Stinger was hovering again, noted Jupiter.

It was the way that Grey's back stiffened, the way that their projected dark eyes blinked a little too quickly that told her the bee splice was back again. And the ping to her monitoring sheeve, a chime that Grey had requested specifically to be on a frequency only they could hear, had probably alerted them. The specific vibration for Jupiter told her it was someone friendly, and she knew Kiza did not have enough confidence to fly overhead like her father. Despite the tentative friendship between the Aegis splice and the keeper, there was still an uneasy tension. Jupiter smiled slightly, eyes flickering to her Mother, spread out on the porch, books, and books piled around her in organized chaos. Large headphones over her ears, her CD player tucked precariously on her knee. Jupiter could hear the music from where she was, sprawled in the morning sun with her school work in front of her.

Jupiter smiled.

"You shouldn't be so nervous," she told her friend, turning back to them.

Grey tossed her a smile on their Venus face.

"I am not nervous. I am alert."

Jupiter hummed. She offered her hand, palm up. Grey followed the movement, and then lifted their own hand to press against her's.

"He's just patrolling. He used to be a Skyjacker Squad leader. If he thinks his military skills will be an asset, I will not tell him no. I don't order him around. And he wants to do this."

"I understand. It just makes me uneasy to know if they are yours. They could be gathering information for Lord Balem."

Jupiter frowned. Grey tilted their head, the Venus curls flowing prettily over their shoulder.

"I do not mean your objects. I mean belonging to you, being your people. Loyalty, true affection. You have done them a kindness. But how much will that kindness keep? Beings are selfish. They will want more."

"I will give all that I can afford to give. I am not selfish."

"For some, that will not be enough."

"I don't think the Apini's are that kind of people."

Grey sighed. A high whistle-like sound that dipped and dropped into different tones.

"I hope they are not. I believe they are not. But time will tell, my dear youngling."