My sister still lives in the same house that we grew up in. Our Father lives there too. I stand in the driveway, much the same as I did three years ago. This time, however, the front door flies open. A ten year old comes flying out, curls framing her face, and brilliant blue eyes shining. She throws her arms out as she reaches me, and I grab her and swing her into the air. She laughs. Sounding free and happy, reminding me of the young children on M7G-677, Keras' people. She winds her arms around my neck and holds on like she never wants to let go.

While this reunion is going on, my sister walks out of the house. She stands on the steps, looking like a Queen, surveying her lands. Still holding Abbi, I walk over to her and greet her. She lifts Abbi from my arms, and tells her to go up stairs and clean her room. She puts her arm around my shoulders and leads me inside.

We walk up to her study, which Erin only uses when she doesn't want to be interrupted. I open my mouth to speak, but she beats me to it.

"David told you about Abbi's schooling situation?"

I nod in reply.

"Good. Can you take her, or do you of someone who can take her?"

"I can take her with me in two months time."

Erin looks up sharply, obviously never expecting that I would be able to have Abbi live with me.

"Our base is being cleared for families to join us there."

She grins at me, and for the first time since I left home I see the camaraderie that we had when we were kids, and it seemed like it was us against the world.

I reach out to put my hand on her shoulder; however she grabs my hand, and pulls me into a hug.

"David pointed out a few things to James and me. His brother had realised you were from our family, and asked why you hadn't appeared on the guest list for his wedding to Nancy. When David explained that we hadn't been in contact with you since you went to the Academy, until about three years ago, he promptly asked if he could borrow Abbi for your promotion ceremony. David asked us, and also invited us along. I don't think anyone expected Abbi to do what she did."

"Cadman wasn't bothered by it. I spoke to her not long ago, and she told me not to be an idiot. She flattered by Abbi's observations."

"Good. Do you have anyone who can take Abbi until you can take her to your base?"

"Yeah, I can find someone. Why, what's going on?"

"Dad is going on. I don't know what happened. He just stated giving her a hard time all of a sudden. He just pretended she didn't exist before. I want her out of here before he can do anything to hurt her."

"Ok. If I take her with me today, and leave you an address, can you ship the rest of her belongings to me later?"

"Always, Ev. Always."

""I'll go get her then. I'll see you later."