Lisa, come back! Lisa! Respond to me!

She can't hear you, Forrest.

Then go after her. Don't let her be alone.

What are you going to do?

Clean this mess off of me, for starters. I'll meet you on the bridge shortly. Now go!

Valencia ran out of the room. Several of the crew stood outside the door, gawking at him.

"What are you looking at?" Forrest demanded, angrily. "Go with her. See that they get back to the bridge safely."

"Aye, Captain," someone said, and they were gone.

Forrest was alone in the apartment. He looked down at the ash that had once been Linwolse. He wasn't sure what to feel. Had he loved Linwolse? Had the feeling he felt for her been at all real? Did the bond between them have any element of truth? He didn't know. But he felt pain at her loss, whatever the case. He kneeled down next to her remains.

"I'm sorry, Lin. If I could have spared your life, I would have. I hope you can believe that."

Forrest took some of the ash into his hand and watched as it fell through his fingers. Tears came to his eyes. Something (some thing?) was responsible for this. It had to be. For the first time in his life he could almost believe in the God his mother had tried so hard to teach him about. But not for the reasons she intended. If there was a God, then this being was responsible for all the deaths that he had known--responsible for all the pain he felt. And if there was a way, he would seek vengeance against this God. It would pay for what it has done--for all the pain felt by all the living, conscious creatures of the Universe.

He stood and went into the bedroom and selected a fresh set of clothes from the wardrobe. He laid them on the bed he had shared with Linwolse, and then stepped into the shower. The warm water seemed to calm his nerves somewhat as it washed the sweat, blood and semen from his body. But it could not wash the pain and anger from his mind.

"Damn you, whoever you are! Whatever you are!"

His scream bounced off the walls of the small room, reverberating in his ears. It felt like a hopeless gesture.

Forrest stepped out of the shower taking a towel with him. He dried himself and dressed. Sitting on the bed he thought of Melinda, dead now for three-thousand years. And he thought of Linwolse. He did not know how long she had been dead. He put his hands to his face and agonized at the unfairness of it all.

Forrest?

Forrest grabbed for his blaster, then realized it was still on the floor in the other room.

"Who is it?"

Forrest, can you hear me?

It was Linwolse's voice--but that was impossible.

"Yes, I can hear you. Who are you?"

It is Linwolse. I love you, Forrest. That much was real. I know this now.

"Lin is dead. Who are you, dammit?"

I cannot stay with you for long. There is someone else here. They are coming for me.

"Who? Who is with you? Where are you?"

I do not know. The other side, perhaps. I have to tell you something.

"What?"

You must kill the others. Their keepers must be destroyed. You must free them.

"From the keepers?"

Yes. Just as you freed me. We were trapped, my love.

"You--you are Lin?"

Yes. It is here for me. I must go.

"Will I hear from you again?"

I do not think so. Good-bye, my love. I will never forget you.

"Nor will I you. I love you, Lin. I will do as you ask."

Silence.

"Lin?"

Eternal silence.

"Lin, please speak to me."

Forrest knew that she would not--could not--speak. She was gone, perhaps forever.

"I will find you, Lin. I promise you that. And I will give back that which has been taken from you."

He had never felt such emptiness. Nor had he cried as he cried that day, three-thousand years in the future, twenty-thousand lightyears from home, sitting alone in the room he had once shared with an alien being he had loved.

And a new universe sprang into existence. A universe he could not know in this lifetime.

When Forrest entered the bridge, he did not see Lisa. Valencia was talking to Triona. She turned and looked at him with concern.

"Into the conferral room," he said to her.

Forrest sat at the desk, Valencia across from him. He did not notice that Lisa was asleep on the couch behind him.

"Are you okay?" Valencia asked.

"I'm fine. I'm confused, but fine."

"Something is on your mind. What is it?"

Forrest looked at her. "Your theory about the Enonians being the keepers is at least partially correct."

"What do you mean?"

"When I killed Eletel, I blew her legs off. She was dead, but then the body reanimated and spoke to me. It was the keepers speaking, they admitted as much."

Valencia frowned. "So that's why you burned Linwolse's body--so she could not reanimate."

"Yes."

"What did they say?"

"Not much. But enough to confirm they were the keepers. And I now understand part of what Anthony tried to tell me. My purpose is to kill the Enonians, and thus the keepers. No other explanation fits. I still don't know what part my daughter plays in all of this. He said I would see her again in the end. I don't know what he meant by the end. But I suspect he was trying to tell me that she is still alive now. That means she must be immortal, and living somewhere in the Empire or on an outlaw world."

"That's wonderful, Forrest. When this is over, you can search for her. There must be a record of her somewhere."

Forrest thought for a moment. "Yes, that I can do. But I've got a bad feeling about it. I don't know why. Something to do with the way Anthony said in the end. The end of what?"

"You were hearing his thoughts. But the words are yours. In any case I think I know what he was trying to say."

"Tell me."

"He was referring to the extinction of the Enonians and perhaps the overthrow of the Imperial Government. When these events are concluded, we will be exonerated and you will be free to search for your daughter in peace."

"That fits. I hope you are right."

"Me too. You said my theory was partially correct. What does that mean?"

"While I was talking to Lin, it felt I was talking to her and not the keepers. I'm not convinced it was her--not at that time. When the keepers realized that I could not be prevented from killing Lin, they spoke to me in their voice. That is when she raped me. During the rape, Lin spoke to me in her voice. She told me to do as they asked, for my own sake. I think it may have been Lin, and she was trying to protect me."

"No, Forrest. It was a trick. The keepers were using her voice. That's all."

"That may be true."

"Why rape, Forrest? What did they hope to accomplish?"

"I don't know. Perhaps they were just trying to hurt me. They knew they were about to be destroyed. So they committed the most despicable act they could think of. It doesn't make much sense, but I cannot think of another reason. They just wanted revenge."

"They were also trying to destroy your memory of the good times you had with Linwolse, even if those times were not real," Valencia offered.

"Perhaps. But it did not work. And there is more. Later, after you left, Lin's voice spoke to me--in my mind. I didn't believe it was her, at first. But now I do."

Valencia studied him. "It could not have been her keepers since we burned them. Could it have been the others?"

"Maybe, but I don't think so. She told me she was on the other side. And she told me to kill the others to free them from their keepers. She said they were trapped. She asked me to free them."

Valencia seemed lost in thought. "You are saying the Enonians are more than the keepers. They are not dead, but their souls trapped in the body--trapped by the keepers."

"Yes. That is what Lin was trying to tell me. She did not have time to elaborate; something was coming for her. And when it arrived, I lost contact."

"Jerac's Mind?"

"I don't know. Perhaps God. Who knows what goes on in superspace."

"In any case, this means that the friendships you made with the Enonians were real. I am sorry, Forrest. You have lost so much."

"And perhaps Lisa, too."

"Lisa was confused by what she saw. But she is smart. She will come around. Believe me."

"Thank you, Valencia. Where is she?"

"Behind you."

Forrest turned and saw Lisa's sleeping form. He felt the urge to go to her and kiss her, but could not.

Valencia continued. "When we got back, she came in here and cried herself to sleep. I think that will help. She is under a lot of stress and needs the rest."

Valencia's communicator beeped. She pulled it from her belt.

"Valencia."

"Zak here. The one called Artemus is dead. And another, called Blix. There's a hidden apartment here. They were using the terminal. We were able to surprised them--for some reason they could not feel our thoughts."

"You must burn the bodies, Zak," Valencia ordered. "And do it now!"

"Why? They are dead."

"Just do it, Zak!"

"Okay. We will return to the bridge when done. Zak out."

Forrest and Valencia looked at each other. Only two were left, Mandoss and Lasandra--the most dangerous of all.

"Forrest?" Serp called from the ceiling speaker.

"Yes, Serp. What is it?"

"The jammers are installed. We are ready to activate. Your telepathic abilities may be hindered."

"Do it, Serp."

"Activating now."

Forrest heard a high-pitched buzz in his mind.

"Do you hear that, Valencia?" Forrest asked.

"Yes. A temporary annoyance."

"We have found them," Serp announced.

"Mandoss and Lasandra?" Forrest asked.

"Yes. They are in the City, the township."

"What are they doing?"

"At the moment, they are arguing about why their telepathic abilities are jammed."

"Where in the City?"

"Town Hall. I believe they have laid traps for you."

"What kind of traps?"

"There are several hundred androids stationed in various buildings. They are carrying blasters. I believe their asimovic circuits have been disabled."

"You can't gain control of them?"

"They do not respond to my signals. I cannot reprogram them unless they connect to a terminal. They refuse to do so."

"I understand." Forrest thought for several seconds. "Serp, extinguish the artificial sun. Lower the temperature as much as possible, and make it rain."

"There is a winter program. It will snow. Shall I run that?"

"Yes. That is even better."

"Executing now."

Forrest looked at Valencia. "Ready?"

"Just the two of us?"

"Yes."

Triona was at the door. "Six warships are approaching. What shall I do?"

"Have they hailed?" Forrest asked.

"No, but Creola reports she has been commanded to withdraw. She is maintaining radio silence."

"How far along is the refueling?"

"We are at eighty percent capacity."

"That will have to do. Tell her to withdraw now. She must leave at once."

"Understood." Triona returned to her station.

Forrest retrieved his communicator and signaled Zak.

"Zak here," he responded.

"This is Forrest. Where are you?"

"On our way to the bridge. The bodies have been burnt."

"Good. When you get to the bridge, you will be acting captain. Warships are approaching. You must stall them as long as possible."

"Will do. But I don't think they will let us leave."

"Bounce out if you have to."

"Forrest, the drive needs recalibrating!"

"It's a last resort measure. But do it, no matter what Nicholor says. Do I have your word."

"Yes, I give you my word. What are you going to do?"

"Valencia and I are going to the City to destroy the remaining Enonians. Forrest out."

He looked at Valencia. "Let's go!"

"I'm going with you," Lisa said from behind him.

Forrest turned and looked at her. She gave him a steadfast look.

"No, Lisa. It is too dangerous. You will stay here."

"I will not stay, Forrest. I have been kept out of things long enough. I am coming!"

He stared at her.

"Let her come, Forrest," Valencia said. "Her spacer instincts will increase our chances of survival." She smiled at Lisa.

Lisa did not return the smile. Her eyes remained locked on Forrest.

"I don't want you to die, Lisa. I have lost too much already," he said.

"Stop thinking only of yourself, Forrest," Lisa said. "I have needs, too, you know."

"I am not thinking only--" Forrest stopped himself. He would not be able to talk her out of it. "Okay, Lisa. It's the three of us, then. We will need warm clothing and extra weapons. The supply depot will have what we need. Let's go."

They wore fur-lined overcoats with attached hoods. Each carried two blasters. Their pockets were filled to capacity with grenades and extra nuke cells. Three portable, fold-up launchers sat on the shuttle floor. Forrest and Valencia rode in the front of the shuttle with Lisa in the rear. They spoke of possible tactics they could use to get through the androids, weighing the pros and cons of each approach. The androids were capable of very precise and delicate work, but they were not fast. They were designed to construct and repair machinery--not to fire upon their living counterparts. Unless they were caught by surprise, the androids would be easy to kill. It was their great numbers that made them dangerous. Forrest hoped that Mandoss had been foolish enough to spread them thin. They finally decided the only available tactic was to simply blast their way through until they reached the Town Hall and the two Enonians.

Throughout the discussion Lisa remained silent. She pointedly avoiding discourse with Forrest. When they had been at the supply depot, she would speak to Valencia whenever she had a question or a suggestion. She would not respond to Forrest unless he spoke to her directly. Forrest was beginning to feel angry at her. He had been tempted to send her back to the bridge, but he knew she would only set out on her own--and probably be killed. She had him right where she wanted him: on the defensive. But now was not the time to have a fight with Lisa. Forrest decided to ignore her as long as she ignored him. They could work out their differences when the Enonians were dead.

The shuttle sped into the open. It was a strange sight--a small world embedded at the center of a spaceship with a snowstorm in progress. The only lights were the street lamps and storefront lights that had come on automatically when the artificial sun was extinguished. Judging from the canting trees and snow flurries falling around the lamps, Serp had activated the wind generators. The purpose of all this was, of course, camouflage. And to make them more difficult to spot with heat sensors and infrared vision.

Forrest had attached his communicator inside his hood with a channel open to Serp. Serp may be able to give them advance warning of the presence of androids, even though most of the security cameras had been knocked out.

The shuttle stopped at the main station at the west side of the City. They sat in silence for several moments studying the area. It seemed logical to Forrest that Mandoss would have androids manning the station. But then human logic and Enonian logic were not always the same.

"I don't see anything," Valencia said.

"Doesn't mean they aren't here. When we get out of the shuttle, drop immediately to ground level and crawl under the shuttle platform."

"Got it."

"Okay let's go."

The shuttle doors opened and they were hit with the bitter cold. A few seconds later they were under the platform. A grenade hit the shuttle and blew it to bits. The smell of burning plastic and ozone filled their nostrils.

"That was too close," Valencia said. "We could have been inside the shuttle."

"The androids aren't very smart. If they had assumed we were in the shuttle, we would be dead. But they waited until they sensed our body heat," Forrest explained.

"You must not have programmed them yourself."

"No, but they are a Worldly Machines product. Their programming tells them to act only when they are sure the goal can be met. It's a fail-safe measure. And that will be to our advantage."

"Good. So what do we do now?"

"Use your scanner. See if you can determine from where the grenade was launched. I think it came from that direction." He pointed to the building across the way.

Valencia pulled the scanner out of a pocket and scanned the building.

"There's a faint heat trace, but the wind has diffused it. I can't be sure."

"Don't scan for heat. Scan for electrical activity," Forrest instructed.

Valencia adjusted the scanner.

"Yes, there's electrical energy registering on the third story. Is this the signature of an android?" She showed Forrest the small display on the scanner.

"That's it. We must destroy the building. Set up the launchers. Valencia you take the second story. Lisa you take the ground floor. I'll take the top."

They readied the launchers and loaded each with three grenades--more than enough to demolish the structure. When ready, they fired simultaneously. Nine grenades hit the building in groups of three, and it burst into flames.

"We move now, while any other androids present are distracted," Forrest said.

They quickly folded the launchers and strapped them to their backs. Then with a blaster in each hand, they left the safety of the platform and crept along the street, staying close to the buildings and in the shadows. They continued for several minutes, and then Lisa fired her blasters repeatedly. Forrest and Valencia turned around. Four androids could be seen flopping around on the street behind them, dying an electric death.

"Did it not occur to either of you to watch our rear?" Lisa said, admonishing them.

She got no answer. They pushed on with the tacit understanding that Lisa would watch the rear. They had moved fifty meters when Forrest saw something flying toward them from a nearby building. He fired several shots, and the grenade exploded in midair.

"Jesus!" Valencia exclaimed. "Are you using your infrared vision?"

"No. Any heat would be diffused by the cold before it could reach my eyes, at least in the open. That was a reflex reaction."

"Good reflexes. That building?" She pointed.

"Yes."

Valencia unfolded her launcher and loaded it with six grenades. She fired it while twisting its base. The building was peppered with explosions. She reloaded the launcher.

"I think we should have at least one launcher ready at all times," she said.

They continued. Valencia carried the launcher in one hand, and a blaster in the other.

Six metallic figures appeared on the street thirty meters ahead. All three of them fired, leaving a pile of metal and plastic burning on the pavement. The androids never had a chance.

"This is too easy," Lisa said.

"Don't get overconfident," Forrest told her. "The others will be converging on us now that they know we're here."

"Perhaps we should be somewhere else," Lisa suggested.

"Good idea," Forrest concurred. "That way."

They took a street that was perpendicular to their destination. Three blocks later they turned left and again headed for the Town Hall. Valencia holstered her blaster and took out the scanner.

"I detect nothing," she said.

"Pack up the launcher," Forrest instructed. "A blaster in one hand, the scanner in the other."

She did as told.

They walked for perhaps ten minutes. Then they heard the sound. It was the sound of countless metal feet coming their way.

"Oh shit!" Forrest cried. "Hide! Do not fire unless absolutely necessary. Wait for them to pass."

They hid in the darkness behind whatever obstruction was immediately handy. They waited. The sound approached from the center of the township--from their destination. Forrest could just make out the metal bodies through the falling snow. There were at least fifty of them, maybe more. As they got closer he could see their yellow eyes surveying the area. Each held a blaster at ready. Several held sacks strapped across their shoulders, presumably holding grenades or other explosives. They were moving as a group down the middle of the street, like a marching band in a parade--but without the music. Forrest held his breath as they passed. Soon only their backs could be seen receding into the distant street.

Valencia stepped from behind her hiding place and set up her launcher. Lisa followed suit. When Forrest finally realized what they were up to, he did the same.

"Fire!" Forrest said.

Eighteen grenades flew through the air and landed in the middle of the marching androids. The mechanical men were destroyed in a blaze of explosions and fire--except for one that continued to march forward. How he survived the explosions, no one knew. After several seconds the android finally stopped and turned around, apparently puzzled by the absence of his companions. Forrest hit him with a burst from his blaster, and he fell backward as dead as the others.

Valencia and Lisa started laughing. Forrest did not see the humor in the situation.

"Shut up, dammit," he demanded.

The two women looked at him.

"We were just releasing tensions, Forrest," Valencia explained.

"Release your tensions later. We have a job to do."

Lisa laughed. "Aye, Sir." She couldn't help herself.

Forrest ignored her. He turned and continued down the street. They followed close behind, saying nothing.

Forrest spoke into his communicator.

"They are still at the Town Hall?" he asked.

"Yes. Of course, they know you are coming," Serp answered.

"And the place is surrounded with androids." More a statement than a question.

"Yes. But I think I have discovered something in the android programming neither of us knew about."

"What is that?"

"They are programmed for remote destruction. Each carries an explosive device. If it receives the correct signal, it will blow its brains out. This is apparently a safety mechanism the designers decided was necessary."

"Do you know the codes?"

"I have found the database. Each android has a unique code. I am sending identification and location query signals to all androids in the file. Those that do not respond, I will assume are in the City. They will receive the destruct signal."

"Will they obey the signal?"

"They will not know about it. It bypasses their cognitive programming. They will self-destruct."

"How long?"

"Several minutes, maybe longer. The jamming transmissions are creating spurious signals that interfere with the process. It will slow me down, but it will not stop me."

"Let me know when you are ready."

"Will do."

Forrest stopped suddenly. Valencia and Lisa almost ran into him.

"What? What is it?" Valencia asked.

"We wait."

"Wait for what?"

"Just trust me. Be silent."

They found a storefront with a concave structure and sat next to each other, their backs against the door. The darkness and cold would hide them. The wind howled and blew snow in on them. Lisa laid her head on Forrest's shoulder. He kissed her lightly acknowledging the gesture, and then returned his gaze to the street in front of them. Three androids passed, no more than ten meters away, but did not detect them. No one said anything. Time seemed to stop. Forrest could not stand the waiting. His legs seemed to want to get up and move on their own.

The clank of metal feet could be heard coming down the street. A lone android appeared. It stopped in front of them and looked around. Forrest readied his blaster, but did not fire. The metallic creature turned and seemed to look in their direction, but then turned away not seeing them. It continued its trek and soon the sound of its walking could not be heard.

A minute later more feet could be heard. Six androids came from the same direction as the one just before. They too stopped and studied the area. Forrest was beginning to think they could sense something, but not conclusive enough to trigger a positive response. One turned and looked in their direction. It did not turn away, but continued to stare at them with its yellow eyes. It seemed to lean its head forward as if to see them better. Forrest could almost sense it thinking, analyzing the electrical signals sent from it eyes to its primitive brain. He held his blaster ready, in case the creature raised his. Another android joined the watcher, and stared at them. The two of them seemed to be locked into place, while their companions searched elsewhere. Forrest felt an intense unease. He now believed they were sensing something, but it was below their reaction threshold--yet close enough to maintain their interest. He dared not move, and knew Valencia and Lisa felt the same. The two androids moved a couple of meters closer, but still did nothing but look at them. The androids looked at each other, and it almost seemed they were about to discuss the matter. But, of course, they could not. Androids were not conscious. They were incapable of discussing anything with another android. They could exchange data, and respond to a human, but that was only a mindless, programmed response. The two creatures returned their gaze to the object of their attention.

And then someone sneezed.

The mechanical men raised their blasters. Forrest fired his blaster, and as he did so he heard Serp say "now!" in his ear. Valencia fired her blaster, and the two androids fell to the ground. The remaining androids also fell to the ground, smoke rising from their chests--where their brains were located. Valencia jumped up with Lisa beside her. They would have fired their blasters, but there was nothing to fire at.

"What happened?" Valencia asked, bewildered.

Forrest stood up. "Serp sent a destruct signal to the androids. All the androids in the City are now dead."

"This is why we were waiting? We could have killed the ones we saw anyway."

Forrest looked at her by the light of the two androids that were burning. "I knew it would take time before Serp could send the signal. I wanted to use the time for the androids to lose track of us."

"Oh."

"Anyway, who sneezed?"

"I did," Lisa said, shyly.

Forrest laughed. Lisa looked at him concerned. Forrest went to her and gave her a hug.

"You are not mad?" she asked.

"Why would I be mad?"

"I tried to stop it, but I was afraid to move," she said.

"Forget about it, Lisa. It was an autonomic response, ill-timed perhaps, but not something you could control."

Lisa smiled at him. "We better get going."

"Agreed."

They continued on their way.

"Good work, Serp," Forrest said.

"Thank you," Serp responded.

"What's happening on the bridge?"

"Nothing at the moment. The warships have taken up positions around us. But there has been no communication."

"Has Nicholor programmed the drive for Tau Ceti?"

"Yes. He protested, but did as Zak told him."

"Serp, if Zak hesitates, or if you feel we are in immediate danger, I want you to activate the drive yourself. Our lives might depend on it. It will be your judgment."

"Understood. I will get us out of here if need be."

"Good. And Serp, double check Nicholor's programming. Make sure he has done it correctly."

"Will do."

"Forrest out."

They walked for another hour in the darkness and cold. Mandoss would surely know that his androids had been destroyed. What might he have planned? The high produced by the destruction of the androids was ephemeral. Forrest now felt a sense of morbid dread as they approached the Town Hall. A part of him knew that he did not fear Mandoss nearly so much as he feared Lasandra. She was the Evil One. He had no doubt that Linwolse's soul was present while her body was alive, and the same was probably true of the others. But he had to wonder about Lasandra. The attitude expressed by the keepers when they spoke to him was reminiscent of Lasandra's attitude. Might it be that Lasandra was truly the Living Dead? But if that was true, why did she take care of Anthony all these thousands of years?

"There it is!" Valencia said.

Forrest looked at the building. It was the same one where he and Eletel had been taken by the stray humans so long ago--at least it seemed long ago. But that had been in the daylight. And now it was dark and cold. There were no lights in the building, as if the power had been killed. Even the street lamps outside the building were dark. The whole place had a menacing feel about it. Forrest wanted to turn back, but knew he could not. His heart pounded as they approached the front steps.

"What now?" Lisa asked.

"We go in," Forrest said, without tone.

"Just like that?"

"Yes. Just like that."

They removed the launchers--they would be of no use inside--and left them on the steps. Forrest activated his infrared vision. Valencia and Lisa would carry flashlights; Lisa's infrared vision would not have manifested yet. Forrest went to the door and tried the handle. It was unlocked. He pushed the door open and stood back, blaster ready. Nothing. No sound, no light. Nothing.

He entered the building, Valencia and Lisa just behind him. They surveyed the front room, but saw nothing that would offer a clue as to where Mandoss and Lasandra were hiding. Forrest opened his mind, and to his surprise could feel Mandoss. Not surprising, he could not feel Lasandra.

"Can you feel him?" he asked Valencia.

"Yes. Why does he let us sense him?" she said.

"I don't know. It may be a trap. This way. He is waiting for us."

"I don't like this," Lisa said, as if the feeling was unique to her.

They followed a long hallway. Forrest would not have been ashamed to admit he was afraid. Only a fool would not be. He was reminded of the time when he had begged his father to go with him into the Haunted House at a carnival. The experience had terrified his young mind, and he vowed to never do that again. But here he was--and this was real.

Forrest stopped at a closed door. He glanced at Valencia. She nodded.

He opened the door and walked in. The two women stood behind him, blasters ready. The room seemed to be a lounge of some kind. The only light was that provided by a single small candle burning on the small table before the seated figure. Mandoss sat in the comfortable looking chair facing the candle, away from them. They could not see his face.

"I've been waiting for you," he said, his voice soft, undemanding.

"Where is Lasandra?" Forrest asked.

"I do not know. We had a disagreement. We have parted ways."

"I don't believe you, Mandoss."

"Please come around where I can see you."

Forrest slowly walked around him. Valencia chose the other side. Lisa remained behind. Forrest held his blaster aimed at Mandoss' head.

Mandoss sat with his hands together, his fingers interlaced. As far as Forrest could tell, he had no weapon. He stared into the burning flame.

"Life is like the flame," he said. "Powerful, full of energy, everlasting as long as you provide it what it needs. But it is fragile. With and single finger, I could put it out. And it could be no more--not the same flame, only another."

He looked up a Forrest. "Please sit. I will not fight you. And you, too, Valencia. I sense Lisa. She is here?"

"I am here, Mandoss."

"Then please join us. You were to be my New One. I wish to see you one last time."

Forrest sat in the chair across from Mandoss. Valencia and Lisa sat on the couch. They continued to hold their blasters on Mandoss. But he did not seem to mind. After looking each of them in the eye, he returned his gaze to the flame.

"You are here to kill me," Mandoss said, showing no emotion--just calm acceptance.

"Linwolse is dead," Forrest said.

"I know. She spoke to me from the other side. I guess there is something to Jerac's religion after all. I hope he has found what he was looking for."

"What did she say to you?" Forrest asked.

"That you would come to free me from the keepers."

"She told me I must do that."

"I know. She was the Loving One. Even in death, she cares for others."

"Mandoss, why did Lasandra take care of Anthony? It would seem that Linwolse would be the more likely choice."

"Lasandra did not take care of Anthony. Anthony took care of Lasandra. She was weak. She was the Angry One. And it cost her, her soul. I do not know when she died. Perhaps in the early years after we were first exiled on Earth. Perhaps a thousand years later. But I do believe she is now without soul. And she cannot rest until you kill the body."

"I intend to."

"It will not be easy. She is not Lasandra. She is the keepers."

"I will free her soul, Mandoss. I promise you that."

Mandoss looked at him. "You told me that the Enonians and Pascanians had made peace, and that Enon lives. Were you telling me the truth?"

Forrest glanced at Valencia. "Yes, Mandoss. It is true."

Mandoss smiled. "I know that you lie. There are no Enonians left. But I appreciate your trying to allow me to believe so."

"I am sorry. I wish I could have returned you home."

"It does not matter. The keepers would not have allowed themselves to be reprogrammed. Had there been Enonians, our keepers would have infected them. It is best that we never found our way home."

"I don't know what to say. I--" Forrest was feeling remorse, and it hurt more than he would have expected.

Mandoss looked at him, his eyes sad. "You may find this hard to believe, Forrest, but I loved you, just as I would love a son."

Forrest looked at him, feeling tears come to his eyes. "I believe you, Mandoss."

"The Enonians were good people. Remember us that way."

"I will."

"I am ready to die now."

Lisa spoke. "Why are you so willing to die? Why not fight the keepers. You still have your soul."

Mandoss smiled at her. "You are the Precious One. I cannot fight the keepers and win. They have my soul, and death is the only way I can get it back. I am old, Lisa. Very old, and very tired. My time has come. I am ready to be free, to rest."

"But--"

He stopped her with a wave of his hand. He looked at Forrest.

"Will you do me the honor?"

"I can't, Mandoss. I can't."

"Yes, you can. I am asking you to free me."

Forrest stood and aimed his blaster at Mandoss' chest. He could not pull the trigger.

"The keepers are gaining strength within me, Forrest. I cannot resist them for long. Do it before it is too late."

Forrest looked at Mandoss through his tears. He pulled the trigger and blew a hole through Mandoss' chest. His eyes went blank. He was dead.

"Burn the body, Valencia."

She did as told and Forrest watched as Mandoss and the chair in which he sat was burned to ashes. And then it was over.

"He wanted to die," Lisa said, her voice sad.

"He wanted to be free," Forrest corrected.

"And now we go for Lasandra," Valencia said.

Come to me, Forrest. Come alone.

If was Lasandra's voice.

"It's a trap," Valencia said.

"What's a trap," Lisa asked.

"Open your mind and listen. You will hear what we hear," Valencia told her.

Do not listen to her, Forrest. I am in the basement. I merely wish to discuss matters.

"You are Lasandra?" Forrest spoke aloud for Lisa's benefit.

Yes. Come to me.

"Lasandra is dead. Why do you not admit you are the keepers?"

We are the keepers. You know that. But Lasandra is with us. She is our life. We do not wish her to die.

Forrest looked at Valencia. "What do you think?"

"We all go. It is not safe for you to go alone."

You must come alone, Forrest, if you wish to learn our secrets.

"I do not trust you," Forrest said.

We know where your daughter is.

"That is too obvious!" Valencia insisted. "Do not go."

Forrest studied her in thought. "I must go alone. I expect it is a trap. But if there is even a small chance they know of my daughter, I must take the risk."

"How could they know of your daughter? They have no way--" She could see that Forrest had made his decision. "We will be close by."

Forrest nodded. He exited the room, his companions behind him. Somehow, he knew exactly where the entrance to the basement was located. The door was marked "Employees Only." He wondered if the place would ever have employees. He pushed the door open, and looked down into the darkness. His eyes turned red, and he could see that the stairway descended about ten meters. There was little to see. The stairway was walled, and one would have to turn right at the foot of the stairs to enter the basement. Forrest started down the stairs.

"Be careful," Valencia said from above.

"I will."

As he approached the landing, he drew his blaster and released the safety. He looked up at Valencia and Lisa and saw the fear in their faces. He then turned and stepped into the basement proper.

A hidden door slid shut behind him and he heard it lock tight with multiple bolts. The room lit up. It was a fortress. The walls had been retrofitted with metal beams and plates. The stone statues and old paintings depicting Enonian culture and history lined the walls. Anthony's place of honor was positioned in one corner, but the candles were not lit. Lasandra sat in an ornate chair across from him. She wore a long, white evening dress like the ones she had worn on Earth. It was cut low in front, exposing her breasts.

"The androids built this place for me," she said. "It is amazing how useful they are with a little creative programming." She was smiling, and her tone pleasant.

"Serp said that you were trying to activate the Forever's self-destruct sequence," Forrest said.

"That was Mandoss. He had a death wish. But I do not. We parted ways over the issue. Fortunately, your Serp was able to stop him."

"He is dead."

"I know. You killed him. But that was what he wanted. I do not hold it against you."

"To whom am I speaking? Are you Lasandra, or the keepers?"

"Both." She stood and took a few steps closer to him in that graceful way of hers. "Unlike the others, Lasandra merged with the keepers. Her soul is our soul. When you speak to me, you are speaking to Lasandra and the keepers. We are one."

"You said you wanted to discuss matters. What do you want?"

"To live, of course. I am but one, and you are many. I am your prisoner. The Forever has several small, interstellar cruisers. I merely wish to be provided with one, fueled and supplied, of course."

"Where will you go? There are no Enonians alive."

"To explore the galaxy. To learn what I can. To experience all that I can. To me, that is freedom."

"What about the thirst?"

She smiled and stepped closer. "Thanks to your investigations, we have learned that human blood is no longer required."

"Tell me about Anthony."

"What is there to tell? Anthony was Anthony."

"Do you know what Anthony is?"

"If you mean that he is from the other side, then yes we know this."

"He told me I was to kill all of you. If you knew this, why did to care for him all these years?"

"You do not understand. Anthony was not sent here to kill us. He was sent to see to it that the Enonians merged with the keepers. When that did not happen, he chose you to be our executioner. But he did not realize that Lasandra had merged. Lasandra knew from the beginning what he was, and what his purpose was. That is why she tended his needs all this time."

"You speak as if she is not present."

"Your language is not equipped to deal with merged entities. We are Lasandra."

Lasandra took a few more steps in his direction. Forrest raised his blaster.

"Do not come any closer," he said.

She stopped. "You cannot kill me. You will not kill me."

"Don't bet your life on it."

"All we want is the cruiser. It that so much to ask. We will be gone, and our paths will never cross again."

"Why did Mandoss want to die? Why didn't he ask for a cruiser?"

"Mandoss was a fool!"

"No, Lasandra, Mandoss was anything but a fool."

"That is your opinion."

"Eletel's keepers despised Anthony--feared him. Why would they feel that way, if he was here to see to the merging?"

"Eletel did not merge. Her keepers knew that Anthony would have them killed if she did not merge. They did not want to die."

That made sense.

"Why didn't the others merge?"

"Because they were too busy being good Enonians, determined to preserve their individual identities, protecting their privacy."

"They were stronger than the keepers. Is that what you're saying?"

A flash of anger crossed her face. She did not answer.

Forrest continued. "But not Lasandra! She was weak--easy prey for the keepers. And Anthony was the focus of that weakness. That's why you allowed her to keep Anthony. As long as Anthony was hers, she was yours. Anthony was not here to see to any merging. He was here to destroy you--to free your Enonian captives. But the years passed, and Anthony did nothing. You misunderstood him. You thought it was he who was to destroy you. You did not know he was here to choose your killer. When he did nothing you lost your fear of him. And you allowed Lasandra to tend to him because it weakened her."

"You have an active mind, Forrest. You reason things out. But that is all you can do, and you have reasoned wrong. We are the keepers. We know what is true. You cannot know the reality we know."

Forrest hated it when they made so much sense. But he refused to believe them.

"Mandoss said you were evil. He asked me to kill you so Lasandra's soul could finally rest."

Her eyes flashed red, then settled down. She turned and faced away from him.

"You have a blaster. Why do you not kill us now?"

"What do you know about my daughter?"

"We will tell you when we have the cruiser. That is the deal."

"You do not know anything, do you?"

"You can make that determination after we have the cruiser. What have you to lose?"

"No deal!"

Lasandra turned and faced him. She was smiling. She pulled the straps off her shoulders and let her dress fall to the floor. She stepped out of the dress and stood naked before him. She smiled at him. Forrest could not believe it.

"Do you always resort to sex when you feel threatened?"

"We do not feel threatened, Forrest. Our relationship started with sex. It seems fitting that it should end the same way."

"No sex." He did not like the way she said end.

"Do you not find me desirable?"

He looked at her naked body. The sexual power these beings exuded was extraordinary. Linwolse and Eletel had it--but Lasandra was the strongest. The keepers must have discovered the power of sexual desire in the beginning, and had been nurturing it ever since. They were trying to weaken him--and it was working. He wanted her.

"Don't do this," Forrest insisted.

"Do what? Offer you pleasure? Do you not want to touch my breasts, to run your fingers between my legs, to feel yourself inside of me?"

He did. But it could not be. He raised his blaster. But he could not fire it. She took it from his hand and threw it across the room.

"Weapons have no place in love making," she said, in a sweet voice.

Valencia! Get in here!

"Your friends are not needed," Lasandra said. "I prefer one on one. Is that not true for you?"

Get away from the door, Forrest!

He began to move along the wall, making his way to the other side of the room.

"I cannot believe you would want to run. Besides, there is no place to run. You are mine."

"I'm going to kill you, Lasandra," he said, not sure if it was true.

She laughed a laugh that was not laughter. "I gave you immortal life. You would return the favor with death?"

"You are the Living Dead!"

She slapped him so hard, he spun around twice.

"You know how I despise that notion. Do not say it!"

A weakness.

"You are a vampire! A vampire, you hear me!"

Her eyes went red and her fangs extruded, as if to prove him right.

"Do not say that!"

Forrest smiled at her. He knew it was dangerous to anger her. But it was her only weakness.

"Does the truth hurt, Lasandra? You drink human blood--that is what a vampire does."

She struck him again. He thought his head might spin off. He was losing his sense of balance, his orientation. Was he on the other side of the room yet? His eyes didn't want to focus. Blood ran from his nose dripping down onto his chin. He could not feel his face, thankfully.

Lasandra glared at him so fiercely he thought her head might explode. But then her face seemed to soften--as best he could tell through his watery eyes.

"Let us not fight, Forrest. We should be friends. I have something you want. You have something I want. Can we not make an exchange?"

Forrest stared at her. "Let me speak to Lasandra."

"We are Lasandra. You are speaking to me now."

"Let me speak to Lasandra," he repeated.

"I told you, we are Lasandra."

"No. You are not. Lasandra once showed me compassion. She gave me the men who killed my wife. You are not capable of such compassion. Withdraw and let me speak to her."

"That is not possible. The merge cannot be broken."

"Lies do not always work. Withdraw!"

"Why should we?"

"If Lasandra can convince me to give you the cruiser, then you have a chance. Otherwise, you have no chance. You can kill me, but the others will kill you. What will it be?"

She (they) studied him. "We agree. But we will be listening."

"I expect nothing less."

Lasandra closed her eyes briefly, and then opened them. She looked at Forrest.

"Why are you killing us?"

"You are Lasandra?"

"Yes, of course. You killed Mandoss?"

"He wanted it."

"Damn you, Forrest. I should kill you now!"

"Your keepers claim you are merged with them. Is this true?"

"Merged? I do not know the meaning of this." She looked at herself. "Why am I naked?"

"Your keepers were trying to seduce me."

"That is impossible. You speak of them as if they were conscious."

"They are. They've been controlling you."

She looked flustered. "This cannot be. The keepers serve me. I am in control!"

"What is your last memory?"

"I--Mandoss and I were arguing, then--"

"How did you get to this place?"

She shook her head. "I do not remember, damn you. But I do know I came here to await your arrival."

"Why? What were you going to do?"

"Request that you give me a ship, and set me free."

"And what did I say?"

"I have not asked you yet. Why are trying to confuse me?"

"It is the keepers that confuse you. We have been discussing the issue of the ship for the last ten minutes. Do you not remember?"

She just looked at him.

Forrest continued. "It is the keepers, Lasandra. They have been controlling you--maybe for thousands of years. They evolved--I don't know how--but they have developed a life of their own. And they depend on you to survive. They live through you. If you die, they die. But you have a soul that will continue on the other side. You have spiritual immortality. They have no soul. Their immortality is purely physical. Without your body, they do not exist. What do you want to do, Lasandra?"

She studied him, and Forrest saw something in her eyes he had not seen before. "Why do I believe you?" she asked.

"Because I am telling the truth."

"Anthony is on the other side?" She seemed to be looking inside herself.

"I believe so."

"He was like a son to me--the son I could never have. I loved him."

"I know you did."

She looked into his eyes. "Will I see him again--on the other side?"

"I honestly don't know, Lasandra. But you certainly will not see him in this universe."

She touched his face. "Did I do this to you?" Forrest saw some of the compassion in her face, like the compassion she had shown when she gave him the goons that killed his wife.

"The keepers did this, not you."

Lasandra was silent, watching him, her expression thoughtful.

"You must make a decision. The keepers will return soon."

"What would you do in my place?" she asked.

"I would choose the other side."

"You are the Wise One. I never expected to heed the advice of a New One. I choose death."

Her face changed. Forrest could see Lasandra fighting to retain consciousness, but she could not win. Her eyes turned red.

"Enough of this!" the keepers said. "Give us the cruiser, or we shall destroy all of you."

"Lasandra chose to terminate you. I will carry out her wishes."

"You will not get the chance!"

Now, Valencia!

An explosion came from the stairway. The metal door bent inward but not enough to allow passage. Lasandra's body turned to look. Forrest picked up one of the stone statues and broke it over her head. She fell to the floor, the back of her head bloodied. She was on her knees and hands. She turned her head around in an impossible position and eyed him, like a person possessed by a demon. Her eyes pulsed red, fangs extruded, dripping saliva like a rabid dog. Her face had a look more evil than Forrest could have imagined.

"Fuck me! Fuck me in the ass! I know you want to."

"You are sick!" Forrest shouted.

Forrest picked up another statue and brought it down across her back. He could hear her spine crack, but the evil face did not even flinch.

"Stick me with your prick. It would feel so very good," it said.

There was another explosion and the door came down. Forrest heard Valencia and Lisa drop down through the rubble of the stairs. They entered the room and Valencia tossed him a blaster. Forrest aimed the blaster at the creature's head and fired several direct hits. The head burst into a cloud of gases. He expected the body to collapse. But instead it rose and darted about the room, bouncing off the walls and stumbling over the statues Lasandra had treasured. The three of them fired at the thing repeatedly until it could not move. It was in pieces, and still the muscle tissue quivered with activity. They pushed the not-quite-dead flesh into a pile and burned it until there was nothing left but carbon and a terrible stench.

Forrest went and sat in the chair where Lasandra had sat when he first entered the room. She had been the last of the Enonians, both on the Forever and as a species. And now they were extinct. They were safe from the Enonians, and he knew he should be jubilant. So why did he feel so bad? He cried, the tears flowing profusely from his eyes.

Valencia gave him a confused look, but Lisa understood. She came to him and held a cloth to his bleeding nose. She put an arm around his shoulder and held him close.

"It's okay, honey," she said. "You did what had to be done. They are free now."

Yes, they were free. But was he?