Chapters 17-20 Summary

Emilio wants to know how Gina has learned that Sofia is alive when Gina insists that he rescue her. Emilio argues that the chances of her being alive when the ship reaches Rakhat in seventeen years are slim, admits loving all of his colleagues, but insists on marrying Gina immediately. Cooling, they agree to stick to plans. Before going home, Emilio gives Gina access to his bank accounts. They stay in touch during the vacation, although Emilio is busy teaching K'San. When she returns, she finds Emilio gone and it is two years later before she learns why.

Chapter 18 opens four weeks into the Giordano Bruno's flight. Emilio has been drugged the whole time. Carlo advises him to stop sulking and accept that he is meant for greater things. Carlo had sent three men to capture Emilio, who had injured them...