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Metrios,” Osullivan said, puzzled, angry and half-despairing. He had grown quite fond of young Lyon. The boy had conducted himself extremely well and been as helpful as he could, way beyond the scope of his original assignment.
    â€œSomething happened while he was on board the
KTTS
,” Metrios said in a quiet, intense tone of voice.
    â€œHis ’Dinis went with him?” Osullivan knew that they had but he grasped at that one possibility of finding out what happened.
    â€œYes, sir, Ensign Menburia now reports that they slipped on board the probe before Prtglm or Lyon did.”
    â€œThey often went with him,” Anis said softly.
    Osullivan waved his hand to cut off discussion. The boy had used an escape pod after a trip to the
KTTS
in Prtglm’s company. The ’Dini was determined to return home in honor. Suddenly, Osullivan jumped to a conclusion he did not like, not any aspect of it and not for any reason.
    â€œLet us hope he can reach his family safely.”
    Everyone on the bridge turned to stare at their captain and then began to exchange shocked glances. Metrios propped his head in his hands and stared down at the lights running their normal patterns on his board. Just then, they gave him little consolation.
    *   *   *
    Captain Osullivan, this is Jeff Raven. Why is my grandson not in touch with us?
    Etienne Osullivan had been expecting some form of contact from the FT&T Prime ever since the time for the usual daily call had passed, and still more seconds ticked by.
    â€œEarth Prime, he is no longer on board the
Genesee.
We had hopes that he has made his way back to you, or his homeworld.” Osullivan spoke aloud so that the bridge crew would understand that he was communicating with the Prime.
    Surely you realize, Captain, that Rojer is not able to make such a long distance ’portation without assistance. What has happened to my grandson?
    â€œWe do not know, sir, and we are extremely worried.” The captain then detailed the known sequence of events leading up to the discovery of the missing escape pod. Then he cleared his throat. “Prime Raven, it is my belief, unsupported though it is, that Captain Prtglm may know either where Rojer is or why he left so abruptly. But the captain is unavailable. I request formal permission from Gktmglnt to board the
KTTS
and investigate.”
    That will be unnecessary, Captain, though the offer is certainly appreciated. I am informing the High Council of Prime Lyon’s disappearance. You may expect assistance shortly. Have the courtesy to await it
.
    â€œOf course, Prime Raven.” Captain Osullivan inclined his head in obedience to that directive and then sighed.
    Ask your medic for an analgesic, Captain. A direct send to a non-empath will produce an intense headache.
Raven’s advice was kindly, and something unknotted in Osullivan’s midriff.
    â€œSomeone’s coming,” he added, remembering no one else on the bridge had heard the message.
    â€œSoon?” asked Anis, her pretty face flushed with concern.
    â€œCan’t
be
soon enough,” Metrios said in a growl.
    â€œAye!” The single word of accord came from many directions around the bridge.
    The sound reverberated with acutely felt echoes and Osullivan retired briefly to his ready room to find a painkiller before his brain burst through his skull.
    *   *   *
    Precisely three-quarters of a very long hour passed before a glad message was relayed from the cargo deck.
    â€œPassenger pod aboard, sir.”
    â€œEscort the passenger to the bridge immediately, Ms. Menburia.”
    â€œNo need, Captain,” said a curt feminine voice, and the Rowan, a large dark grey ’Dini beside her, and Afra Lyon with a smaller ’Dini pair flanking him appeared on the bridge upper level.
    Osullivan shot to his feet and was halfway to the Rowan when she held up her hand to restrain his impulse. Once again he felt a