Celestial Fire (The String Weavers - Book 7): The String Weavers, #7

By J.A. Marlow

The only option: A one-way trip past the Veil…

The new Weaver Council organize a massive Weaver hunt for Professor Hadrian and his malformed ship. It starts off well… until Professor Hadrian's ship changes direction. It heads straight into a place no one dares to follow.

All except Kelsey Hale's Weaver team.

They follow past the barrier of the Veil, even while knowing it will ultimately mean their deaths. Beyond lay the Nief-Pirae, the ravenous creatures behind the "When the Skies Fell" event.

Time to stop Professor Hadrian once and for all.
While keeping the Veil intact.
While keeping the Nief-Pirae contained.
While not losing sight of what it means to be a Weaver.

Join Kelsey Hale in a coming of age science fiction adventure across alternate universes and encounters with alien planets, species and societies. Thrust into a dangerous journey to places she could have never imagined, she is determined to discover the truth of her mysterious past. A truth that will change her life forever.

Titles in "The String Weaver" Series

The String Weavers
The Phoenix Eggs
The Dark Phoenix
The Dividers
The Tower of Epnos
When the Skies Fell
Celestial Fire

• Language: English
• Publisher: Star Catcher Publishing
• Release date: Jun 3, 2020
• ISBN: 9781937042516

J.A. Marlow

It's said I was launched into space from birth and I haven't been back to Earth since. There might be some truth in that. As a reader I love science fiction with great plots, interesting characters, exotic locales, all accompanied by a sense of wonder with optimistic endings. As a writer, I love the same.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Every time Kelsey Hale went into the Strings running between Universal Groups, it felt like coming home.

The fact she could do it all by herself made it all the sweeter.

The full song of a large Universal Group overtook the sounds coming from everywhere else. Lovely singing, with not one sour note in it. Full thick Strings ran in and out of it, all running clear with energy.

Her Weaver band loved it as much as Kelsey. Between the two of them, they guided a full Jump between Universal Groups, playing with the speed. Kelsey learned as much from her band about this method of travel as she did from the experienced Weavers overseeing Kelsey and Zia Winters travel training.

Kelsey glanced over at Zia. Her color in the Strings looks good, which meant no stress. There shouldn't be. The Weavers had cleared this area of any signs of Professor Hadrian and his ship so their training could take place. No String Eaters, or any other dangerous problems to worry about. Nothing to interfere with concentrating on the task at hand.

As with learning Shifts, the practice started with target-Jumps and Phases. Then came accompanied memory travel, going to and from places the bands remembered.

And now this time, her and Zia all alone, in a Jump of their own, heading for a tangled String. Learning to use their bands to detect problems, and to land nearby in order to repair them. The fundamental duty of a Weaver. Tend to the Strings, untangle them or repair them so the Universes and Universal Groups remained stable.

The Universal Group grew larger, allowing her to see the individual globes comprising the Universes within. So many of them, some looking like they were half in each other. Soap bubbles clinging and moving among each other.

Kelsey kept her ears tuned, and visually watchful as they moved to the jangle of Strings inside the Universal Group. Her band also helped, with all senses looking for the marker of a String in need of help.

She started preparing for the landing, something she was still getting used to. Her experience of Shifts helped a little with it, but not enough to please her. She still found it difficult to determine which, out of the tangle of Strings inside a Universal Group, one she should take.

Surrounded by sound and moving Universes and the Strings connecting them all, Kelsey maneuvered in a loop to keep them inside the Group. Through her band she could sense several good and safe places to land. A forested area, near a lake, on a grassy plain. All of which were not what she wanted.

A soft twang sounded from the melody coming from all sides. So soft she wasn't sure she heard it right. She heard it again, barely, but it was enough for her band to close in on the area.

And there it was. A String kinked, blocking the natural flow of energy in and out of the Universe it was anchored in. Not a bad tangle, but enough it would cause a few problems.

Kelsey turned, searching for just the right String. Then it was time to focus on a landing.

Not hard. Not now that she'd done it so many times with Weaver Dynessa and the other Weavers who helped with the training. Even though nervous about her first time solo, the practice and band-instinct kicked in.

Down the String the two of them went. The sensation of the String growing smaller Kelsey now knew was more of an illusion felt from her band.

Then, part way down, Kelsey took them into a Shift to land near where the main String anchored to a planet, but not down into the middle of it.

An area of rolling grass plains appeared around them. Before them, in the middle of a lake between the hills, the String anchored into the planet.

No villages or homes or anything around. Again, Zia said, sounding disappointed.

Kelsey swallowed hard, willing her stomach to calm down. A side-effect of Jumps she wished would pass, but so far had shown no signs of abating. She breathed deep, focusing on the way the sun glinted off the lake surface.

Only when she felt it safe to open her mouth did Kelsey say, Not surprising Dynessa would choose uninhabited areas for our training. No sense in making things complicated right from the start.

My turn next. Zia sounded gleeful in her excitement. Kelsey might feel that way, too, if her stomach would cooperate.

First we take care of the String, Kelsey said.

Yeah yeah. Where are they, anyway? Weaver Dynessa at least should be close by, Zia said, looking around.

I probably landed us on the other side of the lake from her. I'm sure she'll Shift here soon. Kelsey didn't bother trying to use her band to find Weaver Dynessa's location. To make sure Kelsey found the String all on her own without additional help, Dynessa had band-masked herself to be invisible to other bands.

Her band warned her of a new arrival, expressing shock, and then pleasure.

The last emotion was a clue as Kelsey whirled around to the new presences. Bonn pulled at his shirt, as though it had been dislodged in their travel. Thalen Gray grinned at her with pride.

Ariana twitched her whiskers, tucking her thick tail to curl around her body as she sat down on her haunches. You're traveling on your own? Does Weaver Perdyn know what you are up to?

Just like Ariana to assume they were out playing on their own.

We've been practicing non-stop for days, Zia said with a little jump that sent her white hair swaying around her face. It's been wonderful fun.

Officially in training, Kelsey quickly added. She wished she was as carefree as Zia, but seeing her team brought back to mind other matters. What are you doing back? Did you find him?

No signs of Professor Hadrian yet, Bonn said, peering off towards the lake. All teams are asked to report back to Sanctuary every few days. To ensure none of us disappear during the search.

Kelsey froze. Has someone?

Not that we know of. It's a precaution, Thalen said. He gave her a little salute. Congratulations on leading a Jump. You landed nicely.

Kelsey felt her face go red hot. You saw?

Of course we saw. Saw all of it as we were chasing after you to make sure you were okay, Ariana said. She groomed her ears with one nubby hand. We didn't know if Hadrian reappeared or something else happened to send you fleeing from Sanctuary.

It is good to know such an emergency did not happen. We have enough to worry about, Bonn said, returning his attention to her.

Like what Professor Hadrian was really up to out there somewhere among the Strings and unknown number of Universes. She knew the Council was deep in meetings all the time, planning something. Kelsey would feel better if she had an inkling of what it might be. She knew from personal experience how difficult Hadrian would be to take down.

Two Chisomi appeared next to them. Weaver Dynessa from a Shift. Weaver Ranley appeared a second later, the Weaver who had trailed their Jump to make sure they arrived safely.

Good landing. Weaver Dynessa looked over Bonn's team. I see we have visitors. Is there an issue?

No issue. We detected Kelsey and followed to ensure her safety, Bonn said, giving the other Weaver a small bow.

This is my team, Kelsey added.

Ah yes, of course. Returning to Sanctuary? Weaver Dynessa asked.

Yes, we were on our way there when we were sidetracked, Ariana said. We did not intend to disrupt a training session.

No harm done. Kelsey, Zia, if you would accompany me to the lake edge, we can practice untangling this simple Strings before returning to Sanctuary, Weaver Dynessa said.

Return? But I want to make a Jump today. Kelsey has done one alone now. I want to, Zia said, even as she followed Dynessa down the shallow slope of the hill towards the lake edge.

We will practice again tomorrow. I want you to have more practice first, Zia.

Zia did not look at all pleased at being put off another day. Kelsey felt a sense of relief. She wanted time to get her own stomach under control before having to endure Zia's wild rides through the Strings. She didn't travel near as fast as Ariana, but she kept swinging them from one side of a String to the next. She knew it was because Zia was learning how to feel her way through the Strings, unable to visually see them like Kelsey could, but it still made for a hectic and sometimes uncomfortable ride.

And even more uncomfortable landings.

As they paused by the lake edge, Kelsey glanced up the hill. Her team remained there with Weaver Ranley, talking, but also watching them. In a way, she was glad her team was waiting for her, maybe so they could all return to Sanctuary together. On the other hand, it made her self-conscious.

We practice with the threads of the bands, to control and divert String energy, Weaver Dynessa started. Kelsey returned her attention to her as the explanation continued.

Information she already knew, but good for reinforcement. Learning the words and phrases that when with the actions. How the bands repaired Strings. Different ways to use them. Dangers and issues to watch out for.

When the world of the String in the center of the lake took over Kelsey's sight, she lost the sense of being self-conscious. There were only the three of them and a String in front of them that needed help.

Let your threads follow mine, Weaver Dynessa said as her silver thread reached out to the String in front of them. Kelsey's was close behind, with Zia's a nervous third.

All three began climbing up the length, moving towards the small tangle a distance up its length. As the threads reached the point of the tangle and energy blocking, they came together, angling over the knot to connect back to the String above.

With the tangle bypassed, the energy of the String started diverting along the path of the threads instead of trying to move through the tangle. At first a little, but then like a flow of water finding the least resistance, more and more. Increasing until the energy hitting the tangle slowed to a trickle.

In a rush, the tangle disappeared in a burst of filaments. The path of the threads glowed brighter until it became as bright as the rest of the String. The threads dissolved in the flow of energy, leaving behind only an inhibited stretch of String, which straightened out, glowing brighter as ever more energy started flowing through it.

All through it, Weaver Dynessa talked them through all the steps. Including bringing down the remains of their threads.

And we're done, Weaver Dynessa said as their threads retracted all the way to their bands. We leave behind a strong String.

Kelsey's vision returned to normal. The sun glinted off the water, making her squint at its intensity. The smell of dry grass filled the air. A calm day, a day to lay about and enjoy, and yet they wouldn't stay. When she was a full Weaver, she wouldn't mind finding a place like this for a mini-vacation of a day or two.

Once Sanctuary was safe. Once Professor Hadrian didn't present a threat to it, and every Weaver in existence.

Do we have to go back? Zia asked as they started climbing the hill back towards where the others waited.

We have been training all day. Allow your band time to grow along with you, Zia. Your band isn't like Kelsey's. It needs time to learn, Weaver Dynessa said. As they neared the top of the hill, she asked, Kelsey, would you like to travel back to Sanctuary with your team? Zia can then do a joint-Jump with Ranley and I. Give her a little of the travel time she's craving.

Absolutely, Kelsey said. Even if Ariana led the Jump.

Which she did. Ariana took the entire team through the Strings with her typical speed and precision. What had once appeared as head-long flight, Kelsey now saw as controlled and precise. Ariana might be a young Weaver, but she knew how to Jump.

A subtle ping sounded through the Strings. A sound Kelsey recognized along with her band. The signal leading to Sanctuary's location, guiding all the Weavers to safety.

At least, it usually did. This one was so soft and at a different frequency that only those who knew what to look for could find it. The ping would remain that way until Professor Hadrian was dealt with.

But Ariana flew straight for it, as if her band could hear it just as loudly as the old. Right down to one of Sanctuary's Weaver landing rooms.

Please exit the landing room and make your report to a waiting Guardian, a voice said the moment they landed.

Hardly any quarantined, Thalen said with a disapproving shake of his head.

The landing rooms are really busy right now. Everyone has been busy around here, Kelsey said as she followed them out of the room. Somehow she kept up with them, even as her stomach threatened to rebel. All the Jump practice might not have dulled the problem, but at least she was getting better at suppressing it.

Guardian Weaver Delra waited on the other side, gesturing for them to follow her down the hall. Guardians were everywhere. Until this emergency, Kelsey hadn't realized how many of them Sanctuary had, including some from a few species she'd never seen before.

We've been busy out there, Ariana said, flicking the tip of her tail towards the landing rooms. Searching each and every Universal Group in a formation with other Weaver teams. Not much landing time. Just fly around and search the Strings and where they anchor, stop to eat or sleep, then go up again.

I'm ready to have my feet on something solid for a while again, Thalen said with a sigh.

Unless one of the teams gets lucky, I doubt we will have much time to rest, Bonn said. He gave a snort. Professor Hadrian will not make our search easy for us.

Is this to say your search did not find the target? Guardian Delra asked, leading them through a bulkhead that would take them out of the secured Weaver section of Sanctuary.

Not even a small sign, Ariana said with disgust.

We will search again. We must, Bonn said.

Agreed, the Weavers must continue until this is solved. Guardian Delra opened a door and gestured them inside. It is well you arrived with Weaver Kelsey today.

Kelsey looked inside the door, wondering at the comment. Inside was a simple office with a desk on one side and a half-arc of chairs on the other side of it. Guardian Caranis stood near one of the chairs, but not sitting. Weaver Perdyn sat behind the desk.

She instantly knew something must have happened. If not Professor Hadrian, then something else. Someone else. Maybe to Samanya, her heart sister?

When he saw them, Weaver Perdyn gestured them in as he stood. His long straw-colored hair was pulled back in its usual neat ponytail, but he'd changed into the clothing preferred by modern-day Chisomis on Sanctuary. His effort to fit in, she'd heard.

Come in. Perfect timing, he said in his pleasant deep baritone voice.

Bonn led the way inside. We found Kelsey in the middle of one of her practice Jumps. I see you have kept your promise of more training.

As much as she, her band, Morina, Queen Delayne, and the Eebra-Shee allow, Weaver Perdyn said with his good-natured smile. He motioned to the chairs. Make yourself comfortable.

Eebra-Shee? Ariana asked as she sat down on the floor between two of the chairs.

Master Oin insisted I continue, Kelsey said, too nervous to sit down. She wanted to know what was happening first.

I look forward to see what you've learned in your Weaver training, Thalen said as he took one of the chairs.

All sorts of things, Kelsey said, shifting from one foot to the next while looking at Weaver Perdyn.

He in turn smiled at her. He pointed to Guardian Caranis. Guardian Caranis just brought news to me. No point in keeping you in suspense. The team who transferred your father from Sanctuary arrived a short time ago. We know where he was taken.

Chapter 2

Kelsey stood and stared at Weaver Perdyn.

Her father? They knew the place he was taken? Finally? After all this time?

Kelsey could hardly think. Now that the time had arrived, she found herself almost paralyzed.

Her band seemed to sense it. Bonn took control, arranging everything with Weaver Perdyn and Guardian Caranis. All of which passed in a blur.

Her brain didn't believe it. Neither did her heart, although both wanted it. After so long, with so many roadblocks in finding out? How could it be real?

It wouldn't happen. Something would happen to stop it.

Even when they returned to one of the Weaver landing rooms, she didn't believe it. Didn't believe it when they returned to the Strings in a Jump led by Guardian Caranis himself.

Guardian Caranis said he was given the 'memory' from one of the bands of the team who took her father away from Sanctuary. That he could use them to take them to the exact world.

She knew the mechanism. She'd used it herself with memory-travel: traveling to a place the band had been before whether through a Jump, Shift, or Phase.

And yet still it didn't sink in that it would work.

Only when they landed did it start to filter in. Mostly because of how familiar some things were.

The place wasn't her Earth, but it was some sort of Earth. Her band could feel it. She could see the familiar plants in the park like those she and her father once tended as part of their landscaping business. Humans everywhere. A quality to the air she hadn't realized she'd missed so much.

An Earth. How wonderful it felt to be on one.

However, the fancy dresses of two woman walking down a walkway next to a stream stood out. The man wore a suit with a ruffled collar with tight pants and boots that went nearly to his knees. He escorted a woman with multiple layered skirts that flowed barely above the ground. The styles looked like something out of movie from the time of the two World Wars.

There are no computers to interface with here, Guardian Delra said, shaking her head as she attached her computer back to her belt. Locating his exact position may be difficult.

And he wears no Weaver band to aid us, Guardian Caranis said as he surveyed the area.

Any ideas how to find him? Where do you think he would go? Thalen asked her. Kelsey looked up at him, still feeling dazed.

Her father. Right.

This was the place where he was supposedly dropped off, and no computer was going to help them find him. With the park a public setting, he would have had to move elsewhere.

Would he expect her to search for him? To have a hope of finding him?

She slowly spun around. The stream made a gentle curve into the trees. A separate gravel path with ruts indicated a road for either early cars or horse-drawn wagons and buggies. Either time period, her father would have trouble fitting in.

What could he do in this time period? Heck, she didn't even know exactly what time period it was or what part of Earth they landed in. North America or somewhere in Europe she would guess by the skin coloring of those walking by.

He wouldn't have had much with him. Just his clothes, Kelsey started.

They were taken from Earth so fast, there hadn't been time to grab anything. No extra clothing, no mementos, no overnight bag. The only reason Kelsey had anything was because she'd had a death-grip on her backpack. And then there were the things her mother stored in her Weaver band, which Kelsey now wore.

Kelsey bit at her lower lip, thinking hard. A coat with maybe his sock hat in the pocket. It was starting to get cool out. His watch, billfold, a pack of gum.

Kelsey stopped. A horse-drawn buggy came out of a stand of trees. The shiny chestnut coat of the horse rippled with muscles as it drew the buggy with a couple down the road.

She started shaking her head as it went by. Dad wouldn't fit in here. This could be a century or more before the time when we lived. Do you have any idea how much society, money, and other stuff changed?

And technology? Guardian Caranis asked.

Oh yes. Forget about decent health or dental care in this place, Kelsey said. So many little things one would take for granted.

Delra? Guardian Caranis asked.

Scanning now for anomalies.

Kelsey turned to the two of them, demanding, Scanning for what?

For technology that does not fit in with the local populace, Guardian Caranis said as Delra slowly spun around with her computer in her hand. If he still has his items with him, we can use them to track him.

One anomaly found, Guardian Delra said, stopping to face the stream. We are close enough to walk.

We don't engage the populace, Guardian Caranis said as Delra led the way. I would like to keep this as mission as simple as possible.

Suits me. I just want to find him, Kelsey said.

The trail continued over the stream by way of a narrow bridge barely wide enough for the carriage they'd seen. Nothing paved anywhere that she could see. No electric street lamps along the paths.

On the other side the path grew wider. Here there were more carriages, all couples. Out for courting rides? Out to enjoy the clear blue skies? Didn't matter. They had to keep off the main trail to keep from getting run over.

Another walking trail ended along a street of dirt and mud. Across it were the back yards of grand homes with cultured large yards. To the left the land sloped away to a vista of a glistening river emptying out into a bay of an ocean or a large lake. Too far away with too poor a view to know which one it might be.

It didn't matter. Because a man had lifted his wide-brimmed hat as he knelt over a flowerbed, working it with a hand-tool in the rich-colored soil. In the midst of the best landscaping of any of the spread-out houses running along the road.

The straw hat might be unfamiliar. The rough and bland-colored gray clothes might not be anything like what Kelsey had ever seen her father dressed in. Yet, his eyes were the same. The same hazel-blue eyes. The smiling lines crinkling at the corner of his eyes and mouth. Same dark-brown hair with a touch of gray at the temples.

Kelsey broke away from her team, unable to take her eyes off him. She ran across the road, her feet sinking in the mud.

She made sure her band dropped any illusion it might be displaying. To allow her father to see her in the same way she could see him. The moment her band obeyed, her father was on his feet. The hooked-claw tool dropped to the dirt below, and he started running towards her.

No one behind her shouted for her to stop. She wouldn't have even if they did. Not now.

All that mattered was her father, and the strong embrace he enveloped her in.

He hugged her so tight that she had trouble breathing. She didn't complain.

I didn't know if I would ever see you again, her father said, his voice rough in her ear.

I was beginning to wonder, too. Kelsey sniffled, hugging him even tighter. Even with her arms around him, a part of her didn't believe it. How long would it take before she did?

At least one thing has been put right, Bonn said from somewhere behind Kelsey.

You've kept her safe? From him? her father demanded.

Kelsey pushed away while still keeping an arm around him. She squeezed him. I'm fine.

How can I know that? I was brought here against my will, not knowing what happened to you? How can I know anything? her father said, his voice still rough but this time with an edge of anger.

I don't blame you, Ariana said as she wiped her feet on the grass, looking down at the mud in disgust.

Her father frowned at her. I remember you. You were with Kelsey?

Ariana and I figured out how to break Hadrian's hold over our bands, Kelsey said. She gave him another squeeze, just to reassure herself that he was there. It felt like forever since she'd seen him, yet it couldn't have been. So much has happened.

Mr. Richard, back to the gardens, a woman wearing a white apron that had seen cleaner days called from the back of the house. Her simple black dress wasn't so black anymore, either.

Sorry, duty calls, her father said, letting Kelsey go. I took whatever job I could find close to where I was dropped off. Hoping you would find me.

His voice went ragged in the last few words. He stopped to clear his voice.

Kelsey nodded. The job made sense. Even in this society he could turn his knowledge of botany and landscaping into a marketable skill. She turned to hug him again, whispering, It's okay. We're together again.

Guardian Caranis stepped forward, bowing. I am Guardian Caranis. I led this mission to find you and return you to a safe location. The new leader of the Weaver Council extends his apology about this incident.

Her father blinked at him, wiping his sweaty forehead with a dirt sleeve. What safe location?

Sanctuary. It's the safest place right now, Kelsey said. Professor Hadrian is causing trouble again. It's okay. It's a safe place for us now.

When her father looked to Bonn, he nodded. Kelsey is correct. You are safe on Sanctuary. We came to bring you back.

Her father backed away two steps. Did he want to stay here for some reason?

But, then he said, I'll get my things. Best wait at the edge of the park. The housekeeper is a cantankerous woman.

Judging at how she hollered at her father again for laziness, Kelsey could believe it. She retreated reluctantly. She didn't want to let him out of her sight, afraid he might disappear again.

He's going to have trouble believing, Ariana said as they crossed the road again.

Can anyone blame him? Thalen asked.

We'll get it figured out. Together. Kelsey straightened as her father reappeared from the side of the house, a bundle wrapped in a gray blanket under one arm.

You can't just up and leave, the housekeeper called after him, setting her fists on her hips. Expect no reference, hooligan!

Thank you for the job when I needed it, her father called back. Which only set the housekeeper off on a tirade of which Kelsey understood only half. As soon as he crossed the dirt road, he said, I'm ready to go. Anyone have a spare travel-band?

Kelsey wished she could give him one of hers. She had a feeling he would feel safer with it, but he took Bonn's offered travel-band without complaint. She grabbed his bundle and put it into storage while her father slipped on the band.

Learning how to use it? her father asked, watching her every movement.

Oh yes. I've been training all day, Kelsey said.

Any issues?

She chose to keep quiet about the upset stomach after Jumps. He didn't need anything to worry about for a while, and it was something he couldn't help with. No. My band and I are doing great.

A quick learner, Ariana said with a nod.

If you are ready, Mr. Hale, we will journey straight to Sanctuary, Guardian Caranis said.

Her father took Kelsey's hand and nodded. Do it. Get it over with.

Kelsey didn't enjoy the Jump back to Sanctuary as much as she usually enjoyed such travel. She worried about how her father was taking the travel the entire time. Checking his color, having her band check his band, over and over. Just to be sure.

It was such a relief to finally land on Sanctuary.

Stand by for full decontamination, a computer voice said above them after they landed. The voice of the separate module of Harp that oversaw the Weaver section.

Kelsey knew what would happen next. The same as she went through the first time she arrived. While the Guardians and the rest of her team exited the landing room, she remained behind with her father. Only then did they also leave, but through a different door, leading to one of the medical rooms.

Fortunately the doctor overseeing the rooms was one Kelsey knew personally. Kelsey stepped forward when she came in, presenting a Chisomi bow, the fingers of one hand pointed into the vertical palm of the other. Good afternoon, Dr. Imberia. I would like you to meet my father, Richard Hale. My biological father.

Dr. Imberia sighed at her, shaking her head. I believe we've discussed this before, Kelsey.

Yes we did, but that was before additional information was discovered. Specifically DNA markers in my genetic code that are human, with a nice string of Phoenix-altered DNA stabilizing it, Kelsey said, realizing Indigo was still asleep. She sent him a wake-up call in case she wanted to see exactly what she meant.

I knew they did something while we were in the Strings, her father said, wiping his forehead again, but only succeeding in smearing the dirt there. Seloya knew it. Said she could still feel the remains of the Phoenix energy in you as she held you for the first time. Said it was the only way for Kelsey to be alive. She's our little miracle.

Must have been said between the memories her band had shared with her and what she saw in the time-distortion in the Dividers Universal Group. One part of her family so close now, with only memories of the last few moments of the other. A bittersweet moment.

Dr. Imberia put her hands on her hips, a flat computer still held in one hand. You both are serious?

I have proof from a test done on Kistonia, Kelsey said. Anyway, Dad is pure human and he's been on an Earth without a band for a while. He'll need to be checked over for infections and disease.

What an interesting conversation to awake to, Indigo said from Kelsey's left wrist. What is the situation?

My father is here on Sanctuary safe and sound, Kelsey said with a grin, still not believing it, but loving it anyway.

Wait, that voice is familiar. Her father reached out and lifted Kelsey's left hand. He touched Indigo's surface. Seloya wore this. Indigo.

Kelsey nodded, smiling until her face hurt. She ignored the tears moving down her cheeks. I found him and other things from Mother in band storage. He's been helping me.

Her father sighed, running a calloused finger along the edge where Indigo met her skin. Thank you, Indigo. If I could not be with my daughter, then I am glad you could be.

My pleasure and honor. She is a daughter to be proud of, Indigo said. Kelsey's skin turned hot at the compliment. Why had it never occurred to her that Indigo and her father would have known each other from the past, too? Dr. Imberia, I am transferring test results from Kistonia pertaining to Kelsey Hale Mylari.

Dr. Imberia physically started when she started reading her computer display. Oh my.

So, this goes like before? her father said with a weary sigh, letting Kelsey's arm drop. Check for microbes, general health?

You did this before? Kelsey asked.

Yes, right before word came in to ship me right back out again, her father said, glaring at the door.

Which I did not support. He wore a travel-band for a reason, Dr. Imberia said. Kelsey, I assume you will want to remain in the room?

If Dad wants me to, yes, Kelsey said.

Where will I go from here? her father asked.

Standard procedure is to spend a short time in a quarantine room to ensure you are clean, and then I assume the Weaver Council will speak to you, Dr. Imberia said.

Kelsey looked at the door through which Dr. Imberia came through. Speaking of which, Weaver Perdyn is waiting outside. I could go ask.

Go speak with him, her father said. If I suddenly move away, come after me.

You aren't leaving here this time without me. Not now that I know how to travel by myself, Kelsey said, her voice hard. Never again. She would grab him and they would head out to safety together if needed. I'll be outside.

Weaver Perdyn was alone, surprising Kelsey. She'd expected one or two Guardians, or maybe another of the Weaver Council.

I understand the mission is a success, Weaver Perdyn said, looking past her at the closed door.

I still can't believe he's here. How long will he be in quarantine? Kelsey asked.

That will be up to Dr. Imberia. Possibly several days. I assume you will want to stay with him as much as possible? He turned his attention back to her. I notified Queen Delayne. She is arranging quarters for the two of you.

Something Kelsey hadn't thought of at all. No longer staying at the Foundlings Home? Their own little Sanctuary apartment? Something else her brain couldn't wrap itself around.

I understand how important this reunion is to you, Weaver Perdyn continued. And yet, I ask that you continue your training.

Her fear of the Weaver Council had quickly receded with kind-eyed Weaver Perdyn in the lead. Everything he'd promised had been done. Right down to helping her find her father.

It