“No structural,” Nic said shortly. “Windows and doors broken which you already know, so why ask?”
“Keeps you talking,” Lucas said.
“Think I’ll slip up and confess,” Nic asked opening the doors.
“No,” Lucas said. “I think I’m more likely to get a telling off from you.”
Nic liked how he read people, even if she didn’t like how easily he read her. “Only if you upset the girls.”
“I’ll do my best not to,” Lucas said following her into the house.
Kramer turned around in the large entry hall. “It’s big,” he muttered.
“This way,” Nic said. She led them to the big dining room. “There’s coffee and food.”
“Coffee is our life blood,” Lucas said. “Lord Mycos, Lady Lydia.” He greeted them with a slight bow but took their outstretched hands.
“Investigator Ando,” Lydia said. She sat and indicated he should as well. “Can I offer you some coffee or tea?”
“Coffee, black would be great,” Lucas said. “This is one of my assistants Kramer Sallinger. Others will be arriving later today.”
“Specialists,” Lydia said. Mycos signaled on his com.
“Yes,” Lucas said. “With a bombing and the other incidents, it’s important to bring in the right group of people who can look at the overall picture in order to dig into their specialties.”
“Pity our own police department didn’t think to do this,” Lydia said. Mycos put his arm around her.
“I understand your frustration,” Lucas said.
“Not going to try to pacify me,” Lydia asked tersely.
“I’m sure you’ve already had enough of that,” Lucas said.
“Damn right,” Lydia said. Mycos leaned in kissed her temple. She leaned on him, looked up at him.
“My mate is understandably upset,” Mycos said. “This is more than our embassy. It is our home. Our family was here. Many refugees were here.”
“And all were in danger,” Lucas said. He narrowed his eyes. “But you weren’t here, nor was your right-hand man. Who knows your schedule?”
“Do you think they did it intentionally when they were out,” Lydia asked.
“It’s possible,” Lucas said looked at the bot by his side. The cup rippled with deep rich coffee. He picked it up and sipped. “Many underestimate women, consider them the weaker sex.”
“Yeah,” Nic said. “We know. We aren’t.”
“This is intimidation as much as it’s meant to cause harm,” Lucas said.
“I’m not intimidated,” Lydia said. “I won’t accept this. You find out who did this. You figure it out quickly.”
“Or,” Lucas asked sipping the coffee.
“Or I’ll put my people on it,” Lydia said.
“Are they trained in investigation,” Lucas asked narrowing his eyes.
“Does it matter,” Lydia said. “I trust our people.”
“Aren’t the humans your people,” Lucas asked.
“My people are in this building. My people are in space above this planet and on planets far from here,” Lydia said. “Humans have done nothing for me except hurt, terrify, and cause harm.”
“I’ve read the profile on you,” Lucas said.
Nic snorted and rose to walk away. Landros took her arm, held her near him.
“Have I upset you,” Lucas asked watching her walk away.
“Not hardly,” Nic said. “This is the same old crap. You think you know all from some damn file some bureaucrat put together?”
“No,” Lucas said. “I think all of you are in danger and perhaps too young or naïve to realize it.”
Lydia smiled, folded her hands in her lap. “Danger is not a new state of being for us,” she said.
“This is a different kind of danger,” Lucas said.
“We’re aware,” Nic said. “There’s more at stake.” She gripped Landros hand tight in her hand, leaned into him.
“You aren’t protecting just the seven of you,” Lucas said.
“No but we also have more resources than we did when we lived on the streets,” Lydia said.
“Fair enough,” Lucas said. “I won’t take you for weak women if you won’t take me for a fool.”
“Excellent,” Lydia said. “Now, what can you tell me?”
“Nothing,” Lucas said. “I’ve been on site for less than thirty. Before you ask, I don’t know how long this will take.”
“You gonna tell us this is the gangs,” Nic asked taking a couple of steps back towards Lucas.
“They’re on my list,” Lucas said. He held up a hand as she rolled her eyes. “There are a number of people on my list. I don’t rule out anyone, including your own people, until I have proof to clear or condemn.”
“This is how good investigators work,” Colonel Brown said hoping to ease some of the tension.
“We have a number of resources at your disposal,” Mycos said.
“I heard something about a holo recreation,” Lucas said.
“You’ll like it,” Abraham said smiling. “If you follow me, I’ll show you.”
Lucas drained his coffee. “Lead the way,” he said. “Are we allowed to go unescorted?”
“You have access,” Mycos said. “However, you and all of your assistants should be aware, our men will not tolerate the women being disturbed.”
“You have a lot of women here,” Lucas asked. He looked up as a large group of women walked past the dining room.
“We do,” Mycos said. “Despite the danger, they continue to flock to our gate.”
“Another reason we want this solved quickly,” Lydia said. “Abby, it’s time for our meeting with Avia.”
“He’s okay,” Abby said as she took Lydia’s hand. “He’s shiny.”
“Am I,” Lucas asked.
“Yes,” Abby said looking up at him. “You have a good heart.” She tugged on Lydia’s hand. The two of them walked away.
“She’s different,” Lucas murmured.
“She’s to be protected,” Abraham said. Turning to Mycos, he asked, “Will you join us?”
“Yes,” Mycos said rising slowly.
“Your technology is causing a lot of ripples in our society,” Lucas said.
“It is,” Mycos said.
“This could be part of the problem,” Lucas said.
“Do you think it’s what caused the bombing,” Abraham asked.
“There’s not enough evidence,” Lucas said. Hurrying to keep up, Kramer handed him a report. “Not now.”
“Sir, it’s the report on the explosive,” Kramer said.
Lucas stopped to take the report. “It looks like this is human explosives, not a homemade boomer. This has military-grade explosives. Kramer, check to see if the military is missing any of these items.” Mycos and Abraham stopped to listen as he read off the details.
Kramer jotted notes on his tablet. “Yes, sir,” he said.
“So a professional job,” Abraham said frowning.
“Definitely,” Lucas said handing the report back to Kramer. “Not something thrown together by visiting the local fertilizer plant.”
“Primitive,” Mycos said.”
“Sophisticated for us,” Lucas said.
“I meant more in the attitude behind the attack,” Mycos said. He led them down the stairs to the basement workout rooms.
“I’ve set it up,” Nic said as the men entered the room.
“You should go,” Mycos said, hoping to spare her the sight of the women dying and the injuring of their people.
“Not likely,” Nic said. “I’ve queued it up to about a minute before the car stopped at the gate.”
“Excellent,” Lucas said rubbing his hands together. “Let’s get started.”
***
“Avia,” Abby smiled at Mycos’ mother. “I’ve finished all the lessons.”
“Did you excel at them,” Mylana asked. She sat on the floor next to Abby in the holo image.
“I mostly did
,” Abby said.
“Did you do your best,” Mylana asked smiling at the evasion.
“Yes, but Lydia made me do three lessons over,” Abby pouted, jutting out her lower lip.
“Hmmm. Did you do your best the first time through,” Mylana asked.
“I…” Abby looked at Lydia who raised her eyebrows at her. “I guess not. I wanted to play.”
“Play is definitely fun,” Mylana said smiling at Abby, brushing her hand down Abby’s hair, though she stroked only holo Abby. “However, we all have things we must do.”
“I did them again and got better,” Abby said flashing a bright smile at Mylana.
“Then I am sure you were able to go play,” Mylana said.
“Landros took me sledding,” Abby said standing to demonstrate her wobbling progress. “I even tried snowboarding.”
“Did you have fun,” Mylana asked. Lydia described snowboarding to Mylana at their last meeting.
“Yes, and when I got cold, I just came inside,” Abby said. “I didn’t have to try to get warm, I just came in and snuggled with Defur.” She held up her bear.
“It is important to snuggle with your friends,” Mylana said. “I have a friend with me today. I would like you to meet her.”
Abby glanced at Lydia and squeezed her bear really tight. “He’s not gonna …”
“She wants to meet you,” Mylana said. “No harm will happen.”
“Lyd,” Abby looked to Lydia.
“I’m right here,” Lydia said. “Has Avia ever done anything to hurt you?”
“No,” Abby whispered. “Is your friend nice?”
“She is,” Mylana said. “She can tell things about people.”
“What kinds of things,” Abby asked curiosity overcoming fear.
“Ask her yourself,” Mylana asked.
“Okay,” Abby said slowly.
Mylana looked up as another woman joined them. Her dark hair hung down her back while her long red dress swept the floor. Her belly bulged with a child. “Abby, this is Seer Zaria. Zaria, this is my granddaughter Abby.”
Zaria sat on the pillows on the floor. “Hello Abby,” she said settling on the pillows.
“You’ve got a big belly,” Abby said staring at Zaria’s belly. Lydia started to scold but stopped when Zaria spoke.
Zaria laughed, “I do. I have a baby in here. She is being stubborn and not coming out.”
“You had sex,” Abby said bluntly. “I don’t have to have sex till I want to. Nic said.”
“No, you do not,” Zaria said. “I enjoyed my …” she looked to Mylana for a moment. “Adult time. Now I will have a daughter.”
“You like daughters,” Abby asked she leaned to touch but remembered she couldn’t.
“This will be my third,” Zaria said. “I have several sons as well.”
“Did you throw any of them away,” Abby asked looking into Zaria’s eyes.
“Never,” Zaria said. “I love all my children.”
“Okay,” Abby said.
“Your Avia tells me you are having dreams,” Zaria said. “Do you want to talk about them?”
“They’re scary,” Abby said whispering.
“Maybe I can help,” Zaria said. “Tell me about them.”
“There’s loud booms, men with masks, blood, fighting, Nic and Landros get hurt,” Abby blurted it all out in a long breath.
“Oh my,” Zaria said her eyes widening. “No wonder they scare you. Is this all in one dream or many dreams?”
“One which gets longer and longer,” Abby said. She picked at her pants. “I don’t like them. Can you make them stop?”
“Maybe you need to see the rest of the dream,” Zaria said. “What wakes you each time?”
“The first time… it was the scary men,” Abby said. “Then it was the loud noises. Sometimes I can make it slow down and stop, but mostly I can’t.”
“What is the scariest part,” Zaria asked.
Abby looked at Lydia, reached for her. Lydia slid from the chair to the floor with Abby. “It’s all right,” Lydia said.
“It’s… it’s when our men get hurt,” Abby whispered. “I don’t want them hurt. They’re good and kind. They’re bright and shiny.”
“They are indeed,” Zaria said. “How often are you having these dreams?”
“Every night,” Abby said, she leaned into Lydia, wrapped her arms around Lydia’s neck.
“This must be hard for you,” Zaria said. “I think I can help.”
“How,” Abby said peeking out from the protection of Lydia’s arms.
“When I was young, younger than you,” Zaria said. “I had similar problems with scary dreams.”
“Whadya do,” Abby asked sliding back onto the floor next to Mylana and Zaria.
“I spoke my dreams,” Zaria said. “When I spoke them, they went away. You say what you saw and then go back to sleep.”
“Sorta like a diary,” Abby asked.
“Yes, but the telling helps to get the images out of your head,” Zaria said. “It sets them free, letting you go back to sleep without fear.”
“Huh,” Abby said. “I can try it.”
“If it does not work, you let your Avia know and I will come see you again,” Zaria said.
“Will you bring your baby,” Abby asked.
“Yes, she will be born very soon,” Zaria said rubbing her belly and smiling.
“I’ll try,” Abby said. “Thank you.”
“If you go to cook, you can have some of your ice cream,” Mylana said.
“Lydia won’t let me,” Abby said jutting out her lip again. “She says it will spoil my meal.”
“As your Avia, I can overrule your sister,” Mylana said. “This once.”
“Go get two scoops,” Lydia said hugging her tight for a moment.
“Really,” Abby said jumping up and down. “Really even though it’s not dessert and suppers not far off.”
“Yes,” Lydia said. “But you better go before I change my mind.”
Abby flung her arms around Lydia hugged her tight before running out of the room. Lydia watched as the door closed behind her. “What do you think,” Lydia asked standing to watch the other two women.
“Your life has been difficult,” Zaria said. “Her dreams may be caused by her inner fears.”
“Do you think she’s having premonitions,” Lydia asked sitting in the chair as she considered.
“It is possible,” Zaria said. “The young often are open to the energies we cannot see. The only way to tell is to have her examined here by a seer.”
“I’m worried if we leave this world now, it will cause her more trauma,” Lydia said. “You saw how hesitant she was to meet you. Strangers and changes in her routine cause her a lot of anxiety.”
“Your time on your world is nearing the end,” Zaria said. “But as you yourself believe, it is not time for you to leave. Be diligent, for she may be having premonitions. Tell Mycos to have the computer record what she says at night. I would like to hear about these dreams.”
“Thank you,” Lydia said. “We’ve been worried about her.”
“Do you wish to ask anything of me,” Zaria asked.
Lydia put her hands behind her back. “My life will be what Mycos and I make of it. I believe it will be good but I’m too realistic to believe it will all be happiness. I don’t need a prediction from you to tell me this.”
“You definitely do not,” Zaria said smiling. “Let me say only this. You will make a difference both on your current world and when you come to our worlds. You have already made a difference with your sisters.”
***
“How long has he been down there,” Lydia asked as she, Mycos, Morgan, and Abraham met in the office.
“He spent several hours reviewing the explosion the first day he was down there,” Abraham said. “I think he watched from every possible angle.
“Every time one of his experts has arrived, he’s watched it again,” Morgan said.
“It
’s been a week,” Lydia said. “What is he waiting for?”
“He is gathering information,” Mycos growled. “That is his answer when I ask him.”
“Same with me,” Morgan said.
“It takes time,” Abraham said. “Their work area is locked and only he and his people are allowed in.”
“He wants to speak with Floren,” Lydia said. “Justinian is not ready for Floren to be interviewed.”
“How is he doing,” Morgan asked.
“Justinian is pleased with his progress, but he is worried about infection,” Mycos said. “His back took the brunt of the burns from the blast. His hearing is returning slowly.”
“Bitta is with him,” Lydia said. She turned towards Mycos, her words soft, reassuring, and comforting.
“I don’t want to be,” Abraham said. “Rude, I guess. Is there a reason Bitta is staying with Floren?”
“Yes,” Mycos said. He didn’t expand on the reason though.
“Is she his mate,” Abraham asked. “I don’t mean to pry.”
“She is,” Lydia said. “It’s why he was always paired with her. I do not know if he had declared to her yet.”
“I think he had,” Mycos said. “He has been calmer right before the explosion.”
“I noticed he worked better with her,” Abraham said. “What happens if a mate is killed?”
Mycos crossed his arms, said nothing.
“Historically,” Lydia said taking it out of the present. “If a mate was killed by someone, the surviving mate would follow Hylatian creeds and take the life of the person behind the death.”
“What happens to the surviving mate,” Morgan asked. “If there’s such a strong connection, it has to be wrenching on the survivor.”
“It is,” Lydia said.
“He’s not answering because he doesn’t want to give away a weakness,” Abraham said leaning back in his chair.
“What would you do if your wife were taken captive,” Lydia asked. “Or one of your children?”
“Anything,” Abraham said. “I’ve got the skills to hunt whoever had them.”
“As do the Hylatians and they have better technology than humans do,” Lydia said.
“I’ll see to it Bitta is available,” Abraham said. “None of this conversation will go in any of my reports.”
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