Dinner was roasted sandcrab, rambazi wine and several other Malkathian delicacies that Nico hadn't had in ages. When they were done eating and the dishes cleared, it occured to him to ask, "How did you get all this food?" "We are stuck here in orbit. There is replicated food, but we all tire of that. We've been dealing with Lord Suleimon of the Waura. You know Nico, he remains on your side. He provides us with this food from the world below." "It occurs to me that someone of your crew who is dealing with Lord Suleimon is also making a little side trip to Shanbala to visit with Rama Kahn," Nico said. "Didn't you always wonder how he sends bounty-hunters after me when I'm out here?" Merlinus frowned, tugging at his braided beard, and sighed. "You know, I think you're on to something. There have been some...oddities there. Frankly, you've been the least of my worries while you were elsewhere Nico, but now that you're here...." "You must let him go back to Terra, like he wants," Damon demanded. "Get him far away from here. This way, Kahn will not feel threatened - at least not by him. Out here, he can still be a threat. I can take care of myself. It is him I worry for!" "That is exactly my plan," Merlinus replied, smiling slightly. "However, I have only two stipulations Nico. One, you must do your best to lay low and stay out of trouble. Two, if you go, you must go with Lt. Brennan and remain with her. Frankly, I fear for her safety as well as your own. Together, you can have one another's back. In fact, you will all be going to Terra shortly, returning with Hope. Ruby knows some people there - and I use the term loosely, from what she tells me. I want you to know them, and I want them to see Damon. They may be instrumental, not only in providing you with some backup Nico and Hope, but perhaps they can 'see' where the last Old One is. According to Ruby, they say they can do things like that." Ruby winked at Hope, as the men were busy talking. "Didn't you say you needed some help with your farm?" "You have a farm?" Nico turned to her, a bit astonished. "It needs much work. You are fine with this situation, Nico?" "More than fine with it!" It would almost be like home...not to mention, he did like her - alot! "We can have horses?" "We can," Hope smiled. "I make good money stationed out here, but no place to spend it," she shrugged. "So I save it to have myself something for when I go back." "Good, then that is settled!" Merlinus took a drink of wine and smiled. "I'm a crafty old fart and I take care of my own. I've been studying your family for so long, I have adopted what is left of you. Good. Ruby...," he turned to her, "I think perhaps it is time you knew who is your biological father." Ruby drew back, not expecting this. "Nico? Would you tell her?" Nico was silent for a moment, all eyes on him. "He was my best friend, my wife's brother, Sandori. When Merlinus first rescued me from our world, Sandori was with me. We all know Merlinus always takes samples. Sandori wanted to kill Ramyan too for what he did to his sister. I stayed, but Sandori wanted to return. He was killed within a week of returning. He'd made it all the way into the palace.... I stayed, through all the time you were growing until you were born - for him and for myself." ***** Here, you finally meet Merlinus. I've had him done for awhile but was still sort of tweaking him. Very happy with how he came out. He looks like I've always pictured him. He's a few thousand years old himself. His people, the Cygnans are from a planet year the star Albiero in the constellation we know as Cygnus. Thank you so much for your views, comments and faves dear friends! They are much appreciated, as is your own incredible and inspiring art! May you have a beautiful week! Cheers, Ray