The Vulcan pondered over the sentences the woman had just said to him while he looked backwards through the course of time at the previous events, which had unfolded over the years. What she had said was still plainly on her mind and he assumed it would take time for her to forgive herself for what happened. He held nothing against her. Nothing at all, but he wondered why she continued to dwell on it for so long.

He pulled the heavy black cloak around his shoulders and took a deep breath of the cool dry air which was steadily accelerating in temperature.

In front of him the sun grew and swelled up into the maroon/black sky, high lighting clouds of vapour which would soon disintegrate as the morning air heated. By midday the temperature in the desert would be completely unbearable for humans and uncomfortable even for the natives of this planet if venturing out into the heat unprotected.

The Vulcan turned toward his female companion standing silently beside him. She watched as if transfixed by the scene overhead. He caught a subtle glow from the awakening sun reflecting and accentuate her features. The woman blinked and narrowed her eyes ever so slightly. She slowly moved from her present position and took a step closer towards the man.

Concern clearly plagued his face and he finally responded to her last words. The woman turned, shielding her eyes from the assault of the suns rays and gazed into his face. "You are apologising again, there is no need. It is both illogical and a waste of energy. You know that I do not harbour you any indictment for what happened." The woman blinked and straightened her shoulders.

He reached forward and with a composed, simple declaration of feeling that a Vulcan could allow to express, he touched her fingers. The woman nodded slowly. His hand closed over hers.

"Come we must head back to the house. We do not want the doctor worrying about us. He leaves for Earth in fifty nine minutes twenty one seconds." She nodded in agreement and he finally separated his hand from her own.

Together the two Vulcans turned around and headed back towards the house.