Too fast. I had barely any time left in this world and so much on my mind. For the rest of the day I half expected Inara to show up, angry and demanding to know why I’d shut her out, that I explain why Rain had appeared during Odyssey, or even having guessed my secret. I almost wished she would. Maybe she’d convince me not to go. As I readied to leave Singles Hall for the last time, I was too distracted to do more than whisper good-bye as I walked out the door of my room. The lounge was busy, and things had mostly gone back to normal. Gossip and news holograms flickered around the room. Singles laughed and chatted. But then I noticed Emory Specter’s face glowing from one of the walls, his cold eyes staring out at everyone, eyes that I couldn’t seem to get out of my head since the funeral. Adam was sitting there, watching the Defense Minister’s speech. He glanced at me quickly, and nodded. Then I walked out of Singles Hall without turning back. If I let myself see the tall, familiar building, with its warmly lit round windows, I might lose my nerve.
