/// Probably not use/// The commanding officer of the station called Ross into his office. "I have a secure transmission coming in for you in two minutes." "About what?" "I was not told, only to get you here to receive it." "Are you going to stay here for the message?" "_No_." A brief sketch of a salute and the station commander left the room, closing the door as he left. The viewscreen flickered. Ross checked to be sure he was oriented corectly. And a quick comb of his fingers through his hair, didn't need to look too disreputable. It was Mairyonven. "I speak to the Auryn Rhos." Mairyonven had never used his title before -- she always called him Ross. "I am here, Star of the World." Lightspeed delay, from orbit to the ground and back. Ross studied Maiyonven. "It is my unfortunate duty to inform you that my son, the Stavehleth Envyss, is dead. He apparently died in his sleep during the night. An autopsy is being performed, but preliminary findings are that it was natural causes." "I mourn with you, Star of the World. Instruct me -- what are my duties?" "You have none, not with your health as it is, unless you choose to record a message for Josgoroth. There will be a ceremony here, and then you may choose to bring his ashes into orbit. I think that would have pleased him, but it is your decision." A nervous laugh, "And he will stay on a shelf in my quarters? Rather a macabre roommate, wouldn't you say?" "Ross... there are many options. And you do not have to deal with any of them immediately. Or even at all, if you choose." "Let me think on it. Farewell, Maiyonven." --- A second message, but recorded, not live. Ross almost wiped it when he saw it was Envyss -- anything he had to say now would only tear holes in Ross's heart. But the chance to hear Envyss one last time, to see him... "Ross, my love, my partner. If you are seeing this, I am dead. Over all the years, I have had only one regret -- I should have insisted on meeting you earlier, and that is a grief I have with my father, not with you. "Considering my age as I record this and yours, I will be older than you next time as Jheraind was. I have left instructions to the next stavehleth on finding and wooing you." Envyss smiled fondly, "Perhaps you will live long enough to teach me again. But more likely, I will find and teach you. "Try to be happy, my love. But do not fear death. We will be together again."