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Shethrows the holo pad on the ground right before stomping up to the ramp of her own ship.Withinseconds, the ship lifts off the ground, rising through the atmosphere.MeKdoesn’t move, and neither does theCommanderorKikiuntil it can no longer be seen.I’mso deep in thought that theCommander’svoice startles me.

“ANDI,Ineed to know how that ship has gotten past you twice.”

“YouandIboth,CommanderDaR.”

“Father,Imay have that answer.Icreated a cloaking device that no ship or sensor can see.WhatIam not sure of is how my mother got hold of that information without my knowledge.”

“Canyou stop her from our location from being able to steal or take any of the work you are currently working on?”

“Yes, but some of my older files are only backed up in my main workshop, and she knows exactly where and how to retrieve them.Iam not sure how to obtain them without going there myself.”

“Isit possible forSCOUTto infiltrate the area?”

“Ido not know why not.”

“Wellthen, we need to get him involved.Lacie,Igave the order for the dropships to depart when that ship landed unauthorized.Briaronly agreed to leave whenItold her you would be staying with me andKira.Andyou are welcome to stay with us if you don’t want to remain here.”

Myemotions are all over the place; did he just do whatIthink he did?MeKhas held on to me this entire time, and becauseI’mso distracted by replaying what just happened, when he kisses my forehead,Iactually jerk.Isee his eyes darken automatically, as if he’s scared he has overstepped.

“Lacie, as much asIhate to go,Ineed to see whatIcan salvage of my life’s work, and time is not on my side.Iwould love for you andKikito stay with me, just so thatIwould know that you are near.IpromiseIwill not push you for more than you are willing to give, ever … or never if that is the case.”

TheCommanderstands with his arms crossed, watching us both with those bright yellow eyes of his, andI’mliterally arguing with myself in my own head.‘DoIstay or leave?’

Kiki’swhining makes the decision for me. “I’llstay tonight, butImake no promises past that.”

Thesmile that gracesMeK’sface captures my full attention, andIdon’t even hear theCommanderwalk off.

“Comeon,I’llget you two settled beforeIget started.”

Chapter Twenty-Nine

MEK

Myfingers flyover the keyboard, pulling files and authorizations as quickly asIcan.IknowIshould be upset andIam slightly, but the moment mother turned from me,Ifelt a weight lift from my shoulders thatIhad no ideaIwas burdened with.

Ican seeSCOUTworking behind the scenes as blueprints and other drawings are deleted from the servers onMeKurem.Iknow there will be something thatIwill realize later on thatIforgot, butIwill deal with that issue when it occurs.Inall my rotations,Ihave never felt this free, nor not had the next thing planned.

Thethought of being able to make my own choices makes me smile and knowing thatLacieis just in the other room, asleep in my own bed is somethingIthoughtIhad spoiled forever.Achirp is all the noticeIget beforeKikileaps up onto my desk.Withouta care in the world, he walks across the holo screen, typing in his own commands before laying down right in the middle, demanding my attention.Ireach up, petting him, only to realize thatIdo not see him as a bother or something that is in the way.Hereis a creature that has no reason to seek me out, but here he is looking for attention.

“Hello, you little terror.Isee you decided not to wake up your favorite person.”Hehead-butts my hand before getting up to stretch, then jumps back down, chirping at the ramp.

“Iam coming, but do not run off.Laciewould never forgive me, andIam in enough trouble with her now.”AsIwatch him strut down the ramp, my mind starts working on what sensors are needed so that he can come in and out as he pleases and what modifications a dwelling would need to accommodate him as he gets larger.Thethought of my … no, our own dwelling stops me in my tracks, and a plan starts forming in my mind.Isend a quick communication toKyTasIneed his approval beforeIcan proceed.

Shortlyafterward,Iwalk into my sleeping chamber and up to the platform whereLacieis curled up.WhenIreach down to brush a piece of hair off her forehead, her eyes pop open.

“Goback to sleep.Ididn’t mean to wake you.”

“Thisis not the easiest room to sleep in, to be honest.Beingsurrounded by all these screens, it’s like the whole room is alive.Assoon asI’ddoze off, another one would beep or make some type of odd noise.Unfortunately,I’vealways been a light sleeper.Backhome,Icouldn’t stand to have a light or theTVon.Theflashing lights would always wake me up.Bythe way, where’s my snuggle monster?Didhe sneak off?”

“Yes,Ijust let him out.”

IknowIneed to move away from the sleeping platform and leave her alone.Thereare a million things that need to be done, but being here with her is the only thingIgenuinely care about.

“Didyou get all your stuff done?”

“No,Igot distracted by a black fur ball and a beautiful blonde sleeping in my … what do you call them?Yes, a bed … my bed.”

“Isee you’ve suddenly turned into a sweet talker.Whythe big change?”