Kate was in the first row on the shuttle with Omari at her side. Eric was in the seat directly behind them, but all the surrounding seats and rows were left empty.
Omari had spoken to shuttle security the evening before and made sure that no one could sit within earshot of his charge. That’s what he called Kate, his charge.
It was his duty to protect her, and he took his duties very seriously. Eric had earned his respect over years, keeping watch over Kate. He was always close to her, always at her side. Omari believed he should be, but this was not the compound. It was the outside world and it was different. He had no intention of letting her out of his sight.
He knew that she would have preferred more space and, knowing Kate, she would have preferred meeting new people. But he didn’t believe Kate understood what was really at stake. She was not alive the last time the Alexanders met new people.
About sixty years ago the family was very different. They had no training room. They had no army, just a small militia that kept watch over the grounds.
The world outside the compound either worshiped the Alexanders or kept their distance. Everyone knew without that family, the vast knowledge locked inside the box was worthless. Throughout their reign only a few individuals had tried to kidnap or harm members of the family, but no group or gang attacked them.
Then one morning a convoy of vehicles approached the compound gates. As the first guard approached, they began firing. The group entered the grounds and killed everyone in sight. They were not discriminate.
Later it was discovered that the group had no plans to steal to the box or kidnap the family. They simply felt the box was evil, and the only way to destroy it was to destroy the Alexanders.
Hundreds of people died, including one hundred and fifty-seven members of the family. Only five members survived, and one was still in the womb. It was known as The Massacre and it changed them.
Omari looked over at Kate. He understood. Sun had told him all about her grandmother and how she had survived that day. She knew what was at stake. That’s why she chose him to protect her only daughter. He turned away and began reviewing security plans for the shuttle departure and entrance onto Shackleton Base. As he continued to contemplate the potential dangers, Kate thought of only one thing – how she and Eric could escape him to find time alone.
•••
James and Ceres left the council chamber before anyone returned. She stayed in the alcove outside and waited for Sun to return from Kate’s farewell ceremony, while James headed for the training room. It was like Ceres to hover around, waiting for the latest gossip.
When Sun arrived with the other members, Ceres quickly approached her and requested a moment alone. Sun had planned on heading directly to the library with Yori. The professor had returned to begin mapping the Nekuian system. He needed to see the box and ask another question.
“I’ll meet you in the atrium,” Sun told Yori. He nodded and headed into the library.
The two ladies sat down on a wooden bench. It was a cool day, and their silk robes fluttered in the breeze.
“Thank you for speaking with me, sister,” Ceres said.
“Of course, what’s on your mind?” Sun asked her.
“I’m concerned about James,” Ceres told her. “After losing the fight with Kate and being left behind, I’m afraid it may be affecting him more than we anticipated. Have you spoken to him about it?”
“No,” Sun said. “The two of you have always been so close; I thought he may have turned to you for solace.”
“He has not come to me,” Ceres said, turning away. “I would never tell you how to act, but I would request that you speak to him.”
“Why?” Sun asked.
Ceres slowly turned back and looked directly into Sun’s eyes. “He’s always admired and honored you, sister, as both a leader and his mother. It would mean a great deal to him if you would let him into your confidence.”
Sun stayed silent for a moment. “I will consider your council, Ceres,” she said. “Is there anything else that concerns you?”
“No, sister,” Ceres told her. “Thank you for your time.”
“Of course,” Sun said, standing up. “I must return to my duties.”
Ceres bowed her head, but did not stand up. She watched Sun pass through the oak doors, leading to the library then headed for the training room to meet James.
He had finished practicing with his staff and sat in the center of the room meditating when an explosion rocked the compound.
He remained still and tried to feel the shockwave echo through the corridors. When the vibrations swept down the hallway outside the training room, James slowly ended his meditation and grabbed his staff. He met Ceres in the hallway and two headed toward the library.
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