Shadick sat at the small table in their dwelling, playing with Carrie's hair as she sat on his lap. Their infant lay sleeping in a carrier at their feet.
His comm link buzzed, showing someone was trying to contact him. Shadick pulled the small device out of his pocket and lifted it to his mouth to answer. "This is Squad Commander Shadick," he stated into the small device.
"This is Council Leader Vorik. Are you alone?" Vorik's voice stated over the small communication device. His question shot out before Shadick could react.
"I am in my dwelling with my mate and son," he responded slowly. "There is no one else here with me." He couldn't help the evenness of his tone. Although Vorik was a good leader, he couldn't get past the day he gave Carrie the truth serum, which killed their unborn baby and nearly killed her. If it weren't for Medic Kaul's quick work, she would not have survived that day.
