Strangers

shaky.
        "Faye," he said, looking up at the ship, "it's truly wonderful, isn't it?"
        "Yes," she said. "I never was one for stories about other worlds, never gave much thought to what it would mean…
        But it's the end of everything and the start of something new. Wonderful and new."
        "But it's not God," he said, "and in my heart, that's what I'd hoped it would be."
        She took his hand. "Remember the message that Parker brought you from Father Wycazik? What he told you in the truck? Father Wycazik knew what had happened, what had come down that night, and for him it was a reaffirmation of his faith."
        Brendan smiled forlornly. "For him, everything was a reaffirmation of his faith."
        "Then it'll also be a reaffirmation for you," she told him. "You just need time, a little time to think about it. Then you'll see it the same way Father Wycazik did because, though you aren't aware of it, you are a lot like him."
        He looked at her, surprised. "Not me. You didn't know him. I'm not half the priest. not half the man that he was."
        Faye smiled and pinched his cheek affectionately. "Brendan, when you told us all about your rector, it was clear how much you admired him. And within one day, it was also clear that you were more like him than you realized. You're young, Brendan. You've still got things to learn. But when you're Father Wycazik's age, you're going to be the man and the priest that he was. And every day of your life is going to be a living testament to him."
        A fragile hopefulness replaced his despair. His mouth trembled and his voice cracked. "You… you really think so?"
        "I know it," Faye said.
        He put his arms around her, and she hugged him.
        

        
        Ned and Sandy stood with their arms around each other's waists, looking up at the ship. Neither spoke because nothing more needed to be said. At least, that's the way it seemed to him.
        Then Sandy said something that did need to be said. "Ned, if we get out of this alive… I want to go see a doctor. You know - one of those fertility experts. I want to do whatever I can to bring a baby into the world."
        "But… you've always… you never… "
        "I never liked the world enough before," she said softly. "But now… I want a part of us to be there when our kind go out to ride on top of all the darkness, to other worlds, maybe to meet the strangers - the wonderful strangers - who came in this. I'll be a real good mother, Ned."
        "I know you will."
        

        
        When Miles Bennell saw the last of the witnesses and Parker Faine filing into the chamber, he gave up hope of employing Dom Corvaisis' new powers to freeze Falkirk out of Thunder Hill. He would have to rely, instead, on the.357 Magnum that was tucked into his belt. It pressed hard against his stomach, hidden beneath his loose white lab coat.
        Miles thought Leland would come with at least twenty men, probably twice that number. He expected the colonel, Horner, and half a dozen soldiers to enter the chamber behind the last of the witnesses. But only Horner appeared, toting a submachine gun and prepared to use it.
        As the Blocks, the Servers, Brendan Cronin, and the others were drawn instantly and irresistibly to the starship, Horner said, "General Alvarado, Dr. Bennell - Colonel Falkirk will be along in a moment."
        "How dare you come in here with an automatic weapon at the ready," Bob said with an aplomb Miles admired. "Good God, man! Don't you realize if your finger slipped and you let off a burst, the slugs would keep ricocheting off these rock walls, killing all of us - you included!"
        "My finger never slips, sir," Horner said in such a way that he was virtually challenging Bob to make an issue of it.
        Instead, Bob said sharply, "Where's Falkirk?"
        "Sir, the colonel had some things to attend to," Horner said. "He apologizes for keeping you waiting. He'll join us shortly."
        "What things?" Bob Alvarado asked.
        "Sir, the colonel doesn't always consult me about his every move."
        Miles was half-afraid Falkirk had already taken squads of DERO troops to liquidate the staff. But that grim possibility seemed less likely with every second that passed unmarred by the rattle of gunfire.
        He was a heavily armed man looking for a chance to turn the tables on his enemies, but he did not want to