Prologue

Prologue
"We're so sorry."
"Very sorry."
"Thank you.  You.re very kind."
"He had no right."
"We would have offered a choice."
"What kind of choice?"
"Togetherness, but finite and bounded,"
"Or forgiveness, but Eman remade anew."
"Who would have made the choice?"
"You, Aremanoa."
"Her choice was forfeit."
"Then I choose forgiveness."
"No.  What is done cannot be undone."
"Now you must take her place."
"I will, to honor her memory."
"Do not falter, Aremanoa."
"Even we are not above the law."
"I understand."
"We mourn her fall with you.  We're so sorry." 
"Very sorry."