On the fourth day he went back to the lifeboat. He remembered his graduation day, the crash of the Corps anthem, and the pledge. I do faithfully swear to uphold the ideals of Man, to use this vested power for the absolute good of Earth. I will not shrink from any cup of duty, regardless of how bitter. I will guard stasis with my life, and the lives of innocent people if need be, people whose only crime may be that they are potential threats to stasis—
He tinkered with the ship's reactor for an hour. Then he ran.
Behind him the lifeboat dissolved in a white blossom of flame.
Farewell the cold stars and the ache and the loneliness. Farewell the destruction of newborn colonies to secure the rotting stagnancy of Earth.
He would have a great many bad nights, but he was used to bad nights. He thought of Veena and his stride quickened. She would be a beautiful woman.
They were waiting for him back at the farmhouse, Lang, Veena and Merl. They were staring at the dark pyre of smoke in the forest. Saxon took a deep breath and squared his shoulders. "I've got a confession to make—"
They weren't listening. Lang said quietly, "You were right, Veena. He may qualify."
"Come." Merl took her husband's arm. "Let's call the Council."
They went inside. Saxon looked at Veena. He moistened his lips. "You knew," he said.