" Fifteen light-years closer to God," Jonas mused."Or, would be if there were such a one. All religions are a bunch of damned nonsense."Elias stood an... stepped to a workbench. He returned with a small bowl and a dropper. "This is normal saline. Drop some into her eyes from time to time so they won't dry out." The old man pressed his fingers to her temple. "Her pulse is good and strong. The heart is the last to succumb." And if it succumbs?" Then she is lost."Jonas felt her temple and then held. The overnight express was briefly delayed beside the lagoon which is the impressive rail approach to the Venice terminal. The professor caught the attention of a passing train manager, who had a full passenger manifest tucked under one arm.“Carriage 3. Compartment number 17. A Senorita Valdez. Could you tell me whether the lady has already taken breakfast?” the professor inquired.“One moment, monsieur.” The man scanned the clipboard then shook his head. “Last night compartment 17 in Carriage 3. These aliens were very detail oriented. From the size of the rock, they were very generous too. He was sure they’d want him to perform his role as Eve’s husband to the best of his ability with the same attention to detail. Sorely tempted, Tim thought, ‘If I’m supposed to be married, I need to show my wife how much I love her.’ Sliding closer, he rested his head on his left arm and had a closer look at his refugee bride. For an arranged marriage, he’d done very well for himself. ‘I could. .. I just wanted to meet you as we haven’t been in the village very long ... and as Angela’s only 14 well 15 in a few weeks time, but one can’t be too trusting these days. I’m Janice and my husband is David but he works long hours in the City, he rarely gets home before 9 pm and then he’s off again at 7 ... So is life... !”She looked and sounded a bit fed up so I said, “Well it’s very nice to meet you Janice, why don’t you both come in and would you like a cup of tea... ?”“Yes that would be.