Looking at the mournful look of the others' faces, J.S.'s enthusiasm dampened considerably. "I must report on what I've discovered. Maybe it won't stop the war, but it'll give us a definite advantage on the Rogues." Silence. J.S. added: "It'll be useful also to all of you. New Mars is a first impact sector. I must go back to the Earth. I've no choice". "So you go home," Adam remarked. "Home." J.S. thought that the only home he knew was a bed in the barracks at the Headquarters of the Regiment or at the ETHIC guest dorm. "Aren't you OK, here?" J.S. looked at Eve , who in turn was staring at the floor. " "Yes, this is the place that is more similar to a home I have ever kwnown. But I must report to my superiors. It's my duty. I'm a man and a soldier, I can't break my oath!" It was the longest speech J.S. had ever done on the subject. "But they tried to kill you!" Jetsam argued reasonably. "It's complicated", J.S. shook his head. "I must go back. I owe it to myself. My honor is what I have left," and repeated, either to sweep more arguments off or, perhaps, to quench his own doubts, "I swore. I must go." Then looked at the two urchins straight in the face: "I promise that I'll do all my best to come back here. I won't leave you here." Then he stood up, and began packing. Eve, who hadn't said a word after her first surprised remark, disappeared somewhere. While Adam was helping to carry his things to the astrocargo, J.S. thought this was his best chance to hand over the baton: "I'll leave here the He-bot. If the Rogues reach me before GOD, well, it's a waste if it is destroyed. It'll be more useful here with you. In his memory I left some files which will give you the ownership of the little I own on the Earth, if I die. It isn't a lot, but it'll be yours." Adam nodded and they shook their hands. While J.S. was going to the cockpit Adam asked: "Don't you say good-bye to Eve?". "Yes, of course." This is the hardest time of all, J.S. thought. While he realized he was very sorry to leave her, he feared she might be tearful. Weeping women had always meant bad luck for him. But Eve quelled his forebodings, arriving at the launch platform sporting the iciest manners. "Adieu, then, farewell!" she said dry-eyed, her voice a remarkable imitation of a refrigerator. "No, it's only an au revoir." J.S. smiled coaxingly. He took her hand and placed a feather-light kiss on her palm and closed her hand in a fist. "Au revoir, I promise." She was going to say something, changed her mind and murmured: "Au revoir, I'll wait for you." He turned, hurried to the astrocargo, and left. Thank you to all people who appreciated the previous picture! Thank you for viewing and drop a note if you like! DAZ: Michael 4; Neftis: Daryl Hair; Anton Kisiel: Apollo Maximus; Capsces: Cole; Traveler: Shades of Maquah; DNA_Affectation: Loin Cloth; Stonemason: DarkStar.