“Come in, Ottavio. Lucy has been speaking of nothing but your visit for days.”
Janet embraced him warmly, and led him inside. Ottavio looked around the old home in coastal Annefinn. It had been twenty years and a hundred battles, but it seemed like he’d just left for the academy.
“It’s great that you can assist Lu here in her own home.”
Janet laughed. “She needs little assistance, Ottavio. I am usually in her way, unless she needs to leave the compound. Although her blindness is now just a part of life; it has actually sharpened her mind and, of course, her gift.”
“Remarkable.” In Lucy’s living area, Ottavio smiled at the paintings and furnishings he remembered so well from boyhood.
As they rounded the corner to the den, Lucy stood waiting. “My dear boy, come hug your godmother.”
They embraced lovingly. Ottavio finally stepped back to look at her equally moist eyes and adoring smile. “You’ve not changed a bit, Lu! You are as beautiful as ever.”
“Of course. How else would I have you remember me?”
After tea and much reminiscing, they returned to the den and to the work ahead of them.
“Lu, I hope you know how thankful I am for your willingness to help the Federation. Your abilities are without peer, and frankly we are in a difficult position.”
“Of course, dear boy. We are so proud of everything you have accomplished. Our galaxy is a far better place for your efforts.”
Janet lit the oil lamp that sat between them on the table, and quietly stepped out of the den.
“The steady flame gives me a reference and a resonance, Ottavio. On Earth they once used clumsy terms such as sixth sense and clairvoyance. We Annefinns simply call it by its proper name, tuning. Give me your hands.”
Ottavio extended his hands across the table. Lucy’s grip was strong and full of resolve as she took an audible breath before speaking.
“The Federation has made great advances in the rights of all, and has earned the respect of the citizenry because of its strong moral agenda. That is now in jeopardy. Ottavio, you must be alert to those in the leadership who would sway the Federation from its life-saving mission and into ideology for its own sake. You already know who the demagogues are.”
“Yes, I do.” He shook his head in wonder, amazed at her prescience. “What can you tell me about Charinot?”
“So let us now focus on the tactical aspects. You are concerned that the cost of your victory on Charinot was further instability. Understandable, but this is not a concern anymore. Even now, your enemy meets in secret about how to cut its losses.”
Ottavio raised his voice in agitation. “Lu, for the safety of the galaxy, I cannot gamble. You must assure me you are absolutely certain of this.”
She gripped his hands tightly. “It is certain. No more resources in Charinot—this battle is won. You must regroup your talent and ships for the next conflict, which will occur much closer to home.”
As soon as she had uttered the word “home”, tears filled her eyes.
“What is it Lu?”
She paused. “It is your legacy, Ottavio. The citizens sing your praises all over the galaxy for what you have accomplished. My own godson! So much good has manifested, directly because of your efforts.”
Ottavio smiled. “I’ve devoted my entire career to bringing compassion, justice, and accountability back to the galaxy. Thank you for your validation, my dear Lu.”
After Ottavio had departed the compound, Lucy retired to her chamber. She knelt at the window, and her tears began anew.
“Oro creator spiritus. You have blessed me with the gift of tuning. I have always resolved to use this gift in a spirit of honesty and integrity. Today, however, I failed you. I beg your forgiveness for not revealing my godson’s fate to him. I pray you make him as brave in martyrdom as he was in his life of service. Amen.”
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