Chapter 22

"Frack, … SCOUT, were you listening to any of that?"

"I am already trying to pull what I can from their location, Commander."

"I should have known better than to look forward to this vacation. Something always comes up and I really could use a break." I turn when I hear Kira walk into the room.

"Oh no. I know that look, what's happened?"

"SiN is in trouble, or I should say, ZoD's people are. Jade just commed asking for us to come there. I don't know what exactly is going on. SCOUT is going to do his thing, and hopefully, this will be a quick fix."

"DaR, honey, it's no biggie. We will just make a pit stop there on the way to TargresFour. No one will care, things work out just the way they're supposed to either way."

"Kira, you keep saying things like that, but for once I wish it would work out where I am naked, curled around you somewhere no one can find us."

Shewalks up to me, and I bend down so she can wrap her small arms around my neck. Her fingers instantly sank into my hair. "DaR, you act like that's what you want, and it would be great for a little while. However, it wouldn't take long for your mind to start worrying about all the things you are missing. Now kiss me and then go tell your kids that there has been a change of plans while I finish getting ready."

Pullingher close, I kiss her like a man starved. The moment I raise my head up to catch my breath, she has a small smile on her face. Sinking my nose into her hair, I absorb the strength she gives me without even knowing it. "You know, we might be able to sneak in a quickie." The moment I say that there is a thump outside, and she starts giggling against my chest.

"Tempting as that is, my love, you're too late. I believe that was RaZ. They are going up with us in the shuttle. I am still shocked that he managed to talk Katherine into leaving for a few days."

RaZ'svoice echoes throughout the house. "Oh, Daddy dearest, get the lead out of your ass and let's go have some fun in the sun. Let's get this vacation started."

"One of these risings, I am going to rip his wings off." Kira steps back away from me, biting her lip as she tries not to laugh.

"You know he just does that to rile you up."

"It sure as frack works, too. How much longer will you be?"

"SAGE, my dear, are our bags ready?"

"Yes, MistressKira. I have them on the back terrace ready to be loaded into the shuttle."

"DaR, you should go tell RaZ there is a change in plans. He might want to go with Ty and Victoria instead."

"That would be the best news yet."

"No, Papaw, it wouldn't be, because you are going to need him." The entrance to our bedroom slides open, and Keida walks in.

"Keida, I thought you guys had already left for Targres?"

"We did, but I had Grandfather turn around. They are waiting for me on the shuttle. I told them I would only be a minute."

Kiramust have seen something in Keida's eyes that I did not, as she walks over and pulls her into her arms. This is the first time I have noticed Keida growing, as she is almost as tall as my Kira now. She is going to be a stunning young lady, but I am in no hurry for her to grow up.

RaZcomes strolling in, a huge grin on his face. "Let's get this party on the road."

"We have a slight change of plans RaZ. Jade just commed and there is some sort of invasion on Zodiqua and SiN needs us. I have not spoken to SoL or Tordan about this yet either, as they are already waiting for us on the Explorer."

"Frack, it's just like MistBoy to put a crimp in my plans. But if I get to hold it over his head that I saved his ass, I'm game. Let me go tell Katherine and see if she still wants to go." Just as RaZ is turning to leave, Keida reaches out, grabbing his arm. Her eyes twirling that eerie pink again. Keida's voice changes as once again she is trying to warn us of things to come.

"She has to go, UnkaRaZ, the children will need her and Jade. UnkaRaZ, you need to know that you can't fly on Zodiqua, the sands will tear your wings to shreds, don't forget that no matter what.

"Mamaw, you will be the safest out of all the girls. YourSymbots will protect you from their invasive touch. There will be danger all around you, but I can't see them clearly, their shapes keep moving. Mamaw, it will be up to you to free the others." She tucks her head into Kira's shoulder, and I can see her trembling after she lets go of RaZ's arm. He nods at me before walking out. I can hear him talking to Katherine, but the sight in front of me has all my attention.

Kirahugs Keida tighter. "Oh, baby girl, how I hate that you can see any of this. Would you feel better if you rode to Targres with us?" Kira rubs her back gently.

"No, you won't need me. Mom and Dad are gonna ride with GrandpaTY and GrandmaVic. Danny has been acting weird, and Raven is refusing to stay home. She has never been fussy about staying behind before and because we all need a break, it was Dad's idea to just take her with us. ThenZura decided last-minute that she was going with you guys. She hasn't been home in months and now, with all of us being gone, this is going to leave SAGE here all by herself."

SAGEpops up in front of the girls. "I am never alone, Keida; I am surrounded by all of you no matter the distance. All you have to do is say my name and I will do my best to be there, you know this. No more sad face today, your Papaw will protect your Mamaw, and all will be well. Now to more pleasant topics, while we still have a few moments. Do you have any certain places you want to see on Targres?" When the conversation turns to clothes. I step out of the room to comm Tordan.

"Hey, has SCOUT said anything to you yet?"

"No, but by your tone, I take it there is a change of plans?"

"Yes, hopefully, it won't take long. Apparently, ZoD is in some sort of trouble and has refused to ask for help, so we need to be ready for anything."

"Are you still bringing Kira?"

"Yes. I thought of sending her and the other females on ahead, but something stopped me. I will feel better having her by my side. Especially if this threat can be spread to other sectors."

"I agree, Luna and Alana are already on the Explorer. From my understanding, they didn't wait on the rest of us and are enjoying the comforts of the heated pool area. SoL is finishing up and we will be awaiting your arrival. Falcor and SCOUT will monitor things as usual, and I have given them both full clearances to activate anything needed if we cannot be reached."

"Confirmed, we will be that way shortly … SAGE?"

"Yes, MasterDaR?"

"What are your plans once we are gone?"

"I have repairs scheduled at each dwelling that I will be monitoring. Also, Mystic has asked for my assistance with an issue in the forest as well. However, I will be available if you need me. Why do you ask?"

"The girls will miss you, and I think it will put them at ease if you were present. Once you have the repairs finished, I expect to see you and SCOUT at the beach."

"I will do my best to get there quickly, as I don't enjoy the silence when you all are absent. I know what you're not saying is that you want me to keep a close eye on Keida now that Zura will not be with her. At some point, you are going to have to tell the child that Zura was not just her trainer, but her bodyguard. She has become attached to the female Orc."

"I simply want her to enjoy being a youngling without any more horrors being pushed upon her. She bears a weight none of us know how to lighten and I worry someone will try to use her to their advantage if they think she can see into the future at will."

"I have not had the chance to inform you that I have updated the tracker you installed in her skin when she was born. It is completely undetectable now, no one but SCOUT or myself can read its signal. I understand your concern, as you thought you would be with them the entire time, they were off planet."

"I am uncomfortable with them being away from Darverius even though Father and XuL are with them. Younglings are easily distracted, and that makes them easy prey."

"Master, I will set the comm units to always monitor their movements. I have already set guards around the perimeter and the location is secure. SCOUT just contacted me, and he has been able to pull the information you requested. He is waiting for you on the Explorer."

"Thank you, SAGE."

"It's my pleasure."