The captain decided he wouldn't wrap the silk and brocade kimono, but present it unwrapped, telling her the tale of how he obtained it. Perhaps she could wear it as a robe, despite the floor length sleeves. He hoped she didn't ask WHY he had gotten it, as it had been meant for Vanessa all those years ago.

There was a tap on the door, and he hid the gift under some charts and called, "Come in!" Martha entered, looking around curiously. He said, "Martha, what a surprise! You never come up to the wheelhouse!"

She sat on the sofa, took a deep breath, and said, "I wanted to be the first to tell you- so you'd have time to prepare yourself before she does. Robert's been found alive. Apparently his body had been misidentified."

The captain closed his eyes for a moment, then sat beside her and demanded, "Tell me what you know of this!"

"An old friend of his saw him working as a gas station attendant in Chicago. Robert didn't even recognize him. Apparently he remembers nothing from before the explosion- some kind of head injury or amnesia. He's been working with doctors and police for years trying to find his identity. Carolyn's been on the phone nonstop for the last few hours."

The captain just stared into the distance. "Of course she'll go to him."

Martha nodded. "I think so. I'm probably meddling, but she's a basket case at the moment. I just thought you should know before she tells you."

The captain clenched his jaw. "Thank you, Martha. Now, if you don't mind, I have some work to do." Martha stood up to leave, stopping for a moment to glance at his stony face. She opened her mouth to speak, but said nothing. She left him then, in his sanctuary.

Later there was another tap at the door. "Come in!"

She entered hesitantly, her eyes red. "Daniel, there's been some unexpected news."

He gestured for her to sit on the sofa. "Martha told me. What splendid news for you and the children!"

She could see the effort it took for him to smile. She bit her lip. "Just in time for my blasted birthday."

His smile become crooked and real. "Language, madam. Our time together has been most precious to me, but both of us acted in ignorance. Neither of us intended any dishonor."

She gestured for him to join her on the sofa. He did, maintaining a careful distance. "You'd make this a lot easier if you weren't so blasted noble and would just get angry!"

"With whom or what? You? Your husband? Fate?"

She took his hand and brushed her lips against his knuckles. "Fate, that's what I'm angry with! I confess a terrible storm would suit me perfectly!"

He gently pulled his hand away and stood up. "Mrs. Muir, you're not yourself at the moment, understandably. May I ask your plans?"

"I'm going to Chicago tomorrow. His doctors want to speak to me before I see him."

"Are you taking the children?"

"No. There will be difficult changes soon enough without disrupting school. I'd like them home with family . . . I mean home with familiar surroundings and people. I suppose I better say goodnight now?" She hesitated by the door.

He nodded. "God speed. All my best wishes are with you."