Praesidium

Research Labs

Mid-October 2017

"Come on!" Lily urged me to follow her even faster into the lab. Whatever she'd made this time, she really wanted me to see it for some reason.

This better be good.

"You're going to love this." She said, her words mixed with excitement. "It's the latest and greatest in robo-support."

"Another robot?" I asked.

"Oh yeah. Just wait, you'll see. Trust me."

I followed her into one of the many robotics labs this part of the Praesidium had. It was filled with all sorts of technology I didn't even try to understand.

"Okay." She said. "Go into that testing room and just stand there."

I looked at the room and narrowed my eyes. "The…testing center? The place where you guys usually blow stuff up and other very dangerous crap?"

She waved her hands. "Please, don't sweat it. It's just some gamma radiation."

I gave her a look, which caused her to bust out into laughter. "Oh my god. That look! Did you actually think I meant that?"

I was not amused. She finished laughing, opening the door. "Okay." She wheezed. "Just go in there and wait."

Shaking my head, I walked in, the door closing behind me. I waited for about a minute, until one of the blast doors slid open.

"Fetch!"

A four legged…thing dashed out of the door, sliding in front of me and sitting on its two back legs.

"Woah!" I leapt back, as I looked at the-

Dog?

What?

It was about two to three meters high, and a little bit taller than me. Like a dog, its legs were bent at the joints. It's 'back' was mostly hollow, like a huge cage. A gun turret was mounted on its back where a tail would be. Its 'head' was rectangular, with a red light on the front.

"Lily, what am I looking at?" I asked, both curious and very confused. "I'm pretty sure I saw robots-"

"Like this pre-war? Yep, but nothing this advanced. With all the heavy gear you're carrying out there, I thought this puppy up."

"Huh." I nodded, looking at the idle robot as it sat there. "You named it yet?"

"I call it the DOGG-0." She smiled. "The Delivery Operative Gadget for Goods, operational unit 0." She grinned as she saw me frown.

I groaned. "You seriously wanted this to spell 'doggo', didn't you?"

"I came up with the name, didn't I?"

"Whatever. So it just, like, carries stuff?"

She nodded enthusiastically. "People, too! If you've got someone injured, just put them on this baby's deployable stretcher."

"That's pretty nifty. How smart is the AI?"

"Very. Go ahead, see for yourself."

I cocked my head at it as it sat there idly, waiting for someone to give it orders. I raised a hand. "Um…high five?"

I was shocked as it actually did so, placing one of its robotic paws on my hand. I chortled. "Wow!"

"Nice, right? It's got tons of commands and protocols."

I took a stick of gum out of my pocket and threw it. "Fetch!"

"Target identified. Proceeding." The 'dog' chased after it, its bent legs sending it propelling over to the gum stick. It gingerly bent down, revealing rows of razor-sharp metal teeth, picking it up with its mouth and walking over to me, dropping it at my feet.

Wow.

I really can't believe this is actually happening. I'm talking to a robot dog.

"Um…good dog?" I pet its head, but it didn't react.

"That doesn't work, Dawn. It doesn't respond to it."

"Oh." I took a step back, slightly embarrassed. "Well-uh- what else does it do?"

"I'm glad you asked. Larry! Send in a test subject!"

Test subject?

A door on the far side of the room opened, revealing a Sectoid in restraints. It trodded a few steps away from the door, meekly standing there, its head looking around.

What the-

"Dog! Attack!"

On Lily's command, the dog fired its cannon, decapitating it in less then a second, blood spurting everywhere like a hose.

"Holy shit!"

The Sectoid's headless corpse rolled on the floor, dripping blood. The dog took a few steps back, a plasma cannon activating from its back. The gun aimed and fired several times, turning the corpse to ash.

"Not bad, huh? Way better than those Molosser hounds, right?"

"Um…" I was wholly surprised. I never really imagined Lily would make something like this. She didn't strike me as-

Didn't she make the other one?

"It's really something." I said, scratching my head. "You really caught me off guard here."

"Pretty cool, right?" She walked into the test chamber, the robot shutting down with a push of a button. "He's still got a couple kinks to work out, but you'll probably be seeing this little guy on the battlefield soon."

"I'm impressed." I said, genuinely astonished. "This is really neat stuff."

She smirked. "You think that's all? C'mon."

I followed her out of the testing room and into another workshop, which looked like hers.

"Here. Look at this!" She picked up what looked like a watch and handed it to me.

"A…watch?"

"No, actually. It's my first take on psi-tech. It's called the PRICK."

I raised an eyebrow. "Uh, what now?"

"PRICK. The Psionic Radiation Identifier Caution Kit. Like the name?"

"Psionic radiation what? I don't think I'm smart enough to know what this is."

She rolled her eyes. "You know what background radiation is, right?"

"Isn't it like radiation that comes from a bunch of cosmic stuff?"

"Sort of." She cocked a finger gun. "You're on the right track. It's naturally occurring radiation that comes from a ton of things. It's natural radiation, basically. And, until recently, we didn't know that you psions make it, too."

"Wait. Radiation? Psionics? I don't understand."

"Lemme explain. You know how psionics draws from another dimension?"

"Yes."

"Well, as you could imagine from a dimension filled with psionic energy, there is a gargantuan amount of, well, energy! And psionics give off a very specific kind of background radiation when you use it. Of course, it's harmless, like a lot of background radiation. You're quite literally using energy that's not supposed to belong to this dimension. But…" She walked over to a board with drawings on it. "Actions of certain psionic power, like mass mind control, using psionics to destroy a very large target, so on and so on, generate higher background radiation signatures than others."

"And…"

"Well, portals have it differently. When someone makes a portal, they're quite literally ripping a hole in our reality, and transferring Psionisphere energy here. And that generates a very unique signature. Hence, the PRICK. This little guy right here can detect any portal within five kilometers. Now, that's not far, but you have to understand this is very new. This is very new stuff we're cooking up here in the labs. Not even ADVENT has anything like this."

"Wow-"

"Also, that's the only prototype, so don't drop it."

I looked at the little machine in my hands. "Oh."

"So…thoughts?" She grinned. "Not too bad, huh?"

"I mean, I don't even know where to begin! A literal portal detector! This is incredible! I didn't even know something like this could be done!"

"It's why I'm here."

Family Quarters

Praesidium

Mid-October 2017

"And you're sure about this?" My mom asked. "Are you really, really sure you want to do this?"

"Are you going to support me?" I said. "Look, this means a lot to me. I don't want a repeat of what happened when I said yes to XCOM."

My mom and dad stared at each other for about a minute, before looking back at me. "Dawn…that's not the same. We're not…we're not like that. But this is a huge life change. Look." My mom and dad took each others' hands, like the day they got married. "You know we love you. We're so proud of you. Look at all of the things you've done! You got the Medal of Honor! But…we're worried because we care. I know you haven't seen eye-to-eye with us, but you're our daughter."

"I know."

"But you're sure about this?" My dad interjected. "We know you care about Caelior a lot, but you want to do this?"

"He and I both want this." I said. "It's the absolute least I can do for him after what he's been through."

They nodded. "We get that, but he's…he's not going to be our son, right?"

"Hell no." I shook my head. "I'm not putting that on you. Since I'm an adult, he can get registered as a sibling 'cause he's a war orphan. Trust me, you're not gonna have to put another plate on the dinner table."

The two looked at each other, still worried. I didn't blame them one bit.

"But this is a huge responsibility, Dawn. Yes, he's older than you, but mentally? Is he even the same age?"

"He's around that."

"Are you really ready to take on that kind of challenge?" My dad interjected. "Like it or not, we know a lot about him, and we appreciate him meeting us, but is he really ready to go into our society? He's barely been outside your base, for god's sake!"

"We know that." I said. "We're…working on it. The Commander told me he has some ideas for Caelior's PR. But with the way the war's going, it might be a while. I get your concern, dad. Really, I do. But he's not the same person from years ago."

"Has he come to terms with who he used to be? I know he's different now, but he killed a lot of people. And what's going to happen when your other friends find out about this? They don't look at him like you do. Aren't you afraid of their reactions?"

I will admit, I didn't really know how to respond to the latter.

"Getting beaten changed him. The fact that he and I spend a lot of nights in our pajamas watching TV shows that he's not a raging unstable puppet anymore. He knows he has a lot to do, and he trusts me to the ends of the earth to help him do that. He's…more actualized, I guess. More himself. He's not gonna hurt me."

"We're not worried about that. But from what we know, after what you've been through, we're nervous that you won't be able to handle this on top of everything else."

I nodded. "We know that. We've been together long enough to understand we're both mature enough to do this. He wants this and I want this."

My dad sighed, and my mom just looked away. "We just didn't expect this. It's-god, everyone else is going to have questions about this. Is this even legal? Is there any precedent for this?"

I shrugged. "I guess we'll find out." I groaned. "I'm sorry for dropping this on all of you. I just-with everything else I just didn't think of it. I know this looks so goddamn weird, but- it's not how I wanted to do this. I just want to be happy, and he's a part of it. We're friends, but we're so much more. The first time he called me his sister, I almost broke down."

I remembered our first time in the pool, where we had our first bond. It almost felt magical back then.

"I've never had anyone trust me that much. Ever. Whenever we're together, he's just…himself. He's happy, and I am too. We've taught each other a lot about ourselves, and when I'm with him, I feel like I've had the brother I never did. And we both want to do this. Together."

My mom pursed her lips, while my dad looked at the ground for a few moments. They looked at each other, before nodding.

"Alright honey." My dad said. "You're a responsible woman, and we trust you. We're still nervous and unsure, but if you really want to do this, we'll be behind you."

"Really?" I shot up.

"As long as we can be there if you have to go to court." Dad said. "They're probably going to want others there."

"You'll testify in support of me?"

They both nodded.

"Ohmygod! Thank you!" I jumped up, ran over, and hugged each of them. "You don't know how much it means to hear you say that!"

"Alright, alright." My mom said. "The process hasn't begun yet, honey. There's still a lot to do."

"I know." I said. "But I'm ready. I can survive in a courtroom, mom."

"I'm sure you can." My dad said. "And if it all goes through, ask me again about putting down an extra plate at the dinner table. He'll have to sit, though. I don't think I have a chair big enough to fit him."

Legal Division Headquarters

Praesidium

Mid-October 2017

"Dawn Conley?"

"Yeah, that's me."

"Harely George, XCOM Legal Division, Family Unit. You scheduled an appointment?"

I nodded.

"Follow me."

I got up from the chair and followed him out of the waiting room. I was ashamed to admit I didn't even know this place existed until a few weeks ago. It felt completely different than anywhere else in the Praesidium- I didn't even know if we were still there. The Legal Division looked more like a high-end office than a military base- wood desks, glass windows, carpets, plants everywhere- the atmosphere was the complete opposite.

"So you deal with family law?"

He nodded. "Under the Crown for over fifteen years, seen it all. The ugliest divorces, custody battles, lemme tell you, almost makes you lose your faith in Humanity."

"I guess." I didn't know a thing about law. "Must've seen some nasty stuff."

He shook his head. "You have no idea. You'd be surprised how little some parents care about their kids. Here. My office."

He opened the door, and I walked in. He closed the door behind him, sitting down at his desk. I made myself at home on the swirly chair in front of it.

"So, in your appointment, you mentioned something about adoption?"

I nodded. "That's right?"

"And what are the circumstances of this adoption?"

"Well, see. That's the thing. I want to adopt someone."

He raised an eyebrow. "You? That's…a strange request."

"It's complicated, sir. I'm over 18, and who I would like to get legally registered as a sibling is odder."

"Who?"

"An Ethereal. Caelior."

He scooted his chair back several inches. "I'm sorry?" He was shocked- I didn't blame him one bit.

"As I said, the situation's complicated. I was wondering if I had any legal precedent."

He scoffed. "Well, there's a lot we have to cover here. Firstly, why?"

"Well, he's an orphan. We've become really good friends, and we've both thought about it. He's been an only child, and it's just something we've been thinking about for a while."

"I see." He pursed his lips. "Well, we'll need to talk to him first of all. And if you did want to adopt him into your family, your parents would have to get involved."

I nodded. "I don't really know a whole lot about law, sir. I was curious if there was a way where I could do something legally to have us as legal relatives." I shrugged.

"There's a lot to unpack here, legally." He whistled. "I'll have to do some research, as I'm not entirely familiar with any legal precedent regarding this."

"I can have him video call. Does that work?"

"I suppose. Go ahead."

I pulled out my phone and started texting him. After a minute or two, his face appeared on screen. I set the phone down in front of the lawyer. His eyes widened when he saw Caelior's

helmet.

"Mr. Caelior? Can you hear me?"

Heh. Mr. Caelior. I kept myself from snickering.

"Yes. I can hear you. And Caelior is fine."

I didn't need telepathy to know he felt a little out of his depth.

"Your friend Dawn here has asked me about a potential adoption or legal guardianship scenario here. I was wondering if you have consent here."

"That is correct. Dawn and I have been discussing this scenario for a while now. You can have me on record as giving consent."

Harely nodded. "Of course, you'll have to be present for document signing and legal processes."

"That is understandable. However, I will require explanation for much of it, as I am unfamiliar with your legal system."

"That can be arranged. I'll need a copy of this video for your recorded consent."

"It will be done. Is there anything else?"

"No. Have a pleasant day."

Caelior nodded, and the call disconnected.

"I have to say I've never had a conversation like that in my life." He chuckled. "However, you mentioning his status as an orphan gives me an idea. Do you have any records of his parents?"

"That might be complicated, sir."

"And why's that?"

"They died over two hundred thousand years ago."

He pursed his lips. "Was afraid of that. A pity he's a natural-born, makes things more complicated legally-speaking." he sighed. "But if you two want to go through with this, I have an idea that I think'll work." He typed on his computer for about a minute, before turning the screen around to show me.

I read the screen. "The War Orphan Act?"

He nodded. "Passed by the Congress of Nations around the start of the war. Gives legal precedent for families to take in war orphans as relatives and recognize them such as so in a legal manner."

My eyes lit up. That was it!

This is what we both wanted!

It could really be done!

"Yes!" I said. "Yes, that sounds great!" I paused. "But um, his parents didn't die in this war. But that's classified."

"Yes, I'm aware of Ethereal history, along with most living Ethereal. Don't think the Act specifies a particular war, so it shouldn't be an issue." He said. "Is it possible that I can contact your commanding officer about this? If this goes forward, he will have to know."

I nodded. "Yes." I gulped a little. I didn't know how he would react to this. "He could maybe get you the information about his parents."

He nodded. "Well, I certainly didn't expect today to include something like this. But that's the joy of law- there's always a new case. Here's what we'll do. I'll print out some legal documents for you and your alien friend. Take them home, read them over, make sure you two understand them, and sign them. Bring them back to me in two days or so, and we'll go from there. In the meantime, I'll contact my superiors to see if they can get me more resources and an official judge to cover this case. Does that sound good?"

I smiled. "Yes. Yes it does." He offered his hand, and I took it.

"I'm always happy to take on a new client. And I'm more than happy to challenge myself for a case like this."

"I hope I can do my best to help you, sir."

"Please, call me Harely. I'm not a soldier."

Outside the Commander's Office

Praesidium

Mid-October 2017

"Are you sure about this?"

Caelior held my hand while we waited in the hallway outside the Commander's office.

"Well, we gotta tell him sometime. Maybe he can even help with your legal things. We both know we're out of our depth here."

He tilted his helmet towards the floor. "I am… unsure of how he will react. This will be seen as very strange."

"I know. Which is why we're keeping this quiet."

His grip on my hand squeezed. "And I thank you for it. But I am still nervous."

"It's going to be fine, alright?" I hugged his leg. "He's not going to judge us."

He nodded, rubbing the hair on my head. "Thank you for that. Let's go."

We walked into his office, Caelior preferring to stand while I sat.

The Commander looked at both of us, up and down. His expression was difficult to read, but I didn't sense anything from him. No surprise, no reaction. "Dawn, Caelior, good afternoon," he nodded candidly. "You wanted to speak."

We looked at each other, then back at him. Caelior decided to start. "We wished to inform you of a personal update between the two of us, as well as a legal request."

An eyebrow raised, the Commander rested his arms on the table, one prosthetic hand intertwined with his organ one. "Go on."

I took over. "You probably know we're good friends. And, well, we've been talking about it for a long time, and we feel like now's a good time to move along with it. Caelior and I have talked about it, and we feel like it's best that I legally designated him as a war orphan."

The eyebrow remained raised. Now there was some surprise, though it felt like something closer to befuddlement, like he wasn't quite sure how to react. "A war orphan. I see. And I presume you got confirmation of its legality."

"We did, sir."

A short nod, he remained inscrutable. "Then if it's legal, there is little more to say. I am curious - why?"

I cocked my head "Why what, sir?"

"Why is it important that it be, 'official,' for lack of a better term," the Commander looked at Caelior. "The War Orphan Act was created for very specific circumstances. To cut bureaucracy and allow children who have no homes or families to take them in. It is intended for those in need."

His tone didn't change. "Caelior is an orphan from another war. He is also an adult, and by extension every Ethereal is orphaned. To exploit a loophole for something like that doesn't sit right with me. Personal opinion, but that is why I asked why you went through this path. If the goal is for him to be part of your family, why is regular adoption out of the question? Adults being adopted into different families is hardly unprecedented."

"It's not that simple, sir. My family…they're not really all that comfortable with it. Not to mention extended family. I mean, I don't really talk to them anymore, but this is just a bit out there. It'd cause too much drama, and I really don't need that right now.

"I see. Ultimately, this is your choice, and it doesn't have an impact I can discern," the Commander finally finished. "I appreciate you letting me know. Make sure Jackson is appraised when things are finished, legally speaking."

"Thank you, sir. We really appreciate that."

"We do." Caelior inched closer to me. "As the man primarily responsible for saving my life twice now, it means very much for you to say that. It makes us both very happy to hear that."

He nodded. "I will inform Aegis and the Internal Council, and others as appropriate. Otherwise I will leave this to your discretion over who you share this with."

"We know, sir. We want to keep this between us and you. We'd really appreciate it if the news didn't get out yet. We want to keep it private for a while."

"We would also like to request that you assist us with this legal endeavor. Dawn nor I am very well versed in this kind of law. And with the conflict and how things can change, the two of us would be very grateful if you assisted us with, ah, accelerating the legal work."

His lips twitched, a spike of some emotion. "I will see that it is on the docket. As to the priority, that I can't promise. There is a war going on, and most of our lawyers are tied up with discussions with ADVENT concerning Muton integration. This is important to you, but it is not mission critical. That is the most I can promise."

"That's understandable, sir. The Mutons definitely take priority."

"Then I think that settles things for now," the Commander seemed to relax slightly. "Caelior Conley. That will take some getting used to when it happens. I suspect you'll be the first Human to have an Ethereal brother. Adopted, to be clear."

Caelior rumbled with a chuckle. I just blushed, slightly squirming in my chair.

"That was funny." Caelior replied in his monotone voice. I did my best not to laugh. "Sir."

"Mm, I'm curious why you're doing this yourself," the Commander focused back on me. "The family is not supportive."

"It's a little complicated, but the long story short of it is that since I'm an adult, I can technically do it by myself. I'm not going to be his mother-though that would be funny. We'll be just brother and sister legally. My family's fine with it, but I understand they're reluctant."

"No doubt," the Commander said, in a tone, and his emotions indicated that he didn't necessarily think they were 'fine' with it. "An unusual situation, but taking initiative is a positive trait."

"With this, Caelior also wants to ask you something."

"Yes. I would like to request that any missions I go on in the future, Dawn may accompany me for support- psionically and emotionally."

Now the Commander pursed his lips, taking his time before an answer. "That isn't how that works. If it makes sense, then I take no issue. But that is not a guarantee I can or will make. Each of you need to be capable of operating on your own in teams of different compositions. I don't think this will be the exception."

Okay, well that was a shaky request at best. But we got everything else we wanted.

"Glad we're clear," the Commander said. "Keep me informed of things as they proceed legally. Otherwise, I believe that covers everything, unless there is more?"

"No sir, that's all we wanted to say,"

"Very good," the Commander nodded to both of them. "Good luck to both of you."

He stood, echoing my own standing. I saluted, he returned it, as we left the Office, and the Commander returned to work.

Caelior's Room

Praesidium

Mid-October 2017

We went to his room for a few minutes, deciding to talk about what happened in private.

"Well, that went better than expected."

"You expected him to say something else?" Caelior scooted closer to me. "You were the one who was more worried."

I shrugged. 'I don't know. I guess I didn't expect him to respond like that."

"His support, or perhaps acknowledgement, was what we needed, and received," Caelior said. "I do not think he necessarily approves, but he does understand it is not his choice."."

"Why do you think that?"

He shrugged. "He said as much, did he not? Perhaps not incorrectly, but I am less concerned about the rules he would prefer, than what they allow for us," his voice softened. "I am pleased this will work for us."

I scooted over to him, leaning on him. "Me too. I'm glad something is going right for once. For both of us." I could sense his happy feelings as I gently squeezed my hand.

"Part of me does not believe we are really doing this." He said, looking away. "Really making it official. It is a surreal feeling."

"You deserve it." I said. "You got your second chance and you're better off for it. You're free now. Free from the Imperator. Free from anyone else in the Collective."

He shook his head. "No, not free from them. I will not be free until this war is over. But I can choose now, and I understand more than I have ever before. I am proud to call you my bond-partner and best friend. After hundreds of thousands of years, I am really going to have a sibling."

"And I'll finally have a brother."

He put an arm around my shoulder. "But first we will have to go through the damned bureaucracy, as your people refer to it." He sighed. "Do you want to stay? I know it's early…"

"Why not?" I said. "I can go get changed right now."

He perked up. "Very well. I will make you an early dinner if that's fine. I will change as well."

"I'll make you breakfast tomorrow with your machine. You want waffles or pancakes?"

"Waffles. And no chocolate chips."

"I still can't understand how you don't like chocolate."

"How can you? It is too sweet and ruins the flavor. Your kind employs it so commonly I am surprised you do not classify it as a spice." He flicked a wrist. "Ah well, nevertheless."

Aliens, man.

Legal Division Headquarters

Praesidium

Mid-October 2017

We were back in Harely's office, Caelior appearing by a proper hologram this time. What was different, however, was with the newest person here, a woman in a suit with a name tag I didn't recognize.

"Dawn, Caelior, I'm pleased to tell you I've gotten some updates." The lawyer said in his London accent. "This is Amanda Adams, a representative of ADVENT's Children and Families Legal Division."

"Hello!" The woman waved. "It's a pleasure to meet you all. I must say, I didn't believe Harley when he told me what was going on, but he wasn't kidding!" She laughed "I'm kidding, I'm kidding."

"You looked over our case?"

"Yep! I have to say, it's very unique. There's a couple of things that stand out to me. However, barring the strange circumstances, I can say you two have a strong case."

"Really?" Caelior asked, clearly excited. "How so?"

"Your organization was very helpful in providing the necessary paperwork and details, primarily concerning his," she nodded at Caelior. "Background. Stuff we'd have to go to ADVENT Intelligence for otherwise - you might be surprised to know that it's rather difficult to get information on Ethereals, even allied ones."

She tapped her tablet. "That's eighty-percent of the hurdle done, and the letter from XCOM's legal division acknowledging and being held in retainer for you is enough to show its serious. It also helps that Caelior is a full adult, has lodging, an income, and relative safety. Irregular, of course, but frankly much easier than our normal cases."

My Ethereal friend and I looked at each other in surprise. He came through!

I need to thank him later.

"Wow. That's-that's good news. So, where do we start?"

"Well, as the head of many social worker's departments, I can say your records check out. No history of drug abuse, violence, mental illness," she went through the list. "Your living situation is on-base, unusual, but not a mark against you. The only thing a judge might get hung up over is using a different war to justify this, one that is higher than my pay-grade - but legally speaking… the judge can't harangue you over that."

"That is good. Will we have to appear in court?"

Amanda nodded. "Yes. The judge will hear your case and have a background check done. However, we'll need to legally confirm Caelior's status over here as a war refugee."

"I believe I am deemed a 'cooperating defector' currently."

"One that is explicitly under XCOM's protection and jurisdiction,." Amanda said. "That's where your lawyers will come in. Judge can have a closed session, but we'll need records of this war, and answer some questions about them. Standard procedure, especially for legal adults."

"And what comes after?"

"Once it's approved, there's a 'placement' period. You'll have a social worker - definitely drawn from XCOM's staff under your legal department- to check in every week or so. With your unique situation, it's mainly a formality, but the law requires it."

"That's fine."

"Once the period is up and your residence is cleared, assuming nothing negative occurs, then it's settled and Dawn will be legally available to recognize Caelior as a sibling and/or relative legally, and it'll be complete."

"And that's it?" I said.

"Yes. The Act speeds up the process significantly for confirmed war orphans. And with your legal division helping, it'll probably be quick and painless."

"Appearing before a judge…that's going to attract a lot of attention."

"Normally, but this will be a closed session, for a multitude of reasons. State security being among them, and anything with XCOM usually happens behind closed doors. So I've heard, anyway. Interested in a peek behind the curtain, but strictly for my job, nothing more."

"And the adoption ceremony itself?"

"Once you two've been cleared, you'll appear before the judge again and they'll certify it. You may invite whoever you wish to it. The adoption will be certified, and that's that."

"Sounds very convenient."

"Efficient, Caelior," she corrected. "With the amount of orphans coming out of this war, it's a necessity at this point. I'll go ahead and forward you two the assorted documents. Expect to get your court appointment by tomorrow."

My heart beat faster and faster as the meeting ended.

It was happening! It was really happening!

But I couldn't deny that I wasn't nervous, and Caelior's body language said so too. Or maybe not nervousness. There was a tenseness there, an uncertainty and stillness that wasn't normal.

He's nervous, too. This is all new for him.

I walked out of the room and made my way back to the Praesidium as quickly as I could via Gateway. Once back, I got lunch. My Ethereal friend texted me, and I video called him.

"So, that went well. I think."

"Indeed. Things are proceeding faster than I expected."

"Yeah, they are."

"I have no doubt you will do fine in your court. After all, you are my emotional support human."

I laughed, almost cackling like a witch. "Where/d you get that from?"

He shrugged. "Those furry animals you keep obsessing about?"

"That's a good one. I don't know where you come up with this stuff."

"We bond all the time. Can you not view my glorious creativity?"

"Cause it's so big! Do you have any idea how big yours is compared to mine?"

"Puny human." If his helmet was off, he was definitely rolling his eyes. "Do you think the court will find my standard wear formal?"

"I don't see why not."

"And what will you wear?"

"My uniform, probably."

"Very well. I will see you later."

"You too." The call disconnected a moment later.

This will be interesting.

To be continued in:

Departure