Chapter 6: Child of Mine

Kyan drank his coffee quietly as he enjoyed the peacefulness of the early morning. He could hear the birds twittering about, and felt the warmth of dawn on his face. It wasn't his habit to lament his blindness. In his mind, he could summon up an image that sufficed. This was the one time of the day that Kyan let himself just be. There was no need for games or masks. He was the only one here...or was he? There came the slight shuffle of feet behind him, and Kyan smiled.

"I let you hear me," a soft voice said.

He couldn't help but chuckle. So this was River Tam. "Thank you. That was very considerate."

"Everyone's nervous. They don't like what you do," River whispered. "Worth. You're always weighing what things are worth. Something lost, something gained. It all has to be worth it."

"It seems you understand, little one. Do you know what I am planning?" he asked.

"She knows, but she hasn't told. The girl thinks it's worth it. She's...," River paused. "I am willing to help, but I want something."

Kyan took another sip of coffee. "Name your price."

"No one dies. When the time comes, send the crew away. Keep them safe."

"I wish I could make that kind of promise, but I don't make promises that I can't keep. We have time," Kyan told her. He knew it would be useless to keep the plan from her. "I have five rendezvous points set up, and if at any time you want in or out, tell me."

"I'm leaving now." With that announcement, he heard the door close behind her.

Just maybe, that little girl was saner than they all thought. He hoped Thalia was on her best behavior with River. The two of them were less alike than he had assumed. Kyan would have to alter his plans a bit.

Kyan opened the face plate on his watch and felt the hands. It wasn't even seven yet. He thought back to when they had first taught him things like this. Sure, he could have bought a watch that read the time for him, but something about the old world elegance of the more traditional