A/N: Spent quite a bit of time wrangling with whether or not it is too soon in the story to reveal what I do in this chapter, hence was hesitant to post it. 'Once posted, there is no going back,' I told myself. Another part said it was time. Obviously, in the end, I decided to plunge ahead and disclose aspects of one of the key behind-the-scenes forces. Sometimes I think I tend to keep information withheld beyond the point when I should shed some light what has been hidden or only hinted of. We still have plenty of unanswered questions and mysteries in Soulbound, including ones associated with group exposed here.

In the end, though, readers will be the judge. And so, taking a deep breath and closing my eyes, I dive in, hoping not to belly flop!

Chapter 21

The Council of Elders' holographic likenesses were projected in a circle at each of their locations. In reality, the members were scattered throughout the borders of the Etxan'Ir Trient that symbolically represented roughly one-third of the Awn'Va Galaxy, as their ancestors had named it. Phai had sent the summons to discuss recent events and quell objections she knew would rise up. Not all were advocates of her methods. She surveyed the ring from her Elder of Elders chair. Three seats were empty, but they had a quorum. Unfortunately, the quorum was not weighted in her favor.

Directly across from her sat Elder Ary who was assigned to Parma-Sentois Alliance. He was a conservative – too conservative in Phai's opinion. They'd get nothing accomplished if he sat in her chair. Cquax in appearance, the guise was apropos. Evolution had not changed the Cquax much over the eons. A roundish, hard-shelled body with two legs and four arms, one of which included a pincer that Ary clicked when nervous or agitated. A small head rested directly on the torso, forgoing a neck. At the opposite end of the body, a short pointed tail protruded that seemed to serve no particular purpose. If threatened, the species could curl up to protect more vulnerable areas, leaving only sturdier armor exposed to an attacker.

Next to Ary sat Sequi. He monitored the Turzent Empire and held no love for its ruler despite the Council's decisions regarding Ztar. The Elder carried his sturdy, robust Turzent shroud well. Black-crimson hair hung to broad shoulders, medium-toned olive-brown skin enhanced the muscular frame, and deep brown eyes with gold flecks and no whites held an intensity few could match. Sequi presented a tall, dark, intimidating presence, which he used to its advantage at times. Sequi was more often than not a thorn in Phai's side, but he often made valid arguments and while the man riled her at times, she always at least considered his objections.

Representing the Trisadient Worlds was Elder Olar. Its chosen form was an androgynous species called the Ji. Small in stature, slender to the point of looking frail, the Ji stood on two legs upon feet with long clawed toes. Two arms also ended in clawed digits. Scaled skin covered the body in a soft blue with areas of light tan. Large eyes, small ears, and mouth housing pointed teeth adorned a head that seemed oversized for the body. Where Ary and Sequi were often argumentative, Olar was quiet and unassuming. Only after hearing what others had voiced, would it offer an opinion, which typically proved insightful. Phai valued Olar's words above most.

The empty chairs belonged to Elders Vui from the Gnocque Empire, Kel of the unaligned sentient worlds, and Taer, who spoke for all worlds with non-sentient life. Issues within the absent members' territories demanded their personal attention, but as customary, they would abide by whatever those in attendance agreed. Taer's absence was puzzling, though. What matter could be so pressing when your domain contained no sentient life? Phai would query later.

Elder Phai's governance was two-fold: a realm assignment and Elder of Elders – leader of the Council, a position earned by experience, skill, and respect. Her realm charge was The Systems Commonwealth, a position she would swap with Sequi if given the opportunity. Where Sequi disliked Emperor Ztar, Phai championed him. Elder Sequi was a Commonwealth advocate and the Council's plans for that realm were not to his liking. For that reason, it was best Phai remained its overseer.

Phai raised a hand to still the multiple conversations occurring in the circle. For a moment, she gazed at the slender appendage before her that momentarily blocked out the face of Ary. She'd chosen her sheath with great care. Zchezuans were an elegant-looking race, but within that elegance, great physical power was contained. As strong as the tough Turzents were, in hand-to-hand combat, a Turzent would be decidedly outmatched against a Zchezuan. Her form was the same height as Sequi, but that is where the resemblance ended. She was light to his dark. White, softly iridescent skin covered a lithe form of two legs and two arms attached to a lean torso, head perched atop a graceful neck. The hands had seven long digits that could close into a fist capable of smashing through many common materials. Translucent hair that, in the traditional style of the species, fell to her knees like a shimmering white cape reflecting ever-changing shades of blue. Her face could have sculpted by the greatest of artists. As was the case with many races in the Trient, she had two eyes, a nose, and mouth. Phai's vision was exceptional compared to most species and the crystalline-blue orbs missed little. Yes, Elder Phai often thought, she had chosen well.

"Fellow Elders, let us begin," Phai announced. "You have received the report concerning recent events surrounding Archangel and the Eshaaru female, Ettwanae. Our plans have been adjusted to incorporate the change in status of the male. I believe this new direction to be advantageous."

"Yet we still have no proof that Archangel is Eshaaru. I find that extremely disappointing," Elder Ary jumped in. He was declaring the concern yet again, just as he had done at any mention of the winged male since Ymoz.

"Technically true, yet what Den-neer observed and recorded on Earth held all the hallmarks of First Meeting of Soulbounds." Elder Phai pointed out. "That alone should be proof enough. Most data supports that he is Eshaaru. We should proceed as if he is unless evidence is found to the contrary."

"I have said it many times before, but I will speak it again. I want undeniable proof. This is too important a matter to make decisions based on less. You know as well as I the data from Ymoz was inconclusive. Comparative genetic analyses were conflicting. The data from Fjai…also inconclusive. Something is not as it seems with Archangel."

"If we held the technology of the ancients, perhaps we could obtain your proof, Elder, but that knowledge is not in our possession." Phai's face took on an impatient expression. "Your theory that he is of mixed blood goes against Eshaaru genetic design. They reproduce only with their kind."

Ary sighed in exasperation. "And how many generations ago were they created? Can you tell us with absolute certainty that the genetic programming has not degraded as to allow cross-breeding? I cannot. And Earth's exceptional mutant population carries with it genetic abilities and characteristics that surprise even us. Who is to say that an Eshaaru male did not mate with a Human female? That could explain the puzzling analyses. As we know all too well, a dying race will go to extreme measures to ensure its continuation."

"We've been down this path several times, Elder. I do not wish to discuss the issue today. It is not why we've gathered."

"Why not? Because the more we learn, the more it becomes possible I am right?" Ary's pincher clicked several times, which always annoyed Phai.

"No, because what you propose is conjecture and based on circumstantial evidence. Every argument you've made has been countered by scientific fact. There is no undeniable evidence that Eshaaru DNA has further degraded."

"Just as there is no undeniable evidence that Archangel is Eshaaru, only circumstantial!" The man took a deep breath and then appeared to calm himself. "I will acquiesce for the moment, Elder Phai, for the sake of why we are here." The Cquax resettled in his chair and stared hard at Phai. "However, regardless of our differing opinions on his heritage, Archangel should be recaptured for Project One. Even if we accept he is pure Eshaaru, we know he carries a secondary pattern. He and the female cannot consummate a relationship. We gain nothing from them remaining together."

"Ary makes a valid point, Elder Phai," Sequi injected, resting back in his chair with confident air. "If they cannot soulbind, they cannot activate the amulet."

"Then kill Ztar. That will break the bond." Phai suggested boldly.

The Council of Elders vocalized their stunned disbelief and the rooms scattered across the Trient filled with chaotic sound for several moments.

"Ludicrous!" The sharp retort came from Sequi. "Would you risk all we've accomplished toward unity?"

That surprised Phai. She half-expected Sequi to welcome the suggestion, which she made for shock value. Phai looked around at holo images. "I merely point out the most obvious solution to that specific problem; I do not suggest it is a reasonable action."

Sounds of relief filled the circle.

"I agree with Elder Ary. Archangel should be retaken as originally planned." Sequi's agreement was expected. He was a staunch supporter of Project One and those tasked with executing the directive. "We can accomplish both goals – perhaps finally confirm whether he is Eshaaru and acquire the technology he hosts. The bionites could expedite Project One. What that technology is capable of may resolve obstacles the scientists have been unable to overcome." Sequi's deep timbre was firm.

Phai leaned forward. "True, Elder Sequi, but now it is you who looks too narrowly at the situation. Without an Eshaaru with a fully functioning amulet, Project One is irrelevant. We have an Eshaaru and she has an amulet, but it is incomplete. Need I mention that the loss of the memory nodes happened within your jurisdiction?" Elder Phai reminded, but not harshly. "We need her to acquire the nodes."

Sequi visibly bristled. "The nodes were as secure as our technology permitted. The enemy is powerful, Elder. Nothing is truly safe, yet you wanted me to ensure the female could gain access. It was a calculated risk we all accepted. I will not shoulder the blame for their loss alone."

Phai bowed her head in acceptance of the rebuttal. "You are correct. We all agreed to the vulnerability. She was united with one of the nodes, thanks to Den-neer." Phai couldn't resist giving her favored one credit. If not for his presence, they would have lost all three nodes and likely the Eshaaru as well that day. "But now she must locate the remaining two and complete the amulet. Archangel could be of immense assistance in that endeavor. His background is perfectly tailored to the task."

Olar gestured desire to speak, having silently observed while the others debated. "Elder Phai speaks logically. Project One gains us nothing without the success of Omnipotent. Let us not forget the hierarchy of necessary events. The female must complete her amulet – Archangel can assist with that essential first task, as well as potentially soulbind with her, the next vital step. Ztar can always be sacrificed in the end to remove Ura rejection and fully activate the amulet." A clawed hand shot up to quiet the anticipated objections to the last suggestion. The others held their tongues. "Archangel now serves two roles, and we must allow his first purpose to be fulfilled before the second is attempted again. It is possible the scientists will succeed without the technology Archangel possesses. They have made great strides this past year."

"They have, and perhaps an agreeable compromise is to hold Archangel in reserve," the Turzent offered. "However, your argument of the importance of the female raises other concerns." Sequi stood, straightened his powerful form to its full stature, and paced the inside of their circle slowly; his holographic image moving past the Elders. "Every day the female remains free, we risk losing her. Let us not forget our enemy. I urge, as I always have, that we temporarily secure the female. We can recover the nodes via our own resources and then release her with the completed amulet when the time is right. We must protect the keys we already possess."

"We have the mother," Olar pointed out.

Sequi whirled toward the speaker. "Who lies near death in stasis!" The deep voice rumbled through several locales. "I do not place as much faith in our ability to revive and sustain her as you. T'Azrued proved our deficiencies. And even if we avert the mother's death, do not forget the disaster with P'Tiaera."

"I doubt any of us have forgotten, Sequi," Kel spoke in gentle tones as her holographic likeness materialized. "That unfortunate incident actually makes the case for the female remaining free. Ettwanae must perform of her own choosing to avoid a repeat. If she believes her actions are of free will, the barrier is removed."

"Thank you for joining us, Elder Kel," Phai greeted with some relief. Kel was a supporter. "You reviewed our discussion preceding your arrival?"

Kel gestured affirmative with a flick of a forward antenna. She represented unaligned, sentient-inhabited worlds within the Trient and Phai labeled her as the peacemaker amongst their group. Elder Kel's persona as a member of the Yat wasn't in keeping with her soft-spoken, measured demeanor in Phai's opinion. The race was a jittering lot, high strung and given to hyperactivity, and their form seemed quite appropriate for their racial personality. Four delicate, quick-moving legs balanced a long, slender body that stood at 45-degree angle. A triangular head with large eyes and two constantly sensing antennae attached to the body via a long, thin neck fully one-third the length of the torso. About midway up the neck, two multi-jointed arms extended that ended in four extremely dexterous, six-jointed fingers. A rusty-red exoskeleton allowed the Yat to hide quite effectively on their red-tinged world.

The species intrigued Phai. Yats were a tri-gender species – one producing the sperm and one the eggs, both of which were injected into the third mating partner, an incubator gender. The incubator secreted a hormone that enabled sperm to enter the eggs for fertilization. The eggs were held within the incubator's body until laid just prior to hatching.

"I apologize for the delay, Elders. I understand the concerns expressed before my arrival as they are valid, but I must agree with Elder Olar. We have a fallback position. Olar's hypothesis on how to awaken the mother without losing her is solid. We must use the tool that is the free female. It is with her that much hope rests, and the chances of successfully completing the amulet greatly improve with Archangel at her side. Phai speaks wisely when saying he brings skills to the task that Ettwanae and her companions lack – skills that may make the difference between life and death."

Sequi remained standing and turned to face the newest attendee, defiance clearly evident in his stance, but Phai knew he understood the tide had turned in her favor with Kel's arrival. "All you say may be true, but I fear the risk is too great in allowing the female to be so vulnerable. We must assume the Eilu also realize her significance. Much hope does rest with her, and I remain firm in my belief it is far wiser to secure her and risk expendables to recover the stolen nodes."

The Yat settled back on her rear haunches as her anatomy did not accommodate chairs comfortably. "Elder Sequi, my other fellows, there are times when our chosen tools must be allowed to play out their roles as they perceive them to be. To interfere too much breeds doubt in their minds that they act of their own volition. We exist behind the veil of perceived self-determination. The incident with P'Tiaera reminded us of the necessity of that veil. Ettwanae, Archangel, Ztar…all of our unwitting tools must not doubt that they act of free will. Their Ura cannot be conflicted in that regard. If even one comes to believe otherwise, we jeopardize everything."

Murmurs of agreement spread throughout the room. Phai breathed easier. Kel rarely failed to understand the essence of a matter and speak her position eloquently. Phai led the Council and rightfully so, but Kel was their compass.

Sequi returned to his chair with a slight scowl, but did not press the issue further. Arguing his position had gained him nothing in the past and would not meet with success this round either.

"Thank you, Elder Kel. Your wisdom guides us," Phai expressed in gratitude with a nod toward her ally.

"I do not argue Elder Kel's transcendent summation; however, we face practical challenges. The chances of the female obtaining the two remaining nodes even with the male at her side are extremely low. Even we are uncertain of their location," Ayr opinioned with a snap of his pincer. "She must be in close proximity for the amulet or her Eshaar'ne to detect their presence, assuming they are detectable where held. Do we have sufficient intel to send them in a possible direction?"

"The Jandur curator performed well and he has sent the pair to Tchutchka Centrus. Our agents have gathered enough data to correlate a likely location and have provided that to Tider."

Ayr raised his four multi-jointed arms in dismay. Phai knew he had strong reservations about Tider's increasingly vital role. "Who will likely demand an extremely high payment for disclosing such valuable information. What does the female have to offer in exchange?" Ayr questioned. "If she cannot make payment, then we've given up that location with little gain." The pincher clicked communicating his concern. "I do not trust Tider. He knows too much."

"But not enough. He is a valuable tool and shall remain in service until that changes." Phai stood, her holographic image stepping toward the center of their circle with the elegance and ease of one meant to lead. "Tider is the right choice, she can learn much from him. But if we must, we will ensure she learns the necessary information through another source. With respect, Elder Ayr, you are wrong in that she has nothing to offer in barter. She possesses one thing Tider will pay a huge sum to acquire." She waited the appropriate amount of time for the others to speculate in their own minds. She smiled inwardly in anticipation of the reaction. "Proof the Eshaaru live."

Sequi jumped out of his seat. "You cannot be seriously suggesting she reveal herself to him! What purpose would that serve?"

A medley of voices rang through the room a second time. Phai raised her hands for quiet. "He and his ilk have sought proof for decades. She can provide what he seeks. He will pay dearly for that. More than enough to purchase the suspected location of the Zramynian nodes. All she need do is activate the memory node in her possession and he will reveal a great deal in return."

Olar hissed a signal for caution. "Elder Phai, are we truly ready for that knowledge to be released? The ramifications – the risks – may be great."

Phai looked at the Council, one at a time. "Tider will guard the knowing fiercely – it is his nature. It will be his highest priced prize that few can afford. I do not believe the risks are as great as you may first believe."

It was Ayr's turn to stand; anger clear in the raised pincer. "His price our enemy can well afford! That is the ultimate risk – that she is revealed to them."

Phai raised her own hands in disbelief. "Are you so naïve as to think they don't know of her?" Phai challenged, inserting dismay into her tone. Ayr's demeanor shifted instantly to less defiance. Phai had struck a nerve.

"We have no evidence they do." Ayr edged back toward his seat.

"Direct evidence, no. Circumstantial, yes." Phai walked closer to the argumentative Elder. "We know their operative encountered her during the node theft. Surveillance data strongly suggested he witnessed the union of node and amulet. And if he did not, we must assume that others watching detected the node's recognition burst, just as we did."

"All conjecture and supposition," Ayr countered with a wave of the pincer arm and a quick glance to each in the circle. "Will we risk her based on what we think they know?"

"Ayr, I agree with Phai on this point," Sequi proclaimed, somewhat surprising Phai. "We must presume they know of her. It is a reasonable assumption."

Olar gestured agreement with a cock of a blue hand. "Elders, Phai speaks with logic. Our enemy knows of the female – allowing Tider to know she is Eshaaru gains her a probable location for the two nodes. We risk little; Tider's psychic blocks cannot be breached and he will withhold that knowledge, except for the highest of price and as a one-time sale. We can simply buy back the knowledge. This may be a reasonable path for the Eshaaru to follow. Yet how do we know she will pay the price and not simply leave?"

Phai smiled confidently as Ayr sat, indicating he was backing down. One left to persuade. "Den-neer is already enroute. He will ensure all goes as planned."

Sequi shook his head in an exaggerated manner. "No, no! There is too much risk of losing the Eshaaru. We are literally sending her into the lair of the enemy. I cannot agree to this!"

"She need not go alone."

"Archangel?" Sequi dismissed the idea with a sweep of his muscular arm. "He is as vulnerable to capture as she, Elder Phai."

"We have other tools at our disposal, Sequi."

"Your precious Den-neer? He is powerful, but against-"

"Ztar." Phai cut him off, something rarely done by one Elder to another.

Glances between Elders communicated their surprise, but it was yet again Sequi who spoke.

"Ztar?" Sequi eyed Phai. "What are you planning, Elder?"

"Actually, I'm referring more specifically to one of his generals – Gtar-Cro."

Phai returned to her seat. "Fellow Elders, let me share with you my full plan."

With that, Phai outlined her strategy that would move them another step closer to realization of Omnipotent. She countered the remaining objections over resultant revelations, what Emperor Ztar and his minions might do with the newfound knowledge, ramifications long and short term to the overall goal, and concerns that even the combined might of a Turzent military vessel and two Eshaar'ne may not ensure the Eshaarus' survival if things went badly. Phai admitted the risk was enormous, but so was the gain – beyond simply uniting the Eshaaru with the nodes. As was usually the case, the dividing line put Olar and Kel on Phai's side while Sequi and Ayr opposed. In the end, however, even Elder Sequi grudgingly admitted the benefits might justify the great risk.

Ayr attempted one final plea to abandon the plan. "This is reckless beyond reason, Phai. There is only one outcome I can see – death of the Eshaaru."

Elder Phai stood in the circle of her fellows with self-assurance, allowing her regal form to reinforce her words. "Do not underestimate the Eshaaru as a pair. This must happen, Elders. The time has come for Eshaaru to face Eilu, as it is time for our chosen Unifier to become aware of the existence of both. The benefits are multifold. The confrontation will achieve both an obvious objective – to complete the amulet – and more subtle effects that may not be realized for some time." She walked slowly within the ring making sure her carriage reflected determination and confidence. All that remained was to solidify her position. "There have been many pivotal events when we risked much to ensure advancement of the overall stratagem. This is such as event. If we are unwilling to take the necessary risks, then our enemy has already won. I ask that you accept my proposal with that understanding."

As the images winked out one by one several minutes later, Phai breathed in relief. Her plan was approved, even by Sequi – begrudgingly and with stern warnings that if the pair succumbed, years of planning and work would be forfeited. Ayr was the lone dissenting voice. Phai remained firm in her belief the confrontation had to occur. Even so, she couldn't deny the twinges of apprehension as she issued the final directives that would set her plan into motion.

###

Ettwanae couldn't breathe. Her head was whirling. She had to leave the room. Once in the short corridor, she leaned against the wall, hoping the dizziness would pass. Taking deep breaths, she tried to calm her racing heart and mind.

'Mother was alive two years after she left me! Two years!' All the times, she'd told herself her mother was killed or captured shortly after she was left with Bhenra. Easier to believe that than to wonder why T'Qilla never returned for her. But now…

Warren emerged from the galley, obviously looking for her. "Are you okay?"

She wasn't. Too many emotions where colliding. Too many old wounds reopened. Ettwanae didn't want to talk until she had more time to process the news, so she said nothing. He approached. She swallowed around the lump in her throat. She wanted his arms around her, yet that physical closeness would be too uncomfortable for both of them. Ettwanae moved away from the wall. "I'm going to go to my room," she told him, but Warren spoke again and she hesitated.

"Hearing your mother's name must be difficult." She nodded. "Do you want to talk?"

The look of concern on his face pulled at her to share what she was feeling, but she shook her head. "No," she half-lied quietly.

Warren took another step closer. She met his gaze, blinking back the tears forming. That was all it took for him to swiftly close the gap and wrap her in his arms. Warmth enveloped her just as quickly. In his arms. Safe. Protected.

"She was alive two years after she left me." The words escaped without consent. Behind that single statement were all her unspoken hurts and unanswered questions.

His embraced tightened. "She would have come for you if she could…if it had been safe."

Ettwanae latched onto the words desperately. She would have come if… Ettwanae chose to believe. It was the only explanation her heart would accept. Sobs pounded her chest to be released, but she wouldn't let them out. 'Mother was unable to come for me. Too dangerous.' 'Mother, are you still alive? Still out there somewhere?' Her heart called out, and she buried her face deep into Warren's shoulder. 'Goddess, please let her be,' she prayed.

Suddenly, she knew what she needed to do and pulled out of his arms. "I want to go back to the museum," she said firmly. "I must talk with Tribo'lu about mother."

Instant concern crossed Warren's features. "That…may not be wise. We are not his favorite people right now."

She waved a hand to dismiss the objection. "I don't care. He knew my mother and I must talk to him." She'd face whatever danger Warren was imagining to learn even the tiniest morsel about T'Qilla.

He was quiet far too long, searching her face. She was ready to break the silence, when he spoke.

"Ettwanae, let's give Tribo'lu a while to get over his anger. He has Etagllot connections. For all we know, they are still watching him. If we go back, we risk a confrontation with them."

"I don't care! I'll go back by myself," she proclaimed in defiance, crossing her arms.

/ My Poda, Warren speaks with wisdom. The danger is real. We can return another time. /

Warren put a hand on her arm. "Let's review Tider's files first, see how much is revealed there. Perhaps he documented all he knows-"

"You don't understand!" she accused sharply, shrugging off the touch. "He knew my mother. I want to talk about her, not read some old files. I have plenty of files. Tribo'lu knew her, spoke with her. She-" Ettwanae swallowed to untighten her throat, "she even gave him her- her real n-name." Her voice was beginning to betray her and tears were coming. Goddess, how she hated it when emotions overwhelmed her just when she wanted to be strong.

/ Ettwanae, we cannot go back to the museum. We must wait for another time. /

/ You don't understand either! / she snapped mentally.

Warren tried to lock their eyes, but she looked away. "I do understand why you want to talk with Tribo'lu. Any scrap of information you learn about your parents is precious. It's just too risky right now. We'll come back when things have died down."

She darted her eyes then to his. "But he may leave – we may never see him again. Anything could happen. The Etagllot could kill him!"

"Tribo'lu hasn't survived this long on dumb luck. I think he is far more resourceful than he wanted us to believe. Perhaps after we visit Tider, if you still want to come back, we can."

Warren was giving her such a tender look that despite being upset, her stomach fluttered. She allowed him to rest a hand on her shoulder.

"I cannot imagine all you've been through since your mother left you with a stranger or how that feels, but I know the hurt goes deep. If she or your people can be found, we'll find a way. But to do that, you must remain free."

He and Volu were right; she knew that intellectually, but her heart said to fly back to the museum. 'Don't be foolish,' she told herself sternly. 'It could put everyone in danger.' Blinking back tears, she eased toward Warren. She needed to be held; needed his strength. Suddenly, she found herself against his chest – whether she moved to him or he pulled her close, she didn't know. What mattered were the strong arms encircling her.

"I don't want to be the only one left." The words came of their own accord, and she trembled. "I don't want to h-hide anymore. I don't want to- to be a-alone and always scared," she confessed into his chest. She tightened her grip around him, clutching the back of his shirt in fists clenched tight against the pain. "I need my people…my family. I want…" She paused, trying to find words for the longing. "I want to belong somewhere." And she needed Warren, but those words remained unspoken.

Warren stroked her hair and rubbed the space between her wings, comforting her the same way Bhenra often had. She wanted to stay right where she was and forget the hurt, forget the people that hunted her, forget the loneliness of being separated from her people – of perhaps being the last of her kind. Yet in Warren's arms, it all felt a bit more tolerable. Someone else could be strong. She could lean on him; share the troubles. Warmth and longing spread through her. Her groin began the familiar throbbing. 'Time to let go.' She moaned gently and pulled away, wiping at the tears.

"Sorry," she whispered, not wanting to look at his face as she escaped to her room. There she curled up on her bed and let the sobs come. Not only for the love of a mother lost, but also for the one she couldn't have she left standing in the hall.

###

A/N: There you have it – the chapter than gave me so much concern; the first half that this. I still have doubts about its timing, and we likely won't know if it was too soon of a reveal until down the road.

Next chapter preview: Warren attempts to gain information from Gatebi, and perhaps more if I decide to combine two or three segments into a single chapter.