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corrupts. So, if we have to have a war, let’s do it as quickly as we can. We should make it our goal to win and end any conflict as fast as possible. War is so horrid a business that we must do all we can to cut it short.”
    â€œThank you,” Ethan said.
    Silence fell.
    They’re waiting for me .
    â€œI too have learned more here than I thought.”
    He caught Eliza staring at him, dark eyebrows raised in inquiry. “Yes. Professor Andreas’s ghosts have been helpful. They’ve solved my third issue.”
    â€œHow so, Eeth?”
    Ethan gestured at the eroded trench. “I can hardly ask for a sacrifice from others if I am not prepared for it myself. It would be selfish. No, I will stay in office as long as it is helpful. Whatever it costs.”
    â€œWell said, Eeth.”
    â€œGood point.”
    â€œFriends,” Ethan said. “I think it’s time to walk back.”
    He looked at his diary adjunct. “Nearly four. By this time tomorrow, our world will have changed.”
    He sighed and turned his back on the valley, the mountain, and the trees. “And I must be a part of it.”

3

    V erofaza Enand bounded down the sunlit steps of Western Isterrane Main Hospital. He tried to ignore the stares of the people clustered at the entrance as he ran over to the small two-seater transport parked by the gate.
    A woman with short, auburn hair sitting in the driver’s seat looked up, her gray-blue eyes registering alarmed inquiry.
    â€œM-Merral’s in q-quarantine, P-P-Perena! For a w-week!” Vero blurted out. He hated the stammer in his voice. It’s the stress.
    â€œBut is he okay?” Perena Lewitz asked.
    â€œYes. I talked to him through a comms link.”
    He suddenly noted the direction of Perena’s eyes, and turned to see that people continued to stare at him.
    â€œGet in,” she said, sliding the door open.
    Vero sat in the passenger seat and closed the door. “They’re watching me.” And I don’t like it.
    â€œYour skin marks you out as an offworlder.” Her voice was calm, analytical even. “And now that Farholme has been turned upside down, people are suddenly sensitive to anything different. Don’t forget many of those people are waiting for news of casualties.”
    Yes, it’s just curiosity, driven by anxiety . But I don’t like being the center of attention .
    Perena pressed the motor switch. The transporter glided away. “So what happened?” she asked. “Merral was okay yesterday. You talked to him. And Anya . . .” Her words hinted at awkwardness as she mentioned her sister. I must try and find out what has happened between Merral and Anya.
    â€œIt was Corradon’s speech yesterday and his mention of Merral ‘heroically entering the intruder ship.’ The medical authorities suddenly realized they had broken every guideline on biohazard containment and that Merral could be incubating all sorts of plagues and diseases. So they rushed him into a sterile isolation unit. A classic case of locking the stable door after the horse has bolted.”
    â€œThe horse has what?” She smiled suddenly. “Oh. I get it.”
    â€œHe’ll be there for forty-eight hours while they investigate him in detail and then, all being well, they plan to move him to a disease isolation unit for five days—no guests.”
    â€œBest thing for him.” Now her smile seemed tired. “Look, where do you want to go? I’m just driving around at the moment.”
    â€œPerena, I need time to think. Badly. I was hoping to sound some ideas off Merral, but I can’t do it with a ward of technicians listening in. Somewhere quiet, please.”
    â€œI know a quiet park. I often run there.”
    She turned off along an avenue lined by high trees.
    Almost Earthlike. He regretted the thought, because it made him homesick.
    â€œThe thing is, P.—” Vero paused,