DarkStar Running (Living on the Run Book 2) (21 page)

“Sorry. If I told you, I’d have to . . ., you
know.”

“Hmm.” Mr. Slone glanced at Stan before returning his gaze
to Carl. “I think I get . . . you two. I get a sense that everything
is as it should be . . .” he sighed, “. . . but I
still can’t help being mad. There just seems to be something wrong with letting
either you off Scott free, but I suppose the Immortal Architect knows what he’s
doing.”

“So,” Stan said, “you accept this then?”

“Yeah . . . but I don’t necessarily like it. You
better treat my daughter right, or so help me . . .”

Stan passed his hand over the sensor and they all stepped
back into Lilia’s infirmary room. Then a new thought popped into his head.
“Guys, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll be back in a minute. I need to jettison an old
helmet.”

“No, sir, not just yet,” Mr. Slone said. “I want that
helmet.”

“Yeah? Why?”

The old man shrugged. “To remind me that all things were
paid for in full . . . a long time ago. Maybe it’ll help me get over
the loss of my sister . . . and Dillan’s dad.”

Stan studied the older man. “Or it could just stir your
anger.”

“I’m mad at you . . . that’s true . . .
but the Immortal Architect is telling me to get over it. For the sake of my
daughter, and my grandchildren, I think I’ll do as He says.”

Stan glanced at Carl. “Now I see where Lilia gets her tender
heart.”

Carl’s agreeing nod said Stan was probably right.

A light tap on the door, preceded its opening to let John
Bauer in. “Is she okay,” he whispered.

Without a word, Carl threw an arm over the Shepherd’s
shoulder.

Stan looked at his still-sleeping bride, the children in her
arms, both in-laws, his friends, and even the DarkStar avatar—and thought about
all that he’d been through. Coupled with the Immortal Architect, his view about
everything had suddenly and drastically changed.

Feeling his heart beat with elation against his breastbone, Stan
now knew the Immortal Architect was indeed good.

And then he saw his own reflection in the window—his smile,
though honest, held a mix of irony and self-satisfaction.

So
this
is what success looks like,
he
thought, his smile broadening.

Oh!

Super!

But mostly, he was grateful that the Grand Programmer
rewrote the code to get
DarkStar
running.