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The final goodbyes: no one knehere to start It was Amy who broke the stale quiet words that no one else could hear, then Sara and then Hollis, who, of everyone, ht of it all, hugging Aainst his chest

But, of course, Sara was steeling herself Her coo to Michael; she simply could not bear to Finally, as the various farewells proceeded around them, it was he ent to her

"Oh, damn you, Michael," she said uess it’s my talent"

She wrapped her arms around him Tears squeezed froave you up Not for a day"

They parted; Michael turned to Lore "I guess this is it"

"You always knew that you wouldn’t be going, didn’t you?"

Michael didn’t answer

"Oh, hell," Lore said "I guess I kind of knew it, too"

"Take care ofon you"

Lore took his cheeks in her hands and kissed hi and tenderly "Stay safe, Michael"

He climbed aboard the Nautilus At the base of the ladder, Peter shook Greer’s hand, then Hollis’s; he hugged Sara long and hard He had already said goodbye to Pim and the children His son would be the last Caleb was standing to the side His eyes were tight, withholding tears; he would not cry Peter felt, suddenly, as if he wereto his death Likeas he struck, as never before, by a sense of pride This strong man before him Caleb His son, his boy Peter pulled hi; if he did, he ive us our lives; without theone, like the dust A few seconds, recording all he could, and he stepped back

"I love you, son You make me very proud"

He climbed the ladder to join the others on the deck Rand and Lore began to crank the winch The Nautilus rose fro over the side With a soft splash, the boat settled into the water