The Spacetime Pool (15 page)

She nodded, gratified
he didn’t object. “Gladly.”

“You say I have some
small talent for scholarly pursuits.” He sounded bemused.

“More than small, I
think.”

“I haven’t the
interest, though.” His smile flashed. “But ah, Janelle, our children will be
brilliant.”

It hurt to realize
her children would never know her world. Yet it was true; if they inherited
their parents’ ability for abstract thought, and learned to use it, they might
truly reach for the stars. She would teach them what she knew. But most of all,
she would love them, as her parents had loved her.

He was watching her
face. “Together, you and I can achieve much.”

“I hope so.” Her
voice caught. “We will make a good place.” Somehow.

“Aye,” Dominick
murmured. “We will.”

Janelle didn’t know
if she would ever understand this complicated man, but she wanted to try. She
knew life here wouldn’t be easy. It was a violent world, harsh and unyielding,
and Maximillian would always be there. Yet it also had an incredible beauty. If
she could never go home, she could at least have her work in the library, a
family to love, and dreams of the day when humanity might soar beyond the
bounds of Earth.

A bittersweet peace
settled over her. This wasn’t a life she would have chosen. But it might hold
joy, even astonishing events, and for that, she could look forward to the
future.