There was a knock that came from the door. Balu returned to the door the opened it up and found the prosthetic needed for the emergency departure. Balu scanned the scenery for Lizard only to see bushes shaking from side to side, the branches belonging to trees wavering while the leaves were turning upside down, and the sound of the wind becoming unsettled. He looked both ways then knelt down and picked up the parts very carefully into his arms.
Tee Gar closed the door from behind Balu.
"So, when does this 'mission' have to be done?"
"Tonight," Tee Gar turned away from the front door.
"Tonight?" Balu shook his head.
"Radio and weather says tonight is when we get the most available energy source,"
"Here I thought that you were going to use one of your more complex inventions," Balu had a hearty laugh.
"Lilly is the most qualified for this mission so she is going with us," Tee Gar said.
"Is she trained for this?" Balu asked.
Tee Gar had a long stare back at Balu in disbelief, at first, getting the same stare in return.
"She is a space woman," Tee Gar ended the silence. "She is trained for advanced technology so she must be trained for this kind of situation."
"Alright," Balu said. "But you better be armed when you go out for this insane plan of yours. And-OR protected!"
"I am going to use the shelter," Tee Gar replied. "I will be back in a jiffy."
Balu looked out the door toward the darkening sky.
The air, the temperature, nothing felt right about the oncoming event to unfold on his property. He had all the right faith in his grandson. Tee Gar was capable of doing anything and everything that he had set his mind on. Even going as far to defying his government, the media, and friends just to do what was right. A product of Balu's hand in raising the young boy. And a part of him was already regretting thrusting him into that kind of childhood.
"I am going to help you with moving that equipment," Balu said. "And get the rain coats ready."
"Balu," Tee Gar opened the closet door and looked up toward the unused rain coats.
"Yes, Tiager?" Balu turned toward Tee Gar.
"When are they coming back?" Tee Gar shifted toward Balu. "I miss them."
"When you are old enough," Balu had a bitter smile. "Then you will see them again."
Tee Gar's eyes brightened visibly then turned around getting up the steps to take the rain coats.
Balu lowered his gaze toward the floor out of regret.
The sacrifices they went to protecting the boy was exceptional out of love and extraordinary. He wouldn't understand now but one day, Tee Gar would understand and be able to hear what happened to them. Balu sighed, looking toward the distant sun that was getting smaller as the storm clouds blocked any view of it. He slowly closed the door then stepped from it. Balu turned away from the door then went down the stairs leading into the basement holding the equipment.
If Balu were being honest with the boy, he wasn't quite looking forward to the operation.
He had a bad feeling in his gut about tonight.