His personal involvement, and the daily discomfort of stumping around the offices on his prosthesis, made the slow and methodical pace of the investig...ation an irritant. The only bright spots were his regular letters and the occasional video message, from Kat. She had graduated, was now working with Helios in the Beta sector and, though she couldn't put specifics into her messages, she was also stuck in an office doing research. She was even more action-oriented than Pan was and they could. "Mom is everything ok? You seem a little strange" you asked worriedlyYour mom's sweet voice seeped through the phone "No, honey everything's fine here" She pauses for a few seconds like she trying to determine what to say "It's just, such short notice, but we're all so excited to have you back where you belong" She sniffs quietly before continuing "I've missed you so much sweetie" her voice almost sounds a little desperate.Either way, you can't help stop the grin that spreads across your face,. ’ I actually need to get back home and clean up and go out tonight.”“Jackie Carruthers?” asked his brother.“Her cousin, Missy. She’s a very nice girl.”“Oooh, you’ve got a date? Good for you. Well, maybe we’ll give you a rain check. Thank you anyway.” She hadn’t shared the two brothers since that first time, when she had popped Rusty’s cherry, and a threesome would have been an interesting change of pace. She pouted theatrically at Jeremy, then kissed him on the cheek. She turned back towards. “Forget it.”Astra’il looked up. “There’s something Isaya told me. ‘There are no stupid questions. Only stupid people refusing to learn.’”Borna unpacked a tent. “Fine. I’m a bit surprised you and Gael get along so well. I mean ... he’s a surface elf, you’re from Below. Everything I’ve read suggests you should be at each other’s throats. Hereditary enemies and all that.”Astra’il sighed. “I harbor him no ill will, even if his kind did take my lover from me. Someone has to lay down their arms first.