[Futura, 1989] The mortar fire was nearer.

Rick Galloway heard the sharp crump! of at least five mortars. Then there was silence for a moment. It was just twilight, and twilight does not last in the tropics. Night came fast, and with it the sound of the African tropic highlands: birds, crickets, unidentifiable creatures calling each other in the sudden dark. A warm breeze rustled the dry grass on the hilltop.

[Future, 1989] Gwen nodded agreement. 'A lot more. And we know starships are possible.'

'Yes. That does help. You go start your university, and I'll deal with the Shalnuksis. One way or another, your child will inherit the stars.'

'Our children,' Tylara said.