Praesidium

Early November 2017

The journey back to the Praesidium was subdued.

This was the first time I'd returned from a mission so early in the morning, and I had to constantly put up with my brain yelling at me to sleep. The whole squad was quiet - not because of being tired, but because of what'd happened - and what it meant. The end of the operation had led back to the primary revelation that crowded out the victory.

An Avatar had betrayed the Collective.

Or at least made a decision that could constitute treason.

No, not just an Avatar - Sicarius, the Imperator's daughter, had betrayed him.

This changed everything. What we knew, what we thought - it all had to be reconsidered. Sicarius - one of, if not the Ethereal the Imperator trusted the most - had turned against him, even if it was just this once.

But it wasn't! Whatever an Avatar did, their Ethereal knew. Sicarius had agreed with Nico to allow him to do this. The one Ethereal who we thought was the most fanatically loyal…wasn't anymore. At least not completely

My team, though, was still on edge.

All they knew was that an Avatar talked to me, then left. I was the only one out of them to see the recording - and I didn't tell them about the Battlemaster's mysterious business.

The Battlemaster's loyalty is off the table, and so is Sicarius'. This is insane.

I recalled the talk the Commander pulled me aside for before the mission had resumed. It was like when I went out on dates, and my dad making me promise to tell me if my boyfriends tried to pull anything.

You will not tell anyone about this, save your Ethereal friend. There will be consequences if you do. This could affect the war. It will not be shared outside of those I directly approve knowing.

My memory of it felt a bit hazy. Part of me wondered if he'd updated my Restraints to keep me from saying anything.

I didn't blame him.

The Skyranger landed, and we all left without a word. I went to the changing rooms, putting my regular clothes back on. As I left, and my urge to sleep grew, I reached out with my mind, looking for my soon-to-be-brother's mind.

Although we didn't have a full bond, there were benefits we'd gotten from doing it so much. Our minds were attuned, meaning within a certain radius we each felt a kind of closeness or comfort with positive mental effects. He told me that one day it could mean us flawlessly telepathically communicating across the planet, but for now it was what it was.

He's already awake.

Hey!

Dawn! You are back!

I'm sorry if I surprised you. You're usually asleep right now.

I…borrowed an orb. I have created new techniques I wish to show you.

Oh, I would love that! But, well, something happened on my mission.

What is wrong? Your mind feels troubled.

It is. Listen, can I come over?

He paused. I do have a pool reservation in a couple hours. Can you come then?

Yes. That works.

I will see you then. And please eat something. I can sense you are hungry.

Pool, Praesidium

Early November 2017

After grabbing one of my bikinis from his room, I made my way over to the pool, the privacy restriction allowing me inside.

I walked over to the pool, not noticing him anywhere. I went to the edge, peering down-

The pool erupted as he popped out of it, causing me to shriek in surprise, showering me in water.

"Boo." He waved, grinning at my shocked face. "Welcome back."

"Good god! Put a bell on or something!" I almost yelled. "You scared the crap out of me!"

"Thought you need something to wake you. Come."

He climbed out of the water, sitting on the side of the pool. I joined him as we both put our legs and feet in the water. I sighed, leaning on his side, looking up at him.

He cocked his head, looking at me. Your mind does not feel right. Did something happen?

A lot did. I can't tell anyone but you.

I do not understand. Did something unexpected happen?

Yeah. But it's going to make you really angry. Just please promise me you won't make a telekinetic storm or something when I tell you.

What happened?

I closed my eyes. You can control our bond. Even though our little tradition was whoever came back from a mission that day had control over bonding, this wasn't something I thought I could properly tell with words. Promise me.

There was an understanding as I relaxed as he sifted through my mind-

Everything came to a standstill in his mind as his far more advanced brain watched my encounter with Nico dozens of times in mere seconds. He was so laser-focused that I couldn't even tell what he was feeling. That minute felt like five as I anxiously waited for his response.

I looked up to see him simply snort, huffing like a dog.

You're-you aren't angry?

Sister, I am not angry. I am astounded.

I-

She did it. For the first time in her life, she did something other than what the Imperator told her to do. Unbelievable. An incredible development.

He sensed my confusion. You wonder why I am not angry.

Yes?

Were I myself a year ago, my reaction might have been more…significant. Though even then, I believe my reaction would have been closer to confusion rather than anger. How strange. I am unsure what to immediately make of it.

I was concerned-

Of course. I am mostly relieved he did not hurt you like last time. Still, for her to betray his trust like this…

There was curiosity tempered with concern. That she would do this is worrisome. She does not see this as a betrayal, but a move of desperation. She is afraid for him, and does not believe any others could help.

You don't think that she's realized the Imperator is wrong.

No…not yet. She thinks he is wrong, but not like I do. Maybe one day. Maybe this was the first step. But I am glad you are safe. That is most important.

I nodded, not wanting to move. I know this sounds weird, but after everything, thank you for letting us bond.

You have gotten much better at it. Your creations in your mind have gotten very realistic and detailed.

He mentally comforted me. I have something else to show you, too.

His memories flowed through our bond, my surprise resonating through it as I comprehended what he showed me.

I gasped. Fectorian? I heard about it, but actually seeing it…

We have more advantages, Dawn. We have hope, sister.

I basked in the memory, watching it flow through our minds. I watched as Aegis talked to Fectorian, and then the latter said something I never thought I'd heard him say.

Aegis' name.

That's his name? Aegis' name?

Yes. I did not know either. He has shared it with few.

I'd always wondered what his name was, but I never imagined it would sound anything like that. Even though I had a full understanding of Ethereal Script, I kept hearing the word senile in his name.

I sense your surprise, sister. I didn't know either. But I would prefer, if you did not tell anyone else. He did not share it voluntarily.

I won't. I still can't believe Fectorian's working for us.

With us, not for. Yet. Nonetheless, it gives me hope for the future.

We didn't always have to share dreams. Like at Christmas, we often pictured places in our minds that we could explore when bonded. You could be asleep and spend all night wandering any place you could think of- our substitute for vacations we wanted to go on but never could right now.

We'd talked a lot about what we wanted to do after the war. Both of us knew it probably wasn't going to happen, but the truth was it was a way for us to cope with the madness of everything else going on.

Our bonded dreams were the closest thing to a real-life vacation.

I sense you are still troubled. Do you still want to stay in my room tonight?

Yes.

Very well. Then I will see you tonight. I believe our schedule dictates we're wearing nightclothes with my face on them?

I blushed.

I do have an interview scheduled soon.

Really?

Yes. ANN exclusive.

I rolled my eyes. He just smirked and drifted away in the water, beckoning me to follow him.

Have we swam while bonded before?

Don't you want to try it?

I followed him.

Oh, and do not forget.

What?

The adoption was finalized.

Family Court

Nashville, Tennessee

Early November 2017

We stood in the courtroom again, though this time everything felt different.

Our same legal representation was here, but so were my parents. They sat behind us, waiting for the judge. I was in my uniform like last time, while Caelior still wore his armor.

The anticipation felt unreal - today really was the day, for both of us. I felt his excitement with my mind, the amount of happiness he had in him was unreal.

I'm going to have an Ethereal brother.

Caelior and I are going to be actual siblings.

"Everything good?" Harely asked, clearly seeing my excitement.

"Yeah." I nodded. "I'm just…nervous. About all this."

"I get it. But trust me, there's no way that the judge says no. It's just your anxiety speaking, Dawn. Besides, this is a historic moment. This has never happened in a court before, ever. You two are making history. You two should be proud of that."

Caelior nodded. "Thank you for all the work you have done. We are indebted to you."

Harely shook his head. "Trust me, you don't owe me anything. XCOM pays me more than enough."

Caelior looked at me. Are you ready, sister?

Yes. I can't believe it's happening.

He reached out and gently squeezed my hand for a moment. I am going to have a sister. You are many things to me - a phenomenal friend and an amazing bond-partner. But… he looked down. I have not been truly happy for a long time. You have taught me how to enjoy life again. Letting me into your family like this is the ultimate gift.

You know I love you. You're an amazing person.

I love you, too.

The Peacekeeper straightened. "Please rise."

Judge Smith entered and took her seat. "Please be seated."

We all did.

"Today this court will oversee the finalization of War Orphan Adoption Case Number 35893. Miss Adams, have the two persons involved in the case met with their caseworker?"

Amanda stood up. "That's right, your honor. They've appeared either in-person or virtually to every meeting. Since they have no permanent place of residence, Caelior's room was inspected and deemed safe and clean for habitation. Both persons involved have stable income, no history of violence, drugs, or other disqualifying factors."

The judge nodded. "The records seem to match up. Thank you, Miss Adams. Ms. Conley and Mr. Caelior, please rise."

We both did.

"The records and testimony show you two are willing and able to support each other in this adoption. The two of you are deemed competent in the eyes of the law and this court to proceed."

Yes! Caelior said psionically to me, almost verbally. We weren't bonded, but our attuned minds were more than able to sense each other.

"I would like to ask the two of you to give a brief statement on this. Dawn, you may begin."

I gulped. "I-I don't have much else to say, Your Honor. Caelior and I are very good friends, and this will greatly improve our relationship. Many people forget that he is very close to my age if you translate Ethereal years to human years, and I care about him."

I looked at him. "He's one of my best friends, Your Honor."

I finished speaking, sitting down. The judge looked at Caelior. "Your turn."

He stood up. "Your honor, I have many feelings about this, all of them good, but I will keep it short. The idea that a Human is adopting an alien in this court of law - an Ethereal, is nothing short of monumental. It shows that our races are able to cohabitate and cooperate. Dawn and your species gave me a second chance after what I did, and while I regret my previous actions to this very day, I feel comfort in the fact that I live my life able to make my own choices, and I can exist happily."

He sat back down as the judge nodded. "Very well." She shuffled some papers. "I find this adoption proceeding as well as its two subjects in line within ADVENT law. I just have one last question."

"Dawn Conley, as the person who filed this adoption case, are you willing and able to give Caelior a loving home for the rest of your life?"

I smiled. "Yes. Yes, I can."

"Then by all accounts, I consider this adoption finalized. War Orphan Adoption Case 35893 is finalized and approved within the eyes of the law."

I knew it was coming, but actually hearing those words almost made my knees buckle.

It was real.

It actually happened.

The culmination of a friendship months in the making, a human and an Ethereal teenager who no one could've predicted would end up like this, yet we had.

I was the first human to adopt an Ethereal. He was the first Ethereal to become part of a human family.

I recognized the historical triumph of this not out of ego, but of what this showed. Was this not proof of cooperation with aliens? To trust one so much it became a member of your family? Was that not a victory of empathy and kindness, and ultimately one of true understanding?

We achieved a victory right here, not just the two of us, but all of Humanity.

Our legal team and my parents started clapping.

It was done.

I smiled at Caelior, who looked back at me and took my hand again. "I...I cannot believe it."

"We should." My voice started to crack, as my emotions started to overwhelm me. I sniffed as a tear fell down my cheek. "We're together now. I've got a big brother."

"Well, you are the one adopting me." His voice was in a more singsong tune, though I felt the emotion. "So I am your little brother, technically."

I wiped my eyes as my face scrunched up. "You can be both."

The judge walked up to us. "Come get a picture." I looked behind us to see my mom and dad walking towards the two of us. My dad walked up to Caelior, offering his hand.

"Welcome, bud." He said, giving his trademark grin. "Hopefully our family's sane enough for you."

Caelior took his hand with one of his big ones, bowing his head. "I am in your debt, the both of you. You have raised an amazing daughter that you should be very proud of."

Once he released his hand, my mom walked up, and, to both of our surprises, gave his leg a quick hug before taking a step back, causing Caelior and I to look at each other in surprise.

"Welcome, Caelior." My mom said, smiling. "You can come over to dinner anytime."

"You-you-"

"Hugged me? Of course! Granted…" She chuckled. "Never had a son before, so this'll take some getting used to."

"I am not legally-"

"Ah, forget that." She waved. "You're welcome to come over whenever you want. Welcome to the family."

Still stunned by what just happened, me and my family walked to the front of the courtroom, where we got a picture with the judge, with Harely and Amanda standing in the background.

"Congratulations, you two." The judge shook both of our hands. "I can definitely say this is one of the oddest cases I've seen, but not the weirdest. I'm glad to be the first judge in history to do something like this."

"The honor is all ours." I said, Caelior and I holding hands. He was doing his best to control his emotions, but he was overflowing with positive energy. He was this close to crying, and I couldn't blame him. The judge walked back to her stand, grabbing some documents and giving them to us.

"Here you go, Mr. Caelior." She smiled. "Your own birth certificate."

He stared at the piece of paper. It was like any other I'd seen. His date of birth was…obscenely long ago, with the numbers in the six figures. And-

He had a last name.

Name: Caelior Conley

Born: November 22, 198,138 BC

Nationality: Formerly Ethereal Empire. Naturalized citizen of the territory of the United States of America.

"I have a last name." He said with awe. "Only twins have last names."

"I guess we can make an exception there."

"Yes." He looked at the courtroom, the place where both of our lives had been changed forever. "Yes, I suppose we can."

The judge said her goodbyes, and departed. My parents walked over to him. "I know you two are busy, but if you want to come over for dinner tomorrow, I can make you two something for dinner."

"That would be appreciated." Caelior said, bowing his head. "Whatever is customary."

"I'm making my lasagna."

"La-what?"

I just snorted.

"Congratulations!"

Harely and Amada walked up to us, offering us their congratulations. "I had to admit, I never thought I'd be handling a custody case quite like this in my life." The British lawyer said.

"Though it was less intense than I expected." Amanda added. "I was afraid ADVENT'd put you guys through the ringer on this one. Without that law, this could've taken months."

Caelior bowed his head. "Your combined knowledge was vital. I am grateful."

"Appreciate it." Harely smiled. "I'll be more than happy to put this on my resume."

I chuckled at that. "I'm sure it'll put you in the history books."

"I'll say this- you two are probably some of the sanest people I've met in this damned court system. Do you have any idea how many times one of my clients lost their case because of drugs or violence?" He shook his head. "And there were actual fights in the courtroom." He pursed his lips. "Didn't go so smoothly."

"This is going to set a great precedent." Amanda joined in. "With the way this war is going, I wouldn't be surprised if more orphan aliens ended up in Human homes. Probably will help the ones that already exist go faster. This'll go a long way in the legal system."

I could tell Caelior was not at all amused at the thought of Muton kids being raised by humans. While his views had gotten much more egalitarian, he was…well, at the end of the day, he was still an Ethereal.

"I am very satisfied to be accepted like this. You two have gone a long way to help me. I suppose I am humanized now." He let a low rumble. "Your kindness is much appreciated."

"Of course." Amanda said.

"No problem." Harely added on.

He turned to look at me. "I would like to go home now, sister."

"Me too, brother."

Praesidium

Early November 2017

We left without ceremony, much as both of us would have liked to. We were intent on keeping this secret, and unfortunately we had to play the part. We walked back to his room, and-

"What is this?" He asked, looking at several cardboard boxes on the floor. "I have not ordered anything."

"I'm as puzzled as you." I looked at the notes on the boxes. "Oh, they're from my family."

We took them inside, closed the door, and started to open them.

"Dawn." He said, looking at one of the larger ones. "They got us a…pastry?"

I looked over, seeing that he had found a cake. It looked like chocolate, with a pack of candles and Welcome to the Family written in frosting. I covered my mouth.

"Oh my god. That is adorable."

He stared at it. "It smells good. Is that chocolate?"

I looked at him. "Oh. I'm sorry, I know you don't like-"

"It's fine. Would you like to eat it now or later?"

"Later." I said. "I want to enjoy the moment."

We opened the rest of the boxes, all wrapped food, from mom's pancakes to dad's macaroni and cheese. We put them in his fridge and put the boxes by the door.

We both went to change our clothes, and once done we reconvened, kneeling on the floor. Caelior was silent for a very long time, before beginning to speak.

"It has been a lifetime," he said. "I have been alone for two hundred thousand years. Much of that I was in stasis, but the life I lived was not one I could love. I lost my father. I lost my mother. I lost the woman who wanted to be my mate."

He was quiet again, pensive and reflective.

"So much has happened to me. I have lost more than I could've imagined." He looked at the floor. "I survived an apocalypse and yet I still truly believed I was more than I really was. Everyone in the Empire lied to me. Everyone in the Collective lied to me. And I almost died to break that falsehood."

"XCOM began to free me, but I did not truly begin to feel liberated after we met each other. Would you like to know why?"

"Why?" I asked softly.

"Because you taught me something. Something the Maelstroms never did. You taught me how to be a good person, Dawn Conley. What you did for me was something simple, yet acted in a way few had towards me. It was so simple, yet so much."

"You were nice to me."

It was true, and the simplicity of it made it all the more tragic. Few had treated him like an actual person, instead seeing him as a tool, weapon or both. I'd acted as any friend should towards him; I treated him nicely, hung out with him, and interacted with him like any other person.

And so few people had done that. The Ethereals had damaged him so much. Still inside of his mind was that scared kid who didn't want to join the Maelstroms, who wanted to see his girlfriend again. But what'd replaced that was the arrogant person the Empire needed, who'd had his destructive personality enabled…

Until we had gotten him.

He was humbled, but he got better. He almost killed Patricia when she came back, yet the Imperator won again.

But unlike when the Imperator abandoned him, we didn't. We saved him.

And now here we were.

Siblings.

He looked right into my eyes.

"But I have you. You care. Your people care. And I am happy- for the first time in a long time."

"I'm glad you are."

"You may not be the greatest psion or fighter, but you are the most compassionate person I know. And that is what matters most to me."

He moved his head away, standing up. "I know you are well acclimated to Ethereal culture, but do you know what a Life Oath is?"

I shook my head.

"When one joins to another-usually marriage- both swear oaths that last for a lifetime. I know this is not that, but as this is wholly unique, I wish to do it." He noticed my confused face. "While we are not bonded right now, I know you are confused. But this is my culture. And…" He trailed off. "We still need to have the lifespan talk, Dawn. But for now, please let me do this."

I nodded, hearing his voice crack. "Ok."

He got on his knees, bowing his head and placing all four of his hands on the floor in front of me.

"Dawn Conley, as the one who has taken legal custody of me, do you accept me into your gene-line, your lineage, and your family?"

"Yes. I do."

"Will you allow me the privilege of watching over your family and descendants, to honor you and all others who represent your ancestral heritage?"

"You can."

He placed his fist on his chest and slammed it, rising and placing his hands on his knees. "I swear myself to you and your family." He smiled. "Now I have one more thing to fight for. I am of your family, and your blood."

I got up, walking over to him. I simply couldn't describe how happy I was. Our friendship, our bond - it all led to this.

"I love you, Caelior. I hope being my brother makes this universe a little better. I don't know what to say. I'm sorry-"

"It's okay." He said, standing up. "We can bond. In fact…I have something for you if you want?"

"Yeah?"

"I know you may not want to, but since there is no one I trust more, I would like to ask."

"You can ask anything."

He crossed his legs, putting one foot on top of the other. "I know we have something of a bond. I understand it is still new to you, but.." He looked me right in the eyes. "Dawn, as a member of your family, I would like to request your permission for a bond between us."

Oh.

Oh wow.

"Really?" I asked.

"I mean it. We do have one, and while it is weak in power, I think you can agree that it is very empowering for both of us."

I nodded. "And you want to be bonded? For real?"

"I can walk you through it. We can become connected, mentally empowering each other. There is only one other person I had such a bond with."

"Her." I didn't need to elaborate.

"We could share memories and feelings at will. We would be able to communicate at almost any distance. All you would need to do was think about it."

I scooted over to him, allowing him to pick me up and place me on his lap. Feelings of comfort and warmth echoes through our latent bond. I looked at him, my new brother, the person who I'd made such an impact on, and had profoundly changed me, too.

"You have given me so much." His voice cracked. "You are my best friend. You have given me a family. You are one of the few people in this universe who understood me. You see me as a person, not as a tool."

He hugged me tightly. "Do you know the greatest gift you have given me?"

"What's what?"

"Empathy. I cannot feel like you do. But I understand your kindness. You care. In the time we have spent together, I have felt enjoyment like never before. I have fun with you. I can be young. I don't have to be a tool of destruction. I am welcome here, but the others are still unsure of me- you do not. I have a connection with you. Because of that, I feel peace."

He smiled. "I have become more because of you, in a way I have not experienced before. Your people and culture are now a part of me as much as what I was raised with in the Empire. I speak your language, and comprehend a people not my own. And that is something that the Empire never had. We thought aliens had nothing to offer us. I understand now that they were wrong."

"We do bond, but it is temporary. I want to have a permanent connection with you. A fusion of human and Ethereal minds. We would be together, you would know all that I know, and in reverse for me. We could share emotions and thoughts across any distance. We could feel what each other does."

"We would become one."

It would change me.

It would change him.

But it was the ultimate show of affection and care.

"Yes." I said quietly. "It would be my honor to become bonded with you."

"Are you sure?"

"You're my best friend. There's no else I trust more. I would love to."

I sensed happiness from his mind. "Very well, sister. Would you like to go to bed?"

"Yes."

We walked holding hands to my bed, got under the covers, and wrapped our arms around each other.

"You know." He said as I put my head on his shoulder. "I always imagined having a sibling as a house being more noisy. But when you're here, things are quieter. I can have peace."

"It's not so bad." I said.

"No." He said smiling. "It's not."

I smiled. "Do you want to start the bond or should I?"

"Well, as you are technically the older sibling, you can start it."

I closed my eyes, focused on his mind, and we did.

Caelior's Room

Praesidium

Early November 2017

That night had been an excellent bonding.

Dawn had created a beautiful scene in her mind, a giant landscape filled with rolling hills covered in green grass, and a huge tree with dozens of kinds of fruits hanging off its branches. They sat under it, talking for hours. There was crying, there was laughter, and there were times where they were just quiet.

It was a peaceful night, where the two of them shared their minds, like it was any other night.

But tonight, they were family.

He had connected his mind to hers - walking her through the steps, connecting their neural systems to create a greater bond.

He walked her through it, Dawn paying attention every step of the way. Their influence reached the deepest parts of their minds, psionic energy connecting their neurons. Energy and feelings ran through their minds and bodies like a wave across a beach.

Eventually, they reach the apex of it. The miniature dreamscape their minds had created materialized in their heads. Psionic figures of each of them stood before each other, purple specters of energy gazing into each others' eyes.

They gave a nod, and the two figures walked into each other, mixing to create a singular entity.

She saw through his eyes, and he saw through hers.

His intelligence and her emotions.

His power and hers.

The entity pulled their minds together, weaving together something new. While their physical bodies were still, their brains were in a state of overdrive, feeling an incredible rush of energy as they became connected. A tunnel emerged from one mind to another, thoughts, emotions, and everything else flowing free.

I am Caelior.

I am Dawn.

We are one.

Their bodies twitched as the connection was made, their nervous systems reacting to the jolt of power. Their brains and minds were now connected, flowing together like a river going about its course.

We are one. Human and Ethereal, connected.

With my power, I give you strength, sister.

With my power, I give you fortitude, brother.

Together, we use our power to reshape ourselves and become one.

With that, the power rush ended, their minds going back to sleep.

The Next Morning

They'd woken up bonded before, but this was different. Their minds were truly one.

Caelior was ecstatic. He had a sister, a best friend, and someone who he could confide in. When he was bonded with her, he experienced so many emotions an Ethereal couldn't - and to levels they could not feel.

Her head was on his shoulder, the two cuddled up next to each other wrapped in each others' arms and under the blanket. They said nothing verbally, communicating purely through feelings via their bond for several minutes. There was now a permanent tunnel through both of their minds. They could see all of their thoughts, memories, feelings instantly. The two were one mind with two bodies, communing flawlessly.

Eventually, Dawn shook her head, ending their trance. We're bonded. It feels incredible.

It is your first day of being properly bonded. It will take you some time to adjust. How do you feel?

I feel so much. It's like when we were bonded previously, but more. I feel…more.

What you're feeling is my senses. You may seem hypersensitive to stimulants for a bit.

It was like both of them were inside each others' bodies. They felt each others' clothes, their heads on pillows, their nervous systems communicating. Taste buds, sounds - they felt and heard everything. Caelior could sense some slight nervousness from her.

Relax, sister. Everything will be alright. Your body and mind are adjusting. Soon, you will return to a normal feeling.

Her heart beat started to return to normal. This is incredible. I can feel everything. It's like-

Like you're an Ethereal? He smiled.

Yeah. Does that make me your Avatar?

The bond made both of them laugh, Dawn vocalizing exactly like an Ethereal woman and Caelior with her heavy Southern accent.

I thought I'd be more disoriented.

He smiled. We've been bonding for months. It will take you some time to adjust, but our minds have become used to it.

Did you sleep well?

Very well. It was an excellent dream.

I'm glad you liked the fruit. I don't even know how the mind does that.

Psionics are indeed a mystery. He played with her hair. You wish to have dinner with your parents?

Yeah. I can sense you're fine with it.

Of course. I look forward to your parents' cooking.

They laid there in silence, the feelings through their bond giving them each a feeling of warmth.

If this war goes well - do you want a house?

He cocked his head. You wish to be roommates?

Yeah! We can have a duplex or something. You get one half, I get the other.

He smiled. I would enjoy that for a time. Though I think Ethereal architecture would be far superior for it.

Can't argue with that. You guys do that so much better than us. Seriously, I haven't seen one thing you all built that wasn't pretty.

He smiled. Oh yes. I would…how about a house near the beach?

A beach house?

Water has been growing on me. I enjoy it's feeling.

She shrugged. I've got nothing against it.

I have seen you going to the beach in your dreams. It is a unique experience.

You want to fish too?

A sardonic note entered his voice. Sister, I can pull a whale out of the water. That will not be a problem.

You know it'll cost extra making it big enough for you to fit in?

I do not think cost will at all be a problem.

No, I guess not. She paused. You just want to rest today? I'd like to adjust to being bonded with you.

He nodded. I believe that would be ideal. Do you feel alright after we bonded?

No. I feel amazing. I feel…warmer in our bond. Like I'm sitting next to a fire. How does it work?

It is an effect as a result of our combined emotions. I used my telepathic powers to attach myself to a specific area of your brain, one that deals with thoughts in regards to telepathy. That part of my brain as well as yours are connected.

Thank you.

He sensed her gratitude. Now we can talk to each other anytime we want.

It's so cool how we can do this.

Indeed. Speaking of, I have a request.

Yeah?

He communicated an image through their bond, one of a simple list- just words on a page. He waited as she looked over it.

Vacation ideas?

Knowing how things are, it will be very likely before this war extends beyond your world. I suspect fighting may cease - at least here- then your world will have peace. I would like to go to these places.

The locations were nothing extraordinary. It was mostly places he had discovered on the internet- he admitted that Earth was much more beautiful than his homeworld. Back there, it was mostly grassland, with some scant forests and oceans. Her world had so much diversity in its biosphere.

Beaches…forests…didn't know you wanted to hike. He felt some confusion in their bond. You want to visit Mount Everest?

You do know we don't need to climb it, right? I can just float us up there.

She paused, a sense of disbelief coming through their bond. I'm sorry. I forgot you could do that.

No apology is necessary. Our bodies can manage the cold.

Why not? I've been shot, stabbed, and almost blown up. I'm in.

He communicated feelings of gratitude and warmth through their bond, causing her to snuggle a little closer to him. You have any ideas?

I dunno. A beach sounds great. I'm fine with your list, it's great.

Thank you. Do you want to do anything? I know you wanted to go to dinner with your parents tonight.

Let's just stay in bed and do whatever until we have to go. Can you get my mom's food from the fridge? I want to try her cake.

Sure thing, sister.

He felt elated calling her that.

I have to go to the bathroom.

Dawn, I do not know if this is a good idea. We are newly bonded, and we need to work on our synchronicity-

Dawn

Several seconds later

I gently slipped out of his arms and swung my legs over the bed. I placed my feet on the floor-

And I fell down immediately, the psionic weight in my head pushing me to the ground. Caelior caught me telekinetically, lifting me onto my feet. He floated out of the bed and onto the floor, his bare feet thumping on the carpet, resonating through our bond. It felt like I had four feet and twenty toes due to the amplification of our new connection, and the feeling was mutual.

We must learn to work together now that we are bonded.

I can see that.

He took one of my hands with two of his. I recommend going back to bed for now. It will take several hours to adjust to our linked bodies and minds.

With my permission, he picked me up bridal style, smiling as he walked back to bed.

This would take some getting used to.

Conley Family Residence

XCOM Family Base

Later that night

If there was one thing about human architecture Caelior despised, it was the fact that he had such a hard time fitting inside of it. I felt bad watching him trying to fit inside of my family's home.

He had awkwardly stuffed himself inside of the dinner space, having to pull up his legs to fit. He sat with me on one side, and my parents and twin sister on the other side.

We were still in the adjusting phase of our bond- we were both speaking with our normal voices. The hypersensitivity hadn't worn off yet, but Caelior had helped me adjust all day.

"Are you uncomfortable?" Mom.

"I will admit the space is less than desirable. But I will manage, Mrs. Conley."

"Please, call me Charlotte. We're not fancy folk."

"Call me Gerald, please." Dad. "Only Grace's boyfriend calls me Mr. Conley."

He nodded.

"I'm really sorry I couldn't come, Dawn." Grace piped in. "I was busy. I know it meant a lot to you."

"It's fine." I responded. "I get it, things are busy. How's things with you and Richard?"

"He's great. You should really meet him, he's a nice guy."

"What's his family do again?"

"They work at the weapons factory. Don't know any soldiers."

"Your want-to-be-mate's family are manufacturers?" That attracted some curiosity from him. "What is their specific craft?"

Everyone save me looked at him. "What?" Grace asked confusedly.

Caelior looked confused as well. "The position you two are in is the one that comes before being legally mated in your culture, yes? That is what it means, no?"

Grace, realizing what he meant, blushed, chucklong. "Oh! I get it, you're funny. Oh, we're not that serious yet."

The term is boyfriend.

I know. I am trying to be humorous.

"Actually…" Grace continued. "How do you even date when you're from?"

For a moment, I sensed he was going to respond with facts about the Ethereals' calendar classification system before he stopped himself. "Ah. I would expect there are similarities and some differences. Psionics are often important, but relationships are only done sparingly."

"I suppose one difference from Humans is that we are not intimate until our choice is made," he continued. "The concept of 'flings' is alien and one I find emotionally…distressing. We are slow to find partners, and often do not find others if one dies. Often, we are attracted to those who are different from us. A Battlemaster will often prefer one who is not a warrior, and the same principle applies inverted."

He paused. "That is what I observed. There are exceptions to convention, as it is with your people. Though from what I understand of 'dates' and the differing context…I do not think we 'date' at all. That is too temporary or uncertain a word."

"Wow." Grace was somewhat taken aback. "That's really how it works?"

"Oh yes." Caelior suddenly deadpanned. "Our people take it very seriously. In fact, some asked our scientists to make their own mate-to-be for their specifications. Just to be sure."

Most of the table seemed taken off-guard by the sudden turn - probably weren't expecting a comedy answer to come after a serious one.

"Did that…work?" My dad asked cautiously.

He was definitely smiling behind his hood. "It was quite amusing when they would refuse."

"Wait, really?" My mom was amused. "They said no and just walked away?"

"Yes. Certainly. In fact I think the success rate was zero." He coughed. "No, this did not actually happen, though it was a common comedic format we would sometimes use for friends who struggled to find mates. They were often not amused."

"That's amazing." Mom shook her head. "And I thought I had a hard time finding men before I met Gerald."

We started to eat the lasagna, Caelior helping with his powers, cutting the food with the knife and floating it onto everyone's plate.

"This food is unique, Charlotte." He commented. "It is structured oddly like cake, and has many flavors."

"How was the cake?" Dad asked. "Did you like it?"

"We are not the biggest fans of chocolate. However, the vanilla was exceptional. I must commend you two for the frosting pattern on the cake."

"I'm glad." Dad said. "I didn't know you guys didn't like chocolate."

"It is of no concern." He looked at me. "Your daughter has introduced me to much of your culture. I consider myself mostly humanized at this point."

"I'm surprised you find us some welcoming." Grace said between bites. "From what I know, you guys basically had something of a near-utopia before you all fell."

"In many ways, it was. We had what you called a post-scarcity society; no one citizen of the Empire experienced what your family had. No one had to worry about being without a home, food, water, or other basic necessity. Our genetic engineering ensured that illness was eradicated." He considered his words. "You would likely define it as a 'technocracy'. Or authoritarian. Democracy is an irrational concept in the face of prosperity and competent leadership. We had individual freedoms, but higher service to the Empire was prioritize. Our military strength ensured that no others could threaten us."

"Wow." Grace said. "Seems like you really had everything."

"Yes, and it was lost." He said nothing for a minute. "Nothing can replace what we had, and I will simply have to remember. It saddens me, but I take some pride in the fact that I did the one thing the old Empire never did."

"And what's that?"

"I made connections with aliens." He looked at me. "The Empire was isolationist - it was our biggest weakness. We always believed aliens were under us. That they could offer us nothing."

He put a hand on my shoulder. "But I have unlearned that."

"That's sweet." My mom smiled. "I'm glad our values let Dawn help you."

He nodded. "You have done a great job of raising your two daughters. I wished my parents were more like you."

I could definitely tell my parents were ecstatic upon hearing that."

"Do you think there could be more?" Dad asked. "Maybe more Ethereals survived than the ones we know about?"

Caelior shrugged. "It's very possible. One day if enough time passes we can grow new Ethereals - presuming there remain enough Ethereals who understand the technology. It may not be with the Imperator anymore, but with ADVENT."

"Even so," his voice became melancholy. "I would not be surprised if it does not happen. We had our chance, and a second one, and it has been squandered. Perhaps what the Imperator sought could never have happened."

"You and Aegis changed. The others can't?"

I didn't blame my sister and parents for their ignorance of what was really going on. They still knew much more about the war than the vast majority of people on Earth, yet the truth was out of grasp.

"Perhaps," he demurred, keeping his tongue closed on some things he wanted to say. "For some it is more possible than others. The Imperator…he will not change. Their loyalty to him will determine their ability to change."

We were all quiet for a minute.

"But I do not wish to darken the mood." He said. "Grace, tell me more about your boy-friend."

And as we sat and ate together, I smiled with happiness and pride as Caelior talked and laughed with my family.

Finally, after over two hundred thousand years, he had a new family.

And he was the first ever Ethereal to have an alien sibling.

And we were both proud of that.

My phone buzzed as they were talking. I took it out of my pocket and-

The Commander?

I looked at the message. It was short, yet spoke volumes.

I would like to speak to you regarding what you said in Cuba.

A/N: So this has been a long time coming. Caelior and Dawn are now siblings, and Dawn is the first ever human to adopt an Ethereal. I've had a lot of fun writing the progression of their wholesome relationship, and there'll be much more of them being adorable together in the future.

To be continued in:

Ghosts of the Past