Smugglers Cove (Love2write and Silence)

Reading was still hard and Killian halted several times. Somehow spelling was supposed to get better with his reading. One kind of reading he started was the preparation and syllabus of his courses as well as requirements. It seemed that they expected errors to be minimal, but they provided corrective programs in the computers and pads that he would be using. So the major accuracy needed to be in his figures. "Oh I've got that." Killian smirked. "I don't get my math wrong. So if they don't mind that the machine has to correct my spelling then I'll be fine."

Early the next morning his pad went off with a notification that he was supposed to be attending the academy in half hour. "What?" Killian rolled out of the bed and took a quick shower before getting dressed and following the directions. Apparently there wasn't going to be time to train for this and improve his reading and writing skills. By the time he arrived he was 2 minutes early is all and he ran most of the way.

A man peered over his glasses rims at the new cadet. "Prompt..." Marking his sheet he then looked Killian up and down. "Good condition, poor presentation of self." With a beckon he took Killian to the locker room. "We don't run mass classes because it makes it too easy for a cadet to slip through. I have a maximum of 3 students at a time and you are the newest. First you will brush your hair, it must be straight. Your locker is 76 and we have a training suit for you to wear and you will present yourself 15 minutes before every session from here on out. You will be dressed in uniform and your hair will be controlled."

It was a little awkward to change while the man stood by and stared almost disapprovingly. Still Killian finished and grabbed the brush. It didn't seem to help so the man had him sit down and pulled the brush roughly through his hair. The Chippeqouti frowned while it felt like the man was attempting to rip the hair out of his scalp. "Ow...My hair doesn't lay straight."

"It will." Pulling harder the man smoothed it over with his hand until he was content. "Now it is straight. There is a strict standard here and we expect all cadets and graduates to adhere to such standards. You will present yourself, neat, orderly, and crisp looking every day."

Killian leaned over to put his shoes on and his hair started to rumple all over again. He could feel it in his tender scalp. Every hair felt like it was connected to a nerve and he heard the man sigh. At least he put the brush back into the locker and noted on his tablet. "Cadet's hair has refused orders."

"The hell I can't help it." Killian stood up from his place and slammed the locker. "You can't mark me down for my hair."

"Cadet has a volatile nature and appears to be threatening."

No matter what he did Killian was catching the butt end of this deal. Finally, he relented as there was nothing more that he could do about his condition. For now it was just going to be sucking it up, though that only lasted till the next absurd round of events.

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Anna noticed the new dinosaur toys and she frowned slightly. The one was absurd, but Kato hadn't done much for the baby and so she was going to wait and see what his reasoning was before saying anything. Managing herself was best done if she took a nap in the afternoons so Anna made sure she did that for her sake, Kato's, and Jacob's.

A set of joyful squeals woke Anna up and she came out of the bedroom to see Kato talking to a bright eyed Jacob. She smiled a little and waited for Kato to finish up with Jacob. "So....What's all this new energy and baby time about?"

Kato looked up at her. "I promised you I was going to step up more as a father. I even did some research to see how I could. Apparently talking and action with the baby while being in close proximity is one of the key factors in developing a bond. So...I'm trying it. I think he's liking it." Kato looked uncertain.

Kneeling on the floor next to Kato she smiled. "He does like it. Look at his little face. It tells you everything that you need to know. You are making an connection with your baby." Leaning in for a quick kiss she grinned. "I want him to want to be like you and this is a good start."

"Really?" Kato asked in a teasing tone. "You want him to be a medically obsessed stick in the mud?"

"No." Anna grinned. "You have other qualities, like being gentle,kind, quiet, and sweet tempered."

"Ah, well yes. I want that too." Kato scooted closer to her and put an arm around Anna's waist. "How are you feeling?"

Anna looked at Kato briefly. "Like a crabby monster. I just keep getting these mood swings and I don't like it." A smirk came to her face. "I'm glad you're showing him what a man can be. Jacob won't have to think that to be a man he has to be some big tough guy. Not that you aren't tough in your own way."

Kato chuckled lightly. "The toughest thing about me is my bones. His forehead wrinkled. "What if he doesn't like me. What if he wants a father like Killian?"

"Babies want the love of their parents. If you're active in his life he will always look up to you no matter what he chooses. What if he chooses to be like Killian? Will you love him any less?" Anna stared at Kato with a firm expression. "If you really love him it wouldn't change how you feel and he'll still love and respect you as his father even if he doesn't want to be like you. Do you think Claire will be exactly like Killian?"

Kato shrugged. "Its too early to make that sort of judgement." He nods. "But, i suppose you're right. I'm just...terrified of getting this wrong. Raising children isn't exactly a science. Fixing injuries, curing diseases...its so much simpler."

"Exactly." Anna patted his shoulder as she stood up again. "That's why it is important that he knows you love him now. Children are very forgiving and he will forgive you for mistakes if he knows that you love him. Now..." Sighing she began to shuffle towards the kitchen. "I'm going to make some dinner for us."

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Killian flopped onto the couch at the end of the day and rubbed his head. "Oh it was rough."
 
Star spent most of the day in bed, too sick to eat or move except to care for Claire. By the time Killian came back home she'd thrown up four times and had two more dizzy spells. This pregnancy was going to suck. She couldn't help but wonder if the increased nausea was because the child she was carrying this time was 3/4ths Chippequoti. Hopefully it didn't last the entire pregnancy. She brought her sprite with her to the couch as Killian flopped onto it. She smirked at his hair. "Yeah...it looks like it. What happened?" She sat on the floor, gently brushing her fingers through his partially tamed mane.
"Well apparently I get to wear this stupid jumpsuit all day and he writes me up for having hair that refuses to cooperate and if I protest I'm written up as being volatile and intimidating."
Star chuckled. "Sounds like that's part of the test. Seeing if you'll take crap without reacting. Its necessary when you're working for an employer. No matter what they say, you can't react badly." She sipped her soda. "Well, how about the rest of it. What was the training about? Or is more so just testing your skill."
Killian groaned. "Oh it was boring as all get out. They gave me these stupid sheets with a few little problems on them and I aced those and then they gave me progressing sheets with more easy problems. None of it was too hard."
Star nodded. "Well it was just the first day. I'm sure it'll get better." She kissed his forehead. "Feel up for checking out the houses I've narrowed down for us?"
"You already showed them to me, or do you mean that you made appointments for us to walk through them?" Killian glanced over at her and rubbed his sore scalp.
"I made reservations to actually walk through them. We can get a better feel for them in person like we can't in the pictures."
Killian nodded. "Oh that's fine." Rising from his seat he twisted his back till it popped and then held a hand out to Star. "We better get going then."

Star took Killian to each of the three house sites she had chose and the sellers walked them through the houses. The first house was located in a peaceful urban cul-de-sac. It had four bedroom with an averaged sized kitchen, and two bathrooms with a basement nicely decorated as well. All the floors were of a white hardwood, and most of the surfaces and furniture were white as well. A bit two white in Star’s taste but they could always paint. The part she liked best about this house was the potential work or play space in the basement. And the size of the woodsy backyard. The fact that it was also located in a peaceful neighborhood with potential for friends in the neighbors was very nice as well, though she knew Killian probably didn't care to much about that part.

The second house was a large wide open home with lots of space. This one was located within the city itself only three block away from the school. An easy drive or walk to both the school and the store. She liked the amount windows and open space this one had. Large living room. Large kitchen. Large bedrooms. Everything was large which was great for a chippequoti. The down side was it only had two bedrooms and a small study which could be converted into a bedroom if necessary. For a growing family, she wasn't sure if that would do in the long run, but the price range was the lowest of the rest and with Killian's handy work they could easily renovate to create another room.

The third house was Star's absolute favorite and she beamed upon walking in the door. It was tucked into a bushy area on a hill, almost 30 minutes from the city and school and with no neighbors in site. The structure was modern and beautiful with open windows, classy deck and a nice sized pool instead of a back yard. There were three bedrooms in this one with a master bath and a half-bath. There was a guest house portion next door in case Anna and Kato or anyone else wanted to visit could stay but not be in the house unless they wanted them too. Unfortunately, this was also the most expensive of all the houses and it would cost them to live here.

After they'd visited them all, they sat in a coffee shop and looked through the pictures and details of the three again. "What did you think? Did you like any of them?" Star questioned.
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Killian hadn't been the only one hard at work looking for a job. Though for Kato it was much easier and he found a job right away that he was thrilled about. On his way home he stopped for at a little convenience store for a bouquet of flowers. Kato trotted in grinning like a madman, looking through the selection for one that Anna would like. He looked over to his right and saw a mother with her son looking through movies. "How about this one?" She asked and boy shook his head. "This one?" She asked again. Again the boy shook his head. "Do you want chocolate instead?"
That got the boy's attention and he grinned.

Kato chuckled to himself at the little exchange. He turned with the flowers in hand only to have a gun put in his face. A man, clearly in the height of drug withdrawals stretched out his open hand. "Give me your wallet! Now!"
"Whoa, easy..." Kato had people point guns at him before as a doctor in the slums but the desperation in this man's eyes was far more severe. "I'm a doctor...let me help you."
"I don't need a doctor! I need your wallet! Give it to me!" Kato dropped the flowers and carefully pulled out his wallet, handing it to the desperate man who shoved it in his shirt and promptly rushed over to the woman and her son, demanding the same.
The woman pushed her son behind her, eyes wide with fear. "Please, I don't have more than a few dollars. We need..."
The robber hit her in the head with the gun screaming at her as he pointed the gun down at her now prone figure. "I DON"T NEED EXCUSES! GIVE ME..." He didn't have a chance to finish his sentence before Kato had tackled him to the floor. They wrestled for the gun.

Kato was heavier and larger than the thin trembling drug addict and he quickly overpowered the man, snatching the gun away from him. They rolled apart and jumped to their feet. The man charged Kato in a blind rage and desperation with a large knife and Kato instinctively jumped back, accidentally squeezing the trigger on the gun. The robber gasped, clutching his chest and falling at Kato's feet. The doctor's eyes widened in horror and he dropped the gun, kneeling at the man's side, checking the wound. He heard sirens in the distance but they would be far too late. The man was already dead...and Kato had killed him.
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Kato was taken to the local police station where his wife was called and then he taken in for questioning. His shirt was covered in the blood of the robber he'd killed and then tried to save. His story was confirmed by the other witnesses in the store and the security cameras. "You probably saved that woman's life." The detective finally said, patting Kato on the shoulder as he stood. "We're going to do some final paperwork then you'll be free to go home. You can wait in the waiting room."
Kato nodded and sullenly shuffled over a disgusting chair and sat in it, hardly caring that it was probably covered in a huge variety of diseases and germs. He looked down at his hands, still feeling the richote of the gun in his hands. He could still see that poor man's face and the light leaving his eyes. He'd watched many people die, and he'd learned to live with it. But being the cause of someone's death was something entirely different. He heard Anna call his name in the background of his thoughts. He couldn't look up at her. How could he, after he'd just killed someone.
 
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Killian decided since Star didn’t feel well and he wasn’t entirely energetic that they should just use a shuttle to get to the homes. Seemed that they would have had to do that anyway since the one was a ways out. Quietly he walked behind Star through the first house. It was white, all white...that was odd. Something that they could change. The backyard was a selling point, besides the rooms in the house. Still she had two more to look at so they loaded up and started for the second house.

Unfortunately the second house didn’t have much for a yard or for the space inside. Neither of them were really great in Killian’s mind. However, the inside of the house felt a little more like a cabin. It felt like a home and sometimes when things got too fancy it felt foreign. So at least this one was comfortable if not cramped.

By the time they were done looking at the houses Killian felt a little overwhelmed. Star wanted to stop at a coffee shop to talk and it was a good way to wind down. Holding a cup of coffee Killian peered over the sheets of paper. “I’m stuck between the white house and the pool place.” It wasn’t the best description, but she would know what he meant. “How safe is a backyard if it’s just a pool with a deck. We could go to the green belt.” Sighing he rubbed his head. “Or we could determine by price. Lowest is 180,000 credits and the most expensive is 315,000. Slightly expensive there. If I do get that job then we could afford the last house.” Glancing at Star he pushed the papers back to her. “Put in the bid on either house. I’ll know after 2 weeks if I got the job. Tested out of most of the academy work.”

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Anna was sitting at home waiting for Kato to get back. He was off getting work and it was good to see him happy again. “Oooh you just hold still for one more minute.” Struggling to put the diaper back on Jacob she couldn’t help feeling irritated with him. “Don’t be an exhibitionist. I know you like to be one though.” As if it wasn’t enough going on the pad rang with a call and she let Jacob crawl away without his pants. At least he had his diaper on.

“Mrs Jones we need you to come down to the station. You will need to pick up your husband. He was part of a case involving a death.”

Her heart rate went up and she shook her head. “It doesn’t sound like him at all.” Snatching a blanket and the baby Anna raced outside to get into her shuttle. This was unbelievable. Whatever happened to Kato that he would have been involved in something like this? It was more likely that when the death occurred that he had tried to save the person. Someone had to be mistaken. Kato wouldn’t have killed anyone. Anna barely reached the station and she was tearing the baby out of his little crib. The blanket flowed out behind them as she marched up the steps into the station.

One look at Kato and she knew he did it. Now the real question was why. It wasn’t like him to do something like this. Still there wasn’t time to talk about here. “C’mon.” Briskly walking right back outside she got the baby and Kato loaded into the shuttle. No one said a word, it was as if Jacob could sense the tension in the ship. As soon as they landed Anna picked Jacob up and walked out with Kato. They would get to talk about this inside.

Inside the house again Anna took Jacob to his crib and shut his bedroom door. Stepping into the kitchen she turned on the baby monitor and started to make some tea. “You go get washed up and when you come out we’ll talk about this.”

Kato nodded sullenly and took a hot shower. A mix of emotions that ravaged him. Anger, grief, relief, sorrow, guilt...just a few of which swirled in his mind and made him wish he could forget or at least start this day anew. He finally comes out of the shower, dresses and meets Anna at the table. He takes the tea that's given him, holding the warmth in his hands and staring at the brown fluid.

Quietly Anna slid the cup across the table to Kato and she let out a long breath. "How did it happen?"

"Flowers..." Kato begins quietly. "I wanted to get some flowers for you and uh...this young man in withdrawals...he held a gun to me and demanded my wallet. I said I could help him...but he just wanted the money, so...I gave it to him. But...there was this woman and her son. He tried to rob them to. She...fought back and...he hit her...he looked like he was going to shoot her so I tackled him to the ground. We fought, I got his gun. I don't even know why I was holding it like I was. He had a knife and..." Kato frowned even deeper. "I...I had this thought, such a quick thought that I couldn't let him kill me and leave you alone. And I shot him...I didn't mean to...maybe I did...I couldn't save..." His voice broke, and his head hung.

The little woman took a sip of tea and she listened to the halting account. At the end she set her cup down and looked into his eyes. "I need you to understand this. You did what you had to. Kato, you came back to me and you protected that woman and her boy. I would have been grieved, but I would have moved on. That poor woman, her boy wouldn't have had anyone to turn to and he would have ended on the streets. You can't sit and agonize over this. What happened is done now and that boy has a mother and I still have a husband."

"Have you ever...taken a life...Anna?" Kato looks at her with intense sorrow. "I've never killed so much as a fish...now I have the blood of a young desperate man on my hands...what of his family?" His eyes dropped again.

Gently she nodded her head. "I have." Seemed that Kato was going to wallow and for a few days that was acceptable. However, he would have to move past this at some point. "I can almost bet you if he has a family that the woman already knows how to take care of herself. They will be fine."

Kato put his head in his hand. "I feel like the worst person on earth right now. How can a killer be a healer?"

There was nothing that Anna could say to that for now. "You'll have to answer that question for yourself."

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Anna could only think of one person that might be able to help Kato though she wasn't sure how much good it would do. "Hey, Star I need to ask if I can come over with Jacob and you send Killian here to talk with Kato." Typing out a quick version of the story she sent it after her little chat with Star. They would give the guys some space and hopefully Kato would be put together enough for the forum in a week's time.

When Kato heard Killian was coming over, he was horrified. "Why are you having Killian come? A mass killer isn't exactly the sort of person who would understand me."

"Because I don't think I'm the person to talk to right now. You need someone that would listen objectively not with their emotions." Anna stepped out the door. She wasn't going to sit here and wait for him to argue or throw a fit.

Kato tried to protest but she was already walking out the door. He didn't need Killian...he just needed time. Still as Killian came to the door, he sighed at the man and let him in. "I'm sorry...this is...Anna's idea. Somehow she thinks me talking to...you will help. I'm not so certain."

It wasn't really what Killian had in mind and yet Star was pushing him out the door. He could have run away for the day, but it wouldn't have done any good because both women would have checked up on them. Killian shrugged at Kato. "You don't have to tell me what happened. Sometimes its just nice to be able to be alone while you process. I'm nobody. Just do what you have to."

Kato chuckled lightly. "Might as well have a drink while you're here." He got them drinks and they sat on the patio in the sun. "You've been through plenty of crap in your life...how do you "process"?"

"Can't refuse a drink I suppose." Killian took one and joined Kato out on the patio. Perching himself on the edge of one of the chairs he took a gulp of the drink and looked at Kato. "Very slowly. I do what I have to and then I space out for a few days. Try to figure out why it happened and then I go back to work. I let the rest of it come out in time. Doesn't mean there aren't side effects. Still got nightmares from a lot of it."

"How do you live with yourself? After all you've seen? All you've done? How are you not a crumpled mess all the time. Or completely shut off from life?" Kato remembered that day on the ship, stuck in that hold, prodding at his pain...and not even realizing what he was unburying.

Shifting a little on the chair Killian shrugged. "I had a reason for what I did. We all had our reasons. I made a promise to Star I would live and I did my best. Each day I would remind myself what she was suffering and why I had to do what I did." Pausing for a moment he took a sip. "Had to do it so I could get her out. Now I have to stay sane for her and Claire. My family is the only reason I live with myself. They're the only reason I try to be more than a smuggler, or war mongering criminal."

Kato nodded slowly. "Everything I do...I do to ultimately help and benefit Anna. She is my life and she needs me to be strong for her. I suppose...I have to find a way to live with myself." He takes a large sip of wine. "Killian, about that day on the ship...when we got stuck in that stupid closet...I never apologized for what I said. I...didn't understand." He looked over at Killian. "I think I understand a little more now. So, I'm sorry. For the way I've judged you...what I've said...everything."

Chuckling a little at the apology he shook his head. "Don't say it in a moment of emotion. I don't like apologies that aren't meant in earnest. If you can't feel that same way in a month from now or a year then don't say it."

Kato shook his head and stood. "Let's call the wives so that they can be happy and Anna can come home to me and you can go back to Star. Oh, and congrats on being pregnant again."

"Alright." Killian started to get himself up off the chair and he busted out laughing. "Oh you got that wrong. I'm not pregnant. That would be Star." He knew what Kato meant, but he needed some comic relief.

Kato scoffed. "Obviously you aren't pregnant, though you've certainly done your share to contribute to it." He walked Killian to the door and extended a hand. "Thank you and have a good afternoon."

Giving Kato a firm handshake he nodded. "Yep." There wasn't any point in telling Kato to have a good afternoon cause he knew it would be a dumb thing to say. Kato wouldn't have a good afternoon and he probably wouldn't have a good couple of weeks. Something like this took a while to process and sometimes you never quite got over it.

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Finally, it was the night of the big forum. Kato and Anna had their places as well though it seemed that there was more attention directed to Star and Killian. The first half of the night was designated to the dinner and mingling. Then the guests would be seated while they gave a short speech about the colony and what was happening on the other side. In many ways that was the part that Killian found the most difficult. He was going to have to tell them why the war that was erupting was important and that they should spend their money to aid the Humans and Chippeqouti.

Aurora came up to Star and Killian just before guests began to arrive in the large room and she smiled. “Now remember that this time before you talk is a great time to make a positive impression. Killian, smile.” She couldn’t stress that enough.They were about to meet highly influential people and while there was plenty of stress involved there were a lot of stereotypes to break out of. Some of the women had gotten the impression that Killian wasn’t so different from what they had read about the Chippeqouti and so if he didn’t change that impression tonight then there was going to be a lot of trouble finding support for them.

As hard as it was to smile he tried. Killian ended up with a ridiculous grin on his face that was obviously one that he had to work on. After a few moments he gave it up and decided just to try not to frown or scowl at anyone. That would have to be good enough for now. Gradually as the guests filtered in Killian moved closer to the walls. Being in the center of the room was highly uncomfortable. Even along the edge of the room he was finding a few of the potential donors look his way and begin walking toward him. Secretly Killian wished that they would have saved any conversation type stuff till after he had to do the little speech thingy. Instead they were seemingly coming over to size him up. Look at him as a barbarian or whatever else they thought. That was just the way it felt and Killian hated it. Yet, for now he would have to talk with them and humor the folk for now.

The first man came over to stand next to him and he gazed out over the crowd with Killian. “I hate parties like this. My wife insisted that I come and at least try to talk to you.”

“That makes two of us that hate parties.” Killian shoved his hands in his pockets. Didn’t matter that dress suits were not considered a proper pant to shove your hands into the pockets of. He did it anyway. “So if we just stand here and talk about parties and what we don’t like about them does that count as talking?”

Chuckling the other man nodded, “Oh I think it might. I’ll have to ask you at least one question so I can tell my wife something and she thinks this was productive.”

Surprisingly it wasn’t so bad. Both of them used the other as a sort of safety from the rest of the ‘social piranhas at the party.’ Seemed the other man enjoyed mocking these sort of events and the supposed reason of good will. As it was drawing near the dinner itself Killian was going to have to move so he offered his hand to the man. “Good to meet you Duncan.”

Killian found Star and he grabbed her hand before remembered that he was supposed to offer his arm. “You find a table for us that doesn’t look too rowdy?” They were going to eat the meal before speaking and he was pretty sure that he already lost his appetite.
 
Star had no end of women and men wanting to talk to her and get a few words in with the famous "chippequoti tamer". Some of the conversations were pleasant, others not so much. Killian hid away in the corner chatting with another man. At least the distressed scowl was off his face now. Anna and Kato were making their rounds to people she knew and didn't know in the noble community. That woman looked far more at ease than anyone else here. Kato too was managing to put on a smile and make polite conversation with whomever addressed him.

Star took Killian's arm and led him to a table of older folk who were more "normal" than the rest of the folk here. While they were curious and had questions of their own, at least they weren't fawning over Star or watching Killian with a wary eye. Star couldn't help but notice Killian didn't eat much which was unusual for him especially since they didn't eat before coming. He must have been feeling to nervous. She understood this way out of his comfort zone. She stroked his leg under the table, and squeezed giving him an encouraging smile as if to say everything would be fine.

It was finally time for them to go up and give their little speeches. Star and Killian took the stand together, arm in arm, ushered up by a round of applause. Star spoke first. "To explain the crisis of the refugees. I'd like to tell you the story of a boy named Timo." She waved a hand and someone put up the photo of her and Timo grinning like kids into the camera. "This is Timo. He didn't have a last name. He didn't have a family. We met him as we docked in a port called Smuggler's Cove."
Star told Timo's story, starting with how she'd walked down the streets and had been robbed by a boy no older than 10. Abandoned by his family to fend for himself before he was even 4. She told of his living conditions, how he'd been trying to survive and in a desperate attempt to better his life stow-away'd aboard their ship and joined the crew. She gave a brief overview of his life aboard the vessel how it was better but not the sort of life a 10 year old should have to deal with. Getting shot at, nearly killed many times in the course of the following year but loved by her and Killian as they protected him best they could. She told of them getting taken by slavers and him spending the next 7 years of his life as a slave as so many others had been as well. She told of his wit and daring rescue of herself and Killian and then his ultimate sacrifice in the battle against the nobles to ensure his crew survived. "There are so many other stories out there like Timo's. Worse...than Timo's even. Children forced into slavery of the worst sorts, forced into prostitution, or into the games to be slaughtered like animals, or into the home of a gillick to become mindless servants. The refugees are the lucky ones. They are the ones who managed to escape all that, but they are still in danger from the noble Gillicks. Your contributions will save hundreds if not thousands of human and Chippequoti lives. Thankyou."

Star stepped back as a round of applause erupted. She nodded for Killian to step forward and give his speech.
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It had been a long week. Sometimes Kato would do well, sometimes he'd find himself needing to simply sit alone for a few hours or go walking with Jacob as he fought off the feelings of despair, heartache and the overwhelming guilt for what had happened. During the night he woke multiple times as the memory haunted him in his dreams. He always did his best not to wake Anna, but sometimes he'd catch her looking at him. He'd managed a soft smile and assure her he was alright so she could go back to sleep.

Throughout the week, Kato found himself going through all the what-if's. It took a few days but he finally accepted that his own actions had indeed led to that young man's death...but...so had man's choices. And ultimately his choice to threaten Kato's life. The kill had been in self-defense, and he would've expected any other person to do the same. With that acceptance he came back to Anna standing a little taller, a little wiser and a lot less innocent and naive.

Throughout it all he kept with the routine he'd set for himself with Jacob. Getting the lad up and ready in the mornings before Anna got up. Taking the boy for a walk and sometimes ending with a play session on the floor. Normally he'd head to the hospital after that but he was taking the week off, knowing he couldn't care for patients properly in his current state.

Kato leaned over in his seat towards Anna. "She is good. Timo is going to become the face of the refugee crisis. Was that your idea?" He smiled at her. It felt like something she would've come up with. Using Timo's memory as a rallying cry to help the others.
 
With the speech from Star done and the applause it felt kind of like a bad idea to be getting up here and talking. Naturally he was prone to blurting random thoughts and it was the first thing that came out of his mouth. "You know I'm not so sure I want to talk now. She sounded just fine." A round of chuckles went through the room and he frowned a little. He had no idea why they thought it was funny and when they noticed they all stopped. It occurred to Killian that perhaps he shouldn't have done that so he poked a little fun. "I can't laugh when I'm here. So the rest of you carry on while I try to figure out what the hell it was I was gonna say to start off. Got to think of something good since she already set the standard here." This time he made a conscious effort not to frown as the people went about laughing again. Digging into the front of his jacket pocket he frowned. Killian had some scrabbled notes somewhere. Glancing up he saw that a man had spilled some coffee on the table cloth and the grabbed the extra napkin that had been Killian's and on the bottom of it was the writing. "Oh...There goes my notes." Everyone in the room followed his gaze and started to laugh again. "Anyway she always thought I had a penchant for trouble and I suppose I discovered another form of it."

Once it was all quieted down Killian started. "Well...I uh. I can only talk about the Chippeqouti from a limited perspective. I was raised by a whore excuse me....prostitute until I was about 5 or 6. There aren't a whole lot of choices growing up on the streets. My ambitions were about the same as most kids. Wanted a family, food, shelter, and clothing. Didn't get anything I didn't steal for myself and then at 17 I took my own ship and started a crew." Taking a deep breath he used the moment to think about where he would go next with this. "Skip a few years down the road and I ended up here in this system. You might stop some crime by discovering that the the children on the streets aren't criminals because they want to be, but because they have to be. The real concern is the nobles on the other side who choose to believe that anyone they see as inferior or possible to subdue are potential slaves. It includes all people groups. Some say the Gillicks are a cousin race to the Chippeqouti."

A picture came up on the wall behind Killian and he pointed to the strangely shaped body and head. "Personally I don't see the resemblance." Some of the people laughed again. "One thing I know is that the Chippeqouti are loyal and many of them have felt the threat of the Gillicks. They favor my kind to put into the games. It is the same ingenuity of survival and loyalty that will give the Chippeqouti the strength to fight with you to maintain freedom of the peoples within this system. I can't make you do anything. Tonight you can choose to make an alliance with the Chippeqouti and the free peoples on the other side or maintain the borders. The real question is how long will your borders last?"

Stepping away he grabbed Star's arm and almost raced off the platform with her. He had managed to stay away from almost all his life and yet managed to get to the purpose of his speech with relatively few errors. Despite the clapping there was still an overwhelming tone of seriousness in the room. By the time they returned to their table Killian was glad to see that he still had food on his plate. Some of the nervousness had worn off enough that he figured he could try eating again.

Anna glanced at Kato and grinned. "No. I just had the hostess prepared. I knew she would take the rest by storm. Everyone loves Star and they're intrigued by her anyway." It seemed that even Killian's speech had gone well. Much better than she had supposed. As the night wore on she saw that many of the people who hadn't bothered to talk to them before were now quite curious about what they could do to help the children to cut down on crime or even help aid the war that was being waged to maintain a free people on the other side.

**************************************************************************

3 years later

After another long week running security, Killian came home. He took his deep blue hat off and set it on the hook just inside the door. Even though it was late little Claire had obviously not gone to sleep cause he heard the bedroom door creak open and her little feet scampering across the room. "Daddy?" A little voice hissed and he turned around to face her. "Ah there's my little princess." Of course she beamed and ran to him.

Killian picked her up off the floor and walked over to the couch. Sitting down he adjusted Claire so that she could sit on one side. More than likely Star was getting ready for bed or she was in the kitchen making a cup of hot chocolate before bed. That had been the routine on his first night starting into his days off. Claire looked up at Killian and her little smile was punctuated with a missing tooth in the front. "When did you lose that?" He barely finished speaking and Mike woke up. It didn't matter how hard he tried to be quiet it always happened. The last day of his week was always a long one and he got in later than most other nights so the kids put their little ears on alert. "Claire did you leave the door open?" Nodding the little girl watched and waited for her brother to come crawling out.

Stopping part way the boy rubbed his eyes and then crawled over to where Killian was. Grabbing his dad's pat legs he pulled himself up and then lifted his little fat arms. Killian leaned forward and pulled Mike onto his lap too. "Now I've got my favorite little boy and my favorite little girl right here. Is it time for a story before bed?" Claire nodded eagerly and raced off to find a book while Mike nestled into his dad's chest and tried to go back to sleep while sucking on his thumb.

Reading was still a challenge at times, though Killian had greatly improved and having to read a bedtime story to the kids every night seemed to help. "The Runaway Bunny." Turning the page he started into the story and before he was done Mike had fallen asleep and Claire was leaning heavily on him. "Alright off to bed. I'm home all day tomorrow and we can go to the green hill." That had become a favorite picnic spot and the first activity of his first day off every week. After he had the kids tucked in Killian wandered into the kitchen. Wrapping his arms around Star he gave her a mischievous smirk before kissing her. "I have a feeling they were naughty today." It was every day and he wasn't terribly surprised. In fact it was fun to hear what sort of misadventures the kids had come up with next.
 
"Well, maybe you helped me discipline them they wouldn't be." Star sighed at him but wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him again anyway. "Claire drew all over the walls while I was cleaning and Mikey drew on the floor. Thank God for washable ink. I spent an hour scrubbing it all off with Claire's help of course." She shook her head. "I told them you would get a white board that they could draw on instead of the walls. Seems like a fair trade." She pulls away and passes him a cup of hot cocoa. "In other news my book just sold its 10,000th copy. Pretty exciting. Grandma Aurora wants to host a luncheon to celebrate and do a book signing in a couple weeks. Kato just got promoted to a Concierge doctor position so he can control his hours and be home more with Anna and the kiddos. They are pretty excited about that and want to do a dinner tomorrow night if you are up for it. Maybe our house so the kids can swim." Star had gotten good at catching him up on the news for the day or week in a few short sentences. He didn't like drawn out explanations unless the story behind it was interesting. "Oh, and Claire keeps asking for a dog. I keep saying no for now...but she's going to ask you next time she remembers so...we should probably talk about that."
Unfortunately it was turning into a list of things for his 3 days off. Most of the other nights he got home in time to eat and go to bed. "That book really does sell." Shaking his head he couldn't believe what people paid to know about them. "So uh...dinner tomorrow night here, a white board for the kids, and we need to talk about a dog." Taking a sip of his cocoa he leaned against the counter. "So what about the dog?"
Star shrugged. "It might be nice to have one...but I am not training a puppy on top of taking care of two kids so if we get one it has to be older and well trained and docile...not hyper. I would prefer not to have one...but, I know you'll probably say yes to Claire anyway. She's got you wrapped around her little finger." Star smirks.
"Well now just wait a minute." Killian looked at her. "You're my first girl. Maybe we'll get Claire ah...maybe a cat?" He didn't like the pot getting stirred when he was barely home. Not to mention there was always that tiny accusation of not disciplining the children.
Star nodded. "A cat requires far less attention and don't need any training really. I can live with that, long as it doesn't tear up my furniture." She smiled at him. "First girl, huh?" She chuckled behind the mug as she took a sip.

A cat it was going to be and yet Killian was partial to dogs. He just didn't have time to train one. "Yeah you're always my first girl." Setting his cup aside he reached for hers when she finished sipping it and put it on the counter next his own. "So you've got this irresistible quality." Resting his hands on her waist he pulled her a tiny bit closer. "Been a few years. You think about us having another kid or adopting?"
"Another!?" Star asked incredulously, raising her eyebrows at him. She'd been extremely careful about getting pregnant again after Mike. "Its hard enough taking care of two of them and the house by myself 4 days a week. You know I haven't had a day off since Mike was born? I'm gonna be honest, right now I can't handle adding a demanding pet to the home much less another baby."
"You mean buttering you up with a few compliments doesn't work?" Killian was trying to be gentle in his teasing. "Oh well." Leaning toward her he kissed Star and then began to lean a little further forward so that she was forced to tilt back. Chuckling a little bit he kissed her again. "What if it was a kid old enough to attend school?"
Star stepped back so she could look at his face and raised an eyebrow at him. "I get the feeling you already have someone specific in mind..."
"No!" Emphatically he shook his head and then nodded. "Yeah...I kinda do."
"I knew it." Star hit him playfully on the chest and sighed. "Well, you going to elaborate on this kid you want to adopt all of a sudden?"
Killian rubbed his chest and couldn't hide the growing sheepish grin. "You know I want you to meet him before we get wild."
"Get wild?"
"Get wild....like start planning for the kid to move here." Killian reached behind himself and grabbed one of the mugs. Turning it around in he handed it to her. "It has the lipstick." The other one was his so he reached behind himself again. "You want to go tomorrow afternoon to meet him?"

Star sighed. "I suppose. You going to tell me anything about him before then?"
"He's an orphan about 8 years old and he's a refugee." Killian swallowed. "His father was lost in the games and nobody knows anything about the mother."
Star walked with Killian to the bedroom and sat with him on the bed. "Another Timo, huh? How'd you meet him?"
Walking with Star to the bedroom he almost held his breath. There was no telling how this would go. Taking a seat on the bed he waited for her to say something and he almost frowned. "No, he's his own person. I met the kid at one of the docks. He's holding in a jail for theft until he's put into an orphanage or someone claims him."
Star smiled lightly at Killian. "He managed to steal your heart, didn't he?" She lay down on the bed, tucking the pillow up under her head so she could still see Killian without craning her neck. "And he'll probably steal mine the moment I see him..." She says knowingly. "What's his name?"
It was impossible not to smile a little bit. Killian nodded at Star. "He might have caught my attention when I pulled him out of the cargo bay. Dumb kid would have froze to death and the orphanages are full. I told him to hang tight in the jail and I'd find a family for him." In some ways the kid did remind him of Timo. "Kid calls himself Zack."
Star nodded. "We'd have to clean out the study. Move all the junk in there to the attic."
"Not like I use the study." Killian looked over at Star and began to chuckle. "That would be you I think. Would you want to at least meet Zack? They'll only hold him for a week and I don't want the kid to get hurt in there."
Star smiled gently. "I don't have to meet him to know there's no way we're letting him spend one more day in a jail cell or stuck on the street cause the orphanage doesn't have room. I'll still go with you to get him though."
"I can still take a little time off to help get the boy settled here. Maybe I'll take the next week off and that will give us about 10 days. Should be enough time to get him to the school." Since he lived in a real home and it was the same place every night for about 2.5 years now he didn't sleep in his regular pants. Killian had pair of pajama pants that he would put on before getting into bed. Slipping under the covers next to Star he grinned. "So what time do you want me to get up?"
"Well, Mikey has been waking up at 7am sharp for the last month so, probably then." Star looked up at him. "I know you usually sleep in on your days off but sacrifices must be made..."
Burying his head in the pillow he groaned. "Yeah I know. For the better of all. Just let the kids come in to get me up." The kids always thought that was fun and it got them out of Star's hair for a while in the morning.

Star chuckled. "Oh, I will."
*******************************
By mid afternoon the study had been cleared out, a bed had been put in and looked enough like a bedroom to be satisfactory for an eight year old. Killian helped her gather up the kids and they headed down to the police-station to collect Zack. The officer had them sign some electronic forms before going to get the kid for them.
When the boy came out his shoulders were curled forward and he kept one little fist balled up in the blanket that was over his shoulders. The police officer took the blanket before the boy reached them and it revealed his excessively skinny legs. Killian hated to see the kid suffer like this and he got onto his knees to look the boy in the eyes. "Zack, I'm gonna take you home with me if you want. You don't have to come home with us, but I want to help take care of you." Quietly the little boy nodded and looked at the man before he glanced up at the lady and the little kids she had. Since the wanted to come with Killian took his jacket off and wrapped it around Zack's shoulders. "How about we take you to the doctor to make sure we don't need a little medicine for your tummy huh?"

The boy was old enough to have remembered going to the doctor when he was younger and again he consented with a little nod. Slowly they made their way out to the shuttle and Killian took them to the clinic to make sure the boy was cleaned up and he wouldn't get the other two kids sick.

The nurse gave the boy a general exam and put in his information before the doctor came in to do a more thorough examination and process his blood-work. After the doctor had done a thorough examination he shook his head. "Nothing terribly wrong besides the boy needing supplements and a little seasonal allergy medication. That's what has his nose running and eyes watering." That was relief and Killian took the prescription for all the supplements and stopped at a store for the medicine along with a little snack for all the kids. Before they went home Killian picked up a pajama set for Zack to wear until they got him washed up and ready to go get some clothing to wear. It was the only clothing they had at the supplement store. Not even a jacket.

Star was as gentle as could be. Speaking to Zack in soft tones and smiling at him constantly. When they got to the house she let Claire loose to play and set Mike in his crib to nap while Killian took Zak to his room. "Everything here is yours." She says kindly. "We'll get you some clothes tomorrow and anything else you would like to help your room feel more like yours, ok?"
Since they were having company Killian glanced at Star. "We need to get him at least a few things to wear." Seemed that the boy was a little scared to say anything, but he nodded and he grinned slightly when they offered to buy him some things. Slowly he reached for Star with his little dirty fingers since he hadn't washed them yet. "I want a big pillow and a bear." "How about a bath and I'll take you to get those. Tomorrow we'll get the rest of the stuff you need." Killian blurted in his usual fashion.
Star knelt in front of the boy and pulled him into a hug. "Whatever you want, Zak. We'll take care of you. Promise."
The boy was eager for some kind of love and he threw himself into it full-heartedly. While Star was busy with Zack Killian got a bubble bath running for the boy and set out a wash cloth. More than likely the kid knew how to wash himself and if he didn't either one of them would be able to help.

After the bath Killian took Zak shopping (Star gently reminding him about the bear and pillow and to find out what his favorite theme was). Star got ready for Kato and Anna's arrival throwing a lasagna in the oven and pulling out plates and silverware for the dinner. By the time they arrived Mike was awake from his nap and wrestling with Claire on the floor. "Hi! Come on in you guys." Star greeted Anna with a hug. "Killian should be back any moment now. He took our new foster kid to get some clothes and things."

*****************************************************************************************************************
Star had fitted Claire and Jacob in arm floats so they could play around in the pool without her worrying about them drowning or anything. They were pretty good swimmers but she still preferred being safe over sorry. Little Mike she held in her arms, entertaining him with a moving toy while she talked with Anna and Kato. Zak sat silently with them at the table, too nervous to move much. She wasn't sure the boy had ever seen a pool before, much less swim around in one.

"So, Kato...what's this Concierge doctor thing mean anyway? That like...home to home or something?"
Kato nodded. "Yes, I am a doctor for the rich and famous. The ones who have no desire to sit in line at the hospital, so they'll call and make an appointment with me and I just go to their home. Its much more expensive which means I get more pay for less clients and less time away from home." He smiles at Anna and squeezes her hand.
"Bet you are ecstatic about that." Star grinned at Anna.
 
The next morning Claire dashed into her parent's bedroom. There was nothing that she and Mike looked forward to more than waking their dad up the 3 mornings he was home. Claire crawled up onto the bed and she almost giggled with the anticipation. Reaching behind herself she grabbed Mike and hauled him up on the bed with her. Both of them tried to suppress their giggles as they drew closer and then Claire threw herself on her dad and Mike squeaked with joy. Even if he didn't appear to be awake Killian could hear the children approaching and by their giggling he knew exactly where they were. The leap onto his back didn't bother him so much as it was slightly annoying to wake up like that in the morning. Still the delighted smiles of the kids were worth it.

Turning over in the bed he dumped them both onto Star's side and he growled a little before pretending to fall asleep again. When Star called breakfast a stampede of little feet sounded with Mike crawling hastily after Claire. With a groan he got up behind the kids and shut the door behind them. By himself in the room now he got dressed and came out to eat breakfast before they started to work on the room. For the most part he got the heavy stuff and Star made sure the kids stayed out of the way while she moved the smaller items into a semblance of a room.

*******

By the time that Killian got Zack all bathed and ready to leave to the store, Star was getting some stuff ready. The boy was only wearing the little pajama set that Killian had picked up in the store. The legs were a bit long on Zack and his hair stood up on his head. "Mhmm." Killian kissed Star and winked at her before he took Zack out the door. He needed to remember a big pillow and a bear.

Inside the store Zack grabbed a little bag of snacks. "I want these." It was obvious that the kid was hungry even though they fed him in the jail. Killian took the little bag and bought it so they could shop in peace. "Now, I have something very important for you to do." While he munched on the crackers the boy looked at Killian with his big, wide, brown eyes. Killian continued now that he had the boy's attention. "We're going to buy you some clothes to wear tonight and tomorrow. Then I need you to tell me what kinds of things you would like for your room. Before you start showing me, we will only buy some clothes tonight and a big pillow and bear."

Zack wandered through the store clinging to the man. So far he had been the only one not to treat him like an urchin in quite some time and he was afraid of losing this person. The one that had promised to take care of him. When they stopped for the underwear Zack stared at it for a good long time before he pointed to the package of spaceship boxers. They looked colorful and exciting. His eyes traced the package as it was dropped into the basket and then it was followed by a package of socks. Almost wordlessly he pointed to a shirt and watched carefully as Killian held the clothes up to him and then put them into the basket before moving on to get the boy a jacket and shoes. When they finally finished with that part Zack was feeling a little more confident. The boy found a massive body pillow and he excitedly began to pull it off the shelf and hand it over to Killian who then directed him to pick out 4 pillow cases for it. Finally the the bear being the last item Zack carried that one.

When they got back to the house Killian took all the tags off the clothes and put them into the dresser with Zack. "You're old enough to do this for yourself. I'll get you started and then you get dressed and come out of your room when you're ready." There wasn't any point in making the child hurry or get all worked up for nothing. It seemed that the boy left his door open a crack while he got into his new boxers, socks, shirt, and pants. He left the shoes in the room sitting beside the bed and he took the bear that was almost as large as himself to lay on in the living room while he watched these strangers. The only one he knew was Killian and that was due to the last few days being on board his ship as a little captive though he was well taken care of.

As the guests arrived Zack retreated to his room though he still left the door open so he could peer out from time to time. Eventually it was time to sit down to eat and Killian went in to get Zack. Kato and Anna seemed to have a bit to say and the kids were noisily eating. Turned out Anna's boys were somewhat proper like their father. Both of them had their hair neatly combed to the side and behaved like mini gentlemen.

Claire and Mike both inherited the wonderful unruly mass of hair from their father though Mike looked even more like Killian than Claire did. It was likely due to the implant that Star had received. Both of them like Chippeqouti children had ravenous appetites and they didn't quite have the manners of little adults. They were more like little wild men and women. It was all acceptable to Killian. He didn't really mind. However, it was after dinner that the women got Claire and Jacob ready to swim. Zack returned to his room and took the large pillow. Pulling it to the edge of his bed he laid over it and peered out the door at the adults that had settled in the main living room.

Mike and Joseph stayed inside to play. While Joseph was running around it might be the only thing to keep him out of the hands of the much more rambunctious Mike. Eventually Mike worked his way out of Star's arms and he began to crawl after Joseph with an excited growl between his oddly formed words. It was a mix of his father's slight accent and the accent of the folk that were raised here.

Anna watched Mike and Joseph for a few seconds before she glanced up. "Yeah I'm happy with the new work." It was far less stressful to Kato and she knew it was better for him to be away from the possibility of traumatic gun shot wounds. He didn't seem to really get over that. "How about you? All settled in and the book is selling well. You still get those random letters from folks?"

Star chuckled. “Yes. My most recent one was from a Chippequoti, human couple actually. They said they were inspired by our story and wanted to help inspire other couples. I have that letter filed under ‘special’.” Star took a sip of her wine. “What about you? What have you been busying yourself with? Other than the kiddos of course.”

The little woman sighed. "Well...You know I've been keep my ears open and I've heard a few little things going on in the other side. Seems that despite all the trouble got quiet and the orphanages are overflowing." Then there were other troubles that she was sure would be erupting, though these things weren't quite ready to be discussed.

"Oh? What sorts of things?" Star asked. "Good, bad?"

"Some of it good and some of it bad." Anna sat back in her seat. "You make any new friends? I don't see you around nearly so much as I used to."

“Busy with the kids.” Star chuckles. “A few new friends. Grandma Aurora keeps me busy on the side too with all her friends. Being popular is hard work." She chuckles.

Anna nodded. "Well I suppose you might hear a few things. Get any news of what people thing of the other side lately? Any opinions?"

"I know people were inspired by the plight of the refugees but there is still fear about the gillicks retaliation if they interfere too much. There are rumors the Gillicks are building up their fleets, which has put even more people on edge. For others it was a temporary cause to pour into, but the hype has worn off, the gillicks havn't made a move and people are becoming complacent again." Star shrugged.

"That's precisely the problem." Anna sighed. "They get complacent and the Gillicks know that. What happens when they get tired of trying to find the free people on the other side?" Since it seemed the guys were watching the kids in the pool she whispered to Star. "I've heard rumor they are going to recruit an army and they will use any and everyone they have to. Killian would likely be on that list."

"Wait? Who is trying to recruit an army? The nobles?" Star asked, suddenly alarmed.

"Yes, I've heard rumor that they are taking action in case the Gillicks really do attack. You know he's pretty well known since there have been almost no raids on the ships he acts for security on." Anna sighed. "You need to know before he gets a letter in the mail."

"I'm burning it when it does come." Star nods adamently. "Thanks for letting me know."

"Do you want them to arrest him in the middle of the night for not responding?" Anna gazed at her friend. "I'm letting you know as a friend so that you can be prepared for the day it comes. It is not an absolute gauruntee, but there is a good chance he would get drafted."

"If he does we'll leave. Sell the house, move back onto to the ship. Whatever. Doesn't matter. He is not going into the army. Not after the hell we've been through to get this far." Star's voice went low and there was that look of furious protection in her eyes.

Anna clenched her jaw. "You need to talk to him about that. What if he wants this for you? Killian worked so hard to get a home and a planet where he would be safe when he came home. Think about this Star. If you're on the run it could be the same life of him being shot at and nearly killed every few months. He's even better known now because of your book."

Star paled. She looked devastated by the thought. "I can't...." Her hand curled into a fist. "I can't lose him to a war...I can't."

The little woman glanced out the doorway at the men talking outside. "I might be able to get Kato to pronounce him unfit for war. Killian still has all those scars doesn't he?"

"Yeah, not to mention the emotional trauma it would cause him, having all that brought up again." Star's eyes lightened hopefully. "They'd have to accept that. He's done enough already."

"Not for them he hasn't." Anna sighed. "This society will demand until they feel that you have served them. Killian has served in time of peace and I hope they will accept Kato's assessment. You know they may recruit Kato too."

Star's eyes widened. "How are you so calm?"

The little woman took a deep breath. "Because I have to be."

"And what if they do? Are you just going to sit there and let them take him? Wouldn't it be better to uproot and just go?"

"Then we have no place to go for our children and we wander in a war torn system. Remember how well that worked last time?" Anna shrugged. "I still have my connections and I'll try to get them someplace safer if they get deployed and I'll try to get them deployed together."

Star looked like she was going to be sick. "I can't believe this is even a possibility. We just settled into a new life and now...war is threatening to take them away from us again."

"We knew war would eventually come." Anna reached over and patted Star's knee. "Hold on. It could be a few more months or it might ever happen. Lets talk about other things. We don't need to worry them about anything just yet."
 
Star's conversation with Anna had left a bad taste in her mouth. After putting all the children to bed, brushing her teeth and joining Killian in bed she snuggled close beside him, her head on his chest and her arm wrapped around him, coaxing him to hold her in return. He was here...for now...but what if he really did get drafted. What if he got killed for real this time? She'd be left all alone, with three children to care for. She couldn't lose him. "Don't leave me." She whispers desperately, panicked that Anna's predictions would come to pass. "Please don't leave me."

*******************************************************************
A week later:

Star brushed Zack's hair and kissed the top of his head, grinning at his face in the mirror. "There is nothing to be worried about. School can be alot of fun. Alot of work, but alot of fun. There are lots of kids your age there that you can make friends with." A horn honked outside. "And that's the bus. Hurry grab your backpack I'll get your lunch." She hurried off to the kitchen, grabbed the bag and handed it to Zack at the door. "Have a good time, my handsome man!" She gives him a hug and sends him out the door towards the bus watching until he got on.

Star looked down at her watch. "Claire! Come get your shoes on! We're going to be late." She snatched up Mike as the boy raced around the living room, putting his shoes on. She pulled the girl to the car and strapped them both into their car seats. She turned up the music and let them sing off-key while she drove Claire to her pre-school a few blocks away. She dropped the rambunctious girl of with a kiss and a warning not to wrestle anyone today and hurriedly took off again for the store.

The busy mother picked up a cake to take to the tea party with Grandma Charis and arrived just as the other women were arriving. She spends the next three hours talking, answering questions and signing books. By the time she was done it was time to pick up Claire. She left Charis and hurried back to the preschool to get her toddler, talking with the teachers about how she'd mis-behaved this time. She's a preschooler, of course she's going to misbehave. Star thought crossly as she buckled Claire up.

Mike started crying and threw his lunch up just as she pulled into the driveway. Star groaned and took the next hour to clean up the mess while leaving the children strapped in their car seats so they wouldn't escape. By the time she finished that the bus was rolling up and Zack came trotting down the steps. She released the other children to play in the living room while she looked over Zack's homework and helped him with what he didn't understand. It seemed like he was way behind on his reading skills as well.

Finally Zack was taken care of and she let him lose to watch some t.v. while she got dinner ready for Killian. Killian came through the door, tired from his day at work. She fed him and smiled. After dinner she massaged his back, shared the stories, then watched the kids as he took a shower. They lay in bed and Star stared at the ceiling, wondering where the heck the day had gone and knowing tomorrow would be just as busy, as it had been yesterday, and the day before. "Killian. I need a vacation." It was a horrible time for a vacation. He was busy with work, they'd just gotten Zack last week and he was just starting school and there was another event she had to go to Friday. But she needed one all the same.
 
It was odd over the last few days Killian had noticed that Star wanted him closer when they slept, even when he was sweaty. Another long day at work and he came through the door. Star seemed to be upset and he wasn't sure what there was that he could even do about it. Killian sat down and scooted himself closer to the table. He was a few minutes late for dinner, but everyone had waited. "Ok we can eat." With that the kids all seemed to dive into the food. "Thank you, its good food like always." Lunches for work were good too and they were the envy of many ship mates.

After dinner Killian sat on the edge of the couch while Star rubbed his back before starting the massage. Sometimes she would hit a tender spot and grunted. Seemed that the one which caused the most problems was an old knife wound. "I'll get off work for my days off again in 2 days. Don't worry." He was half way through the work week and he would have one day where he could run Zack and Claire to their schools or stay here with the baby. "You're day was pretty eventful. Mine was spent staring at the screen and then chasing some guy off." It was about the same as usual. Yet he was starting to hear some rumors of a draft being set up. A rumor that he didn't like because they said that crews from these merchant vessels had some of their top picks for the draft.

Killian took a shower and then helped to put the kids to bed before he got into bed with Star. "You know." Rolling over in the bed he began to rub her back. "I'll have to talk with you about something this weekend coming up. Remind me." He was too tired to do much else. While it was true that he spent a bit of time staring at the screen he did a lot more than that and she probably knew. Otherwise he wouldn't have been this tired. "We'll go on vacation when I get off work. How about that planet you've been wanting to visit." Mumbling along his grip began to loosen and he sighed. "Charis might be willing to watch the kids."

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Sitting in her living room Anna watched her pad for any kind of update. Her heart almost skipped a beat when she saw the message come through. Opening it she took a deep breath and wandered toward the kitchen. Holding her breath for a moment she tried to think of what she would do while her children played wildly in the living room. It was about time that she call Star then. "I needed to let you know. Keep your eye out. They have decided to initiate the draft and they will be putting it into effect as next month."
 
"Claire if you break that I will swat you so hard..." Star warned as Claire lifted the glass plate above her head. The toddler looked at her for a long moment before gently setting it back on the table and slinking away to play in the livingroom. "Natural consequences my ass..." Star huffed as she returned to dishes. "I'm the damn natural consequences...make mommy angry...I dare you." She muttered to herself.
"Mom, I need help." Star looked up from the dishes as Zack came through the door and held up his homework.
"Sure little man. Just, give me five minutes. Do what you know." She finished up the dishes, changed Mikey's diaper and carried him with her while she sat down with Zack to help him. Partway through the homework her datapad began to beep. She was right in the middle of a problem so she let it go to voicemail.
Later that afternoon she picked it up and checked the message left from Anna. "I needed to let you know. Keep your eye out. They have decided to initiate the draft and they will be putting it into effect as next month."

Star sat at the table with a devastated look on her face. Killian. She couldn't lose him. The thought panicked her more than anything else. Security was one thing, war was another. They'd barely survived the skirmish they'd been in. Killian had short term memory for weeks from the crash. Mike was killed. So had Timo. Now they wanted to send Kato and Killian off to war with these damned Gillick nobles? Hadn't they suffered enough? Hadn't they scarified and lost enough? Why couldn't these people understand that!?!? Maybe Killian could get that medical exemption. But what of Kato?

When Killian stepped through the door after work she grabbed him, holding him tightly and crying into his shirt. "They're sending out a draft." She sobbed. "I can't lose you. Please, I can't lose you. If we have to sell everything lets do it and just go."
 
(Lol, I love the natural consequences statement)

It was only the next day and Killian heard that they were about to make the official decision on the draft. There were going to be 2 different stages and he wasn't so sure that this was going to turn out well. They needed to get that vacation in before anything else happened. Even if it was only 3 days. Killian knew he would have to tell Star and maybe tomorrow wasn't the best time. Maybe he would tell her after they had the 3 days off. She didn't need anything else to worry about right now. All the kids had kept her life busy enough as it was.

Killian barely came through the door and hung up his jacket when Star threw herself on him. Wrapping his arms around Star he let her cry and babble at him though there wasn't a whole lot he could do about the circumstances. Her thoughts weren't to far off from some of his initial thoughts. Running away always seemed to be his option and in the past it hadn't turned out so well. Perhaps this was the time that he needed to stay. There were more good reasons to stay and accept the draft than there was to be running. Gently rubbing her back he waited for Star to settle down and then he sighed. "No, we're not running away." For a moment it looked like Star was going to be angry, but this was one of those things he was not going to back down on. "Star, if we run we've got a good chance of getting picked up. I'll get arrested for deserting, possibly sentenced to death for cowardice, and if we don't get caught by them we'll still be at odds with the Gillick's and if that isn't enough we have no idea what we would find in another system."

Holding onto her tightly he rested his chin on top of her head for a moment before he released her from his grasp. With a small space between them he reached down and grabbed her delicate hands. Gently he rubbed the backs of her hands with his thumbs. "One safe place is better than running for our lives. If I'm drafted I need a safe place to come home to. Star I need you as much now as I ever have." Killian searched her face for any kind of indication that she understood what he meant. "I'm terrified if I take you that they will put you in the games. Star I couldn't live with myself if that happened. This fight will be for a home and to protect the people here. It will be ok. I will come back and we can live here peacefully. No more running."
 
No more running. A nice sentiment but not if it meant him getting killed. Star looked up at him with bleary eyes. "Being settled in a peaceful world means nothing if I lose you to a stupid war.” Star shook her head. “You have to know Kato will probably be drafted too. I don't know how Anna is managing to stay calm. At least you know how to survive."
Killian nodded at Star. "Well running doesn't mean much if we all get killed. I know how to survive and I'll do the same thing I always have. I will do whatever it takes to get back to you."
"I don't want you to have too." Star looks at him her face creased with pain and worry. "After everything we've been through...its not fair..."
"Life never was fair." Killian laughed a little. "If it was fair I would have had a mom and a dad and I would have been as bad as Kafus. Things will work out."
Star didn't look convinced, but she nodded. "Anna said there is a chance you could get a medical exemption. Can you try and get one, even if it means losing your job? Please." She nearly begged.
"You know I can't lie. Not even to save my life. Everyone can tell if I'm lying, but I will try to get a medical exemption." It was doubtful he would considering the work he was doing now was pretty close to what they would want him to do with the exception of fighting. An injured Chippeqouti was still better than 2 men typically and he knew that.
Even as Claire and Mike began to scream happily and tackle Killian's legs, Star continued to hold him, as if that would keep him safely tied here at home. "I need you. You're too precious to me to lose."
Letting out a sigh Killian held onto her. "You just need to stay safe. If anything ever happened to you again I would go insane. No matter what, you do whatever it takes to be safe."
Star looked up at him. "That goes for you too. No matter what. Come back home to me." The kids finally force them apart demanding attention from their father. She turned away, wiping her eyes as they jumped on Killian. She had to be strong for him, for the children. "Dinner will be ready soon." She announces and hurries off to the prepare the leftovers.


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"Honey, I'm home!" Kato sighed as he stripped off his medical jacket, set it on the hook and dropped his bag by the couch and joined his wife at the table for dinner. He laughed with the children and told the story of a new nurse trying to learn the ropes of working in a hospital. All the while he couldn't help but notice Anna's quiet mood and stressed smile. When the children had finally gone down to sleep he took her to sit on the couch, putting an arm around her. "You've been very quiet. I can tell something is bothering you. What's going on?"

Kato listened to Anna silently as she explained the situation. "A mandatory draft, hmm? Don’t suppose they’ll let an old doctor like me off the hook.” He chuckles weakly, trying not to panic at the thought of being thrust into the middle of a war.
"I'll pull every string I can to keep you out of it. Killian to. If all else fails I will find a way to put you both on the same ship. Just promise me if you get deployed that you'll stick close to Killian."
"Of course." Kato nodded calmly. He took her hand and looked her in the eyes. “Are you ok?”
Anna wiped under her eyes that had begun to well up. "Not really."
Kato pulled her close. "Its ok. I'm going to be ok."
It was impossible to believe that he would be. "I don't think you will be. Kato, you were never in a real fight except the one on the ship where I might have been the one to accidentally shoot you. Would you shoot another person if that's what it took to come back to me, or would you hesitate and get yourself killed?"
"Self-preservation is powerful instinct. Even in someone like me." Kato replied softly, though truly, he did not know.
It wasn't in the least comforting and Anna began to sniffle. "Not as strong in some and I think you lack a good deal of it. If you go please stay close to Killian he's got enough instinct for both of you."
Kato put his arms on Anna's shoulders. "Listen to me, beautiful one. I will do what I must to get back home to you and my children. I promise."
"And if its not enough?" Anna gazed into his eyes, "I'll turn into a horrible nasty woman. I fell kinda hard for you." Trying to give him a smile she knew it was a bit weak and her eyes were still rimmed with tears.
Kato put a hand on her cheek. "If anything were to happen to me...you would find another man greater than I. I pray you would. For your sake and the sake of our children. Regardless, I don't plan to die."
"Nobody plans to die in war." Anna put her hand over his and pulled it away from her cheek. "I don't want another man. You're a good man and you're too gentle for this. War would ruin you. Please don't change if you're recruited."
"I won't. I promise. I'll stick to the med-bays. That's what I'm good at afterall. I won't pick up a weapon unless absolutely necessary."
Anna nodded. "You do that and I think you might have a chance."

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Star chose the Ocean of Blue Sands for their vacation. Last time they'd been here, they'd been under so much stress it hadn't been that pleasant. They were still under stress now...though of a different sort. This place felt like a reminder of everything they'd survived together, everything they would continue to survive together. They lay together on a blanket in the blue sand, watching the setting sun over the waves and enjoying the peacefulness of just the two of them in company. Glasses of wine and a near empty bottle sat nearby. "I'm really glad you asked me to marry you, Killian." She turned and rested and head on his chest. "Everyday, I'm grateful I have you for a husband."
 
Having a few days at the beach was nice. It was only the second night, but that meant that tomorrow they would have to leave again. Killian laid out on the blanket and despite all his best efforts he still got sand in his hair. Usually it took days to get all the blue specks out. Tilting his head he smirked at Star. "That's a little exaggerated sounding don't you think? I'm sure there are days you get mad and wish I'd just go away for a few hours."

“Of course there are. But I’m still glad I married you.” Star laughed. “Even when you piss me off, I can’t imagine a life without you in it.”

"That sounds a little better." Killian snickered a little. He was feeling an ornery streak coming on and it looked like she might have noticed. "So...." He sat up and grabbed Star. With her in his arms he walked them both to the ocean edge and waded in till her bottom was almost touching the incoming tide. "Do I drop your or will you stand here with me and try to outrun the wave coming in?" Killian was watching it come in a little closer and he started to chuckle.

"You drop me, I'm pulling you in with me." Star warned, her grip on his neck tightening.

Since she issued the challenge he dropped her and they both got soaked with the incoming wave. As the waves pulled back again he laughed and offered a hand to her. "Well there you go. Now we have an excuse to swim. We're already soaked."

Star gasped and spit as ocean water filled her mouth. She grabbed his hand and tugged hard, pulling him back into the waves as she scrambled back up to her feet. She was trying to look irritated but the playful grin ruined it.

He wasn't quite prepared for Star to pull him to the side and set him off balance. Even if he tried to catch himself he still ended up face planting in the water. Killian stripped his shirt off and balled it up before throwing it up on the beach. "Alright." With a little growl he waded toward Star and grabbed her for a kiss. "Wanna head over to that rock out there and see what kind of shells we can find?" Kissing her again he didn't wait for much of a response. After he had his fill of kisses he winked at her. "Shouldn't take too long to swim out there."

Star laughed. "I'll race you." Since no one was around she pulled off her shirt as well, leaving her just in a bra. She winked at him and dove into the waves, racing for the rock that he'd pointed out.

With his strength he did pull himself through the water at a good pace for someone as heavy as himself. Sometimes the density made swimming a more difficult task for a Chippeqouti and they were close reaching the rock at the same time though he barely beat her. Killian panted with the effort as he started to climb up on the rock. On the inside of the smallish cave there was a little water that washed in with the tide and then ran out again. However, there were a lot of shells. "What do you say we fill pants with them and I'll just wear my boxers for the swim back. We could make some cool stuff."

Star chuckled, and panted as she crawled into the cave beside him. "Sure. Just be sure not to lose your boxers on the way back. That would be...unfortunate." She laughed heartily at the thought.

"Heh, I wouldn't lose my shorts..." On a second thought a grin came to his face. "Unless I wanted to impress you." Killian knew it would get a reaction out of her and he started to unbutton the top of his pants so he could pull them off and start to load them with shells.

Star smirked. "Nah, you wouldn't impress me...you'd just embarress yourself and I'd get a kick out of it." Once he was out of the pants she tied off the bottom of the legs so the shells wouldn't spill and began collecting the prettiest shells, pouring them into the make-shift bag.

"I wouldn't be embarrassed." Killian laughed and started to collect any shell. They didn't have to be pretty. "I'm half tempted to take them off just to see if you'd blush cause you think I should be embarrassed."

Star flushed slightly. "Forget I said anything...jeeze." She chuckled. At this point the light had gone down so much she had to just grab handfuls as well. "Its getting dark, we should head back to the ship while we can still find it."

Her reaction was too good and Killian laughed while he finished stuffing the pants with shells. By the time they were mostly full it was getting dark so he had Star climb out first. They could barely make out the ship, much less the land. At least they weren't trying to swim against the tide this time and it was faster. Killian wrinkled his nose as he emptied the pants from the shells. "Man I hope they don't smell like that after we wash em." The shells had a slight odor, but it was bad in his clothing.

Star laughed. "I'm sure it'll wash out." She shivered as the cold air of the ship hit her bare skin. "I'm going to take a hot shower. You are welcome to join. Boxers off this time." She snickered at him and dashed off.

"I might." Killian threw the soaking pants over his shoulder and tried to gather the stuff they left out on the beach. Half fumbling with it he finally just held the bottle with his mouth. When they got to the kitchen tilted his head back and drank half of what was left and offered the rest to Star. "Wanna get drunk before you try showering?" Drinking it that fast would get a person drunk though he was far less likely to get drunk considering his metabolism. Usually Killian had to drink a little more than the average man to get woozy.

"No thanks. I'd rather not get so clumsy I slip and fall and hit my head again." Star had been exceedingly careful about getting drunk since the whole brain injury incident.

Killian frowned a little and he chugged the last of it. "Oh well. I guess I might as well get drunk then." There was no point to wasting what was left in the bottle and Killian quickly got himself into the shower with Star before he thought he should be feeling the effects. It still got him before he was done showering. Chuckling at himself he struggled to get the towel to stay around his waist while he walked just the few steps to his chest of drawers in the room. Even then he swerved a little bit and he laughed some more. "Been a while since I've had a chance to do that." When they crawled into the bed together Killian pulled Star close to himself and he nibbled gently on her ear lobe and kissed her before he started to get tired and he fell asleep.

*****************************************************************

"All men under the age of 35 will be required to take a mandatory physical and Chippeqouti under the age of 100 will be included. Doctors will be assessed for health and medical practice." A voice over the pad made the announcement and it sounded on the street corners. It included all the homeless and poor as well. "We are about to be attacked by the Gillick nobles and all able bodied men will be drafted. There are no exceptions."

No matter what they tried Killian knew he couldn't get a medical exemption. They were going to consider him able bodied. There wasn't even a choice of who did the exam for him. The form he was handed after the exam was listed as an A4. "What's this mean?" Looking at one of the officers he was sent to the man smiled and ushered him into a room.

"This means that you'll be in the special operations unit." Nodding to the gear hanging on the wall he grinned again. "You know how to use some of those things already I imagine and we have all your work and previous files of convictions. Seems we'll be needing a few like yourself. We will start intensive training tomorrow. You're place of work has already been notified and for the good of the people they have agreed to pay whatever the state will not to ensure that your wages are maintained at the current level and your family will be taken care of."

Killian solemnly nodded and took himself home. Walking through the door he felt the familiar clamor of children at his legs. Stuffing the paper into his pant pocket he gave a growl and the two younger ones fled screaming and squealing with the sheer excitement of it. The older one tried to hide though he still enjoyed the game and he hated to admit that it was fun. Seemed like such a ridiculous game and yet it was fun.

Once the kids were all done and wore out he read them a book and they sat down at the table for dinner. He did his best to carry on like normal it wasn't until he finished eating and the kids were about to leave that he said anything. "Claire, Mike and Zack. I need you all to stay here for a moment." It was rare that he said anything and the kids all waited for the moment. "A war is starting. You will all stay here with mom. I've received orders that will take me away on a different kind of work for a long time maybe. The government wants me to be a soldier. When I go I need all you kids to be extra careful and try to take care of mommy."

After the kids were in bed he grabbed Star and held her tight. "I don't want to do this." Somehow before this it had felt so far away and he couldn't help it. Now that it was here and he was recruited without an option to back out he wanted to. "Star just promise me you will be here when I come home."
 
Star sat solemnly at the table while Killian gave his little speech to the children. They were to young to understand what he meant by being a soldier. Zack might understand it meant fighting. None of them knew it could mean losing their father. She went through the motions of cleaning up while Killian entertained the kids then put them to bed with final goodbyes. The little ones were too young to understand he wouldn't be coming back home tomorrow, or the next day, or the next. Maybe never again.

As hard as she tried to be strong, when Killian grabbed her, Star broke down and sobbed into his chest. She wanted him to do it even less than he did. "Let's just run. Please, lets just run." She begged, knowing how futile it was...yet trying anyway.
This wasn't helpful. Killian shook his head vigorously. "No. I already told you we can't do that."
Star took several minutes to calm down. "When do you leave?" She finally asked.
He couldn't help feeling thankful that she finally calmed down. Killian let his hands drop away from Star. "Tomorrow I start training."
Star wiped her face. "What does that mean? Are you going to be officially gone or still coming back home for a couple weeks?"
All of her questions had started to add a level of difficulty that Killian hadn't anticipated. "I should be here for a few more weeks and then I continue my training elsewhere." Wandering back toward their room he started to get changed into his pajama pants. "Depending on training hours there could be a little more time at home for those weeks."
She sat on the bed. "Do you know where you're being stationed?"
Pulling the orders from his pocket Killian shook his head. "Didn't say on here and this is all I know besides reporting for duty in the morning."
Star looked the papers over. "They are putting you in a special operations unit." Her forehead knit together. She sniffed and blew her nose into a tissue. "I'll talk to Anna. She can get you moved somewhere safter."
"I'd rather stay where I'm at." Killian looked at Star. "It means my team mates won't be dumb."
"But it will be more dangerous, won't it?" Star questioned.
Killian shrugged. "Depends on how you look at it. I'd be more afraid of having a dumb team mate and getting killed than I would going into a potentially more dangerous situation if I knew the men with me were smart enough to get out."
Star hands the papers back to him. "If that's what you want then I won't say anything to her." Her hand lands on his leg. "I wish I was going with you. I'd much rather fight by your side."
"I wouldn't want you there." Killian took the paper back and stuffed it into his pants that he'd wear tomorrow. Getting into the bed he sighed and threw the covers back. "I'll get the light."

Star lay beside him silently as he came back to bed, holding him tightly. They still had a few weeks, but it wasn't long enough.

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"Doctor Kato Jones. Your records are impressive and your knowledge of working on ship medical bays will be invaluable." The recruiter nods. "We're going to assign you the main flagship of the fleet, the HR Palisade. Best ship in the fleet." The recruiter stamped the paperwork with a resounding pound and handed it to him. "You will report to this location for training for the next two weeks, then you will be notified two days before the ship launches. God be with you."
Kato nodded and stood, a heavy weight on his shoulders as it settled in he was about to go to war.

Kato shuffled through the door and picked up Jacob with kisses as he was tackled by the lads. "Ah! How are my handsome lads!" He teased them tickles and kisses, getting them squealing. He acted as if he were going to attack them with more tickles which made Jacob scream and run to hide behind the couch while Joseph stumbled after him. He greats Anna with a sad smile and a long kiss, holding her in his arms as long as he could. He sighed deeply. "They are assigning me to the medbay of the HR Palisade, the flag ship of the war. Its supposed to be the rallying point for other ships. I don't know how much action it will see, but I do know it is the most heavily fortified and protected ship of the fleet." He tried to assure her...and himself.
The little woman couldn't help worrying and she paced the house till her short legs were about to quiver with her walking up and down the stairs so many times. Anna finally heard Kato come home and she watched for a long moment while he played with the children. Almost shakily she moved toward the edge of the stairway. It was then he gave her the news and Anna's face turned red with the effort to hold back the tears. "Flag ship!" Anna nearly screamed the words. "That was all the better they could do for you?" Finally she slumped against the wall in defeat and broke into tears. It wasn't about being strong at this point. Even when the boys came over to comfort her she gently pushed their little prying fingers away. "You need to go to your rooms."
"Jacob, joseph, go watch some t.v." Kato ushered them away. He kneeled in front of Anna, trying to hold her as she wept. He didn't know what to say that would comfort her. "I'm still here for the next couple weeks." He rubs her arms. "Let's...let's try and make the most of it."
"Make the most of what?" Anna pushed his hand away. "Kato, you're going to die on that ship."
"We don't know that." Kato shook his head. "Its the safest ship..."
Kato shrugged. "Its the biggest and most heavily fortified?" He took Anna's hands. "What do you want me to do, Anna? I can't control where they send me. I'm as nervous about this as you but I can't do anything about it."
Still pulling her hands away she gazed at him almost furiously. "That doesn't make it safe. Flagship is guarded heavily and fortified because it will be a target." Getting up she tried to step away and he kept trying to get close. "Kato!" Pushing his hands away she started up the stairs again. "Just leave me alone for a few minutes. I don't need your comfort."

Kato watched her go. He sat on the bottom steps, head hanging. He'd never felt so lost in how to comfort her. Somehow, there had always been a way before. A way to assure her. Now she didn't even want to be near him. He put his head in his hands. He'd never been so concerned for his own life before, or scared of the future. What if Anna was right? What if he was going to die on that ship and leave her alone. It was enough to make him want to break his own leg so he'd be unfit for duty. I'm sorry, Anna. I wish I knew what to do? I wish I knew how to comfort you and ease your worry. I wish I could promise that I will come back to you. Please, don't hate me.

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The day of deployment came. And it was the worst morning on the planet for all families. One could almost hear the wailing of the women as their men marched off to war, most of which would never return home again. Star stood at the door, rings under her eyes and tears rolling down her face as Killian walked down the steps, turning to look at her at the end of the driveway. "I love you." She called to him, with final wave. And then he was gone.

Star shuffled back into the house. The children played, happily unaware. Except Zack, the boy had a look on his face like he knew. She smiled gently at him and wrapped him in a hug. "Its ok. He'll be back."
"When?" Zack sniffed.
"I don't know. But I do know...he will be. He always comes back. I promise." Star kissed him on the forehead.
"Mommy, you're crying." Zack's small hand wiped her cheek. "Don't be sad. I'll take care of you. I promised, Daddy." He gripped her hand.
Star laughed a little. "Did you? Well, why don't you help me play with Claire and Mikey then?"
"Ok." Zack dashed off, eager to help and Star stood. She looked down at her new watch, Killian's life signs beating steadily. She held it close to her chest, as if that would keep him close.

Star sent a quick message to Anna asking if the little woman wanted to move in with her for the duration of their husband's absence. They'd be able to help watch eachother's children and comfort one another as they feared for the lives of their husbands. As she waited for Anna to answer, she got on with the routine of life, the only thing that would be able to keep her mind off the impending doom that threatened to crush her.
 
It took Anna almost an hour to pull herself back together. When she found Kato slumped on the stairs she sat down next to him and gently rested a hand on his knee. There wasn't much of anything to do at this point. He was going to war and she hadn't been able to pull strings enough. If anything happened to him she knew she was the one that failed. At least he wasn't stuck out on some little ship bouncing along. Kato would be in a large ship and it sounded like that was where they had a majority of the special operations running in and out of. Killian should be there at some point and hopefully Kato still knew to keep an eye out and be wary.

Now that she had herself together Anna made sure to give Kato a rub along his shoulders every night before bed and she cooked all his favorite meals in addition to pampering him every moment that she could. On the morning that he prepared to leave Anna carefully rested her hands on his chest. "You come back to me. No matter what I'll be here and I don't care what you look like or what happened. I will always want you and you have to know that."

*********

Killian slipped into his uniform and put the ridiculous looking beret on. Even though his hair had been cut a bit shorter it was still full and bushy with some wave and curl that refused to lay down. Smoothing the front of the jacket he took a deep breath and stepped out of his room. Slung over his shoulder was a single bag with the few belongings he was allowed to take with. The kids were busy playing. Mostly the younger ones because they didn't understand this. Setting the bag near the door he walked over to the living room and with a playful growl picked Claire up and gave her a hug before snatching Mike off the floor. The little boy had tried to run and he giggled as he tried to push away from Killian. After he put Mike down he gave Zack a hug. "You take care of mom huh?" A little nod from the boy was all he needed and he winked at him. "Just don't grow up too fast."

Lastly, Killian gave Star a long hug. He couldn't help feeling a little nervous. Maybe he wouldn't come back this time. There was always that chance, but it was better than putting the entire family at risk. If they sold it all for a ship and they went down he would have wished he had gone to war and so here he was. Grabbing his bag he started for the front steps and he glanced behind himself at Star. She was standing in the doorway the same as many of the other men that were headed for the large transport ship.

Inside the ship he was with all the other neighbors from the surrounding area. It was strangely quiet in the cab. All of them were probably about the same as himself. Trained and ready, but fearful for their families. If they failed it would be the end of them and if they died there would be no one to watch over their loved ones. Killian could hope that Star would move on if he died and yet he dreaded that thought. Somehow he was afraid that the man wouldn't do as well as himself and then he had to smirk. Of course they would do better. They wouldn't cause her half as much heartache. When they arrived at the base the men spread out into their units and were put to new ships from there.

The ship Killian was assigned happened to be just a launching point for his missions. It was a flagship and that was where they would launch from. It was in some ways a little nerve-wracking. Communication was allowed from the flag ship back home and once he left the ship he wouldn't be able to contact Star and he couldn't tell her where he was going either. To make it all the worse he could only wear his watch during approved communication times.

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Anna moved in with Star a few days later and the weeks seemed to drag on. It felt so empty without Kato around. She would get an occasional update from him. It sounded like they were mostly busy and she couldn't help her worry. "Star I can't help thinking that Kato is going to get killed. He says the doctors take rounds heading out with the special units. Eventually it will be his turn. I know your Killian has already gone on several missions, but Kato isn't any good at taking care of himself in that kind of setting. I'm worried."

Star sat with Anna, an arm around her shoulder trying to comfort her friend. The last few weeks had been hard on them both. Now it was just getting worse. "Have you spoken to the leaders about making sure Kato gets put on Killian's unit?"

"Done what I can. They have a rotation and I only hope they put him in line to get in Killian's unit." Anna took a deep breath. "Have you heard from him or is he not back from the last job yet?"

Star shook her head, looking down at the watch where Killian's last vital signs had been recorded. "He's not back yet. This mission seems to be taking longer than the others." She managed a light smile for Anna. "Kato is tougher than you give him credit for. He'll be alright."

"Maybe he is and maybe he isn't." Anna sighed. "Those missions are just starting to kill me inside. Every time I hear about a cover operation I can't help wondering if Kato was there till I hear a message from him."

"I know." Star massaged, Anna's shoulder with a strong hand. "Let's see of Charis will watch the kids for a bit. I think we could both use a spa day."

Anna nodded. "Yeah I think we could use a spa day to let our stress out. Probably be surrounded by other stressed women and we'll end up a balling mess with the rest of them."

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After another mission Killian boarded the ship with his team. They were a little rougher for the wear. One of them had taken a bullet to the leg. Still it wasn't enough to send him home. With the medicine and electro-magnetic waves he would be on his feet again in about 2 weeks. Only time someone seemed to get sent home was if they were in critical condition or if they were dead.

Wandering into the medical bay after the others were checked out Killian sat on the exam table. A doctor grabbed his chin and turned his face so he could see the bruise along his jaw. It had been a nasty hit, but nothing broke except the object that hit him. There were a few minor scrapes and Killian needed one or two stitches in his scalp and that was about it. Finally, before he was allowed to leave the doctor shone a light into his eyes and down his throat, then his ears. Wasn't much to see except the dirt from the explosion and a little extra earwax.

Sliding off the table Killian wandered back to his bunk and he checked the time. It was still considered a good time to call. Many of the other men were laying on their bunks too. Everyone talking with their wives or sweethearts. Sliding the watch on he called Star's tablet. "Hey." He'd forgot to wipe the grime off his face from the last fight, and yet it held almost no significance to him. Talking to Star right now was more important than taking up the precious communications time washing his face.

"Killian! Ah, its good to hear your voice." She chuckled lightly at him. "You forgot to wash your face again..." She noted teasingly.

Grinning a little he wiped at the black grease and he rubbed along the bruise on his jaw. "I know. We don't get that much time to talk." In the background some of the other guys could be heard talking their women as well. "How are you and the kids?"

Star nodded. "We're doing well. Claire knows her alphabet now. Next time you call I'll have her sing it to you but, they are all in bed. Me and Anna went for a spa day. That was nice." She sighed lightly. "How are you? Are you ok? You making some good friends?"

Chuckling a little he adjusted how he was laying on the bunk so he could tilt his head up a little more. "I'm fine. We all talk about our girls enough that I think we're sick of each other's families." It was mostly a joke. "Eh...Well we're thinking after this we ought to be getting our families together for a little fun. Maybe head out to the mountains and camp some place quiet." Nothing sounded quite so good as a little quiet. Life had been full of screaming and explosions. There weren't many happy sounds and he loved the sound of Star's voice. Killian wanted nothing more than to hear the kids laughing the next time he called. Even if it was distant. Something like that would be enough. Hopefully it wouldn't be so late next time.

Star nods with a teasing smirk. "How am rating so far compared to the other wives?"

"You're the best cause only my opinion counts." Killian smirked and he glanced over at one of the officers making his way through the room. "They're coming in for lights out. I'll have to say goodbye. Love you."

Star reached up a hand, wishing she could touch his face. "I love you too. Stay safe."

With a quick nod he then turned the device off and shoved it under his bunk with the watch. Killian laid back and he was a little surprised when the officer stopped at his bed. "One of the other crews are down a man. You're up in the rotation as extra." It had been a rough couple of weeks for all the men and the rotation of running double was only fair. Still he didn't want to go out this time. Slowly Killian got up off his bunk and pulled his beret back on. He hadn't even got his boots off yet.

Killian followed the officer to another section of the ship where he was to rest with the team during the next 5 hours and then they would get the debriefing. Frowning a little he noticed that their medic for this round was Kato.
 
Leaving Anna and the children that day was the hardest thing he'd ever had to do. Walking down those steps towards the bus, Jacob crying, not understanding why he was leaving. The fear in Anna's eyes that he would never return. The fear in his own heart that if he returned he wouldn't be same and Anna ( despite her reassurances that she'd never leave him), would not be able to live with him. He knew of too many men who'd lost their minds after war, the ptsd too much for their former loves to live with. He had to survive, but he also had to return to her as the same man. Was it even possible?

The next several weeks were so busy he barely had time to think of anything aside from his work. Taking care of wounded, getting men back their feet...Kato could do that in his sleep. But sending dead men home....that was hard. Each time it happened he was faced with the reality that he might be the next man to go home in a body bag to his wife and children. The thought tortured him. He never showed his fears to Anna though when he called her. She needed to be encouraged that he was doing alright and doing well, that he was still himself...which mostly he was. He hadn't been put in rotation to fight yet, for which he was glad. Despite telling Anna otherwise, he wasn't sure if he could purposefully ever kill a man and he dreaded the day when he'd be forced into that situation.

He was laying in his bunk just about to sleep when someone tapped him on the shoulder. "Dr. Jones?"
Kato sat up. "Yes?"
"You're being put in the next special unit's rotation as their medic. Grab your gear and follow me."
Kato's heart clenched but he did as he was ordered. He followed the officer to a different section of the ship where he was given another temporary bunk. The other men in this special unit looked tough, mean and tired. They eyed him warily. Kato couldn't help but feel they knew he'd never been out in the field before. He looked up at Killian entered and stood to meet him. "Killian..." The nervous doctor stretched out a hand to him. "Knowing you're on this unit puts me a little more at ease."
Killian took Kato's hand and shook it firmly. He noticed the looks from the other men and decided to do something about it. He had a bit of a reputation and everyone seemed to respect the reputation even if they didn't personally like him. "I know this doctor. He used to run as part of my crew. Not much of a fighter, but one hell of doctor." That seemed to get a little round of chuckles. One of the other men called out. "Never met a doctor that was any good fighting. We'll watch out for him. If anything happens to us we need him around anyway."
Kato chuckled to cover up his nervousness. "I'll patch you up real well. Even make sure you have nice scar to show your wife back home, if you want."
A few of the men gave an approving grin and then they settled back to their usual scowl. Killian nodded to Kato. "We're tired and its best if you go to sleep too. I'll watch out for you eh?"
Kato nodded. "And I for you. Can't have Star killing me when I get back home cause I didn't cover your back." He smiled awkwardly. "Yes, well, uh...get some rest. See you at the debrief."

Kato laid down. He'd never been so grateful to know Killian as he was now. He knew that man would help protect him, and he would do the same in return. Perhaps, if they were lucky, they'd both get home in one piece.
 
The ship they were in was a small shuttle that jolted as it was brought to the edge of the bay. The motion brought all the men to attention and an officer stood on board. "We've received news of an enemy encampment just outside the borders of our territory. We have intel indicating they will be launching WMD's from this location. Your mission is to ensure that the facility is destroyed and we have here a small map showing you the layout of the building." A picture came up on the screen with a maze type looking network. First set of tunnels will run West, then you will take the section going North and finally with a tilt to the East. There will be approximately 10 minutes from the time you drop to reach the site.

Bringing up another lay out of the land he showed several anti aircraft guns and the patrol with lighting. "After you've passed this first phase you will reach the fence. Inside the building you have 20 minutes and our ship lands at Bravo 5-21 in 1 hour from the drop. An alternate location will be on the other side of the planet. Occupied territory, but there are more civilians there and less of a military presence. Beware that the civilians here are not friendly, they are Gillicks and you will not find mercy from the general population. As always this is a high risk operation and best of luck to you all."

Drowsily the men sat up in their seats and got themselves buckled in. The captain for the group didn't give orders because they needed them, it was just routine and that put everyone at ease. Killian didn't find there was much difference running with this group as there was with any other. Everyone had probably worked with another group before and he knew one of the men had come to his group before to run in place of an injured member.

Killian looked over at Kato and he grabbed the left buckle. "That one first." Everyone seemed to want to get the right one crossed over first and it created a tangled mess. They didn't have time for this kind of mistake. When it was time to jump they'd jump and that was it.

The captain looked over at Killian and Kato. "You jump with the doctor. Since you know him we'll have you run cover for him."

Nodding, Killian glanced at Kato. "You ever jump out of a ship before?" If he hadn't than he really would have to instruct him before the jumped out. Once they headed out of the ship they needed it to be as quiet as possible. Standing behind Kato he pulled the man a bit closer and he felt the doctor stiffen slightly. "Hell its nothing like that. You just do what I say. Most doctor's haven jumped before and even if you had you need somebody that knows how to get you to the right spot." Taking the hook from Kato's chute he hooked it to the cord over their heads and he did the same with his own. "I'm gonna push you out and you'd better not scream when I do." That was the only warning Kato got as they came closer to the edge of the bay that opened on the ship.

Men began to pile out of the doors and they dove out. "Now you don't take their form. I need you to spread your arms and legs, try to break the wind for as long as possible till I reach you." As they shuffled to the front for their turn Killian felt a slight hesitation from Kato and he shoved. Kato tumbled out, not quite with grace, but well enough. Weighing a lot more than Kato meant it shouldn't take too long to catch up with him.

Killian could feel his heart rise in the back of his throat. There was always that little bit of an adrenaline rush just before he made a jump and he threw himself out after the doctor. The two of them collided as Killian mashed into Kato. He was staring into a surprised face and he frowned. "You're supposed to look down." Turning the doctor over he laid on top for a few moments and gave the directions of how to steer, showed him their target landing spot and pointed out the other little black figures against the dark sky. As they neared the parachute landing he let go of Kato and changed position to get down far enough that their chutes wouldn't tangle. Before they reached the ground the black sky lit up with fiery bullets. A voice over the speaker came in strong and clear. "Mission was compromised. This will be a rough one."
 
Kato's fingers tapped his knees anxiously as he listened to the mission brief. He'd never been on a mission before of any sort. He had no idea what to expect, except for alot of fighting. He was grateful he was just the medic. At least his focus would be on his comrades rather than the mission details itself. All he had to do was follow them and take care of them and try and make sure everyone got out alive. At least that's what he thought until the parachutes were handed out. Apparently they were jumping from this ship. That was a first. Killian helped him out with the parachute and he managed to get it fastened properly.

Killian warned him not to scream. That wouldn't be a problem, he could barely breath at this point. His heart was pounding out of his chest as the door opened and the men began jumping. Killian gave him a quick instruction on what to do and pushed him over the edge. Kato fell head over heels, ending up on his back as he continued to freefall. He did his best to keep his arms and legs splayed out but the wind pressure made him want to curl up into a ball. He'd never been so terrified in his life. At least if he died hitting the ground it would be a painless death.

Killian smashed into him and somehow managed to flip him over as they continued to fall. He relayed more instructions, which were difficult to follow as all Kato could think about was the ground racing towards them, getting closer and closer. Killian pushed away and Kato pulled his chute. The sudden jerk out of the free fall nearly had him puking. He somehow managed to remember Killian's instructions and guided he chute over the appropriate landing. Then a bullet tore through his chute and ground erupted with what sounded like lightning. He heard someone yell to his right and knew straight away someone got hit.

The chute couldn't drop him fast enough. He landed with a run and tore off the pack before the wind could catch the chute and send him flying again. He ducked down close to the ground, looking for the fellow members of his team. The dark made it difficult to see, but they'd been given night-goggles for that purpose. He put his on and found a fellow member of the unit laying splayed on the ground, holding his leg. Kato ran to him and pulled him behind a tree as the man grunted and tried to remain silent. Kato pulled off his backpack and pulled the needed tools out of his medical kit to do an emergency procedure to get the man back on his feet. He pulled the bullet out and filled the wound with a blood-clotting agent. The man had been lucky to have been hit in the meaty part of his thigh. Mostly fat damage. He covered the wound, wrapped it and gave the soldier a shot to numb the pain enough to get him back on his feet.

The soldier clapped a hand on the doctor's shoulder as he finished and nodded his thanks before returning fire on their attackers. Kato stayed low, his gun out as well...just in case...all the while keeping an eye out for Killian and the others.
 
It seemed Kato had found the man that got hit. Killian knew those two had gone off course and he quickly finished folding his own chute when he saw one flapping out in the field. "Damn." Cursing under his breather he started out for the parachute. This sort of thing could very well get a man killed and Kato obviously didn't know not to leave them out like that. He was also supposed to be landing with them where they were headed. All the medics for the teams had been hit. Gillicks knew who the medics were and typically tried to shoot them first and so they had been working their way through the doctors as well.

Another round of fire came over head and Killian began to roll the chute up as fast as he could. Last thing they needed were Gillicks closing in on their position. The captain of the team came running over to the wounded man and Kato. "I've got him you get with the group." Nodding quickly to the doctor he saw that Killian was returning with the extra chute packed up.

Kato had enough to carry as the doctor. "Where we at on the perimeter?" One of the men whispered into his headset and the group waited as bullets came closer and then they got the signal and progressed. They had very few minutes to make the hit before they would be trying for the alternate location and it was a long ways out. The group of men moved through the underbrush silently. Killian held Kato down though he didn't have to apply much pressure. Seemed that for the most part Kato was pretty cooperative. Coming to the edge of the brush the soldier stared at the open ground ahead of them. This was where it got tough. Heading to the tunnels that led to the facility. The captain peered back at the men and he motioned for a few to move forward and then he gave Killian the position of watching the back and holding ground with the doctor. There wasn't any safe place that they knew of and this seemed to be the best arrangement for now. At least it kept the doctor out of immediate fire range for now.

As the men began their advance Killian motioned for Kato to get on the ground and Killian laid down next to him with a gun out. Watching in the scope he scanned the area for incoming men. There were a few making their way toward his team and he fired off a shot to drop the first two before he had to move and he beckoned at Kato. "Good job, they're circling back to flank you two." The captain gave a quick warning before he disappeared into the tunnels.

Someone had to have leaked that they were coming, or perhaps their informant had been caught and it was false intelligence. Moving Kato over to the edge he saw a quick flash and then they were both thrown and a rocket blasted over head. "We got to run now." Pulling the doctor off the ground Killian ignored the momentary daze that they were both feeling. Another rocket launched overhead and he saw their ship go down. They were stuck here for a long while and all they had to do was survive. "Our transport is down. I repeat transport down." Killian waited for some kind of response and he got it when the building exploded and the group of 7 emerged from the tunnels just a ways from them.

They were on the run at this point. It could take days if not weeks before they were picked up on the other side. All around the sound of whizzing bullets sounded. One of the men hit the ground and Killian stopped with Kato just long enough to know the man was dead. "Get moving. " Pushing Kato away the Chippeqouti took the beret, id tags, and all other information that would identify the body. He ripped what he had to from the uniform and stuffed it into his pack. "We lost one I took the information." The others nodded and they kept moving. Another flash came and this time the explosion was much closer. A chunk of wood dug into Killian's arm and he hit a tree before crumpling to the ground. His one ear was bleeding and the other was ringing. Coughing a little he squinted and tried to move over to where the others were. Most of them were dying and he pulled all their tags off. There was no way they could get out of here with all this stuff if they took all the injured with them.

Almost blindly he worked at a furious pace to get the men assessed. Only one or two of the men would make it. They all understood this and they weren't complaining. If they were conscious Killian handed them their guns and hand it cocked so they could shoot themselves or enemy. Whichever they preferred. Giving one of the last men a gentle tap on the chest he helped him sit up and then moved to the next one. "Ugh...Damn you." The other two had already started off and Killian found Kato laying out on the ground with a good amount of blood. It was hard to tell how bad it was. Pulling a few bandages out he wrapped Kato up as firmly as he could to stop the bleeding for now.

Pulling all his identification off Killian stuffed it into his pocket with the rest of them. He almost left. There was the mission first and yet he knew that he couldn't. Anna had asked him time and again to take care of Kato. No matter what the doctor would have stood with him even if he was bleeding out and there was no hope. "C'mon." At least stripping the id meant if they were captured Kato might not be treated as harshly. Killian pulled Kato off the ground and started off after the other two. By the next morning the 4 of them were in a valley and one of them was fading fast. The man took his tags off. While he was in the middle of this a shot rang out and a bloody hole formed right between his eyes.

Despite the groaning from Kato, Killian pushed him down on the ground and the two of them began to crawl toward the river bank. It would carry them a whole lot faster than what they could walk. Another bullet whizzed past and it skimmed Killian's skull. "Agh..." Growling he pushed on and looked behind himself as the last soldier was killed before he could reach the water.

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Dragging Kato out of the water Killian checked his vitals and began to try and bandage him up. There hadn't been much time for that during the fighting. What he did do last night was limited. Not much better than trying to stop the bleeding. Digging through the doctor's pack he found more bandages and laid the packages aside while he took the dirty wet ones off. Killian barely finished putting fresh bandages on when he hit the ground and a constant smooth stream of blood flowed from the side of his head and a bullet flattened itself to his skull.

With a groan Killian pushed himself up. It was dark outside and he had a blinding headache. Plucking at the bullet he winced as it peeled away from his head and a new stream of blood started. "Kato." Nudging the doctor he didn't get a response and he put his ear close to Kato's mouth. At least the doctor was breathing.
 
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War was hell, and Kato was quickly learning that. They barely made it to the tunnels and several men had already been killed. Kato got the feeling this wasn't how most missions were supposed to go. Killian dragged him along, stopping only long enough to give him the chance to check the men who were falling, dying to see if he could save them. So far, it was just a massacre and there was little he could do. There was a loud whistle and an explosion that threw him several feet. He flickered in and out of consciousness, the screams of the dying echoing in his mind. Someone turned him over, pulling up his shirt and putting a pressure on his side that caused his body to explode with another wave of pain and he passed out.

When he came to again, he saw Killian standing over him. The chippequoti pulled him to his feet, forceably pulling him along. His hand dropped to his side as it erupted with intense pain again. It felt like shrapnel had torn into his side, just above his right hip bone. Felt like someone had just hurriedly wrapped the bandages around his waist, over the clothes and all. Considering the immediate danger they were in he wasn't surprised. He might have done the same. They ran through the night, many times Kato nearly collapsed but Killian refused to let him drop and kept him moving.

Another man ahead of him was showing signs of internal bleeding, but his companion kept him up as well. Part of wanted to tell Killian to leave him. The man had a better chance of surviving if he wasn't carrying an injured doctor around. At the same time, he wanted more than anything to get back to his wife and children. Anna...he had to survive. He had to get back home to her. The sounds of gunshots greeted them with the rising sun. Another man fell and Killian pushed him to the ground, drawing a pained groaned. Killian began army crawling, one hand pulling hard on Kato's pack to keep him moving as well.

They rolled into the river and the fast current dragged them downstream and away from the fighting. Between his pack and Killian's support, he managed to keep his head above water, but he could feel himself fading. Despite his battle to stay awake, to continue fighting, he felt himself losing consciousness again. His last thoughts were of Anna, hoping she forgave him for dying and leaving her alone.
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When Kato woke back up, the moon was high above him. He could feel the pressure of the bandages around his waist, and the intense thirst that came with so much blood loss. He coughed weakly, moaning as the cough caused a new round of pain. Killian appeared above him. In the dark it was impossible to tell what his expression was. "Water..." He asked hoarsely. When he'd drunk his fill, he lay his head back down on the cool grass. "The others?" He managed to ask. Sounded like they were the last two alive, and he didn't see how that would last for long, especially with Killian dragging him around. "You injured?" Kato didn't have the energy to give his savior an examination, though he wished he did. Sounded like Killian had survived a bullet to the head, twice. That man was simply impossible to kill. No wonder chippequoti were such prized people in the games.

Kato, lifted the bottle to his mouth again and drank what was left of the water. "We're not getting out of this...are we?" He asked, knowing the answer. Anna, Jacob, Joseph...he was never going to see them again. Either he would die a slow painful death from the wound or get shot, or die from prolonged exposure to the elements. None of those options were very pleasant. "You have a chance if you leave me, to get back to Star and your children."

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"Mommy...what's wrong?" Star looked down at Claire as the little girl tugged on her pant legs. She looked down at the precious babe. How did she tell this precious soul that her father was at least a day late reporting in to her. That it most likely meant he'd died in the line of duty or been captured or stranded. Star faked a smile. "Nothing, princess. Nothing is wrong." She ruffled the green-eyed girl's black curls.
"Where's daddy?" Claire demanded with a small pout.
"He's at work, baby." Star's voice nearly broke. "He'll be home soon. Go play with Jacob."
Claire dashed away and Star leaned against the counter. She wasn't the only one who was worried. Anna hadn't heard from Kato in nearly two days either. The poor little woman hadn't stopped pacing the house. Something was wrong. They could both feel it. Star looked back down at her watch, Killian's vitals still paused. Killian. Come back to me...whatever it takes. You promised. Come home.
 
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