44: Azrim
I never like leaving my family for missions, but it is a necessary evil to keep them safe. Viriden has accompanied me on a recent visit to speak with his central command. It is a gorgeous shining place of light and warmth. I understand now why Tessi calls his kind,herkind,angels.
They have power and medicine and fast ships. We have strong soldiers, the ability to heal much quicker than they do, local telepathy when coms are down, and claws to compete with our enemy.
Isonians have given us a life we only dreamed of and the ability to shred the Nebs, Denarso, and Myndrous. They say we are doing them a favor. I believe it is the other way around.
We have been gone for a few days. In my absence, Zorin has had command ofMoonshine. As we dock and I unload, Viriden stops me.
“How is Tessi doing? Is she transitioning alright?”
“She is very happy, sir. Carrying my brother’s twins now.”
He breathes a deep sigh of relief. “So you are expanding the Aegeris line. Good.”
“I thought you did not approve of their bond.”
“I just didn’t want the empire to…” Viriden trails off, glances around, and rests his hands on his hips. “My wife was taken back when we were just young officers. Nebulous thought, since she was gifted with the ability to manipulate perceptions, that she could help them. I did not know at the time that she was pregnant. I only found out when I found her body. I will…spare you the details.”
Viriden’s light flickers.
I rest a hand on his shoulder. “Do not linger in this pain. You do not honor her by mourning her. You honor her by fighting for what mattered to her.”
Viriden nods. “Easier said than done.”
“I know.” I pat his shoulder and turn to walk away, my Isonian commander’s cape that Carnas painted a howling wolf on, rustling behind my shoulders. “You should stay. Have dinner with us.”
I stop at the ramp’s end and look up at him. “It would make Tessi happy.”
“Maybe another time. I need…”
“Space.” I nod. “Just remember to bepresent, sir. That is how we feelalmostwhole again. There are more who need us. And thank you for being the good in this universe. You have saved my kind. For that, I am forever in your debt.”
Viriden raps a fist to his chest. I rap a clawed fist to mine and step off of the ramp.
I watch his ship leave mine and know he will find a way to heal.Perhaps I should see if Tessi can bake him some more of her cookies.
Since she has been on boardMoonshine,she has enjoyed cooking classes, many stacks of books, and drinking something herbal she calls tea. I do not know why she likes the taste of it, but it is something Rorsar enjoys, too. And Ayna, the Isonian nurse he’s now courting.
When I stop by our quarters, I do not see Tessi or Rhysan. The room is instead filled with pink and blue decorations and our entire M-pack plus a few, minus my brother.
Radar comes up to me and licks my hand.
“Hi, buddy.”
Carnas grins from where he has his arm around Esrynne. They’re tying off balloons, while Spike stays on the other side of the room, setting up a table with plates and napkins.
“What…is this?” I ask.
“A baby shower,” Spike replies. “My mother loved doing them.”
Esrynne smiles up at me. She’s barely back on her feet but I’ve never seen her so happy before. And by the way Carnas monitors her every move, I’m certain she’s well cared for. “It’s for the twins. Pink for a girl. Blue for the boy. Everyone is coming later tonight.”
Carnas growls with dark desire as he leans around Esrynne and kisses her. “Including you, my love.”
Esrynne blushes. “The party will include food, cake, and games. We will give Tessi things for the pups and for her journey into motherhood. It’s a human tradition, but I already like it.”
“Ah. Okay.” I’m glad to know Tessi has so much support from our M-pack, even while I am away.
