Page 28 of Desperate Measures

Seot’s handsome face lit. “Thank you. We’d love to get away, if only for a few days. Our medical records are up to date. Whom should I contact to get the process started?”

Meanwhile, Oses and Larten were deep in conversation about the Darks and their alleged takeover of the Galactic Council. “Their fleet is being terribly aggressive,” Betra’s clanmate told his fellow Nobek. “I wouldn’t let Resan or Betra off the ship for a single second while we were evacuating our people. GC security was yanking people out of line as we were boarding the shuttles, forcing them to submit to searches after they’d already been cleared. Seizing their belongings. It was hard not to confront the bastards, but we were under strict orders to avoid trouble when possible.”

“Can you see the Darks?” Larten asked.

“No, but I’ve heard rigorous meditation can effect changes in the brain so its activity matches that of those possessing the natural ability to detect them.”

“Really? How interesting.”

“I’ve increased my practice in hopes of gaining the ability.”

“I will as well. I’ll also contact the training camp where I work to check if they’re aware of it. We need to add every tool possible to our arsenal.”

Imdiko Cifa was unavailable to converse much, for which he profusely apologized. He was kept busy chasing the children, who were in a state of high excitement because of the visit from their uncas. Nayun continuously brought in artwork to show off, then left it scattered on tables and the floor until Cifa ordered him to return it to his room. Six-year-old Jordan was similarly busy toting in doll after doll, which she gave to the guests to babysit. Cifa apologetically relieved them of the toys. Ejia, who was four, ran around the house on stocky little legs that moved faster than they should have. Distant sounds of objects crashing to the floor sent Cifa hurrying from the room to fetch the boy and bring him back, only for Ejia to sneak out again while his father chased another child.

Betra regarded his Imdiko counterpart, his respect growing as it always did. Cifa was cheerful throughout the mayhem. When anyone started to rise to assist him, he waved them to their seats. “I’ve got it, go ahead, I’ll catch up on everything later.”

Anrel was content to sit next to her uncas in turn, snuggling at the side of whomever she deigned deserved her attention at a given moment. Her first stop was Betra, and he hugged the girl he’d known from birth. Her gaze on him was adoring, and he fell in love all over again. Her answers to his questions about school and friends were ready but brief. She seemed content to simply bask in his presence as Shalia sat nearby and updated him where Anrel fell short.

“Are we really hunting at Grandmother’s?” the girl finally interrupted. “Even though the virus is so bad?”

“We’d like to. We’ll take the precautions necessary to keep you healthy,” Betra assured her.

“Good. I’ve been cooped up with these children too long.”

Betra and Shalia exchanged a glance. He noted her biting her lips together as she had a habit of doing when she was trying not to laugh.

He grinned. “I guess it’s tough being the oldest.”

“You’re lucky you’re an only child.”

“Anrel,” Shalia remonstrated.

“Oh, I love them, Mom, but they’re such a chore sometimes.”

The girl excused herself to sit next to Oses, who curled an arm around her and greeted her with a delighted smile.

“She’s nine going on nineteen,” Shalia snickered quietly to Betra. “How I’ll survive when she’s an actual teenager, I can’t imagine.”

He chuckled. “Remember when she was a newborn? So tiny and fragile?”

“Prophets, it’s hard to believe, isn’t it?” Shalia’s features softened as she regarded her daughter, and Betra saw the vulnerable woman she’d once been.

On the surface. Shalia had always possessed an inner strength he’d admired from the start. The strength she now wore on the outside as well, which asserted itself as the moment passed.

“Want to help me grab some food? Cifa and I put together a few platters before you got here, and he’s busy corralling the wild beasts.” Shalia stood and headed for the kitchen, apparently assuming Betra would follow her.

He did, dodging Cifa as the other Imdiko shouted “Excuse me!” Cifa darted after nonstop Ejia, who’d run in clutching what appeared to be a module from an entertainment system.

“This boy is definitely a Nobek,” Larten sighed to Oses and the scowling Cifa as he caught the boy with one hand and took the component away with the other. “If he can’t eat it, he’ll destroy it. I wish we could have him tested earlier than they allow.”

Chuckling, Betra continued to the kitchen. He found Shalia pulling platters of appetizers from the massive cooling unit. “What can I do?”

“Stick these in the warmer and press ‘start.’ It’s already set for time and temperature.” As he did so, she assembled plates, napkins, and utensils on a tray. Smaller versions went on a separate tray for the youngest children.

“You’re so organized.” Betra moved closer, letting his admiration show through.

She laughed. “Don’t tell anyone. They might expect it of me more often.”

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