Sang the Stray (Completed)

56. White as a Ghost

I sat, wrapping my arms around myself in consternation.  "I am sorry," I said, not sure if I was apologizing more to Victor or the cat. 

Victor stood with wide eyes, breathing deeply.  Finally, he asked, "How long has it been hanging around?  Have you seen it here before?"

"This first time see in apartment," I slipped in my grammar with nervousness. 

"Okay," Victor said relaxing his tense stance.  "Well, if it comes again we need to contain it and return it to its Space.  I am surprised it hasn't faded from being gone so long.  It must be a roamer that self-sustains, which is really rare." He shook himself and suggested we get ready for bed.  Before we fell asleep he made me promise to report the cat if I saw it again.  I agreed, very reluctantly.  Then he kissed me again, briefly and exhaustion from the day dragged him under quickly.  I lie a long time, thinking about what Raven had told me, and wondering if Kota and Nathan worked things out. 

At some point sleep had claimed me, too, because I woke to the scent of moss and berries tickling my nose.  I giggled remembering the look on Victor's face the last night when the cat appeared. It actually was funny, now.

"Meow, meow," I said softly, then giggled again.

Victor pulled the blanket over his head and mumbled, "Princess, stop meowing before that Ionoth cat comes back."

Too late. I could feel it purring at my feet.  However, as long as it remained invisible, I wouldn't actually have seen it and have to report it.  Stay invisible, I silently willed. That also gave me an idea for a name. 

"Kota's ordered us breakfast. Time to get up," Victor said as he flung the covers down and padded to the bathroom.

When the door closed behind him I sat up and stroked the invisible fur of my newest friend.  After a few joden I whispered, "Better get going, Ghost.  Stay hidden and I'll pet you later." 

I took my turn getting ready and joined the others for the first shift meal.  I had come out cautiously, not knowing how things were between Kota and Nathan.  Would they still be arguing?  I was relieved when I saw them laughing together over some shared joke.   I made a plate for myself and sat between Victor and Nathan. Kota was explaining the KOTIS council's plan regarding the Pillar.

"Now that we know for certain it is a rotational space, KOTIS is deciding how to investigate.  The last proposal I read was to place a scanner near the Pillar doors and allow it to collect data as the Space goes through another rotation.  We are hoping to collect scans of the dhura Tsee Blackbourne witnessed.  The scanner will turn on and off periodically.  Trials on Muina proved that was the best method  to prevent Ionoth or perhaps the dhura itself from being attracted to and destroying the equipment. I anticipate that Fourth Squad will be called on to join the investigation when the Space next returns," Kota added eagerly.

"Will I be with you then?" I asked.

"I don't know," he answered honestly. "I think the Council wants to exercise as much caution with you as possible.  But don't worry.  I am sure by the following rotation you'll get a chance to go with us or perhaps even with another squad."

"Maybe," I agreed.  Actually, I was far less enthusiastic about the Pillar itself than Kota.  Mostly, I just didn't like being separated from the guys.

Several new additions had been made to my calendar.  In the next two kaone, I would be testing with four other squads and going on missions with Fourth, Second, and Seventh Squads.  It was decided that enhancement by female Setari would only be as necessary, with briefest contact possible.  When I read that report, I had felt bad, but relieved too. I did want to help, but as one of the guys had said, "We do what we can." I could not change my reaction to girls touching me, at least not yet.  So I would work with those that I could.  As before, Fifth Squad was nowhere in my calendar.  North remained adamant that I would never have to deal with them again.

"You up for a swim today, Peanut?" Nathan asked when we finished breakfast.

I looked at Kota and Victor, asking, "Are we all going?"

Kota quickly glanced at Nathan, then said, "No, you two have fun.  Victor is coming with me to the Science Division.  Corey was a bit upset his calculation on the Pillar Space was off, but he was still far more accurate than the SD technicians.  The three of us are going to see if we can help correct their projection. Gabriel sent a message that you two have important business, so he will meet you later.  The rest have other things to take care of."

I smiled at Nathan, glad that things seemed better this morning between them.  I could enjoy the day knowing the boys had resolved their disagreement, especially since it had seemed to be over me. However, I did wonder what would become of us. The thought of losing any of them, even one of them, made my heart ache.
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A/n: Back by popular demand....we have Ghost! She wasn't going to show up for a couple more chapters, but I thought an appearance here was just right.  Enjoy!