The Three Ages of Woman

The Three Ages of Woman
The Virgin and Child with St Anne
The Water lily Pond
Venus and Cupid
Red Five to Blue Leader," he reported. "Aborting run under heavy fire. Tiefighters dropped on us out of nowhere. I can't—wait—" Astern, a silent, remorseless enemy was touching a deadly button once more.The first bolts struck just as Pops had risen high enough to commence evasive action.But he had pulled clear a few seconds too late. One energy beam seared his port engine, igniting gas within. The engine blewapart, taking controls and stabilizing elements with it. Unable to compensate, theout-of-control Y-wing began a long, graceful plunge toward the station surface. "Are you all right, Red Five?" a troubled voice called over the intership system. "Lost Tiree…lost Dutch," Pops explained slowly, tiredly. "They drop in behindyou, and you can't maneuver in the trench. Sorry…it's your baby now. So long,Dave…" It was the last message of many from a veteran.