"A'Ran, I want to try one more time to discuss a peace deal. This one will make reparations for the loss of your planet," Jetr said. "I ask for your attention one last time, as a personal favor to me."
His words were followed by a long silence. The men around him shifted with Romas shaking his head. No image appeared on the screen, and she began to wonder if A'Ran would respond, even to her. Jetr's confident gaze remained on the viewer.
"The Council and Qatwal has nothing I want," A'Ran's low voice said at last. Her heart soared at the sound despite his sharp tone. She fidgeted, waiting to see him on the viewer.
"First, the Council offers to fund the relocation of your people from the Anshan moon to a suitable planet. The Council will fund everything."
"There is nothing new in your offer, Jetr."
"Second," Jetr continued, unruffled. "Mison has an offer for you." He turned to Romas's father.
"I require peace with the Anshan," Mison boomed. "An end to the blood feud that has existed between my family and yours."
A'Ran said nothing. Jetr glanced at Mison, who glanced at her.
"I will offer one last compromise before the Council sends in its armies to destroy you," Mison continued. "A prisoner exchange."
"You can have your men. You'll need them after I destroy the rest of them," A'Ran replied.
Romas motioned her forward. Surprised, she hesitated before crossing to him. Jetr stepped beside her, and Mison looked hard at her.
"You have not asked what I offer you," Mison said.
"You've captured none of my men, and Jetr is no more a prisoner than anyone else in your house," A'Ran growled. "If this is all you-- "
"Your nishani."
"My nishani is dead!"
"For which you blame me, even though you destroyed her!"
"My greatest mistake was not destroying you sooner," A'Ran said with chilling calmness. "Jetr, ask no more favors of me."
Romas motioned for her to speak. She felt panicked and sick at her stomach, uncertain what to say. In the end, she spoke his name.
"A'Ran."
Silence. Jetr nudged her.
"Romas rescued me from the cave before you blew up the mines. He took me to the planet I came from. Evelyn returned for me a few days ago." As she spoke, the words became easier. "I don't know what happened, but I want to come home. I shouldn't have left. I shouldn't have been so stupid as to not be able to see that what I wanted was right in front of me. I want to come home."