Melissa was silent for a long moment. He could see her processing the offer, weighing possibilities, considering implications. Her analytical mind at work.
Finally, she smiled.
“When do I start?”
The training facilityoccupied a converted warehouse on the city’s western outskirts, its plain exterior belying the sophisticated equipment within. Becsul approached alone, Robbie and Melissa having remained at the residential center to finalize arrangements with Director L’chong.
A Cire male met him at the entrance—older than Becsul by perhaps a decade, his posture carrying the unmistakable bearing of a veteran warrior.
“Captain Becsul nak’Larentar.” The older male’s voice was gravelly but warm. “I am Tovek nak’Serathis. Captain Veyros spoke highly of you.”
“And she spoke highly of your work here.” Becsul extended his hand in the human gesture he had adopted, and Tovek clasped it firmly. “A training facility for mixed-species security personnel, she said.”
“Among other things.” Tovek led him inside, past a reception area and into a large open space where a dozen beings of various species were engaged in hand-to-hand combat drills. “The galaxy is a dangerous place, and not everyone can rely on the Patrol for protection. I train those who wish to defend themselves and their communities.”
Becsul watched the drills with a practiced eye. Good form, for the most part. Some room for improvement in the Velorian’s footwork. The human male in the corner was overcommitting to his strikes.
I could help with that,he thought, and was surprised by how natural the idea felt.
“How many Cire work here?” he asked.
“Three, including myself. There were more, once, but some found other paths.” Tovek’s expression was difficult to read. “We are a scattered people now, Captain. The mate bond drove us to isolation for generations—each male waiting for the female who would complete him, never considering that completion might come in unexpected forms.” He paused. “I understand you have found such an unexpected form yourself.”
“Yes.” He met the older male’s gaze steadily. “A human female. She is… everything.
Tovek was silent for a moment. Then, slowly, he nodded.
“The old ways served us when our females lived. Now they only bind us to grief.” He gestured at the training floor. “Here, we build new ways. We teach those who need teaching, regardless of their species. We forge connections based on mutual respect and shared purpose rather than ancient biological imperatives.”
“And the Council? They allow this?”
Tovek laughed bitterly. “The Council has no authority here. Trevelor is beyond their reach, and they have larger concerns than a handful of exiles teaching self-defense classes.” His expression softened. “Besides, I suspect the Council’s authority will not last much longer. The old guard is dying, and the younger generation sees more clearly. Change is coming to our people, Captain. The only question is whether we will be part of shaping it or merely victims of it.”
Becsul thought of Naran’s cold certainty, of the empty cities he had flown over, of the failing artificial wombs and the slow death of everything the Cire had built. He thought of Melissa’s warmth, of Robbie’s trusting weight against his chest, of the future they were building together.
“I would like to be part of shaping it,” he said. “If you will have me.”
Tovek extended his hand again. “Welcome to the Wiang Defense Academy, Captain. We have much work to do.”
The sunsetover Wiang painted the sky in shades of amber and rose, light rippling across the river that wound through the city center. Becsul stood on the small balcony of their temporaryquarters, watching the colors shift and feeling something he hadn’t felt in years.
Peace.
The door opened behind him, and then Melissa was there, sliding under his arm and pressing herself against his side. He pulled her close automatically, his tail curving around her waist in the possessive gesture that had become second nature.
“How did it go with Tovek?”
“I start next week.” He pressed a kiss to her hair. “The pay is modest, but the work is meaningful. And it will keep me close to you and Robbie.”
“Director L’chong is arranging housing for us near the medical center. A small house with a garden.” Her voice held a note of wonder. “A garden, Becsul. I haven’t had a garden since I was a child.”
“Then you will have one again.”
Sarah appeared in the doorway, Katie drowsy against her shoulder. “The housing coordinator just called. They have a place for us too—three buildings down from yours.”
“Neighbors.” She smiled. “I like that.”
“Me too.” Sarah’s expression turned thoughtful. “I spoke with Wei-Lin before she left for Patrol training. She said she’ll visit when she can. Stay connected.”
