Chapter LI

“So why hasn’t Mary done something about this?  Surely she knows....”

Jacob shook his head. “Not necessarily, Az.  Personally though I know they’ve been looking, I’m convinced they don’t have this information yet.  The only reason I found what I did was because I tied into the ship’s systems, which put me into the middle of all kinds of other interesting material.  Frankly I’d still be digging if I had continued using standard hacker protocols.”

“Does anyone else here appreciate the irony that something illegal like hacking has protocols to follow?” Eden asked with a grin.  She turned to Jacob.  “You’re not afraid of them finding out?”

Jacob smirked at her.  “Kinda puts them in a bad light if they make a big deal of it, right?  Besides, I don’t care about the other crap so it won’t get leaked by me.  My only concern was the stuff that affects us – the Committee and Az’s old man and the mercenaries and all.  I figure we can give what we have to Mary, and she and her team can take it from there.  That’s as close to using the proper channels as I can get.”

“Is it wrong that I’m glad Papa didn’t have anything to do with bringing those mercenaries to bear?  I know him coming into a secure facility with the intent to basically kidnap me and destroy the Alpha team is bad, and he should certainly be taken to task for it.  But I’m glad he didn’t hire those people to kill everyone.  I could never have forgiven him for that.”

Jacob pursed his lips and frowned.  “I’m pretty sure you wouldn’t have been able to, Az.  You wouldn’t have been alive long enough.  What I found shows we were all meant to have died in that attack anyway.  The mercs had kamikaze orders – they were to destroy us or die in the attempt.  You and your old man would have been collateral damage along with the rest of us.”  He flinched when Eden smacked him in the back of the head.  “Ow!  Dammit, Eden!  Whaddya do that for??”  She jerked her head towards Arianna who had stopped walking and had covered her mouth with her hand.  “What’s wrong, Az?” he asked with sincere concern, reaching out a hand to her. 

Arianna shook her head and took a step back, her eyes locking onto Eli’s.  Eden sighed.

“C’mon, genius,” she hissed as she took Jacob by the arm.  “I’m gonna explain the finer points of tact to you.”  She glanced at Eli, whose eyes hadn’t shifted from Arianna’s.  “We’ll meet you in the mess hall, Boss.”  Eli raised a hand slightly to acknowledge her words, but otherwise she remained stock-still.  “Let’s go, Jake.  I need something to eat.”

He started to open his mouth to protest, still unsure what he had done that had caused Arianna such upset.  A quick shake of Eden’s head caused him to rethink, and he let her lead him from the lift and down the passageway towards the mess hall.  When they reached the corner, they both looked back to find Arianna locked in Eli’s fierce embrace.  Then they moved on without another word.

As soon as Jake and Eden had moved two steps away, Eli opened her arms, and Arianna melted into the hug, savoring the feel and smell of Eli surrounding her.  Eli gently rocked them together as tremors coursed through Arianna’s body, shushing her and whispering nonsensical words into her ear.   When she felt Arianna finally settle and tuck her head beneath Eli’s chin, Eli leaned back enough to kiss her forehead and meet dark eyes swirling with a multitude of emotions.

“You all right?”

“I could so easily have lost you yesterday.  I could have lost you before you were really mine.”

Eli shook her head.  “No way,” she disagreed.  “I had Ms Wellesly looking out for me and Eden watching my back.  I was going to be with you again, Angel... no matter what.”

Arianna pulled away, her face contorting in anger.  “You can’t know that, Eli!  You were in harm’s way, and all it would have taken was for one little thing....  Look at Eden!!  She was injured defending you!”

“And I was there to heal her, Angel... and Ms Wellesly.  I was where I was supposed to be.”

“You don’t really believe that,” Arianna accused flatly, crossing her arms over her chest.

Eli pinched the bridge of her nose, wondering how thing could have gone so haywire in the space of about three standard minutes.  “Given the situation, I do believe that, Angel.  If someone had to be left in a battlefield scenario, better that it was me than almost anyone else.  Not because I have a death wish or feel that I’m a disposable asset.  But because of everyone on this team, I’m the one with the most viable warrior skill set to this set of circumstances.”   

“Would you have chosen that then?” huffing at Eli’s confused expression.  “If you had been given the choice, would you have risked everything... chosen to leave me and given us up for the chance to be some kind of hero?”

Eli could feel her ire rising and she blew out a frustrated breath.  “Angel, you’re looking at this all wrong.”

“Answer the question, Eli,” Arianna demanded.

“Even knowing what I know now?  Yes, I would have risked everything!  Because my skills were needed there,” growling as she turned away from Arianna’s stony countenance.  “Eden would have bled out and Ms Wellesly would have likely lost her leg without my assistance.  Angel... everything happens for a reason.  I truly believe that.  And while I would much rather that much of what has happened to us be different, I can’t deny the outcome of us together because of those things.”

Eli turned at Arianna’s whimper and found she was tightly wrapped around herself as though to protect herself from the truth of Eli’s words.  Eli took a step forward, then halted when she felt Arianna stiffen.  She sighed.

“Angel... this is who I am – a warrior and a healer.  I can’t change that; I really wouldn’t want to.”  She sighed again when Arianna’s expression didn’t change.  “I want you to think about something for me, Sweetheart.  I know it scared the crap out of you for me to be in that compound without you... and moreso now that the reality of the danger we were in has been brought home in a very personal way.  But think about this - there are so many things... so many decisions that could easily have kept us apart.  What if you had never pursued science and discovered fuission?  Or if you had chosen to follow your many times great-grandmamma to the stage?  Or if Malcolm hadn’t been infected with the AIDS virus?  Or if I had followed my MaTb’s desire for me to become the next leader of our clan?  Or if I had gone on that fateful crusade with my brother... I could have died as well.  There are so many things – single, solitary things – either of us could have done that would have prevented us from being together.  Yet they didn’t.  We chose the right things; we made the right decisions – to bring us together now... here... in this place.  I have to believe everything works out like it’s supposed to... even if we don’t understand it at the time.  And Angel – I will always do what it takes to protect you.

“You can’t protect me from you though, Amado.  If something was to happen to you now... it would destroy me.”

“Then I will take every precaution I can to prevent that from happening.”

“Except walking away from danger,” Arianna replied flatly.

“I will walk away when I can, Angel.  Yesterday, I couldn’t, and I wouldn’t have even if had I known what was coming.  Although I always try to have someone I trust watching my back, I’m a healer, Angel, as well as a warrior, and sometimes either of those things could put me in danger. Please don’t ask me to be less than I am.”

That brought Arianna’s head up to meet Eli’s face, and the anguish she could see in the hazel eyes made her rush into Eli’s arms without hesitation.  “No, Eli... never!  That’s not what... I didn’t mean....  I’m just... I’m selfish, Amado.  I don’t share very well, and I want you with me.  The thought of someone or something taking you away from me....”

“I promise you, Arianna – I will do everything in my power to ensure that I never hurt you that way, all right?  Angel, it’s okay to be scared; it’s even okay to be selfish sometimes.  But my job... my responsibilities are also going to require that you share me with others sometimes... in a professional capacity only,” she added with a grin.  “I will always come home to you.”

Arianna tightened her arms around Eli’s waist, squeezing so tightly Eli was gasping for breath.  “Let’s just be clear about something,” Arianna said as she loosened her grip, smiling as she felt Eli suck in a deep breath.  “I’ll share you when I have to, and I’ll try not to get angry when you put yourself in danger... although you’ll probably need to have this discussion with me more than once.  I really am quite selfish.  However,” she said sternly, leaning back to meet Eli’s eyes.  “If you go and do something stupid and leave me by myself?  I promise you I will find you in whatever afterlife your soul ascends to, and I will haunt you.  You will wish you had never met me.  Do we have an understanding?”

Eli chuckled and hugged Arianna to her snugly.  “We do indeed, Angel.  Now shall we go get breakfast before the rest believe we have gone back to our room to do some more of those nasty unspeakable things to one another Eden was so concerned with not hearing?”

Arianna laughed aloud, grabbing both of Eli’s hands.  “If I thought that was a legitimate proposal, I’d go with the second option.  Breakfast will be there later, and I like doing wicked things with you.”

“If the two of you don’t stop talking right now and get in here for breakfast,” Eden said as she leaned against the doorjamb of the dining hall, “the only unspeakable things you’ll be doing together will involve being jettisoned out an airlock.”

“Is that some kind of new kink fetish?” Arianna asked Eli with an earnest look though she couldn’t disguise the twinkle in her eyes.  “I don’t believe we have that one on my home planet, and my people are considered to be among the most well-versed and versatile in the galaxy when it comes to sex play.”

“ARGH!!”  Eden roared.  “I’m gonna go find some of Mary’s silver adhesive tape if you don’t stop talking.  You’ll just have to eat through a straw.”

Arianna crossed her arms over her chest and pouted.  “That’s just mean, Eden.  How am I supposed to eat anything good with a straw?” giving Eli a once over.

Eden smirked.  “Not my problem, Az.”

“It will be,” Eli promised.  “You know what happens when Angel and I are separated.”

“Crap!” Eden muttered.  “Fine... just stop talking about it, all right?  I do not need to know what my best friends are doing to each other.”

“Jealous?” Arianna teased.

“No... exhausted from trying to keep from hearing,” Eden admitted, giving them a droll look.  “Now c’mon,” she said as she opened the door and ushered them inside to the cheers and greetings of their fellows.  “Before Joe decides we need to leave right this very second.”

Arianna frowned.  “Why would he?” grabbing a tray and walking towards the serving line.  “Are we suddenly on a timetable or something?”

“Probably a little bit of both,” Eden said.  “A timetable and something more,” she clarified at Arianna’s confused expression.  “He was mumbling something about schedules and escorts and Mama when he hightailed it out of here a few minutes ago.”  She shrugged.  “I don’t know.  I just told him I’d hurry you guys up.”

Eli turned back to the door.  “Is there a problem?  Should I go...?”  Eden caught her arm.

“You should sit down with your lady and eat some breakfast.  I’m sure Joe will let us know what’s going on soon enough.  And if you’re needed for something, you’ll probably know sooner than that.  But either way you’re gonna need sustenance to get through the day so go sit down with Arianna and chew your food slowly before swallowing.”

Eli snorted and burst into laughter.  “Did you just channel my MaTb?”

Eden looked horrified.  “Oh, gods... I think I just channeled mine!”  That just made Eli laugh harder and she knew it was partly an emotional release from the upheaval of the last few days especially.  But it was also just funny – she supposed that would happen to all of them at some point.  It seemed to be universal... that moment when a person realized they had suddenly become their parents.  She snorted through her laughter and met Arianna’s laughing eyes only to realize Eden was mumbling to herself.  Eden frowned hard at Eli and crossed her arms over herself.  Eli fanned her face and wiped her eyes in an attempt to bring herself under control.

“What are you guys doing down there?” Isaac asked plaintively.  “Share with the rest of the class.”

Eli looked up at him, but her peripheral gaze caught both Eden sulking and Arianna covering her mouth to contain her hysterics and her laughter erupted again.  The rest of the team was watching in amused concern – amusement because Eli had the kind of laugh that made people want to laugh with her; concern because she very rarely shared that aloud with them.  Truthfully they were all too close to the edge emotionally after everything and this was probably the safest and most satisfying ways to vent some of that sentiment.  Eli shook her head and fanned her face some more, indicating there was no way she was going to be able to relate the story to them any time soon.

Fortunately Hannah was quick on the uptake.  “I can tell them, Boss if you don’t mind me sharing?”

“Why should she mind?” Eden grumbled.  “She’s not the one going to be embarrassed.”

“Oh, cheer up, Eden,” Arianna said with a smile.  “It could be much worse.  You could’ve channeled my madre instead.”

Eden cocked an eyebrow at her.  “You’re not talking about Mary, are you?”

“Certainly not,” Arianna proclaimed.  “Mary is MAMA, not to be confused with madre.  I would be quite pleased to channel Mama.”

“So what happened?” Isaac asked impatiently.  The rest turned to him in disbelief, but Hannah gamely relayed Eden’s moment of epiphany.  Then she turned to Eden with a smile.

“Your 母 should be pretty happy with you, Eden.  You recognized your milestone fairly young.  My 母 told me that my sisters and I were nearly grown before she had hers.  Apparently it really is a universal phenomenon.”

“On the plus side, there are certainly worse people I could emulate besides my makuahine.”

“Oooooh, yes,” Arianna chirped up.  “Trust me.  I hope for all our sakes we are old and gray before I have a moment like that.”

“Is your máthair mean or crazy, Arianna?  Or like your athair... your papa?” Abigail asked, her blue eyes wide in concern.

“What?  Oh, no... my madre is normal enough, I suppose,” Arianna replied with a shrug.  “She’s just very distant... kind of removed from being a parent.  I think she thought her job was over once she gave birth to me.”

“That’s okay,” Joseph said into the silence that followed.  “You have a mama now who will treat you like her own until the day she dies.  We’re still taking bets on if she can manage to continue from beyond the grave.”

“I wouldn’t bet against her,” Eli said as she swallowed the last of her juice.  “So what’s the plan, Joseph?” wiping her mouth and setting her napkin on top of her plate.

“Go pack up enough for four days.  Mama will explain everything when we get to Joy’s.  Be quick – we’ll be leaving in thirty standard minutes.”

“What’s the rush?” Luke asked as they all made their way to the disposal to take care of their dishes.

“The timetable’s been pushed up considerably.  Mama will explain everything.  Come to the shuttle bay as soon as you’re ready.  If we can leave sooner, it’s all to the better.  Eli?”  All eyes turned in her direction when Joseph called her by name, and Eli stopped and arched an eyebrow at him in question, her hand still clutching Arianna’s.  Joseph cleared his throat.  “Dorcas finished your supply list this morning and sent it to me.  If you will open your security wall on your Pad for me briefly, I’ll pass it along immediately.”

“Of course,” she replied, pulling her Pad from her pocket and expanding it for use.  In a moment, she was done typing and looked at him expectantly.  “Satisfactory?”

Joseph nodded.  “It should be in your box....”  He stopped speaking when Eli nodded.  “I love when technology works the way it’s supposed to,” he said with a grin.  “That was all I needed.  I wanted to get that taken care of before we got completely wrapped up in the holidays and it slipped my mind.”

“Thank you, Joseph.  We’ll meet you in the shuttle bay shortly.”  And with a nod, Eli and Arianna moved to catch up with their compatriots headed back to the settlement ship.

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

“Wonder what that’s all about?” Arianna whispered as they strolled through the narrow passageway leading back to their ship.

“Which part, Angel?”

“All of it actually,” Arianna admitted.   “Although I can understand Joey wanting to give you your list straightaway.  As I have been given to understand, that is the way of military men and women from this planet.  But moving up the schedule?  I wonder what’s happened to make Mama decide to do such a thing.  Because I don’t for a minute believe that she did it on a whim.  There has to be a reason for her to have suddenly changed everything with no warning.”

“I don’t know, Beloved.  I’m certain she had her reasons.  Ms Wellesly has never struck me as frivolous.”

“That’s going to have to change you know,” Arianna commented as they turned into their own corridor.

Eli frowned.  “What is?”

“Ms Wellesly.  She’s Mama now,” watching in amusement as Eli’s eyes widened comically.  “She adopted me into her family, Amado, making me her daughter and her my mama.  Since we are now mates... even without a ceremony... she becomes part of your family as well, doesn’t she?”

“Oh... crap,” Eli muttered as she came to a complete halt in the middle of the hallway.  “And I promised to introduce Ms Wellesly to my MaTb over the holiday.  Angel....”

“Breathe, Amado,” realizing Eli was actually distressed about the coming introduction.  “We’ll figure something out.  Maybe you don’t have to call her Mama right away.  I’m sure Mama will be thrilled if you’re finally comfortable enough to call her Mary.  Go get your things packed.  We don’t have much time before we need to meet Joey and the others in the shuttle bay.”  She pushed Eli towards her room and opened her door.

“I love you, Angel.”

“I know, Amado – I love you too.”


Chapter LII

“So tell me about these kids,” Prudence said to Joy as they sat down with a glass of wine and stretched out.  Prudence had come a day earlier than planned at Joy’s behest.  She’d wanted the opportunity to bring Prue up to speed on what was going on with the family before they were inundated with all kinds of ‘extended family’ that neither of them had even met yet.

“Oh, ask me something simple, why don’t you?” Joy groused after a swallow of wine. 

Prudence smiled and shrugged.  “Okay,” she agreed amiably.  “Why did you invite all these people you don’t actually know into your home for the holiday?” sipping her own wine and sighing as she relaxed.

“That’s actually a little easier to answer – Mama asked.”  Joy took in Prudence’s gobsmacked expression and chuckled.  “Which part is more stunning – that fact that Mama asked for something or the fact that I said yes?”

“The fact that Mama asked.  Did she really ask you to host a holiday celebration for all these people?”

“Yes, she really did.  Of course, circumstances have changed since she first made her request.  I wasn’t originally supposed to have everyone here except for the actual meal.  The kids were going to come stay for a couple days; their family members were supposed to arrive on the holiday and share the meal, then they were all going off to the space dock to spend their final days together there before launch.  Now,” Joy continued after another sip of wine, “they are all going to spend a few days here before the scientists are removed to their ship to finish their launch preparations.  I’m not sure what Mama plans for the families to do... whether they’ll stay here or go to the space dock or what.  I know there has been a lot of upheaval, and security has become a nightmare.”

“Guess you’ll be glad to get back to the ballet just for some time to relax,” Prudence offered with a smile.  Joy chuckled.

“I’ll be glad to get back to the ballet because I’ve missed dancing.  But I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t glad to have been a part of all this... mayhem, I guess you’d call it for lack of a better word.  This is the first time I’ve ever been included as part of Mama’s security venture when I wasn’t the one being protected.  It’s actually been a wonderful experience.  And the kids she’s protecting....”

“So tell me about them,” Prudence demanded.  “I should know something about them when I meet them, right?  I mean since at least one of them is part of the family now.”

“If you asked Mama, they’re all part of the family.  But yes – she’s taken special interest in Arianna... with good reason.  You’ll like her.  You’ll actually probably like all of them.  They’re all quite brilliant naturally, and their personalities....”  Joy shook her head.   “Well, I’ll say that all of them living together for the next five years will make for some interesting times; I’m actually hoping at least one of them will write a book about the whole experience.  But I’ll tell you the little I know about them,” pulling out her Pad and passing it over to Prudence.  “This will help you put names to faces.”

Prudence nodded and pulled up the file, flashing the first picture at Joy.  Joy nodded.  “That would be our new little sister, Arianna.  She’s something else.”

“Tell me,” Prudence instructed as she refilled their glasses.

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

“Wow,” Prudence said quietly some time later.  “They really are quite an interesting group of individuals.”

“Um hmm   It’s one reason I wasn’t adverse to Mama making this a safe house... or bringing them here for the holiday.  Even with the added complication of their families coming in, I think it will still be worth it... for them and for us.”

“Well, I’m looking forward to it,” Prudence assured Joy with a smile.  “What time are they supposed to be here?”

“The first security agents will be here before breakfast; I’m pretty sure my brothers will be among them.  I reminded Ian that you were coming early and that us together unsupervised meant unlimited shopping opportunities.”

Prudence laughed.  “I’m surprised he didn’t rush here immediately.”

“I’m confident that he’d be a lot more concerned about Mama finding out he left his post than having his bank account lightened by a few credit chits,” Joy sniggered.

Prudence laughed harder.  “I would be too,” she confessed.  “I love your mama, Joy... but she scares me sometimes.  She’s very intense.”

“I know – it’s what makes her good at what she does.”

“Joy, she’s exceptional at what she does, and she’s trained her agents well.  You forget I’ve actually seen them train together and watched the boys teach at the Academies.”

“They let you watch?”

Prudence laughed.  “What they don’t know won’t hurt anyone,” she cautioned.  “Now what can I do to help you get things ready?”

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

“Hey, Baby!” Ian greeted as he stepped across the threshold of Joy’s house and into Prudence’s arms.  He lifted her off the ground to bring their lips together, and just held her there for a long moment before releasing her.  She cupped a hand to his face as her feet touched the ground once more.

“What’s wrong, Darling?”

Ian chuckled wryly and shook his head.  “Nat said you’d notice right away.  C’mon,” he encouraged, clasping her hand in his and tugging her towards the kitchen.  “I need to tell you and Joy together so I don’t have to repeat myself.  And we’ve got a lot to do and not much time to get it done,” he said as he glanced at his timepiece. 

“Where’s Nat?  And Joey?” Prudence asked as they walked towards the kitchen.

“That’s part of the story,” Ian promised her as he reached out to hug his sister.  Joy looked around pointedly.

“You came by yourself?”

“Just to fill you in on what’s going on.  The first group of agents should be here in about fifteen minutes.”  She arched her eyebrow at him and he motioned to the table.  “Have a seat – I’ll get the coffee.  Trust me, Joy – you’re gonna want to sit down for this.”

“What happened??” she asked, recognizing his tone.  “Who died??”

“No one, thanks to Eli.”

“Eli??  What was she...?  You better start from the beginning, Ian.”

He nodded and did, starting with the evacuation and subsequent stranding of three members of the Alpha team.  When he reached the point of Eli doing surgery on both Eden and Mary, Joy spoke again.

“How lucky for Mama that Eli was one of the ones left behind.  Is she all right?”

Ian nodded.  “She’s going to have some difficulty walking for a while.  Eli said Mama would likely have a limp for the rest of her life, but I’m not willing to bet against Mama.  She’s still very tired, but you know how Mama is.  And Eli could only insist on so much before she was removed from the mountain facility with her comrades.”

“What can we do?” Prudence asked.

“You’re already doing it, I imagine,” Ian responded.  “The house and adjoining buildings are prepared for occupancy,” seeing them nod together.  “You’ve done the shopping that needs to be taken care of.”

“And some that wasn’t completely necessary,” Joy added with a smirk.  Ian’s head dropped to his chest.

“Did you at least leave me with enough to have a last meal?”

“If you get a hamburger, yes.  If you want prime rib, not so much,” Prudence replied without missing a beat.

Ian raised an eyebrow at her.  “Would now be the time to remind you, Sweetheart,” growled with a smirk, “that we’ll be sharing everything... including that hamburger - because that’s all we’re going to be able to afford?”

“Good thing for you I’ve got a great career to support us then, hmm?” Prudence answered fondly as she brushed the hair from Ian’s forehead.  She leaned down and kissed him, and they lost themselves in it until Joy cleared her throat loudly.  Prudence chuckled; Ian glared.

“Just because you’re missing Ephraim....” he chided.  Prudence’s eyes widened and she looked between them.

“Wait… what?  What have I missed?”  Her glance settled on Joy.  “Why didn’t you tell me about this?”

“Because there’s nothing to tell really... not yet,” with a look at Ian.  “Ephraim and I have talked, but we agreed it was best to hold off on anything serious until this whole Alpha team situation was taken care of.  I won’t be responsible for putting one of Mama’s agents off their game... especially now.  Too easy for too many things to go wrong, and someone could end up dead.  We can wait a few weeks until this is over.”

“You don’t think the job will continue to come between you?” Prudence asked. “I mean – there’s always going to be someone to protect; someone else to focus on.”

“Yes, but probably not with the same sort of far-reaching consequences that dropping the ball on this assignment would have.  And I doubt there will be another mission that entails using every single security team member Mama has so there will be times when he won’t be working, and we can focus on us and what we want out of a relationship together.”

“You’ve really thought about this.”

“I have.  I had to.  As Arianna pointed out, Ephraim really wasn’t very subtle in his attentions... to the point of obtaining both the boys’ and Mama’s permissions before he even spoke to me.”

“And how do you feel about him?” Prudence asked seriously.

Joy shrugged.  “What I know of him, I like.  But I would like the chance to get to know him better.”

“And what does our new little sister think?”

“She encouraged him to talk to me before I got angry enough to kick him to the curb... metaphorically speaking.  She knew I was getting frustrated with his inaction, and even though she really didn’t get why I didn’t make the first move, she made sure Ephraim understood my upset.”

“I really can’t wait to meet this young woman.”

Ian looked at his chronometer.  “It won’t be too long.  The first set....”  The chime of the doorbell interrupted his announcement.  “That should be Mama and Nat.  Caleb said he and Ben and Adam would stay behind until everyone else was here, and they’d take care of the details of shutting up shop.”

“And Mama was okay with that?”

“We overruled her.  Dorcas threatened to call Eli,” smiling when Joy’s eyebrows flew into her hairline.

“And that was effective?”

“Like you wouldn’t believe,” Ian responded as the chime sounded again.  “C’mon.  We don’t want Nat busting in here with guns blazing.  We really would need to contact Eli then.  And she’s intense enough that she stood up to Mama.”

Joy would have asked for further clarification, but they had reached the open door where Prudence was greeting Mary and Nathaniel.  Joy stood back a moment and observed – Ian had been right.  Mama looked more than tired; she seemed drained.  Joy accepted Nathaniel’s hug perfunctorily, and he let it go, knowing her preoccupation was warranted.  Besides, he would get a real hug later... after she was satisfied Mama would be all right.

Mary limped into Joy’s arms having refused to use the wheeled chair Dorcas had insisted on in the mountain complex.  Joy embraced her with gentle strength and rocked Mary ever so slightly.  Mary just held on for a long moment, then leaned back and kissed Joy’s forehead.

“How are you, Daughter?”

Joy laughed nervously and blinked the tears from her eyes.  “Much better now that my family is here,” extending an arm towards Nathaniel.  “Not all of them yet, I know, but with you here, Mama, it’s just a matter of time.”  Then she squealed – Nathaniel had lifted her up and was spinning her around.  “NAT!!!” she screamed.

“Son, put your sister down before she throws up all over all of us, please,” Mama instructed with a smile.  “You know how she feels about that.”

Nathaniel released Joy until her feet touched the ground again, then hugged her tightly enough to realign her spine noisily.  “I don’t get it,” he whined.  “You let the danseur noble spin you around on stage and you never threaten to puke on him.”

“He’s never tried to launch me into orbit by seeing how fast he could go either, Nat,” Joy replied dryly.  She turned back to Mary.  “How are you, Mama?”

Mary put an arm around Joy’s shoulders and squeezed.  “Well I’ve had better days,” she admitted, “But I’ve certainly had worse.  And I’m here to spend my holiday with most of my family – with the rest coming along soon – I’d have to say I’m pretty good.”

“Come on in the kitchen,” Joy invited, moving slowly in support of Mary’s limping gait.  “Ian just made a fresh pot of coffee and Prue and I prepared coffee cake this morning.  The boys can see to things for a little while.  You know they’ll keep you informed of what’s going on.”

“Does this mean I don’t get coffee cake?” Nathaniel pouted... much to the amusement of his siblings and a smirk from Mary.  Joy laughed.

“You can take that up with your boss,” nodding towards Mary.  “Prue and I fixed enough coffee cake for us... can’t speak about the rest of you.”  Ian and Nat cut their eyes at each other, then dashed towards the kitchen, pushing and shoving each other out of the way to get there first.

“Would now be the time to tell them...?”  Prudence stopped speaking when both young men returned to the door, stuffing coffee cake into their mouths as they leaned against opposite sides of the doorjamb.

“You made enough for everyone?” Mary questioned.

“No, but we did make enough for the family.  We expected the boys to be among the first ones here.”  Joy turned back to her brothers.  “Did you save any for Mama?”

“Um hmm,” they both muttered with mouths full.  They knew better than to try to talk.  Mama had rules about talking with a mouth full.  Prudence turned to Mary.

“Thank you,” she said softly.  “You ingrained that habit so well that he doesn’t even try to talk to me until he’s swallowed.  It was one of the reasons I first agreed to go out with him, you know – I didn’t have to try to figure out what he was saying.  Now c’mon... while there’s still some left and it’s still warm.  Everything is ready; we just have to wait for everyone to arrive.”

“Yes, Mama,” Ian agreed, having swallowed his last bite.  “Nat and I’ll take care of things.  You enjoy your coffee cake.”  He turned to Joy.  “That was exceptional, Joyfulness.”

“And if there’s any left, I’m calling dibs,” Nathaniel said as he wiped the crumbs off his chest.  He backhanded Ian.  “C’mon.  The next group of agents should be here shortly, and I need to put my stuff away.”

“As do I.  We’ll be back,” he said for the benefit of the three women now seated around the kitchen table.  They waved and Nathaniel and Ian headed upstairs at a jog, needing to be in the attic to greet their comrades as they entered from the other two buildings.  Mama didn’t want the downstairs connection to be opened until the Alpha team and their families arrived.

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

“So I hear Eli threatened you, Mama,” Joy said as she poured Mary a cup of coffee.  “Do I want to know why?  Or how she was able to get away with it?”

Mary gave Prudence a wry look.  “Your fiancé has a big mouth that’s going to get him into real trouble one day.”

Prudence laughed.  “It already has.  He proposed to me, remember?”

Mary smirked.  “So true... though I prefer to credit that to his brilliance.  As for Eli,” she continued, looking at Joy who had just taken her seat and picked up her cup.  “She pulled the chain of command card, reminding me that as the attending physician, she could overrule any and all of us... including me.  I made sure she had no reason to stay.”

“And what did that bravado cost you?”

“A lot of exhaustion, mostly... and some pain.  She’s an exceptional doctor, Joy – well trained in her craft.  But I needed her out of the mountain and on that ship where she was safe... or at least safer than she was with all the mercenaries we had in custody.”

“What happened to them?” Prudence asked softly.  “Will they go to trial?”

Mary shook her head.  “No.  They came in with orders to destroy and were caught red-handed – they failed.  I got what I needed from them, and the day after tomorrow, I’ll meet with the Council to present the evidence I have.  After that....”  She shrugged.  “They will learn what happens when you mess with family.”

“Speaking of,” Joy said before the silence could become too painful.  “When is Ria due in?”

“How did you all come up with Ria from Arianna?” Mary asked with a hint of impatience.  “Her name is Arianna; it’s a lovely name.  Why don’t you and your brothers use it?”

“Because she asked us not to.  She said everyone else in the family had a nickname, so she should have one too if she was going to be part of us.”  Joy shrugged.  “She picked it out actually,” with a smirk.  “Giving the things the boys were coming up with, it was the best choice.”

Mary held her gaze for a moment, then nodded.  “Fair enough.”  She looked at Prudence and then back to Joy.  “So, did you leave Ian any credit chits?”  Joy and Prudence exchanged glances and burst out laughing.   Mary grinned and the discussion turned to their preparations.


Chapter LIII

“Mama?”  Mary looked up from her desk at the closed office door surprised.  She’d known the Alpha team had arrived, but she hadn’t been expecting Arianna to seek her out immediately.  “Mama?” repeated with a little more concern.  “May we come in?”  A light dawned in the back of Mary’s mind.  Of course Eli would come directly to see her – she was a conscientious physician after all and technically still Mary’s doctor.  With a sigh, she keyed the door latch from her place behind the desk, gratified when Arianna and Eli let themselves in without hesitation.  It was only when Eli turned slightly to close the door behind her that Mary realized that their hands were joined.  Her eyebrows rose, but she remained silent.

“Mama,” Arianna began as she cleared her throat.  “This is my mate, Eli,” introducing them as though they were strangers.  Mary tilted her head, wondering what was going on.  “It’s important for me that you know Eli as my mate... as my half.  Because that makes her part of our family.”

Mary’s eyes widened as understanding dawned.  “And does she know the rights and responsibilities of being brought into this family as well as those of being your mate?”  Eli stepped forward, still clutching Arianna’s hand tightly in her own.

“I know what it is to be Arianna’s mate, and I am knowledgeable about the privilege and responsibility I bear as such.  I am still learning about what it is to be part of your family though, Ms Well... Mar... um....”

“Eli, take a deep breath and relax.  You can address me in whatever manner you’re most comfortable with, though I truly hope one day you’ll find the ability to be content calling me ‘Mama’ as the rest of the kids do.  In the meantime, I would like to sit down with you and discuss the responsibility you have towards my daughter... and that she owes to you as well.”  She held up a hand before Arianna could protest.  “You will go through much the same with Eli’s MaTb, I’m sure.”

“It’s all right, Angel,” Eli interrupted before Mary could say anything more.  “I owe it to you... and to Ms Wellesly... to be clear about my intentions.  She’s watched me struggle with... everything, really.  As your mama, she deserves to know how serious I am about this... about us.”

“And what of your mama... your MaTb, Amado?  How will I...?”

“You will be your lovely, charming self.  All you need to remember is that MaTb is much like Ms Wellesly, and you will get along quite well.  After all, Ms Wellesly claimed you as family.  I believe MaTb will do much the same.”

“Eli,” Mary said, breaking the tableau in front of her.  “I think you’re going to fit into this family just fine.  Ian is already on your side, you know... as is Joseph.”

“So just over a third then.  Not particularly good as numbers go, but better than none.” 

“Just over a third?  Is your math off or is mine?” Mary asked with a smirk.  “Two out of seven I figured as not quite a third.”

“Actually,” Eli replied with twinkling eyes as she raised Arianna’s clasped hand to her lips.  “It’s three out of eight.  And I have the most important one on my side already.”

Mary laughed aloud.  “Touché, Princess,” said with an affection that made Eli smile.  “Very well played.”

“Wonderful.  Now that we are done posturing – how do you feel?”

“Are you asking as a doctor?” waiting for Eli to nod.  Mary let her mask slip slightly.  “I’m still very tired, and there is some residual pain in my leg... especially in the thigh area where the shredder originally went into my flesh.”

A light squeeze to the hand she held and Eli released Arianna to move around the desk.  Mary didn’t stop her, and Eli knelt down beside her.  “May I?” she requested.  Mary nodded and Eli pushed up the folds of her skirt, immediately understanding why that particular article of clothing had been chosen.  Green eyes met brown, and for the first time, Mary recognized the fundamental change in Eli that Arianna had wrought with her acknowledgment of everything between them.  But before she could comment on it, Eli spoke.  “Angel, will you go find Dorcas and Martha and ask them to come here with a field kit and the hand scanner, please?”

“Of course, Amado.  Is everything all right?  Shall I retrieve your bag as well?”

“Please.”

“Be right back.”

Eli waited until Arianna was gone before she looked up into Mary’s eyes once more.  “This could potentially be very bad, you know.”

“I know.  But I don’t think it is.  It’s not the shooting, burning pain I had when the metal was still embedded in my leg.  It’s more like... if I didn’t know better, I’d say it was still healing.”

“It very likely is.  Mary, you need to understand that the damage done to your body, and your leg in particular, was massive.  There was only so much I could do to contain it – so much the regen unit could do to heal it.  It’s why I believe you’ll always walk with a limp... even one that is mostly undetectable.”  She sighed.  “May I make a suggestion?”

Mary smirked.  “Could I really stop you, Doc?”

“Now that you mention it,” Eli grinned.  Mary just rolled her eyes and Eli settled back down to work.  “Let your team handle things for a little while.  I’m going to do an examination – give you some more antibiotics and pain suppressant – then I’d like you to go to wherever in this suddenly humongous place your room is located and take it easy for a while... like until tomorrow.  Your people know their jobs and the Alpha team is fine,” Eli insisted before Mary could make an objection.  “We’d certainly let you know otherwise.  But, like it or not, Ms Wellesly, you’re humanoid like the rest of us, and even your body needs time to recuperate from what was a severe trauma.  We can try the regen unit again and you can get some much needed rest, although I do have some information that could keep you occupied if you prefer to keep your mind busy while your body heals.”

“Oh?”

Eli nodded and placed a chip on Mary’s desk.  “You had your people digging; I had Jake looking as well.  This is what he found when he went looking.”

Mary cut her eyes in Eli’s direction.  “This is all a ploy to keep me from having ‘the talk’ with you isn’t it?”

Eli laughed and Mary smiled.  There had been so little laughter from Eli for so long that she cherished the sound now.  “You found me out,” she mock-confessed.  “I did all of this just so I wouldn’t have to face the gauntlet I’m sure you and the rest of the family are going to put me through.  I figured I should get my payback at the beginning in case I didn’t make it through to the end.”

Mary narrowed her eyes at Eli, delighting in the sparkling green eyes peering back at her.  “Cheeky child,” she accused, then winced when Eli touched an acutely tender spot.  “Ow.”

“Sorry,” Eli muttered as she continued her examination.

“It’s all right, Doc.  You have a very gentle touch.  My skin is just a little more sensitive.”

“For good reason, Chief,” Dorcas pronounced from the door that Arianna had purposely left unlatched.  “I’ve got the field kit, Doc.  What do you need?”

“You remember the cocktail we mixed up at the mountain?” waiting for Dorcas to nod.  “I need another one of those.  I need to make sure things are healing and Ms Wellesly is already in a fair amount of pain.  I see no reason to make it worse.”

“You got it, Doc.” 

Martha followed almost immediately, and Arianna was just behind her.  In moments Mary was relaxed and allowing Martha to run the hand scanner over her as Eli gently prodded the tender skin of her leg without incident.  Dorcas moved back out of the way to stand beside Arianna.

“She’s good people, you know?” Dorcas said as Eli continued her examination unaware of their scrutiny.  “And she loves you so much.  According to the Chief,” Dorcas continued at Arianna’s confused expression, “Eli minded her business because of you when they were under fire, trusting that the Chief would protect them despite her own desire to fight.”

“Really?”

“Oh yeah... the Chief said she told Eli she didn’t want to have to tell you that we couldn’t protect her because she had to go play the hero.  Of course the Doc got her own back once she had to take charge of the infirmary.”

“Why did she?” Arianna asked.  “Aren’t you...?”

“I’m the team medic, not a doctor,” Dorcas replied with a shake of her head.  “I can do the basic stuff, and if they had been shot with lasers or standard ammunition, I would have been able to take care of things all right.  But with a shredder....”  She shook her head again.  “My primary function in that regard is to patch ‘em up and send ‘em on for serious medical attention.”  Dorcas drew a deep breath.  “Given the situation we were in, the Chief would have died had the Doc not been there to care for her wounds.”

“Would she still have been wounded though?  After all, the three Alpha team members wouldn’t have been there for her to protect.”

Dorcas bit her lips thoughtfully.  “I think she would have, yes.  They came in shooting; she would have been caught by them at one point or another.  And from what she told me, Eden’s actions were pretty timely as well.”

“What are you two whispering about over there?” Mary asked waspishly.

“Healthcare, Chief,” Dorcas replied without missing a beat.  She held Mary’s gaze without blinking.

“Uh huh,” Mary said skeptically.  “Well, if you’re done with that titillating subject of discussion, can you please ask my children and Caleb to join us please?  Caleb first.”

“Of course, Chief.  Doc, do you need anything while I’m out?”

“No thank you, Dorcas.  I’m almost done here.”

Dorcas nodded.  “Be right back, Chief.”

“Martha, go with her.”  Martha hesitated and glanced at Eli who nodded and accepted the scanner without comment.  Mary huffed and glared, but they both ignored her.  Before she could go off on a tangent, Arianna cleared her throat.

“Mama, do you want me to leave as well?”

“No, Arianna.  Martha and Dorcas have other responsibilities to attend to.  You can help Eli if she needs it.  It probably wouldn’t hurt for each member of the Alpha team to know field medicine.”

“We do, Mama.  And Luke is also a fully trained medical doctor; it’s his secondary specialty.  But Eli made sure we were all taught the basics of triage and emergency medicine just in case.  Dorcas and I were trying to stay out of the way because of the limited amount of space and the fact that you despise hovering.”

Before Mary could retort, Caleb knocked on the door and stuck his head into the room.  “Chief?  You wanted to see me?”

She waved him in.  “I did indeed.  Under the advice of my doctor,” nodding towards Eli who sat up straighter for a moment so he could see her, “I’m going to take the day off.”  Caleb’s eyes widened, but he held his tongue.  “Of course I expect you to notify me if something catastrophic happens, but otherwise I need for you to handle the details.  None of the family members are scheduled to arrive until tomorrow, so that shouldn’t be an issue.  Any questions?”

“Is everything all right, Chief?”

“Mostly,” Mary replied with a shrug.  “I’m in a fair amount of pain though, and Eli has suggested rest and regen for the day.  Barring some sort of critical emergency, I’d like to try it.  I’d really like to enjoy the holiday, and I’d like to be out of pain as much as possible while we have guests.”

“Does that mean you want to be in pain when everyone leaves?” Eli asked with a smirk as she finished up her ministrations.  “Is that any better?” she asked, serious once again.

“Much, thank you,” Mary answered.  “And no, to your first question.  Though if I have to choose, I would choose to save the pain for once you all have gone.  I do have some time off coming then.”

“Well, I hope we can solve the pain problem before then so you can go out and have some fun.”

“Any special instructions, Chief?” Caleb asked, breaking into the conversation.

“No.  As long as the kids stay in the house or yard, they can do whatever they want... within reason of course.  I have a couple things scheduled for the day after the holiday, but I plan to be up and moving by then.  There are enough agents to watch that my presence shouldn’t even be missed.  And you know by now what is important enough to bother me for.”

“Yes ma’am.  I sure do.”

“Good man.  Pass the word along.”

“Will do, Chief.  Have a healing rest.”

“I hope so, my friend,” Mary replied with a wave before he stepped out of the office.

“He likes you, you know,” Arianna said quietly.

“I know,” Mary answered.  “But I keep hoping....”  She shook her head.  “He deserves better.”

“They don’t come any better than you, Ms Wellesly,” Eli commented as she rose from her spot on the floor and leaned against the desk facing Mary.  Arianna moved to stand beside her, snuggling into Eli’s body and sighing in contentment when long arms pulled her in tight.

Mary shrugged.  “It’s nice of you to say so, but in this instance....”  She sighed.  “When Edward and I were married, I gave him everything I had... everything I was.  When he died....”  She shrugged again.  “Part of me died that day.  Most of my passion is now funneled into my work, and the rest goes to my children.  I don’t have anything left to give... especially not that way.  And Caleb deserves better than that.  He deserves someone who will love him with everything that they have to give.”

“Even though he wants you?”

“Even though,” Mary said sadly.  “It would be kinder of me to dismiss him... to give him a chance to find himself and someone else away from me.  But I depend on him.  He was Edward’s best friend.  I don’t know what I would do without him.”

“Maybe you should think about it.  Because you’re not being very fair to him.”

“I know,” said in a whisper.  Then a knock sounded on the door and five grown children walked into the office.  Ian got a good look at Mary’s face and scowled.

“What’s wrong?”

“I’m in a bit of pain,” she confessed, not wanting to discuss Caleb or his affections with them.  “So I’m taking the day off to rest and regenerate this leg.  The Doc here is hoping it will help the healing process.  I’m just hoping it will quit hurting. I’d rather not be miserable during the holiday especially with all our extra guests.”

“We’ll handle everything, Mama,” Joy said with a look around at her siblings and extended siblings.  “Prue and I already have some of the prep work done, and the kids have been asking how they can help.  And the boys and your agents know their business.  You just get the rest you need.”

“I’ll be available if there is an emergency, but....”

“Mama, the only way we’ll bother you is if the apocalypse happens, and then it will only be to say goodbye,” Nathaniel informed her with a grin, knowing she would have a retort.  Mary arched an eyebrow at him and didn’t disappoint.

“My son, if you wait to inform me of the apocalypse until the last minute and all you say is goodbye, you better be very sure it’s actually going to happen.  Because bad, bad things will befall you if it doesn’t.  Do I make myself clear?”

“Crystal,” said with a smirk.

“Excellent.  I just wanted each of you to be aware of what was going on.  OH!” she exclaimed.  “One other thing.  Eli is Arianna’s mate, and therefore a member of this family with all the rights and privileges thereof.  However,” she held up her hand before they could cut in.  “You are not allowed to interrogate her or question her intentions until such time as I am able to attend the family conclave.  We’re not going to put her through the family gauntlet more than once and as matriarch, I expect to be there.  So make her welcome, but don’t try to intimidate her.  If she wants to talk to you, she will.  Otherwise she is off-limits until I am up and about.”

“You know, Mama – that’s kind of like teasing.”

“No, my son.  That’s fair warning.  We did it with Joseph and with Prudence, and we’ll do it with Ephraim as well.  Although I’m pretty sure he already knows what to expect.  He was around for both Joseph’s and Prudence’s baptism by fire.”

“Okay... fine,” Ian agreed.  He looked at Arianna.  “Well done, Little Sister.”  He turned to Eli.  “Welcome to the family.”

“You’re so certain I’ll pass through the gauntlet?”

Ian smirked.  “I know you will.  I stayed with your family for a week, remember?  You’ve got this, Eli... easy-peasy.”

“I’ve got to agree,” Joey concurred.  “You can lead the Alpha team and dictate to Mama?  This will be a walk in the park.”

“I’d like to reserve my judgment,” Nathaniel said with a hint of irritation.

“I have plenty of questions,” Joy admitted, “but I can see the difference you have made to one another.  Welcome to the family, Eli.”

Everyone turned to Prudence whose eyes widened in response.  “Um... I really don’t know either of you yet, but I’m looking forward to the chance.  Maybe we could have lunch together and get to know one another... like friends first?”

Arianna and Eli exchanged glances and Eli shrugged and nodded.  Arianna turned back to Prudence.  “We’d like that.  What about the rest of you?  Will you join us once Eli has put Mama to bed?”

“Excuse me?” Mary broke in.  “I’ve been taking care of that little chore by myself for quite a few years now.”

“Perhaps,” Eli agreed.  “But not today.  I want to make sure you settle in without fooling around and set up the regen unit to maximize your healing.”  She met Mary’s brown eyes.  “Please don’t be difficult about this, Ms Wellesly.  I can make it an order.”

“We are so keeping her,” Ian cackled and even Nathaniel chuckled.  Mary gave them all the evil eye.

“Only because I know you are looking out for my best interests, Eli.”

“Thank you.  Now let’s get you to... where is your room in all of this?” Eli asked as Mary slowly rose to her feet and pocketed the chip.  Mary grinned.

“C’mon,” she invited, then turned to look at her other kids.  “You all go back to whatever it was Dorcas interrupted to get you here.  Eli and Arianna will be back shortly and will join you in the kitchen.”  No one moved.  “Go on now... shoo.  We can handle this without an entourage.”

The kids laughed and nodded, knowing Mary was embarrassed by all the attention.  One by one they filed through the door until only Nathaniel was left.  He looked Eli squarely in the eye. “I suppose if you can handle Mama so well, you can handle anything.  But you probably better learn to call her ‘Mama’.  She doesn’t answer to anything else from us kids.  Welcome to the family,” he finished with a grin as he escaped out the door.  Mary sighed.

“Hallelujah!  Can I go to bed now?”

Eli and Arianna just smiled at her and followed her out of the office.


Chapter LIV

“Okay, I know we’re not supposed to interrogate you or anything,” Prudence started as Mary’s family sat down to eat lunch together.  The other Alpha team members were conspicuously missing, and Eli wondered where they were and who had arranged their absence.  “But I’m curious about something – about a lot of somethings, actually – but mostly I am curious about the term Mama used to describe the two of you.  Does that hold some sort of cultural significance or something?”

“Why do you ask?” Arianna replied before Eli could respond.  Eli turned to look at her, but Arianna merely squeezed the hand she held and motioned her attention back to their waiting audience.  Everyone was focused on Prudence waiting for her answer.

“As I indicated,” she said slowly, “it is mostly curiosity on my part.  But also....”  Prudence shrugged.  “I got the feeling from the way Mama made a point to use that particular word that it might mean something special.  Until they were married, Joey was introduced as Nat’s partner – now they are husbands; I’m Ian’s fiancée and will be his wife; Ephraim is currently Joy’s suitor and if things proceed satisfactorily he will be her life companion according to his society.  So what is the importance of being mates?”

Eli and Arianna exchanged glances.  Eli didn’t mind explaining her culture to others when they asked, but she wasn’t sure about the vibe she was getting from Arianna.  She cocked an eyebrow and whispered, “Angel?” well aware of the eyes around the table studying them both.

Arianna cupped a hand to Eli’s cheek.  “Are you comfortable with this, Amado?  I am happy and proud to be your mate, but I don’t want you to feel that you have to explain....”

Eli grinned and covered the hand on her face.  “I don’t mind, Angel.  And they have a right to know.  They are your family... our family.  They should understand the truth that is us.”  Arianna studied green eyes carefully, then nodded.  Eli smiled and looked back towards the rest to find them engaged in their own conversation in an effort to provide her and Arianna with some privacy.  She cleared her throat slightly and conversation ceased as all eyes turned her way.

“In my culture,” she began softly, “we mate for life.  Consummation forms a bond that is not to be broken... even by death.  It is more than sex and something beyond love.  It is a mating of bodies and minds and souls.”

“What happens if the bond is broken?”

Eli released a shuddering sigh and felt her hand clenched by Arianna.  She turned to find Arianna grinding her jaw.  Eli reached out her free hand and cupped Arianna’s neck, pulling her forward until their foreheads were touching.  “Angel?”

Arianna shook her head.  “I’ll be all right, Amado.  Tell them.  I think they should know.  And I think I deserve to know the truth of what could have been.  Complete disclosure, remember?” she asked with a shaky smile.  Eli nodded and turned back to her waiting audience.

“Did we miss something?” Ian asked.

“Nothing I am comfortable sharing,” Eli replied steadily.  Ian nodded.  “As for a broken bond,” she continued without missing a beat, “it usually depends on what breaks it.  In the case of death, mates can still feel one another.”  There were gasps around the table and Eli sighed.  “It’s kind of hard to explain.  It’s not a tangible thing – not something you can reach out and touch physically.  It’s more here,” putting a hand over her heart; “And here,” touching her forehead.  “You feel comforted by them; you feel the love you shared in life.”

“And the dead – they can feel it as well?”

Eli smirked.  “Never actually been dead, I can’t say for certain of course, but it is believed to be so.  It is what we’re taught.”

“And what if the bond is broken another way?  Because of...  What would break a bond otherwise?” Prudence asked with a thoughtful scowl.

“First I want you to understand that bonds broken for reasons outside of death are extremely rare.  Because we can only mate with one other in our lifetime, great care is given to the choice we make. Children are taught about this from a very young age because no one wants a broken bond – it is very painful and terribly lonely.  So besides death, the two most common causes of broken bonds are infidelity and separation.  Infidelity is a capital crime in my society; both parties are executed immediately.  Separation is a little trickier.  It’s usually by choice because the parties involved can no longer live with one another for some reason - whether that is because of incompatibility or abuse or they simply grow apart.”

“And if they separate by choice, that’s it?  No second chance?”

Eli nodded.  “That’s it.  The rest of their lives will be spent alone – no bond, no mate.  Death is preferable to separation.  At least there is the comfort of a mate’s presence in that instance.”

“What happens if they try?  Surely some who have had a mate pass on or a separation by choice have tried for another relationship,” Joy commented.

“If they had a mate who died, Joy, they wouldn’t want to try,” Nathaniel stated.  “At least I certainly wouldn’t.  Remember, the bond carries over into the next world.”

Eli nodded.  “That’s correct.  It would be... disastrous.”

“And what of the others – those who choose to separate?  Why can’t they mate again?”

Eli shrugged.  “It’s hard to explain.”  She bit her lip.  “It’s a little like Ms Wellesly’s situation.”

Ian cocked his head.  “What do you mean?”  He looked at his siblings.  “Did we know Mama had a situation?”  The rest shook their heads and turned back to Eli.  “Well?” he prompted.

“In the case of Mary and Edward, they married for life.  And though their separations were a little different from the kind I’m talking about, they were separated at times due to Edward’s job.  Yet they always came back to one another.  Since he died, she has remained faithful to him because she gave him all she had to give.  Even if she was to find someone to spend the remainder of her life with, it wouldn’t be the same as what she had with Edward.  When two people mate in my society, they put everything they are into the relationship, and there’s no way to get it back.”

“Even if the relationship is bad?”

“Even if.  Fortunately most aren’t.  We have a very low failure rate.”

“Do they ever get back together?  Those who have separated I mean,” Joseph asked.

“Sometimes,” Eli admitted.  “Some with more success than others.”

“So if you’re mates, does that make you married?” Nathaniel asked.  “I’m only curious because of the Committee’s rules about married candidates.”

“They aren’t candidates anymore, Nat,” Joseph offered.  “They are full-fledged Alpha team members.”

“Nitpicking, Joey.  Technically....”

“Technically, we are dating exclusively,” Arianna broke in heatedly.  “We haven’t undergone a ritual or a ceremony from any culture that binds us to one another.  What we are to one another privately is no one else’s business.”  She glared at Nathaniel who held up his hands in surrender.

“I’m not trying to start something,” he protested, noting the disbelieving looks his family was giving him.  “I’m not,” he reiterated.  “But Malcolm was disqualified from the program because of your betrothal which in your society,” meeting Arianna’s gaze, “equates to marriage.  Being mated in Eli’s is much the same – in her eyes and in the eyes of her people, you are married.”

“No,” Eli cut in.  “Malcolm was disqualified for being infected with the AIDS virus,” watching the horror rush over the faces of those listening.  “The breaking of their betrothal was the excuse used to save face.  As for Arianna and me - we are mated.  That means we belong to one another exclusively.  There will never be another for me... with or without marriage.”

“Or for me,” Arianna cut in decisively.  “It may not be born in my blood, but it is true nevertheless.”

“And how is that not the same thing?” Nathan asked belligerently.  “How is being mated not the same as being married??”

“Nat, take a deep breath and step back a minute,” Joy instructed firmly before anyone else could speak.  “I don’t know why you’re being so adversarial about this, but you need to chill, Little Brother.”  She gave him a look and he held her gaze for a long moment before nodding.

“Maybe I should get some air,” he said, half-rising from his seat before Eli’s words stopped him.

“I don’t know what we’ve done to upset you, Nathaniel, but being mated and being married are two different realities... at least for me.”

Nathaniel blew out a breath and resumed his seat.  “Can you explain it?  I’d really like to understand.”

Eli bit her lip.  “Being mated is something that happens between two people who bond to one another.  There isn’t a vow pledged or an oath sworn when this happens.  The bonding usually takes place slowly as we learn about one another, and it strengthens over time.  It is sealed when the relationship is consummated – that is when we are mated to each other.  Marriage is when we publicly avow our mating bond in front of friends and family, and it is followed by a great celebration.”

“Thank you,” Nathaniel replied softly.  “That I understand.”  He cleared his throat.  “But you do realize that either you’re going to have to break the Committee’s rules or you’re going to be waiting a very long time to be married, right?  Because if you think you’re going to get married without the family and especially Mama present... well, I for one want to be there when you tell her.”

“Can the Committee really do anything at this point?” Prudence asked.  “I mean they’ve both already been selected for the Alpha team and they’re scheduled to leave very soon.  Do you really think the Committee would risk the negative publicity that would follow throwing one or both off them off the team to uphold that particular mandate?”

“I think the Committee is going to have far more to worry about than marriage protocol,” Ian commented darkly.  “Given the information Gideon dug up....”

“... and the things Jacob found,” Joseph added.  “I saw some of that,” with a look at Eli.  “You better hope Mama doesn’t decide to snag him from your team to keep his hacking skills here.”

Eli scowled.  “She’ll have a fight on her hands.  We need him.”

“Yes, and for that reason alone she won’t touch him.  But I’m pretty sure I heard her mumbling something about him showing Gideon where he found this stuff, and how to safely hack into some of the places he did.”

“Jake would love that,” Eli replied.  “I think he’s pretty proud of his hacking skills.”

Arianna rolled her eyes.  “You know he is.  For him it’s like one of those games you like to play.  Risk and danger and very little chance he’ll get hurt because he’s good enough to not get caught.”

“So you’re not worried about the Committee?” Joy asked, bringing the question around to them again.

“No,” Arianna answered.  “What are they going to do at this late date?”

“Would it stop you if they threatened you with removal from the project?” Nathaniel asked.

“No,” Arianna said without hesitation.  “Do I think they need us?  Yes.  Will the project go better with both Eli and me on the team? Absolutely.  Would I give it all up to stay with Eli?  In a heartbeat.  I learned the hard way what it is not to have her in my life, and I won’t go back to that.  She’s worth everything to me... everything.”

“Angel?”

“Everything, Amado... always.”

“That is almost like a vow, you know.”

“I know,” Arianna smirked.  “But even I’m not dumb enough to make it an official vow without Mama.  I am very happy with my life now; I’m not going to mess that up by angering Mama.”

“You’re quicker than the boys were,” Joy said with a grin.  “And two of them grew up with her.”

“Hey!!”
“No fair!!”
“Pbbbbbssssssssttttttt.”  The last from Joey.

Joy shook her head.  “Don’t bother – I grew up with you too.”  She turned back to Eli and Arianna.  “So what are you going to do about the whole marriage thing?  Because Nat made a good point.  If you don’t do it now, it’s going to be a very long time before you can.  And everyone and their mother will be here tomorrow... literally.  Maybe you should take advantage of that.”

Eli’s eyes widened and the light green color drained from her face leaving her deathly pale.  Arianna turned and saw Eli’s panic and felt a stinging pain flash through her.  But she put that hurt feeling aside, determined to find the reason behind it before she reacted.  Too much of their life together had already been wasted because of miscommunication or no communication at all.  She wanted to know what was causing Eli’s upset before she responded to it.

“Eli?  Amado?”  Arianna reached up both hands and cupped Eli’s face, waiting for the still green eyes to track to hers.  “Sweetheart?  What’s wrong?”  Eli met Arianna’s dark brown eyes, staring into them for long moments before closing hers and taking a deep breath.  When she reopened them, Arianna could see the sense of panic fading as calm replaced it, and she smiled in encouragement.  “Are you ready to talk to me now?  Does the thought of marrying me terrify you so much?” she asked sadly.

“No, Angel, NO!  The thought of being publicly committed to you is....”  She broke off and gave Arianna a dazzling grin.  “I can’t tell you how amazing that makes me feel.”

“You two are sickeningly sweet – you know that, right?”  Nathaniel’s dry voice broke the tableau between them.  “Ow!” he complained, turning to glare at his husband.  “Whaddya do that for?”

“They were having a moment,” Joseph informed him drolly.  “You were interrupting.”

“I had to,” Nathaniel whined.  “They were making my teeth ache.  Marines don’t do ‘moments’.”

“You’ll remember that when you’re sleeping on the couch then,” making the rest of the room titter and making Nathaniel squawk in outrage.  “I’m sorry, ladies.  Please continue.”

“Maybe we should continue this privately,” Arianna offered.  Eli nodded amidst a sea of protests.

“Yes, but first....”  She turned to Joy.  “What can we do to help prepare for the holiday?  And when are everyone’s family members expected in?”

Joy waved them off.  “The kids are downstairs now doing as much prep work as can be done out of the kitchen.  You and Ria can help with the cooking once we get started.  A lot of it will be done ahead and then reheated.  And everyone’s family is bringing a contribution or two to share as well.  As for when they’re coming in....”  She looked at Ian.

“Most of them are coming in by ship tonight.  They will start transporting in tomorrow at different times to different locations.  We’ll be picking them up and bringing them here much like we did you guys when we brought you from the hotel – different routes and entrances so it will hopefully all go unnoticed by anyone significant.”

“You really think you can hide the arrival of thirty different people?  Especially to a place that has already had an influx of strangers and activity in the last few weeks?”

Nathaniel smiled.  “Don’t discount Mama’s understanding of humanity and their absorption in their own lives.  Most people don’t see because they don’t look.  It’s very easy to hide in plain sight when no one is looking.”

“Besides,” Prudence cut in, “a lot of people don’t care.  Let me explain,” she added before anyone could protest.  “They probably do think the whole mission concept is exciting or interesting, but they really don’t have a personal interest in it, and it doesn’t fashion their political opinions.  They don’t see it as having a direct effect on their lives at the moment so their attitude is somewhat lackadaisical.  So if they were to meet you on the street, they might ask for an image with you assuming they even recognized you, but they’d be just as likely to ignore you and go about their own business.”

“I could live with being ignored,” Arianna quipped.  “It’s a nice change from forced attention.”

“You mean like what the security team does?” Ian asked with a frown.  Arianna shook her head.

“No.  Your attention is on our surroundings... looking out for threats and whatnot.  I’m talking about being forced to be in the spotlight – to be the focus of attention you don’t want.”

“Like your Princess thing,” Eli said.

“Exactly – like my Princess thing.”

Nathaniel smiled.  “Well, in a few days you won’t have to be a Princess for a very long time.”

“And I am really looking forward to that.  Now if you’ll excuse us,” Arianna said as she stood.  “I think we need to go have that talk,” extending a hand down and pulling Eli up to stand beside her.  “Let us know when it’s time to come help with things.  And I promise if there is any news on the marriage front, well... you may not be the first to know, but we’ll keep you in the loop.”

“You better,” Nathaniel growled.  “If I have to sleep on the couch, I’d like to know my suffering is not in vain.”

Eli looked at the others.  “Is he always this dramatic?”

“YES!” came the resounding reply, followed by laughter.  Nathaniel just folded his arms over his chest.

“I am not dramatic; I am simply misunderstood.”  But his brown eyes were twinkling and his lips twitched with the effort not to smile.

Joey and Ian exchanged eye rolls and Joy snickered.  Eli bit her lip to keep her laughter a smile and shook her head.  “And on that note....  Please let us know when and how we can help,” she said to Joy.  “And thank you for your suffering on our behalf,” she said solemnly to Nathaniel.  “We appreciate the sacrifice.”

“You’re mocking me,” he grumbled.

“Maybe a little,” she agreed.  “But I have brothers too; I know how this works.”  Then she tugged on Arianna’s hand and they headed outside without another word.  The rest watched them go before turning back to Nathaniel.

“Satisfied?” Joey asked.

“Yes.  They’re going to fit right in just fine.”


Chapter LV

“So why the panic, Sweetheart?” Arianna asked as they reached the old tree.  Eli leaned against the trunk still holding Arianna’s hand; Arianna did the same so they were facing one another.  “If it wasn’t fear of being married to me....”

“No fear on that count, Beloved.  I’d marry you tomorrow if that’s what you wanted.  But we both know that’s not possible.”

Arianna frowned.  “And why is that?  As the family rightfully pointed out, it’s likely to be our only opportunity for a very long time... Committee rules notwithstanding.  And we’ll never have a better chance to have everyone we want there to already be in one place.”

“Yes and when MaTb sees you... sees us together... she’s going to know.  She’s going to recognize you as my mate.  And she’s going to ask about a marriage ceremony.  Because like Ms Well... Mama,” clearing her throat and shaking her head at the unaccustomed address, “she’s going to expect to be present for such a momentous occasion.  And she won’t accept that we’re not able to swear our vows now – not since we are already mated.”

Arianna stepped closer to Eli, taking both hands in hers and rubbing the backs of them with her thumb.  She looked up at Eli through long, dark lashes, dark eyes sparkling in the sunshine.  “Amado?  I want you to pretend for a moment that I don’t have a genius level IQ, and I want you to explain to me very simply what the problem here is exactly.  Because I don’t understand – I am obviously missing something very important.”

Eli squeezed the hands she held and brought one to her lips.  She brushed a kiss there and smiled at the bashful expression that crossed Arianna’s face at the gesture.  “Angel, is it fair to completely ignore your family and the customs of your planet when talking about marriage?  I know you are not currently very fond of your OTeU... your papa.  But what of your MaTb?  And your people?  They have done nothing to be treated with disregard, and isn’t your marriage supposed to be a time of celebration for them?”

Arianna leaned up on tiptoe and gave Eli a hard, swift kiss.  Before Eli could lean in to deepen it, Arianna had pulled back.  Eli frowned; Arianna chuckled and loosened a hand to smooth the furrows on Eli’s brow.

“I wasn’t finished kissing you, you know,” Eli complained with the barest hint of a pout.

Arianna cupped her face and ran a thumb over Eli’s bottom lip.  “When I start kissing you, I’m not going to stop at kissing, and we’re not giving the world a show.  I meant what I told Nat in there – what we are and what we do with one another privately is no one else’s business.  And even though it seems like we’re all alone out here, we both know that we’re not.”

Eli had the good grace to bite her lip and look chastised.  “I suppose,” she muttered.  “So what did you kiss me for then?”

“Because you’re kind of amazing – did you know that?”

Eli frowned again.  “How do you figure?”

“Because despite everything – my father, Malcolm, me – you’re still trying to do what’s right by their ideals.  Amado, assuming there is still a monarchy to return to and assuming that I am welcomed back as the Princess and heir, we can always have a ceremony for the people of my world upon our return from this mission.  They aren’t expecting anything from me at the moment beyond my successful participation in this project. My main job as far as they’re concerned is to help make my planet a recognized leader in the galaxy by my contribution to this mission.  They figure everyone will have to acknowledge us now because the success of the mission depends on my research.”

“Well they’re kind of right about that.”

Arianna shrugged.  “Maybe.  But the important thing is they’re not looking for a betrothal or marriage from me any time in the near future.  When Malcolm and I were betrothed, they didn’t expect a ceremony between us until the initial five standard years of the project were completed.  Since the disillusion of that betrothal has already been announced, they have no expectations of a royal wedding for a long time to come.”

“So does this mean you want us to marry?” Eli asked slowly.

“Do you?”

Eli gave an exasperated sigh.  “I meant what I said, Angel.  The thought of publicly committing myself to you... of us committing ourselves to one another so that everyone knows we belong to each other is amazing to me.  I would absolutely do it tomorrow if that’s what you wanted.”

“So will you marry me, Amado?  Will you marry me while all our friends and families are here to share our joy with us?”

“Yes, Beloved.  In a heartbeat.”

Arianna squealed and jumped into Eli’s arms.  Eli was grateful to be braced against the tree behind her as it was the only thing keeping them upright.  Then she wasn’t thinking at all.  Her attention was totally consumed with the kiss Arianna was bestowing, and she gave herself over to the moment.

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

“So do you suppose there’ll be wedding before they leave?” Prudence asked as they all moved back to the table and away from the window to give Eli and Arianna a bit of privacy.

“Only if they’re as smart as they’re purported to be,” Nathaniel replied with a grin.  “You think we ought to make some preparations?”

“I think we should wait and see what they want,” Joy replied.  “There’s enough of us here to get done quickly once we have a clear idea of what they want to do.  They need to let us know.”

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

“So do you think we should tell everyone?” Arianna asked as she released Eli’s lips enough to speak.  She leaned her forehead into Eli’s and closed her eyes, relishing the feel of Eli’s rapid breaths against her face and the touch of Eli’s lips against her own.  The hands kneading her ass were making her grind into Eli’s body and she whimpered at the pleasure it sent tingling through her body.

“I think,” Eli started before she found her mouth captured by Arianna again, tongue plundering her mouth voraciously.  “Oh, Angel....” groaned as they pulled apart and Arianna’s teeth and lips laid claim to her neck. “Angel, if you don’t stop we’re going to give everyone a show... right here, right now.”

Arianna giggled, but eased up on her attention until she could look into Eli’s eyes.  The green had morphed again, but instead of the flat gray of heartache and sadness, they were the full-blown black of passion and desire.  She leaned forward once more to claim Eli’s lips, but this kiss was gentle... meant to convey the depth of her love and the strength of that feeling.  She felt Eli melt into her, the hands groping her ass gentling their touch until they were caressing the flesh they held.  Arianna shivered and ended the kiss though she maintained their contact.  “Well,” she replied with a smile.  “At least if we gave them a show we wouldn’t need to make an announcement.  However,” she continued before Eli could protest.  “I’m an only child – sharing has never been my strong suit.”

“So we should take this inside maybe?” Eli asked in a hopeful tone.

“Oh we should definitely take this inside.  But maybe before we take this to our room, we should talk to Mama.  I think she should be the first to know... officially, I mean.  Your MaTb won’t be upset by that, will she?”

Eli shrugged.  “Maybe a little.  But forgiveness will go a long way if she is made to understand the rapidity of events involved in the culmination of our ceremony.”

“So she won’t mind as much if she knows the truth about our circumstances?”

“Exactly,” frowning at the look of unease that flowed across Arianna’s features.  “Angel?”

“How much does she need to know, Amado?”

Eli blinked, her face suddenly clearing as understanding dawned.  “Only that we recently mated and decided to take advantage of our circumstances and marry while surrounded by the family and friends who’ve gathered together to share the holiday with us.  She has no need to know the details of what it took to get us to this place.  That is for us, Angel.”

“And you don’t think the rest will give it away?  Eli, they know what happened between us as well as we do – at least the basics.  And I don’t want your MaTb to hate me for what I put you through.”

“What we went through, we went through together, Angel.  And I’m as responsible for what happened as you are.  Probably moreso, if the truth be told.  Because I knew I was entering into a lifelong commitment with you; I should have ensured you were aware of it as well.”   Eli lightly kissed Arianna’s lips to keep her from arguing.  “If it comes to it, I’ll explain everything to her.  She’s going to love you... I promise.”

“And how can you be sure?  Eli, until you, most people didn’t love me, especially at first meeting.  Most barely even tolerated me and then only because of my title and position.  They usually found me off-putting and irritating in the extreme.”

“And how often were you yourself with them, Angel?  How often were you Arianna instead a façade presented to uphold the dignity of your office?”

“How is it you just get me?”

“Because I love you, Angel.”  Any further answer was lost in the intensity of their kiss.  Only the buckling of Eli’s knees brought their attention back to the present... and their exposure to everyone and everything around them.

“Amado?”

Eli grinned.  “We’re going to end up on the ground in a minute, Beloved, because your kisses make me tremble and weak in the knees.”

Arianna slid down Eli’s body until her feet touched the ground again.  “Just as well,” she admitted with a whisper in Eli’s ear.  “Much longer and I would have come from the touch of your hands on my ass,” smirking at the growl she felt reverberate in Eli’s chest.  Arianna watched as a speculative gleam entered Eli’s gaze as she swallowed hard.

“Not here,” Eli declared.  “That is for me and me alone.  Come,” she commanded imperiously.  “I need to see that happen in the privacy of our room,” extending her hand and catching Arianna’s in her own.

“Oh do you now?  You need to see that.”

Eli smirked.  “Absolutely.  We’ve moved past desire and into need – immediately if not sooner.”

“Probably later,” Arianna reminded her.  “We have to go talk to Mama first.”

Eli growled.  “You certainly know how to kill a mood, Angel,” as they reached the doorway.

Arianna chuckled and pulled Eli to a stop and pressing their bodies together tightly.  “That’s okay – I’m pretty sure I know how to start one as well.”  She wound her hand into Eli’s hair and tugged until their lips met.  “Better?” she asked smoothly when they separated several minutes later.

“Hmm?” Eli asked distractedly as her eyes roamed Arianna’s face.  Arianna’s superior expression softened under the loving gaze and gentle touches as Eli’s fingers traced the same path her eyes did.  “You’re so beautiful.  Did you know that?  Have I told you how beautiful you are?”

“Holy crap!  You two are giving me hives!” Eden exclaimed, breaking them apart and causing twin glares to be directed her way.  “What??” she whined.  “Stop looking at me that way!  I didn’t do anything!”

Eli opened her mouth to retort sharply until Arianna twined their hands together.  Eli took a deep breath to calm her anger, then dropped her physician’s mask into place.  “Are you all right, Eden?  Is there something you need?”

“Nope.  I’m fine.  I was coming to find you guys.  We figured you’d had plenty of time to eat lunch with the family so I came to find out what was taking you so long to join us downstairs.”  She looked between the two of them.  “You’re not coming downstairs anytime soon, are you?”

“No,” Arianna replied.  “We’ll be down later, but we have some things to take care of upstairs first.”

“I’ll just bet you do,” Eden muttered with a smirk.  “I’ll try to put everyone off for a while, but don’t be all day, please.  Sex goddesses or not, you need to be part of the preparations.”

“Actually we’re part of the kitchen crew,” Eli replied shortly.  “Joy has asked us to help putting the dishes together and cooking them.  And if anyone has a problem with us spending some time alone, they can take it up with me.  You don’t need to be in the middle of this, Eden.”  She released Arianna’s hand and stepped closer to Eden.  “How are you... really?”

“I’m fine, Eli... really.  I’m just tired still.”

“You should take a nap today,” Eli instructed, holding up a hand when Eden would have interrupted.  “I did the same thing to Ms Wellesly.  She’s on bed rest with a regen unit to see if we can get some more healing done on that leg.  More rest won’t hurt you, Eden.  It would be beneficial to your recovery.”

“Shouldn’t I be recovered by now?” Eden growled.

“You’re actually remarkably recovered considering the damage that was done to you.  Besides, don’t you want to be as rested as possible before your MaTb makes her appearance?”

“Yeah, I guess.  I sure don’t want her wondering if this project is killing me before we even leave this planet.”

“All right then... it’s settled.  You’ll take a nap this afternoon.  Doctor’s orders.”  Eli smiled when she felt Eden relax with those words.  Sometimes warrior pride had to take a backseat to common sense, but it was one of the hardest things to accomplish.  If it made Eden feel better about appearing weak, Eli was comfortable relieving her of the responsibility of her pride for a little while.

“Thanks, Eli,” she said softly.

Eli smiled.  “My privilege,” she replied.  “How do things look downstairs?” she asked as she reached for the door.  She was surprised when Reuben moved to open it for her.  She had forgotten about his presence, and now she blushed slightly.  She felt Arianna grasp her hand and she turned and offered her a smile before returning her gaze to Eden.

“Good.  A lot of willing hands made the work go faster and easier, and everybody pitched in to help.  We did keep the knives away from Isaac.  You weren’t there to patch him up and none of us were really up to the task of possible surgery.”

“So you’re done then?” Arianna asked as they walked through the kitchen.

“Pretty close unless Joy found more for us to do.”  They stopped at the stairs.  “I’m gonna go tell Jake about my mandatory nap and let the rest know you’ll both be downstairs later.”

“Do you need us to wait for you and walk you to your room?”

Eden raised an eyebrow, then smiled at the genuine concern.  “No, I’m good.  Besides I imagine Jake will insist on walking with me.”

“Make sure you get some rest.”

“I will,” Eden snapped, giving Eli a look.  “Jake won’t do anything more than hold my hand until you give the all clear.  He already informed me of that.”  She blew out a frustrated breath.  “Sorry.  This is just taking forever to heal.”

“Not really,” Arianna replied quietly, flinching when Eden glared.  “I’m sure it seems that way, though.”

Eden sighed.  “Yeah... sorry.  I’ve never had something like this before, and I’ll be happy to never have it again either.  Patience isn’t really my strong suit.”

Eli chuckled.  “I think that can probably be said for all of us in one regard or another.  We need to go talk to Ms Wellesly.  You’re sure you don’t want us to wait for you?”

“Yeah.  Go on.  But I expect to see you downstairs with the rest of us after dinner.”  Eden waved them off, then headed down the stairs into the basement.  Eli and Arianna watched her until she disappeared, then took the steps up to the bedroom when Mary was currently ensconced.

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

A knock on the door made Mary frown.  Surely the world wasn’t really ending, she thought as she hitched herself a little higher on the bed.  She wasn’t really sitting, but she was no longer lying flat either.  “Yes?” she called out.  Her brows rose into her hairline when Eli stuck her head in the door followed immediately by Arianna’s.  “Is something wrong?” she blurted.

“No Mama, no,” Arianna assured as they stepped into the room together and shut the door firmly behind them.  “It’s just we reached a decision and thought you needed to be the first to know.”

“Would you like to share that decision with me?” she prompted after a long moment of silence.

Eli and Arianna exchanged glances and then Eli met Mary’s gaze.  “We’ve decided we want to marry while all our friends and family are already gathered together in one place.  We’d like your blessing.”

Mary motioned them closer and cleared her throat.

“Are you certain?  This seems a little rushed to me.”

“Not really, Mama.  We are already mated and have been for longer than I realized,” Arianna confessed.  “This is just a public acknowledgement of our bond and a chance to celebrate with our friends and families while we’re already in one place together.  We’re just taking advantage of the circumstances we’ve been offered.  Like Nat pointed out to us at lunch – if we don’t do it now, it will be a very long time before we get the chance to do it again, and who knows who might be missing in five years?”

“And what of the Committee rules about married candidates?”

“We’re no longer candidates, Ms Wellesly.  And we’re already mated whether the Committee approves or not.  If they want to disqualify us, then so be it.  But I don’t see a reason for them to know any of this until after we’re gone either.”

Mary snorted.  “I don’t see a reason for them to know at all.”  She looked between them.  “All right – you have my blessing... contingent on a family discussion.  Arianna, go round up your siblings.  I’d like a few minutes alone with Eli.”

Eli and Arianna traded glances, then Arianna slipped out the door; Eli turned her attention back to Mary.


Chapter LVI

Eli blinked her eyes open, trying to make them focus enough in the darkened room to read the clock that sat on the bedside table.  She frowned when she noted the very early hour – it had been quite late before they’d made it to bed the previous evening.  Eli closed her eyes and relaxed, wondering what had brought her out of her sound sleep.  Then she felt Arianna’s fingertips trailing up and down her torso, causing tingles to follow in their wake.  Eli purred and pushed back into the body curved around her own; she felt Arianna’s intake of breath and chuckled.

“Feeling a little anxious, Angel?” the smile on her face clear in her tone.

“More than a little, Amado,” Arianna pouted.  “I thought a proposal of marriage meant we’d get a chance to celebrate.  I didn’t realize it meant we had to spend hours and hours being interrogated by all and sundry.”

“All and sundry?” Eli asked with a grin as she turned in Arianna’s embrace, lying flat and pulling Arianna further onto her body.  “You sound very much like Ms Wellesly.”

“Practice,” Arianna replied as she leaned down, capturing Eli’s lips for a timeless moment before pulling back and tucking her head beneath her chin.  “They have some interesting colloquialisms on this planet, and I was exposed to a number of them while the rest of you were visiting your homes and families.”

Eli let one hand stroke Arianna’s skin; her other clasped Arianna’s hand over her heart.  “What was that like?”

Arianna propped herself up slightly so she could meet Eli’s green eyes.  “Which part?  Staying here or not going home?”

“There’s a difference?”

“Of course,” Arianna responded seriously.  “Not going home didn’t have to translate into staying here – that was my choice.  I could have gone ahead to the... well, it ended up being the facility inside the mountain.  But I didn’t want to do that; I wanted to stay here and get to know Mama and Joy.”

“So what was it like?  Not like yesterday, I hope,” talking about her getting-to-know-you experience.  Though none of the family had been harsh, they had been extremely inquisitive and thorough in their curiosity.  Eli had been more drained by speaking to the members of the Wellesly family for a few hours than she’d felt in months of interview sessions with the Committee.  “I don’t know where Ms Wellesly and her family learned their interrogation techniques, but they could have given pointers to the Committee.  We’d have been done with interviews a lot sooner, and they’d have known more about us.  That was exhausting.”

“But worth it?” Arianna asked with slight hesitation.

“Oh absolutely,” Eli agreed with a smile.  “I’d do it all again if it meant we were together like this at the end of the day.  At least it’s done now though.”

“Um hmm,” Arianna replied softly.  “Although I don’t think the Wellesly’s were nearly as exhausting as the Alpha team was.”

Eli snorted.  “About the same for me,” she stated.  “They were all nosy – just focused on different things.”

“Do you think they’ll keep our secret?” Arianna asked, referring to the remainder of the Alpha team.

Eli shrugged, and Arianna resumed her place tucked under Eli’s chin.  “I don’t know, Angel.  I’d like to think so, but....”

“But I didn’t expect the level of criticism about our flaunting the rules.  That was unexpected.”

“Was it really, Angel?” her words causing Arianna to lean back so they could look into one another’s eyes.  Arianna frowned and pursed her lips and Eden continued talking.  “As far as they are concerned, we are putting ourselves and our desires above the good of the team.  Because if we are removed from the Alpha team, where does that leave them exactly?”

“But it has nothing to do with them... not really.  We’ll be together whether we take vows now or later.  It doesn’t change our status except publicly.”

“I know, Angel.  And I think maybe that started to finally sink in last night.”  Eli shrugged and settled a little deeper into the pillows pulling Arianna further into her.  “I think a lot of the reaction came from them being scared.  I mean we’ve been a team almost from the beginning if you think about it.  They were the ones we worked with the most; that we hung out with during our limited social time; that had the same goals and ideals going into this project.  I think they’re a little worried that our marriage will change things for them in some way.  And if we were removed from the team, they’d be right in harboring that fear.  But I don’t think that’s going to happen.”

“What makes you say that, Amado?” letting her hand resume its motion against Eli’s torso.  Arianna smiled when Eli shivered and shifted closer to her touch.

“Given everything Ms Well... Mama has done for us so far, do you really suppose she’d allow the Committee to dictate something that important without a fight?”

“Except it’s not really her purview – it’s theirs.  They are the ones responsible for choosing us.”

“Exactly.  They’re not going to want to be seen as unable to make a decision and stick to it.”

“I hope so,” Arianna sighed.  “I’ll admit I was a little surprised the way the sides fell last night though.”

“Which part? The ones who sided with us or the ones who sided against?”

Arianna snorted.  “Both actually.  Well, except for Eden.  I’m not at all surprised she sided with us.  She’s always had your back, and I know she looked out for me, however grudgingly, when you and I were....”

“... at odds with one another?” Eli offered with a gentle smile.

Arianna chuckled.  “Yes... exactly.”  She shook her head.  “But for Isaac to stand for us while Danny and Jake went against us.  That was completely unforeseen in my book.  I thought Danny was my friend.”

“He is.  And I’d be willing to guess that his objection is on your behalf as much as it is about mocking the rules and the Committee.  Because no matter how we explain it or how many times we go over it, none of them are going to fully grasp what we are to one another as mates unless they are mated in the same way we are.  And all he sees is that we have been apart much longer than we’ve been together.”

“And did he conveniently forget how miserable I was without you?”

Eli chuckled.  “I believe at least some of your misery in that regard is being blamed on Malcolm.  Because let’s face it – he made everyone miserable.”

This time Arianna released a genuine laugh.  “That’s true.  He was very consistent in that regard.”  She bit her lip thoughtfully.  “Has anyone heard what happened to him?”

“In relation to the virus, you mean?” Eli asked for clarification.  Arianna nodded.  “Not to my knowledge,” she replied.  “I know Ms Wellesly said they were going to vaccinate him and send him back to your planet, but other than that...?”  She shrugged and turned her head slightly.  “Why?  Have you heard something?”

“Not a word,” Arianna assured her.  “That’s what made me wonder.”

“Well I’m sure if something bad had happened – like he had spread the virus or such, we’d have heard about it.  After all, steps would have to be taken to contain the threat and eliminate the virus again, wouldn’t it?”

“That would start quite a panic.  I still want to know why.”

“Why what, Angel?” Eli asked with a frown.

“Why did someone infect him?  It couldn’t be to destroy the monarchy because we were never intimate.”

“Would you have been?”

Arianna shuddered.  “No.  Not until I had to be.  Aside from the betrothal rules forbidding it, I found him… somewhat repulsive and lacking in appeal.”

“But you would have been eventually if he hadn’t been discovered to have had the virus.”

“After our marriage, yes,” cringing.  “I wouldn’t have had much choice.  But that’s a huge risk to take if your goal is to destroy the monarchy on my planet.  Because he would have undergone a routine physical before our marriage and would have been discovered then. He was just lucky he found someone sympathetic to him while he was part of the selection process for the mission to have hidden it as long as he did.”  Eli was silent for so long, Arianna felt compelled to prod her just a little bit.  “Amado, what are you thinking?”

Eli sighed.  “Nothing good, Beloved.”  She smiled when Arianna reached up her fingertips to smooth out the furrows on her forehead.

“Share?”

Eli sighed again and bit her lip.  Arianna waited patiently, knowing the expression meant Eli was organizing her thoughts.  “If you weren’t the direct target, then who wanted to annihilate your people?  Given your culture, the odds are that it was meant to devastate the population of your world.  Or because he was a candidate in contact with other races from other planets, was it meant to eliminate all of us in time?”

“I don’t like where this is going.”

“Neither do I, Angel.  But it’s something we need to consider.”

Arianna stuck out her tongue.  “How did we get on this morbid subject anyway?”

“Discussing our friends’ reactions to our announcement of our impending nuptials.”

“That certainly was an alarming little tangent then and kind of far afield of our original discussion.  I’m a little put out with Jake, by the way.  He’s the biggest rule breaker of all of us, and he wants to be upset about the fact that we’re bucking the system a little??”

Eli laughed at Arianna’s phrasing as well as her outrage.  “Maybe he thinks it’s his role to fulfill and thinks we’re moving in on his territory.”  She shrugged.  ”I imagine Eden had more than a word or two with him last night, and I won’t be a bit surprised to discover he is rather sheepish and on our side this morning.  But I think we should probably go face the music as far as our comrades are concerned.  I’m hoping after having slept on it, some of those who were so vehemently against it last night will be a little more open-minded about it this morning.”

“As long as those who supported us haven’t had a change of heart as well,” Arianna muttered as Eli shifted to move out from under her.  “Hey... wait!!  Where are you going?”

“To get ready to go downstairs?” Eli asked in confusion.  “Angel, we don’t have much time before family members start arriving, and I’d like to have things settled with our present family before that complication arrives.”

“But I thought....  We didn’t get to finish what we started yesterday,” she pouted.  Eli smiled.

“Still a bit frisky, are we?”

Arianna narrowed her eyes.  “I don’t know about you, but you did kind of leave me hanging.  I certainly didn’t realize that we were going to be surrounded by people until we were exhausted last night.”

Eli smiled.  When they had finally been released from Mama and the family, they had immediately been swept up in preparations for the holiday meal.  And as soon as that and dinner were done, they’d been caught by their demanding teammates which had resulted in discussion and debate once they were informed of the wedding plans.  By the time Eli and Arianna had finally made it to the room they had decided to share, they were just awake enough to brush their teeth and strip.  When they fell into bed, they were immediately asleep.

Eli stood and held out her hand.  “Join me in the shower then, and we’ll see if we can take the edge off for you.  We don’t have time for much else though.  We really do need to get things settled amongst ourselves now so it’s not an issue later.”

“But we’ll have later?”

“We’ll have later,” Eli promised.  “MaTb will understand.”  Arianna accepted her hand and they made their way to the bathroom together.

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

“I don’t get you,” Titus said to Isaac as he loaded food onto his plate.  He’d gotten up early and along with Naomi and Luke had helped Joy prepare breakfast.  The rest aside from Eli and Arianna had appeared randomly as they worked and now they were all sitting down around the living room.   “I thought you of all people would’ve been angry about Eli and Arianna.”

Isaac shrugged and shoveled a mouthful of eggs into his mouth as he pondered how to respond.  “I’m not too thrilled about them risking their place on the team to get married,” he confessed.  “But they kind of fit.  I can see them wanting to share that with their families.”

“Then why did you go after Arianna?” Paul asked as he sipped at his juice.  “You were determined....”

“That was before I understood.”

“Understood what, Ike?” Danny asked after he wiped his mouth.

Isaac sighed.  He really was on Eli’s and Arianna’s side.  He just wasn’t thrilled with having to explain his reasons to anyone.  He chewed thoughtfully on a piece of toast.  “I never really got Eli and Arianna.  First they were friends; then they weren’t.  Arianna was engaged to the asshat and then she wasn’t.  And she had always been nice to me, and I thought that meant....”  He shook his head.  “Eli claimed her, but that meant nothing to me because they weren’t together.  Then Arianna and I had a talk and she told me point blank we would never be anything but friends.”

“And you believed her?”

Isaac nodded his head.  “Yeah, I did.  I saw the look in her eyes when she was talking about Eli and then I saw them together when we got back to the mountain.”  He sighed.  “You have to understand – Arianna was the first girl to ever be nice to me.  On my world, that indicates interest.  Otherwise people tend to stay buried in their work.”

“So you are okay with them getting married even though it’s explicitly against the Committee rules?”

Isaac shrugged and met Jacob’s eyes.  “Yeah.  I think the Committee was wrong about a lot of things.  I don’t think the marriage rule was put in place for people like Eli and Arianna.”

“Why not?”

“Because they belong to one another.  And short of a disaster happening in the next few days, they’re both gonna be on the Alpha team together for the next five years.”

“So who do you think it was put in place for then?” Abigail asked.

“People like Arianna and the asshat.  Let’s face it – he would never have been chosen for the Alpha team without someone paying off the entire Committee to choose him.  He was a worthless scientist and crappy humanoid.  Any of us would have been glad to have shoved him out of an airlock.”  He smiled in embarrassment when chuckles went around the room at his frank appraisal.  “So if he and Arianna had gotten married, they would have been separated for five years while she was gone.  I’m not good at relationships, but it seems like that would probably kill one.”

“So you think any of us should be able to get married?” Jacob asked.

Isaac shrugged.  “If you’re ready to make that commitment to one another, why not?”  He sighed and set his fork down.  “The Committee isn’t gonna have a say in how we interact with one another once we leave here.  And gods know we’ll probably form all kinds of interesting bonds with each other over the next five years.  Eli and Arianna already have a connection that will never be shared by the rest of us.  Whether we object to their marriage or not, that bond is always gonna be there between them.  Why not let them celebrate it with their friends and families – us – before we leave?”

Esther let out a squeal and moved to wrap her arms around Isaac’s neck.  He blushed in embarrassment but smiled broadly at her reaction.  “That was awesome, Ike!  I don’t think I’ve ever heard you speak so eloquently before.”

Eden nodded.  “You did good, Ike.  Eli and Arianna would have been proud.”

“They’re right, you know,” Eli commented from the door.  She and Arianna were wrapped casually around one another, grinning from ear to ear.  “That was amazing.  Thank you for speaking up for us.”

Isaac shrugged.  “Seemed like the right thing to do.  ‘Sides,” he added as he picked up his fork to begin eating again.  “I meant it.”

“Well we appreciate it.  Thank you.”

“For what it’s worth,” Deborah said, “I think he’s right.”  She’d been neutral the night before, remaining quiet while most of the rest argued quite vehemently about things.  A handful of mutterings agreed with her.

Danny rose and went to stand beside Arianna.  “Are you sure Az?”

“As sure as I am about breathing, Danny.  This isn’t about defying the Committee or flaunting the rules.  She genuinely makes me happy.”

“All right then – that’s good enough for me.”

Jacob stood and walked to the doorway to look them in the eye.  “I was wrong,” he stated plainly.  “If you want to get married, then we’ll back you all the way.  Is there anything we can do to help get things ready?”

“We just need a place to stand,” Eli replied.  “And if the weather is nice, I thought we could do so outside beneath the old oak.”

“I think that sounds fantastic,” Eden said, looking around and seeing heads nod in agreement.  “Leave it to us.  We’ll take care of everything.”

Then the door opened and the first family members were arriving to begin their holiday celebration.


Chapter LVII

“Are you certain, Zachariah?”

“As much as we can be without actually being there, Chief.”

Mary stared at the man on her monitor for a long moment before she heaved a great sigh and pinched the bridge of her nose.  “All right, Zach,” startling him with her use of a derivative of his name.  “You’ve done all the good you can do there.  Are you coming for holiday dinner?”

“Chief, when was the last time any of us turned down one of Joy’s home cooked meals?”

She smirked at him.  “Point taken.  I’ll see you shortly.”

“Will do, Chief.  See you soon.”

Mary watched the connection go dark, then pressed her fingertips to her eyes.  A knock on her door caused her to sigh and call out.  “Yes?”

“Ms Wellesly?  May I come in?”  A touch on her desk unlocked the door and Eli stuck her head inside before entering and shutting the door firmly behind her.  One look told her what she needed to know, and she crossed the room without hesitation and knelt at Mary’s side.  “Ms Wellesly?  Caleb said you needed to see me.  Is everything all right?”

Mary looked at Eli and offered her a tired smile.  “Yes, Eli... thank you.  I do need to speak to you.  Please,” motioning her to a seat.  “I looked over the chip you gave me yesterday.  If it wasn’t for the fact that he’s critical to your team, I’d steal Jacob away from you.  He managed to fill in the blanks in Gideon’s research.  I finally have a complete picture.”

“That’s a good thing, right?”

“For us – yes; for you and the rest of the Alpha team, not so much.  For the Committee… not in the least.  But it’s given me what I need to finish this once and for all.”

Eli frowned and cocked her head.  “How is that not good for the team?”

Mary sighed and rubbed her fingers across her forehead.  “Because it means we need to move up the timetable again.  It means cutting short the last bit of time with your families.”

Green eyes widened.  “You want us to leave immediately,” she said in realization.

“Not exactly.  I want you all to be able to share the holiday and have as much time together as we can afford to give you.  But we probably need to move before morning.  If we can get you out of here before they realize that you’re gone, you’ll have a better chance of not being sabotaged.  But you know what that means, don’t you?”

“You’ll have to answer to the Council for our untimely disappearance?”

Mary chuckled wryly.  “Among other things.  I’m already scheduled to meet with the Council tomorrow.  I’m sure I’ll have to answer for a good many things.  But that’s not what I was referring to.”  Eli tilted her head and waited.  “Eli, you won’t be able to go to the asteroid.  Every one of them knows where you’re headed, and there is every likelihood that they will have someone waiting for you there since the mercenaries failed in their mission to destroy you here.”

“That could be a problem.”

“You are a master of understatement, Daughter,” smiling when green eyes widened in surprise then crinkled in delight.  “Zachariah has been doing some research into other possibilities.  And Joseph is still working on a communications array that will allow us to stay in contact with you without alerting the others to your location.  But you need to let the team know to be prepared to leave at a moment’s notice as well as the possibility that you may be completely on your own without communication for a while.  I’ll do my best to make sure everyone has the chance to say goodbye, but....”

“No guarantees – I understand.  I’ll make sure the team is aware.”  Eli cleared her throat.  “My MaTb should be here soon.  I was hoping you would be downstairs with me to greet her.”

“I’d be honored, Eli... truly.”

“Thank you, Ms... Mary.”  Eli sighed.  “Sorry.  I am trying.”

Mary smiled.  “Despite what the other kids told you, I’m not going to kick you out of the family if you’re not comfortable calling me Mama, Eli.  That’s not how this family works.”

Eli laughed.  “I’m sure.  But it’s important to them so it’s important to me.  I’ll keep working at it; I’m sure Angel won’t mind helping me learn.”

“Probably not.  Are you still planning to marry before you leave?”

“I’m pretty certain MaTb will insist as soon as she’s introduced to Arianna.”

“You think she’ll know...?”

“No – I know she will.  I’ve imprinted on her.”

“Then perhaps we should make our way downstairs to meet her as soon as she arrives.  I know Arianna needs to be introduced to her and Eve should certainly have the opportunity to speak to Arianna privately.  But I’m not sure anyone wants that to be their introduction to each other... especially since much has changed about you in the weeks since your mother last saw you.”  Mary rose slowly and Eli moved swiftly to stand at her side.

“Are you certain you’re all right, Ms... Mary?  You’re moving much slower than I’d hoped you would be after regenerating yesterday.”

“I’m fine, Eli,” she replied as she limped slowly towards the door.  “I think I may take a little time off after this mission is over to rest and recover a little bit.”  She gave Eli a wry smirk.  “There is every likelihood that I may be forced to take time off.”

Eli frowned.  “You think the Council will punish your actions?”

“I think someone is going to have to be held accountable, and I’m the biggest target.”  She placed a hand on Eli’s shoulder when Eli would have protested.  “I knew the risk, Eli.  I knew there would be consequences when I chose this course of action.  Just remember that I expect great things from you kids.  Grandchildren would be a bonus though.”  Eli’s eyes widened and her jaw dropped.  Mary laughed as she opened the door to her office.

“Um....”

“No pressure,” Mary offered with a smile.  “Just something to think about.”  She tilted her head and studied Eli’s confused expression.  “Surely the thought of having children is not a foreign concept.”

Eli chewed her lip.  “Not exactly foreign, but....”  She sighed.  “It’s like life is suddenly moving at light speed.  I had resigned myself to being alone for the rest of my life and now....”

“Everything is within the realm of possibilities again?”

“Something like that.  Sometimes I wonder if I’m going to wake up and find that Arianna and the asshat are betrothed to one another again and we’re still in the middle of Committee interviews.”

“Despite everything that’s happened?”

Eli nodded.  “Yes.  Because I can still feel what it was like to be without her and until I can get past that....”  She met Mary’s hand.  “Does that make me insecure?”

Mary smiled compassionately and clasped Eli’s forearm.  “As you reminded me once, Eli – it makes you humanoid.  Fortunately you have time and Arianna to help you accept it as truth.”

Before Eli could formulate a response, Mordecai came running up the stairs.  “Oh thank... Eli, Eden sent me.  You need to get downstairs quick.  Your μητέρα is here, and she’s with Arianna.”

Eli’s eyes widened and she turned to Mary, then looked back at Mordecai.  “Thank you, Kai.  Will you stay with Ms Wellesly please and make sure she gets downstairs without issue?  Don’t give me that look, Ms Wellesly.  As your physician, you’re lucky I’m not ordering him to carry you.  I just want him to walk beside you in case there’s a problem all right?”

“All right, Doc.  Go ahead and rescue your mate from your mama.  Mordecai and I will be downstairs directly and you can introduce me to Eve.”

“Thank you, Mama.  See you shortly.”  Then Eli raced down the stairs.  Mary turned to look at Mordecai who simply extended his arm and waited for her to latch on.  She clutched his elbow and he covered her hand with his.

“Shall we?” he offered with a smile.

“We shall... slowly if you don’t mind.”

“You set the pace, Chief.  I’m just here to help.”

Mary smiled.  “Your mama must be very proud of you, Mordecai.”

“You can ask her,” he said as they started down the stairs at a sedate pace.  “She’s already here.  She’s the one who saw Eden gesturing wildly at me when Eli’s μητέρα zoned right in on Arianna the moment she arrived.  I don’t know how Eli’s μητέρα knew who Arianna was, but Eden stayed to keep an eye on Arianna until I could fetch Eli.”

“Well let’s go see what’s going on.  It should make for a memorable holiday anyway.”

Mordecai laughed and they continued their slow trek.

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

When Eli had gone upstairs at Sarah’s instruction, Arianna had moved into a corner of the living room in an effort to stay out of the traffic of incoming family members.  She would have just gone into the kitchen to hang out with Joy and help with dinner preparation except that Eden had caught her on the way out the door and asked her to wait so she could introduce Arianna to her mother.  So Arianna moved out of the way to wait patiently for her introduction.

She didn’t mind really.  It was fascinating to watch the interaction of her teammates and their chosen visitors knowing this was the last time they would have together for years.  Arianna found it quite telling and very revealing.  She was so preoccupied she didn’t realize she’d become the focus of a suddenly still and silent room until she was looking into eyes that were both familiar and strange.  She blinked and cleared her throat.

“Excuse me?”

“Who are you to my дочь?”

Arianna’s eyes widened.  Out of the corner of her eye she could see Eden gesturing and Mordecai slipping from the room, but her focus never left the woman in front of her.  To Arianna’s diminutive stature, Eve was massive - taller than Eli by several inches and broader across the shoulders as well.  But Arianna recognized the similarities as well.  Eve’s skin color was almost the same spring green – a little deeper perhaps but still familiar; her green eyes held gold flecks that were sparkling with mirth; but it was her smile that showed Arianna what Eli would look like in twenty-five years.

“Elizabeth is my Amado; I am her mate.”

“Her mate?” Eve returned with a skeptical expression.  “Do you know what it means to be her mate?  Do you understand the responsibility and commitment required to be the mate of one such as my дочь?”  Green eyes stared into brown and studied them intently.  Arianna refused to flinch and held the gaze without hesitation.

“I do, MaTb,” Arianna replied firmly, almost smiling when Eve’s eyebrows flew into her hairline in surprise at her address.  “She is mine and I am hers and not even death will separate us.  What we have and who we are to one another is forever.”

“And when is your ceremony?  I expect there will be a marriage between you in front of your families to publically declare your relationship to one another before you leave this planet?”

Arianna opened her mouth to reply when Eli skidded into the room.  She didn’t even take notice of her mother; instead she moved directly to Arianna’s side and wrapped her arms around the tiny waist.  “Angel?” she said softly.  “Is everything all right?”

Arianna stood on tiptoes and brushed a kiss over Eli’s mouth, smiling when Eli chased her lips as she pulled back slightly.  “Everything is fine, Amado.  We were just establishing some truths between us.  But perhaps you should introduce me to your MaTb.  I’m certain she would actually like to greet you as well.”

“Listen to your mate, дочь.  She seems to have a good grasp on things.”

Eli held Arianna’s eyes another brief moment, then took a deep breath and turned to face Eve.  She realized they were still the center of attention and sighed.  Certainly not the way she’d envisioned introducing her mother to her mate, but there was nothing to be done for it now.

“MaTb, OTeU - this is my mate Arianna.  Angel, this is my MaTb Eve and my OTeU Noah.”  Noah grinned and opened his arms wide.  Arianna spared a glance at Eli who gave her a nod, then stepped into Noah’s embrace.  He felt her shudder against him and looked down at her in concern before he turned his stare to Eli.

“What did I...?  Did I hurt...?”  Noah stopped speaking when he felt Arianna shake her head against his chest.  She squeezed and he held on gently, letting her dictate the pace of the hug.  In a moment he felt her exhale and ease back to meet his eyes.

“Thank you,” she said softly.

Noah frowned.  “You’re welcome?”  He turned to Eli.  “What did I...?”

“You loved her, OTeU.  You welcomed her without thought or hesitation.”

“It means so much?”

“It means everything,” Arianna responded.  She turned to look at Eve.  “As does your recognition of our bond.  Eli told me you would know.”

Eve smiled.  “I would indeed.  It is impossible to miss her imprint on you.  And that was without seeing the change you have wrought in her.”  She laughed when Arianna’s eyes widened and her eyebrows flew into her hairline.  She turned to Eli.  “I think we have much to discuss.”

Eli nodded.  “We do.  But I need to speak to my team and I would like to introduce you to Ms Wellesly.  You’ll like her, MaTb.  She is much like you, and she and her family have adopted Arianna into their family.”

Eve nodded.  “I’ll look forward to it.”  She turned to Ian.  “Is there something we can do to help with holiday preparations?”

“Sure.  C’mon.  I’ll let Mama know where to find you when she gets downstairs.” 

Eve nodded and looked around the room at the other family members.  “Come,” she invited the rest of the family members whose attention was still focused her way.  “Let’s leave these youngsters to their business and see if we can help our hostess with preparations.  I’m sure they’ll come to help as soon as they’re done.”

Deborah’s mother smiled and headed towards the doorway.  “You’re a leader among your people, aren’t you?”

“You can tell?” Eve asked with a smirk, moving to meet her at the door.

“I’m old... not stupid.  I recognize someone who gives orders and expects them to be followed without question.”  Whatever else was said was lost as all of the non-team members followed them out of the room, leaving only the Alpha team minus Mordecai in the living room.  Paul closed the door to sequester them from the remainder of the house.

“So what’s up, Boss?” he asked as all eyes went to Eli.  She sighed and shared what Mary had revealed to her.

“I don’t know when but expect to be gone by morning.  Not just from Joy’s but likely from the planet.”

“So we’re sneaking out?”

“Pretty much.  And we’ll be going out blind.”

“This has all the earmarks of a disaster,” Titus commented.

Eden shrugged.  “Depends on your point of view.  It makes it a lot more real because everything will depend on us and our performance.  We can’t expect help or rescue; it’s up to us alone.”

“And that doesn’t bother you?”

“Surprisingly no.  I think it will make us better knowing we have no backup.”

“And Ms Wellesly and her team are working on a way to enable communication,” Eli reminded them.  “It won’t be immediate, but it will happen.”  She saw slow nods of agreement from everyone as they glanced around at each other.  “All right.  Just be ready to go at a moment’s notice, and expect it to be soon.  We’ve come too far to let the Committee or anyone else keep us from success.”

“We’ll be ready, Eli.”

“Hey Eli?” Abigail spoke up as the rest rose to go find their families.  Everyone turned and waited for her to speak.  Eli cocked her head in question.  “Does this mean the wedding’s off?”

“Not if MaTb has anything to say about it,” Eli said wryly.  She winced when Arianna elbowed her in the ribs and glared.  Eli cleared her throat and rubbed the back of her neck.  “I’m certain we will take a few minutes to do so; it’s something we want to share and MaTb will insist on being witness to our vows before the day is over.  But we don’t expect any of you to give up time with your families.”

“And if we want to?”

Arianna smiled.  “You will all be welcome.  But we should probably go rescue Joy from all the help in the kitchen before we end up with nothing for dinner.”  The Alpha team exchanged glances and rushed for the door.


Chapter LVIII

The introduction between Mary and Eve was completely anti-climactic.  Eli had prepared them well, and they went in expecting to meet a friend and ally.  With only a few words they were satisfied she’d been correct about them and decided to table their questions until after the kids were on their way – there would be plenty of time for discussion then.

The Alpha team had shared Eli’s news with their families and they had spent the morning alternately helping with the preparations, talking quietly and sharing outrageous stories helping to lay the foundation for their family members to become the friends and support system they would ultimately need once their children were gone.

Eve noticed Arianna didn’t seem to have any family that wasn’t related to Mary, and she finally cornered Eli to find out the truth while Arianna chatted with Noah, Jacob, Eden and their families.  “дочь, why is your mate alone?  Has she no family to bid farewell?”

“It’s complicated, MaTb.  The short version is that she did not desire their presence here for fear of causing an uproar.  Her parents have caused her much grief and would make her departure an unpleasant one.”

“This is why Mary Wellesly took Arianna into her family,” Eve stated with certainty though she watched Eli’s expression for confirmation.

“Yes, MaTb.  I believe she would have done the same for any of us had the situation warranted it.  But only Arianna needed such extreme measures.”

Eve reached out and tucked a lock of blonde hair behind Eli’s ear.  “You really care for Arianna; she is the reason you came home looking so peaked.  Were you mates then?”  Eli nodded but held her mother’s eyes, knowing to do less would put Eve on the offensive.  Still Eve narrowed her eyes as she examined Eli’s face.  “Did she hurt you, дочь?”

Eli sighed.  She should have known here mother would see the truth.  “We hurt one another, MaTb.  But we have worked through it and become better for it.”

Eve stiffened her jaw.  “I believe I would speak to your mate, Elizabeth.”

“MaTb....”

“It is my right and privilege to do so, дочь.  Had this happened on our world, I would have known and approved of Arianna long before you consummated your relationship with her.  What’s done is done – but that does not absolve my right or responsibility to give my approval of your union.”

Eli nodded again but allowed her gaze to become firm.  “I want you to understand something, MaTb,” waiting for Eve to acknowledge her words.  “What happened to us was our fault... both of us.  Don’t you try to lay the blame solely on Arianna’s shoulders.  There’s a lot about the whole situation that you simply do not understand, and she doesn’t need you to place a burden of guilt on her.”

Eve studied Eli carefully, noting the fierce expression in her eyes and her aggressive body language.  She smiled slightly.  “Very well, Elizabeth.  I promise to treat her as your mate and not as an apprenticeship candidate.  Will that satisfy you?”

“It will, MaTb.  Thank you.”  Eli headed towards Arianna when her mother’s words made her stop in her tracks.

“Your OTeU has already given his blessing, дочь.”

Eli turned back to Eve and gave her a wry smile.  “Yes, but we both know it is your blessing that counts, MaTb.”

Eve grinned and nodded, then cupped Eli’s face in her hand.  “She makes you happy?”

Eli broke into a genuine smile and covered Eve’s hand with her own as she nodded.  “She loves me, MaTb.”

Eve brushed a kiss over Eli’s forehead.  “Bring your mate to me, дочь.  It is time to make her part of the family.”

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

Arianna had taken a deep breath when she saw Eli turn to approach her, confident that her reprieve from interrogation was nearly over.  Eden covered her hand and she looked up to find compassionate black eyes smiling at her.  “Eden?” tilting her head in question.

Eden let her lips curve into a smile as well.  “Don’t worry about it, Az.  You’ve got this, and we’ve got your back, all right?  Besides, this is mostly a formality.  Eve’s not going to forbid your marriage – you and Eli are already joined.”

“She’s right, you know,” Noah added unexpectedly.  “Eve would never forbid your union even if you weren’t already mated to one another.”

“Perhaps,” Arianna ceded.  “But she can withhold her blessing, and that would hurt Eli.  She deserves better than that.”

Noah smiled.  “Trust Eve to recognize that fact.  Eli is of her heart.”  Then Eli was there taking Arianna’s hands in her own.

“MaTb would like to talk to you, Angel.”

Arianna nodded shakily.  “Yes, I expected as much.  Will you stay with me?”

Eli squeezed the hands she held.  “For as long as you need me, Angel.  But I think MaTb would like a few minutes alone with you much as Ms Wellesly did with me.”

“What did you talk about?” Arianna babbled nervously.  “You never shared that with me.”

“You never asked,” Eli replied with a smile.  “But she outlined my rights and responsibilities both as a member of her family and as your mate.  And she asked my intentions towards you.”

Arianna frowned.  “But she already knew that.  We had just asked her blessing on our marriage.”

“My intentions towards you as your mate, Beloved.”

“Isn’t that the same thing?”

Eli chuckled.  “Not at all, but we can discuss it later.  MaTb is waiting.”

Arianna risked a glimpse in Eve’s direction, then took a deep breath and nodded her head.  “I’m ready.”

“Relax, Angel.  She will like you for my sake, then love you for your own.”  Brown eyes stared into hazel, then Arianna smiled and tugged gently on Eli’s hands.

“Take me to your MaTb, Amado.”

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

Eve scrutinized Arianna’s expression and body language when Eli went to fetch her.  It was clear Arianna was uncomfortable with Eve’s desire to speak to her, but Eve could also see her daughter and their friends rally around her.  After another moment, Eli and Arianna turned and made their way back across the room hand in hand until they were standing in front of Eve.  She took a minute to study them together, then she looked directly into Arianna’s eyes and smiled gently.

“If I promise not to bite, will you sit and speak with me privately, Arianna?” Eve asked.  “We don’t have to leave the room so to ease my дочь’s mind.  She has always been a worrier about things that matter to her, you know, but I suspect with you it is probably acute.  And I would not put any of us in that situation if it can be avoided.”  She extended her hand.  “I just want to talk, Arianna.  You’ve become the most important person in Elizabeth’s life, and I know nothing of you.”

Arianna tilted her head thoughtfully.  “And that is important?  That you know me and not that you simply accept what Eli and I are to each other?”

“Arianna, nothing I do or say can change what you and Elizabeth are to each other.  It is encoded in her now, and I can see her imprint on you.  But I have not had the opportunity to know you, and I would like to.  I think it’s important that family does, and this is going to be our only chance for a while.”  Eve offered her hand again and waited.

Arianna stared at her a moment longer, then turned and met Eli’s green eyes, leaning forward to brush their lips together.  “I’ll go with your MaTb.  Your OTeu is right – you are of her heart.  She wants what is best for you.”

“Are you certain, Angel?” holding her hand a little tighter and staring into Arianna’s eyes to find the truth for herself.

“I am, Amado.  Your MaTb deserves the chance to speak to me... no matter how it unnerves me.  Besides I know you will be nearby, and Eden promised to have my back.”

“Oh she did?” smiling when she saw Arianna nod.  “Remind me to thank her later.”  Eli turned her attention to Eve.  “Be kind, MaTb, and be gentle.”

“As if she was my own, дочь.  Now leave us so I can share with your mate all the embarrassing stories of your childhood... like you shooting your OTeU in the buttocks.”

Arianna’s eyebrows shot into her hairline; Eli flushed bright red and covered her eyes with her hand.  Arianna turned back to Eve and took the waiting hand.  “I believe we have much to discuss, MaTb.  Don’t leave out any of the good stuff either,” she added with an impish grin.  Eli just groaned and watched them walk away by peeking through her fingers.  Then she headed back to where her father and her friends waited.

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

“Here,” Noah offered with a grin as he handed Eli a hot toddy.  “You look like you need it.”  Eli accepted it without moving her eyes from the spot where Arianna and Eve sat across the room quietly chatting and laughing together. Then Eden punched Eli in the arm and almost made her spill the drink down the front of her.  Immediately Eli’s attention refocused itself on setting the glass carefully down before turning to glare at Eden.

“Eden?  What the...?”  She took a deep breath.  “Is there a reason you tried to give me first degree burns?”

Noah snorted and Jacob coughed to cover his laughter.  Eden just smirked and shrugged.  “It got your attention off your makuahine and Az.  Eli, they’re going to be all right.  They want to like each other – for your sake if for no other reason.”

“I know,” Eli replied with a sigh.  “It’s just....”

“Trust your MaTb, Little One,” Noah instructed in his soft, deep voice.  “She has a far better understanding of the situation than you realize.”  Eli cocked her head in a questioning manner, but Noah simply took a long draught of his beer and returned her regard.  It wasn’t his place to share.

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

“Arianna?” Eve questioned as they reached a lull in the conversation.  Arianna met Eve’s gaze and waited.  She was feeling much more comfortable, but that was likely to change soon.  Eve had yet to ask her any hard questions, and Arianna knew she deserved some answers.  “May I ask why you did not wish your parents’ presence here?” feeling the flinch run through Arianna’s slight body.  “I swear I will hold whatever you share with me in the confines of my heart, but I would like to understand.  Family is so important to us.  I can’t imagine missing this time with Elizabeth however brief.”

Arianna sighed.  “Your culture and mine are so diverse, MaTb.  We couldn’t be more different if we made the effort to be so.  We are vegetarians; you are meat eaters.  We have no military; you are warriors by nature.  We are....”  She paused thoughtfully before forging on.  “We are sexually uninhibited while you seek a single individual to mate with for life.  We simply hope to find someone compatible that we like and might come to eventually love.”  Arianna closed her eyes and released a deep breath, then continued.  “I don’t know what other families are like; I only had mine growing up, and I was a responsibility.  My parents were required to produce an heir to maintain the royal line.  I do believe they cared for me, but I was an obligation first.  It was always that way.”

“So you didn’t want them here because they are cold and unfeeling towards you?”

Arianna shook her head.  “No.  I could manage that; I’ve put up with it most of my life.  What I refused to tolerate was his contempt of my mate and his efforts to destroy us.  That coupled with Mama’s humiliation of him... well I’m sure you can see why I didn’t want him here causing disruption for everyone else.”

“And what of your MaTb?”

Arianna shook her head.  “She would have been unpleasant for Papa’s sake.  Still not worth it.”

Eve considered Arianna for a long moment then she opened her arms.  “I know you have Ms Wellesly now as well as her children and their mates.  Would you be willing to be our family as well?”

Arianna didn’t hesitate.  She fell into Eve’s embrace and held on tightly.  She wasn’t a bit surprised to feel Eli behind her or Noah surrounding them all.  The little girl who had grown up with few friends and very little real family interaction suddenly found her arms filled to overflowing.  Arianna couldn’t stop the happy tears that flowed down her cheeks.  She felt Eve cup her face as they pulled away from one another.

“Tears, Little One?” Eve asked in concern.

“Tears of joy, MaTb.  I promise.”

“Those are the best kind,” Eve assured her, then she looked around the room.  “So shall we get the marriage taken care of so that we can start the celebration?”

“MaTb!!!” Eli shrieked while her teammates clapped and cheered.  Then Arianna jumped into her arms and Eli forgot about everything else as they cheered even louder.

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

Everything came to a halt as everyone bundled up to go outside to witness the marriage ceremony.  If Eve was surprised by the show of support from strangers it was never reflected in her face.  Instead she invited them to share her joy, and they all tromped out into Joy’s backyard laughing and holding hands.

When they reached the old oak, Noah took his place against the trunk. Arianna and Eli stood in front of him with linked hands and eyes only for each other.  Eve positioned Mary and her family in a semi-circle behind Arianna, then realized she had no one besides herself to stand with Eli.  Before she could ask, Eden, Jacob and most surprisingly Deborah echoed the Wellesly’s stance behind Eli and Eve beckoned the others forward before taking her place opposite Mary.  The rest of their friends and the families created a semi-circle in front of them, enclosing Eli and Arianna protectively.  Ian leaned down and whispered to Mary who looked at him, then nodded her agreement.  He stepped from his place beside her and crossed behind Arianna, brushing a kiss on her head before moving to stand beside Eve.  She looked at him askance.  Ian shrugged.

“I promised Eli I would treat her like she belonged to us too,” he said by way of explanation.  Eve smiled and wiped a tear from her eye.  Then she nodded at Noah, and the short, solemn ceremony began.

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

Dinner by contrast was a lively and entertaining affair though it was well past lunchtime but before dinner began by the time they sat down to eat.  Eli and Arianna were seated in the middle of the center table, and everyone else filled in around them.  Joy was never happier that the expansion work had been completed as she was when everyone gathered to eat.  Even if she never needed the space again, it was wonderful to have it for this one occasion.

So now everyone sat around tables put together in a ‘C’ formation, allowing them the most contact with each other that could be managed.  Eli rose and tapped on her glass, and everyone quieted down and turned their attention in her direction.  She blushed and cleared her throat, then smiled and glanced down when Arianna clasped her hand and squeezed it lightly.  The moment would have gone longer had Eden not lobbed a roll at Eli only to have her makuahine smack the back of her head much to everyone else’s amusement.

Eden huffed.  “Whaaaaaat??” she whined.  “Makauhine, why did you hit me??”  Her mother merely raised an eyebrow and Eden crossed her arms over her chest and pouted.  “I’m hungry,” she grumbled.  “If we left it up to Eli, we’d be here until the food got cold and gross waiting for her to say something.”  She ducked when the hand went up again.  “I’m not making this up!” she declared.  “Ask anyone,” motioning around the table and seeing a lot of agreement from her teammates including Eli and Arianna.  “See?”

“You know better than to play with your food, Kaikamahine.”

Eden sighed.  “Yes, Makauhine.”

“In fairness she was right,” Eli said softly, drawing all eyes to her once more.  “I have been known to lose myself in Arianna and the team has suffered through its share of cold meals because of it.”  She looked down briefly, then lifted her eyes to glance around the room.  “I realize I’m not actually the hostess for today’s celebration, but I asked Mary and Joy for the opportunity to address everyone and this seemed like the best time to do that.  I don’t know a good portion of the people sitting in this room, and that saddens me a little.  But it makes my heart glad to have been able to share my joy... our happiness... with you today.  I hope that each of you will look back on this holiday with fondness and delight.  And though I know that many of you came for your own family, I’m thankful you were here to witness the public acknowledgment of our life and lives together.”

Noah stood as Eli reseated herself and smiled.  “In all things and in all ways, we give thanks.”

“Amen,” the rest intoned, then they dug into the feast that had been prepared.

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

“I had to do this on short notice,” Joy said with a glare at Eli and Arianna who both had the grace to blush.  Then she snickered and looked around the room.  “And it was quite a challenge to make sure there was enough for everyone with everything else going on.  So it’s a little rough to look at, but I hope the taste and the thought behind it will make it more palatable to the eye.”  With that Ian and Nathaniel brought out a sheet cake, followed by Caleb and Joseph with another.  They weren’t ugly, just very plain, and everyone stood to get a better glimpse as they were set in front of Eli and Arianna.  Joy cleared her throat and continued.  “On this planet when a couple marries, they share cake to symbolize good fortune and prosperity.”  She shrugged.  “I thought it would be a nice way to send you off – into your new life as well as on your mission.”

Eli and Arianna rose and embraced her from either side, hugging her tightly and muttering their thanks.  Then Ian and Nathaniel presented them each with a knife, and they started cutting, thrilled to be able to share this tradition.  It was turning into a hell of a send-off celebration.


Chapter LIX

The celebration that started with a mid-afternoon meal ran into evening.  Each team member and their families were anxious to share their marriage traditions with Eli and Arianna, and it was both entertaining and educational.  Some were fun – Luke blindfolding them and having them feed each other for instance.  Some were scary – allowing Isaac to slice the palms of their hands and binding them together to symbolize their commitment as one.  Some were a little dangerous – like requiring Eli and Arianna to drink from a singular glass while twined together, then stomp the glass into Joy’s floor.  A look from her got a nod from Jacob, assuring her that he would clear away the glass shards before the Alpha team left.

Probably the most memorable custom was the blessing offered by Abigail.  It was traditional to her people, and not something normally shared outside her culture.  The fact that she shared it with them in her native tongue made it doubly special.  Then she offered it to them again in Standard so everyone could understand the blessing.

May your mornings bring joy and your evenings bring peace.
May your troubles grow few as your blessings increase.
May the saddest day of your future
Be no worse than the happiest day of your past.
May your hands be forever clasped in friendship
And your hearts joined forever in love.
Your lives are very special,
God has touched you in many ways.
May his blessings rest upon you
And fill all your coming days.

Then Abigail kissed their foreheads in benediction before removing her dishes from the table and making her way to the kitchen to begin cleaning up.  The rest followed her example, and soon the large room was clean and empty.  Everyone had retreated to their own rooms to spend the last few precious hours they had together, leaving Arianna and Eli alone with Eve, Noah and Mary’s family.  Mary rose slowly from her place causing each man in the room to rise as well.

“Ms... Mary?” Eli queried.  “Is everything...?”

Mary waved her off and smiled.  “I’m a little tired, Eli, but I’m good.  I do have some work to do – a few things to take care of to ensure your safe departure shortly.  Besides you and Arianna should spend what time you have left with your folks.  It’s going to be some time before you have an opportunity like this again.”

“Should you not remain as well?” Eve ask.  “You are Arianna’s family.”

“We are.  But we’ve had time together that you and Noah haven’t been allowed.  It only seems fair that you be given the opportunity to share your time together.  We’ll be back to say goodbye.  After all, the boys and I have to make sure they get away safely don’t we?” Mary reminded with a smile as she limped towards the door accompanied by her children and their significant others.  They stopped at the door when Eve cleared her throat to speak, then turned and waited.

Eve nodded slowly.  “I can see we’re going to have much to discuss in the near future, Ms Wellesly.  There is much I would understand from you.”

Mary nodded.  “After we’ve gotten the Alpha team on their way, I would like that very much.  Now if you’ll excuse us....”  Then she turned and left the room followed silently by her family.  Eve watched her go before looking back at Eli.

“Would you like us to go so you can celebrate your marriage in the traditional way?”

Arianna cocked an eyebrow and spoke before Eli could draw breath.  “MaTb, Eli and I have been mates for quite some time already.  And we will have many opportunities to privately celebrate our public commitment to one another over the next five years and throughout our lifetime together.  We only have a few more hours to share with you before we leave.  I think it’s important that we spend them together.”

Eve turned to Eli and held her gaze for a long moment. “I like your mate very much, дочь.  You have my blessing on your union.  We could not have chosen better for you; we could not have chosen as well.”

“Thank you, MaTb,” Eli said quietly.  “That means....”

“... everything,” Arianna finished, causing silence to fall around them.

“So why does Ms Wellesly limp?” Noah asked, deftly breaking the sappiness of the moment.  All three women looked at him in disbelief and he looked back at them nonchalantly.  “What?  Her children’s solicitousness suggests it’s a recent injury and not a long handicap.”

“Really, OTeU??” Eli asked giving him a fond smile.  “We were having a moment.”

Noah smirked.  “I know.  Moment over,” ducking the expected swings from both wife and daughter.  He chuckled and Arianna covered her mouth with her hand.  Eve and Eli exchanged eye rolls and grins.  “But seriously,” Noah continued when his chuckles wound down.   “What happened?”

Eli and Arianna looked at one another.  Arianna arched an eyebrow and Eli shrugged slightly.  Arianna nodded and turned back to Eli’s parents who were watching their silent communication in fascination.  Then Arianna opened her mouth, and they sat back to hear the story of what had happened since the Alpha team had been chosen.

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

“Mama?  Are you okay?  Is there something we can do?”

Mary patted Nathaniel’s arm.  “I’m fine, my son.  Still tired, but at least we can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel.”

“Are you sure it’s not a train, Mama?” Ian asked with a smile.

“Not at all,” she snorted.  “But at the speed we’re heading into the station, we’re just going to have to hope for the best.  Joseph, I’d like you and Ian to take a team and go back to the ship and do a final check.  Make sure....”

“We know what to do, Mama.  We’ll take care of it,” Joseph assured her as he clapped Nathaniel on the shoulder before nodding at Ian.  “We won’t let you down.”

“Thank you, my son.”  Both young men nodded and headed out the door.

“Is there something we can do for you, Mama?” Nathaniel asked.

“It would be nice if we could send the Alpha team off with some real food.  They will need to start eating those dreadful dried food meals soon enough.”

Joy snickered and stood.  “We’ll pack up the leftovers, Mama.”  Ephraim and Prudence nodded their agreement and followed her out.  Only Nathaniel remained behind.

“Anything else, Mama?  Otherwise I’ll go help Joy.  That’s a lot of food to take care of.  We’re going to need a separate delivery if Joy delivers all the leftovers for those kids.”

Mary smirked.  “Kids?  Nathaniel, those kids are your age.  I don’t think you can get away with referring to them as kids.”

Nathaniel laughed.  “Maybe.  But since they’re not here to refute it, and I know I’m a kid....”  He shook his head.  “All right.  You’ve got Joey and Ian doing a final check on the ship.  I assume the Admiral is keeping an eye on things?”  Mary nodded.  “Right.  Joy, Eph and Prue are packing up the leftovers and readying them for transport.  I’ll let Ian know to expect them as soon as they’re ready.  Anything else?”

“Yes.  I need to speak to Caleb.  And I would like for you to do a walk through.”

“Mama?”

She blinked at the confusion on his face.  It had been a while since her sons had participated in the business, and they had never been included outside of anything that didn’t involve their sister.  Certainly they had never participated in an assignment the magnitude of this mission.  She shook her head when Nathaniel frowned.

“I need you to go to each agent and get a status report and let them know that we will be moving sometime in the next six hours.”

“So soon?”  Mary cocked an eyebrow, but before she could voice her thought, Nathaniel continued speaking.  “I knew we were moving tonight, but I thought it would be later... like the early hours of the morning tonight.”  Mary smirked and Nathaniel laughed.  “Yeah, I know, but you know what I mean.”

“I do.  And that was my original intent.”

“But...?”

“But my gut is telling me sooner is better than later.  As much as I hate to cut the Alpha team’s time short with their families, their safety is more important to me.”

Nathaniel studied her for a long moment, then nodded and rose from his seat.  “All right.  I’ll send Caleb to you first.  Then I’ll report back to you as soon as I’m done.”

“Thank you, my son.”  Nathaniel walked behind the desk and brushed a kiss over Mary’s hair, then headed out of Mary’s office without a backwards glance.  Mary leaned back in her chair, absently rubbing at the ache in her leg.  Then she closed her eyes and waited for Caleb’s knock.

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

“Chief?” Caleb asked as he stuck his head in the door that had been left open a crack.  He frowned when he noted Mary sitting behind the desk with her eyes closed.  He rapped his knuckles against the door as he pushed into the room.  “Mary?”

Brown eyes blinked open and Mary motioned him into her office.  “Close the door please, Caleb, and have a seat.”  He did as she bade him and leaned back in the chair comfortably.  He clasped his hands over his stomach loosely and studied her as he waited for her to speak.  He felt his exhaustion reflected in her eyes though there was no other indication of how she felt.  When she cocked an eyebrow at him for staring, he raised his own and smirked.

“What’s up, Chief?”

“There’s going to be a lot of fallout tomorrow when I stand before the Council and explain exactly why I took it on myself to not only send the Alpha team off without the planned fanfare they were due for this mission, but that I directed them off the grid for their own safety.”

“Regrets, Chief?”

“Not at all, my friend.  This project is bigger than us; in some ways it’s bigger than them, but they’ve been chosen to bear its mandates and their consequences.  And we’ve done everything we could to give them a fair, fighting chance to be successful.  I can’t regret that.”

“But...?”

“But there will be consequences for the things I’ve done and the choices I’ve made regardless of their intent, and I have to answer for them.”

“You expect tomorrow to go against you then?”

“I expect that someone is going to have to be held responsible and I am the most likely candidate.”  She held up a hand before he could interrupt.  “I know the Committee bears its own responsibility, and I can prove their culpability in the events that led me to making the decisions I did.  But I’m the only one that can assume the responsibility for removing the Alpha team from everyone else’s purview.”

Caleb nodded slowly.  He’d expected this on several levels.  He released a slow breath.  “So what do you want from me, Chief?  What do you need me to do?”

Mary sighed deeply, releasing her breath slowly as she held Caleb’s gaze taking his measure.  After a moment she nodded to herself and gave him a brief smile.  “Two things actually.  I’d like you to stand as my second tomorrow – not to take part of the blame but to act as my witness.”

“It would be my honor, Chief.  I expected to be there regardless.  Thank you for your faith in me.”

“Ah, Caleb,” Mary replied with a small, melancholy smile.  “I have always had faith in you.  You’ve been far better to me than I deserve.  Don’t please,” she instructed, holding up a hand and cutting him off before he could protest.  “We both know the truth.  And perhaps if things had been different....”

He nodded his head, his eyes bright with sad understanding at what she was unable and unwilling to say aloud.  “What else?” he asked kindly, redirecting the conversation, not wanting to see sympathy or pity in her gaze.

“In the event that things go especially badly for me tomorrow, I want you to take over the business.  There are still people who need what we do.  We owe it to them to continue to conduct business just as we always have.”

“You think the Council will allow us to remain intact given everything...?”

“We did what we were supposed to do, Caleb.  We protected those kids; that has always been our priority.  I think they can be made to see that we fulfilled our contract to the letter.  Perhaps not with the results they expected, but they will have no reason to take further action on the company.  We did our job.”

“And your kids?”

“The boys have to return to school to serve out the remainder of their teaching contracts, and they have another four years of service beyond that.  Joy is going back to the ballet at the beginning of the year and she and Ephraim have made a tentative agreement to start seeing one another when this assignment is over.  I’d like them to have a chance to discover what they could be together without all the crap going on we’ve had around here recently.  Besides Ephraim isn’t ready for the responsibility that running this business entails.”

“And you think I am?” Caleb smirked.

“I think you could have struck out on your own years ago,” Mary replied seriously.  “But you stuck with me instead.”

“I had to, Mary... for a number of reasons.  I wouldn’t trade it.  We’ve been good together.  And if I’ve wanted more....”  He shrugged and met her gaze unflinchingly.  “I’m the one who chose to stay, Mary.  I never did anything I didn’t really want to, okay?”

“I wish....” she started softly.

Caleb shook his head.  “So do I.  But I understand why you can’t.  So in answer to your question, yes. I’ll hold onto the reins for you until you or the boys are able to resume command of the company if it comes to that.  But we’re going to try and make sure that it doesn’t.  Because I’m really not all that thrilled with the idea of becoming some sort of ringmaster.  That’s not what I’m good at.  There’s a reason I served as Eddie’s best marksman, you know.”

Mary snorted.  “I know.  Thank you, Caleb.”  He nodded and she cleared her throat.  Nathaniel has gone to do the walk through and Ian and Joseph are doing a final tour of the ship before we begin transporting the Alpha team.”

“And Joy?  Come on, Chief – I don’t believe for one minute she’s just sitting around waiting to say goodbye.  She took on a good portion of the hardest part of the work keeping these kids and us fed.”

“She’s boxing up the leftovers so the Alpha team can at least start off with real food.  Eden commented to me about her lack of enthusiasm for prepackaged military food.”

Caleb chuckled.  “Can’t blame her, especially after tasting some of that food today.  I need to remember to get some recipes before these folks leave.  But um... do we have room for all that?”

“We’ll send it up first.  I want to give these kids every possible minute I can with their families, and as soon as they’re on that ship, they’re out of here.  They need every advantage we can give them, and the longer their absence remains under the radar, the better for all concerned.  The Admiral will escort them out of the solar system, but then they’re on their own.  They should be off the grid before I speak to the Council tomorrow.”

Caleb rubbed a hand over his face.  “Did you expect this to turn into such a cluster when you accepted this assignment?”

Mary leveled a glare at him that would have melted steel.  “If I’d known then what I know now, it wouldn’t be a cluster now.  But I didn’t and we can only go forward; we can’t go back.  But to answer your question - no.  I expected a lot of things.  I got a lot more.”

“Like another daughter?  You know that’s liable to come back and bite you in the ass as well, Chief?”

“Maybe,” Mary agreed with a shrug.  “But what are they going to do once she’s gone?  And my other kids will fight to protect their newest little sister as hard as they would for each other.  I can’t regret that either.”

“Mama?” Nathaniel called out as he knocked on the office door.  “I’ve done the walk through.”

“Come in, my son.”

Nathaniel stepped into the office and closed the door, then he approached the desk but remained standing behind the chair next to the one Caleb was seated in.  Mary cocked her eyebrow in question and Nathaniel smiled.  “All the members of the Alpha team are ready to move when you say the word.  And each agent is aware of their responsibilities in getting the team members to the ship.”

“Mama?” Ian’s voice spoke from the monitor and Mary turned her attention to him.  “We’ve deployed the decoy at the launch site and moved the working ship to the belly of the carrier.  It checked out clean and will be ready to go as soon as the team arrives.”

“Thank you, Ian.  You and Joseph remain in place for now.  Joy will be arriving shortly with provisions to be added to the stock and once that’s complete, we’ll begin moving the Alpha team aboard.”

He nodded.  “Joey is on his way to inform the Admiral.  The ship is running on a skeleton crew because of the holiday, which makes things easier for us.  We’ll be gone and back before most of them realize we’ve even left.”

“Very well.  I’ll let you know when Joy is ready to begin transport, but it shouldn’t be too long.”

“Yes, Mama.  We’ll be waiting.” He lifted his hand in goodbye and let the screen go dark.  Mary turned to the comm device on her desk and keyed in the kitchen.  After only a moment’s pause Joy answered.

“Yes, Mama?”

“How you doing down there, Baby Girl?”

“If you’ll send me a couple people to help, we can start loading the boxes in the vehicles to transport them to the ship. Shouldn’t take but about fifteen minutes... twenty tops.”

“Thank you, Daughter.  Help is on its way.”  She clicked the connection off.  “Caleb, grab a couple able bodies and go help Joy get that stuff loaded please.  Nathaniel, you’re driving it to the site?” waiting for him to nod.  “All right.  Take someone with you to help load it onto the transport and bring the vehicle back.  You’ll fly the transport to the ship and remain there.”

“Yes Mama.”

“All right, Gentlemen.  Let’s get this done.  We’re in the home stretch now.”


Chapter LX

“Mama?  This is Joy.  We dropped Reuben off at the transport console and Eph and I are leaving the transport site. Nat just left for the ship.  Ian should be on his way down to retrieve the Alpha team as soon as they arrive.”

“Thank you, Joy.  I’ll begin moving them out immediately.  How do things look there?”

“Quiet,” Ephraim responded.  “If there are eyes watching, Chief, they’re doing so from a distance.  Even the gate guard only gave a cursory glance to Nat’s credentials.  He didn’t give the rest of us a second glance.  Pretty sure he doesn’t really care since it’s a holiday.”

“And no one’s watching the transport field?”

“Not at all.  They seem to think all the traffic is military and since it is....”  Mary could hear the shrug in his voice and she smiled grimly.

“That could get a lot of people into a lot of trouble,” she remarked.  “But since it’s going to work in our favor, I’m not going to complain.”  She sighed.  “We’ll see you both shortly.  Don’t dawdle if you want to say goodbye to Arianna and Eli.  They’ll be the last to leave, but it’s not going to take too long to get everyone transported to the shuttle dock.”

“We’ll be there, Mama.  See you in a few.”  With that Joy cut the connection and Mary rose to leave her office.  It was time.

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

“All right,” Mary addressed the Alpha team and their families in the large basement area below Joy’s home.  “I know this isn’t how any of you expected to leave here, and it’s certainly not the send-off you deserve.  But more than anything we want you to have a real shot at making this project successful despite everything that’s happened to bring us to this point.  And if that means sneaking you out under everyone’s noses, then so be it.  Your safety is our first priority.  So it’s time to say your goodbyes.  The quicker we get you to your ship, the farther away you’ll be if and when someone goes looking for you.”

“Do you think they will, Ms Wellesley?” Eve asked. 

“I do.  Despite the bungling their efforts have been to end this mission, too many people have too much invested not to... especially when they realize they have been compromised.  And they’re going to know that after tomorrow.  We’ll do our best to contain them of course, but I’d rather not take any risks we don’t have to with the kids’ safety or success.”

“And you will explain this to us after our children are on their way?”

“Of course,” Mary nodded.  The parents all looked around at each other and nodded their agreement as a single group.

“Very well, Ms Wellesley,” Eve replied, assuming the spokesperson role.  “How long do we have?”

Mary released a deep breath.  “About five minutes.  Then I’m going to ask that you return upstairs and wait until I rejoin you.”

“Acceptable,” Eve said as she and Noah moved towards Eli and Arianna.  Mary just stood back and waited for the storm to be over.

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

“There’s so much to say and no time left to say it in,” Eve complained as she cupped Eli’s face in her hands.  Eli gave her a tremulous smile and tightened her grip on Arianna’s hand.  Eve turned her attention to include Arianna as well.  “Be good to one another and take care of each other through whatever comes your way.  Love each other well and often and never go to bed angry.  I expect you both to keep records of what happens while you’re gone so we can know of your lives – your trials and successes.  And news of grandchildren would be welcome at some point as well.”

“MaTb!!”  Eli screeched while turning deep green.  Arianna just flushed beet red and covered her face.  Noah chuckled and Eve shrugged.

“What??” she said diffidently.  “I think it is good to go into this project knowing the expectations that rest on your shoulders.”

“MaTb, we were just married.  Surely we are entitled....” 

Eve held up an imperious finger.  “Do not play games with me, дочь.  I know you have been mated for longer than you wish me to be aware of.  And I’m not saying grandchildren now; just grandchildren someday.  The universe could do with more like the two of you.  Now give us a hug and kiss.”

They did so – first Arianna and then Eli; both young women wisely kept any comments about the universe not being ready for more just like them to themselves.  Then Noah extended his hand to Eve and together they made their way upstairs.  The rest took their cue and soon the basement only contained the Alpha team, Mary and her agents.  She smiled sadly.

“Not much longer, guys.  I’m going to send you out one at a time with your security detail in uneven increments.  You won’t be going out from the same transport stations, but you will be arriving at the same one to which you evacuated from the mountain.   Reuben is there to keep the transport open and Ian is standing by with a shuttle.  Board the shuttle as soon as you arrive, and once you’re all accounted for he’ll move you to the carrier.  From there, you’ll be taken to the edge of the solar system where your ship will be launched and you’ll be on your own.”  She turned to Eli.  “You’ve got all the information...?”

“Yes, Ma... Mama,” Eli said with only the slightest hesitation and embarrassment.  “And Hannah knows the frequencies to monitor for Joseph’s signal.  We’ll disappear for as long as we need to; we’ve got this.  We’ve trained for this and even successfully implemented it for a while.  Not that we won’t be thrilled to hear from him when he does get it worked out.  Paul and Deb will be working on things from our end as well.”

Mary nodded.  “Good.  I know you all know your business, but it’s my prerogative to worry.  I’ve been doing it for a while now where all of you are concerned.”

The Alpha team chuckled and nodded their heads in agreement.  “That’s true,” Eli concurred as she clapped her hands together.  “So who goes first?”

In minutes Mary had them lined up with their security personnel ready to leave, saving Eli and Arianna for the last.  A clattering on the stairs alerted them to Joy’s arrival and Eli and Arianna turned to accept the hugs they knew were coming.  Ephraim skirted around them and went directly into the lab.  The rest turned away to allow them a few minutes of privacy to say their goodbyes.  Caleb came up beside Mary and neatly removed her Pad from her hands before jerking his head in the direction of the quiet tableau taking place in the far corner of the room.  “Go on,” he whispered.  “You won’t have a better chance.”  Mary smiled and clasped his arm lightly, then moved to join her children for a brief goodbye.

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

“Thank you, Joy,” Arianna whispered as she hugged Joy fiercely.  “You’ll never know....”

Joy leaned back enough to brush a kiss over Arianna’s forehead.  “I think I do, Little Sister.  Take care of yourself and each other out there.  I expect lots of stories when you return... or an invitation to visit if you decide to stay.”

“You’ll be among the first,” Eli promised, squeezing the hand Joy had extended from her embrace of Arianna.  Joy chuckled despite her tears.

“As long as we have that understood.”  She twitched her head in Mary’s direction.  “But you better say goodbye to Mama before you leave.  Pretty sure she’d find a way to haunt you even without standard communication capabilities.”

“Never underestimate the power of Mama?” Arianna asked with a light laugh.

“Something like that, yeah.  I’ll miss you both.  Be seeing you?”

“Be seeing you, Joy.”  Joy gave them a smile and wiped the tears from her cheeks before she turned and made her way back upstairs without a backwards glance.  Eli and Arianna turned to Mary and fell into her arms.

“Thank you... so much,” Eli said.  “You gave me the second chance I was certain would never actually be possible.”

“Me too,” Arianna chimed in.  “We owe you....”

“Absolutely nothing,” Mary assured them.  “Except to be happy and love one another for the rest of your lives and beyond.  I wouldn’t say no to grandkids however,” grinning when twin blushes raced up both faces.  “Now go and be fabulous,” kissing both foreheads before she pulled back and turning to walk away.

“Mama?”  Arianna’s address caused her to pause mid-step.  Arianna and Eli moved closer and Mary spun to meet their eyes.  “What about my papa?”  She shook her head.  “The rest of the team knows he came to the mountain, but we never got any more information.”

“He is currently under guard at the mountain complex; he’ll be part of the proceedings tomorrow.  You’ll be long gone before he’s brought before the Council.”

“What do you think they’ll do to him?  And Malcolm?”

Mary shrugged.  “I think Malcolm is going to be seen as a victim in all this before all is said and done.  But I also think he’s going to end up being persona non grata anywhere he goes because your compatriots have shared with their families the truth of things.  And I think they’re going to make certain that the rest of the Alliance planets are aware as well.”  She sighed.  “As for Fernando?  At the very least he will be banned from active participation within the Alliance or with the Council.  It is likely he will face criminal charges from some of the other planetary Alliance members.  He did put every member of the Alpha team in danger.  He’s going to have to answer for that.”

Arianna sighed and nodded slowly.  “That’s fair.  I just wish....”

“I know you do, Daughter.  I will do what I can for your sake, but he bears responsibility for his actions and they are devastatingly incriminating.”

Arianna stepped forward and took Mary in her arms and held on tightly.  “Thank you, Mama.  I love you.”

“Love you too, Beautiful Girl.  Both of you,” meeting first brown eyes and then green.  “Now it’s time for you to go and do incredible things.  The boys will be with you until your ship is released from the carrier at the edge of the solar system.  Please make sure you say goodbye to them before that happens.  You know what drama queens they can be.”

They snorted in laughter.  Then Arianna and Eli kissed Mary goodbye.  They clasped their hands together and went to join Caleb by the door.  He motioned them towards the lab instead and though they were puzzled by his directive, they headed there.  Just before they entered the corridor, they turned together and offered a final wave to Mary.  She lifted her hand in goodbye, then they disappeared from sight.  Caleb stopped by Mary as he followed behind them.

“I’ll take good care of them, Chief.”

“I know you will, my friend.  Be safe yourself.  We’re almost to the finish line.”

“Will you be available...?”

“Until they’re out of monitoring range,” she nodded.  “Just ping me if you need me.  I‘ll have the Pad up and actively observing the entire process even while I am with our guests.”

“You don’t think they’ll wonder...?”

“I’m sure that they will.  I am equally certain that they will understand my need to see things through til the end.  After all, I would be there myself if Eli hadn’t firmly insisted....  Damn leg,” she muttered, glaring at the offending appendage.

“Hey!  We’re all quite happy it was your damn leg and not something more critical, all right?  Trust us, Chief – we’re gonna finish this up right... for you and those kids.  Now I’ve gotta go.  We’ll be back late, but I’ll be ready to go first thing in the morning.”

“Pretty sure I’ll be waiting up, Caleb,” Mary smiled.  “Now go on.  You’re holding up the works and it’s time to put paid to this assignment.”  Caleb snapped off a precise military salute, then escaped down the hallway before Mary could respond.  She waited until she heard the hum of the transport field engage and release.  Only then did she turn her steps back to the staircase and make her way up to the living room where the Alpha team’s family members waited.

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

“It’s a lot more real out here now, isn’t it?” Arianna asked quietly as they cast a final glance at the planet receding behind the slow moving carrier.  The rest of the Alpha team had immediately dispersed to their ship as soon as Ian had docked the shuttle in the huge carrier bay.  Only Eli and Arianna had remained behind to say their final goodbyes to Ian, Nathaniel and Joseph.  The boys knew not to take too long and Eli and Arianna had paused for a minute to look out the viewport before they crossed the deck to enter their ship.

“It is.  When we were here before....”  Eli shrugged.  “I never saw this,” motioning to the window.  “Never took the time to look.  I was too busy with preparations and....”  She smiled shyly.  “... other things,” grinning when Arianna blushed.  “I’m glad I got to share this with you now.”  She wrapped an arm around Arianna’s middle and sighed in contentment when Arianna snuggled even closer into her.

“Me too,” Arianna agreed with a smile before her expression became melancholy and her hold on Eli tightened.    Eli frowned and looked down.

“Angel?”

Arianna shook her head.  “I was just wishing things had been different.  Not for us,” she hastened before Eli could interrupt.  “I wouldn’t trade this for anything in the galaxy... known or otherwise.  But I do wish things had been different where Malcolm and my papa are concerned.  I’m pretty sure that going to cause Mama nothing but heartache.”

“I think Mary and her team will be able to handle the fallout.  Besides, MaTb won’t let her stand alone, and I’m confident she will rally the others to stand behind her as well.”

“Why?  She doesn’t even know Mama.”

“No, but she does know the truth of what has happened on this project since day one... well, most of it anyway,” Eli added with a hint of a blush.  “She still doesn’t know the whole truth of what happened between us and never will, but she has no need as that really has no bearing on the mission.  Project details?  I shared a number of things with her as I could and the rest I kept in a diary that I gave to her after we ate yesterday when we spoke alone.”

“You think she’ll read it before tomorrow?”

Eli nodded.  “She already has.  Remember that she left us alone with OeTU for a little while?” waiting for Arianna to acknowledge the event.  “She skimmed through it then... enough to get a clear idea of what we knew anyway.”

“Amado, she wasn’t gone very long.”

Eli smiled.  “She didn’t need to be.  Who do you think I got my reading and comprehension skills from?  MaTb is considered one of our greatest minds.  She soaks in information like a sponge.  I’m convinced MaTb spoke to the others while Ms... Mama was downstairs with the Alpha team.”

Arianna sighed.  “I’m going to miss them.  I never knew what having a family could be and now....”

“Now you still have a family.  Part of it is with you,” gesturing towards their ship, “and part of it we had to leave behind for now,” pointing out the viewport.  “It’s all part of growing up.  But we’ll keep working on our communications array and Joey will be doing the same, and with a little luck they won’t be gone from us for too long.”

“I’ll keep my fingers crossed for sooner rather than later then,” Arianna said as she yawned.  Eli hugged her gently.

“Tired, Angel?”

“Very much.”  She turned in Eli’s arms and wrapped her arms around the slim green neck.  “Do you mean to tell me you’re not?”

Eli chuckled.  “I am and yet I’m not.  Right now I’m running on adrenaline, I think.  Between our wedding and seeing our families for the last time and sneaking out and actually finally leaving and beginning this mission, I’m buzzing along pretty well at the moment.”

“Is that why you sent everyone but Jake to bed?”

Eli nodded.  “Yes.  We’re going to have to work in shifts for a while and if everyone can be well-rested and alert, so much the better.  I’ll be fine for a little while.  I thought we could stay up together, but perhaps....”

Arianna glowered at her.  “Don’t even think of finishing that sentence.  I can stay up with you for a little while at least.  If it becomes too much, I’ll go to bed.  But hopefully it will be peaceful to begin with – at least while we get our space legs under us.”

“I’m pretty sure Ma...ma is going to cause enough havoc in her meeting with the Council to keep attention off of us for a while.  With a little luck it will be too late to find any trace of us by the time they get a chance to look.”

“And I think I have something that will make us even more difficult to find.”  Arianna dropped her arms from around Eli’s neck and clasped her hand instead.  “Come, Amado – it is time for us to begin our adventure.”  With brilliant smiles, they turned their backs to the viewport and their past and boldly walked towards their ship and the future.


Epilogue

Mary limped slowly into the Council chamber, aided by a stout cane and accompanied by her most trusted lieutenant.  Her children had demanded their right to stand by her as well, but she had refuted their claims, citing her desire for them to return to their lives and careers unimpeded by the ugliness that would follow the hearing no matter what was decided.  Only once Ian had spoken to Eve and received a number of reassurances did they relent though they did not intimate that circumstance to Mary or Caleb.  They simply extracted promises that they would be informed regardless of the outcome before wishing their mama well and returning – not to their respective Academies – but to Joy’s home to await the conclusion of the proceedings.

The Council was already seated on the higher dais with the Committee Members ensconced one level below them.  No one rose or spoke as Mary and Caleb walked slowly to the Table of Inquiry, not entirely surprised when Mary simply sat on the tabletop as no chair had been provided.  Caleb stood dutifully beside her and they remained silent as both Council and Committee studied them.  Finally the Presiding Council motioned to one of the security aides stationed around the room and two chairs were brought and placed behind the table.  Without a word, Mary rose and Caleb made certain she was comfortably seated before taking the second seat for himself.

“Well, Ms Wellesley,” the Presiding Delegate spoke.  “It seems you have caused quite a bit of discord and discontent among a number of Committee Members.  What have you to say for yourself?”  Before Mary could open her mouth to reply, a disturbance was heard in the back of the room.  “I’m sorry,” he said loud enough to be heard.  “This is a closed proceeding.  You’re going to have to wait....”

Eve crossed the threshold with every attending family member of the Alpha team right behind her.  “I do not believe that mandate applies to us, Presiding Council.  If anyone should be present during this action, it should be the families of those whose children carry the future on their shoulders and in their hands.  We have every right to hear what....”

Presiding Council waved his hands to stop Eve’s tirade before it gained too much momentum.  “Very well, Madame,” he conceded.  “I will ask that you let these proceedings move along without interruption.”

“We will allow what we will allow, Presiding Council.  After all, there is much you are not yet aware of.  But please,” she said as she smiled graciously and waved her hand in his general direction.  “You first.”

Mary and Caleb exchanged glances while the Council and Committee looked more than a little discombobulated at this sudden turn of events.  The day was suddenly rife with possibilities.

END PART FOUR
03/12-10/12

Under the Gun