Storm of Arranon

By Robynn Sheahan

A forbidden birth. A remarkable young woman. A marauding alien society. The battle begins.

A brutal alien society invades Korin and Arranon, intent on destroying the two worlds that make up Cadet Erynn Yager's home. Forced to expose her strange abilities and reveal her forbidden birth, a guarded web of secrets unravels.
Stranded on an unfamiliar planet of eternal winter and predatory wildlife, the mysterious living consciousness of Arranon intervenes, leading Erynn on a mystical journey.
Aware of Erynn's potential, the alien enemy pursues her. She struggles to gain control of her growing powers while in a constant race to elude the invaders, and join the forces preparing to fight a mounting occupation.
Erynn’s secret may be her worlds' only hope, but at the cost of her life. Swept up in a chain reaction of events, Erynn's dedication extends far beyond service and duty. She learns the true meaning of sacrifice.
Along with courage and hope, Erynn finds something unexpected on her journey of awareness and growth.
Love.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Robynn Sheahan
• Release date: Feb 25, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301575138

Robynn Sheahan

I have always been a reader. I love books, all the characters you meet, grow to love or hate, and the exciting places stories take you. When I wasn’t able to read, I listened to audio books on tape or CD. Still do. So at any given time, I probably have and audio book and an e-book or paper back going.I wrote stories as a kid, usually about horses and dogs. Later, I realized I wrote fairly decent newspapers articles and was being asked to write letters for friends and family.I started to dabble in writing while working as a Paramedic/Firefighter in Northern California. Trust me, it’s not like it appears on TV. There was plenty of time for books, mostly reading them.I didn't seriously start writing until I moved to a ranch in Oregon. While waiting for lambs to be born in the middle of the night, I would head back to the house for an hour or two and sit down at the computer. Before I knew it, I had a book. It wasn't good, needed lots of work, but I learned a few things along the way.I got involved with critique groups and went to writer's conferences. I was on the fast track to learning.About four years ago the dabbling became more serious when worlds and characters screamed for, no, demanded attention. So I wrote my first manuscript. Then I wrote a second, a third, and a fourth. Wow!Ideas from dreams follow me into warm sunny days or the quiet of falling snow. What ifs feed a vivid imagination. Even miss-typed phrases may lead to an "aha" moment. Brain storming sessions standing in windy, dark parking lots with fellow writers release thoughts that pry at the corners of my mind, grasping for purchase. Sometimes the ideas pursue me, with persistence.The line-up of book ideas in my computer grows. Those will get their chance to be heard and seen when my Storm of Arranon Series is finished.Hmmm. Finished?

Book preview

Chapter 1

THE BEST PART IS WATCHING the eyes. The moment life leaves them. Death is such a fleeting climax. Pity.

Major Birk pressed Colonel Rennek against the thick wall inside the deserted parking garage. Birk’s head tilted and he smiled, quivering in anticipation, savoring Rennek’s plunge into panic.

Rennek thrashed and jerked under Birk’s powerful, unyielding hold. His struggle brief, Rennek shuddered, then stilled. A low, guttural moan escaped his twisted mouth. In the white glare from overhead lights, Rennek’s eyes widened beneath raised bushy eyebrows. His black pupils dilated, eclipsing blue irises.

Birk’s nostrils flared, drawing in the invigorating scent of Rennek’s fear as life slipped away. A tingle of pleasure shot through Birk and he released a breath in a long sigh, a smile stretching his lips. He drew his hand back, removing the needle from Rennek’s neck in a smooth fluid motion. A tiny drop of blood oozed from the minuscule hole at the base of Rennek’s skull, a red speck barely visible under short gray hair. Your cooperation is appreciated, Colonel. Birk straightened and released his grip on Rennek’s uniform jacket.

Rennek’s knees buckled and he slid down the smooth wall. His body toppled over, skull striking the hard surface of the tarmac with a resounding thud.

Sweat burned Birk’s eyes but he ignored the sting and stared at the dead man. He thumbed the tiny slide on the otherwise smooth cylinder, shutting down the laser and retracting the needle. Birk tugged off dark gloves, stuffing them and the cylinder into the pocket of his black jacket. Tomorrow morning, thanks to your information Colonel, I will assassinate General Cale Athru of Arranon, removing this final obstruction to our invasion. He shrugged, his tone animated. His death won’t be achieved in a manner as enjoyable as yours, but gratifying nonetheless. Too bad you won’t be here to see the ruin of your worlds.

From the shadows, a heavily muscled man in black emerged, his approach hesitant. He paused, staring wide-eyed at Rennek’s lifeless form, and took a tentative step forward, his tone submissive. Major Birk, Rennek’s death wasn’t authorized. There will be inquiries. Our superiors will not cover up or defend this unsanctioned action against a high-ranking official. And, sir, what about the girl?

This amusing diversion over, Birk glared at the man and pulled a deep breath through clenched teeth. Unfortunately, Rennek didn’t know why Athru requested her presence, Captain Marris.

Yes, sir. Marris took a wary step back and nodded.

Birk glanced at the body, relishing a last look. The tip of his tongue slid over parted lips and he smiled. Rennek’s death will carry no consequence. He searched the silent, empty space, his gaze locking on the exit. Tomorrow, there will be no need for disguises, a tactful approach, or covert measures. If we have questions, we will get answers. Birk chuckled softly. The pretense of being citizens of these worlds will end. After Athru’s death, we’ll be one step closer to the domination of Korin. He nodded, voice low. And the real prize, Arranon.

A rush of warm air turned icy, sending broad orange and red leaves swirling and skittering down the ramp that led outside.

Birk ignored the cold gust and clapped Marris’ shoulder. He squeezed, digging his fingers deep.

Marris jerked, tensing under Birk’s forceful grip.

Birk’s eyes narrowed. A smirk twisted his lips and colored his voice. I am fully aware of my authority on these missions. And Captain, I got the information I needed.

Yes, sir. I didn’t mean to question—

Time to go, Birk leaned in and whispered. He released his hold on Marris with a shove. Birk turned from Rennek’s body, and hurried toward the exit.

Marris followed.

Their footsteps echoed with a hollow, staccato cadence between long thick walls and the low-hung ceiling. Athru will be at security headquarters tomorrow morning. The girl too. Could Athru’s interest be because of her father? Birk slowed and frowned, his attention on Marris.

Marris stiffened and positioned himself a pace behind Birk. Yes, sir. That must be the reason, Major. They emerged onto a quiet street. Both men scanned the lower levels of cut stone buildings shrouded in pre-dawn shadows. Wide, high windows wrapped exterior walls reaching up several stories, reflecting faint images of surrounding structures. Like you said, Major, why else would someone of Athru’s position bother with her?

Birk’s scowl deepened. I’m not so sure.

A mild breeze stirred the open flaps of Birk’s jacket. Stars shimmered high above in the early-morning sky—unfamiliar stars and foreign worlds. Worlds filled with resources his nomadic society needed to survive.

Birk’s gaze drifted from the twinkling points of light. He glanced left, down the empty street, and then swung to the right, walking with a quick pace up the gentle slope. There has to be a reason. An underlying urgency wound through his words. Why her?

A gesture of courtesy toward the girl’s father? Marris offered. Protocol?

A delivery transport whirred past. Brilliant white light from the headlamps arced through what remained of the night, glinting off dark windows in the lower levels of the towering structures. Tires hummed over smooth pavement, the black body shimmered, reflecting the soft amber glow of streetlights. Birk read the words printed in an ornate style onto the side of the transport’s cargo panels, ‘Dalthar Daily News’.

Dawn approached. The flow of vehicles would soon increase.

Birk shook his head. Athru has never exhibited a politically correct nature. If he wants something he coerces, or takes. They reached an intersection under pale yellow light. Athru’s aggressive, powerful. That’s what makes him a problem to our operation. He stepped back into the concealing shadows of a building’s alcove.

Marris joined him.

"There’s more to Athru’s visit than he revealed to the authorities granting this trip. His interest in the girl is not merely diplomatic niceties. Birk’s lips disappeared in a sneer, and his body tensed. Tomorrow, I will put an end to Athru’s meddling." Birk relaxed at the pleasant image that flashed in his mind.

Yes, sir. But what about the girl? Marris’s gaze remained fixed down the street at an approaching transport. The whirring of the engine slowed. A sleek, dark vehicle lurched quietly to a stop at the curb in front of them. The side door to the transport slid open with a whoosh.

I’ll take care of her. Birk’s smile returned. After Athru.

You’ll kill her, too?

An amber streetlight on the corner flickered, buzzed, and flared a harsh orange glare before resuming its soft steady glow.

Not yet. I want to find out more about her. I’m curious why Athru’s interested. And, Birk smirked, I think she’s pretty, for an alien I mean. He turned to Marris, taking in a breath, slow and deep, savoring the aroma of fresh-baked goods carried on a balmy breeze from the bakery up the street. Would you consider her attractive, Captain?

Marris shrugged. Not my type. She’s high ordnance in a small package. He stepped out of the shadows, his tone shaded with resentment. She’s willful, opinionated, and stubborn. She’s lived a life of privilege under the protection of her father. Her kind are dangerous. A handful. Marris shot a quick glance at Birk, and shook his head. Not for you though, Major. Dark hair flitted across Marris’s broad brow, aided by a sudden gust of frosty wind. His breath fogged, and icy crystals formed, drifting in the air. He frowned, hunched his shoulders, and glanced up at the sky.

A cold hand wrapped Birk in a frozen grip. He shivered, studying the night, searching the shadows. Unease prickled across his nerves, the abrupt chill from the once warm night adding concern. Just as swiftly, the breeze softened, warmed, and his disquiet passed. He dismissed the brief change as a weather phenomenon common to this world, nothing else.

I’ve never found any woman dangerous. This one just needs to learn her place. Birk’s lips curved, more snarl than grin. And I will teach her. He laughed in anticipation of the next morning’s carnage and devastation, the sound rumbling from deep in his chest.

Chapter 2

TENDRILS OF BLUE STATIC POPPED and snapped around Lieutenant Erynn Yager’s fingers as she tapped the keypad. Black numbers and symbols streamed across the white screen of her monitor. She glanced up, checking the equation on the large overhead at the front of the cramped classroom and smiled, her answer correct.

Delicate blue currents reached out and wrapped around her hands with a faint tingling sensation. In a breath Erynn whispered, "Com avlash." She brushed at dappled shadows that danced across the pool of sunlight at the edge of her desk, amused by the wispy blue filaments tracing her movements. They flowed like a lazy stream, trailing the path her fingertips traveled before the energy faded. As the static disappeared, she glanced around to make sure no one noticed.

No one ever had.

The buzz of winged centinents drifted in on a warm breeze through the open window next to her. She sighed and fingered the neck of her white uniform shirt, the stiff collar tight and irritating in the rising temperature.

From the front of the classroom the instructor, Major Kendal, his tan uniform meticulous, asked, Does anyone need more time? He scanned faces in the room. No one responded and he continued, I trust you took into account gravitational pull, divided by trajectory angles, while factoring in speed given mass and friction before multiplying…

Erynn tried to listen, but his incessant droning soon matched the hum from outside.

Static crackled, and the air thickened with a sinking heaviness. The temperature plunged to an icy cold, chilling her moist skin. A sweet, spicy aroma replaced the electronic scent of computers and sour sweat of bodies pressed into a tight space for too long. She glanced out the window and frowned. What—

Broad yellow, orange, and red leaves trembled in the breeze. Brown stone buildings melded with the blue sky and manicured green lawns. The colors ran, blurred, and morphed into dark oily shapes with faint outlines of long arms and legs. She stiffened and squeezed her eyes shut. Images played in her mind like a silent vid in fast-forward.

Flash—a brilliant jeweled city nestled in a deep green forest. Flash—majestic spires of trees surrounding a clearing, the woods tossed in a violent windstorm. Flash—mountain peaks covered by snow and ice.

More impressions swirled and sped by, eclipsing her thoughts, taking control.

Bright pinpoints of red and orange exploded, swarming under her closed lids. The high-pitched sound of a hundred musical instruments in discord screamed in her mind. The syrupy aroma intensified. She caught two words through the cacophony—a plea, and a warning.

Cadjoo. Mabrath.

Her chest constricted, unable to expand.

Help. Death.

The meaning of these two words, in a language she’d made up as a child, took her breath. She pushed recognition away, refusing the insistent vision that pried at the corners of her mind seeking purchase.

Prophecy.

The word slithered across her nerves like a dry whisper.

Heart thudding, her lids flew open. At the periphery of her vision, the sparkling colors blinked out, and the heavy atmosphere in the room lifted. Erynn’s ears popped and the shrieking voices died, sudden quiet making her believe the shrill proclamation left her deaf. She jumped up, chair legs screeching backward on polished tile as the desk banged into the seat in front of her. No! Her shout rang out in the small, quiet room.

Floor heaving like rolling waves, she leaned against the desk on unsteady legs. Startled students in her weapons-and-tactics class stared at her, most of them shaking their heads and smirking. Ridicule and resentment came as a barrage of stinging barbs digging under her skin. Concentrated emotions of pity, anger, concern, scorn, disgust and envy bombarded against her attempt to focus, to gain control.

In a practiced technique, Erynn envisioned a wide tunnel of white brightness spiraling into a tiny point of light. This method narrowed her exposure to the emotions of others. The reactions assailing her all but disappeared. She hissed quick breaths through clamped teeth and the nauseating sensation of motion stopped.

Sean shifted in his seat behind her. The brush of his arm against the desktop scraped like a stone pulled across a rocky surface.

Chair legs scuffed the floor with a rasping bark. Two seats ahead and to the left, Tam twisted around, her brow furrowed. She mouthed, You okay?

Erynn grimaced and took a quick peek over her shoulder.

Mikal slumped in the farthest seat back. He stared at her, grinned, and gave her a ‘thumbs up’ behind his arm.

She faced front, heat flooding her cheeks.

Lieutenant Yager, is there a problem with my calculation? Major Kendal’s harsh tone resounded through the tight space. He glared at her, his tiny gray eyes made smaller by a pinched expression.

The equation on the large overhead screen sharpened.

No, sir. It’s correct. Her voice squeaked out, little more than a tremulous whisper.

Well thank you, Lieutenant. A chuckle spread through the room. If you would take your seat, I’d like to continue.

Erynn cleared her throat, willing strength into her tone. Yes, sir. I’m sorry, Major Kendal. Erynn unlocked her knees and dropped into her chair, readjusting her desk. She wiped at the film of perspiration on her forehead and wrinkled her nose as the last of the spicy fragrance faded.

Accustomed to living with these episodes of foresight, and other odd afflictions, she’d given up hope of outgrowing this condition. Erynn hid them as best she could, keeping her peculiarity a secret, but not always under control. On occasion, her attempts to keep these abnormalities in check did fail, but never like this. Unlike her past glimpses into the future, this experience included shrill voices in the other language, bright points of color, a disharmony of sounds, and the spicy scent—none of that had ever happened before.

Now there’s more reason to talk about me besides being the youngest in class and having a politically powerful father. Aren’t I noticed enough without a bizarre outburst?

Sean leaned in from behind. You okay? he whispered, tugging lightly on her long braid.

Erynn nodded but remained facing forward, watching Major Kendal, who kept his attention and irritation directed at her.

Class ended moments later, and Major Kendal dismissed them. Erynn closed her small computer, shoved it in her pack, and rushed from the room. Tam, Mikal, and Sean caught up with her outside the door.

Wait, Erynn. We can walk together. Tam glided up to Erynn with fluid grace.

Others in the hall around them stared. The source of this reaction, Tam—her wide expressive brown eyes, and silky voice—her manner radiated confidence. Everyone noticed Tam, but in a good way.

Erynn stopped and dropped her gaze, staring at the floor. Her impression of herself, awkward, plain, and in reality much shorter than Tam, Erynn wished she possessed a fraction of the self-assurance her friend conveyed.

Mikal cuffed Erynn on the shoulder. That was great, Erynn. I loved the expression on Kendal’s face when you jumped up and yelled. Mikal smiled, showing perfect white teeth. I’m sure he considered running from the room. He chuckled, clear blue eyes gleaming with amusement. Wish I’d done it.

Erynn glared at Mikal.

Mikal, shut up. Tam punched his arm. Short black hair brushed brown cheeks as she shook her head in exasperation. Leave Erynn alone.

It’s okay, Tam, Erynn grumbled. She frowned and turned to watch the open door of the classroom they’d exited. Major Kendal’s irritation rushed from the small space like a swarm of buzzing, agitated hornacts. He wasn’t finished with her.

Major Kendal appeared, standing sideways in the gap. Lieutenant Yager. He motioned to her.

Mikal winced at Erynn’s glower, then shrugged, flashing more of that annoying, toothy smile.

She spun, walked to the major, and snapped a salute. Sir?

You’re to report to General Brayton’s office. Immediately. He saluted in her direction and twisted away. Heavy footsteps marching down the hall expressed his lingering annoyance.

Erynn dropped the salute Major Kendal hadn’t waited for. She tipped her head back, closed her eyes, and quietly groaned, Oh yeah, I’m in trouble. Erynn straightened and wheeled around, bumping into Sean. Sorry. She stepped back, but only a little. The calming effect of his presence flowed to her, strong and reassuring. She opened the tunnel of light to this sensation, allowing Sean’s quiet composure to sooth her rattled nerves.

What’s up? He gazed at her from under thick dark lashes that accentuated probing green eyes.

She glanced away, started to chew her lip, and stopped. She worked at controlling this nervous habit. General Brayton called me to his office. Must be the base commander’s turn to give me the speech. Erynn lowered the pitch of her voice, her brow wrinkled. You shouldn’t expect special treatment just because you’re Commanding General Damon Yager’s daughter.

Sean grinned at her impersonation of the general. Maybe. He chuckled. We—Tam, Mikal, and I—don’t hold your parentage against you. But I meant what happened in there? He nodded toward the empty classroom, his eyes narrowed, the grin gone.

Erynn attempted a smile. The effort made her lip twitch. Nothing. She shook her head. Really. Her gaze darted around the clearing hallway. I gotta go.

He stared at her for a long moment. His dark hair shone in the sunlight from the open door. I bet I know.

Her heart skipped a beat. You do?

Yes. Sean tipped his head and scrutinized her face. You finally broke under Kendal’s unending lecturing and fell asleep, dreaming you were chained to the desk. A smile threatened at the corners of his mouth. Come on. Am I right?

Yes. That’s it. She forced a nervous chuckle.

He shook his head. You’re faking.

Erynn sighed and nibbled at her lip. I get lots of practice hiding under a cloak of secrets. A ghost, an actor playing an illusory part in my own life.

What’s wrong, Erynn? Maybe I can help.

Erynn lowered her voice when an instructor approached and walked past them. Drop it, please. She studied shadowed patterns in the dark, polished floor.

Sorry. Consider the subject dropped. Sean sighed. Don’t worry about Brayton. He hasn’t eaten a student in days.

Erynn stared at him. That’s supposed to make me feel better? Her smile stiffened, pulling at her face in an unnatural manner. She gave up the façade and gazed down the empty hall. He must be starving, she whispered, craving the blood of the innocent.

Innocent? Sean shook his head. Then you won’t interest him.

Erynn crossed her arms, eyes narrowed. You don’t know me.

I’m still not buying the act. Sean turned. Go. I’ll talk to you later, he called as he walked down the hall.

Who’s acting? she yelled at his back.

***

Erynn slipped through the open door into General Brayton’s outer office. She wiped damp palms on dark-brown pants.

Have a seat, Lieutenant. Captain Bannick, the General’s aide, gestured to the hard black chairs against the wall. General Brayton will be with you when he’s finished.

Yes, sir. Before she took a seat, the door separating the inner office from the outer one burst open. A cadet rushed out, his face red. General Brayton glared after him. Rage from the young man slammed Erynn. She stepped back, visualized the bright tunnel spiraling into a tiny point of light, minimizing her contact to his emotion.

General Brayton turned his attention to Erynn. The lines around his severe brown eyes deepened. Come in, Lieutenant, he growled, and moved behind his desk. His irritation tapped at her in short bursts of energy.

Not good.

The reason for her summons must be the disruption she caused in Major Kendal’s class. Head high and shoulders squared, she stepped into General Brayton’s office.

At attention, she saluted. Lieutenant Yager reporting as ordered, sir. The strength behind her words didn’t betray the dropping, rolling sensation in her stomach.

Brayton returned the salute, his action stiff and mechanical. At ease, Lieutenant. His voice sounded taut as a keollo string tuned far too tight.

With only the suggestion of her posture relaxing, Erynn made eye contact.

General Brayton stared across the desk at her, his lips curving into a frown. Fingertips balanced on the clutter-free surface he stated, Tomorrow, zero eight hundred, report to the hangar bay in full dress blues. Be prepared to speak with visiting dignitaries.

Sir? Erynn asked, trying to keep her expression neutral, surprised by his request, and relieved. You want me to give a presentation?

"No, Lieutenant Yager, I do not want you to. His voice carried in the confined space. This isn’t my choice. There’s something about you… He glanced out the open door, his unspoken words hanging in the air. General Cale Athru from Arranon is visiting security headquarters, a guest of Senator Drake’s. You’re to be in attendance while he’s here, starting tomorrow morning with an Interceptor demonstration. He turned back to her. His stare penetrated. I’m no happier about this than you, Lieutenant."

I understand, sir, and I agree. Couldn’t someone else? Someone more…, her brow knitted, …appropriate than—

No, he snapped again. General Athru personally requested you for this detail. He held up his hand. And before you ask, I don’t know why. He frowned. Do it, Lieutenant. That is the order. For both of us. He threw a quick salute in her direction and nodded toward the door. Dismissed.

Erynn returned his salute, and hurried from the general’s office.

***

Erynn trotted down the steps of base headquarters to the tree-lined quad. She stopped and leaned against a smooth bark trunk in a center copse of five sturdy old trees. Her summons to Brayton’s office hadn’t been to expel or reprimand her. But the request for a junior officer in this situation was unusual. It must be because of her dad, a gesture of respect toward the Commanding General. Perhaps some ancient form of protocol on Arranon. The ‘Be nice to a fellow commanding officer’s family’, rule. Even if that commanding officer was once a sworn enemy.

Familiar strands of blue static twisted among the branches above her. Broad yellow and green leaves jumped and fluttered as if a high wind raged through them. Thin limbs on either side remained quiet, their leaves barely stirring in the gentle breeze.

"I will not lose control," she whispered, eyes closed. The frenzied shaking overhead quieted. Her gaze darted around the immediate area. Satisfied no one had observed the curious activity, Erynn hurried across the stone courtyard.

***

By the time simulator training ended, Erynn’s anxiety had ratcheted down to a manageable level. Simulators weren’t the same as actually flying, but they came close.

Major Caullum, the instructor, smiled at her. Excellent flight, Lieutenant Yager, as always.

Thank you, sir.

Classes over for the week, she sensed the high spirits of the other cadets as they left the building, their hurried boot steps clicking across the stone path. Mikal, Sean, and Tam walked behind Erynn. Shared good humor covered her like warm sunshine, tickling at her mind, enticing her to join in their elation. Except for Sean—his underlying anxiety folded over her like ripples on a pond.

Tam trotted up, level with Erynn. We’re heading over to Coeunn’s later. Come with us.

Good idea. Mikal chuckled. You need some fun after today.

Erynn glared at him and continued to walk.

You should come, Erynn. Sean’s smooth voice didn’t conceal the anticipation swelling in him.

Erynn stopped. You wouldn’t mind? She bit at her lower lip.

Mikal threw his arm around Erynn’s shoulder, pulling her with him. Come on. You’re one of us now.

Erynn’s gut tensed at Mikal’s touch.

Chapter 3

ERYNN FOLLOWED SEAN, TAM, AND Mikal into the bar’s dim interior. Loud, rhythmic music with a quick beat throbbed through the soles of her shoes. Cool, recycled air mixed the yeasty, bitter aromas of the beoirs with the spicy, fruity scent of harder drinks.

A burst of low laughter, deep and ominous, erupted from somewhere in the murky center of the open room. Erynn glanced toward the unsettling sound, her eyes adjusting to the hazy, low light. Three men holding glasses filled with a dark liquid lounged at a table. The men grinned, watching her progress into the wide space.

From the long, polished wooden counter on the right, a clamorous cheer rose from the crowd perched on and around stools. Erynn’s attention drifted to the DVSL screens placed the entire length of the bar, streaming a live game. Her gaze slid down from the sport playing out on a green field lined in white to the blue, red, and silver bottles reflected in a mirror below.

Etched into the glass was a life-size Interceptor fighter. The bar was an aviation memorial with Interceptors the prominent theme. Walls held pictures of past and present aircraft, pilots, and crews. Erynn moved forward, drawn to the photos, and grinned. A youthful image of her dad, tall, trim, and handsome, standing next to his Interceptor on the scramble pad, held the center position in the display. In the photo, he smiled, the skin around his blue eyes crinkled in the bright sunlight. Someday, my picture will be on this wall, with his.

Erynn, here. Tam tugged the back of Erynn’s shirt, then led the way to an empty table in a far corner.

Mikal signaled to the server who walked briskly over, tray tucked under one arm. I’m buying the first round. Tam, Sean, Erynn, what do you want?

Beoir, Tam said with a smile.

Sean nodded. Sounds good.

Okay. Three beoirs so far. Erynn? Mikal shifted in his chair to watch her.

Erynn glanced up at the woman waiting to take her order. "Kree, lots of ice, please."

Mikal held his hand up to the server. Wait, you should have a real drink. Remember, you’re here to relax and have some fun.

"I shouldn’t have a real drink. I have to report to the main hangar at zero eight hundred. She scowled at Mikal. Besides, I can have fun without drinking."

What’s going on tomorrow? Tam demanded.