"Diana tells me you're having problems," said Griggs. "We just spoke to Houston, and they think it might help if you considered some medication. Just to get you through the next few days."

"You've got Houston worried now, have you?"

"They're concerned about you. We all are."

"Look, my crack about the CRV was purely sarcastic."

"But it makes us all nervous."

"I don't need any Valium. Just leave me alone." He removed the tube from the glove box and returned it to its slot in the cell unit. He was too angry to work on it now.

"We have to be able to trust you, Bill. We have to depend on each other up here."

In fury, Bill turned to face him. "Do you see a raving lunatic in front of you? Is that it?"

"Your wife is on your mind now. I understand that. And -- "

"You wouldn't understand. I doubt you give your wife much thought these days." He shot a knowing glance at Diana, then launched himself down the length of the module and into the connecting node. He started to enter the Lab module, but stopped he saw Luther was there, setting up the midday meal.

There's nowhere to hide. Nowhere to be alone.

Suddenly in tears, he backed out of the hatchway and retreated into the cupola.

Turning his back to the others, he stared through the windows at the earth. Already, the Pacific coast was rotating into view.

Another sunrise, another sunset.

Another eternity of waiting.

Kenichi watched Griggs and Diana float out of the lab module, each propelled by a well-gauged push-off. They moved with such grace, like fair-haired gods. He often studied them when they weren't watching, in particular, he enjoyed looking at Diana Estes, a woman so blond and pale she seemed translucent.