Fates Mates & Pirates - 24. Chapter 24

Weissman Station

08:58 hours Link Cast News Special Report. “This is Amanda Wong, the local Weissman Station Link Cast News affiliate. We are interrupting our regularly scheduled broadcast for this special update. We were informed that Admiral Alexander is going to make an announcement in the next few minutes. Senatorial visitors weeks ago, and less recent Jump Gate traffic, hint at an upcoming announcement of unknown nature. This morning at 06:00 hours CONFED Navy declared an increase of the No-Fly Zone to 300 kilometers from the Gate. Apparently, there are going to be massive fleet movements coming up the Pipe.” An attention tone sounded before the holovid of Admiral Marc Alexander appeared in full Dress Uniform.

“Attention All Sectors of the Aphlinerta to Moria Sector Pipe. This is Admiral Marc Alexander. As of this time, I am reducing my Fleets and releasing them back to their origins. Once they have completed their departure, we will decrease the No-Fly Zone back to 100 kilometers as we continue clean-up operations. Main sweep operations have now been completed to my satisfaction. At this time, we will entertain a limited number of newsies, who have already been notified, that will be brought down into the various sectors of the Pipe on a guided tour. The Jump Gates will remain closed except for convoy traffic and through traffic from Aphlinerta Sector to Moria Sector. The Jump Lane is marked with navigation beacons and will be patrolled by CONFED Navy vessels. Any deviation from that path by unauthorized vessels will be deemed hostile and treated as such by the vessels currently patrolling the Sectors and CONFED Navy ships. To our fellow spacers who are departing. I salute you and wish you safe travels. Until we meet again, my friends. Alexander out.” The holo of Admiral Alexander disappeared. “And there you have it, folks. Admiral Alexander has just declared the end of active operations and is moving into a cleanup phase. We have Jump Beacons lit, many Beacons in the No-Fly Zone and look at the Fleets departing. I can’t even count the number of ships. It must be 9 fleets, at least, with more ships streaming out of the Jump Gate itself. Back to you Tabitha.”
“Thanks Amanda.”

Serenity Base Marc Alexander

I turned to Reggie. “Tell Black Haven they may depart and can link up with any fleet departing to move with them as cover.”

“Aye Sa. They report they have a fleet and have the Jump Beacon locked.”

“Very well. Thank you Reggie.” I said, as I turned to leave. “I’ll be in my quarters.”

“Aye Admiral.” I went to lie down. It had been a long several weeks, and I was tired. Mentally and physically. Now it was time to heal. I slept until almost dinner time when my Link chimed.

“Alexander.”

“Hi Marc. Can I stop in and talk for a bit?”

“Yeah. Come on in Mike.”

“I’ll be right down.” He was just up 12 levels in my home and he really didn’t have to Comm me for permission. He just had to come down the lift from his rooms upstairs. I heard the lift open and two sets of feet come out of it. Mike with Taylor in tow. I sat up in bed as Mike said.

“Don’t bother.” He let go of Taylor, who looked amused as Mike jumped onto the bed and landed on me. Hugging me before he kissed my neck.

“Thank you Marc.”

“You’re welcome Mike. And come on Taylor. You’re looking left out. Mike will tell you I don’t bite… much.” He cracked a cocked smile and sat on the edge of the bed, leaning over to hug me. I sighed.

“I see what you like about this, Mike. It’s very comforting to be hugged by a Marine.” Mike started laughing as he hugged us both.

“Two of my favorite people.” He said before he pulled away. “I figured, until you go get Adam, that we would eat dinner with you every night so you had someone to talk to that, you know, loves you almost as much as Adam.” I looked at him. My emotions threatened to boil over, almost causing me to lose control.

“Thanks Mike. And you too Taylor.” I pushed them off and looked at Mike. “He told you what I said to him.” He nodded.

“I Comm’d him once we got here.” Standing, they followed me out into the park for a walk. We talked about the future and what they were looking for in their own search for their quarters and they dropped the hint it would be after Adam returned with me. My eyes turned back to Mike.

“You’ve done a lot for us. You didn’t have to. You do that for many people. Now we are going to do that for you. As I told Adam, I would look after you.” I nodded as I choked up. Unable to speak without my voice breaking. Taylor had dropped back and was talking quietly with my ever present 2 Marine escort. I really needed to do something special for my Marines, besides their new home. It’s down two levels, and the park is smaller, but still nice. Talking with Olaf and a few other people from here, I learned the facility was designed to hold over 3 million people in relative comfort. I thought about that and decided to hold that many people, I would have to enlarge the hanger bays or place a station above us to act as a Docking and Handling facility which might also work as a repair and upgrade facility for the Fleet with the Military Level as we are calling it becoming temporary quarters and recreational area. I continued to listen as Mike spoke before he guided us back towards the suite for dinner. I went to check my Link as Mike placed a hand on my wrist.

“I talked to Brian and told him if it wasn’t an emergency, it could wait until tomorrow morning.” Mike said with that look on his face. He was up to something and I spotted the dinner table was set for five as we entered. My eyebrow raised until a staffer brought the Major and Sergeant Major in to join us. I eyed Taylor suspiciously as Mike smacked my arm.

“Wait until you see who else I invite for dinner at your home.” I looked over at him as he leaned into Taylor. “I’m just getting started in rebuilding your life for you, Marc. Just like you did for me.” My lips puckered as I thought about that.

“Did I?”

“You did, and you don’t even know you did it.” I nodded before I greeted everyone. The Major and Sergeant Major regaled me with tales of everyone getting lost down in Military Country and the ideas the Marines had come up with.

“You know Sa. They have a keg cooler now. A few of the kids were wondering if you would join us occasionally for a beer or two.” I sat back in my seat and studied the Sergeant Majors’ face for a few heart beats.

“I think that might be a wonderful idea. Good beer and good conversation is just what I need right now, I think.” The Major chuckled.

“Good. They are waiting for us after dinner.” I laughed as we continued our night.

It was 20:00 hours when we arrived in the Marines’ designated quarters. I found it was just as massive as mine and I could see how they were getting lost in here. Jones was on duty and had the Quarters Watch with a few of the other people. She came to attention as I noticed her and nodded with a smile as I placed a finger to lips to indicate for her not to draw attention to me. I found a few other people besides Mike, who were here as well. Dates or partners of one of the Marines, as the Major had explained it to me. We were in the common area and they couldn’t go beyond it. There were tables with card games going and dancing music on in the background, with a few people enjoying it. My Lieutenant couple were some of them. Others danced with themselves or groups of others that just wanted to have fun.

“We figured we have all this space, and we didn’t want people drinking and getting lost in the complex, so this would work once or twice a week to burn off steam and relax where we could monitor them.” I nodded as I looked around.

I was spotted and someone yelled, “Admiral on Deck” The music stopped and everyone braced to attention as I rolled my eyes. I brought my voice up to be heard throughout the space.

“Right people. I am just here for a beer or two with my Marines. I am sure if I traced it back, I paid for it from some miscellaneous account on the books.” I got a few chuckles over that. “That being said. From this point forward, if I arrive on Beer Night, there is no need to call for attention. I am here for a beer and good conversation, not in an official capacity. Am I understood?”

I received a loud chorus of Aye Sa’s. Giving a sharp nod in response.

“Now. Where are you hiding the keg cooler?” Several people laughed as they pointed in the direction of the bar area. “Right then. Stand easy people. Make sure I get back to my own part of the Base later on.” That got a few more laughs as people greeted me on the way to the bar. Master Sergeant Thomas was waiting and had a beer in a frosted glass already drawn for me. He nodded to a table where Sergeant Major was already sitting down with a beer in hand after greeting another Master Sergeant.

“Looks like a good group tonight, Thompson.”

“They are indeed Sa.” I sat and waited as they started their conversations. We went through the facilities one by one as they told stories and made comment about one thing or another. Master Sergeant Benson was the local hand to hand expert in the company. He spent some time gaging my interest in learning after Master Sergeant Thompson had mentioned the course here would have no problem with my hand cannon. I spent some time working my way around to the Officers and sat with them for a while before Mike and Taylor approached.

“Ah. My social advisers. Time for me to go, it seems. Have a good evening Sa’s.” I said as I stood as Taylor said their good nights to the Officers before we headed out. I found we had a local guide slash security person waiting for us, with my Marine escort, to lead the way back to my suite.

“For future reference. I want a table assigned for non-drinkers. Non-alcoholic drinks only, where my escort can sit and relax with others. I am inside Marine territory and don’t feel you need to guard it from an attack on my person. Please pass that along to the Major and Sergeant Major.”

“Aye, Sa.” Taylor smiled over at me as he walked with his arm around Mike before whispering something to him.

Mike nodded while saying. “Always.”

When we got back to the suite, I expected them to go their separate way, but instead Mike guided me to the bedroom I had used for now.

“I’m going to hit the fresher first, and you can come with me.” I froze. “No. We are not having sex, Marc. I am going to wash you and you me. Then we are going to bed in our underwear. You get to hold me all night while Taylor holds us both after he comes out of the fresher.” I looked at him in disbelief. I started to open my mouth as Taylor spoke.

“Admiral. You can say no. But Mike told me everything about the two of you and how you handled the relationship. So I’ll do the same. We will not be having sex. We don’t want a relationship. You like to be held. You need to be held. Mike asked me and I agreed. When we feel we can share each other, we will hold you at night until you bring Adam home. Have we made ourselves understood, Admiral?” I looked at him in shock, then lowered my head. I nodded slightly.

“Yes Taylor. I believe you have.” We had showered and crawled into bed in our underwear. Positioning myself as Mike told me to when he snuggled back into me. Taylor came out and climbed in behind me. Pressing himself against me and wrapping one arm under my head and Mike's with the other over the two of us. He moved around a few times, getting comfortable, and grabbed my arm, wrapping it around Mike as he held us both.

“Comfortable Admiral?” he asked. I sighed.

“No actually Taylor. After feeling your cock against my ass, I think you can call me Marc when we are in private.” He snuggled in a little closer and held us a little tighter.

“Of course Marc. Thank you.” Mike pushed back in too and made sure his ass was firmly against my hardening cock. I tensed as he giggled softly.

“Yes Marc. Taylor knows, and I remember how good it felt. Just relax. Enjoy being held and holding me.” After that I just let Mike and Taylor lead me wherever I needed to be at night. It was very comforting once I relaxed after the first few times they did it. Which ended up being three or four times a week.

* * *

I had been taking one of my walks when I thought about the last weeks here. It had been almost three months now and things were falling into place. Our twice weekly beer night was working out well. I even talked with my sister occasionally. She noticed the improvements in my demeanor and said so. I hadn’t talked to Adam yet, but he had returned to Casi Oceanus as I had requested of him. I had watched a few of the Link Cast News Reports Mike had pointed out to me. Adam was in his element, and he was doing a good job. I was proud of him. I had been busy myself and had him sent many items to work on through my staff. All completed with the utmost efficiency and precisely how I wanted it done. He was trying hard to work his way back into my good graces, and Mike had been pushing that point on me. Each of Adam’s responses to my projects had always included either, I miss you or I love you. Nothing more personal than that. I had many meetings with the Governors, mostly here because it was central to all of them, as well as making a tour of each sector individually to talk to the Governors and to check our improvement programs over the past few weeks. In the Reserves, we had mining operations again. It had taken us longer than expected, as we did quick overhauls on the miners we had captured. In the end, I had the time to work out the most efficient methods with the teams I had set up and they were doing better than expected. Purchasing my miners out from under their leases was nothing more than a rounding error on my finances now, and they provided the training platforms for the new mining team. Our contract mining will be starting next month now that we have the refineries upgraded and running. My Governor’s Board had been working out well as well. We had made several decisions we sent to our Senator in the Confederation Senate, two of which were approved only due to our new friends that Adam had taken home. I am glad that Jason had mentioned that idea to me. He is currently out to another corporation in discussions about us purchasing them. It was on the list of corporations that would be good fits, but the ownership was lacking. As I walked around looking at some plants on my balcony, I watched my Marines below. The Household of Alexander-Knight was growing too. Tabat was very good at running it and we had an entire battalion of Marines in house now. My original company was a mixed bag of sorts, but each of the new companies was specialized. The Major was in the process of working out how I wanted that dealt with. It had been easier to handle the first company because I bonded with them one platoon at a time. My fleets were working out well under Ron. I had standard patrols out with Customs teams on Frigates and Destroyers watching the entrance ways. In the beginning, two ships who decided they didn’t need to heed the orders to be boarded soon found themselves detained by Marines and several Cruisers. We’ve had no trouble since then. It doesn’t hurt that we installed several surveillance towers along the Jump Line. Everyone knows you can’t just sneak in. A CONFED Navy Cruiser had tried it one time and found themselves face to face with me aboard my Battleship. The snotty Captain had been prepared to argue with my Captain until I stepped into the frame and took command of the ship, bringing it to General Quarters and locking them up on our targeting system. Apparently, being the Governor Admiral of the Five Sector’s has more clout than a mere Captain. That stunt hasn’t been tried since as I lodged a complaint with CONFED Navy that had Admirals of different ranks apologizing profusely over the incident. Our research and production have taken off. Uncle Fran’s suggestions had meant a great deal to the dividends in research at the research bases I controlled in Versaran Sector as well as the other Research Station in Seraph Sector. It was now producing my new Assault Destroyer variant that could cloak. She wasn’t meant for covert operations, but assault. I should have four ready by the end of the month, with four following every month and we had orders, after my 36, for another 20. That would mean about 14 months of work while we worked out our production lines to increase the speed of production. There were other designs working up for a first build prototypes also that we are looking hard into. Combining their research with ours had made many improvements on both sides of the fence. It would pay off even more in the future, I am sure. Of course, my family is pissed at the way I handled everything. Not that I care. They were told up front I will do for me now, not the corporation. I did exactly what I said I would. I built something for me that doesn’t need the Board or the family’s approval. I think it just upsets them more that they can’t just enter the Private Reserve whenever they want, and my people don’t answer to them. They answer to the Alexander-Knight House, Fleet or Guard, depending on who they work for, and they all work for me. Uncle Fran said the new dreadnought was almost ready. It’s out on trials now and he would deliver it once they had all the issues worked out of it. That would be welcome news. The Fleets would have a flagship. Our Base expansion and construction was going well. 6 months from now we’ll have a Base entirely for the Fleet and Marines for training and upgrades. I’ve been taking time for myself too. Walks in the Park, teaching Marines how to swim in the lake. Nothing like cute Marines swimming naked at your direction to give you an unwanted boner or two. Some have noticed that I pay special attention to Taylor and Mike, who I’ve been giving private lessons to, as well as 7 of my Lieutenants and a Captain. I heard a few rumors about us and didn’t care. They can think what they want. Mike and Taylor are special to me. I love them both for what they have done for my mental health. Admittedly, it was an interesting idea, but the two of them sleeping with me have probably done more to relax me than anything else. Even the Specialist I had been working with. Except maybe my twice weekly talks with the Sergeant Major and his two cohorts over a beer or two. I’ve been able to work out how I feel about Adam and where I want our future to go together. And when the time comes, the entire Confederation will know when I arrive at Casi Oceanus to retrieve him and bring him home. We have some issues I want to discuss, but I think they will work themselves out. Time apart is giving us both the ability to step back, look at ourselves, I think. I need to open up more to him and he needs to think about how things will affect me that may not affect him. More importantly, I have been learning how to live with the pain. I’ll never forget it, but it doesn’t consume me anymore either. I smiled as I looked around at the various plants. They not only provide for a wonderful sight while walking, but are helping scrub the air, even though we have more than enough filtration systems to cover the entire facility. They provide a nice living planet smell to the Base which we all appreciate.

My day is coming to an end as I head back to the suite complex for dinner. I decided I had better talk with my escort. They are new people and they are still learning about me and the rumors. A little back door action and the Sergeant Major made sure to tell them to ask me about it. It was nice making them laugh, especially the taller one. He looked and sounded like Adam. It wasn’t him, but he could have been a brother. I thought about that as I heard Jessica calling my name. I looked over my shoulder at my escort.

“We are about to be attacked by a vicious little sister. Do the two of you have gravbelts on?” They chuckled.

“No Sa. Sorry about that.”

“Out of uniform. Tsk, tsk, tsk. We’ll have to rectify that later. Oh well. I guess I should be brotherly.” I said with a smirk before I took off running with the Marines in hot pursuit as I ran down another path than the one I knew she was on to get back to the veranda before her. We heard her yell.

“You Brat. Wait up.” Even the Marines started laughing as we ran. I stopped on the way up the stairs and waited. Until I looked up and started laughing again.

“Talk about brats. You couldn’t just walk down to get me.” She stood next to a gravlifter that was piloted by House staff.

“I would have if you let me. I just used the lifter to find you.” I waved the staffer off and swung my little sister around in a hug.

“Hello Jess. Welcome to my home.” She hugged me even harder.

“Do I get my own room here?” I pulled back and looked down at her. “I just don’t know if I have the room for you here. I might have to put you up in visitors’ quarters.” The look she gave me would have killed most people. I laughed hysterically as I led her in through the massive arch doors that opened to the inside.

“Of course, we’ll designate a room just for you. Choose wisely. I’m not giving you a new one every day.”

“Thanks brat.”

“That’s Governor Admiral Brat to you.” She hugged me again.

“Who’s coming to dinner?”

“You and some other people. I honestly don’t know. Is Mike around. He set it up.” She stopped me and turned to talk to me.

“When are you bringing Adam home?” She asked.

“Soon Jess. It will be soon.” Her smile lit the room.

“About time.” Mike walked in with Taylor.

“Jess. Have you met my personal teddy bears, Mike and Taylor?” They gave me smirks as she looked at them, then at me.

“You’re sleeping with them.”

“Not the way you’re thinking. They have been holding me at night so I can sleep. Not so much now as it was in the beginning. It’s helped me, among other things, to deal with everything.” She hugged me tight again, and they waited until she spun to hug both of them

“Thanks for helping my favorite big brother.” I rolled my eyes.

“I’m your only big brother, kid.”

“Oh yeah. I forgot that.” She said innocently as Mike and Taylor laughed. I sighed.

“If you’re here. Does that mean Aunt Gloria is here?”

“And Uncle Fran. He brought something for you.” She had that mischievous grin starting, thinking she knows something I don’t. I smiled.

“My ship is here.” I said knowingly. She stamped her foot.

“How did you know?”

“Because I knew it was coming. Besides, you can’t enter the Reserve’s without permission, you know. Only my people can do that.” She huffed and gave me the stink eye.

“Do I have permission?” I raised an eyebrow at her.

“Are you here?” She smiled.

“OK. Stupid question.” I turned to Mike, who was trying to sneak away.

“Oh no you don’t. I’ll need to be held tonight after all this stress. And who is coming to dinner?” I know I heard him tell Taylor we almost made it.

“Well. Jessica. Your aunt and uncle, your other sisters.” Mike started. My finger shot up and he stopped.

“Sisters. Plural. Name them Michael.” I ordered in calm authority.

“Caitlin and Hannah.” He waited as I digested that.

“OK. Who else besides you two? And consider that an order.” Taylor snapped to attention.

“Aye Sa.” I nodded and bored in on Mike.

“Um. Your parent’s.” He hesitated before saying. “Both sets.” He waited and moved closer to Taylor, who put an arm around him protectively.

“I see. You never want to leave my bed, do you?” Taylor smiled, then went neutral.

“We’ll be witnesses Marc. I think you’ll be fine.”

“Dropping the entire family on me at once. Better break out the wine then and just move into my bedroom while you’re at it.” My smile was, well, just there. Fake was probably correct. I didn’t know if Caitlin was ready for this. I am sure Hannah is dating her, so that’s good. Uncle Fran and Aunt Gloria. Just brought me a ship so I love them more today than yesterday. Mom and Dad would be fine. Brendan and Amelia. Not so sure that is a good idea until after I talk with Adam. I sighed. What’s done is done.

“Fine. Where are we eating tonight?” Mike had to look it up on his Link.

“The Overlook Room.” I nodded.

“No veranda or balcony. Smart choice, I guess. I can’t throw anyone out the window. It’s armorplas.” Mike looked at me, starting to think this wasn’t such a good idea after all. I smiled my best predatory grin.

“You really don’t want to leave my room, do you?” And I started to move towards them. Even Taylor backed up. “Oh no. Don’t even bother to try to run. Come here.” They both moved slowly towards me as I opened my arms. It was slow and careful when they entered my embrace, and I kissed them both. They froze. “Yes. You deserved that. It’s probably time I sat with my sister. Adam’s parents, I think, are a bad idea until I talk with Adam. We shall see. Now lead us to the dining room, please.” Taylor actually kissed me back before he guided Mike to his side and they led the way.

I detoured us into an office, where I pulled up the outside visuals and I saw her. “And there she is. I’ll have to name her.” I stepped back so Mike and Taylor could look. Mike’s eyes bugged out.

“That’s why you have been training me on Dreadnoughts and sending me out with the Battleships to Helm some patrols.”

“See Taylor. He’s not just a cute butt, he has brains too.” He laughed as he hugged Mike. I shut the system down as we continued to dinner. I saw Brian’s face as we entered. Which caused me to do a chuckling snort.

“Getting the third degree, huh? Run for it, Brian, I’ll hold them back.” He looked relieved as he spun on his heel, heading for the door.

“Aye Admiral.” I raised an eyebrow as I pointed out a table on the side of the room for my Marines and two others were already there.

“My. How you people frightened my adjutant.” They just laughed as Mom came over and hugged me.

“Still have the Marines I see.”

“Indeed. A platoon here in the house at all times and a Battalion two decks down.” Uncle Fran just chuckled as he shook his head.

“How many security personnel, Marc.” Tilting my head as I thought about it.

“I have no idea. That’s Tabat’s doing. More than two dozen that I can put faces to.” He nodded. And I smiled expectantly. He laughed again.

“Seriously. You know it’s here. We had to bring it through multiple layers of security and a small fleet escorted us to the parking area.” I laughed.

“Well. I do like my privacy. Have you seen my garden yet?” He nodded.

“Gloria, your father and the Knights are out there now.” I grimaced at the mention of the Knights. He started to say something, and I turned to Mike.

“Let me introduce you to my favorite Marine, Taylor and, of course, Mike works for me now. This is my Uncle Fran and my Mother, Dorothy. And where are Caitlin and Hannah?”

“They said they would be right back.” My Mother said. I tapped my Link to life and tapped some commands.

“Yeah. They shouldn’t walk around my house alone. They’re lost.” I turned to see Asher hovering in the background.

“Asher. I’ll send you the signal. Lead them back please and ask for few more local guides to keep people from getting lost in the house as well.” He chuckled.

“Of course Governor. I’ll have another team come down too.”

“Thank you Asher.” He dipped his head and left to get my sister. Mom looked at me and I shrugged. “I still get lost even though it’s only 10000 square meters. And if they make it to one of the cross doors. Well.” I shrugged and spread my hands. “We might find them next week.” Uncle Fran started rolling.

“This is one level Mom. The center level, which is the largest. The park is 10 kilometers across. Speaking of. Someone went out with them right, or do I need to launch another rescue mission?” She started to laugh and then stopped.

“You’re not kidding are you.”

“Come on you two. I’ll show you.” I led them outside and over to a gravlifter.

They stepped on and I lifted us up swinging out over the park before I turned us back to the suite. I pointed towards the wall that climbed up 500 meters. “That’s my suite. They tell me it’s 10000 square meters, but I think it’s bigger. And this.” I swung us around and started moving forward. “Is our park and over there is the lake for swimming. We have kilometers of trails, a few places where you can climb rocks.” I said as I pointed to different things. “Over in those high trees we have rope courses up in the canopies. We have open areas for games and parties.” As I swung over the beach and lake, they were able to see people out in boats as well as swimming. Around the one side of the lake we had a waterfall and cliffs for climbing and diving.

“No wonder you wanted this. You would never have to leave.” Mom said as I agreed.

“Yes and no. I figured it would be a better place to raise kids. We’ll be spending time aboard ships too.” She moved her arm around my waist and gave me a hug.

“You're going to get Adam.” I shrugged.

“Possibly. Everyone will know when I do.” Uncle Fran smiled as I turned us back to the suite. Mike, Taylor, my escort, a security person, Jessica and my other sisters, were waiting. I set the gravlifter down.

“Next. Governor Tours.” I waved Jessica over with Caitlin and Hannah. They stepped on and I lift us off swinging out again to hover in position.

“For future reference. This is my home.” I said as I pointed out the structure as it rose to 500 meters. “They tell me it’s 10000 square meters. Please use a guide when your moving around. I do and I live here.”

“Can I have a room up there?” I laughed at Jess as she pointed up towards the top.

“Sorry kiddo. That’s my private sanctuary and living area. You’ll be down lower.”

“Aww.” I laughed again as I turned to Caitlin and Hannah.

“Did you two pick out your room yet?” Hannah smiled as Caitlin spoke.

“I didn’t know we could have one.”

“Yes Sis. You two can have one. The entire family can have a room here. The House facilities are off limits to everyone but House and Guard personnel. So I guess, for you two, that means nothing as you are part of the House Fleet.” They both looked at me confused. “Ahh. You haven’t heard yet. I commandeered the Black Haven and her escorts. You work for me now as part of the Guard Fleet. When you are here. You can live here. It’s not like you’ll be sharing a room with us.” Hannah had to cover her mouth to keep from laughing.

“Who is us?” Caitlin asked.

“Adam. I think his name is. I should probably check that.” Hannah couldn’t hold back anymore.

“The two of you were playing everyone?” I shook my head no.

“No. I was and still am mad. I have a handle on the pain now, thanks to many people including Mike and Taylor.” I leaned over to tell Caitlin. “They’ve been holding me at night to help me sleep.” Caitlin smiled.

“Yeah, that works for you too.” I smiled as I swung us around and out towards the lake again.

“Yes. Combine that with my talks with my Senior Sergeants and Specialists. I have some idea of how to live with the deaths now. This helps too. Being able to walk away for an hour and just smell the plants.” She nodded then put a hand on my shoulder and leaned up against my arm. I kissed the side of her head as I continued the tour. 10 minutes later we were headed back after I showed them the highlights of Central Park.