Beyond the Empyreal Stars

32.

32.

Standing by the railing on the balcony level, Odette watched as the humans rushed though the common area with supplies and weaponry. At the center of everything were Graham and Carson, keeping track of everything on their HoloTabs and directing where everything needed to go, never skipping a beat.

It had been hours since Duke called for everyone in Grand Central to meet in the common area. At first, there had been notable confusion and even a little bit of fear. They noticed Odette standing by his side, even before he started talking.

He told them everything – his contact with Diana over the last five years, Duke and Odette's trip to D.C., their conversation with Diana, and, finally, Comae's message.

When they heard of Comae's threat of another war, they were understandably upset. Duke had trouble taking back control of the large group, but managed after a few minutes of questions thrown at him. He answered every one of them, though leaving the most frequently asked question for last.

What were they going to do when Comae had an army of tens of thousands and they only had a little over a few thousand able-bodied soldiers all over the world?

That was when he launched into the Alliance's plan for arrival the following day. Maybe too many were in shock they were on their way. There was total silence as he explained the plan for Alliance forces to be dispersed to each of the colonies on Earth to aid in the fight.

"We're going to win," he told them. "Alone, we wouldn't, but with the Alliance, we will. And after, we won't have to fear another attack because we will grow stronger. After, Earth will become part of the Worlds Alliance, just as it was going to before."

Again, many doubts were thrown in, but Duke had already started assigning people to certain jobs, which they had been doing for hours now. Many had already finished and were headed off to bed for what was going to be one of the last restful night's sleep for them all.

"You've been standing here forever, you know," Padric commented, coming up beside her then.

Odette turned her head to meet his eyes. "I should be doing something more useful, right?"

Padric shook his head, smiling. "No. You've done plenty."

"Where have you been?" she asked. "I have not seen you since we left the conference room and you went off with Tansy."

He reached up with a slight smile and rubbed the back of his neck, looking away from her. "I went with her to the infirmary to help her and Sara get things in order."

Odette turned and leaned back against the stone railing, crossing her arms over her chest. "I have noticed you spend quite a bit more time with Tansy recently."

It hadn't just been recently, though. Every now and then, she'd find them in quiet conversation in the hallways, or signing on for the same surveillance run through the city, or, even more recently, showing up to places together and staying close when in the same room.

"We're getting to know each other. That's all," Padric explained.

"I do not believe that is all, Padric," Odette smiled. "I think there is a little something there."

He was quiet for a long moment, eyes sweeping the common area below...and instantly finding Tansy in the crowd. When Odette turned slightly to see where he was looking, Tansy met his eyes and gave him a slight smile.

"Maybe a little," he admitted softly. "I'm not quite sure if she's feeling the same way, though." He took a deep breath, held it in, and slowly let it out. "Can't really do much about right now with another war looming, right? Not to mention we'll more than likely be going back to Terra after, too."