Here's chapter 9, finally. Contains spoilers for S3E10 Hollow Men and S3E11 Pax Romana. Enjoy.

Disclaimer: I do not own Sanctuary or any of its characters.

Chapter 9:

(Vladimyr and Natalija's Apartment, Praxis, Hollow Earth - 2010)

Natalija paces back and forth in front of the windows of the main living area. The papers in her left hand are, all but, forgotten. Her right hand twitches anxiously at her side. Vladimyr sits quietly on the couch trying to read one of the many reports they had received on the condition of the hyper-abnormal known as Canaan.

"Tali, come sit down, please. You're starting to set MY nerves on edge," he says calmly, patting the seat next to him.

His sister turns to look at him, as if she had forgotten he was there. She makes her way to the couch in short order and sits down. Almost as soon as her body makes contact with the cushion, she shoots back up, slamming the report down on the coffee table, "Damn it, Vlad! How can you just sit there reading? They were executed! SHE was executed! And we're here pouring over these bloody reports, like everything is great!"

Vladimyr reaches out to catch his sister's flailing hand and pulls her down next to him, "Tali, you need to trust Ranna. I know it's hard to see it right now, but she has a plan. And I know it does not include leaving our mother hanging in some cryo-warehouse."

"You don't know that," Natalija seethes.

Her brother sighs and shakes his head, "I know she wants to save Praxis as much as Grandfather did…does. I also know that, if she hasn't already, she will come to the realization that you were correct in your belief that Mother will be able to help." He takes Natalija's hand in both of his, "You just have to give her time, Tali."

"Time is something we do not have the luxury to give in this situation," she states in a calmer tone. "The tremors are getting worse and more frequent with each passing day."

Vladimyr looks into his sister's eyes, "True. And although I know this greatly concerns you, it is not the only thing bothering you."

"And how would you know that?" she challenges.

"How could I have lived with you this long and not gotten to know the workings of that genius mind of yours, dear sister?" he retorts, with a mischievous smile.

Natalija pulls away from him and rises only to begin pacing once more. Her brother also rises, moving to stand in front of her. He reaches out and grasps her by the shoulders to halt her progress. She looks up at him, her eyes clouded with emotion.

"Talk to me, Tali," he whispers, "Tell me how to put you at ease."

"I need to know she is alright, even if she is not our mother yet. I need to see her, to hear her voice," she answers quietly. "Praxis is a wondrous place, but I miss the Sanctuary, our family, our friends: Mother, Ashley, Alex, Sarah... I just want to go home, Vlad."

Vladimyr pulls her into a hug and reassures her, "We'll go home."

"When?" his sister pleads.

"Soon, I promise," he replies as he gently rubs her back. "Soon."


I was feeling a bit homesick, so I transferred it to Natalija. Hope you liked it. Until next time.