Her face had become calm and all hint of tears was gone. Without hesitating she looked up at her husband and spoke softly.
"Tell the man to go back. Whether we live or we die, we'll do it together." Smiling at Tom, she took his hand to lead him away.
"Come, Tom. Let's go look at the sky. I believe these stars are real ones."
"Close the port!"
The door slid shut. A minute's long wait, then the boat released herself and shot out into the blackness. The last of the lifeboats was gone.
Professor Larrabee materialized from the shadows and approached Evans with outstretched hand.
"Well done, Captain!"
"You here? I'd hoped you'd gone with the others."
"What for? My life is over. I've had my pleasures. And this way, I shall be seeing my wife all the sooner. She always loved adventure, and I shall tell her all about the Thakura Ripples. Will you join me in a drink, Captain Evans?"
"No, thank you." His voice broke. "No. I need to be alone." He turned and strode away.