Manuel smiled and smiled and watched the stars float by. His heart was full.

***

Epilogue

Sammel heard the door to his quarters hiss quietly shut behind him. It wasn't until he knew he was safely alone he allowed himself a moment of fear. He approached the slim mirror embedded on the far wall, seeing his own grim reflection staring back at him.

Sammel drew a deep breath before lifting his shirt. His breath caught, then ...