Jaal and Sara sat there until the sun began sinking towards the horizon, casting long shadows over the valley. They didn't speak, just sat quietly, touching, and exploring the flow of emotions between them. When the shadows grew, they began the climb down.

"I would love for you to meet my family, Sara. May we remain here tonight?"

Sara smiled. "Of course, Jaal. I'd like that."

As they approached Jaal's family home, a slim anagara woman stepped out, and ran towards them.

"Jaal! Jaal!" Sara couldn't help smiling at the delight in her voice.

"Sara, this is my true mother. Sahuna Ama Darav."

She felt Jaal's pleasure in making this introduction, his hope that she and his mother would care for one another, so Sara stepped forward and hugged Sahuna.

"Nice to meet you." She felt awkward, but Sahuna returned the hug, and greeted her warmly.

"He's my favorite," Sahuna continued. "Smart, loyal, kind."

Ryder grinned, it seemed that Jaal's family valued him more highly than he had led her to believe. But Sahuna was still listing Jaal's virtues and Sara could feel his rising embarrassment fluttering over their connection; that made her smile all the more as Sahuna kept adding to her list.

"A great shot. Writes poetry… sews."

Finally, Jaal interjected. "Mother." Ryder had to bite her lip to keep from laughing. She had never seen him so discomfited before. Sahuna seemed pleased with herself; she bid them farewell and hurried off.

Ryder turned an innocent look on Jaal. "Your mother's in the Resistance?" With her amusement dancing across the bond between them, her assumed innocence didn't fool him at all.

"Yes." He chuckled, then added as if imparting a great secret. "And every child is her favorite."

Jaal was pleased with how the visit was going so far. Sahuna had been welcoming of Sara, her eyes and voice clear of any hesitation. His true mother's teasing had helped Sara to relax as well.

He could feel her growing bewilderment as they walked through the common room of his home. He offered introductions as quickly as he could, finally realizing that without any way of sensing the bioelectric fields of those around her, Sara would find the milling angara somewhat overwhelming. Fortunately, they were near enough to an escape.

"And here's my room. My tiny sanctuary." He could feel how much Sara wanted to please him, and his family, so he didn't comment on her confusion, aside from saying, "We like to live this way."

He shuffled some items off the bed, apparently his room was being used for storage in his absence, and was surprised to find a very particular box beneath them all.

"Oh no. Who put this here?"

He sat with it on his lap, hoping Sara would join him. When she did, he smiled and opened the container.

Ryder peered over his shoulder. "Schematics? Of..." Her voice trailed off as she tried to make sense of his hand drawn schematics.

"When I was seven, my aunt stole a kett weapon for me. So I took it apart. To learn."

"And that is - was - a kaerkyn?"

"Pet kaerkyn." He correct, smiling slightly at the memory. "Alfit. He died. So I also took him apart."

"To…. learn?" He could feel a confused mix of emotions from her. Amusement, surprise, distaste.

The last stung, and he asked defensively, "Why not?"

Amusement seemed to be winning, and she didn't push the point.

Watching Jaal sift through his childhood treasures loosened something in Ryder. They may not have shared anything through his childhood, as she had shared emotions with her soulmate through her own childhood, but they were together now. She saw the wisdom in her mother's words about letting go of the past; now she was able to truly do so, and embrace her present.

The peace that swept over her left a warm glow in its wake, and she leaned over to rest her head on Jaal's shoulder. He set his treasures aside and turned toward her, one hand rising to cup her cheek before he kissed her.

Their first kiss, after all they had been through. The physical contact strengthened the soulmate connection, allowing their emotions to be felt more clearly. Love and happiness danced between them; shared, strengthened, and returned.

When they moved apart, Sara looked up at him.

"Will it always be like this? Will I always be so… aware of your feelings?"

Jaal laughed quietly. "I do not know. Even the moshae does not know; our connection is stronger than any she has seen. Whether this is because of what you did, or because we formed it as adults - stronger in ourselves and our powers, or simply a result of what we have both been through… I do not know. I suspect it will fade somewhat, in a day or so, and I will have to concentrate to feel your emotions this clearly. I look forward to finding out. With you.

"There is one more thing I would like to show you." He stood up, tugging her to her feet as well. "Lie down."

When she was settled, Jaal moved to the wall, and flicked a switch.

She knew he felt her amazement as a miniature galaxy filled the room. She smiled up at it, the stars and nebulae slowly wheeling above her. Jaal came and settled himself next to her.

"You made that?" She smiled. "Where are we?"

He hummed thoughtfully, eyes searching the brightness above them. Finally, he pointed, slightly to the left. "There. It is not accurate. More of a dream, really. Just one more thing I want to take apart and figure out."

She wasn't paying attention to his caveats, her eyes instead mapping the stars and the distances between them. After several silent moments, she lifted her arm, and pointed off to her right at a point down the wall, outside of his creation.

"So, I'm from about… there."

They were both silent for a moment, considering the vast space between their two hands. Then, Jaal reached over with his free hand and closed his fingers around hers.

"And now, here we are. Together."

Sara let the peace of that word wash over her, and felt it wash over him as well. They laid silently beneath Jaal's galaxy, watching the stars dance above them.

Together.

A/N: The end! Whew! Thank you to everyone who has enjoyed this story! I have greatly appreciated your comments and encouragement, and have enjoyed your reactions to this story. After a break, I will have a one-off or two to add to this universe. If there is anything particular you would like to see, please let me know!