“They were looking forward to Boaz’s graduation from the academy. The courses had been accelerated, because of the crisis. Their joint suicide took place three tides before we were scheduled to leave Sarran. This mission was scheduled to be home in time for all of us to be there for the cadets. The atmosphere there is bleak, the cadets think they are the last of us.” Tonas’s eyes glittered with unshed tears.
“The Elders offered us a replacement. We refused because we felt there would be insufficient time to run a full background check. You were truly Goddess sent, Mark,” explained Jonal.
“MMMMerow Meow Mrrrrrrr Meow.'' Tigger was doing a tap dance on the table. He had not budged, despite Tonas’s earlier command. His paw was worrying a piece of laptard tusk inlay. He pulled and pulled with his front claws. Jonal reached over to nab him.