Lead Syndrome

"...I love you deeply, more than you could ever know, and I want you by my side as I conquer galaxy after galaxy, civilization after civilization. Your mother is wretched, and the syndrome has already taken its toll on her. I'm sorry, Jamie, but she will not be the host of my Comeet," Sebastian spat bluntly, eyes fixed apathetically on Jamie.

Jamie raised her gaze to meet her father's piercing stare. She remained kneeling on the ground, panting hard. "What do you mean, Father? You promised to heal her!"

"I did, and I'm proud to say I'm breaking that promise," Sebastian replied, pausing momentarily to study the actions of the robotic arms. He continued, "I'm sorry, Jamie. Your mother was incurable after living six years in Stage Four." Sebastian paused, this time for effect as he took a deep breath. "I ended her life shortly before this process started."