Sacrifice
A Sequel to Quietly into the Night
Conventional Couples
Rating: PG-13


Chapter 7

Max and the others gathered around the table, copies of letter written in Antarian in front of them. Each of them also had a copy of the translation of the destiny book Alex made as well as the key he created for translating the language into English. All of them had agreed to try and translate the book on their own and then compare the results.
"Daddy, I'm hungry," said Lexie. "Can I have one of Grammy Nancy's cookies please?"
"Sure sweetie, go ahead," said Max absentmindedly as he struggled over the translation.
"Can I bring one to Kam? He's hungry too."
"Sure thing Lexie it's good to share with, WHAT?" he shouted. Lexie's lower lip trembled and her eyes filled with tears.
"I'm sorry Daddy, I don't have to give Kam a cookie, I'll share mine with him."

Max picked up his daughter and cuddled her against him. "Shh, sweetie, it's ok. Daddy's sorry he yelled. Is Kam here with you?"
"No Daddy, he's still with Mommy, but we was just talking and I told him I wanted a cookie. He said he's never had a cookie, so I told him I'd give him one."
"Wow, that's really nice of you to want to share your cookies with your brother," he said in a voice choked with tears. "Hey Lexie sweetie, do you think you could ask Kam to tell Mommy something."
"Ok Daddy," said Lexie agreeably munching on a cookie.
"Ask Kam to tell Mommy that we found the book and we're working on it. Can you do that?"
"K Daddy," she said grabbing another cookie and sliding off of Max's lap. She skipped out of the room and sat down in front of the television again.
"Do you think that's going to work Maxwell?" asked Michael.
"I don't know, but it's worth a shot. Liz needs to know that we're trying.

Isabelle stood up from the table and closed up the notebook she had been working in. "I think I'm going to take a break," she said. "My brain's spinning. I wish I had paid attention while we were on Antar. If I had, maybe this would have been easier."
"Isabelle, don't beat yourself up over this," said Max. "We'll figure it out."
"We always do," added Michael and Maria at the same time.
"Oh God," said Isabelle in a dramatic voice. "I knew it was true, they share one brain!"
Everyone in the room laughed and agreed that it was time to call it a night.
"Max, I'm going to take Maria and the baby home. Jim and Amy are going to stay for a few nights to make sure everything is going all right. Plus, I don't want to leave them alone, in case," he stopped
"I hear you," said Max. "Listen, there's no need for you guys to keep working on this. You have a new baby. Spend time with your family Michael. They need you."
"Liz and Kyle need me too. I'm not going to let them down."

The Nancy and Geoff Parker quickly straightened up the kitchen, while the Valenti's followed Maria and Michael out to their car. Max followed behind them, carrying Beth in her car seat. Michael took the carrier and strapped the baby into the backseat of the car and Maria hugged Max tightly.
"Don't worry Max. We'll figure this thing out and Liz, Kyle and Kam will be home before you know it."
"I know Maria. Hey, you did good last night. Beth's going to be a real looker, just like her Mom."
"You better believe it. This little girl is going to set the world on fire!" said a proud Maria. "And Max listen, Michael, he did what he thought was right."
"I know that, don't worry, Michael and I are cool."
"Good, cause if I thought you were going to give my husband any more grief, I was going to have to take you out. I can do that you know."
"Yeah, I know, you're wicked with a lead pipe. Now go take your baby home. I'll call you guys tomorrow."
Maria stood on tiptoe and placed a kiss on Max's cheek and slid into the car. Max shut the door and banged on the roof, and Michael backed slowly out of the driveway.

Max walked back towards the house and found Geoff waiting for him on the porch.
"Tough night," said Geoff.
"The toughest," Max agreed.
"You know Max, there was a time there where I didn't like you very much."
"Yeah, I remember."
"Now, I couldn't wish for a better husband for my daughter or a better father for my granddaughter. Grandchildren," he amended. "You and Liz are a lot alike. You both try to take on the problems of the world and solve them on your own. I'm glad you are beginning to realize that you aren't alone anymore. No matter what happens with this, we're all here for you," Geoff said. He reached over and laid a gentle hand on Max's shoulder. "I mean that Max, no matter what happens, we will all be here for you."

The back door opened and Nancy stepped out on the porch. "Everything's all set in there Max. Lexie's ready for bed, she's just waiting on her story. "We'll be back over tomorrow night after we close the café."
"Thanks for everything," said Max.
"Any time Max," said Geoff. "Come on sweetheart, let's let this young man put that beautiful daughter of his to bed. Max watched as they got into their car and drove off into the night. Stepping back inside the house, he found his parents sitting in the kitchen with a sleepy Lexie sitting on his mother's lap. "Come on Lexie Bear. Tell Grammy Diane and Grampy Philip good night," he said."
"Night Grammy, Night Grampy. I loves you," Lexie said in her sleepy little girl voice.
"Good night little one. We'll see you later," said Diane placing a kiss on Lexie's forehead. "Max, we're going to head out now, but I'll be over tomorrow to keep and eye on Lexie so you can concentrate."
"Thanks Mom, Dad, for everything," said Max. He reached over and took Lexie from his mother and carried her up the stairs to bed.

Antar

"Mommy, Mommy, guess what!" shouted Kam.
"What Kam the Man? Tell me, I'm all out of guesses today."
"I played the game again today. The one you taught me yesterday."
"You did? Did you have fun?"
"Yeah, and guess what. I talked to Lexie again."
Liz looked around he room nervously and scooped Kam up into her arms and carried him to the closet off their main living quarters. "Kam, you must promise Mommy that you won't ever talk about that game anywhere but in here. It's a secret game and we don't want anybody to find out about it. Ok sweetie?"
"Ok Mommy, but I talked to Lexie and she has a Play Station. Can I have one of those too?"
"Maybe someday sweetie. Did Lexie say anything else Kam?"
"Yeah, Daddy found the book and their working on it."
"Oh Kam, that's wonderful!" said Liz, hugging her small son tightly.
"Mommy, who is Izbelle?"
"Isabelle? She's your auntie. Why?"
"Lexie said she's Auntie Izbelle is at her house and she's beautiful."
"She is very beautiful Kam."

The door to the closet opened and Kyle stepped inside. "Is anything wrong?" he asked, a concerned look on his face.
"I don't think so. It seems as though Kam contacted his sister today. Max found the message I hid in my journal Kyle. They are trying to figure it out now."
"I don't know that this is the best time for them to come back here. I was just in the marketplace and it's not good Liz."
"What do you mean?"
"The people are starting to lean more towards Kivar. They believe that by allowing you to live that he is noble and good and just. Our forces are losing their hold here in the capitol city."
"Where did you hear this Kyle?"
"There is a small store in the marketplace, the owner sometimes has information to share," Kyle said carefully.
"What about Naloch, what does he think?"
"I haven't heard from Naloch in months. He's missing," said Kyle softly.
"Oh," said Liz. "Well, how trustworthy is this person you've been meeting with?"
"Very trustworthy, she's Naloch's daughter. Her name is Saranara."
Something in his voice captured Liz's attention. "Kyle, is there something you aren't telling me about this Saranara?"
"She and her brother Jereon operate the shop. They haven't heard from Naloch in months. They don't think it looks good. I'm worried for them Liz. It isn't safe for them here."
"Kyle, you really care about her, don't you?"
"Yeah," he admitted. "I almost don't think I can leave her, if and when the time comes."
"Kyle, no, you can't stay here, and what about Isabelle?"
"I know I can't stay here Liz, and it's killing me. As far as Isabelle goes, she's my friend. It's never been any more that that. At least not on her side."

Liz slipped her free arm around Kyle and hugged him. "I wish I could meet Saranara. Does she know how you feel about her?"
"Not only does she know, she says she loves me too. Damn, this is so hard. I love her Liz, I don't want to leave her, but I can't live my life here."
"We'll think of something Kyle."
"Mommy, can I play the game again?" asked Kam.
"Sure sweetie, and can you ask Lexie to tell Daddy something for me this time? Can you tell them to be careful, and that Kivar is stronger."
"Sure Mommy, I like playing messenger. It's fun," said Kam. "Lexie said she was going to get me a cookie too. Mommy, what's a cookie?"
Liz laughed and explained what a cookie was to Kam and cautioned him to play the game only in the closet. She and Kyle slipped out into the main living quarters and Liz began to straighten up the room. There was a knock at the door and two of Kivar's guards walked in. "You will come with us," said one of them to Liz. They stepped forward, and took Liz by the arms and escorted her out the door.