Dawnfire listened carefully to what the elder said. He knew of her lie and her smile grew sad and sorrowful. Her hand holding his, nodded at his words. Her planet also knew of war like his. For a long time her own planet had fought the Citadel and many a kin had been lost to the ceaseless battles. It was a blessing that she had not lived during such war times. A blessing as well that neither had Viran. War such as that was harmful to the soul and turned many great people into cold killers and damaged kin.

[i]Viran holds the key to peace between what remains of our people and the rest of Earth.... More are coming... They must make a choice... Viran was engineered to save their race... Viran's mother... Viran can bring peace... He must know his heritage... Let him know...that his Grandfather will always be proud of him for what he has done...[/i]

Dawnfire put her forehead to Viran's grandfather's as his hand grew slack in hers. Tears threatened to escaping her shining green eyes. Crossing the elder's arms over his chest, she closed his eyes and bowed her head. 

"May the Gods and Goddesses of both your planet and mine watch over you wise one.... and forgive me of my negligence... Your wishes shall be done, by all my Tamaranian blood," her voice was merely as whisper now. Gently, carefully she set the elder in a position that many warriors, both on Earth and on Tamaran, had done to their own honored deceased. Standing she wiped her eyes and went to Viran. The dead were gone but not forgotten. And the living needed her now.

"Viran," she said softly, putting a hand to his sleeping face, "Oh that I am sorry for what I must tell you when you wake. Rest now, Friend. I shall guard you till the others come back."