Title: "Opening Up"
Author: Major Johnny Chee
Stardate: 2460589
Earthdate: August 3, 2383
Location: USS Virgo

Johnny was sitting at his desk going over reports later that day. He had been busy with some administrative matters for a good part of his shift and lost track of the time. Paperwork seemed to do that to him. His thoughts
were interrupted by his door chiming. "Enter," he mumbled, and the door slid open.

"Hello there," Jenara smiled, as she saw Johnny sitting there engrossed in his work.

Johnny looked up, then realized the time. "Oh, my God!!! I'm sorry I've kept you waiting!"

"That's all right," she replied, "I figured it was work. I've had to work long hours myself sometimes."

With that, she stepped into the office and over to the desk.

"Just so much to be done, it seems, and as if the mission to the wreck of the *Kirk* hadn't been bad enough, it now looks like I may have to bring one of my people before a Captain's Mast!" Johnny groaned, as he read over a report of a still being found in Engineering and several crew members, including the notorious Zelansky, having been found drunk at their posts.

"Oh no!" Jenara replied, "That's bad..." She could sense all the thoughts and concerns running through his head.

"I've never had to discipline anyone before, at least not over anything this serious. I hoped I would never have to, either!"

Jenara went to him and placed and hand on his shoulder. "This must be very difficult. I wish I knew what to say." She sighed.

Johnny sighed. The week hadn't been easy, and he was really more tired than frustrated. "It just seems like things have gone from bad to worse some days. Three of my people were seriously wounded on that last mission. We just don't have the experience base or resources to train them properly! I'd approach Lt. Wallace for help, but he's worse off than I am. He has to rebuild his entire staff. I've at least got a few reliable people!"

Tenderly she leaned over to him and embraced him, somehow hoping he knew that she was there for him.

Johnny sank into her embrace, not the least embarrassed. "And then I find myself thinking of you, and how I can help you. I really want to do more for you but I'm not certain just how much you need or want!"

Seeing an opening, she sat down on his lap and looked into his eyes. "I want whatever you have to offer. No more... No less. But know that I will be there for you, however you need me as well. I expect no less in a
relationship of any sort. Guess that's just how us Tanzanians are!"

With that, she smiled and caressed his face.

*How do I tell her what I want to tell her? Everyone seems capable of reading my mind nowadays, and I'm at a very deep disadvantage!* Johnny thought. Somehow he had always suspected that his professional mien, not his personal manner, had given him whatever success he'd enjoyed in life to this point.

Jenara could read his thoughts as if they were her own. "I can still read your mind easily, but for me, it seems to have more to do with this connection we seem to have. Does it bother you that I can do that?" she asked seriously. Some emotions were unclear for her, mixed and mingled with others.

"When you're doing it, no. But I do have another minor problem. One of my new troops, Maxon, is a Betazoid. He's very good and learns quickly, but he's young and not altogether disciplined mentally. I've caught him more than once picking upstray thoughts from me. He's a lot better at sensing other people's emotions and thoughts than masking his own. He's been good not to let that influence his behavior and the morale of the others, but it is disconcerting. Before I used to have the privacy of my own mind. Now, I'm not so sure..."

Jenara nodded with understanding. "Well, I know that on my home world, there were ways of learning how to shield one's thoughts. I haven't practiced it in years. I've never really had a need, but perhaps I could show you. It might help. And maybe you should talk to Garek in Engineering. He might have some suggestions too since he's also part Betazoid."

Johnny thought, then a smile crossed his face. "You know, that may be a good idea after all! Aside from you, the only telepaths I've dealt with extensively have been Vulcans, and they're not usually very forthcoming. Any
insights you may have would definitely be of help, and anything Garek can tell me would most certainly help!!!" *Great, one problem solved!* Johnny thought triumphantly. *And, realistically speaking, what happens to Zelansky is up to the Captain and Security at this point. I need to wash my hands of him! Which leaves me with one other thing...*

Jenara giggled lightly. One of the few giggles she'd had as of late. "I'm glad I could help!" she said. "So what's this one other thing you're thinking about?"

*Okay, Johnny, this is it. It's all or nothing. Now or never. Checkmate!!!* Johnny thought.

Again Jenara giggled.

"Well, there's something I've been meaning to tell someone, but haven't quite figured out how, or when. We've both been so busy, and things seem to have moved so fast!"

Gently, she placed her fingers against his lips. "Does it have anything to do with feelings that lead to things like this?"

With that, she tenderly kissed him.

Johnny's heart started to race. "You took the words right out of my mouth, literally!" With that, he took her head in his hands and kissed her in return. Deeply and passionately.Johnny then pulled away for a moment and
tapped his com badge. "Chee to Barek, you have the platoon for the next 24 hours. Don't contact me unless the Borg are assimilating the ship!"

[Acknowledged, sir.] What Johnny couldn't know was that Barek was actually relieved to the point of praising the Prophets that Johnny was taking a step back for a moment before he ran himselfinto the ground!

"So what shall we do now that we have 24 hours to ourselves?" Jenara asked, her green eyes sparkling.

"Well, among other things, my quarters could use some redecoration. What few personal effects I had were lost on the *Ilion*. Perhaps some expert advice would be in order? Of course, for that, you'd have to see for yourself..." Johnny said, with a wink.

"I think that can be arranged," she replied, with yet another giggle, leaning forward to kiss him once again.
 

Title: "Honey, I'm Home!"
Author: Lt. Commander Benton
Stardate: 2460595
Earthdate: August 5, 2383
Location: USS Virgo

Benton spent the next two days in sickbay recuperating from his month-long ordeal. The combination knife-wound, emergency surgery, and stasis had taken its toll on him. He felt thin and spent, like a specter that would be dispersed on the wind at the slightest breeze.

Now and then, Doctor Maruu would come over to his bed and check on him. She'd wave her tricorder over his head, check the readouts on the panel above Benton's bed and ask him how he was feeling. Benton would stir a bit and reply listlessly that he was feeling fine and to ask when he could go back on duty. Doctor Maruu would always reply "soon", and then leave with a vaguely worried expression on her face.

Over the course of the two days, Francesca came to visit Benton before and after her shift. She was always so happy so see him. She would sit on the edge of his bed and tell him all the gossip she had heard that day. Benton politely listened to all her stories, but Francesca could tell Benton wasn't paying much attention. She'd ask how he was feeling, and Benton would smile and reassure her that he was feeling perfectly fine. She'd say, "See ya later, Benton," and leave, but deep in her heart she knew something was wrong.

Once, she tried bringing Spot with her to visit, thinking the sight of his life-long friend would cheer Benton up. Spot hopped up and down with excitement in her hand as she walked over to Benton's biobed. He trilled loudly in greeting and rolled out of Francesca's hand as she held him over the bed. Benton turned his head on his pillow to look at what all the commotion was about just in time to have Spot bump into his nose. Spot had inquired after Benton's health, and Benton had assured Spot that he was all right. In the end, Spot left again with Francesca, convinced that his friend was in trouble.

Laying in bed with nothing to do but think, Benton thought. The news Doctor Maruu had given him two days ago had hit him pretty hard. She had explained that because of the genetic drift in his new cloned body parts, Benton would never be able to undergo the procedure to transform him into his natural Kelvan form.

He wasn't even quite sure why this fact *would* upset him so much. He had never really had any intention to ever undergo the procedure. He was perfectly happy with his humanoid body, and in fact, there was only a tiny
handful of Kelvans in this galaxy who *had* converted back to the old shape. They were considered renegades, throwbacks to a past that was forever behind them. They were violent enemies of all humanoids and were shunned even by other Kelvans.

So why should he become so depressed? He tried to focus his mental capacity on the problem. But while his outer shape was entirely Human; permanently now, he reminded himself again; his mentality was still largely Kelvan, unused to considering emotions and psychological dilemmas in any detail.

Maybe it was the fact that a major link to his heritage had been severed. Even though he had never intended to, now it was actually *impossible* for Benton to ever return to his roots. It made him feel less than whole,
incomplete, less than a man, and it depressed him. How could he do his job in this condition? How could he face his friends? What must they think of him now, knowing that he was flawed?
________________________________

Meanwhile, Francesca had taken Spot back to Benton's cabin. She got in the way she usually did, by picking Benton's lock. She set Spot down on the bed and sat down next to him.

"We have to do something to help Benton, Spot," she said.

Spot chirped.

"But what?"

Spot shrugged.

Francesca leaned back on the Benton's bed. Her eyes wandered around the Spartan cabin. As she looked about, she was once again struck by how un-homey Benton's living area was. An idea slowly began forming in her brain.
________________________________

At the end of the day, Doctor Maruu finally released Benton from her care with orders to return his quarters and rest.

Benton made his way slowly through the *Virgo's* corridors toward his quarters on the lower decks. He was still plagued by feelings of inadequacy. He had even begun contemplating resigning his commission. He could stay on the *Virgo* as a civilian until the ship returned to Federation space, or even find a nice planet to settle here in the Gamma Quadrant, far away from everything and everyone he had ever known.

As he turned a corner, he smelled smoke. He broke into a jog towards the source, and found that the smoke was coming from his own cabin! He hurriedly palmed the contact that opened his door and was hit in the face by a billow of smoke. From somewhere inside he heard a woman's voice saying, "Oh rats! Where's the ventilator control? Oh, here it is.". There was a click, and immediately the smoke began to clear as the ship's ventilation system sucked it up.

"Francesca?" said Benton as he stepped into his cabin. "What are you...? How did you get...?" Benton was once again amazed at Francesca's ability to automatically render him confused and inarticulate.

At the mention of her name, Francesca looked up from what she was doing and noticed Benton standing in the doorway. She smiled nervously and said, "Honey, you're home!" She rushed over to Benton and led him by the arm the rest of the way into his cabin. Benton was too dazed to resist.

He took a closer look around. His cabin had changed, things had been added. There was a flower vase on the desk. There were doilies everywhere. His bed had a new cover, with frilly edges. There were fuzzy pillows adorning the chairs and lying on the bed. A small table had been set up with two place settings and a candle in the middle.

Spot was skwunched down on his very own doily next to his food dish, looking very unhappy about the whole situation. Benton sympathized with him. Spot chirped irritably. *It's not my fault. I couldn't stop her!*

Francesca herself was dressed in off-duty civilian clothes. Benton momentarily wondered if her outfit wasn't uncomfortable, it seemed a little tight on her.

But his attention was quickly shifted to what Francesca was doing. She apparently had set up a portable cooking unit in his room. The smoke had come from there, when she had forgotten to adjust the room's ventilation to accommodate an open flame.

Francesca led Benton over to the small table and sat him down on one of the chairs. She lit the candle in the center of the table. "Dinner will be ready in a second," she said as she walked back over to her cooker. "I hope you like lasagna."

Benton nodded, although he didn't know what 'lasagna' was.

Francesca was saying, "I hope you don't mind me doing this, Benton. After all, we're friends, and friends do things for each other, help each other out, and you looked like... Well, lately you looked like you could use a
little help." Benton nodded helplessly, but Francesca was still going on, seemingly almost to herself now. "I mean, we shouldn't treat each other like strangers. Like some people do when they're married, they treat each other like strangers, that's just not right. Not that we're married of course," she smiled and flashed Benton a look. Benton shook his head. "I mean, not that we *couldn't* be married," she continued. "But I'd never treat you like
a stranger, Benton."

"Dinner's served." She brought the dish she'd been working on over to the table and set it in the center. She dished out a portion and piled it on Benton's plate.

"Thank you, Francesca," said Benton, resigning himself to go along with whatever she had in mind, at least for a while.

She took the seat opposite his, and sat looking at Benton as if waiting for something. After a few seconds, she said, "Well? Dig in."

Benton took up his fork and, after but a moment's hesitation, helped himself to a mouthful. He dutifully chewed and swallowed. He was pleasantly surprised, the 'lasagna' was quite good.

"Well? Do you like my cooking?" asked Francesca with a look of nervous expectation.

"Yes," he replied.

A look of relief washed over Francesca's face. "Oh good. I was so worried you wouldn't like it."

Then she had another thought. "You're not just *saying* you like my cooking are you, Benton? I mean, I know you *never* tell lies, but you're also always very polite. Are you just being polite, Benton?"

"No, of course not!" said Benton. He smiled and took another bite to demonstrate his sincerity.

"Good." Francesca picked up the wine bottle that had been on the table and asked Benton, "You wouldn't happen to have a bottle opener around here, would you?" Before Benton could reply, she said, "Oh, never mind. It's a twist-off." She poured a glass for herself and Benton.

"So, how was your day, dear?"

Benton didn't like the sudden alarming turn the conversation was taking. Francesca's perception of reality seemed to veering wildly off course. Much as he liked her, he had to set things back into perspective before something bad happened. She was an intelligent woman, slightly off-center at times, but she'd see the reasoning behind what he'd have to tell her and understand.

"Francesca?" he began.

"Yes, Benton?"

"I've been thinking about what you said before about people treating each other like they were strangers. Even *married* people treating each other that way..."

"Yes, Benton?"

"...that doesn't mean strangers should treat each other like they were married."

"I love it when you're logical," said Francesca with dreamy eyes.

"You're pretty much going to like anything I say, aren't you?"

Then it hit Benton. In Francesca's eyes, he was still the same Benton he'd always been. She cared for him all the same regardless of the fact that he was genetically not quite Kelvan any more. He was no less a man to her. And somehow, knowing that, his own perception of his condition changed. He knew she was right, and suddenly he felt good again. In her own goofy, bumbling way, Francesca had succeeded in giving back to Benton what he had lost, his self-confidence and self-worth.

Everything would be all right.
 

Title: "Contented Hearts"
Author: Lieutenant Jenara Tomme
Stardate: 2460600
Earth Date: August 7, 2383
Location: USS Virgo

Once again, she was caught in the nightmare that her alien abductors weaved, as images of the past again haunted her dreams. Benton... Lataro... The child she now carried... She could feel her very mind being invaded as if her very soul were being raped. As her eyes opened, for a brief moment, she thought she caught sight of the aliens. She had never seen them before, and even now, their features seemed hidden by darkness. Just as quickly, she heard a noise and she began to tremble. It was that horrible beam of light that could either transport a person away or be used as a weapon. It was charging up! The sound grew louder with each passing moment. What were they going to do to her? Suddenly, she saw the light coming at her. It was intense and blue. With fear, her eyes flew open and she bolted upright, to find herself in her own quarters... in her own bed. With a deep breath, she steadied herself. Then another noise caught her attention. It was the door sensor. Slowly swinging her legs off the bed and onto the floor, she fought a wave of nausea.

"Enter," she called out, trying to straight her hair, which had become a tangled mane of auburn ringlets.

As the door slid open, the familiar image of Johnny Chee walked in carrying a small bouquet of flowers. As his eyes fell on her, concern immediately filled his dark eyes. Jenara looked pale and haggard, as if she had not been sleeping or eating well. As she stood, she seemed a bit shaky, though had a smile ready for him. Taking slow, deliberate steps, she walked to him.

"Hello there!" she said, "I was wondering when you would come and see me again."

"Well, you know how work can be. Things were a little busy this week. We were running constant simulations and not much time for anything else. These are for you," he replied, handing her the flowers.

She took them and smelled their delicate fragrance. "Thank you!" she replied and led him to the couch to sit down. As he took a seat beside her, she noted his concerned gaze.

"What is it? Do I look that bad?" she asked.

For a moment he studied her. "You don't look well. What happened since the last time I saw you? Is the baby all right?"

"I take it no one told you," she replied.

"No."

She nodded, "I started have contractions again about four days ago," she explained.

His concern seemed to increase immediately as his eyes wandered to her bulging belly. She still appeared to be over five months pregnant. But this had not been the first time it had happened during her pregnancy.

Memories flooded both of their minds. Shortly after Johnny had left for the week-long shore leave before he had ended up in the alternate universe, Jenara had started to cramp. She didn't think much about it, until the pain
increased and she started to spot. She had managed to make it to sickbay before she had begun to dilate, but her cervix had started to thin. If Lt. Xianna hadn't administered to her immediately, she would have lost her baby.
It had been one of the worst moments of her life. Though she wasn't happy about the circumstances surrounding her pregnancy, she already loved her child dearly. She had stayed in sickbay for two days under constant monitoring. After that, she was released on bed rest as long as she monitored herself constantly.

When Johnny had finally made it back, he had heard what had happened and spent as much time at Jenara's side as possible. But duty called, and he could not spend the kind of time he wanted with her. Within a few weeks, she was back at work on light duties. She'd had no further contractions... until now, that is...

"The baby's all right. She's just very anxious to be born. But I got to sickbay in time for Dana to stop the contractions. She kept me there overnight and now I'm back on bed rest with a heavier dose of medication to
halt any further contractions. But I should be back to work in a few more days. Very light duties anyway."

"Why didn't you contact me and let me know?" he asked, with deep concern.

"I knew you were busy, and I didn't want to worry you," she replied.

He pulled her against him and kissed the top of her head.

"I would have made a way to be there with you. You shouldn't have to go through this alone."

Jenara smiled. "I'm not alone. In many ways you're always with me."

Without further explanation, he understood. It was the connection they shared.

"But why do you look so worn down?" he asked, taking one of her hands in his. "Are you worried about your little one?"

"It's not that, though I do worry about her. I just haven't been sleeping well," she admitted. "When I close my eyes, I have nightmares. They're constant."

"What are they about?"

"The abduction and the tests. I still experience the same fear, as if they could do this again at anytime." Her green eyes, lacking their usual sparkle, turned away to gaze at a far wall.

"Have you been eating?" he asked.

"I've managed to eat a little here and there, but I suppose I haven't been eating as much as I should. I've been getting nauseous lately. Could be the medication I'm now on." Slowly, she sat back up and sighed.

"Then tonight I'm going to make sure you eat well," he replied.

Her eyes returned to his once more as she smiled. "I'm just glad you're here. It wonderful to feel your arms around me again. You know, I was so worried when you disappeared into that alternate reality."

"I was worried about you," he replied.

Tenderly, he placed his other arm around her shoulders once again, as each of their hands still held and caressed the other. As if she were always meant to be there, she leaned against him again, her head resting on his chest. She smiled, and for the first time all week, she felt secure again. Gently, he caressed her hair and back. There was something so right about this. It was if they were always meant to be together. As Jenara listened to the sound of Johnny's heart beating, she could feel herself relax. No one could hurt her. Just as he was about to ask her what she was in the mood to eat, he realized, by the rhythmic sound of her breathing that she had fallen asleep. He smiled and gently kissed the top of her head. If sleep was what she needed, then he was contented to hold her, as long as she slept peacefully.
 

Title: "The Attack" (Part 1 of 5)
Author: Lt. Commander K'Lara Lataro
Stardate: 2460608
Earthdate: August 10, 2383
Vessel: USS Virgo

Lt. Commander K'Lara Lataro waited patiently outside of Captain Maruu's office. She refrained from pacing thanks to her training from Telek, a Vulcan teacher on Earth. She took deep breaths to calm herself as she waited for the captain to see her. Finally, the doors opened and K'Lara entered.

"You wanted to see me, sir?" K'Lara asked, nervous and excited.

"Yes, please sit down."

She sat down, and Maruu began, "Commander, Loran and his engineers have re-built one of the shuttles and I need someone to test it. I think you best fit the qualifications."

K'Lara was glad she was sitting down at the moment. Her mouth dropped open. "You're serious?"

Maruu smiled, "Of course I am. I need a test pilot and you're the best for the job."

K'Lara returned his smile, "Thanks, Captain. I won't let you down."

The half-Klingon stood and made her way to the shuttle bay, a huge smile on her features.

K'Lara walked down the corridor to Shuttle Bay Two where the newly re-built shuttle was being held. She could feel the butterflies in her stomach as if they were attacking her with tiny bat'leths. She took several deep breaths
as she briskly walked toward the doors.

When the bay doors opened K'Lara stopped short and stared at the shuttle she would be piloting. It almost seemed to sparkle with a mystical shine. It wasn't a very large shuttle. Only about fifteen feet long, but it was a fast little ship and easily maneuverable. K'Lara smiled and began to walk toward the shuttle. There were still crew members working on it, but they stopped when they heard her approaching footsteps.

"Is it ready?" K'Lara asked, feeling anxious to start.

"It sure is," an ensign said, moving aside so that she could enter. "It's all yours."

K'Lara smiled and entered the shuttle. She was too excited to bother with saying "thank you".

"Shuttle *Dawn* to Bridge. Am I cleared for take-off?" K'Lara asked, after she went through the pre-flight checklist.

[You're cleared for take-off Shuttle *Dawn*.]

The shuttle slowly lifted off the deck and backed up into space. The bay doors closed; K'Lara turned the shuttle around and began to move away from *Virgo*.

"*Dawn* to *Virgo*. All systems clear."

[Good. Take it out fifty meters from the ship and lets see what it can do.]

"Aye, Captain. Taking it out fifty meters."

K'Lara maneuvered the shuttle away from the main ship and began to put it through a series of spins and dives.

"Those are easy maneuvers," the ensign at helm mentioned. "If that is all she is going to do, then I should be out there."

"Hey, watch what you say about my wife," Commander Lataro warned. "She's a much better pilot than that. She's just warming up."

"Some warm up," the ensign continued not noticing the glares from the others.

The Bridge crew watched the show and ignored the warnings that a ship was approaching. Valdago didn't even notice the small blip on his console that warned of an approaching ship.

K'Lara was pushing the shuttle to its limits. She did another series of dives and loops that even made her dizzy. She knew that she was being watched by the crew, and she wanted to do her best.

The unknown vessel was dark against the black space that surrounded her. It was moving as if it was a lion stalking its prey. The ship seemed to watch as the shuttle went through its paces as if nothing was happening. It loomed in the darkness as if it was waiting for the right moment to strike. It didn't wait long as it attacked with phasers instead of claws.

K'Lara was taken by surprise when she jerked forward and the warning klaxons began to sound. She tried frantically to maneuver the shuttle out of the larger ship's phasers. She tried to signal to *Virgo* for help, not seeing that they were firing at the ship. The last thing she saw before the console exploded in her face was *Virgo's* phasers attacking the enemy ship.
 

Title: "The Attack" (Part 2 of 5)
Author: Lt. Commander K'Lara Lataro
Stardate: Unknown
Earthdate: Sometime in the Past
Location: Klingon Bird of Prey

The five-year-old raced down the corridors of the Bird of Prey. She easily avoided the Klingon hands that tried to grab her. She laughed as she dodged her father's powerful hands. She continued to run down the hall, laughing as she went.

"Q'Tar," the Klingon commander growled at his friend.

Q'Tar turned and stared at his commander, "The child is restless, Klag. She hasn't had much to do for the past four years. She's getting bored."

Klag nearly spit at the idea of a bored child on a Klingon Bird of Prey, "Then find something for her to do, Q'Tar. She is driving the rest of us up the wall as the Humans say. I don't care what it is as long as she is occupied!"

Q'Tar nodded and went after his only child, K'Lara.

It wasn't too hard to find her. She was sitting in the middle of the corridor at her mother's feet. Q'Tar stared at his wife of five years. She was a Telian, a species that awed him. They were much like Klingons in a way; right down to the temper. Telians also had something that the Klingons were surprised about. They were slightly telekinetic with a splash of pyrokinesis on the side. Others were telepathic and could read minds.

The Telians had welcomed the Klingons to their homeworld of Cranthius and proved to be interesting hosts. Q'Tar especially found one of most interest. A young Telian named Tyla.

Tyla was unique even among her people. She had red eyes that seemed to pierce one's soul. Her glowing eyes attracted Q'Tar's attention at once. He was drawn to her, and he knew that he had to have her.

Their interest in each other grew, and for the two weeks the Klingons were on Cranthius, the interest grew to love.

Q'Tar learned about Tyla's powers and was impressed by them. He also learned of her fierce temper and knew when to stay away. It seemed that Telian tempers were worse than Klingon. They were not afraid to use their powers when they were angry; even if the person they were angry at was a lover.

When it was time for the Klingons to leave, Q'Tar was heart-broken. He wanted to take Tyla with him or stay with her. He protested for two hours until Klag suggested that he marry her. Q'Tar brightened and left to find Tyla. He found her by a stream not far from the village. He sat down next to her and told her about his friend's suggestion. Tyla was ecstatic, but apprehensive.

"What about my people?" she had asked these questions many years before. "Would they accept such an idea?"

"They have already accepted us into their village," Q'Tar answered. "They should already know anyway."

He smiled at his quip and she laughed. There were telepaths in the village after all.

The two were married that night. The ceremony was a combination of Klingon and Telian customs. The next morning, the Bird of Prey left Cranthius with an extra crewmember.

Q'Tar smiled at those memories. The child they produced not ten months later was a little spitfire. She had her mother's eyes and both their tempers. She had her father's ridges and his dark hair. She was a prefect combination of both races, and he was proud to have her.

"K'Lara," Q'Tar spoke, his voice booming. "You are driving the crew of this ship insane. I want to teach you something. Follow me."

K'Lara's red eyes brightened and she smiled. She bounded after her father; asking all the questions a five-year-old would.