The Way Back (Champions of the Crystal Book 4)

Chapter 16.5

"I know. But he can't spare me everything, Mara."

"Or even anything, it seems," Mara sighed. "Well, go with my blessing, then, Sabrina. I know you will be careful. And give Tirqwin my love."

"Of course. Thank you, Mara. I'll bring Scotty back, just wait and see."

"That reminds me," Mara said as she got out of the chair. "I have been thinking about Scotty. If he cannot be wholly restored, Sabrina, don't despair. Bring him home. I have some experience in disorders of the mind, and even in Scotty's mind in particular. Anything that I or the Crystal can do will be attempted, if he requires our assistance."

"Thank you," Sabrina said again, blinking back tears. She got up and hugged her friend.

"I love him too," Mara reminded her. "He is like my brother."

Sabrina chuckled as they pulled apart. "From what Ford says, he's more like your stepson."

Mara let out a trill of surprised laughter. "I suppose he is! Oh, my. I shall enjoy teasing him about that."

"Well," Sabrina said, "I'm more looking forward to teasing Tirqwin about it!"

Mara laughed again as she disappeared.

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Sabrina arranged for the Household Supervisor to send someone to feed and care for Tristan, and also left a message for Marie telling her she was free to come and play with him all she liked. Then she packed two large bags with a range of clothes, all chosen to be part of what her female friends on Earth had referred to as a "take-me-seriously" wardrobe. She couldn't hope to be intimidating with Homeworld, but she didn't want to be looked on as some little ignorant alien mascot, either.

She remembered to leave a message on her comconsole for any incoming callers that she'd had to leave on business and would return their calls when she got back, and then she played with Tristan until Ford came to get her in the transport capsule.

"Ready?"

"Yes." Sabrina gave Tristan a final rub on his tummy and got to her feet. "Bye, sweetie," she told the cat. "Be good."

Ford muttered something she decided to ignore and picked up her bags. "Let's go, before somebody at Bathir remembers one more thing that just has to be done before I leave!"

"Did you talk to Mara?"

"Yes, right after she talked to you," he replied, closing the capsule door behind them. A moment later they were stepping out onto the control deck of The Adventure.

"It's a bit of a trip, and we'll have to hold at several checkpoints," Ford said, "so you'd better settle into one of the spare rooms. Do you want the one you had before?"

"That'll be fine. Thanks." She took her bags and headed for the corridor into the living quarters. "Hi, Rudolf."

"Greetings, Lady Sabrina," the android replied, passing her on its way to the control deck.

Just like old times, Sabrina thought as she surveyed the room she'd occupied on the journey from Stanos. Only better, I hope.

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She finished the partial unpacking she thought necessary and went back to the control deck, to find they had already left the Praxera system and were well on their way. Rudolf was occupied with one of the auxiliary consoles, and Ford was seated on one of the long-legged chairs at the main console. He didn't seem more than cursorily occupied with the controls, so she walked over and smiled at him from across the console.