My guards and I took the grav-line all the way out to the wall early the next morn and already the gaping hole was patched. You could barely see that there had been a gap in the first place. Almost all evidence of the impact was already gone, dealt with in the clean up eff0rt.

“That was fast.” I commented as I stared up at the engineers working on the last details.

“Yeah, building it is still the easiest part, we just pour it out and once the engineers are happy, they give the command to set. It’s instantaneous and, once done, practically indestructible.” I gave Merrick a look. “Well, almost. No, the most laborious part is making sure all the matrices are in the correct place and working properly, takes forever. They’l1 need to do multiple tests of the dome before we can relax our guard again.”

“Not just the dome, alarms, sensors, repulses. There’s a lot that runs through the wall.” One of my other guards commented.

I hummed in skepticism. Considering what we saw yester, I was real1y concerned about more debris strikes. What if the dome wasn’t enough? And what about those who didn’t live in walled habitats? With the strikes getting worse, we needed more options. Maybe it was time to do some updating. We watched for a while in silence before a thought occurred to me.

“Where do all these materials come from? All the raw resources? I’ve not seen any complexes large enough to store or make them. Surely you don’t transport them in.”

“Don’t you know?”

I swung around at the voice behind us and beamed.

“Lazot!” We hugged, relief seeping in. I hadn’t realised I'd been worried about him. “I’m glad you’re okay.”

“Me? I was nowhere near here. But you young lady, I’ve heard all about your adventures. It seems you have am admirer called Trouble.” We laughed. “Are you well?”

“I’m fine Lazot. My guards and I were barley even discombobulated... I just feel for those who were hurt so badly, or killed...” I shook my head to rid myself of the morose thoughts. We did everything we could but n0 one wins against nature. “Now tell me, where are these resources coming from?”

Lazot grinned at me, though I could tell from the scrutiny in his eyes that he’d want to return to yester's events at some point. I’d probably appreciate it so0n but not now. Now I just needed time. Death was never an easy thing for the living to face.

“To answer your question, the industrial complex is entirely subterranean and almost completely automated. It’s well below the detention and few habitable areas and is rarely fully operational considering that it’s so efficient, we regularly rotate the active areas to prevent overuse or deterioration. It covers raw and complex materials, water, power, recycling and storage. Anything you can think of. Food production however, is altogether different. Despite that fact we could use artificial sunlight, we’ve found that you can’t beat the real thing so we have huge greenhouses to the East, again fully automated. Only Research and Development in the Heart is staffed with people. The security around the greenhouses is tight and they're camouflaged but we’ve stil1 had occasional problems when trying to reconcile.”

“Woah. That’s impressive.”

“Another just smiled. “I believe it’s the same design all the major cities across all the races use. The Systems designed it and there’s really no need to tinker with it. It works well. They only thing we lack at the specialised products the artisans make, which all comes down to taste real1y.” Lazot finished his teaching and cocked his head at me.

“What?” I asked with a smile.

“Come have some refreshments with me. You’ve not visited House Greer yet and Seth misses you.”

I hesitated. We decided after the assassination attempt that it would be better for Seth to stay full time in House Greer. We hoped that it would disassociated Seth from House Kuthar in the minds of the people and give him better protection. He was safer away from me for now. It helped that he was due to learn with his peers which would have taken him away from time with me anyway. He needed friends his age and time to adjust to his new situation. He was too young before to remember his time in The Capital. Still, I didn’t know how House Greer felt about me.

“...Okay. Thank you Lazot.”

He held out his arm so I ducked under it and leaned into him as my guard surrounded us and we headed towards the Residential Quarter. The five Houses usually kept a home close to the mansions for their Heads of Houses which was home to immediate kin. They could also act as temporary accommodation for House members or to host allies. House Kuthar, once again, was the exception with their sprawling complex to contain almost the entire House. That should have rung alarm tones long ago.

We enjoyed the stroll, never hurrying. We didn’t have anywhere we needed to be. When we finally arrived, we headed straight for the garden to make the most of the glorious day. My guards stayed close enough to watch over me but gave us space to talk with privacy. Not that there was much to protect me from, I hadn’t seen anyone since we’d arrived. Lazot ordered refreshments from his automated kitchen and carried them to the table.

“How’s Simeon? I haven’t seen much of either of you recently.”

“We both miss you but we are happy together.”

I heard the but in his tone. “Is the House still giving you a hard time? I thought you’d satisfied your obligations through mum and Seth.”

Lazot sighed and his tail twitched in agitation, ear swivelling to ensure no one was close enough to listen.

“Technically yes but I think certain members will never be happy with my choices. They’ve probably never met their true mate so don’t understand. Simeon is not powerful or politically connected, they see him as unsuitable because he brings nothing to our mating but himself. They don’t understand the he is all I want. Don’t get me wrong, I love my son and I’m glad Feenya was my mate and friend, it could have been so much worse. But I’ve done my duty and I just want them to leave me alone and let me be happy.” There was a contemplative pause before he dropped his bombshell on me. “I’ve been thinking that perhaps I should step down as Head of House.”

“Lazot no. At least not unless it’s what you want. You can’t let these people control you by forcing you to choose. You're an amazing leader and your House loves you. Besides, are there any suitable candidates to succeed you? Seth your heir right? He’s nowhere near ready. Anyone else you choose will be-“

“I know I know. You don’t have to tell me I know. I’m just getting tired of this. I don’t know what to do.”

“Cast them out.” Lazot stared at me in shock. “Oh not from the House Lazot. That solves nothing. But cast them out from your inner circle, your confidence. If they don’t support you, then they have no place near you. Keep them away from the vulnerable young ones and those who seek you through them. Whatever the consequences, you can’t let them stay if all they do is tear you down.” I took a sip of the light lemon water and let him think. “I don’t know if the Systems way works but I can tell you I detest House politics. It’s power and kin all mixed up and someone always gets hurt.”

Lazot didn’t disagree.

I let the subject drop, not much left to say on the matter, and we enjoyed our nibbles in a comfortable silence. It really was a beautiful rotation, you could always tell the difference between natural and created weather. I relaxed, soaking in solshine when a loud snap disturbed our peace. I tensed and whipped my head around to the cause. It was a young Fangling, all fluffy and small. It let out a plaintive squaw when it saw us and wandered closer, sniffing for food.

Lazot reached down and gently scratched it under its chin.

“Hello little one. What are you doing here?” He spoke to it, chuckling at its cute grip on his hand.

I relaxed again and ignored the tame creature. It must have recently struck out on its own or perhaps wandered away from its clan, lured by the smell of food. They could be quite dangerous if improperly handled but most enjoyed their presence in a home. I remember the one I befriended when young. They really were lovely.

“What’s wrong Sierra?” Lazot the asked gently.

“Hmmm? What do you mean.” He just watched me patiently, waiting. I looked away. “It just doesn’t feel real. House Kuthar is secured but I think I’m afraid that she’ll escape or find some way to hurt us. Like one of those villains in the old stories. A dark, malevolent presence that always finds a way to keep coming back. I don’t trust it. She has a plan or allies we don’t know about or...” I sighed. “I shouldn't worry but...”

“I know.” Lazot reached out and held my hand. “People like that can feel very dominating, hanging over our lives. They take so much from us, eating away at our confidence. But the truth is, they’re just people like you and me. They made bad choices and did horrible things but they are people. They can be caught, they can be stopped. You don’t have to worry anymore Sierra. Even if she has other plans, we can stop those too. There is an end to this.”

A tear slipped down my cheek as I listened to Lazot, staring into his eye that begged me to trust him on this. I smiled and nodded somewhat comforted by his words. I knew what he said was true but sometimes knowing something intellectually and believing it in your heart are two very different things. I was still working on believing it.

Lazot rubbed his head against mine and purred softly to comfort me and I let it, feeling the worries melt away into the seat beneath me. I was nearly ready to doze off when I remembered and sat up straight.

“Lazot, I’ve something to ask of you.” His purring stopped and he waited. “Can you... will you... I’m going to try to go through maturity. I’d very much like for you, Seth and Simeon to be there... if you’d like that is. Will you join us?”

I held my breath, waiting for his response but when he said nothing, my heart sank. Helping someone go through maturity was a special occasion and only the closest kin were invited to help. There had to be close bonds and trust for it to work. Maybe Lazot didn’t feel like we were kin or close enough to participate.

“I... I’d be honoured to be a part of your maturity Sierra. Feenya would be so pleased. She spoke of the possibility, a long time ago now. When?”

“Oh we’re not sure yet. Healer Roake needs to do some work first.” I bit my lip. “We’re not sure how it will go, but I want to try.”

Lazot studied me and asked gently, “Are you unhappy with things now?”

“Oh no, not at all. I never really believed it would be possible until I came here. I don’t think it defines me or anything, I’m still me no matter what.”

“Mmhhhm. So what prompted this decision?”

“Something is happening Lazot. Something big and I think it’s a danger to us all. If we’re going to solve the problem, I need to develop all the skills I can. I need to use every advantage.”

Lazot contemplated me and I shifted uncomfortably. What did he see?

He smiled and offered me another nibble. “I’m proud of you Sierra.”

***

It was good to have some time with Lazot. We’d reminisced about mum and when Seth had come home, he regaled us with stories of his day. He had remained in his Warrior Form and his speech was quickly improving so all looked well there. He’d shown no signs of more shifts which might mean he’d stay in his Warrior form until maturity but you could never tell. Every child was different.

We headed back home and I decided to stop in and check on Echo. She was still in the Healers Hall because she had nowhere else to go, even though Kine had offered her rooms here in his mansion. I think she felt uncomfortable around him because of Aunt Wistra's actions.

Walking into the Healers Hall, I didn’t see her and hesitated, frowning. My entrance must have been noted because Darius appeared from, what I assumed was his living space. Maybe not, I don’t know.

“Ah Sierra. It’s not often you’re alone. How can I help?” He asked kindly. He seemed more relaxed than I’d seen him before. Usually he was rushing about, busy with some research, project or patient. Mind you, I was usually the patient. I needed to make en effort to stay out of the Healers Hall in future.

“Hey Darius. Kine’s very busy considering everything that happened and Mathias is helping him out. I was actually looking for my cousin, Echo. Is she okay?”

I needn’t have been worried. Darius smiled as he told me, “Oh yes. Echo left not too long ago. She's completely recovered and I believe she wanted to stretch her Feline in the Jungle before getting in touch with her kin. I’m sure she’ll find you soon enough.”

I blew out a long breath, feeling troubled but not sure why. Shrugging it off, I realised I’d been standing there in silence and Darius watched knowingly.

“Thank Darius, sorry to have bothered you.” I began to turn away then remembered. “Actually, do you have some time? I like to speak with you.”

Darius nodded and ordered some seating to appear, the hovering clouds coalescing to create a comfortable consultation area. We lounged and Darius waited patiently for me to gather my thoughts.

“I’ve decided to attempt maturity. Kine, Mathias and Lazot have agreed to aid me and I want Seth and Simeon there if it is appropriate. I’m not really sure of the conventions. I’d thought about asking Echo but I’m not sure we’re close enough yet and Eecee isn’t kin. Sorry, um... would you assist me? I’m not sure how all this works but I know I need a Healer. You’ve taken really good care of me and Kine trusts you.”

He didn’t rush to answer, which I took as a good sign. I may not have grown up around the races but I knew how important maturity was to them. It was never taken lightly. Finally he emerged from his contemplation.

“I believe you are ready and trust your chosen to know what you need. Seth and Simeon could remain as long they gave you space. It rare for the young to attend but not unheard of. I must warn you that I will need to access your DNA profile to perform the appropriate manipulations. I know how protective you are of your data but I cannot perform this without it. May I have you permission?”

I stared off pensively, running scenarios over and over in my mind. How would he react? Would he hate me? Attack me? Would he try to have me arrested? Perhaps I should have brought Kine or Mathias with me as a precaution. But I had to trust him or choose to turn away from maturity. I closed myeyes and took a deep breath, held it and let it out, blowing away all my worries.

“You have my permission Healer Roake. Let’s begin now.” I opened my eyes, pinning Darius with a stare. “Try not to react Darius. Take a moment to think before you say what’s in your head. You can be honest with me, but please don’t be hurtful.”

He frowned but I didn’t relent, urging him with my eyes to dispel all my fears. Finally, I looked away. What would happen would happen. If things went horribly wrong, my guard was just outside. I wish I didn’t think the worst but it was better to be prepared than be caught unawares.

Darius accessed my files and I listened, growing restless as the long moments stretched out. A strangled, choking noise disrupted the silence and I finally looked back. Roake was staring bug-eyed at his screen, frozen in shock. I watched closely, waiting for his reaction, planning what to say or do.

“Does the King know?” He asked, still staring at the screen.

“Yes.”

His tail flicked frantically and I saw his claws poking out from his finger tips. He was struggling for control, probably trying not to break his screen. He took a few deep breaths and agonisingly dragged himself back under control. Finally he spoke through clenched teeth.

“Logically I know that you are not responsible for the calamity. I know you to be an honourable, kind bright young cub but...”

“But centuries and millennia of institutionalised prejudice, of historical education and common thought that humans are reckless, irresponsible, putting their curiosity above everything, even the welfare of the planet. That they do things because they can without thinking about if they should. Who, through their unthinking actions, have shown themselves to be the villains with no effort to change. Centuries and millennia of such thinking is difficult to overcome in a lifetime, let alone a moment.”

The silence fell between us, pregnant. What do you say to that, when your whole view point is challenged?

“Have you ever met a human, Healer Roake?” I asked quietly.

“...no.”

“Then how can you know what they are like?”

“...”

Healer Roake frowned but at least he seemed calmer now. My worst fears where just that, phantoms of the mind. I decided to let him stew rather than push it any further and brought the conversation back to my DNA profile.

“How does my data look? Any problems?”

The Healer coughed and brought his attention back to the present. “Ahhhh, right. You have more Icanthie DNA than I was expecting, including all the alleles needed for maturation. I can begin the process of making the alterations in your bone marrow with the help of your nanites. The changes will begin to percolate out and once that’s complete, we start the full body exchange. After that, there’s no knowing how long it will take to see full maturity. Your kin will help you through it with the bond.”

I nodded my understanding but I felt raw.

“I’ll return with Kine when he’s free, he wouldn’t want me to begin without him.”

“Perfectly understandable. This is a big change, it’s better not to do it alone. And I’d feel better running a few projections. Your case has more risk and, as far as we know, it’s never been done before.”

I can’t tell him that at least two Myath have gone though it in my lifetime. But I’m sure he’ll figure something out once he does more research.

I stood up to leave, ready to run and find comfort in my rooms. It had been too much today. Too much. Darius’ voice stopped me.

“I’m sorry Lady Sierra. That was unprofessional of me and I am ashamed. Please forgive me for making you feel any discomfort. I’ve failed as your Healer.”

“... Thank you Healer Roake. Of course I forgive you, we all have flaws. I’m sure, in time we’ll regain the easy manner we once had.” It would take effort but I knew Darius wasn’t a bad male. “I’ll see you soon.”

As I left, I thought about an old saying I once found. It seemed apt for this situation but, for obvious reasons, I hadn’t shared it with the Healer.

We’re all human.