I did the only thing my conscience would permit of me. No matter what choice I made, I would never see the child again whether my plan worked or not.

Enclosing her cold hands within mine, I began the process of giving her my warmth, giving her life. How could I not?

The following day, Amilee was back to her vibrant and bubbly self. Dave rescheduled her party as soon as she woke, promising to never put his job before her happiness ever again. He even thanked me for showing him the error of his ways.

She looked so adorable in her frilly, pink dress and matching hair ribbons, I couldn't help but smile at her skipping happily ahead on our way to the galley.

"Amilee?" I called upon hearing the excited chatter coming from the galley further down the corridor.

She spun in a circle, dancing to my side to slip her hand in mine. I resisted her tugs.

"I have something for you," I said, withdrawing her rock from my pocket.

"Oh, pretty!" Letting my hand go, she took the charm in both of hers so she could examine it.

"It's very special. Close your eyes and think of something, a memory you'd like to see." She frowned, as if unsure what I meant. I knelt on the floor in front of her and cupped her hands, closing my eyes in demonstration. Peeking beneath my lashes, I waited until she copied me. "Is there someone you haven't seen for a while that you'd like to see again?" She nodded.

An apparition of a beautiful female appeared beside us, holding her arms out to toddling version of Amilee. She lifted her high in the air and swung her around before embracing her in a tight hug.

"Mommy?" Amilee's adoring smile faltered as the vision faded.

"You can bring the memory back anytime you like. All you have to do is concentrate."

Dave coughed, announcing his presence. "Everyone is waiting for the birthday girl."

Amilee raced ahead to show her father her rock. He smiled and mouthed, Thank you, over the top of her head.

I waited a few moments, finalising in my mind what I wanted to do; what I needed to do for these humans who had become friends during my stay. I couldn't hurt them, but I could send the vessel away.

Dave had commanded every available crew member to attend the celebration in the galley, giving me the perfect opportunity to put my plan in motion. I entered, making my way to the front table. Standing on a chair gave me ample height to command everyone's attention.

They started dropping where they stood with the first chords of Angel Sleep, all of them soundly sleeping when the final note rang clear and true.

A quick search of the officer by the door, produced a weapon. I borrowed Dave's badge to gain access to the bridge. As I suspected, there were two crew members keeping an eye on things during Dave's absence. I held the pistol to the female's head and instructed the male seated at the helm to plot a course for the next solar system. They too, fell to the floor in slumber on hearing the lullaby.

Hoping that the human technology was as good as our own and I could leave while the vessel was moving, I ran to the teleport station on the next level. The system was a slightly less advanced version of the one my people use. Although not familiar with using it as a means of transport, I knew how to work it. The officer on duty was no trouble. I bade Amilee a silent farewell as I left.

Figuring that the home Dave had used before he brought me on board his vessel would be the quietest place to perform the ritual, I materialised at the station not far from there and walked. I didn't think anything of not telling the Taistainae my plans, we had the same goal after all. Besides, the fewer who knew, the less chance the enemy had to prepare or leave should they find out.

Sharina, the primary sun god, rose above the horizon in the east, answering me almost immediately. After a brief explanation of my intentions, I apologised and thanked her for understanding. She didn't resist my call for her fire, letting it leave in a steady flow through me and into the ground to dissipate harmlessly. By the time I finished, darkness had descended, Sharina's fire nothing more than a faintly glowing ember in the western sky.

Frost and ice came, quickly followed by snow. Each of the planets reported similar occurrences system wide. Some who invaded our lands managed to flee in their ships, those left behind perished on the frozen worlds.

Many years passed before Sharina could recover from her loss, but she understood the necessity. Without her heat and light, the planets in her care grew cold. Her people slept.

Dreams of my little Amilee imbued my sleep, visions of her growing into a beautiful female enjoying a happy, full life. I wonder if she used my gift to relive a memory of the short time she spent with me? If she ever thought of me with requited fondness as she grew? Or did she despise me for what I did to her race?

--- The End ---