Current time...
Waschak-Cha'ab called his son by name again but the younger Volm looked really distracted and meditative. ''Cochise!'' He used the nickname the humans gave to his son. It worked, his offspring turned his head. ''Sorry, father. I got distracted...What were you saying?''
Waschak-Cha'ab sighed and patiently repeated, ''We have to move the mothership, it might be dangerous to stay here any longer. We are already assigning the soldiers to the different areas of Earth. There are other planets we need to keep the Espheni from overtaking. Would you like to come with us?''
Cochise looked at his father with surprise. How could he possibly ask such things if the answer was definite and obvious? "Of course, I will stay here on Earth. I am familiar with the humans, the climate and the surroundings are suitable for our race. I would prefer this region, father. I think if I run into the humans I know I would not have to establish the connection again. I only hope their hot heads did not get them in trouble."
''But it is not the only thing on your mind, is it?''
''No..."' Cochise hesitated. He did not know how to explain his feelings, even though the reason was quite simple. Nor was he sure Waschak-Cha'ab really needs to know his emotions.
''Then you can start picking the soldiers for your team, my son." The Volm commander seemed to ignore his son's mood. ''We will leave in two Earth days, so be ready. You might need to change your uniform, for it will be too notable to the Espheni. We do not have many people to risk their lives, so please, wait with attacks and direct actions. The scouts are reporting the Espheni are going to use new weapons and bioware. For now, you only need to be scouting and investigating. You and your team can have the pods to relocate to the area you choose.'' ''Of course." Cochise nodded, ''With your permission, Father." He said and left the quarters.
He often felt lonely but tried hard not to show it to anyone. The rest of the Volm cut off from the families must be experiencing the same, if not worse, he thought. The humans mostly tolerated him, as the Volm were a significant help in battling the enemy. He would always notice looks of distrust and even disdain from the humans, even though he tried to be respectful and kind to then. Once a little child approached him and asked naively what planet he was from. Cochise was ready to open his mouth and answer to the curious boy but some adult humans ran and dragged the kid away from him. He could only hear, ''Don't talk to the damned aliens, didn't I tell you?!'' Yes, Tom Mason was friendly but Cochise sometimes questioned himself if it was a genuine interest or if it was the duty they had to carry on together. Besides, Tom was always busy and had his family.
Cochise has wondered about many things about the humans and their planet but there was no one to answer. He had to ask only the things that made his curiosity over the top and the facts necessary for the war. He hated to impose.
Two days later Cochise's recon team landed not so far from the woods located relatively close to Charleston. The Volm suddenly felt annoyed and tired with all the war, loneliness and constant danger. He looked at the forest and decided to have a walk. Somebody has to check the area, after all. He met a questioning look of his second-in-command, Shak-Chic. ''No worries, I will be back soon. Going to check for signs of the Espheni.'' Shak-Chic gave him an indifferent look but handed Cochise a gun. ''Do not forget about your safety."
The forest was all quiet, and Cochise did not notice any sign of the human activity he used to see nearby Charleston and Boston. No car parts or undefined debris. He started to enjoy the view of Earth nature, the fresh air and specific tree smells made his annoyance go away. Cochise forgot to track the time as he walked through the forest, gazing at plants with admiration and listening to those weird-looking creatures the human called birds. Suddenly he heard something, like a crack of dry leaves or a stick. Without hesitation, he grabbed his huge gun that was able to destroy a so-called beamer and abruptly turned to the side the sound came from. He expected to see a Skitter but instead it was a young human female. She was looking at him with fear and shock in the eyes.