“That’s always the risk. However, Jonathan was borderline when you first came into the family. He wasn’t a traitor—yet. But he was definitely eyeing it, since his elder brothers-in-law were so gung ho about the purity of the race and all that. And before you argue, Chuck, Camilla, and I have the proof. But once you showed favoritism toward Marianne and Kimberly? He flipped and has been loyal to this side of the family ever since.”
“Huh. Go me, I guess. I didn’t show favoritism. Marianne was just the only sister who actually talked to me, instead of at me, when I first met the clan. And Kimmie’s a total doll. Who wouldn’t show her favoritism?”
“Again, that’s your mindset. It’s not everyone’s. And it doesn’t matter, in that sense. Jonathan stayed on the side of what we all feel is right, because of your relationship with his wife and eldest daughter. Think about it. The Price and Valentino families—all of them other than Stephanie—are on this trip with you. If that doesn’t say ‘favoritism,’ I don’t know what does.”
“But we didn’t choose them intentionally.”
“Maybe not. But that’s how it’s going to be spun, once we’re home. Presuming we arrive safe and sound and with everyone in tow.”
“Which we had damned well better. But okay, so they’re along, in your opinion, to say ‘nanner nanner’ to Jeff’s other sisters and brothers-in-law?”
“His sisters for sure. They are going to be green with envy when we get back. And if they’re mad enough at their husbands for being left out . . .”
“Gotcha. And, yeah, I guess that makes sense. If you or I are mad at Brian or Jeff, they’re going to do something about it, if only to shut us up.”
“Exactly. So, anyway, that’s my theory, for what it’s worth. Now, the key is that we save the day and get home safely.”
“Look at you, always focused on the work.”
Serene grinned. “It’s a dirty job, but someone has to do it.”
CHAPTER 73
SERENE AND I HUGGED then went into our rooms. “Everything okay?” Jeff asked when I got into our bedroom.
“Yep, just needed to go over some things with Serene.”
“Yeah, I picked that up,” he said dryly. “Being an empath and all.”
“Do you think the kids are doing okay? We have a lot of empaths along, as well as imageers, and who knows what all the hybrid kids really are. None seem quite as talented as Jamie and Charlie, but that could just be because they’re doing their best to fly under the radar.” Or Jamie and ACE were ensuring that, which was what my money was on.
“Yeah, they’re fine. Christopher and I put blocks into all of them, remember? They can all function with or without their talents. They’re fine.” He pulled me to him. “Why the sudden worry?”
“Oh, I was just talking family stuff with Serene.” Leaned my head against his chest. “I’m pretty sure we’re going to arrive sometime tomorrow.”
He hugged me. “Then let’s get some sleep so we’re ready for whatever we’re facing.”
“Sounds good to me.”
We made sure Lizzie was asleep, then we had sex, just to be sure I’d be able to sleep and all that, because Jeff was a great husband that way. We wrapped around each other and Jeff fell asleep immediately.
I didn’t, but that was okay. I was comfortable and it occurred to me that now was a great time to check in with ACE, since I knew Jamie was fast asleep.
ACE, are you there?
Yes, Kitty, ACE is here.
I just wanted to see if you’re okay. Are Sandy and the others keeping to their promise?
Yes, they are. ACE is free to do what ACE feels is right, within the greater rules that exist.
Rules you can tell me about?
No, ACE cannot tell Kitty about those things, though ACE would like to. Just as there are other things ACE would like to tell Kitty about but cannot.
Things that are going to happen soon?
And later. There are things that ACE will have to do, but now, thanks to Kitty, ACE can do them without fear.
I’m glad. Should I be prepared for these things?
As much as Kitty can be.
Am I prepared for these things?
As much as Kitty ever is. But, ACE is not worried. Kitty always thinks right.
Good to know I remain consistent. Does this mean that you don’t have to stay inside of Jamie?
Yes, but ACE and Jamie have discussed it. ACE will stay with Jamie. It is the best way to protect Jamie and also to protect ACE. ACE has a job to do with Jamie, and that is to keep Jamie safe and from becoming—
A despot. Yeah, she told me. And I can’t argue about that, at all. I just want to be sure it’s your choice and that you don’t want to go back to Paul, or go off without a body.
No, ACE is happy where ACE is. ACE will never desert Kitty, or Jamie, or Paul. Or any of the others. All are ACE’s penguins. But ACE has to do what is best, and what is best right now is for ACE to stay with Jamie.
Then if you’re happy, I’m happy, and I’ll never desert you, either, ACE, regardless of who you are or aren’t residing inside.
Felt the warmth in my mind that was how ACE hugged me, then it was gone. Heaved a sigh, snuggled my face in between Jeff’s pecs, and fell asleep.
Woke up to the pleasant sound of Mother’s wakeup alarm. Did the usual morning routine, but as we were finishing breakfast, we got the announcement.
“Command crew to the deck, all other crew and passengers to crash couches. We will be leaving warp in fifteen minutes.”
“Or less, if this goes anything like last time,” Joe said.
“Hope it goes more smoothly,” Randy replied. “Not that that would be hard.”
“Let’s hurry up,” Jeff said, as I put my purse over my neck and picked Charlie up. “Just in case.”
We zipped everyone into their seats, ensured the animals were safe, and headed to our positions. Once we were all strapped in and Butler and the Kristie-Bot had trotted off to the safety of the crash couches—needing only to have been flung around once to see the wisdom of being strapped in—I sent a hail.
“Calling the Eknara. Eknara, can you hear me?”
Nada. Oh well, it was worth a try.
“Leaving warp in five . . .” Mother said. “Four . . . three . . .”
We all winced, prepared for something bad to happen.
“Two . . . one.”
On the count of one the pressure started again. It was very brief, however. Nice to know that the pressure was far less coming out of warp than going in. Something to look forward to, should we ever get to have another normal departure and arrival.
The pressure stopped and, as it did, we no longer saw the blur of nothing out the windshield. We saw a star in the distance and a lot of planets nearby, but only nearby in that space sense—we were far from the one that was closest to us.
“We are near the farthest planet from this sun,” Mother said. “As a precaution.”
“Smart choice. So, how do we tell if this sun is having problems?”
“Scanning,” Mother said. “But we may need to verify if the Eknara is on one of these planets, in case my sensors don’t pick up the solar disturbance properly.”
“Can the others get out of the crash couches and maybe go to the Observation Lounge?” Hey, if it was me in the couch, I’d want to see this if I could.