Kathryn was home from her job when they returned.
"Well, how is your enlistment program coming?" she asked when they entered.
Sten looked at her and felt his stomach pull tight within him.
"Not so well," Franz replied. "Those I knew when I was here have forgotten what they believed then or are gone. It's too dangerous to speak to many new ones."
"There aren't many fools in Panamia," she retorted.
Johnathon grasped Sten's arm entreatingly. "Sten, come with us, we'll see the girls. They have friends who may be interested. We only have a few more hours, let's not waste them."
"No, you go on. I'll stay here for a while."
"As for me," Franz said, rising, "I'll go with Karl and Johnathon. I have to check on something."
Kathryn sat at the table watching Sten as the others left. He looked away from her eyes. "You'll be alone again soon. Tell me, don't you ever get lonesome all by yourself all the time?"
"I have The Leader. He is always near."