PINA
I'm in the kitchen with Dar discussing the prior day's events. "I wonder if Jason contacted Hayley last night."
"Probably. Like most warriors, he prefers to take action when he can." I nod in acknowledgement as he changes the subject. "So what was all that with the Keeper last night?"
I can't help but smile. "Basically, she was trying to communicate with the Falcon spirit that he holds - and she succeeded."
He gives me a confused glance as he continues to make breakfast. "How?"
"It was kind of like a mother bird tapping on an egg to see how close it is to hatching. And - if I understood correctly - he's closer to breaking out than I thought. It doesn't mean that he'll be fully healed, but once the Falcon does surface, I think we'll see remarkable progress."
"If my memory serves me correctly" and I've no doubt that it does "the computer and programs should be arriving today. Depending when our visitors leave, we can get started on his lessons properly."
I nod. "I know that Zedd and Tommy put together a schedule, but I think it might have to be redone since we're all going to be working with him."
Dar nods in return as he sets a plate in front of me. "We all still have our regular work to do as well."
Just before the kitchen door swings open, I hear quiet footsteps. A moment later, the former Red Ranger joins us. Without preamble, he says, "We need to talk."
I wave him to a nearby stool as Dar offers him food and coffee. He accepts gratefully. After a hefty swallow, he fixes his gaze on me. "I emailed Hayley last night and got an answer this morning - not to mention a ton of emails from other former Rangers."
He pulls several sheets out of his back pocket and slides them over to me. On the top is the printout of the email he sent. As I eat, I read my way through the stack. As I read, I see a potential problem here. I'm not sure what he wants from me though. When I finish, I raise an eyebrow at the young man. "And?"
"I don't know what to do. Tommy needs to know that he wasn't abandoned, but-"
"But how do you tell him that his best friend and trusted assistant metaphorically cut his throat. Yeah."
Dar sighs heavily. "It's all in how you say it."
"Why, thank you, Dar" I purr at my mate. "That's very generous of you to offer to handle this for us. After all, you are the most skilled at handling people of all races."
"Wait a minute!" he tries to backpedal. "I never said that!"
I bite back a grin as Jason chimes in, earning him an evil look from Dar. "Well, Tommy did say that you were honest with him and I'm sure that not everything you told him was pleasant to hear."
Dar growls at him, "And exactly when, as his best friend, are you going to get your hands dirty helping him?"
The former Ranger flinched. After a moment, he concedes. "Fine, I'll tell him. Hopefully, I won't do more damage than good." Dar freezes for a long minute. Jason takes advantage of it. "At this point, you guys know how to handle him better than I do."
It's all I can do to stay quiet as I wait for my mate's response. Finally, Dar says, "You tell him, but I'll be there too - just in case."
Jason grins hugely. "Thanks, Dar."
"I'm not doing this for you - or him. I just don't want to see all our hard work go to waste."
I slide the stack of papers to him. "Here. You should probably know exactly what you're dealing with."
Dar sighs, takes the pages and begins to read. Jason returns his attention to his plate as I return to my coffee. Draining my cup, I stand. "I still have some research to do. When Zedd and Tommy get up, remind them that Tommy needs to come see me." Dar nods absently, but I know that the message will be conveyed. I head out, mind already elsewhere.
