Landing in perhaps the most isolated part of Angel Grove Park Billy began to wonder what was going through Tommy's mind, whether he really intended to lose himself out here for good. He finally located Tommy sitting hunched over with his back to him.

"Tommy!" he called out. "Well, of course I'll help," Zarador replied instantly, as soon as Jamie had related the problem to him. "I haven't been involved in a good battle in FAR too long. And make no mistake, this will be a battle, even if the weapons are political." "I appreciate the gesture," he murmured, not taking his eyes off of her. "You have given up much to be with me."

Cassie swallowed another bite and frowned over at him. "I've gotten a lot more than I've given up," she informed him. "Same as you. If you get all guilty on me I'm going to spend the night at Mirine's."

A smile flickered across his face, and the tension in his shoulders relaxed. "Which will also keep your scissors safely away from my hair," he pointed out. "Perhaps it is not such a bad idea after all."

          Jamie nodded. "Yeah, I know. That's why we're getting as many allies as we can. Most of us don't know the first thing about galactic politics."
          Zarador made a face. "It's not my area of expertise either. What do you think I have advisors for? You don't know how often I've wished I was back with the Order, getting into trouble."

Tommy pushed himself up unsteadily and with a jolt Billy realise that Tommy appeared to be drunk. He was out of control, and dear god his eyes! Like someone had gouged the life from them. He was barely recognisable as his friend.

"Tommy..." he began hesitantly, asking himself what the hell he thought he was doing "Kim told me what has happened..I know what is going on"

"Really? Do you really?" Tommy shouted, his eyes flickering with a dark fire of despair. "You know she's dying then?...well stupid question...Billy knows everything! She probably came back so you could save her, she certainly didn't come back for me!.""