Ryan accepted a cloth from one of his warriors to wipe his blade, then re-sheathed the knife and dropped the cloth without looking away from the Prince's body. He'd thought it would be easy to kill any Terran, but he'd been wrong; giving this one Last Gift had been as painful as giving it to one of his own. At last he rose, still looking down. "His body should be returned to his Empire, but we haven't the facilities. Kelly, would you see to preparing him for burial?"
"Of course, Chief. In our memorial garden?"
"He deserves it, yes—with the warrior caste. But keep out his saber and badge; I'm going to take them to this Empire and ask that the one who brought him here return them, along with a copy of the tape of this duel. His people should know how and why he died."
"Yes, they should."
Ryan turned at the unfamiliar voice, to see the warrior Nevan. He'd been healed, though his clothing still showed the effects of battle. "I'm pleased you agree, warrior. Now that the combat is over, I'm free to tell you he knew your avatar in his home universe, and claimed him as battle-companion of a century's standing."
Nevan smiled. "From what I learned of him during our duel, I would willingly acknowledge such a bond. I ask permission to accompany you on the mission to return his belongings to his people."
"Granted, warrior. Will you be Vader's guest until we leave?"
"I would be honored, Chief."