap. “When will you go?”

“It’s going to take a little time.” He straightened and glanced around the cabin. “I need to do some repairs on the body of the ship. There are a lot of calculations that have to be done.”

“I’d like to help you.” She made a helpless gesture with her hands. “I don’t know how.”

“I’d like you to stay while I’m working. I know you’ve got a lot to do, but if you could spare a few hours?”

“Sure.” She dug up a smile. “I don’t get many offers to spend the day in a spaceship.” But she couldn’t sit beside him at that moment. If he looked at her too closely he might see what she had just discovered: when he left he would break her heart. “Can I look around?”

“All you want.” She was still pale, he noted, but her voice was strong. Perhaps, like him, she needed some time alone. “I’d like to get the computer started on some calculations.”

She left him to it, trying not to jolt when automatic doors whispered open at her approach. She entered what seemed to be a small lounge. A pair of couches were built into the walls, curving back, then out, with bright orange cushions. A table of what appeared to be Lucite was bolted to the floor. There were a few glossy informational sheets tossed around. The future’s version of Car and Driver, she thought with a nervous laugh as she chose one. She tapped it absently against her thigh as she wandered around the room.

She was a sensible woman, Libby told herself. A sensible woman accepted what couldn’t be denied. But—