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revealed deep concern. “I have just listened to the Grand Patriarch’s speech, Serena. Do you know he’s pushing the Army of the Jihad again, inciting even more bloody attacks?”
    Livia glanced over her shoulder at the trio of statuesque Seraphim who hovered too close on the stone platform fronting the shrine. Serena gestured for the robed women to step away; they did so, but only as far as the shrine, where they remained at attention, still within earshot. She knew two of the three well; the other Seraph was new, having just graduated from a rigorous training program.
    She answered with the so-familiar words. “Sacrifices are necessary to achieve our ultimate victory, Mother. My Jihad has blazed for two decades, but not brightly enough. We cannot accept an endless impasse. We must redouble our efforts.”
    Livia’s mouth flattened into a thin line, not quite a frown. “I have heard the Grand Patriarch give those same reasons, in practically the same words.”
    “And why not?” Serena’s lavender eyes flared. “Iblis’s goals are the same as mine. As Priestess of the Jihad I cannot concern myself with politics and power plays. Do you question my judgment or my devotion to free humanity?”
    Livia said in a calm voice, “No one questions your motives, Serena. Your heart is pure, though hard.”
    “The machines themselves deadened my capacity for love. The robot Erasmus took that from me forever.”
    Sadly, Livia stepped close to her daughter and slipped an arm around her shoulders. The Seraphim attendants tensed, hands sliding toward their concealed weapons. Serena and Livia both ignored them.
    “My child, human love is an infinite resource. No matter how many times it is expended, whether stolen or given away, love can grow again— like a flower from a bulb— and fill your heart.”
    Serena bowed her head, and listened as her mother’s comforting words continued. “Tomorrow is Octa’s birthday. Hers and… Fredo’s. I lost my son too, Serena, so I know how you feel.” She hastened to add, “Your brother died differently, of course.”
    “Yes, Mother— and you withdrew to the City of Introspection afterward. You of all people must understand.”
    “Oh I do, but I have not let my heart turn to stone, for all love to die within me. I am devoted to your father, to Octa, and to you. Come with me and see how much her daughters have grown. You have two nieces now.”
    “Xavier will not be there?”
    Livia frowned. “He fights the machines at IV Anbus. You dispatched him there yourself. Don’t you remember?”
    Serena nodded distractedly. “He’s been gone so long. I’m sure he longs to come back for Octa’s party.” Then she lifted her head. “But the Jihad must take precedence over all personal matters. We make our choices, and we survive by holding to them.”
    Looking sad, Livia said, “Do not resent him for marrying your sister. You cannot keep wishing that things could have been different.”
    “Of course I wish things could have been different, but perhaps my suffering was what the human race finally needed to galvanize it to action. Otherwise we would never have had the impetus to turn around and throw off the shackles of the thinking machines.” She shook her head. “I am no longer jealous of Octa, and I don’t resent Xavier. Yes, I loved him once— he was Manion’s father— but I was just a girl then. Silly and starry-eyed. In the light of subsequent events, such concerns seem so… trivial.”
    Livia chided, “Love is never trivial, Serena, even when you don’t want it.”
    Serena’s voice became small, not at all the powerful, passionate instrument she employed when rallying the huge crowds that came to hear her. “I fear, Mother, that the damage to my soul will take more than a lifetime to heal.”
    Livia slipped her arm through Serena’s and turned to lead her along the gem-gravel path. “Nevertheless, daughter, that is all the time you have.”
    Abruptly, Serena saw a