\u201cWhat\u2019s this about?\u201d Alextravia Grantarii asked Janet Wyler as they headed to a meeting at ops.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2026well, it\u2019s\u2026something I should know but\u2026it\u2019s secret. Top secret,\u201d she replied to her old friend from back in the Katarn Commando days. She winced at her lame excuse. Was she getting that old and forgetful? “It’s not to be discussed until we arrive.” Alex seemed to accept this and she breathed a sigh of relief.<\/p>\n
While they made their way to ops, Janet\u2019s husband Mark and their daughter Asya worked their magic to repair the Stormcrow. Mark\u2019s brother Trevvik lent them a hand \u2013 he tried to, anyway.<\/p>\n
“Give me that thing,\u201d Mark said, his voice sounding muffled coming from somewhere deep inside the control panel he was working on. He was lying halfway through an access passage down along the floor, his legs sticking out from it. His palm was held out for whatever tool he wanted.<\/p>\n
A tool was slapped into his hand. \u201cThis one, dad?\u201d It disappeared and in a moment his reply: \u201cYup.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAll right, now that other one that goes to that\u2026 for that thing.\u201d<\/p>\n
Again the open hand and Asya\u2019s psychic link to the exact tool Mark was looking for. Trevvik sighed and rubbed a hand over his head. Realizing he was useless here, he said, \u201cI\u2019m going to go hunt me some caf. And add a little something to it, if you get my meaning. How about you, bro? Anything?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll take some, Uncle Vik,” Asya chimed in. He made a face.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat? Sorry, kiddo. You\u2019re too young.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m thirteen!\u201d she protested and tried to stand taller as though that would prove her advanced age.<\/p>\n
\u201cNaw. You get water. I\u2019ll be back,\u201d he replied, leaving Asya sulking.<\/p>\n
\u201c;)
\nSkyy<\/p>\n