Chapter XXI

Eden pinched the bridge of her nose and released a silent sigh.  She’d been hoping to talk to Eli before she had to speak to anyone else, wanting to get a feel for exactly where Eli was in her mind about Arianna.  She certainly hadn’t expected to hear it from Arianna herself.  But she’d known when the door opened and Danny and Arianna were standing there together – with Arianna looking broken – that not only was she going to find out, but it was probable she wasn’t going to like the truth.

Now they sat looking at her expectantly – like she was some sort of deity with the answer to life.  She glared at Danny briefly and he winced in reflex.  He’d known the risk he was taking, bringing things to Eden with no warning and Arianna beside him, but he was at a loss.  And it wasn’t that Eden minded being in the loop; she preferred it actually.  But she would have appreciated a private update.  Having Arianna sitting here with hope in her eyes that Eden might know a way to fix this....  It was unnerving.

She closed her eyes and sucked in a deep breath... willing herself to calm; then she released the bridge of her nose and turned her attention to them as she opened her eyes.  “All right,” she said steadily.  “It’s not an ideal situation by any means, but we can work with it.  Eh!” She barked at Arianna, holding up a hand to keep her from interrupting.  “This is not the time to argue with me.”

“But....”  Eden glowered at Arianna’s word.

“No, Az... I’m serious.  You want my help?  Then you need to be quiet and listen.  If you’d had any clue what to do about Eli, you would have already done something - you wouldn’t have needed come to me and Danny in the first place.”  She held Arianna’s brown eyes with black and waited for her to nod her agreement.  “So the very first thing you’re gonna do is agree to Eli’s terms.”

“WHAT??” Arianna shouted in a whisper.  “That’s your great idea,” glaring when Eden slapped a hand over her mouth and kept it there.  Eden returned the look evenly until she felt Arianna slump in defeat.

“Good. You ready to shut up and listen now?” Eden asked not unkindly.  “Az, you have to give her what she wants.  If Eli leaves, where does that leave us?  Where does it leave you?  If she’s gone, there’s not even a chance you’ll be friends again.  Because if she’s willing to leave the project to avoid it....  You see where I’m going with this?” watching Arianna nod sadly.  Eden patted her knee gently.  “At least if you’re in the same space, there’s a possibility of things changing.”

“I suppose,” Arianna agreed with a shrug.  “I just don’t understand why we can’t be friends again!  Malcolm’s gone!”

Eden gritted her teeth and sighed as she glanced at Danny.  Surely someone as brilliant as Arianna couldn’t possibly be that obtuse.  A light touch on her shoulder caused her to clamp her lips together, and she rose to pace the small room.  It was the best alternative she had to shaking some sense into Arianna’s thick skull.  Danny wrapped an arm around Arianna’s slim shoulders.

“Is that what you really want, Sweetie?”

“I miss her, Danny.  She’s the first person who saw all of me.  Is it wrong to want that back?”

“No,” he assured her.  “But you need to be clear on what you want this time... what you expect from her, and what she can expect from you.  It’s only fair – to you, to her and to us.”

Arianna slammed her mouth shut.  She wasn’t sure how to explain anything to them.  She didn’t understand it herself.  Eden watched the confusion swirl in brown eyes and pushed off the door she’d been leaning against.  She squatted down in front of Arianna and covered her hands, not surprised when Arianna clenched them tightly.

“Az, look... we’ll help you figure things out, okay?  But the first thing you’ve got to do is agree to deal with Eli on a strictly professional basis.  She deserves to be a part of this mission as much as you, and we need her.”

“You promise you’ll help, Eden?”

“We’ll all help, Sweetie,” Danny promised.  “But you need to make sure Eli stays with the team, all right?”

Arianna looked between them, studying the sincerity in their demeanors.  After a long moment, she nodded slowly.  “Okay,” she agreed.  “Thank you... both.”

Eden snorted and gave her a wicked little grin.  “Don’t thank us yet.  You don’t know the cookies this is gonna cost you,” winking to lighten the atmosphere.

Arianna sniffed regally and affected a haughty air.  “I can handle it,” Arianna assured her.

“Good,” Eden replied, before standing.  “I’ll start making my wish list.  But in the meantime, let’s go downstairs and see what’s going on.  It’s too quiet up here, which makes me think that everyone else is partying in the basement.  And I never miss a good party.”

“You really think they’re partying?”

“Why not?  We did get chosen for the Alpha team today.  Shouldn’t we be celebrating?”

“Yes!” Arianna cheered, raising an arm into the air.  But it was clearly done with faux enthusiasm and Eden and Danny exchanged stares before doing the same, hoping to get them all into the right spirit.  So it was with much noise and clattering that they made their way down the stairs....

... only to encounter Eli coming from the kitchen as they rounded the banister .  Arianna was in the lead, and she stutter-stopped, causing Danny and Eden to plow into her from behind.  Only Eli’s swift reaction kept them all from tumbling to the ground, and she retracted her touch before it registered. Arianna huffed and turned to meet Eden’s glare briefly before focusing her attention on Eli who was trying to walk around the trio without acknowledgment.  Arianna extended a hand, and Eli took a step back to avoid contact, though she also stopped trying to get by them.  Arianna let her hand drop to her side, slightly comforted when she felt Danny clasp it lightly.   She cleared her throat.

“Eli, I just wanted you to know that I’ve thought about what you said.  And though I disagree with your logic, I’m willing to agree to your terms.  We will keep things between us strictly professional if that is what it will take for you to remain part of the Alpha team.”

Eli forced herself to meet Arianna’s eyes for a moment to assess her veracity before she nodded her acceptance.  Then she made a move to scoot past them without a word, only to find her arm gripped and held by Eden.  Eli looked at the hand pointedly and shifted her gaze to Eden’s eyes.  When she didn’t let go, Eli raised a brow.  Eden looked at Danny and jerked her head towards the stairs.  He nodded and took Arianna by the arm, leading her downstairs without objection, though she did keep her eyes on Eli and Eden until she and Danny disappeared out of sight.  Once they were gone, Eden urged Eli to the living room.

Eli snatched her arm from Eden’s grasp, but continued into the room, crossing to stand at one side and turning to face Eden with crossed arms and a glower.  Eden followed and perched on one end of the couch.

“You all right, Eli?”  The glower became a glare and Eden held up her hands in surrender.  “Sorry – after seeing the two of you together earlier, I was hoping....” watching Eli shake her head.  “I guess not, huh?”

“No, Eden.  I considered it – I even tried to....”  She shook her head again.  “I can’t.”

“Are you gonna be able to do this, Eli?  Are you gonna be able to work with her... live with her... have her in the periphery of your life without actually being part of it again?  Are you certain this course of action is for the best?”

“It’s the only way, Eden.  If she holds up her side of the bargain, I’ll make it work.  You may have to buffer for a while though.”

Eden shrugged.  “Nothing new there.  You gonna come downstairs with the rest of us?”

Eli shook her head.  “No.  I’m going to go upstairs and get some sleep.  This day has been weeks long for me already and Ms Wellesly told me earlier that we’re moving tomorrow.”

“Really?”

“Yes.”

“Progress at last,” Eden said with a snort.  “Are you telling the rest?” motioning towards the basement door.  Eli shook her head. 

“And spoil the Chief’s fun?”  Eli shook her head and chuckled.  “Oh no... I don’t think so.  That’s like tempting fate.  Somehow I don’t see that working out in my favor.”

Eden smiled.  “Yeah, I see your point.”  She pushed up and walked to the doorway.  “I’m gonna go downstairs for a bit.  You sure you don’t wanna come?”

“Yes – thanks, Eden.  I’m going to bed.”

“I’ll make sure the others know to be quiet when we come up,” Eden assured her, then left the living room and headed downstairs.  Eli strolled out and up the stairs, glad for the silence.

************

It was fairly quiet downstairs, Mary realized as she made her way silently down the steps.  Quiet as she was being, her footsteps still sounded loudly in the stillness she walked into.  The basement area was completely empty, save for Michael who sat near the open lock door for the lab.  She raised an eyebrow at him and he just nodded and jerked his head.  Mary patted his shoulder as she walked by, then entered the short hall that led to the lab.

She stopped at the doorway and observed those gathered there for just a moment.  They didn’t seem to be working – instead they were scattered around the room in smaller groups talking.  If she was to hazard a guess, Eden was already networking with Esther and Jacob on how she felt they could help her with Eli and Arianna.

Hannah was chatting with Danny and Arianna and Mordecai was seated with Isaac and Titus.  Mary cleared her throat, drawing all eyes to her.  Isaac darted from his seat, standing and bracing his legs defiantly in challenge.  Mary smirked at him before letting her gaze roam around the rest of the room as she stepped fully inside.

“I just wanted to let you all know that we will be transporting you from here tomorrow to a number of sites so you can begin your final preparation work.”

“So the threat to all of us is over?” Isaac asked with disdain.  “How convenient.”

“Not at all,” Mary assured him with a smile.  “The threat is still out there.”

“So our safety isn’t paramount now - is that what you’re saying?”

“Is that what you heard me say, Isaac?”

“I’m not hearing much of anything, Ms Wellesly – except that you’re not who you pretend to be.”

Mary crossed her arms over her chest and leaned against the wall, nodding her head at him.  “Okay,” she accepted equitably, noting the rest paying very strict attention to what was going on.  Eden had even stepped up behind Arianna and placed a calming hand on her shoulder, keeping her from lashing out and letting Mary handle Isaac.  “Who am I pretending to be?” biting her lip to keep from laughing at his flummoxed expression.

“What??  How should I know?”

“Isaac, if you don’t believe I’m who I’ve purported myself to be, then you must have some idea of who you believe I actually am.”

“Stop!” he demanded, holding up his hands.  “I want to know what’s really going on here.”

“Ask specific questions and I will answer them, Isaac.  But I’m not simply going to spill my guts to satisfy your curiosity.  If you want to know something, ask.”

“Who threatened us?”

Mary shook her head.  “I can’t tell you that because we are still looking for connections to tie everything together.  I have several loose ends at the moment.  The fact that a candidate was infected with the AIDS virus is proof enough that there is a threat.”

“And you’re sure he was infected – you have proof?”

“I do.”

“And how can we be sure that this isn’t some elaborate plot on your part to do... something?  Destroy the program; eliminate us; create a worldwide panic; start a pandemic....”  Mary felt the surge around her and held up a staying hand without allowing her eyes to stray from Isaac’s.  She snorted and watched his face harden.

“I’m not sure if I should be insulted or flattered,” she said derisively.  “Isaac, there’s nothing I can say or do to sway your opinion, because it’s obvious that for whatever reason, you’ve decided not to trust me.  That is certainly your prerogative.  But it’s going to make for a long few weeks for you.”

“How do you figure?”

“Because if you’re going to remain as part of the Alpha team, you’re going to have to do what I tell you.  It’s the only way you’re going to be able to get your preparations made.”

Isaac stomped over and towered over her, poking a finger in her face.  “Are you threatening me?”

Mary grasped his finger and twisted, making Isaac drop hard to his knees.  He looked at her with disbelief and anger... an expression that morphed to pain when he tried to extract his finger from her grasp.  “First of all, kindly do not step into my personal space.  It makes me unhappy, and I tend to react swiftly and harshly,” watching him nod fiercely.  “Secondly, don’t assume you can intimidate someone because of your size.  You might be unpleasantly surprised,” giving him an evil grin.  “Third, I don’t need to threaten – that is simply a fact.  I’m sorry that I have to ask you to trust me – I know you prefer to have proof you can see and touch and feel, but that’s not going to happen here.  Not until I have the facts I can present to you.  I can tell you what I do know.” 

Isaac nodded. “Please,” he whimpered.  Mary released his finger and he sank back on his heels but otherwise didn’t move from the floor.

“What I do know is that there are factions at work, who for one reason or another do not want to see this project succeed.  They have been around from the beginning, but they are merely whispers... nothing concrete.  We are continuing to hunt for the source of them however, if only to eliminate the disruption the whispers are causing.  What I do know is that a candidate was infected with a virus that could virtually destroy humanity on this planet and any other we are in contact with.”

“They know, Mary,” Arianna spoke quietly.  “I told them.”

Brown eyes met and Mary bobbed her acknowledgment of the confession before looking around the room at the others.  “So you see why the process to discover the real threat is so slow going.  And in the meantime, we need to get each of you to a location that will allow you to make the preparations you need to accomplish.”

“But not the transport site?” Jacob asked.

“Not yet.  That will happen closer to your departure.  I want to have my guys go over everything there and at the ship itself to ensure nothing’s been tampered with.  Though we’ll get you moved there as expediently as we can.”  She turned to Isaac.  “You’ll be among the first to go – with your mechanical knowledge, your expertise will be appreciated.”  His eyes widened in surprise.

“I’m really not the bad guy here, Isaac,” she assured him softly.

“Mary, what about our families?” Eden asked into the silence.  “My makuahine is gonna be real unhappy if we don’t get some time together before we leave.”

“Arrangements are being made to bring them to you once we get you in place.  Which reminds me – at some point tomorrow we’ll enable your comm devices and you’ll be able to contact them again... let them know you made the cut.”  Mary smiled at the cheers her words garnered.  “Any other questions?”  She met Isaac’s eyes.  “Come talk to me first next time,” waiting for his nod before looking around once more.  “You guys don’t stay up too late,” she admonished, then turned and left the lab.

They waited until her footsteps faded to silence, then Jacob turned to Isaac with a look.  “You satisfied now, bro?”

“Not really.  There’s still too many unanswered questions around her.  But in deference to my fingers, I’ll keep my thoughts to myself until I have some proof one way or another.”  He missed the rolling eyes and exchanged glances between most of the other team members.

“Do you need to have that checked out?” Arianna asked quietly, motioning to his hand.  He caught the glare and slight shake of the head that several teammates gave him and he gave Arianna a crooked smile.

“No... it’s all right, Arianna.  She didn’t break it – just got my attention with it.”  He struggled to his feet and sighed.  “I think I’m just gonna go upstairs to bed.  I have a feeling tomorrow is gonna be a madhouse around here.”

“Well, be quiet.  Eli has already gone to bed.”  He nodded and headed out the door.  Titus followed him almost immediately, then Jacob took Arianna by the elbow and nudged her into a standing position. 

“C’mon, Az,” laughing when she wrinkled her nose and glared at Eden.  “Let’s go get some sleep.”

Arianna yawned but looked at Danny.  He nodded his head at her.  “I’ll be up shortly,” he promised.  “I need to clear my station,” gesturing to the disarray on one of the worktables.  She hadn’t seen Eden’s hand signal to him.

“Goodnight, everyone,” Arianna bid, smiling when the others offered the same in return.  Jacob waved and Esther unexpectedly came up on her other side.  Immediately the trio was pushing and shoving its way laughing through the narrow corridor.  Eden waited until she heard the basement door slam on their laughter before she turned to Danny, Hannah and Kai.

“All right, guys.  I need your help,” she said succinctly.  They nodded and moved in closer, and Eden began laying out her concerns.  In moments, they were agreeing and discussing ways they could help.  Eden sighed, feeling a weight roll off her shoulders.  Maybe they could make things right again – with a little effort and elbow grease.


Chapter XXII

“Mama?”

“Yes, my son?” Mary asked with a smile as Ian’s face appeared on her screen.  She leaned back in her chair and steepled her fingers in front of her lips.  “What can I do for you, Stud Muffin?”

Ian colored a nice shade of brick and shook his head.  “You realize Prue has picked up that nickname, thanks to you.  I haven’t heard the end of it since she said it in front of my squadron.”

“The truth is a burden we all must bear sometimes, my son.”

Ian snorted into laughter.  “You’re impossible, you know that?”

“Why yes... yes, I do.  I’ve had years to perfect my technique.  But I’m confident that isn’t why you contacted me at holy-crap-o’clock in the morning.  So what’s up?”

“You and me for starters,” he quipped, then immediately turned serious.  “We should be to you by breakfast.  The departures are going like clockwork.”

“No complaints about sneaking out in the middle of the night again?”

He cocked an eyebrow at her.  “I didn’t say that.  But most of the candidates understand the safety issue and the need to get them home as expeditiously as possible.”  He grinned.  “Personally, I think most of them find it exciting – like a thriller novel or something.”

Mary rolled her eyes.  A knock on the office door caused Mary to look up with a frown, and she held up a hand to silence Ian.  “Come in?” she called out softly.  The door opened slowly and Arianna stuck her head into the room.  Mary motioned her forward and turned her attention back to the screen.  “I’ll let Joy know to expect you for breakfast.  You should probably bring supplies with you.  It will save your sister a little aggravation.”  She gestured Arianna to take a seat.

“Yes, Mama,” Ian replied.  “At least we won’t be there very long.”

“You know where to go when you arrive?”

“We do, Mama.  I’ll see you soon,” knowing Mary had someone waiting to speak to her.  “Love you.”

“Love you too, my son.”  The screen went dark and Mary turned her attention to her visitor, cocking an eyebrow at her.  “And why are you up wandering around the house so late, Arianna?  Shouldn’t you be sleeping?”

Arianna shrugged.  “Probably.  I just... have you ever have so many things going round and round in your mind that you can’t seem to make it settle?”

Mary smirked and nodded.  “Constantly,” she confessed.  “It’s how I get a lot of my work done.”  She tilted her head to study Arianna’s downcast face, then stood and moved from behind her desk.  “C’mon,” she invited, extending a hand.  Arianna accepted and rose, following Mary from her office.

“Where are we going?”

“The kitchen,” nodding at Michael and Dorcas as they reached the lower landing.  They had agreed to remain on duty until Mary finished her business with the other team leaders.  When she and Arianna crossed into the kitchen, Mary gave Ephraim a jerk of her head, and he exited immediately to relieve the other two from duty.  Arianna watched him go before turning to Mary.

“Was it something I said?” she joked softly, taking the seat Mary proffered.

“No,” Mary grinned.  “Something *I* did.  My guys recognize many forms of communication.  It’s imperative in our line of work.”

“And so many people can’t even understand one properly.  What’s this?” looking up as Mary put a glass of cold milk and a plate of cookies in front of her.  “I mean,” Arianna sputtered at Mary’s raised eyebrow.  “I know what it is, but why?”

“Because sometimes, a little comfort food goes a long way in settling the mind.  And conversation never hurt either.  So tell me, Arianna – what are you thinking about?  Maybe I can help.”

“Probably not... no offense.  At least not with most of it – those things I need to figure things out on my own.  But there is something - I was wondering... is there a way to keep my parents from visiting me?” smiling sadly when Mary’s brows shot into her hairline.  “I know that probably sounds harsh to you.  I’ve seen how you interact with your children... how you have interacted with me, and I am not even a member of your family.  But I cannot be with them right now.”

“May I ask why?”

“Are you serious?” watching Mary nod.  “You’re asking me that... knowing what you do about the entire situation?”

“It’s not my place to presume.  You may have reasons beyond what I know or understand.”

“Somehow I doubt that,” Arianna retorted wryly.  “Still....” she shrugged after a long moment.  She picked up a cookie and nibbled on it, marshaling her thoughts.  Mary let her be, understanding the process.  Instead, she poured her own glass of milk and took a seat, waiting for Arianna’s attention to return to her.  “All right,” Arianna said at last.  “I have never been especially close to my parents – my papa always had impossible expectations and my mama was less than affectionate though I didn't really recognize that until I saw you with your kids.”  She let her gaze go inward.  “I don’t think she would have chosen to have children if it had not been her duty to do so.  She never quite seemed to get the hang of being a mother – she tried to care for me, but I was an obligation more than anything.”

Mary nodded.  “I had that impression myself,” she admitted.  “You don’t think the prestige of being chosen for the Alpha team would change their outlook?”

Arianna snorted.  “I know it wouldn’t.  Nothing has changed their opinions in twenty-five years – nothing has ever been quite good enough.  And now that I have managed to eliminate the suitor papa chose as my betrothed – thus erasing the agreement that was part of the betrothal agreement – any time I am forced to spend with them will be... unpleasant.”

“You didn’t eliminate Malcolm from contention – that was a cumulative effort... not the least of which was mine.”

Arianna smirked.  “Perhaps, but Papa won’t see it that way.  He will assign blame to Malcolm, of course, and to you.  But the ultimate responsibility will be mine.  Because I am the one the betrothal was broken for. No matter the reason behind it.”

Mary frowned.  “There is something inherently wrong with that logic.”

Arianna swallowed the bite of cookie in her mouth and nodded before she picked up her glass and drained half of it.  “There is.  It doesn’t change the truth behind it, though.”

“All right,” Mary sighed.  “You’ll have to remain here for a little while after the others leave, though.  I need to make some alternate arrangements for you.”

Arianna grinned.  “Twist my arm... please.  Any time spent with Joy learning her baking secrets is a bonus in my book.  Maybe she would be willing to help me adapt them into something I can recreate once we leave here.  It would be nice to have this sort of treat occasionally.”

“Ask her,” Mary said.  “She’s always liked a good challenge.”  She studied Arianna’s face.  It was more relaxed though there was still tension behind her eyes.  “You feel like you could get a little rest now?”

“Actually, yes.  Knowing I won’t have to try and appease my parents while I’m trying to get ready to leave is an immense relief.  The snack was just a delightful extra.”   She lifted her glass and finished her milk.  “Thank you, Mary.”

“Anytime, Arianna.  I’m glad I could help.”  She watched as Arianna took her plate and glass to the sink to wash them.  She rose to do the same, not surprised when the glass was taken from her.  Mary picked up a towel and dried the dishes, putting them away as Arianna dried her hands.

“Goodnight, Mary.”

“Night, kiddo.  Happy dreams.”

Arianna just shook her head and walked out the door.  Mary sighed and followed behind her slowly.  Ephraim rose from his spot by the front door.

“Everything all right, Chief?”

“I think so, Eph.  The rest should start arriving shortly – Ian told me they expect to be here for breakfast.  The other agents know to go next door, but I expect the boys will show up here first.  It’s been a while since they’ve seen their sister for longer than the fifteen minutes they got when she dropped them back at their safe houses.”

“I’ll keep an eye out.”

Mary smirked.  “Do.  Because if they can sneak around you – here especially – they will never let you or Joy hear the end of it... especially if you’re serious about your plans to court her.  They’ll expect you to be able to protect her from all comers... including them.  Speaking of....”

“Not yet, Chief.  But soon, I promise.  I’d like to have her entire attention when I talk to her about... us, and that’s kind of hard to manage right now.  It’s too important to me to rush.”

“Understandable,” Mary conceded.  “All right.  You want to stay out here or...?”

“If it’s all the same, Chief, I like the kitchen better.”

Mary smirked.  “I’m sure you do, Sport.  Go on.  I’ll let you know if I need you to watch out here again,” pulling out her Pad.  “I’m hoping the rest of the night will be fairly quiet.”

Ephraim chuckled.  “I suppose it doesn’t hurt to hope, Chief.  I’ll fix some coffee in a few.”

“Let me know when it’s ready,” Mary instructed.  Ephraim nodded and walked back into the kitchen.  Mary moved over to the chair by the front door and took a seat.  There were still things that needed to be taken care of before she could start moving the kids under her watch, and the rest would be arriving soon.  It didn’t take long for attention to be split between her Pad and the still world outside the window she could see in the darkness.

************

She’d seen the movement, of course, but each of the agents had checked in with Mary when they were within sight range.  She’d acknowledged them and unlocked the appropriate door to allow them access into one building or the other.  It was the darkest part of the night – just before the sky began its process of ushering in the dawn.  Things had been quiet for some time, then she heard the sound of footsteps lightly trailing down the stairs.  She looked up, expecting to see one of her team leaders coming over from one or the other of the neighboring buildings via the attic.  What she found made her eyes widen slightly, though there was no other visible reaction.

“Eli?  Is everything all right?  It’s a little early to be up stirring around.”

“Says the ultimate night owl,” Eli offered with a chuckle as she leaned against a wall.

“Point taken,” Mary conceded, “though it’s actually in my job description.  What’s your excuse?”

Eli snorted.  “I think I went to bed too early.  I didn’t even hear everyone else come upstairs last night.  I closed my eyes and that was it.”

“Well, Joy’s not up yet, but I think there might still be a little coffee in the pot,” nodding towards the kitchen.  “Or Ephraim can make some fresh.”

“Thanks,” Eli said sincerely, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.  “But I was wondering if I could talk to you about something first.”

“Of course, Eli.  What can I do for you?”

Eli sighed and glanced down at her clasped hands before bringing gray eyes up to meet patient brown.  “I was wondering – will you and your security team still be with us when our parents come to stay with us prior to our departure?”

“Short of some sort of cataclysmic event preventing our participation, yes.  The plan is that we’ll be with you until launch.  Our last scheduled action in this mission is actually to return your families back to their home planets.  Why?”

“I would like for you to meet my MaTb, and for her to meet you.  I believe you would make great friends.”

“And a person can never have too many of those.”  Eli nodded, but didn’t speak, waiting for Mary’s answer.  Mary kept her eyes on Eli, curious to know what really lay behind the request, but intrigued regardless.  Finally she nodded.  “I think I’d like that,” she admitted.  “I’ll make the appropriate arrangements.  It will by necessity be close to launch time.  Your preparations come first and I want to ensure you have as much time with your family as can be managed before your departure.”

“MaTb will appreciate that. That has been her one big complaint about this whole process – and about the project itself.”

“How does she feel about you being gone for so long then?  Surely she knew it was a likelihood in your case.”

Eli smirked.  “After the second security visit?  Yes... she knew.  But that’s different in her eyes.  It’s an expected hardship they are proud to shoulder in the name of scientific advancement.  It is understood that we will be practically incommunicado as part of the rigors of the mission.  Knowing that we are still close enough to communicate with on a daily basis and not being able to do so... well, you know how it is.  You have the same issue with your children.  The big difference is that yours have found their mates.  And MaTb worries about that for me.”

“So your mother doesn’t know....”

“No,” Eli replied sharply.  “And she won’t.  That is not something she needs to know – now or ever.”  She gave Mary a stern look and Mary nodded her acquiescence.

“It’s not my place to share that with her, Eli.  But a word to the wise – she’s going to know something’s wrong when she sees you... assuming she hasn’t figured it out already.  Your color is gone.  I noticed it when you returned from the desert compound.  It’s why Dr. Morris checked you out immediately upon your arrival.  We were afraid something....”  Mary broke off and reconsidered her words.  “Just don’t be too surprised if your mother figures it out on her own.”

“She already knows there’s an issue with my color.  She thinks it is due to the stress of the political game I have been forced to play and the fact that I’ve been stuck indoors for months on end... relatively speaking.  I mean it hasn’t been like it was at home where I was out all day, every day.  And your sun is different than mine.”  Eli shrugged.  “I only need her to believe for a few more weeks.  After that, it won’t matter.  I’ll be gone.”

“Your heartbreak will always matter to her, Eli.  You are her child, regardless of your age.  Trust me - been there, done that... several times already.”

“And her peace of mind matters more to me than her anger and outrage on my behalf does... especially since the situation is partly my fault for not ensuring she was acquainted with the mating ritual and customs of my people before we....”  Eli broke off without mentioning Arianna by name.  “This way, MaTb will just be concerned that I have no mate yet – not furious that I wasted my opportunity by choosing poorly.”

Mary nodded.  “I hope you can make her see that then.  You should have that much peace.”

“And you will meet her?”

“I’d be honored, Eli... truly.”

“I have a favor to ask then.”  Mary cocked her head but didn’t speak, so Eli went on.  “I promised Reuben that he could be there when you met,” coloring slightly when she saw Mary’s eyebrow crawl up her hairline.  “He really didn’t want to bring her and me over to your room earlier... until I explained why we needed to talk to you right then.  He asked why I was willing to trust you and I told him you reminded me of MaTb.  He agreed to bring us to you if I agreed to his being present when you met.”  She shrugged.  “He wants to see the truth for himself, I guess.”

“I’ll see what I can do,” Mary replied dryly.  “Reuben is still at the top of my list at the moment.”  She paused briefly, debating on something before deciding to ask.  “Do you know the name of the security agent that visited your family the second time?”

Eli shook her head.  “MaTb didn’t say.  She only mentioned that she was a lovely young woman, and that she and OTeU were undergoing the secondary process because her boss – meaning you – was getting a head start on screening the families of those candidates that she felt would ultimately be chosen as part of the Alpha team in preparation of their visit here.”  Eli caught a look at the perplexed expression in Mary’s eyes.  “Why?  Is there a problem?”

Mary blinked and returned her focus to Eli, all confusion erased from her features.  “No,” she assured Eli.  “I’m just trying to remember who I sent.”  She looked down at the Pad in her lap.  “Thankfully, I can just look it up.”  Eli yawned and Mary did the same.  “Stop that!” Mary commanded.  “I can’t start doing that this early in my day.”

“Another long one?”

“Aren’t they all?” Mary asked wryly.  “But yes – this one will probably go on into tomorrow.  It depends on how successful we are at moving each of you.  And at some point, I need to address the Committee.”

“I am so sorry,” Eli said sincerely.  “Would a cup of coffee make it any better?”

Mary chuckled.  “Well, it certainly couldn’t hurt.  Some days I’m not completely convinced that it isn’t the nectar of life.  Pretty sure if you checked, you’d find it running through my veins.  And I know the boys are the same, if not worse.  It’s not called ‘lifer juice’ for nothing, you know.”

“’Lifer juice’?”

Mary laughed.  “Yes... sorry.  It’s what those who make a career in the military call coffee here.  I think they think it’s the only thing that will get them through.”

“Understandable.  My people feel the same about ВОДКА.  It’s gotten many a warrior through training... especially in the winter.  However,” she said as she pushed away from the wall, “it is much too early in the day and far too warm for anything that strong.  So I’m going to go to the kitchen and see if Ephraim has that coffee ready yet.”  Eli started to walk away, then turned and looked back at Mary.  “Thank you, Ms Wellesly.”

Mary frowned.  “I’m not sure what for, but you’re welcome, Eli.”  She looked up at the sound of footsteps headed down the stairs again.  “I’d suggest you hurry if you want that coffee though.  I’m pretty sure that’s my daughter headed down to start breakfast.”

Eli’s eyes widened and she waved before turning and hustling to the kitchen.  Mary turned her attention to her Pad.  Something didn’t add up, and she needed to figure it out quickly.  They were going to have to shake things up more than she had anticipated.


Chapter XXIII

The agents who were accompanying the last five Alpha team members to Joy’s were of course the final individuals to arrive.  Since each team member was going to be assigned three agents on a permanent basis until launch, it was imperative that they be gathered in one place for Mary to make the assignments and hand out last-minute instructions.  Of course, it made for a crowded, noisy household, but the greetings between the members of the Alpha team made the security agents smile.

They had to eat in shifts, and they cleaned as they went in an effort to not only expedite things, but also to make things as easy for Joy as possible.  Arianna purposefully remained upstairs of her own accord – she wasn’t going anywhere soon, so there was no reason for her to be in the middle of the melee... until Abigail mentioned her absence.  All eyes turned to Mary, who motioned behind her.

“She’s upstairs,” Mary confessed.  “Since she’s not leaving for a while, she’s trying to stay out of the commotion down here to keep from adding to it.”

“Well, that’s not fair,” Abigail complained.  “Why should she miss out on this excitement??  Besides, we should get to say goodbye to her too,” giving Mary a hard look.  Mary met her blue eyes for a long moment, then shrugged and jerked her head towards the stairs.  Abigail squealed and clapped her hands.  Then she headed upstairs to retrieve Arianna from her hiding place.

Mary met Eli’s eyes.  Eli nodded and put her fingers to her lips, her whistle piercing in tone and intensity.  The Alpha team immediately fell silent and looked her way.

“I think we need to take this downstairs.  We have more room to spread out, and I’m sure Joy would appreciate the break.  Besides,” she added with a grin, “we have something to show those of you who just arrived.  It will help pass the time until it’s time for us to leave.”  The others understood her intent and they took the newcomers by the hand and led them down to the basement.  Mary felt sure she’d know the minute they discovered the lab.

Abigail and Arianna emerged from upstairs just in time to notice the group entering the basement.  They followed along without a word.  Only Eli remained behind, stayed by Mary’s hand on her arm.  She didn’t quite shake it off, though she did glance at it pointedly.  Mary squeezed lightly and loosened her grasp on it.

“My apologies, Eli.  I wanted you to know that you will be the first to leave.”  She looked at her chronometer.  “In about fifteen minutes.  If you want to say goodbye to everyone, you should do so now.  Then join me in the office upstairs as soon as you have gathered your things.”

A cheer from downstairs notified them that the team had either welcomed Arianna or they had discovered the lab, though judging by the location of the noise, Mary was banking on the Arianna aspect.  She didn’t release Eli’s stare, and Eli held her gaze a moment longer, then nodded briskly.

“I’ll be right back,” she assured Mary, then disappeared down the basement stairs.  Mary went into the kitchen.  It was time to assemble her three-man teams.

************

“Hey, guys,” Eli called out softly as she stepped into the basement.  Another cheer went up all around and she couldn’t stop the light blush that covered her face.  This caused more raucous enthusiasm and an invitation for her to join them.   Eli shook her head and held up a hand to ask for quiet, and they immediately fell silent.  “I’m on my way out,” she said bluntly.  “I just wanted to wish everyone luck, and remind you that I’ll be seeing you all shortly.”

“You can’t leave!” Abigail protested.  “We just got here.”

Eli smiled.  “I know, Gay.  But I have to – we all do.”

“I don’t like Mary very much right now,” Abigail muttered.  Isaac looked around at the others.

“See... I’m not the only one.” 

“We don’t have to like her, Gay,” Eli said, deliberately ignoring Isaac.  “But she’s looking out for us.  We shouldn’t make it difficult for her.  Besides, we’ll be together soon, and then we won’t be able to get rid of one another,” added with a smirk.

Abigail pouted.  “That’s true.”  She paused and huffed, considering Eli for a long moment.  “All right – you can go,” she granted.  “But you make sure you’re on time getting to the transport site, okay?  Because I’m going to miss you,” throwing her arms around Eli’s neck.

Eli froze for a moment – Abigail’s action was unexpected, after all – then she returned the hug fervently albeit briefly.  “I’ll miss you too, Gay.  But it won’t be long, I promise.  It can’t be – we don’t have that much time to get ready.”

“I know!” Abigail exclaimed as she pulled back from the embrace.  “I’m so excited.”

“Me too, Gay.  But I’ve got to leave now, so I don’t miss my spot, okay?  Why don’t you and the others go check out the lab Mary set up for us?  It will give you all something to do until it’s your turn to leave.  We’ll see each other soon.”

Abigail choked Eli with another quick hug, then turned and grabbed Arianna and Eden by the hands and demanded they show her and the rest the lab Eli had just shared about.  Eden gave Eli a backwards glance, but she simply nodded.  She would make sure to get in touch with her second as soon as possible, but for now....

Most of the others followed behind the trio with a wave in Eli’s direction, though she noted a few who didn’t acknowledge her.  Danny spared Eli a long glance and she smiled at him.  He returned the look and disappeared into the corridor.  Then it was only Jacob and Eli who were left in the main part of the basement.  She quirked an eyebrow at him and he chuckled.

“Hard to put anything past you, Boss,” he said with a grin.  “You all right?”

Eli put a warm hand on Jacob’s muscular arm.  “I’m good, Jake.  I’m actually glad to be the first to go – less waiting involved.  We all know how good I am at that particular trait,” she added with a smirk.  “I’ll be in touch, though.  Make sure Eden knows that too, all right?”

“You got it, Boss.  Anything else I can do?”

“No, Jake... thanks.”  She reached up and hugged him and he lifted her off the ground, popping her spine all the way up to her neck.  “Ow,” she muttered, dropping her forehead to his shoulder.

“Feel better?” he asked into her nearest ear.

“You have no idea,” she admitted, patting his chest lightly as he set her feet back on the floor.  “Go be with the others.  “I’ll see you soon.”

He brushed a kiss over her cheek.  “Later, Boss.”  Then he turned and walked into the lab hallway.  Eli headed upstairs without looking back.

************

“Sorry I’m late, Chief,” Eli offered breathlessly as she scrambled through the door Ian held open.  “I got held up downstairs.”  Mary nodded and motioned her to take a seat in front of the desk.

“It’s all right, Eli.  I expected as much.  It’s one reason you were chosen to go first, though certainly not the primary one.  First – you know Reuben and Martha,” gesturing to the two agents standing to one side of the desk.  Eli acknowledged them with a nod.  “Please meet my elder son, Ian.”  Ian stepped up beside her and extended a hand and Eli accepted it as she studied him.  He returned her scrutiny for a moment then smiled, and she relaxed.

“It’s nice to meet you, Ian,” Eli said politely.

“And you as well, Princess,” seeing Eli flinch before her face hardened.  “I’m sorry.  Would you prefer...?”

“... my name?  Yes, I would – if at all possible,” turning her face towards Mary, who nodded.

“Names are fine when addressing Eli directly.  If you are broadcasting, please utilize the codenames.”  The agents and Eli nodded their compliance.  Mary took a deep breath.  “These three agents have been assigned to you for the duration of the project.  One of them will be with you at all times until the ship is actually ready to launch.  They won’t be living quite in your hip pocket, but you’ll probably think it’s mighty close.  They will endeavor to provide you with some measure of privacy, but try to remember that your safety is their paramount objective.  And please feel free to employ their various talents to expedite your preparations – if you need help, ask.”

“Umm... okay,” Eli drawled slowly.  “What about my comm unit?  I still haven’t received mine back to tell my MaTb about my appointment to the Alpha team.”

Mary smiled.  “I know.  No one has.”  She reached forward and slid an object across the desk.  “Each of you is receiving a new unit that will be provided each team member as they are brought here for their briefing.  Now I know you’re going to want to talk to your team – and you should... don’t get me wrong.  All your information has been transferred to the new unit in an effort to facilitate the process.  All I ask is that you make it a point not to reveal your location to them.”

Eli nodded.  “I can do that.”

“Excellent.  Do you have any questions?”

“Not at the moment.  Will it be possible to reach you if things come up that I need to discuss with you?”

“Of course,” Mary agreed.  “You have my number?”  When Eli shook her head, Mary extended her hand for the comm unit.  She added her information with a bio-scan of her thumbprint, then went into the system and erased everything but her contact number.  Then she handed it back to Eli.  “You’ll find me under ‘Chief’,” she said with a grin.  Eli chuckled.

“Good to know, Ms Wellesly.  Can you tell me where I’m going?”

“Not yet.  But I promise you’ll recognize it when you arrive.”  Mary motioned to her team, who headed for the door to wait for Mary to give Eli her final words.  She came around the desk and extended a hand.  Eli took the hand, and gripped Mary’s arms with her other – as close to a hug as she gave most people.  “Good luck,” Mary said.

“Thank you, Ms Wellesly.”  Then the quartet walked out the door and headed downstairs to the vehicle that would take them to a transport station no one would look at them twice in.  Mary closed the door behind them and resumed her place at the desk, absorbing the peace for a moment before the next set of agents arrived.

************

It was late afternoon before everyone had been sent on their way.  The house seemed extraordinarily empty and quiet now that only Joy, Caleb, Ephraim, Sarah, Arianna and Mary were ensconced there.

“I don’t like you going alone, Chief,” Caleb objected.  “We both know they’re gunning for you.”

“I can take care of myself, Caleb.  I have been for a number of years.  Besides, Tom is there and Stephen as well.  I’ll be all right.  Your responsibility is Arianna.”

Caleb nodded his acquiescence.  “How long is she here for, Chief?  Are we moving her?”

“Eventually, yes.  But she didn’t want to spend time with her parents, so I’m having to make other arrangements for her.  That takes a little time.  I didn’t have things set up like I did with the safe houses, and as long as Joy is okay with having people in the house, we may as well stay here as opposed to moving to one of the other houses.  Arianna is comfortable here and she and Joy are getting along well.  And I like seeing my daughter more than once every couple weeks.”

“And it doesn’t hurt that there might be a romance playing out here soon that you might like to be witness to.”

Mary smiled and shrugged.  “There is always that,” she agreed.  “He has to speak up first, though.”

“He will,” Caleb assured her.  “He’s already passed the hardest hurdles – you and the boys.”

Mary laughed aloud.  “You’d like to think that, wouldn’t you, Old Man?  Don’t think that my daughter can’t put her foot down hard and fast if he acts like she’s already his for the claiming because he got my blessing and her brothers’.  Joy is an independent woman, and she’ll be the first to make sure he understands that if he tries.”

“Does he know that?”

“Guess we’ll find out after he talks to her.  But for now, I need to go talk to the Committee and see just how many cages I can rattle.”

“You get an obscene amount of pleasure from that, Chief.”

“Yes, but I’ve learned to take my entertainment where I can find it.  I’ll be back.”

“See that you are,” Caleb commanded darkly.  Mary gave him a wave and was gone.

************

“So Ms Wellesly,” Chairman McMurtry greeted when Mary stepped into the conference room.  “What’s to stop us from arresting you right here and now?”

“The truth,” Mary replied drolly.  “At least a few of you are interested in hearing it, and the rest of you need to know what I know so you can decide on your next move.”

“Are you insinuating...?”

“No Madame Chairman, in fact I am not.  I’m not insinuating a thing.  I am however stating it.  There are members of this Committee – who for their own selfish reasons – would love to see this project fail... even at this late date.  And for that reason and several others, I’m not going to reveal the location of the Alpha team members.”

“And what of the rest of the candidates?”

“I have already sent them home, Madame Chairman – where their friends and families are aware of the necessity of keeping an eye on them until we get things resolved.”

“That’s quite presumptuous of you, Ms Wellesly.  How can we begin selecting candidates for the Beta and Gamma teams if the candidates are not here for us to....”

“Madame Chairman, please don’t play that game with me.  Just like you did for the Alpha team, you could choose the candidates you deemed fit for the Beta and Gamma teams based on the knowledge of them that you already possess.  You don’t need to interview them further.”

“You do realize you’re not exactly making friends and influencing people, don’t you, Ms Wellesly?”

“You do realize I am beyond caring at this point, Madame Chairman.  I stopped worrying about what this group of individuals thought of me the minute I discovered the treachery within your ranks.”

“And you have proof of these allegations?”

“I have enough proof to keep the Alpha team in hiding for the time being, and enough suspicions to continue the investigation I have started into each of your lives.  Imagine what the Council will think of some of the information I’ve already uncovered – information that shows your ties to the infected candidate; the whispers that surround some of you about some of your personal beliefs – beliefs that go contrary to the good of this project.”

“You wouldn’t dare,” Yesu said flatly. 

Mary chuckled. “Oh, I certainly would.  And if you continue to threaten me, I will do so now and implicate every single one of you – because at the moment you are all in a precarious position.  I haven’t eliminated any of you from the list of suspects.  So you either let me do my job and find out which, if any, of you are actually guilty of interstellar treason or all of you will suffer the indignities of that suspicion.”

“That’s blackmail!”

“No, Member Mein – it’s truth.  It’s also your choice,” Mary added with a shrug.

“And if we don’t agree?” from Member Bartolo.  “If we choose to have you arrested for the things of which we stand accused by you, Ms Wellesly?  What will you do then?”

“Well, for one thing I’ll have a much better grasp on which of you are willing to destroy this project for greed or ideals or principles.”

“But you won’t fight us?  You wouldn’t cause a scene?”

Mary chuckled.  “I won’t have to.  My guys know what to do with the information we already have and the information they are working to accumulate.  Surely you don’t think I walked in here without a plan to walk back out again.”

“Why are you doing this, Ms Wellesly?” asked McMurtry.  “Why do you insist on painting us as the enemy in this scenario?”

“Madame Chairman, I’m only here to present the facts as I know them to date.  The fact is – several of the Committee Members appear to have an association with the infected candidate that goes beyond their need to do so.  The fact is – there are several Committee Members who are rumored to be linked to several anti-project groups.  And despite everything, the whispers persist.  It is my duty to investigate them and find the truth... whatever it might be.  And Madame Chairman, the fact remains that the kids involved in this project – especially the Alpha team – have been threatened... at least covertly.  The less people that know where there are, the better for them.  And that is my primary concern.   The Council knew that when they hired me for this assignment.”

McMurtry sat back in her seat and crossed her arms over her chest.  “Do you really think the Members of this Committee are guilty of the things of which you have intimated they are?”

Mary met McMurtry’s eyes squarely.  “Madame Chairman, all I know for certain at the moment is the facts as I have presented them to you.  Someone is determined to make this mission fail.  Given the agenda necessary to accomplish such a feat, it is entirely likely that the culprit is in this room.  But I cannot say for sure who or why... yet.”

“And you’re so certain you can keep the Alpha team safe until launch?”

“I am certain my team will do its utmost.  And as long as we keep their location secret, we stand a better chance of accomplishing that objective.”

McMurtry studied Mary for a long moment before nodding briskly.  “Very well, Ms Wellesly.  Despite the wishes of the majority of the Committee, I’m going to allow you to keep your own counsel on this.  However, when you next appear in front of this Committee, you had best have more than accusations to present.  And if anything happens to the Alpha team, the consequences will be on your head alone.”

“Accepted, Madame Chairman,” Mary replied curtly.  “I will be in communication with you once I’ve obtained the proof you’ve demanded.  Please don’t contact me until then.”  With that directive, Mary turned and left the conference room.  The Committee sat stunned for several minutes before they broke out into a cacophony of accusations.  They didn’t notice that they weren’t alone.


Chapter XXIV

“MaTb?” Eli whispered as she stepped from the transport.  Now she understood why Ian had been so insistent that she don her jacket before they opened the hatch of the transport vehicle.  She froze in place as she looked around at the home she hadn’t seen in months – more than a year in standard time.  Then Eli closed her eyes and took a deep breath, filling her lungs with the scent of home. 

Another moment passed before Eli felt a light nudging from behind her, and she opened her eyes with the full intent of glaring at the individual that was rushing her homecoming.  Then she caught sight of her expectant, waiting family and rushed down the short steps into the waiting arms of her kin.

The greetings were an exciting, jumbled mess and Eli laughed and cried as she was passed from one pair of arms to another.  She hadn’t realized how much she missed this – the love and support and contact of family until it was gone, and she was determined to soak up as much as she could while she was home.  Finally, she wound up in her mother’s arms again, and Eve held on to her tightly before she pushed Eli to arms’ length.

“Let me look at you, ДОЧЬ,” running a critical eye over the daughter she had not touched in far too long.  Eve brought her hand up to touch the thick hair, the soft skin, the strong musculature – assuring herself that things were as they should be.  Eli held Eve’s eyes, knowing that if she looked away, her mother would dig deeper... search harder.  Finally Eve sighed.  “You look good, ДОЧЬ – although your lack of color disturbs me greatly.  How long are you here for?”

Eli’s eyes widened.  “I don’t know, MaTb.  Until I stood in the open transport hatch, I wasn’t even aware I was coming home at all.”  She looked at Ian.  He shrugged.

“We don’t have a set return date yet.  Mama is supposed to let us know in time enough to get to... wherever she is going to bring you to... probably the transport site.  Or the space dock.  We just know it will be less than six weeks if everything is running on schedule.”

Eve frowned.  “Six weeks isn’t much time, but we’ll do the best we can.  Come,” she said, tucking her hand into Eli’s elbow.  “Let’s go home and celebrate with a feast, and you can introduce us to your new friends, ДОЧЬ.”  She turned to the three agents.  “You are most welcome in our home.  Please... join us.”

They grabbed their respective bags and set off towards the homestead of Eli’s clan.

************

“This was my eldest son’s room,” Eve said as she opened the door and motioned the agents inside.  “I’m sorry we only have the one room, but we only learned of your presence this morning when Ms Wellesly contacted us.  And she stressed the imperativeness of keeping you as close to my ДОЧЬ as possible.”

Ian held up a hand.  “It’s fine, ma’am.  We’re used to doing with much less if necessary.  We appreciate you allowing us to abide with your family.”

Eve smiled.  “You are protecting my Elizabeth.  For that, her OTeU and I would do much.  Now come – it is time to celebrate, and you must join us.”

“We’d be delighted,” he assured her, then turned to speak to Reuben and Martha.  “Reuben, do you want to rest now... since this is part of your scheduled off hours?”  With three of them, they worked in eight-hour shifts, with someone coming on and going off every four hours – keeping two people with Eli at all times.  Reuben shook his head.

“Not yet, Ian.  I’d at least like to meet the family and eat.  Yeah, it’ll cut into my sleep, but I’ll make it up eventually.  Besides, we were all invited and I don’t want to be rude.”

Ian and Martha chuckled, and Eve cocked an eyebrow at them.  Martha turned to her with a smile and interpreted.  “He’s starving and it smells really good.”

Eve laughed.  “Come then.  I will not be accused of being a bad hostess... even if you are not ordinary guests.”  They joined her laughter and dropped their bags in the room, then exited to be met by Eli leaning against the hallway wall opposite.  Her arms were crossed over her chest.

“Elijah’s room, MaTb?”

“Yes, ДОЧЬ.  It is the only room we have to spare.  You know as well as I that your СОБРАТ would have insisted were he here to do so.”  Eli held up a hand to keep Eve from continuing.

“It’s fine, MaTb.  It was simply unexpected.  Now,” taking Eve by the elbow, “can we go eat?  I’m starving, and I’d be willing to bet my minders feel the same,” smiling at the agents to show she really didn’t resent their presence.  “Besides,” she went on before Eve could admonish her, “it has been forever since I’ve eaten at home, and I have missed it.”

“We’ve missed you as well, ДОЧЬ.  I expect you to sit up to the table and eat heartily.”  She glanced at the security team.  “You as well,” she said with a look that eerily reminded them a little too closely of Mary.

“Yes ma’am,” the three replied in sync and Eve turned to Eli with a twinkle in her eye.

“I must meet your Ms Wellesly soon, Elizabeth.  She must be o formidable woman to have such well-trained troops.”

Eli chuckled.  “She has promised to meet you before we leave, MaTb.  I think you will make great friends.”  Then they stepped into the dining area and a cheer went up from the family gathered awaiting their arrival, and in only minutes the feasting and celebrating began.

************

“So tell us, ДОЧЬ – what are your teammates like?” Eli’s father asked when the first rush of eating had subsided.  “Do you think you will be happy sharing their lives for the next five standard cycles?”

Eli set her wine glass down with a chuckle, wiping at her lips as she considered her answer.  She wasn’t going to lie, but....  “I think it’s going to be challenging, OTeU, much like it is in communities everywhere.  There are always those we find easier to get along with more than others, and some who for whatever reason seem to stroke the fur to standing on end.  The one advantage we have is that we all know that each of us is necessary to the project’s success and we all bring multiple skills to the table.  We’ll make the effort to get along to a certain degree.”

“And will you be the leader again?  As you were in the testing facility?”

Eli sighed.  “That is uncertain.  But it is likely, yes.  I am good at it, after all, and we already have a hierarchy somewhat established.  However, it will depend on the wishes of the group as a whole.  I’m not going to force myself into a position of leadership.”

“You do not care for the added responsibility?”

“I do not care to fight for it – it cuts into my research time.  However, I will accept the position if it is agreed upon by all, but I will not pursue it.”

Noah laughed.  “Ah, my ДОЧЬ – it is gratifying to know you can drive your MaTb insane even when you are light years from us!” reaping laughter from around the table and a raised eyebrow and a smirk from Eve.  Eli just covered her face with her hand.

“OTeU!!”

Noah shrugged.  “What??  It is the truth.  Always your MaTb has wished for you to be the leader she knows you to be, and even when it is thrust upon you - you do not acknowledge the achievement and honor it is.”

“It’s not the be all and end all for me, OTeU.  I would much rather be left alone to work in the lab.  But the role is a necessary one and something at which I am exceptional.”

Eve snickered.  “Well, at least you concede that point.  It’s a start.”

Eli glared around the table at the laughing, smiling faces of her clansmen.  “I feel as though I’m being picked upon,” she stated wryly, then looked at Ian.  “Why did Ms Wellesly think this was such a good idea?” crossing her eyes and sticking out her tongue.

“Because Mama is quite brilliant... and she is a mama.  That is reason enough in her book.”

“I hate you,” Eli muttered, garnering another round of laughter.

“I like this woman,” Eve declared.  “I very much look forward to our meeting.”  Eli dropped her head.

“I am so doomed.”

************

The meal was over and Reuben had excused himself to get a few hours’ sleep.  The younger children had been released to the outdoors to run off the excess energy the day’s excitement had created.  The rest were gathered in the large great room – filling chairs and couches and spilling over onto the floor.  Martha and Ian remained at the perimeter of the room – within view of the doorways and windows while still able to observe the family interactions.  Ian was particularly interested as Mary had asked him to keep a special eye on Eli.

“So tell us about the other candidates... I mean – those that made the Alpha team with you,” Samuel asked with a blush.  “Are they interesting?”

Eli chuckled.  “Well... I think so – about most of them, anyway.  Let’s see – there’s Eden, who is my best friend and second-in-command.  She comes from a planet whose people are known for their strength and endurance.  She has two hearts, you know.”

“Wow... really?” Sarah questioned.  Eli just nodded.

“It really is quite an eclectic mix of people.  There’s an empath who is an exquisite dancer, by the way – never play dance competition games with her; and there’s someone who can hear whispers at a great distance.  She would be amazing to take on a hunt.  One of our team members is from a culture that punishes fighting with death and another is able to understand plants.  He helped make the desert compound so successful because he could listen to the plants and relay their needs to us.”

“Like they were human?”

Eli smiled.  “Not exactly.  They weren’t cognizant or able to speak to him like we are talking to one another.  But he could look at the leaves or the roots or the fruit and just know what was wrong.  We didn’t always find the right solution immediately, but Titus gave us the opportunity to correct our mistakes without killing the plants we needed to survive.  It was one of the most fascinating things I witnessed while I was in the desert compound.  I think even he was surprised by his hidden talent... and his level of success with it.”

“He didn’t know about it before?  The ability to talk to the plants, I mean?”

“Not to this degree, no.  Though in fairness, I don’t think he was ever called upon to utilize it like he was there.  And of course he got much better the more he practiced.”

“Now you sound like MaTb,” Samuel complained.  “Always with the practicing.”

“Never doubt the wisdom of your MaTb, my son,” Eve chided in a solemn tone.  The rest smiled, but remained silent.  Samuel sighed.

“Yes, MaTb.”  He looked back at Eli.  “Are there others?”

“Yes, of course.  We have a couple of members that come from a planet where their natural color is lavender.  And when they are embarrassed, they become the color of the eggplant fruit.  The first time it happened to Daniel, I thought he was going to collapse.”  Eli covered her face with her hand.  “It was somewhat embarrassing for both of us, actually.  But he was quite gracious about it, realizing I was simply acting out of concern.”  She looked around the room.  “It was a pretty steep learning curve for most of us when we entered the compound, but we adjusted quickly.  It’s why we were successful – we learned to understand things about one another.”

“It sounds like quite a mixed group,” Noah commented.  Eli nodded.

“It really is.  And we cover every scientific discipline known.  Almost everything was covered by more than one candidate when we arrived, and those things that weren’t covered by multiple candidates at the start were learned by several as we had time to do so.  Now almost every candidate – not just Alpha team members – has enough rudimentary knowledge to qualify as a field medic.  Most comprehend the basics of fuission and how it works.  Near the end, a lot of us could tell if the mix was off just by the sound of the core.  Everyone became versed in living and mechanical sciences.  Most of us could only figure out if there was a problem and wait for someone whose job it actually was to do something about it, but at least we learned to understand when there was a problem.  I’m sure it will continue to be a learning process.”

“We are very proud of you, ДОЧЬ,” Eve commented.  Everyone else in the room nodded their agreement and Eli blushed and let her head drop.  Eve shifted until she could reach Eli, then gently lifted her chin until their eyes met.  “No,” she said sternly.  “You have earned this.  Take pride in your efforts, Elizabeth – and in your virtuosity.  You have found your place in life.  Own it.”

“Yes, MaTb,” Eli whispered.  Tears filled her eyes but she refused to let them fall.  Eve cupped her cheek and Eli leaned into the touch.

“Is it hard?” Sarah asked softly, not wanting to break the spell.  Eli looked at her and frowned.  Sarah saw her confusion and elaborated.  “Being away from home – is it very hard?”

Eli drew a deep breath and brushed a kiss over Eve’s fingertips before clasping the smooth, worn hand in her own.  She met Eve’s eyes and smiled, then turned back to Sarah.  “Sometimes,” she admitted.  “On those days when nothing went right... when we were struggling to survive.  That was more at the beginning of trying to live and work together.  Fortunately, those days grew fewer and farther between as we learned how to work together... and make things work for us.  But most of the time – when I was submerged in the science and technology we were developing and utilizing...” Sarah held up a hand and Eli looked at her askance.

“Please, Eli... we all know what happens when you become immersed in any kind of science.  How many times did we have to pull you away to take care of the other responsibilities of the household?”

Eli shrugged.  “Point taken,” she agreed.  And the room grew silent for a few minutes as they all remembered times long past.  Then Eve removed her hand from Eli’s grasp and slapped her hands on her knees.

“All right.  Enough of this for now.  Elizabeth... the rest of you - grab your jackets and let’s go outside.  We need to see if we can get some color back in these cheeks.  Besides, I imagine the РЕБЯТА are ready for some playtime with their ТЕТКА.  And it will be dark soon, so we must do this now.  There will be time for more food and conversation later.”

Everyone looked at each other and then back to Eve, who simply lifted and eyebrow at them.  As one body they rose and scattered to the various rooms that held their outerwear.  In moments, they had congregated back in the great room, and when Eve was satisfied with everyone’s clothing, they paraded out the door to play.

Ian and Martha had donned their coats, but remained on the periphery of things, content to watch and observe.  So far things had been quiet and uneventful, but that was the best reason not to let their guard down.  Both agents knew it was when they grew lax that bad things tended to happen.

Not that they weren’t entertained by the family interaction.  It was obvious that Eli was much loved by her entire extended clan, and missed by even more than that.  A number of people stopped to chat once they noticed her outdoors and Ian slid into place beside her as unobtrusively as possible.  The neighbors looked at him suspiciously, but Eli took it in stride and Eve nodded her approval.  Only as darkness approached did Ian take measures to usher Eli indoors, and the family followed his direction without question... even Eve.

As soon as they were inside again, Reuben emerged from the bedroom and Martha bid them goodnight.  Eve tilted her head at the agents thoughtfully.

“You really are a well-oiled machine.  Tell me of your training.”

“Oh, MaTb,” Eli cut in with a giggle before either man could respond.  “I’m not at all certain you will want to hear this.  I spoke to Ms Wellesly about it briefly before the Alpha team was chosen.  Did you know her sons, at least, are trained to dance?”

Both brows shot into Eve’s hairline.  “Is this true?” she asked.

“Yes ma’am,” Ian replied easily.  “Nathaniel and I learned because Joy was training and it kept us occupied.  But Mama had all her agents learn... to some degree anyway,” Ian amended.  “She couldn’t ask them to do more than she could, and as graceful as Mama is, she has two left feet every time she tries to dance.”  Reuben nodded his affirmation.

“She asked that we at least try,” Reuben added.  “She felt it would make us more well-rounded, and in fact it actually did help most of us with our balance if nothing else.  But it was also incorporated into our offensive and defensive training.  It’s quite useful.  And of course my wife appreciates the fact that I don’t crush her toes when we have the chance to be on the dance floor together.”

“I told Ms Wellesly I would mention it.  Our warriors are expected to be well-versed in all the arts – both from our cultures as well as those of our allies, and yet the ability to dance has never been a physical requirement.  Perhaps we should consider adding it to the curriculum.”

Eve nodded, her eyes locked on Ian.  “Would you teach us?”

Ian nodded immediately.  “If you’d like,” he consented.  “It would be a bare basics crash course... unless you’d like me to arrange something with Mama where someone can be assigned here for a while.”

Eve smiled.  “Let’s see what you can teach us while you are here.  We’ll discuss beyond that when the time comes.”  She caught Eli covering up a yawn and looked at her daughter.  “It is getting late, Elizabeth.  Perhaps we should table any more discussion until the morning.”

Eli yawned again.  “Would you mind terribly, MaTb?  We’ve been going for a very long time today, and suddenly I am simply exhausted to my very bones.”  Eve gave Eli a look.

“Of course I do not mind, ДОЧЬ.  We will have time to talk tomorrow – although I am confident every neighbor within a hundred kilometers will have business to conduct with me tomorrow... just for the chance to greet you.  You’ve become quite the planetary hero, you know.”

Eli groaned and dropped her head, covering her face with her hand.  “I told Ms Wellesly that would happen,” she muttered.  Eve slapped her knee.

“Be proud, Elizabeth.  You’ve brought great honor to us – your house, your clan, your planet.  Now go – it is bedtime.  We will talk more tomorrow... and all the tomorrows that remain of your time here.”  Eli nodded and stood.

“Goodnight, everyone.  I’ll see you in the morning.”  Her words got her hugs from everyone again, and she absorbed them greedily.  When they were done, Eli turned to Ian and Reuben and bobbed her head briefly.  “Gentlemen.”  Then she eased down the hallway and slipped into her room, closing the door soundly behind her.  Eve studied the two men who shifted to cover as much of the house as they could manage.

“So tell me more about your training,” she demanded, and Ian proceeded to do so.


Chapter XXV

“Are you certain you don’t mind me staying here, Joy?” Arianna asked as she sat in the kitchen with her hostess.  She and Joy had come to an understanding about Arianna’s need to be part of the household and help out, and now Arianna was peeling potatoes for dinner.  “I know the situation was somewhat thrust upon you.”

“I’m glad you’re here, Arianna - that I could give you shelter from... well, Mama told me a little about your folks.  It reminded me to be thankful for mine.  Besides, I always wanted a younger sister and instead Mama and Daddy gave me twin terrors... <ahem> I mean brothers.”

Arianna laughed.  “And yet you love them... and they love you.”

“Oh yes, of course.  I don’t know what I would have done without them. Although,” Joy drawled thoughtfully as she concentrated on removing the seeds from a cucumber, “dating would probably have been a lot easier.”

Arianna frowned.  “I don’t understand – how so?”

“My daddy was an old-fashioned man, and he instilled those same values in my brothers.  It was almost impossible to find someone to date who met their criteria, and even fewer who were willing to endure their version of a gauntlet to go out with me.”  Joy shrugged.  “On the other hand, it weeded out a lot of unappealing prospects that I never actually had to deal with.”

“Wait – your suitors were given criteria to meet before you could date them?”

“Yes, of course.  Mama and Daddy insisted.  And I really didn’t mind – my focus was on dancing.  I didn’t have time to waste on dating anyone.”

“Wow,” Arianna commented.  “That is so different from how things work on my planet.”

Joy snorted.  “If it makes you feel better, my experiences are very different from how things generally work here too.”

“Really?  How so?”

“Well,” Joy said as she rose and took the bowl of cucumber seeds to the counter.  She grabbed the tomatoes and walked back to the table and took her seat beside Arianna.  “I was being guarded, remember – protected from those who posed a peril to my well-being.  Everyone I met was vetted first.”

“Even your friends?”

“Them especially,” Joy emphasized.  “My friends were insiders; they had access to me in our home.  Given some of the threats that had been made, it really wasn’t all that unreasonable.  And Mama kept it quiet.  I didn’t even know about it until I hit puberty.”  Joy chuckled and shook her head, and Arianna gave her a questioning glance.  “I probably wouldn’t have known about it then if I hadn’t been acting like such a pain in the ass.”

Dark brows flew into an equally dark hairline.  “Really?  Can you share?”

“Of course.  It’s embarrassing, but it’s not a secret or anything.”  Joy propped her head on her hand and focused on a time in her past, trying to recall the details.  “I guess I was about fifteen – just at that age where you think you know everything and your parents are just complete imbeciles, you know?”  She caught a look at Arianna’s confused expression and shook her head.  “No, you probably don’t.  Let’s just say I was full of myself, and there was this cool bad boy in my school – I had the biggest crush on him.  Mama tried to tell me... tried to warn me, but I knew better.  I didn’t listen.  I decided to sneak out to meet him.”

“I take it that didn’t go well?”

“It was humiliating.  The boys followed me and Mama beat me to the rendezvous point.  She was actually sitting there watching when I arrived, but I was so pleased with thinking I had gotten out of the house unnoticed that I didn’t see her.  And of course my brothers were like stealth ninjas or something.  I never saw them until... I’m getting ahead of myself.  Billy was cute and charming, I thought – the fact that he was a bad boy was just a bonus in my book, you know?  He led us over to a sheltered alcove and Mama let it go until I told him no and pushed him away.  When he tried the second time... well that is when I saw my brothers as they pushed past me and knocked Billy to the ground.  That night Mama explained to me exactly how things were and why.  I learned a lot about respect.”  Joy snorted.  “So did Billy.”

“What happened?”

“Well, let’s just say that dating wasn’t an issue for me for the rest of the school year after that.  The story was around the school before the weekend was even over.  Strangely, Billy had a harder time recovering from it than I did – the stories as well as the smack down.”

“What about now?”

Joy looked up from where she’d turned her focus to facilitate her chopping. She frowned.  “What about now, what?  I don’t understand.”

“Does Mary and your brothers still vet your friends and suitors?”

Joy chuckled and nodded.  “To some degree I believe they always will.  It was second nature for so long, you know.  But it’s not like it was before I became an adult, and Mama tries not to interfere unless there is actually genuine physical danger involved.”

“Does that still happen?”

“Only once,” Joy confessed.  “But Mama took care of it so quickly I wasn’t aware there was a problem until it was over.  That’s one reason I was glad you got to stay here.  Mama will make sure you’re taken care of, and it will give me a chance to get to know you a little.”

“Not really that interesting,” Arianna mumbled.  Joy arched a brow.

“Trust me – you won’t think that by the time you leave here.  You just have to be willing to be honest with me.  You’ll be surprised to learn how interesting you really are.”

“I’ll be honest if you will.  Because I’ve never had someone treat me like you do.”

“”How’s that, Arianna?”

“Like a member of the family.  Like I matter because I’m Arianna and not because I’m the princess or the creator of fuission or a genius with an IQ off the scale and almost no real social skills.”

Joy laughed.  “I don’t care about the princess part or the brilliant scientist part, and I can help with the social skills thing.  But I should warn you – the family thing?  Yeah... that’s like... permanent in this family, so once you’re in, you’re stuck.  That means Mama and my over-protective brothers become yours to share and bear with me.”

Arianna’s eyes were watery, but her smile was wide and bright.  “That sounds wonderful,” she confessed.  “Are you certain Mary and your brothers won’t mind the late addition to the family?”

Joy laughed.  “The boys are going to be upset that they didn’t think to do it first.  Mama’s going to ask me what took me so long to take care of getting it done.  But a word to the wise, Little Sister?  Make sure you call her Mama and not Mary... or Chief.   That’s all she’s ever been called by us kids.  Oh... wait - unless that would cause a problem for you with your other mama.  If that’s the case....”

“No,” Arianna said, reaching out a hand to halt Joy’s speech.  “If Mary is okay with me calling her Mama like the rest of her children do, I’d like that.”

“Good,” Joy replied, catching Arianna’s hand in her own.  “But one request?” smiling when Arianna nodded enthusiastically.  “I want to be there when you call her Mama for the first time.  I want to see her expression.”  Arianna laughed.  “Now,” Joy said becoming serious.  “How many potatoes do you have left to peel?  It’s time to get them on to boil.”  And their concentration turned towards dinner.

************

“You know something?” Arianna asked Joy as they sat down at the table.  Dinner was cooking and they had a few minutes before it required their immediate attention again.  “I think Ephraim really likes you.  I mean the serious, been vetted by Mama and the boys kind of likes you.”

Joy blushed but held Arianna’s eyes.  “Yeah?  What makes you think so?”

“That he’s serious?”   Joy nodded.  “He watches you.  His eyes follow you when you’re in a room together – or at least they do when I’ve seen him when you’re around.  And do you really think Mama would allow someone to work for her who didn’t have enough character to speak to her about it... knowing that she built her company and reputation on protecting you?  He may be quiet, but I don’t think Mama would tolerate stupid.”

Joy laughed.  “You learn quickly, Little Sister.  So what do you think of him?”

Arianna propped her chin in her hand and looked thoughtfully out the window that overlooked the now dark back yard.  She couldn’t really see anything, but it did help her focus.  Caleb was currently the agent on duty in the kitchen – Sarah was in the front of the brownstone.  And yet he was so still that neither young woman took much notice of him... even when Arianna’s gaze glanced over him as she brought her attention back to Joy.

“I think he is very quiet... well-mannered; he takes pride in his work and his appearance.”

“Buuuuut?” Joy drawled out when Arianna stopped speaking.  “You must have some opinion of the person he is.”

Arianna shook her head.  “Not really – I don’t know him... only what I have observed of him in the few days I have been here.  I never even noticed him before we arrived here – though I believe that to be due in part to the fact that he was never around when I was awake.”

“Okay... let me ask this then – would you date him?”

“I don’t understand the question,” holding up a hand before Joy could interrupt.  “I don’t think dating in your society means the same thing as it does in mine.  For us, dating is our period of sexual awakening.  We’re not looking for a mate – we’re developing our sexual prowess.”

Joy blinked slowly.  “Wait... what?”

“In my culture, once a person reaches the age of majority and consent, they become sexually active.  Interest is indicated by a kiss, and if it is returned and both parties agree, then sex follows as a matter of course.  The idea is to gain experience with a multitude of partners before marriage so that you and your mate will have the knowledge and skill to make one another happy during your union.  It is believed to make marriage partners more faithful to one another.”

“Ooookaaaaay,” this drawl even longer than the first.  “Then how do you find a life mate if not by dating different people until you find the one you want to spend your life with?”

Arianna sighed.  “On my planet, the finding of one’s mate is left to the parents of the individual because it is considered a contractual arrangement.  The elder parent is expected to make the best deal he or she can with the most suitable partner available.”

“Oh,” Joy said flatly.  “EW.”

“Yes, I have come to expect that reaction.”  Arianna snorted and shook her head.  “More and more that has become my reaction, and I grew up knowing it was my destiny.”

“Is it a successful practice, then?” Joy asked with a confused frown marring her features.  Arianna scowled and shrugged.

“In most instances, yes – because the two being betrothed have usually grown up together and are generally known to one another if they are not actually friends. Most times, they are friends and have a number of things in common to build a relationship on.”

“That wouldn’t happen with you?”

“It didn’t happen with me,” Arianna corrected.

“Oh no!”  Joy demanded as she jumped from her place and moved towards the old-fashioned stove.  “You don’t get to be betrothed in this family unless the rest of us approve.”

Arianna chuckled and savored the warmth of belonging that washed through her veins.  “Not a problem, Sister of Mine.  Mama took care of it.  I am a free woman... mostly anyway.”

Joy scrunched up her face.  “How are you mostly free?  I thought either you were or you weren’t.”

Arianna snorted.  “If only it was that simple,” she replied.  “I promise I’ll explain, but not now.  I have no desire to share this story with everyone, and they should be coming in soon to eat.”

Joy looked into brown eyes swirling with so many emotions and nodded.  “Very well,” she agreed.  “But you have to teach me the princess wave.  And don’t look at me like that – I know all princesses are taught a special way to wave to everyone when they’re on display.  I just figure, as the older sister in this equation, that I should at least be acquainted with the gesture.”

Arianna laughed, but nodded her head.  “Of course.  I’ll teach you after dinner.  Shall I set the table while you dish up the food?”

“Please and thank you, Little Sister.  See – Mama made sure I had royal manners too!”  Their laughter filled the room and made the rest smile as they entered.

************

“Mama?” Arianna said as they were clearing off the table.  She and Mary had agreed to share clean-up chores with Joy so they agents could keep their focus on Arianna.

“Yes, Daughter?” Mary responded without missing a beat. 

“You do know that was me, correct... and not Joy?” placing a hand on Mary’s arm.

“Of course, Arianna.  But you called me Mama so I thought I’d acknowledge that.  Now what can I do for you, honey?”  Arianna blinked and rushed into Mary’s arms.  Mary chuckled softly and hugged Arianna tightly, turning to look at Joy with a twinkle in her eyes.  “Did you not explain to her what being part of this family meant?”

“I did, Mama, but I don’t think she quite believed me,” moving to be included in the embrace.  After a moment, Mary and Joy pulled away and Arianna opened her eyes to smile at them.

“I think I’m starting to get the picture,” laughing in pure happiness.  She looked at Joy.  “Did you know she would respond that way?”  Joy smirked.

“Let’s just say I had a sneaking suspicion.  Besides... even though it’s only been a couple days - didn’t I tell you she was going to ask me what took me so long?  She’s been waiting for it.”  Arianna let her gaze bounce between the two women, then laughed again.

“So was there something you actually wanted to ask, Arianna?” Mary queried.  “Or were you just going for the shock effect?”

“A little of both, actually,” she confessed while still smiling brightly.  “Hopefully, I will be more successful with the request because you were obviously not at all stunned with the news of adding another child to the family.”

Mary shrugged.  “Joy always wanted a sister and we needed another girl to balance things out.  So I’m glad you decided to join the family.  Now what can I do for you, Arianna?”

Arianna was surprised at how easily Mary played off the generosity of accepting her into the family while making it appear as though Arianna was actually doing them a favor by agreeing.  She had never met people like the Welleslys before, and counted her blessings she had done so now.  An eyebrow raised in her direction made Arianna remember that Mary was waiting for her to speak and she blushed slightly.

“Sorry,” she apologized.  “I started thinking and I have a tendency to get lost in my own head when that happens.  I was just wondering what I was supposed to do about getting my things together for the mission.”

“I was waiting for you to ask,” Mary admitted.  “For your gear and stuff, we can take you into the city to shop if you’d like to go out. Or I can set you up an anonymous account from which you can order what you need and have it delivered – not here, of course, but somewhere that it can be picked up and brought back for you to inspect and go over.”  She paused and studied Arianna intently for a moment.

“What?”

“Is there anything you need from home?  And clothes or mementoes or notes – anything at all that you want from your home planet to take with you?”

Arianna breathed out slowly through her nose as she bit her lip in thought.  “There are a few things I wouldn’t mind having,” she confessed.  “But nothing that is absolutely critical to the mission itself – certainly nothing that would influence its success.”

“Would you like me to accompany you to retrieve them then, or would it be better if you just gave me a list and I went alone?”

“Oh Mama... I couldn’t ask – you know how my papa is.”

“I do, which is why I volunteered.  So you’re not asking – I’m willing.  However, if you’d like to be able to say goodbye to your parents without allowing them the chance to make you miserable, Joy and I will go with you.  Of course, that means your security team goes too, though they would be covert in their coverage of you whenever possible.”

“You believe I would need security on my home world?”

“Yes.  It’s why I sent security details with all the candidates.  Arianna, they all went home to visit their families before I bring you all back together somewhere that you can finish up your last-minute preparations – you know... going over lists and double checking your equipment and things.”

“Oh... I didn’t realize....”

Mary smiled.  “You weren’t supposed to.  I thought everyone would appreciate the opportunity to see their friends and extended families, because you’ll only be allowed two visitors to view the launch from the space dock.  So it’s completely up to you, Arianna.  If you’d like to say goodbye, then I’ll take you home.  If you’d rather I go alone,” she grinned, “I don’t think your daddy is going to say much to me.  He doesn’t like me, but he does respect me.”

“Papa respects you?” her voice incredulous.

“Grudgingly, but yes.”

Arianna blinked slowly.  “I would almost like to be witness to that.  Would it be cowardly of me to accept your offer?”

“Not at all.  It would actually make things easier for both of us.”  Arianna tilted her head.  “If you go, there will be a fight, because he will want you to be the Princess while you are there and I simply cannot allow that to happen.  The only reason the Alpha team was allowed to return home is because their families promised to keep their whereabouts on the down low.  Do you really think your father could do that... given your royal position and the pride involved in your accomplishments?”

Arianna snorted.  “Not at all.”

“Exactly.  So if you’ll give me a list of what and where, I’ll go in the morning.  The less warning he has to prepare for me the better for all involved,” drawing the laughter she was looking for.  “Maybe you and Joy and your escorts can....”

“Don’t worry, Mama,” Joy cut in.  “I’ve got it covered.”

Mary nodded.  “All right then, ladies.  If we’re set for tomorrow, I’m going to head to bed.  I have a feeling I’m going to need all my faculties to deal with Fernando tomorrow,” crossing her eyes and smiling when both younger women laughed.  “Goodnight, girls.”

“Night, Mama.”


Chapter XXVI

“Hey, Eli!  How’s it hanging?” Eden asked exuberantly with a wide smile on her tanned face.  Eli chuckled and shook her head.  She had missed Eden’s enthusiasm and sarcastic wit... even in the few days they had been separated.

“It’s not ‘hanging’ at all,” Eli replied drolly.  “But I am certainly happy to be where I am.”

“Me too,” Eden returned without hesitation.  “It’s been a little taste of heaven.  Any idea how long it’ll last?”

“Not a clue,” Eli answered.  “Not even Ian has been informed.  Have you spoken to anyone else?”

“No.  I figure if I’m here longer than a standard week, I’ll make a few contacts, but for now I’m just happy to be where I am enjoying the perks this place has to offer.”

“Understandable,” Eli smiled.  “I came to a similar conclusion myself.”

“So to what do I owe the honor then?” Eden asked, her expression becoming more serious.  “Problem?”

“Not that I‘ve been alerted to,” Eli stated calmly.  “Jake gave you my message?”

“It’s why I was expecting your communication.”

“How did the exodus go?”

“Quite smoothly, all things considered. There were a few teary goodbyes – fortunately Mary sent Abigail out early in the process or I might still be drying my shirt.  Honestly,” Eden shook her head with a hint of impatience in her voice, though her eyes sparkled with mirth.  “The way she was acting, you’d have thought we were never going to see one another again.”

“How was Isaac?”

“Surprisingly mellow.  He seemed to take Mary’s words to heart... at least enough to allow her to move him.”  Eden bit her lip.  “You know, Eli – he did make some good points, but I thought Mary responded to his accusations much more graciously than I would have.  I would have just kicked his ass.”

Eli snorted.  “I would almost pay to see that, Eden.”

Eden smirked.  “But what really bothers me is that he brought them up at all,” snorting at the confusion on Eli’s face.  “Eli, for all his mechanical brilliance, Isaac is not that well-verse in human relations.  He reminds me a lot of Az when we first got to the compound – the difference is he had no one to try and help him with his ineptitude,” ignoring Eli’s flinch at her mention of Arianna.  “So where did all this come from, Eli?  He couldn’t have thought of it on his own.”

“So you think someone on the team....”

“I think it will bear keeping an eye on.”

“Agreed,” Eli said with a sharp nod.  “Anything else of interest happen?”

“Not really.  It mostly seemed to go like clockwork.  I think everyone was just ready to go anywhere at that point... if only so we didn’t feel like a burden where we were, you know?”  Eli heard a shout in the background just as Eden turned her head towards it.  “Look, that’s... I need to go,” glad she hadn’t inadvertently shared her location.  Not that Eli didn’t know, but on the off-chance someone picked up their communication, Eden hadn’t broadcast it.  “You want to try to get in touch again later in the week?”

Eli nodded.  “Let’s do that.  I’ll try to touch base with a few of the others as well.  Maybe by then we’ll have some idea of our timetable.”

“Sounds good,” Eden agreed before there was another yell.  “I gotta....”

“Go,” Eli commanded.  “We’ll talk again soon.”  The screen went dark and Eli leaned back in her chair.  Despite how wonderful it felt to be home again, talking to Eden gave her a measure of peace.  She almost wished she asked about....  Eli let her thoughts trail off there.  She had determined her course – now she had to stick with it.  It was for the best. 

Besides, even after just a few days at home, her skin and eyes had started to recover their natural luster... the faintest hue of spring green just visible in both skin tone and eye color.  Bringing Arianna into the mix, even in her thoughts was likely to ruin that, and that would make her mother start asking questions Eli had no desire to contemplate.

Forcing her mind to happier thoughts, she reviewed the time she had already spent with her family.  Ian had cautioned her to pack up the things she wanted to take with her the morning after they arrived, stressing the need to be ready to move out at a moment’s notice.  So she was ready to leave when the time came, and found it much easier to relax and enjoy her time with friends and family knowing that was behind her.

She was smiling – reliving an epic snowball war... that her team had won – when Samuel knocked on the door, interrupting her reverie.  Eli turned her head and motioned him into Eve’s office. Samuel crossed the threshold slowly.  This wasn’t a room where he had wanted to spend any time when he was younger as it meant there was punishment coming.  Even now, on the cusp of adulthood, he hesitated.  Eli chuckled and stretched to grab him by the arm to pull him to a chair.

“Don’t worry, little СОБРАТ.  MaTb is not here.”  She cocked an eyebrow.  “Should I call her?  Do you need to be punished for something?”

He snapped his head around, bright green eyes meeting her mostly gray ones.  He scowled at her.  “What?? NO!  It’s just... this has always been MaTb’s space, and we always respected that.  I’ve never had a reason to be in here unless I was in trouble for something.”

Eli chuckled.  “I understand,” she informed him, rolling her eyes slightly.  “It was a little strange for me too, but I needed the privacy and it is the quietest room in the house.”  She tilted her head at him.  “Is something wrong, Samuel?  Did you need me for something particular?”

He shrugged and glanced at the ground, blowing out a breath.  Eli bided her time, knowing there was something on his mind that he would share when he was ready.  In a moment, he looked up and met her eyes.  “I want to know what is wrong with you,” he stated boldly.  Eli blinked.

“What makes you think anything is wrong?”

The look he gave her was scathing, but Eli forced herself to hold his gaze.  After a moment, he huffed and dropped his stare.  “I know it’s not really my place,” he said softly.  “You are a grown woman - a successful warrior and scientist – and I haven’t even entered warrior training yet.  But I promised Elijah....” glancing up when he heard her sharp intake of breath. 

“You promised him what?” Eli’s words low and biting.  Samuel took a deep breath and met her gaze steadily.

“When he was recalled into warrior service – to help defend against the uprising – he asked me to look out for you... made me promise to do so.  I think he knew....”  Samuel broke off and shrugged, but he didn’t lose her stare.  He could feel the fury burning.

“So he went in my place, knowing he wouldn’t be coming home to his family again??”

“That’s not what I meant!”

“But it is what you think.”

“NO!”  Samuel ran his hands through his hair and stood up to pace the room.  After a few minutes he returned to sit across from her, and he took her limp hand between his.  “Eli knew the possibility was there, Ellie – we all do.  I think he was afraid you would blame yourself.”

“Rightly so, Sammy – he wouldn’t have gone had I been here.”

“Yes, he would have,” Samuel contradicted her.  “Eli would have followed as your second just like he always did.  Then we would have lost you both, Ellie.  That would have killed MaTb – that would have destroyed all of us.  And even though you’re leaving again, and will be gone for a long time, we know you’re doing the work you’ve been called to do – making a difference that no one else can.”

“You’re going to make me cry, Sammy.”  He shook his head violently.

“No... you can’t cry, Ellie.  If you cry, then I’ll cry and then MaTb will want to know why I made you cry and I’ll have to come back in here for punishment and no... just no.  I am almost old enough to enlist in warrior training – I don’t want to be punished like a child again.”  He snorted.   “I would never hear the end of it, you know.  And then you’d have to give up your mission and defend me against all comers and just no, Ellie.  Just no.”

He glanced up at her to find Eli regarding him with amusement.  “Are you done?” she asked him with a hint of a smile.  Samuel cleared his throat.

“Yes... yes, I am.”

“All right then – let’s go see what OTeU has prepared for lunch.  I think we are hiking the park this afternoon.  Are you going to join us?”

“Of course,” Samuel replied as he held the door and motioned her in front of him.  “That’s better core training than pre-warrior exercises.”

Eli nodded and shrugged.  It was true.  “You know how to eat then,” she cautioned him, arching an eyebrow in his direction and Samuel nodded.  Then they took their places at the table and settled down to eat.

************

“Hey, Eden!” Arianna greeted in surprise.  She hadn’t honestly expected to hear from any of her teammates until such time as they were physically reunited.  “What a lovely surprise!” she greeted enthusiastically with a mega-watt smile.  Eden returned the expression, touched by Arianna’s happiness.  “To what do I owe the pleasure?”

“Hey Az!  I just wanted to check on you.  Everything good?”

“Oh, Eden... that’s lovely of you.  I’m wonderful, actually.  I feel like I have a real family here – it’s the most amazing sensation.”

“I’m glad, Az.  You deserve better than what you got handed – not that you didn’t handle it with aplomb,” Eden added, only to be stopped by Arianna’s laughter.

“Oh, I really didn’t, Eden – we all know that.  It’s why all of you found me so annoying and off-putting when we first met.  But I’m getting better and Joy is helping me.”

“Well don’t you go changing too much on us, Az.  I’m not sure we’d know what to do with a perfectly mannered, socially graceful royal nerd.”

Arianna laughed.  “If it makes you feel better, Eden – I am confident in saying that not even a trained dancer like Joy could teach me to gracefully dance the Weird Egg or whatever that dance was that Gay was so fond of.”

Eden laughed.  “You mean the Funky Chicken?” laughing again when Arianna bobbed her agreement.  “I don’t think anyone can make that look graceful.  But I’m glad you’re there.  You seem a little more settled... happier.  I hope it sticks once you leave.”

“So do I, Eden... thanks.  Um, have you talked to Eli?  I know I shouldn’t ask, but....”

“She’s fine, Az.  She’s somewhere she needs to be right now.”

“I’m not sure that’s going to help me reach her, though.”

“Probably not,” Eden replied bluntly.  “But you have most of the rest of us on your side.  It may take a while, but it’ll work out if we have anything to do with it, all right?”

Arianna smiled and lifted a hand to wipe the tears that spilled from her eyes.  “I wish I could convey to you what that means to me, Eden.  No one has ever... not until this project – I mean, it’s changed my world.  It’s given me real friends and family... people who care.  And I know I should have talked to Eli before now... before this snarled into such a mess.  I just... I’ve never....  I didn’t recognize what I felt for her until she cut me from her life so completely.”

Eden ran a hand through her hair, thankful for the fresh mai tai just out of view.  She had a feeling she was going to need it before the conversation was over.  “Do you know why she did that, Az?  Do you know why she exorcised your existence from her life?”

Arianna sniffed deeply and took a deep breath as she shook her head.  “I know she was angry about my betrothal to Malcolm - *I* was angry about my betrothal to Malcolm.  I didn’t even like Malcolm – my father forced me into a statused relationship with him against my wishes.  But she never talked to me about it so I could explain.”

Eden sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose.  Then she picked up her mai tai and took a deep swallow.  “Az, will you do something for me?”

“If I can, Eden, of course.”

“Thank you.  I want you to do some investigating.  Talk to Mary or do some research or whatever it takes for you to accomplish this task.  But I want you to learn about Eli’s culture – as many aspects as you can find... especially those parts you don’t know about.  And after you’ve done that I want you to call me, all right?  Once you know everything you can about the way her culture works, we’ll talk.”

“It’s that important?”

“Az, it’s gonna explain so many things to you – things you should have known before... things you need to know now.”

“Very well, Eden.  I’ll get right on that.  But if I cannot complete this before we are together again?”

“We’ll still talk, Az.  We’ll just have to find somewhere private to do so, okay?”

“Okay, Eden,” not surprised when Eden took another long draught of her drink.  “And Eden?” drawing those black eyes back to hers.  “Thank you.  I know you don’t have to, but....”

“But it’s in all our best interests, Az.  And if it makes you and the Boss happy, well... bonus for me.  Things seem to go a lot better when you are. Now,” eyeballing her empty glass.  “I need to go fix myself another drink and stretch out in the hammock for a little while and unwind.  I’ll be waiting to hear from you.”

“Thanks, Eden.”

“Anytime, Az,” offering a salute before the screen went dark.  Arianna leaned back against the wall and relaxed into the bed she was seated on.  She remained that way for a few minutes thinking about everything Eden had said.  Then she jumped up from her spot and placed her Pad on the bed before exiting her room.  First she would talk to Mary before she left for Arianna’s home world.  She had a feeling if anyone could give her answers or at least a place to start, Mary would be her best bet.

It was time to take action to correct the situation between her and Eli.


Chapter XXVII

“Did they inquire about me at all?” Arianna asked when Mary walked into the kitchen two mornings later carrying a small suitcase.  Mary placed the bag in front of her and squeezed her shoulder lightly before moving to accept the cup of coffee Ephraim had poured for her.  She breathed in the aroma briefly, then lifted the cup to her lips for her first swallow.  Only after it was gone did she take a seat beside Arianna.

“They did indeed.  They were naturally proud to hear of your official appointment, though they never expected anything else, of course.  We were all quite civil and made it through the proceedings without bloodshed.  Your mother expressed thankfulness that Malcolm was out of the picture as a suitor – apparently she wasn’t fond of him either.  A little too much like your father, I think.”

Arianna snorted.  “Of that I am almost certain,” she agreed.  “Although having given it some thought, I think Malcolm is more of a weasel and Papa more of an ass.”  Both women ducked when coffee sprayed over them and Ephraim glanced up with an embarrassed expression and both hands covering his mouth.

“I’m so sorry,” he mumbled, his eyes watering from the heat that had traveled the wrong way up his sinus cavity.  “I just... I never... I’m sorry.”

Mary waved him off towards the door.  “Go on upstairs and take care of that.  You’re shift is almost over anyway, and I can sit here with Arianna until Sarah arrives.”

Ephraim shook his head and removed his hands, grabbing a dishtowel and wiping up the mess.  “I just came on, Chief.  This is my day for the morning shift.”

Mary squinted her eyes at him and nodded.  “All right.  Do you need to go upstairs?”  Ephraim looked down at himself and shook his head.

“No thank you, Chief.  I’m good.”  He finished wiping up the mess and resumed his seat near the back door.  Mary watched him a moment longer and turned back to Arianna.

“How about you?  Did he get you?”

Arianna shook her head.  “No, Mama... not at all.  You pushed me down when you ducked – I think you caught the brunt of it.”

Mary turned her head to glance at her coffee spattered shirt.  “I think you’re right.  Well, I needed a shower anyway... not that coffee is ever my first choice for bathing in,” smiling as she gave Ephraim a mock glare.  “How’s your research coming along?” turning back to Arianna.

“Frustratingly slow,” Arianna complained.  “Some of it Eli and I talked about, but so much of it....  I am still trying to understand the matriarchal lineage and how power passes in a democratic society.”  Arianna shook her head.  “I feel like I’m drowning in details but Eden seemed to think it was important that I learn all these things.” 

Mary pinched her lip between her thumb and forefinger. Knowing what she did about the situation, she was pretty sure what Eden’s intent was.  But at the rate Arianna was going, Mary’s great-grandchildren would be done with college before she figured it out.  “May I offer you a piece of advice?”

Arianna nodded briskly.  “Yes, Mama... please.  If it will help me figure out what Eden wants me to learn, I’ll take any advice I can get.  Coming from you just makes it more reliable in my book.”

“Okay then – tell me what you were talking to Eden about when she asked for this favor.”

Arianna cleared her throat.  “We were talking about Eli and how she reacted to my betrothal and....”

“Stop right there,” Mary instructed, holding up a hand.  “Given that the mating habits of your society was the discussion that brought up your need for research and knowledge of Eli’s culture, what do you think you should be studying?  Or at least studying first?  I know Eden told you to learn everything you can, and I agree with her... to a point.  You should learn everything you can about one another, but most of that needs to come from sharing those things with each other.  For now, skip the histories and the biographies and the weird rituals you don’t understand.  Study the things that might be pertinent to her reaction to your betrothal.”

“There is a section for that??”

“Check into their mating customs, honey,” Mary stated plainly.  “It will explain a lot, I promise.”

“Yes, Mama,” Arianna replied and Mary grinned.

“You like that, don’t you?”

“I do,” she concurred.  “Very much.  It makes me feel like I belong.”

“You do belong.  You’re family now and family is forever, remember?” Mary assured with a smile.  “But you’ve got research to do, and I need a shower and some dry clothes.  Come by the office later if you need more help, but I think you’ll understand when you find it.”  Mary patted her arm and waved to Ephraim, then walked out of the kitchen and up the stairs.

Arianna picked the bag up and set it on the floor beside her chair.  Then she slowly stood and looked at Ephraim.  “Joy and I made cinnamon rolls last night.  Can I tempt you?”

Ephraim looked around carefully, then lowered his voice.  “Are you sure you won’t get in trouble for messing around in her kitchen?”   He glanced around again.  “Are you sure you won’t get me in trouble by messing around in her kitchen?”

Arianna laughed.  “I’m sure, Ephraim.  I wouldn’t handicap your chances with Joy like that.  I mean, I don’t really know you, but what I do know I appreciate.”

His eyes widened.  “You know?”

Arianna shrugged.  “I guessed.  It wasn’t hard.”  She smiled.  “You’re not particularly subtle in your admiration.  But a piece of advice?” cocking an eyebrow and waiting for him to nod.  “Talk to her.  You’re going to make her resent you otherwise.”  Arianna moved into the pantry and retrieved the cinnamon rolls, setting them on the table before turning to pull milk from the fridge.  Ephraim rose from his place slowly and moved to stand beside Arianna, accepting the plate and glass she handed him.

“You really think so?  That I am making her resent me?”

“I know you’re driving her crazy, and eventually that’s going to make her resent you, Ephraim.  She’s waiting for you to step up and do something... not just watch her longingly.”  She chuckled at his gobsmacked expression.  “We’ve talked about you at some length this week,” she added at his questioning look.  “It’s not like you’re always where we are,” said with a smirk.  Ephraim chuckled.

“Point taken,” he acknowledged.  “So you think she would respond well if I spoke to her?”

“I think you have nothing to lose by trying.”

Ephraim nodded thoughtfully and took his seat at the door once more.  They sat quietly, eating their breakfast without saying another word.  When Ephraim was finished, he stood and went to the sink, washing his dishes quickly.  He put the milk and rolls away before he turned and sat down next to Arianna.  She had been so deep in her own thoughts that he startled her with his action.  She jerked her head up and Ephraim placed a calming hand in her wrist.

“I’m sorry, Angel... Arianna,” correcting himself immediately at her uncomfortable expression.  “Sorry,” he repeated.  “The Chief told us about... I forgot.  And I didn’t mean to startle you.  I thought you heard me walk over.”

Arianna shook her head and offered him a wan smile.  “I was lost in my head.  I don’t notice much when that happens.”

Ephraim smiled.  “I have a brother who does the same thing.  Although I used to find the heaviest object nearby, and drop it as close to him as I could manage from the highest point I could reach... just so I could watch him jump.”  Arianna arched an eyebrow and Ephraim laughed aloud.  “I was the annoying younger brother; it was almost expected.  It’s how I became a track star in my province – it’s amazing how motivated you can become when you’re being chased by someone twice your size.”  Arianna burst into loud laughter, covering her mouth to try and contain her mirth.  Ephraim reached up and removed her hand as he shook his head.  “Let people hear your laughter, Arianna.  It’s infectious and there can never be too much laughter in the world... no matter what world you’re on.”

“Joy is a very lucky woman,” she said after a few moments of silence.  “Don’t let her miss out.  I think you’d make a wonderful addition to the family.”

Ephraim smiled and covered the hand he still held.  “I won’t,” he vowed.  “Can I return the favor – as a possible older sibling then?”

Arianna tilted her head at him.  “As long as you’re not planning to drop anything on my head from a great height, of course,” said with a smirk.  Ephraim grinned.

“I know you’ve wondered why Joy hasn’t made the first move – I have been around for *some* of those discussions, you know,” smiling when her surprised expression became sheepish.  “She’s trying to respect my culture.  On my planet, we have a caste system – nobility, warrior, clergy, professional, trader, workman and servant – and while it is acceptable to go out of one’s class to marry, the first move must be made by the person from the higher class.  So as a warrior, it’s my responsibility to approach Joy with my intentions.  After that, we are both expected to contribute to moving our relationship forward – we are equals.”

Arianna frowned slightly.  “Okay.  Ephraim, I know I am not stupid, but I don’t understand.  What does that have to do with me... or Eli?”

“I hadn’t actually gotten to my point yet - not the entire point anyway.  Joy is waiting for me to make the first move as a way of showing her respect for my culture.  Princess... sorry, Eli cutting you from her life was because of her cultural mandates.”

“So you’re saying it’s not because of me personally, but because of some rule of her people?”

Ephraim sighed and shook his head.  “Not at all – it has everything to do with you.  Arianna, on her world, people mate for life,” seeing brown eyes widen in horror.  “When you returned to the compound betrothed to someone else….”

“But it wasn’t my choice!!” Arianna protested.

“Perhaps not,” Ephraim agreed, “but it doesn’t change the truth for her.  You are her one and only and you had someone else.  She exorcised you from her life to maintain her sanity.  It’s why she can’t be ‘just friends’ with you... no matter how hard she tries.  She will always push you away because it’s the only means she has of protecting herself.”

“You’re not making this up?”

“I wouldn’t, Arianna.  I don’t consider myself to be a cruel man, and that would be heartless.  What I’m telling you is the truth.  I know this because my brother married into that society... after a lot of soul-searching.  He wanted to be sure that he could offer Leah everything she deserved in a commitment.  They’ve been a family for almost ten years now and have two beautiful little girls.”

“And he knew about this trait when they got involved – that mating was for life?”

“Oh yes.  Even though we are from the warrior caste, he is by profession a historian.  The study of different civilizations and their philosophies was part of his work.”

Arianna’s gaze went distant for a long moment, and when she pulled back to meet Ephraim’s eyes, her own were full of anger and hurt.  “So you’re telling me that I’m being punished for something I wasn’t even aware of??”

“I’m telling you why Eli is acting the way that she is towards you.  The rest?  That’s for you to research and decide for yourself.”

Arianna removed her hand from Ephraim’s clasp and stood, reaching for the suitcase beside her and hefting it.  “Thank you, Ephraim.  You’ve given me much to consider... and more to think about.  Will you please ask Joy to call me when it’s time to prepare lunch?  I believe I should go upstairs and get to work on my research.”  Ephraim nodded, sensing her fury.  Arianna jerked her head in response and hurried out the door, clutching her suitcase to her chest.  She never even saw Joy half-hidden while leaning against the outer doorjamb.

Only when Arianna was up the stairs and out of sight did Joy cross into the room.  “That was a good thing you did, Ephraim,” she commented as she poured out a cup of coffee.  He shrugged.

“I had to do something.  She’s part of the family, right?”

“She is,” Joy affirmed.  “But you’re not.”

“Maybe not yet, but I’d like to be,” meeting her eyes squarely.  “Would you be willing to entertain my attention as a suitor?  I have spoken to your mother and she has proffered her blessing.  Your brothers have already threatened my manhood and well-being if I disrespect you or worse.  However, the decision is yours, Joy.  I would like the opportunity to ‘date’ you... in your vernacular... in an effort to get to know you and perhaps see if we can be something more together.”

Joy smiled.  “That has to be the most elaborate, formal dating request I have ever heard.  But oddly I find it sweet and compelling.”

“Does that mean yes?” Ephraim asked after several long moments of silence.  Joy laughed.

“It does.  But I have a request,” seeing his eyebrows rise in question.  “Could we wait to do anything serious about us until this assignment is over?  I don’t mean we can’t do anything, but can we go slowly?  It’s only a few more weeks....” swallowing when Ephraim placed a gentle finger over her lips.

“That’s fine, Joy – in fact, it’s perfect.  The Chief won’t tolerate a lack of focus on my part for any reason... not with everything that is going on.  And it will give us a chance to sit and talk without a lot of expectation beyond learning more about one another – like why you are so proprietary about your kitchen.  Although that will have to wait until my off time.  I can’t afford to be distracted here – there’s too much at stake for us to drop the ball now.”

“I know,” Joy said as she stepped into the pantry, then chuckled before sticking her head out.  “You really do like Arianna, don’t you?”

Ephraim had resumed his place by the door and crossed his arms over his chest.  “What makes you say that?”

“You trusted her enough to eat the cinnamon rolls we made last night without me being present.  You more than anyone else who has been in my kitchen in the last few weeks has respected that this is my space... although everyone has tried very hard to be respectful.  But you - except for coffee, I don’t think you’ve taken anything that I haven’t offered to you first.  Therefore you must really trust her to allow her to feed you.”

“I do,” he confirmed.  “And the fact that you not only made her family, but invited her to be part of your kitchen gave her credence.”

“You’re pretty smart,” Joy said with a laugh as she exited the pantry with a cinnamon roll in hand.  “Would you like another?”

“Would I like one?  Yes.  Am I going to have one? No.  It would ruin my runner’s figure,” gesturing to his lithe frame.  “But thank you for offering.”  Joy just nodded and sat at the table to enjoy her breakfast.

************

Arianna didn’t run up the stairs to her room, but her pace was quite brisk and she just refrained from slamming the door behind her when she entered the room.  She placed the bag she carried on one of the other beds carefully, not wanting to do damage to the contents.  One would have expected her to be a little more curious – though she knew what was in the case, she still hadn’t seen the things inside it in months.  But they were insignificant enough to have been left behind to begin with and at the moment, she had far greater concerns on her mind.

She dropped onto the bed and snatched up her Pad, punching her finger at the screen with impunity.  Finally she was able to bring up the information she was searching for and started reading.  For a long time Arianna read, absorbing information she had needed months’ prior... information she should have been aware of before she became involved with Eli.

When Arianna was finished, she set the Pad aside, and turned on her side facing the wall.  She tucked her hands under her chin and curled her legs up until she was in a fetal position.  Closing her eyes, she castigated herself for her ignorance.  She didn’t hear Joy knock on the door or notice her come in and sit on the bed.  Only when Joy placed a gentle hand on her side did Arianna blink open her eyes and shift her body to lie on her back and meet Joy’s eyes.

“You all right, Little Sister?”

“Aside from being a monumental idiot?   I’m fantastic,” she snarked, then faltered under Joy’s compassionate gaze.  “How could I have been so stupid?  Why didn’t I know this?  Why didn’t she tell me?”

“I don’t know, Arianna – that’s something you’ll have to ask her.  But that’s not as important as what you’re going to do about it,” tilting her head in question.  “So what are you going to do about it?”

Arianna snorted.  “If I had the first idea, I’d already be doing it.  I think we need to sit and talk... discuss everything that has ever been between us.  But Ephraim was right – she can’t be friends with me, and she won’t speak to me outside a professional capacity.  I’m not sure how I am supposed to approach her if she runs the other direction every time she sees me headed towards her.”

“Well, on the plus side, very soon she’s not going to have anywhere to go to get away from you.  That asteroid you’re traveling to is only so big and the station you’re building there is even smaller.”

“Yes, but I can’t disrupt team dynamics for my own selfish reasons.”

“I can safely say, from what I have personally witnessed, that your team, for the most part, believes the dynamic to work better when you and Eli are happy together.  They’re willing to help you recover that – for you and for them.  Why not let them help?”

“And have them do what, Joy?  Hold Eli down when I enter a room?  Tie her to a chair so I can talk to her without her walking away from me?  I’m open to suggestions, because I can’t think of anything that won’t make this entire situation exponentially worse.”

“Take a deep breath and calm down,” pressing a finger to Arianna’s lips to keep her from exploding.  “Getting angry with... well, anyone at this point is completely non-productive.  Instead, focus that anger into finding a solution... and call a round table of the people you think can help you.  Like your friends Eden and Danny... Mama... me... maybe even Ephraim.  I mean he is kind of like a big brother to you.”

Arianna frowned and processed Joy’s words, then sat up so quickly she almost clocked Joy in the chin.  Only Joy’s quick reflexes saved them both from bruising.  Arianna grabbed her arms and grinned.  “He did it?  He spoke to you??”

“He did... after he talked to you.  Thank you for kicking him in the butt.  I think he needed it.”

“I think I did too – so we’re even.”

Joy laughed.  “All right, then - what do you say to going downstairs and having some lunch and then we’ll call a conference?  Maybe with enough minds, we can think of something.”

For answer, Arianna took Joy’s proffered hand and let her pull her from the bed.  Then they headed downstairs together.


Chapter XXVIII

“All I’m saying is that you’re gonna have to keep your word to her, Az... at least for now.  She needs that professionalism from you for her own peace of mind.  We’ll definitely work on changing how she thinks about you, but if you go after her all gung-ho now, determined to make her see your side of things, you’ll ruin any chance you have to fix things with her.  She’ll quit the team.  And before you say it, you can’t do it when we leave here either – she’ll resent you and all the rest of us because she’ll be stuck with someone she’ll categorize as a liar.  You won’t even get professional from her then.”

“She has a point,” Mary agreed.  So far, all she had done during the conversation was run interference between Eden and Arianna... keeping things from getting too heated as each of them got more frustrated.

“If you knew all this already, why did you have me read those things?  Why was it imperative that I know why she reacted the way she did?”

“Because with understanding comes wisdom, Grasshopper,” Eden replied, sighing when a look of confusion spread over Arianna’s face.  “Now that you know why, we can work on taking steps to help her realize the truth – all of it... hers and yours.  They’ll need to be baby steps, but at least it will be progress.  You’re both at fault here, but it’s not insurmountable.”

Arianna ran her hands through her hair and looked away from the monitor as she covered her mouth and tried to regulate her breathing to keep the tears from spilling from her eyes.  She had done enough crying – it was time to take some action. When she had her breathing under control, she removed her hand from her mouth and met Eden’s compassionate gaze.

“What am I supposed to do, Eden?”

“Right now?  Exactly what you promised her.  You’re gonna be the cool, removed professional with her and the friendly, loveable dork the rest of us know and love.  Most of the rest of us will work on slowly breaking her down, but you’re gonna have to be patient and let us help.”

Arianna huffed.  “I hate this!  I’m not sure if it’s better to know why she hates me or to be left wondering why she does.”

Eden snorted.  “Don’t you start having a pity party over there, or so help me I’ll kick your ass the minute I see you.  Don’t!” she commanded when Arianna’s mouth snapped open to retort.  “I’m pretty sure if I asked the Chief, she’d pull out the big guns to get me there quicker.”

“Mama would protect me.”  Arianna’s eyes widened when she saw Eden’s jaw drop.  They hadn’t really discussed the situation outside the family, and now....

“Mama?!?” Eden repeated, incredulity in her pitch.  She got a look at Mary’s expression as she was seated behind Arianna and softened her tone.  “I told you I was glad you had found a family you deserved, Az, and I meant it.  But I’m pretty sure the Chief would help me kick your ass if you start being stupid.  Eli doesn’t hate you – none of this would be an issue if she did.  She would always be professional when you were working together and she’d ignore you otherwise.  You should actually be kind of flattered by the level of screw-up this has become.”

Arianna threw a questioning look at Mary before turning back to Eden.  “I’m almost afraid to ask why.”

Eden leaned back in her chair and folded her hands on her belly.  “The way I’ve got it figured - the more she cares, the harder she tries to keep you out of her life.  Given that you were non-existent to her for months and the only reason she spoke to you again was to set an example because she asked the rest of us to include you again....  Do you see where I’m going with this?”

“May I ask you something Eden?” waiting for Eden to cautiously nod her head.  “If Eli hadn’t asked the rest of you to start including me again – would you have done so on your own?”

Eden was shamed enough to drop her head briefly before looking Arianna straight in the eye.  “As long as Malcolm was around? No,” she replied honestly.  “He made it impossible for anyone but Danny to have any contact with you, and even Danny was monitored.  Without Malcolm?  It probably would have taken us a little longer, and it would have been more sporadic and not so all-encompassing.  Mostly, Eli reminded us of the truth of the big picture.  Malcolm being removed when he was?  That was simply fortuitous timing for us.”

“Thank you, Eden.”

Eden shrugged.  “You deserved the truth, Az.  Eli might have prompted us, but the responses were genuine.  But do you understand what I meant about why you should be flattered?”

“You really think her feelings run that deeply?”

“You think they don’t?”

Arianna hung her head.  “I thought they did, but....”

“No buts.  Her attitude is gonna be a pain in all our asses before all is said and done, but in the end it’s a good sign for you.  Just wish she wasn’t so damned hardheaded stubborn.”

Mary snorted.  “You need that stubborn – you just need to refocus it.”

“And how do we do that, Chief?” Eden asked without a hint of sarcasm.  “We have to be able to talk her around, and if we piss her off enough she’s not gonna listen to any of us.”

“I’m still working on that,” Mary confessed.  “We know a lot of it will be focused on the mission once you leave here – it’s what got you through training at the desert facility.  But that is still several weeks away.  Maybe it’s time to....”  She broke off and looked at Eden, who nodded her understanding.

“Whenever you’re ready, Chief.  And don’t worry about that ‘Mama’ slip, Az.  I think it’s great you’ve got a family who’ll look after you now, but it’s not my place to share that news, all right?  You do that in your own way and time.”

“Thank you, Eden.  It’s not that I’m ashamed – they are a pretty amazing family to have.  But I would really rather the rest don’t get the wrong idea about this.  It would be nice for a change not to be misunderstood before I can even explain things.”

“And we are a bunch of gossipy old avialae, aren’t we?”

Arianna snorted and nodded.  “Sometime, yes.  I’ll see you soon?” she asked looking between Eden on the monitor and Mary behind her.  Both nodded.  “Be safe, Eden.”

“Malama maika'i,” she replied, and nodded to Mary.  Then she reached forward and broke the connection, knowing Mary would be contacting her security team shortly.

************

“Mary?” Paul asked as she led him deeper into the underground enclosure she’d had the Alpha team brought to upon their return.  She turned to arch an eyebrow at him and motioned for him to continue.  “I was just wondering something.  I get that you’re trying to protect us by keeping us hidden and all, but what about our prep work?  Won’t people notice an influx of traffic and supplies to this place?  And won’t we eventually have to be moved somewhere – like the transport site or the space dock and launch site - that will make us a target anyway?”

“Yes,” she agreed with a serious smile, “but if I control the aspect of how and when you get moved, it gives me a better measure of control in your protection.”

“And you don’t think bringing attention to the fact that we’re here,” gesturing to the former military facility surrounding him, “is a bad thing?”

Mary chuckled darkly.  “I don’t think anyone could find you here without a map and a homing beacon – but if they did, they’d be walking into an ambush.”

“What about our gear?  And all the things we need to take with us on this journey?”

“As much as can be managed has already been brought here for each of you to go over and check out.  The things we couldn’t bring – like the ship itself – I already have people on-site.  And those of you who are actually involved in ship maintenance and upkeep will be in place in plenty of time to take care of your inspections well before launch.”  Mary examined Paul’s horrified expression with compassion.  “A little more than you bargained for?” she asked kindly.

Paul snorted.  “I never expected to be part of some covert military type operation,” he confessed.  “I’m a scientist, you know.  This sort of thing is unheard of in the scientific communities on my planet.”

“If it makes you feel better, this kind of thing is my specialty.  My team and I are going to do whatever it takes to see all of you safely on your way. After that?  Well, you’re on your own,” she said as they stepped into a large space where several other members of the Alpha team called out a welcome to him.  Paul waved and returned greetings, then looked at Mary again.

“Where is everyone else?”

“Not everyone has arrived yet, and of those who have, a few are in their quarters putting their things away.”  She continued through the cavernous room and out a door opposite the one they had entered and Paul followed as a matter of course.  “It’s not much, but at least each of you has your own room here, and it won’t be for too long.”  She stopped in front of a door and handed him an old-fashioned key, showing him how to unlock the heavy door before handing it to him.  “Don’t lose this,” she cautioned.  “I don’t have a spare to give you.  That doesn’t mean I can’t jimmy the lock open in a pinch, but let’s try not to let it come to that, shall we?”

Paul chuckled wryly.  “You know what, Mary?  You are one scary lady.”

“Imagine how my kids felt about me when they were growing up.”  This time Paul laughed aloud, and Mary simply smirked at him.  “There will be a team meeting after dinner in the dining hall – schematics have been sent to your Pad if you need them.  Until then, you’re on your own time.  Enjoy it – because starting tomorrow, there won’t be any free time until the holidays.”

Paul nodded his understanding and hefted his bag, crossing the threshold into the room he’d been assigned.  Mary turned and started walking the way they had come, when Paul stuck his head out the portal and called her name.  She spun on her heel and waited silently for him to speak.  “Thank you, Mary.  I can’t imagine....”  He broke off and shook his head.

“You’re welcome, Paul.”  She hesitated, then gave him a slight smile before she spun around and continued to head back down the corridor.  He watched her go for a moment longer, then pulled his head back into the room and shut the door behind him.  He had a few hours to acquaint himself with his new home before dinner, and he was looking forward to meeting up with his compatriots again.

************

“Are you sure about this, Mama?” Ian asked as he leaned against the open door of the office that Mary had escaped to earlier. The last of the team members had arrived in the bunker and would be gathering for dinner shortly.  Mary studied her son, then beckoned him inside.  He followed her directive, carefully shutting the door to guard their privacy.

“You doubt me, my son?”

“Not you, Mama.  The plan?  Maybe a little.  It seems reckless for you – chancing everything on a single throw of the dice.”

Mary smiled.  “You know me better than that, Ian.  But can you honestly give me a better idea?  This is the most defensible hideaway we have.”  Ian scrubbed his hands over his face.  Mary tilted her head at him.  “Have you talked to your brothers about this?”

“No, Mama.  This is my concern.  I brought it directly to you.”

Mary leaned back in her chair and smiled softly.  “I appreciate that, Son.  And I’m quite serious – if you have a suggestion to make, please... do so.  I have gone over and over and over this until I started pulling my hair out.  This was the best option I could come up with... especially since I know I have back-up watching out for us here.  Ian, if we don’t draw them out here, we run a real risk of starting an interstellar war.”

“You don’t think we’re running that risk anyway?”

“To some degree we have been since the task force was formed to choose the Committee.  And with the things Gideon has found out....”  She let the thought lie and Ian nodded his agreement.

“And he’s sure?”

“As certain as he can be without actually having been there to witness things himself.  There are so many variables in place – we still can’t pinpoint the true perpetrator.  I don’t think we’ll be able to until we have the reason behind it... or visa versa, of course.  But I do think it is going to come back to the Committee... at least one member.  I believe it’s entirely possible that several of them are involved, though they’re not working together.”

“How did the task force miss this?  How could they allow such corruption to take place?”

Mary shrugged.  “For that matter, how did we?  How did I – whose livelihood is based on my ability to read people - how did I miss the venality of these people?  Why was I not looking at them sooner?  The first rule I learned was not to trust those I didn’t know.  I didn’t choose the Committee.”

“Exactly, Mama.  Cut yourself a little slack.  The task force is responsible for them. You have always been responsible for the candidates involved in the project.  Let’s focus on them.”

“I still had to have missed something, Ian.  I fully expect one or more of them to be in contact with the Committee to let them know what’s going on.  I am kind of counting on it.  It’s the only way this plan is going to do what I need it to completely.”

“I thought you said....”

“I did... and I do.  But for the plan to do everything, one of the Alpha team members is going to have to betray their fellows.”

“Do you suppose it could be accidental?  The sharing of information, I mean.  Is it possible there is no malicious intent involved on their part?”

“I might be able to believe that if someone wasn’t trying to get me removed from the security detail.  Because as Eden so aptly pointed out – Isaac couldn’t have come up with that on his own.  He was being manipulated.  The question is – by whom?  A Committee member or a colleague?  If it’s the first, then yes... I think it’s probably accidental.  Isaac is not a social creature by nature, so for someone of a Committee member’s theoretical stature to take the time to just talk to him?  He wouldn’t even think twice about sharing information with them.  They’re presumed to have his best interests at heart, right?  If it’s a colleague, however... another member of the Alpha team....”

“That could get unpleasant in a hurry.”

Mary chuckled despite herself, shaking her head as she rose and met Ian’s eyes.  “You, my son, are a master of understatement.”

He smirked.  “I am, in fact, my mother’s son,” extending an arm to Mary as an offer of escort.  She took his arm as she laughed aloud.

“Indeed,” she agreed.  They exited the office and closed the door firmly behind them.

“So we’re just going to give them information?”

“Yes,” Mary drawled.  “But remember – we control the flow.  They only know what we tell them.  And none of them will have the whole picture and not all of them have gotten the truth.  Ruth put trackers on all the Comm units we gave them and is monitoring their communications.  Since they have to be channeled through the network to be able to leave the bunker, we have a record of their activity.  Several made calls home as soon as they arrived.  A couple called other team members who hadn’t arrived yet.   Otherwise?”  Mary shrugged.  “Gideon will let me know when a communiqué of interest goes out, and in the meantime, we’ll be keeping eyes and ears open.  Now, let’s join the rest for dinner and see if we can set things in motion.  It’s time to be done with this.”

************

Eden combed through the facility, hunting for Arianna.  When she got near enough for the mouthwatering scent of dinner to start wafting in her direction, she figured she had to be close. She let her nose guide her, not surprised when it led her to the kitchen... and Arianna.  What did surprise her was to find Joy with her, and she leaned against the doorjamb with her arms crossed over her chest just watching them work in tandem for a few minutes before she quietly cleared her throat. 

Two dark heads swung around and pinned her with equally dark, piercing eyes.  Eden held up her hands in surrender, and smiled to see them relax their stiff stances.

“Eden!” Arianna squealed, setting her spoon down and moving towards Eden with arms open and outstretched.  Eden swallowed hard and allowed the embrace - a little uncomfortable, but unwilling to turn Arianna away.  “What are you doing here?” after a brief hug.

“Here in the bunker?  I just arrived.  Here in the kitchen?  I came looking for you.  Since it smelled like homemade cooking and fresh cookies, I thought I’d start with the obvious and work from there.  Lucky for me, the obvious was satisfactory – I found you.”

“You did.  Now what?”

“Now you can tell me how you’re doing?  Have you seen any of the others yet?”

“I’m good, Eden.  Really good.  I haven’t seen anyone yet as Joy and I have been busy in here most of the day.  She’s here to help out while we’re here.”

Eden smiled and looked at Joy.  ‘Makua bless you, Joy.  I thought we were gonna be stuck eating those questionable packaged meals that’s gonna be our only sustenance all too soon.  Thank you for sparing us that indignity just yet.  I’m not overly fond of those.”

Joy laughed.  “Neither are my brothers... which is kind of hysterical when you consider what their careers actually are.  They are the main reason I’m here.  They pled and cajoled with Mama until I think she gave in just to shut them up.”

“Well, that and the fact that Mama kind of likes having all her kids around,” Arianna piped up.  “She told me that point blank.”

“Go Mary!” Eden muttered, thought it was loud enough for the other two to hear and chuckled at.  “Bonus for us, and good for you too, right Az?”

“Yes... definitely good for me.  Being part of this family... even for the short time it’s been a reality for me – Eden, it’s changed my life.”

“Good for you, Az.  I’m glad.  Now, do you need to stay in here or can you wander around with me for a few?  I know there are people who’ve missed you, and we should clue the rest in as to what’s going on... at least as far as Eli is concerned.”

“Do you need me to...?” Arianna asked Joy, who smiled and shook her head as she waved her off.  Arianna slipped off her apron and kissed Joy’s cheek.  “Thank you.”

“Go on.  I’ll see you both later.”  Eden and Arianna left the kitchen and headed out in search of their comrades.
 

Chapter XXIX

“Danny!” Arianna squealed when she caught sight of him in the big room.  He smiled at her excitement, then turned bewildered eyes to Eden when Arianna rushed towards him with her arms outstretched.  Eden motioned for him to go with it, so he opened his arms and stumbled back a step when Arianna leaped into his embrace, glad for Luke’s hand bracing his lower back.  He tightened his hold, even as he searched Eden’s gaze for answers; a signal promised him answers later, and he let his attention focus on the young woman enfolded in his arms while he returned the hug fervently.

“Sweetie?  Is everything okay?”  Arianna pulled back just enough to meet his gaze.  There was a sheen of tears in her brown eyes, but he saw deep and sincere happiness swirling beneath them.  Danny raised a hand to her face, cupping her cheek gently and smiling.  “Arianna?”

“I’m good, Danny... promise.  It’s just so good to see you again.  I missed you.”  She noticed Luke standing behind Danny trying to be as unobtrusive as possible without actually leaving.  “You too, Luke.”

Luke turned green eyes her way.  “I missed you as well, pretty lady.  Did you enjoy your visit home?”

Arianna shook her head and stepped out of Danny’s arms.  “I didn’t go home,” she replied quietly.  “Instead, I found a new family here.”  A light touch on her back made Arianna turn to see Eden standing behind her.  Arianna cocked an eyebrow at her.

“Unless you’d like to make an announcement to the room at large, perhaps we should move to a more private location,” Eden suggested, looking pointedly at Isaac who was watching the small group with unveiled interest.  Arianna nodded.

“Come,” she commanded, holding out a hand to Danny.  “I have someone to introduce you to.”

He didn’t hesitate, but accepted her hand.  Luke proffered his arm to Eden, who rolled her eyes, but took it for the courtesy he intended.  Then they made their way out of the cavernous room and into the hallway, headed back the way they had come.

They rounded the corner into the kitchen area, and Joy looked up in concerned surprise.  She hadn’t expected to see Arianna again for a while.  “Little Sister?  Is everything all right?” crossing the room to size up the situation close up.  Joy took Arianna by the arms, eyes examining her before allowing one hand to tuck a loose strand of dark hair behind an ear.  “Arianna?”

Arianna permitted the cursory inspection, settling Joy’s concerns and letting Danny and Luke wrap their minds around what had been said.  When Joy’s hand moved to cup her face, Arianna took her hand and turned them towards her patiently waiting friends.

“Joy, you know my friends – Eden, Danny and Luke.  Guys, this is Joy... my big sister,” smiling when Joy, small as she was, loosened their handhold and wrapped a protective arm around her waist instead.  Eden stepped up to Arianna’s other side and did the same.  Danny’s jaw dropped and Luke’s eyes widened comically, but they recovered well after a mere moment.

“I’m so happy for you, Sweetie,” Danny said, opening his arms again and waiting for Arianna to step into his embrace.  He lifted her gently off her feet and rocked her.  “Does this mean we get dibs on cookies?” smiling when she burst into laughter. 

Meanwhile, Luke stepped over to Joy and hugged her.  “Thank you,” he whispered.  “She deserves a family like this.”

Joy squeezed his neck then pulled away.  “We were glad to do it.”  She cleared her throat.  “Would you all like some cookies and milk?”

“Won’t that mess up dinner?”

Joy smirked and shrugged.  “Do you really mind?  Besides, I won’t tell Mama if you don’t,” causing all four scientists to laugh.  Arianna moved over to where she knew the cookies were stored, while Luke stepped to the huge refrigeration unit to find the milk.  In minutes the five of them had moved to one of the mess hall tables to eat and share conversation.

“So are we the first to arrive?” Danny asked, looking at Eden, then Arianna, then Joy.  The three of them shrugged in tandem, eliciting more chuckles.  Arianna cleared her throat.

“I think Eden was first, but I don’t even know who else is here.  I haven’t really done any exploring since we arrived.”  She turned her gaze to Eden.  “Is Eli here yet?”

“Az....”

“I know, Eden.  I know I have to remain professional with her,” said with a hint of defeat.  “But I still need to know if she’s here.”

“I haven’t seen her,” Eden admitted.  Danny and Luke remained silent. 

“No,” Joy interpolated, causing four sets of eyes to swing her way.  “Mama told the boys she was saving Eli for last.  Ian is with her.  She refused to say why, and they know better than to ask.”  It didn’t stop anyone from having suspicions, however, and the table went quiet while they concentrated on finishing their milk and cookies as their minds wandered over possibilities.

************

Eli walked the woods silently, bow drawn and arrow partially nocked.  It had taken all she could do to convince Ian to allow her this last hunt before they returned to what she knew would be a trial for her.  But unless she quit, it was something she would have to endure to be part of the Alpha team.  She knew he was behind her keeping an eye out, but Ian remained respectful of her need to be alone for this and stayed out of her purview.  For that courtesy she was more than a little grateful.  She required the bit of peace this time would provide for her.  She stopped moving, letting the silence settle around her.  These were her woods... the woods in which she’d grown up – where she’d learned to hunt and fight and fly.  It was a reconnection that was healing places in her soul that she hadn’t realized were bruised and bleeding.

Without warning, a storm rolled in above her, the heavens opening up and releasing a chilling rain.  Eli knew she should probably head back to the family compound, but she hadn’t found what she was looking for.  So she turned her attention back to the hunt, idly wondering if the weather would drive her escort away and leave her truly alone.

The rain went from shower to torrent without warning, and Eli lost any sense of her watcher as the deluge drowned out all sense of sound or sight beyond the downpour itself.  She turned her face to the sky, closing her eyes and letting the rain wash everything away.

A sound beyond that of the falling rain somewhere to her left made her eyes pop open and her focus return to the hunt.  Eli turned her head, squinting to see beyond the rivulets of water running down her face.  Frustrated with her complete lack of vision and her inability to utilize her other senses, she slowly moved in the direction from which she’d heard the noise emanate. 

It was a deliberate trek... a careful placement of each footstep.  Even with her watchers in play, Eli could ill-afford to make a misstep at this point.  A mistake like that could cost her everything.

She saw a blue blur out of the corner of her eye, but when she turned there was nothing there.  She trod to the spot where she’d seen it, only to witness another blur from the other eye.  Instead of moving towards it, she stood still... and waited.

It took several minutes before her patience was rewarded, but eventually there was movement again, and this time, it was slow enough for her to track.

Eli rotated her head in increments so as not to alert her prey to her presence.  This should be a clean kill, and maybe with this success and an offering to the protectors of warriors and scientists, she would regain the peace that was missing from her life.  She lifted her bow and sighted her target - then realized that it was a mama and two babies... not something she could kill.  With a sigh, she dropped her weapon and lowered her head, feeling the rain run down the back of her neck.  She shivered and decided enough was enough – it was time to return home.

Except when she looked around, Eli didn’t recognize where she was.  All of her growing up years had been spent roaming these woods, and not once had she gotten lost.  And now when it mattered – when she needed to get home and out of the weather – she had not the first clue where she was.

Eli turned in a tight circle, eyes searching for any sign of which way she’d come from.  She noticed what appeared to be an unmarked trail and headed towards it.  For the first time, she hoped Ian was staying close enough to assist her if she ran into real trouble.

The path took her into a thicket of trees and bushes and then surprisingly into a miniscule clearing just large enough to accommodate a tiny run-down shack.  Eli blinked hard and wiped the water forcefully out of her eyes... especially when an old man with a skin color never seen on her planet before stepped out onto the rickety porch and waved her towards him.

Eli looked around, wondering if she was less alone than she had imagined, then pointed to herself when he waved again.  The old man laughed and nodded, his teeth glowing white against the ebony of his skin.  He waved her over for the third time and called out, “C’mon, girlie... ‘fore you catch yer death.”

A chill ran over her and she shivered, deciding that she could defend herself if need be, but knowing she needed to get in out of the soaking rain and into somewhere that was warm and dry.  She could only hope Ian would follow.  She didn’t want to explain to Mary if anything happened to him.

************

The stairs were surprisingly sturdy despite their wobbly appearance, and Eli blew out a breath of relief when she was under the cover of the porch awning.  Just the respite from the cold, driving rain made her feel warmer, and then the old man stepped forward with a thick, wool blanket and wrapped it around her shoulders.  It was itchy, but it smelled like sunshine and Eli sank into its warmth with gratitude.  The old man motioned her to a chair and slipped inside the door before she could question him.  When he returned a moment later, he did so with full hands, and Eli set her bow to one side to accept the gift he proffered to her.

In one hand was a cup of hot tea, its smell reminiscent of days long past in Eli’s life.  In the other, the old man held a bowl of thick, meaty stew and a hunk of meal bread.  Though she hadn’t eaten meat in more than a year – even her OTeU had been mindful of her new diet during her visit home – she dug into the food as if she hadn’t had sustenance in years.  The old man laughed at her enthusiasm and clapped her on the knee.

“Slow down there, missy.  There be plenny more iffen ya be needin’ it.  But I don’ need ya choking ta death on mah fron’ porch.  Bad mojo.”

Eli forced herself to slow down, consciously chewing her food thoroughly before swallowing.  Then she turned green eyes towards the old man.  “Sorry,” she mumbled.  “I didn’t realize I was so hungry, and this is really very good.  Thank you.”

The old man smiled and patted her leg again.  “Yer welcome, Eli,” startling her with his use of her name.  “You’da done the same fer me if things’da been switched ‘round.”  Eli nodded, acknowledging his words while she continued to chew, and the old man bobbed his head.  “So what brings ya out here ta me?  I don’ get many vis’ters.”

Eli finished chewing and swallowed, then took a sip of her perfectly heated tea to help wash things down.  When she was satisfied, she turned and met the old man’s eyes, idly noting they were as black as Eden’s and had the same kindness in them.  “Accident,” she replied succinctly, smiling softly when he raised an eyebrow at her in question.  She shrugged.  “I was out hunting,” glancing at her bow, “and I got lost.” She paused and a frown washed over her features.  “I have hunted in these woods all my life and never once lost my way.  Nor have I ever stumbled upon this place before,” motioning at the tiny shack.  “Did something happen to me?” she asked, meeting his eyes seriously.  “Am I dead or dying and this is all my imagination?”

“Eli, if ya was dead er dyin’, why would ya ‘magine somethin’ an’ someone not even from yer world?” the old man asked kindly.  “No, yer not dead er dyin’.  But ya did fin’ me fer a reason.”

Eli stared at him skeptically. “You do realize that doesn’t make the first bit of sense, don’t you?”

The old man shrugged.  “Doesn’ change the truth.  Can ya deny that full feelin’ in yer belly er the warmth in yer body from the blanket?”  He patted her knee again.  “Can ya say ya don’ feel the touch of mah han’ or the sof’ cushions and hard slats of the chair yer sittin’ in?”  He searched her eyes but Eli remained silent.  The old man smiled again.  “Some things jes’ haveta be taken on faith, chile.  I be one of those things.”

“And how did you know my name?  I never told you.”

The old man laughed aloud, the sound bringing a smile to Eli’s face.  After a moment, he wiped a tear from his eye.  “Eli, that was the easiest part of all this,” gesturing around them.    “Ya don’ think knowin’ yer name woulda been the firs’ thing I learned when I’s tol’ ‘bout this ‘signment?”

“Wait... an assignment?  From whom?  Why?”

“Chile, even if I could ‘splain it to ya, ya wouldn’ unnerstan’ it.  Jes’ ‘cept that someone’s lookin’ out fer ya.”

Eli frowned.  “I have always looked out for myself.”

The old man smiled.  “I know.  But there’s no shame in havin’ someone watchin’ yer back.  Thinka me as yer guardian angel.”

“I’m not sure I understand.”

“That’s all right, Eli.  I do, and that’s enough fer now.”

“So what are you guarding me from?”

“Yourself... other things,” the old man stated enigmatically.  Then he flicked his hand in the direction of the still blowing storm.  “I’s s’posed to bring ya in outta the storm... remin’ ya that peace is yers fer the takin’ an’ show ya the way home.”

“Old man, you’re making no sense.  How can you know what I came out here searching for?”

The old man rose and took the empty dishes from Eli’s hands and walked to the door.  “Forgive her and yourself, Eli.  Happiness is yours for the claiming if you’ll just take it.”  He nodded his head forward and to his left.  “Yer way home’s jes’ through that stan’ a trees.  Go quick… ‘fore yer watcher comes a lookin’ fer ya.”  He opened the door and crossed the threshold.  But before he could close the door, Eli stood and blocked his way.

“Wait... what did you mean?”

“Chile, yer not dumb.  Ya’ll figger it out.”

“And if I need you again?”

The old man chuckled.  “You won’.  This be yer crossroads.  Now git....  Ya gots other places ta be ‘sides mah porch.”  With that he edged her out of the way and shut the door. 

Eli stared at the closed door for a long moment, contemplating the possibility of breaking it in and demanding answers from the mysterious old man.  Instead, she picked up the scratchy blanket she’d dropped in her haste to catch him before he shut the door.  She folded it neatly and placed it on the back of the chair she’d been seated in.  Then she bent and retrieved her bow, and jogged down the stairs... into bright sunshine.

She blinked rapidly, momentarily blinded by the dazzling brilliance she was suddenly surrounded by.  When had it stopped raining?  And how had she missed the cessation of such a massive storm?  Eli shook her head, glad when a bank of clouds rolled in and dimmed the brightness to something a little more bearable.  It would make it easier to see on her return trip if she wasn’t squinting.  And she needed to get back to her family compound and change out of her wet clothes – if she caught her death out here, her MaTb would kill her slowly and painfully for being foolish enough to get caught unawares.  Feeling a sense of urgency, she looked in the direction in which the old man had pointed her and met Ian’s eyes at the edge of the thicket.  She jogged over to where he waited.

“You all right, Eli?” he asked in concern.  “How did you get wet?” letting his eyes rake her form dispassionately.  He slid his pack from his shoulders and grabbed a cloak.  “Here,” he said, handing it to her.  “It’ll help you dry off and keep you warm til we can get you home.”

“Thanks, Ian,” she said softly.   “How did you stay dry in that storm?  Your boots aren’t even wet.”

Ian tilted his head at Eli and cocked an eyebrow.  “What storm, Eli?  The clouds that just moved in are the first we’ve had since we came out here this morning.  Is something wrong that I need to check out?  Eli, did something happen while you were in the clearing alone?”

At the word ‘clearing’, Eli slowly turned to look back in the direction she’d come.  Where the shack had stood mere moments before there was now nothing but an empty plain.  She cocked her head and walked back to the center of the clearing - conscious of Ian’s presence right beside her - not even seeing a depression in the grass to indicate there had ever been anything there.

“Eli?”

She took a deep breath and turned to face Ian’s troubled expression.  She reached out and lightly squeezed his bicep and offered him a small smile.  “I’m all right, Ian.  But I think I’ve had enough for the day.  What do you say we go home and see what OTeU has prepared for the evening meal?” starting back at the bearing the old man had suggested while Ian dropped into step beside her.

“Actually I came to tell you that I heard from Mama.  It’s time to return.  She’s found a place to house everyone that we can defend if necessary.”

“Do you think it will come to that?”

“I think Mama wants it to so the threat to the Alpha team can be eliminated before you all leave.  It will be one less problem to take with you; pretty sure you will encounter plenty of other challenges out there without inviting any to go along for the ride.”

Eli snorted.  “Yes, I don’t think we need to bring that sort of trouble with us if it can be avoided.”

“Well if Mama can manage it, that at least will be left behind.”

They walked on in silence for several moments, and Eli could feel Ian struggling with a dilemma beside her.  Finally, she grew tired of his indecision and grabbed his forearm, halting them both in their tracks.  She urged him to face her and met his eyes.

“What?” she asked him, her direct gaze compelling him to share.

“This is not common knowledge, and I don’t know who it’s been shared with, but you of all people deserve to know.”  He cleared his throat.  “Arianna didn’t go home like the rest of you – given everything that’s happened, she didn’t think it would be pleasant for her.  Instead she stayed with Joy and Mama, so she’s part of the family now.”

Green eyes went gray at the news, but otherwise, Eli’s expression never changed.  “And that affects me how?”

Ian held her gaze but shrugged.  “I just thought you should be aware.  You are the leader of the Alpha team, are you not?”

Eli snorted.  “Only by default.  No one else is dumb enough to want the job.  Come,” she added as she started walking again, effectively dismissing the subject of Arianna.  “We need to move quickly.  I will not be responsible for disturbing Ms Wellesly’s schedule.  And I’d like the opportunity to say goodbye to my family before we leave.”

“Gotcha covered, Eli.  But sooner is always better,” breaking into a light jog.  Eli quickly caught up to him and tagged Ian in the back of the head, laughing aloud as she took off running.  Ian squawked his indignation and gave chase.  And it wasn’t long before they were back in the compound – saying their goodbyes and making ready to leave.


Chapter XXX

“ELI!” Abigail squealed when she saw their de facto leader cross the threshold into the large room most of the Alpha team was gathered in.  Eli hardly had time to notice who else was present, dropping her personal effects to catch Abigail when she ran towards her with arms open wide.  “I missed you.”

Eli gave her a crooked smiled.  “I missed you too, Gay, but it was wonderful to go home for a little while.  Did you have a good visit?”

“Oh yes!” Abigail exclaimed vivaciously.  “And not once did máthair mention marriage and babies.  I think she finally realizes it’s going to be a while before that happens.  How about you?  You look....”  Abigail tilted her head thoughtfully.  “Not happy, but content, maybe?  Rested, certainly.”

“I am,” Eli assured her.  “And it was.”  A touch on her arm reminded her and Eli nodded without ever losing Abigail’s gaze.  “I need to go put my things away, Gay, but I’ll be back, all right?  After all – we’ll have plenty of time to catch up.”

Abigail smiled brightly.  “Yes we will.  I’m so excited.”

Eli chuckled and bent down to heft her bags.  “Really?” she asked with a twinkle in her eye.  “I never would have known.”

Abigail huffed and stood with arms akimbo, then laughed aloud.  “See ya, Eli,” twitching her fingers before flouncing back towards Esther and Naomi.  Eli shook her head before following Mary to her quarters.  When they reached her assigned room, Mary gave her the same spiel about the key situation before turning to leave Eli to her unpacking.  A light green hand on her arm caused Mary to stop, and she looked into gray eyes speckled with the merest hints of green.  She wondered what had happened to give Eli traces of her natural coloring back, and considered how long they would last now that she had once more been removed from her home world.  The thought took a fraction of an instant and Mary raised her eyebrow in question.  Eli removed her hand.

“Ian told me of your adopting... Arianna into your family.”  She cleared her throat and let her eyes drop to the floor.  “Thank you for looking out for her, Ms Wellesly.”

“So you don’t mind...?”

Eli shrugged and looked up, before turning her back to Mary and unlocking the door to her room.  “Ms Wellesly, I have never wished ill for her.  And I believe her inclusion into your family unit can only be good for her.  Maybe she’ll be able to learn what unconditional love is.”

“We only have a few weeks to teach her, but we’ll do our best.  Team meeting in the mess hall after dinner, which should be in about half an hour.  I trust you can find your way back?”

“I can indeed, Ms Wellesly.  Despite my recent difficulties, I do actually have an excellent sense of direction.”

Mary’s head whipped around.  “Problem?”

“No.  Just an off day.”  She shrugged, surprised that Mary wasn’t already aware of what had happened the day before.  Surely Ian had told his mother....  Then again, he didn’t know the whole story either, and she certainly wasn’t planning to share it around any time in the near or distant future.  “We all have them, and I suppose I was due.”

“You know you can come to me, Eli – if something is wrong or if you simply need to talk with someone who is not your peer.  I consider all of you to be like my children.  Just because we took Arianna into our family doesn’t mean....”

“Yes it does,” Eli broke in.  “Ms Wellesly, I respect that you genuinely care for everyone on the Alpha team – your actions to protect us are proof enough of that.  You’ve put your own family in danger for us. And I believe that you would do your best to remain impartial in matters that would require it.  But the fact remains that she is part of your family now.  That by right means you would consider her needs first, as you should.  But it also means you are incapable of complete objectivity where the rest of us – particularly myself – are concerned.  I cannot fault you for that – I would do the same were I in your shoes.  But I cannot trust you to have my best interests at heart either.”

“I’m sorry you feel that way, Eli, but I don’t blame you for that outlook either.  Still... the offer stands if you ever change your mind.  And so you know – the secrets you have already shared with me will remain as such.”

“I appreciate that, Ms Wellesly.  Now if you’ll excuse me,” motioning to the door, “I believe we only have a few minutes before dinner begins, and I still need to put my things away and return to the cavern.  We don’t want Gay causing a scene.”  Eli smirked.  “I understand she was among the first to leave to keep it from becoming too much of a trial.”

Mary smiled.  “Yes, well… as an empath, it was to be expected.  Everyone was projecting their anxiety – I don’t think anyone could prepare for that kind of onslaught.  At least the emotions now are a little more stable.”

“For which we are most truly thankful,” Eli intoned.

“Amen,” Mary replied in benediction.  “I’ll let you get to it.  I think your second really wants to speak to you, and I need to see how dinner is progressing.”  Mary turned and walked away without a backwards glance and Eden slid smoothly into her place in front of the doorway.

“May I come in?”

Eli gestured her inside, then shut the door firmly behind them.

************

Jacob wrapped his arms around Arianna’s middle from behind and lifted her into the air, causing her to squeal and the rest of the big room to laugh.  He squeezed once, then released her, ducking to avoid her swing and laughing as he ran around to the other side of the table.  Arianna stomped her foot and huffed, crossing her arms over her chest.

“JAKE!!”

He laughed, and beckoned her forward with both hands.  “C’mon, baby... come get me.”

Arianna narrowed her eyes at him.  “You’re going to pay for this, Jacob.”

He grinned and moved back around the table to stand in front of her just out of reach.  He opened his arms and braced himself.  “Looking forward to it, Sweetheart,” not at all surprised when she launched herself into his embrace or by the punch to his shoulder.  “You hit like a girl you know,” he whispered as he tightened his hold briefly.

Arianna snorted.  “Good thing I’m a girl then, hmm?” squeezing his neck before he lowered her back to the ground.  “It’s good to see you again, Jake.  It was quiet around here without you.”

Jake leaned back to look Arianna in the eyes.  “You didn’t go home?”

“I found another home here, Jake.  And it’s wonderful.”

Jake smiled and wrapped an arm around her shoulders.  “Awesome.  How about we grab a beer and catch up?  There is beer around here somewhere, right?”

Arianna chuckled.  “We could probably find some if we looked hard enough,” motioning to where Danny and Luke were sitting talking to Esther, Hannah and Mordecai.  Before she could wonder what happened to Naomi and Abigail, Arianna felt a pair of long, warm arms encircle her waist gently.  She leaned back to look up into Abigail’s bright blue eyes.

“Hi, Gay!”

Abigail hugged her gently.  “I didn’t get a hug from you when I arrived,” she proclaimed with a pout.  Arianna tapped the arms holding her and when Abigail loosened her grip, she turned in the embrace and wrapped her arms around Abigail’s neck.

“Hello, Abigail,” Arianna murmured, hugging her tightly.  “Welcome back!”

“Oh, it’s so good to see you again, Arianna.  I missed you,” squeezing tightly enough to cause Arianna’s bones to snap back into alignment and giggling just a little at her moan of relief.  “I think you missed me as well,” she added, feeling Arianna slump slightly in her arms and lean her forehead on Abigail’s shoulder.

“I did,” Arianna confessed, clutching slightly at Abigail’s arms as she regained her footing.  “And not just for that,” she continued with a smile.  “Did you have a good visit home?” extending one hand to Jacob and the other to Abigail.  Then they walked together towards the friends that were patiently awaiting their arrival.

“Still waiting on that beer,” Jacob grumbled. 

“We’ll have to go find them, and dinner should be called in a few minutes.  Maybe we should wait until after Mary’s meeting,” Luke suggested.

“What’s that all about anyway?” Danny asked, turning his attention to Arianna who was listening as Abigail related her adventures during her time home.  When they realized everyone was looking at them, they broke off their conversation and returned their attention to the group of people gathered around them.

“What?” Abigail asked, then realized most of them were staring at Arianna.  “What did we miss?” she pushed.

Danny shrugged.  “We were just wondering what Mary called tonight’s meeting about.”

“Oh,” Arianna drawled slowly, biting her lip in thought.  “I don’t know for certain, but I would assume it is to lay some ground rules and set up a work schedule.  After all, we can’t expect Joy to cook three meals a day for us by herself, and she’s certainly not going to clean it all up alone.”

“Joy is here?” Jacob asked with a smile that grew to a grin when Arianna nodded.  “It’s a good thing she’s not going on this little expedition with us.  The way she cooks none of us would be able to get through a hatchway in a few months.”

“Would now be a good time to mention she’s been teaching me?” Arianna asked with a smile, causing cheers to roll around the table.

“Is this a private party or can anyone join in?” Deb asked with Isaac and Titus in tow.  Naomi and Paul followed right behind, and before anyone could formulate an answer, they took seats around the big table.  “So what are we talking about?” Deb asked when they were settled.

“Washing dishes,” Arianna replied without missing a beat.  Deb looked at her skeptically.

“You were cheering about washing dishes?”

“We were cheering that we don’t have to wash after every meal,” Jacob neatly cut in.  “With all of us and all of them,” motioning to the members of the security team who were lurking around the perimeter of the room, “we shouldn’t have to do it but every few days.”

“As long as no one asks me to cook, I’m happy to help out washing a few dishes,” Deb replied.  All of them remembered her disasters in the kitchen at the compound, and they nodded their agreement.  “So what else is going on?” she asked.

“We were just catching up, mostly,” Hannah said.  “On what all we did while we were apart.”

“I can’t believe I’m gonna say this,” Mordecai spoke softly, “but I’ve gotten so used to seeing you guys all the time that I kinda missed you while we were separated.  Don’t get me wrong – it was great to see my family again and spend some real quality time with them, but you guys are family too.”

“Kai’s right,” Titus said as he stood up.  “And I think I missed out on most of my hug greetings,” he complained.  “No one was here when I arrived, although I don’t think I was the first.  So I need to catch up on all the hugs I missed when I got here.”

As if his words were a springboard, they all jumped to their feet and began moving around... collecting the hugs they had missed, and in some cases, getting in an extra embrace.  It was into this scene that Eli and Eden walked, and they halted on the threshold to observe for a moment.  Eden felt Eli tense beside her, and saw that Arianna was in Isaac’s arms.

She tucked her hand into Eli’s elbow and gently tugged her towards the melee.  Something was going to blow there sooner or later, and Eden wasn’t sure which option she preferred at this point.

************

“You got a little color while you were home,” Eden commented as Eli turned her focus to her bag of possessions.  “It looks good on you.”

Eli shrugged.  “It won’t remain, but it was good to go home again if only for a little while.  How was your visit?”

Eden threw out her hands and grinned.  “Can’t you tell from my tan??  It was wonderful.  Makuahine tried to fatten me up like some sort of sacrificial lamb and Makua kane spoiled me rotten.  Nice while it lasted, but I’m glad to be here.  It’s time to get back to work and do this thing, you know?”

Eli smiled.  “I do indeed, my friend.  This has been a long, long time coming, and we are in the home stretch which is both gratifying and frustrating.  I can see the goal and yet it remains out of reach.”

“You can say that again, Sister,” holding up a hand before Eli’s lips could part.  “But please don’t.”  Eden glanced at the floor and cleared her throat.  Then she looked up to meet Eli’s eyes again.  It was so nice to see the hints of green again, though she knew it wouldn’t last – not as long as Eli and Arianna were at odds together.  “Look – I just want you to know that I talked to Az.  She’s going to come to me with any problems or concerns she has and I’ll bring anything that needs your attention to you directly.  If she does have to interact with you, I’ll try to be there to help keep everything professional between the two of you.”

“Eden....”

“Eli, it’s for the best.  We need you both to make this project work.  But she makes you miserable and uncomfortable and I can do something about that.  So let me, okay?  Let me bridge that gap until you both find a groove you’re comfortable working in together without a mediator.”

Eli sighed.  “Thank you, Eden.  I’m sorry to put you in such a position....”

Eden held up a hand.  “You’re not putting me anywhere.  I volunteered for this, Boss... just like you did.  You handle the big picture, and I’ll watch your back.”  She glanced at her timepiece.  “C’mon... we need to get back in there before that dinner bell rings.  Joy is here cooking, and I don’t wanna miss out.”

“Joy?  Why did Ms Wellesly bring her daughter here?  I thought they were preparing for a fight.”

Eden cocked an eyebrow at Eli as if to say Really?  Eli held up her hands in surrender and Eden sighed.  “Seriously, Eli?  What happened to that warrior school of thought I know you’ve got running through that slick mind of yours all the time?  Can you really think of a safer place to be than here with us and all these lovely security agents and her brothers watching over her??  Besides, the boys apparently begged Mary to let her come so we wouldn’t all be stuck eating military rations for the next few weeks.”  Eden stuck out her tongue and made a face.  “I’m not in any hurry to start eating those, thank you very much.”

Eli winced.  “Nor am I, truth be told.  Come, then.  Let’s not be the reason dinner is delayed.  If it tastes anywhere nearly as amazing as it smells, I don’t want to miss out either.  I wonder if she would share some of her recipes – surely we can adapt them....” trailing off when Eden held up a finger.

“Already covered, Boss.  Az has been learning.”

“Oh... well – good then,” said as they reached the threshold to the vast room... only to find their comrades locked in a number of embraces.  Eden felt Eli stiffen when her eyes landed on Arianna and Isaac, but she ignored it, knowing that reaction was more telling than Eli was aware of.  With luck, situations just like this one would help catapult Eli back into Arianna’s arms.

Abigail noticed them as they drew closer, and her excited cry brought attention to their entrance and the round of hugs started again.  Arianna slipped out of the room almost unnoticed – only a pair of gray eyes and a pair of black eyes tracked her progress out the door.  Caleb wasn’t so discreet – he followed her out directly.

“Are you all right, Ang... Arianna?” he asked softly as soon as they were out of hearing range.  He figured if he couldn’t hear the Alpha team, they surely couldn’t hear him.  “Sorry,” he mumbled.  They were all getting better about addressing their charges by their given names, but sometimes the codenames still slipped in.

“It’s all right, Caleb,” reaching out a hand to him.  “It’s hard to break months of practice in such a short time.  And I’m fine. I suspect Mama is about ready to call everyone to dinner and Joy could use some help moving things to the serving line.  Could you...?” motioning towards the kitchen.

“I’d be honored to offer a hand, Arianna,” beckoning two more agents with a jerk of his head.  “This means we eat first, right?” he joked, causing her to chuckle.

“That sounds reasonable to me,” Arianna replied as they entered the mess hall.

“What sounds reasonable, Little Sister?” Joy asked with an arched brow.  “I’ve been exposed to some of your ideas of reasonable this week.  It’s only fair that you tell me what it is first.”

“Where’s the love?” Arianna exclaimed dramatically, throwing her arms wide.  Joy snorted and Mary laughed.  The guys just watched the proceeding with grins on their faces.

“C’mon, Drama Queen – you can help me get stuff to the line.  The sooner we do that, the sooner we eat.”

“And we get to go first, right?” Arianna asked slyly.

“I don’t see why not... although I’ve sampled so much I’m kind of full.  Aren’t you?”

“Not really – I stopped sampling a while ago, remember.  And that is what I said sounded reasonable – we should be first in line to eat.” 

Mary looked at the three men who had accompanied Arianna to the kitchen.  “Well, that certainly explains why you had such a muscular escort coming here.  C’mon, boys – time to earn your pay.  You can start the heavy lifting.  Joy’s already done more than her share for the day.”

Without comment, the three men followed Mary back into the kitchen and Joy came around and took Arianna in her arms.  “You all right, honey?” 

Arianna held on and nodded.  “Yes.  It’s just a lot harder than I expected it to be.”

“Keep the faith, Sweetie.  It may take a while and a lot of effort, but I think you’ll get the results you want.  Especially with all your friends helping out.”

“I hope so, Joy.  I never knew... never realized....  I want this to work.  I want Eli more than anything... including a place on this project.”

“Then be patient, Arianna.  It’ll be worth it, right?”

“Right.”  They heard grunting and groaning coming from the kitchen.  “In the meantime, maybe we’d better go see if we can help.  I’m hungry.”  Laughing, they wrapped their arms around each other, and slipped into the kitchen to help.

Part 4