After a quick skim through "The Return, Part 1," I think I know which
myth Tom is referencing.  It's a bit hazy, but I *do* remember a myth
where some guy was able to avoid death because someone  else was
willing to take his place.  Okay, I looked it up.  It's the story  of Alcestis
and Admetus.  Admetus was a king--but more importantly,  he was a
friend of Apollo.  When it came time for him to die, Apollo  convinced the
Fates to let him live if another took his place.  His wife  Alcestis
volunteered.
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

Correct.  However, you left out the conclusion.  Not that my story will
correspond in every detail (not that it has to this point, for that matter)

tom