It took more time, more pacing and a substantial amount of reading to begin to parse the future Geoff had shared with him.

"M'dear," he began, anxious, knowing that what he had to share would be difficult for her to hear.

Her green eyes narrowed, still looking uncomfortable with her new glasses perched on the end of her nose, she looked up at him with the beginning of a scowl on her face. "We've been together over 20 years Daniel, and don't you know by now that when you have something unpleasant to share that it's best done quickly?"

"Uh, yes of course . . . it's just that after Geoff stopped by, I wanted, well frankly needed to better understand what was afoot before I felt informed enough to share it with you. What do you know about Iran? Iraq?"

"They're countries? Middle East I believe. During that debacle of the Carter presidency, we finally got the hostages back from Iran. Frankly I think that was probably the best, maybe the only real success of his four years. Why do you ask?"

"I had no idea your feelings about the ex-president went so deeply. Did you want to explore that first?"

"Not in the slightest. I gave up peanut butter forever after he showed up on television telling us that his failure to lead was due to OUR failure to be the citizens he wanted. I have no doubt he was a fine peanut farmer. A peanut farmer who had no business being president. But don't let me stop you, what did Geoff have to share?"

Jon knew it wasn't right, wasn't professional, but he couldn't restrain himself from fidgeting and pacing relentlessly as the transport plane came into sight.

It had been nearly 18 months since he had held Jo, saw his children and as much as he loved his duty onboard the damn ship, with intense clarity he realized that Navy be damned, it was his family he wanted and needed more than anything.

As the plane touched down, he found himself running toward the spot where the baggage handlers were waiting. Tapping their officer on the shoulder, he offered his best and warmest smile. "So Sergeant, I need to hop onboard the transport before the passengers deplane. Where's the best place to get onboard quickly?"

Looking into Jonathan's eyes, he grinned. "So family arriving today, are they . . ." he paused confirming Jonathan's rank. "Lieutenant, sir?"

"Very wise of you, in fact haven't seen them for over a year now. Wife and my twins are all here."

"Well, mind you," the Sergeant nodded, "officially, they are supposed to be going through customs, but who am I to keep a family apart. Here, follow me. There's a ladder here heading from cargo to the passenger area. Just don't mention who told you. Deal?"

"Done!" he smiled, and shot up the ladder without delay.

"Let me get this straight," Carolyn said, looking up from her various notes. "War, we're heading into a war in the Middle East?"

"And according to Geoff, it won't even be for a legitimate cause, but it will appear to be when it begins. I tried to learn more, but he's refused to say anything else. Apparently in our current status as writers, he, well the whole blasted Spectral Fraternity, feel that we could materially change the course of the expected future here. So we are not allowed access to the details merely that it's coming."

"Is it safe for Jon? Jo? The kids?"

"For now, and for a bit longer, yes, but those days are not likely to last very long. Perhaps two years, maybe less?"

"Daniel, its 1989, what could happen in two years that could change the world so dramatically?"

"I'm sure Bill Clinton would ask you the same question. He had such success as a president, country at peace, deficit at a record low, but all we read is about is 'is he a faithful husband?' Things can change M'dear. Best we start our own research and begin to understand what is happening on the other side of the world."

"Can I help you with those?" Jon asked, taking one of the bags out of Jo's hands.

"That's nice of you, but I'm sure I . . . ," she began, but was stopped when Jon swept her into his arms for a passionate kiss that had the entire airplane cheering.

One twin snuggled in his arms, the happily reunited couple headed down the stairs into the breathlessly hot air of Kuwait City.

"Lieutenant!" the customs office grumbled, "I am certain you know you are not supposed to see your family until they have cleared customs!"

"Uh, yes, of course," Jon smiled. "I assure you the very next time they arrive after we have spent nearly two years apart, I'll remember. You have my personal guarantee!"