With the setting sun behind her, the Moon Singer is a luminous, golden vision swaying rhythmically atop the placid sea. David and the children radiate the same bronze aura, creating a phantasm in an equally unreal situation. Steadfast, but restless, David watches and waits for the sight of a boat carrying Bianca and Sokar back to the ship. But, for hours, he sees nothing.
Some of the children play on the deck, fascinated by every detail of this mammoth, celestial vessel. Others wait and watch with David, for what they do not know, mesmerized by the sight of Coronadus from this ocean vantage point.
“David! I think I see something!” Maati"s voice rings out. She hands David the binoculars.
“What is it, Maati? A boat?” He scans the water in each possible direction.
“No, not a boat. Look to
