"It's strange that words are so inadequate. Yet, like the asthmatic struggling for breath, so the lover must struggle for words."-T. S. Eliot

Oren was back. He'd knocked on her door after supper and they made love again. She didn't even have the chance to update him on the most recent developments. There was an urgency to their kisses, a jubilation when they tore at each other's fatigues as they tumbled to her bunk. The enthusiasm that she was missing the last time they were together was redoubled during his homecoming. She wasn't sure what it meant in the end, but all Kenzi knew was that she was happy he was back. She had spent the entire time Oren was away thinking about him and she couldn't have planned a more perfect reunion.

"How did your mission go?" Kenzi said, stroking his chest.

"Forty-seven able bodied Humans at the Queen's service." His smile was effusive and Kenzi couldn't help but to join him.

"I see a promotion in your future," Kenzi teased.

"That's not my aim. I serve the Queen, any honor beyond that is a bonus."

"Soon you will be indispensable."

"That is my goal," he said, wrapping his arm around Kenzi's shoulders. "I admire what she's done with Dr. Lewis to end the war. Leadership like that deserves a loyalty equal to it."

Kenzi nestled further into him. "I never knew you were so political."

He smiled. "Well, you have to have a reason to keep fighting."

"I guess you're right."

"What about you? Who are you fighting for?"

Kenzi stared at the ceiling of her bunk, trying to gain some courage from the shapes in the tile that kept her company when she couldn't sleep. "Dr. Lewis. She's the closest thing I have to family."

He squeezed her. "You've got me." When Kenzi didn't reply immediately, his smile faded.

"Oren…"

He sat up, confused. "I just thought-"

"Oren," she put a hand on his thigh. "I care about you."

He shook his head, swinging his legs over the side of bed. "You don't have to pretend. I get it."

"Look, I'm here with you because I want to be. Let's not label it."

"I want a girlfriend, Kenzi." He stood and hastily pulled on his fatigues. "I want someone who will love me back."

"Maybe I still can?" she asked, holding the sheet around her. "Why is there a timetable?"

Oren grabbed his duffle bag. "If you don't know by now, it's already too late." He shook his head and started to the door. "Goodbye Kenzi."

"Oren…" She sighed as the door shut and he was gone.

She had been at it since two in the morning. Lauren had awakened with the formula swirling around her head and Bo's arm wrapped securely around her. With a deeper understanding of her own formula, she had pondered it for the days she waited for the raw materials to be delivered and finally, an epiphany came to her in slumber. With the new organic sample, she refined her method; streamlined it and the end result, which came just before sun up, was two syringes, locked and loaded, ready for the Fae that had infested Bo's castle.

She checked her watch when she started to see the halls beyond the lab doors fill with people. It was breakfast time and if she hurried she could share the news over coffee with Bo. She erased any evidence of what she was doing before her lab assistants came on shift and slipped the syringes into her coat pocket. She wiped down the stainless steel tables and arranged everything the way she'd found it. In about ten minutes, assistants, technicians, and doctors would be in the clinic's lab to start their days. Grabbing her keys, Lauren opened the door and locked it up tight, giving it the illusion that she had never been there.

Lauren sat across the sofa from Bo, the two syringes sitting innocently on the cushion.

"So this is the answer?" Bo asked, reaching for glass cartridge. Lauren grabbed her hand firmly, their hands hovering between them.

"I'd rather you didn't touch them," Lauren said, moving her hand to the side. "Sorry."

Bo looked at Lauren and then the syringes. "Then these will work?"

Lauren's eyebrows raised. "They better." She tucked the syringes into her jacket again and reached for the coffee on the table. Lauren sipped the gourmet blend when the elevator dinged and Kenzi emerged. "Kenzi," Lauren said. "You're not on shift for another two hours."

"I know," she sighed stopping short of the sitting area. "My Queen, may I steal Doctor Lewis for a bit?"

Bo nodded with a smile. She was understanding of the connection between the two women as they had been locked together well before Bo was ever in the picture and today was no different. "Certainly." She waved a hand. "I hope it's nothing serious."

"No, my Queen, I assure you it's nothing of the sort." She looked at Lauren with wild eyes and she took one last sip of her coffee before joining Kenzi on the elevator.

Lauren could feel the tension in Kenzi but she said nothing as the elevator descended. They walked out onto the front lawn and stopped beneath a large tree.

"'Tell the truth,' she said," Kenzi mocked. "Look, I told the truth and look where it got me," she exclaimed pacing on the grass in front of Lauren.

"You did the right thing, Kenzi."

"Then why does it feel like I made the biggest mistake since that time I ate all those jujubes and washed them down with a six pack of beer?"

"Well, you were hungry…"

"Yeah, what if that's all I was, Lauren?" She dropped onto the grass, cross-legged. "What if I broke that sweet boy's heart because I was horny?" Her head fell into her hands. "I'm a horrible person."

"You're not horrible," Lauren consoled her. "You're just really confused."

"Gee, thanks, Doc."

"Well…? What do you want me to say, Kenzi? If you don't love him, you don't love him."

"But maybe I could love him…"

"And what if you can't and you spend six months with him all the while he's head over heels for you. How much worse do you want this to get?"

"Should I talk to him? I should talk to him, right?" Kenzi looked up at Lauren, eyebrows raised.

Lauren wasn't sure if Kenzi was kidding, but the longer they stared at each other, the more she started to realize that it wasn't a joke. "And what would you say?" Kenzi's head fell back into her hands. "Save your breath, Kenzi. Nobody wants to be reminded that they weren't good enough for someone they loved."

"But here's the thing… I miss him."

Lauren sighed and shook her head. "Shit."

Kenzi's head snapped up. "What?"

"That's how it starts!"

"Oh, shit."

Two guards, both seasoned, both trusted, disappear into thin air amidst the castle reeling from outbreak. Bo held the records of each missing guard and shook her head. She made such a big deal about not being tied down, about being there for her people, and there she was, sitting in the throne room, at a complete loss. And if this wasn't the worst of it, Vex and Evony were still at large, taunting them from a distance that was frustratingly close, yet far. All at an increasingly uncomfortable distance to one of the most important days of her life.

Bo sighed and leaned on the arm of the ornate throne. Her father never really taught her how to rule, but when he died, she knew she didn't want to rule like him. He would have hated Lauren. He couldn't stand to be questioned. And while Bo had come to realize what a priceless quality that was for a ruler, her father would see it as a direct insult. And from a Human? Bo stared at the family portrait above the fireplace, the smirk creeping across her face. She knew Lauren wouldn't think twice about going toe-to-toe with him. And she'd pay to see that.

Lost in her thoughts, Bo jumped when the doors burst open and Dyson marched in with a familiar figure in tow. "Dyson? What is the meaning of this?"

"I caught her stealing from the dispensary," Dyson said pushing Violette toward the Queen.

Bo straightened on her throne, drumming her fingers on the gilded wood. "I didn't think we'd meet again so soon," she said, leveling her gaze on the upstart.

Violette looked back at Dyson, her hands tied in front of her. "I didn't think you'd send your General to follow me," she sneered.

The Queen smiled. "I had and inkling that you might not leave my colony without leaving your mark."

"Is that why you have kept me from Lauren?" Violette asked.

"Careful, your character is showing," Bo said, thumbing her nose at the wandering thief.

Violette took a step forward and Dyson growled. Bo held a hand up to stop him from intervening. "She won't stay in your birdcage forever."

The side door slammed. Hurried footsteps clicked against the stone floor and all eyes were on Lauren who approached the throne. She had a singular mission and did not waste a glance on Dyson or Violette. "We need to talk," she said, slightly out of breath.

Bo narrowed her eyes at Violette, who grunted her amusement. "Certainly," Bo said, standing and moving to join Lauren. "Let's take a walk. Dyson." She looked over her shoulder. "We'll talk later."

When they were in the hall, Bo stopped Lauren and took her arm. "What's wrong?"

"It's Vex," Lauren delivered the bad news. "He was spotted near the Conservatory. Guards are combing the area as we speak." She started down the hall again and Bo caught up in a few quick strides.

"When?"

"An hour ago at most."

"Shit," Bo sighed. "Any sign of him since?"

Lauren shook her head. "Same as last time. He just disappeared." Lauren put her hand on Bo's arm and stopped her in an alcove. "By the way, what the hell was that back there? Why does Dyson have Violette shackled?"

"She stole from the colony."

Lauren nodded, not surprised. "What do you mean to do?"

"I thought I'd leave that to you, my Queen." Bo smirked, obviously pleased with herself and Lauren shifted uncomfortably at the notion.

"Well isn't that sweet?" His voice boomed through the hallway. Lauren's hand shot into the pocket of her jacket as she scanned the scattering crowd for Vex. And then he appeared: head down, charging towards the women at full speed. One of the Queen's guards headed him off, taking him out at the knees and the second guard dove on top of the pile, Vex giggling like a child as the heap of men rolled around. Lauren removed a syringe from her pocket and jumped into the fray, trying to discern Vex's limbs from the guards' as she uncapped the syringe.

"Enough!" Her voice reverberated against the walls. Evony stood, parting the sea of citizens as she walked up the middle of the hallway.

And then the world stopped. Lauren was frozen in time, watching as Vex rose from the pile of castle guards and, grinning like a madman, began to approach her.

"Lauren!" Bo called and Vex was quick to direct his power to the Queen as well as Vex invaded Lauren's space. Bo's eyes radiated in anger as she was held still.

"Ah, ah, ah, Doctor," Vex taunted, motioning her arm into the air. "We won't be having anymore of your syringes today." Her arm dropped again as he stepped in close. "You know who looks like they could use a little poke, though?" He giggled and spun Lauren around, leading her to Bo's side.

"No," Lauren shook her head. "Please, no."

"All's fair in love and war, darling." Vex lifted his arms and Lauren inserted the needle into Bo's neck.

"Fae goodbye, Queenie," Evony said, squinting her eyes with glee. Lauren pressed the plunger and injected the serum into the Queen.

"No!" Lauren cried out.

Bo's eyes fluttered and her body sagged as if the weight of her royal duties were too heavy for her now. Vex freed both women from his grasp and Lauren rushed to Bo's side, easing her to the floor as a small group of guards could be heard approaching.

"We're not finished yet, Doctor," Evony warned.

"See you soon!" Vex waved as they ran off down the hallway.

A few guards continued after the pair, but a couple stayed behind, looking at their Queen in concern. "Go!" Lauren shouted. "Catch them!" The men looked at each other and took off again, leaving Lauren to assess Bo's situation. "Bo." She moved to help support her. "Let's get you home."

The halls had been cleared of people so there was little to avoid as they made their way to the elevator. Lauren was grateful to be accepted as a Human in the colony so the Queen's new scent would be well-camouflaged if they came upon anyone else. Except the one person they came across was the shifter who knew Bo's scent better than anyone else. Dyson stood outside Bo's throne room with Violette trying to get a sense of what had gone on when Bo and Lauren walked past.

He inhaled and frowned as they approached, it taking him until they passed to process the information. "My Queen!" Dyson called out.

Lauren turned back, her arm around Bo's waist. "Put the prisoner in the dungeon and report upstairs as soon as possible," she ordered.

"But…"

"Dyson, this isn't a good time. Put the prisoner in the dungeon and meet us upstairs," she repeated.

"Yes, Doctor." He nodded.

Lauren punched the elevator button and scanned the area as they waited for the car to arrive. When the doors opened, Lauren pulled her into the elevator and a sigh of relief escaped her. They were safe for the time being. She turned her attentions to Bo, cradling her face in her hands and examined her. Lauren looked into her eyes, her pupils were dilated. Lauren kissed her softly.

"I'm going to fix this," she whispered. "I promise."

Bo was obviously in shock, not really registering the meaning of Lauren's words. When the elevator doors opened, Verns stood at the ready for a change, having heard about the attack by now.

"The Queen isn't feeling well." Lauren breezed past him with Bo on her arm. "When General Dyson arrives, you may go."

In their bedroom, Lauren helped Bo into bed and retrieved a cold compress from the bathroom, dabbing her face before covering her forehead with it. "Rest now," Lauren hushed her. She stayed with her until she heard the elevator. "I'll be right back," she said in her most reassuring tone and as she turned to leave, Bo called out for her.

"Lauren?"

She leaned over Bo. "What is it?"

"Can I have some of those electrolytes you're always talking about?"

Lauren smiled. "Absolutely." She kissed her on the cheek. "I'll be back soon." Lauren straightened as she approached the door. She was assuming the role of Queen for her biggest detractor when she was the one who had stripped the most powerful Fae and rightful Queen of her powers. This literally was as bad as it could get. She took a deep breath and opened the door.

"Dyson, thank you for coming." She shut the door behind her.

"Where's Bo? Is she all right?" He was on high alert, she could tell. He stood in front of her, seething with raw energy.

"She's resting, keep your voice down." She motioned him over to the living room and sat across from him on the sofa. "I think you know what I'm going to say, Dyson."

"No, it can't be," he shook his head. "This is what you've always wanted." He slammed his hand down on the coffee table in front of him and stood, pacing angrily. "You're going to fix this," he said. "You must fix this."

Lauren sighed and closed her eyes. He was only saying everything that had been swirling around her head. "As soon as I know she's taken care of, I will be in my lab. That's where you come in…"

Dyson straightened. "I serve the Queen. Anything she needs."

"You're the only person who can keep her safe, Dyson. Vex is no match for your speed. I can't trust anyone else."

"It would be my honor," he said with a nod.

"I'm glad to hear you say that." She made a move to go to the kitchen for her electrolyte cocktail.

"I'm not doing it for you," he said.

She stopped short and she turned back toward him. "Well that's a relief. I wouldn't want to owe you a favor."

"You are the reason all that's bad has befallen the castle."

Lauren had to laugh. "Is that what you think of me, Dyson? Some chaos-bringer hell bent on destroying Bo and her kingdom?" She waved her hand in the air. "You've had all this time to think about the chaos you brought to our lives and still you act as if you're above me."

Dyson's chest emitted a low growl. "I am still Fae and you have not had your Coronation ceremony, so I'd say that's very true."

She wanted so badly to tell him to leave, that she would clean up the mess on her own. Even if she had to bring a microscope to Bo's bedside and rework her entire genetic sequence so she could reverse the serum, she would do it. Especially if it meant not having to deal with Dyson again. But this was about Bo and he would be in her go-to strategy, she was certain so she swallowed her pride. "Then enjoy what little place you have over me while you can, General." Maybe not all her pride.

"Foolish Human," he said. "Do you even know what a Queen Consort is?"

"I have an idea."

"An idea?" He laughed. "It is a figurehead position. You will have no authority over anything."

"It's still an honor you will never know," she said. She turned and disappeared into the kitchen, returning almost immediately with a glass and the pitcher of electrolyte solution from the refrigerator. She passed him and paused, hand on the bedroom doorknob. "Your post is over there," she pointed to the elevators.

"What if she needs me?"

"As her doctor, let me assure you, she will be fine." She opened the door and stepped into the bedroom.

Bo sat up on an elbow. "I'm so thirsty."

"Drink this." She poured the clear solution into a glass. "It will help." Lauren had no idea if it would help, actually. She had never gone through a fundamental gene change before, but she knew what it felt like to be sucked dry by a Fae and could only hope the same thing worked for Bo as it did for her.

Bo took a couple of big gulps. "Tastes like water."

"You were expecting something fruitier?"

Bo shrugged. "Kinda."

"I'll work on it just as soon as I get you back to yourself."

She looked over the glass at Lauren. "You can do that?"

"Absolutely," she lied. She had no idea if there was a way to reverse this new serum, but she was determined to make one. Even if she had no idea how to do that yet. "Now rest, I'm going to the lab to start working on a new serum for you. Don't worry about a thing, Dyson is posted at the elevators."

"Dyson?" Bo asked, confused.

"He's the only one we can trust to watch over you right now, my Queen. The colony mustn't know you are Human."

"You will make a fine Queen Consort," Bo said proudly.

Lauren smiled, a new wound opening where the last had closed. "It would be my honor."

END PART SIX