Chapter 13: Looking West

The next dawns bright and early for us; as Melville has called an emergency session of the Council, there are many tired and grim faces at the table today. Nimrod insists that I accompany them. I think he doesn't want me to get any extra sleep when they are going to be busy all day.

It is with some grumbling I get up and follow the two over to the library.

Too my surprise Rich is already there along with Catherine and Diana. It looks like we are going to get a full briefing today.

Giving Nimrod and Saul quick kisses I take up a stance behind their seats.

Diana gives me a nod of greeting, Catherine only frowns darkly at me. Rich comes over to me, he is full of dark curiosity.

"Hello Chronos." He says, giving me a cautious wave. "I thought I saw you out on the field yesterday. then Billy Ray said you beat him up again." he gives a chuckle at this. It seems he is not the least bit angry at me for hurting his son. But then the boys seem to always be fighting so this can be nothing new.

"Yes, We got back late 2 nights ago," I cross my arms over my chest rather than wave back at him. I am not sure how much I trust him much less like the man. "is every thing alright with Brin and Emma?" Asking after his daughter and wife.

"They're fine. I left them with the Killmick group." He answers me amiably enough, but his expression is one of careful neutrality.

"The Killmick should be happy to have them." I agree. "What are you doing here, Rich?" I get out the question that has been bothering me since I learned that all these new people have come to the Compound.

"I did some thinking." He crosses me to lean against the wall than mimics my position. Arms folded over chest and one leg propped up against the wall. "More than what you said. I talked with Emma." He sighs deeply as he mentions his wife. "I have been an ass for the last 20 years. We could have done more. I could have done more for my family." He looks over at me to see if I am going to respond to any of this. I only gaze back at him quietly. Trying to leave my face blank, but I think some where he sees what he needs and continues.

"The boys were impressed with how you ladies fought. I was impressed with the fact that you, Chronos seemed to know what questions to ask, Even if you are a H.K. I can see you have made your home with these people. I have spent the last 20 years hiding. Not meeting my neighbors. What I have learned in the last week has opened my eyes."

"I am not a H.K. I am Chronos. I am Pledged to the universe." I mutter under my breath. "Good to know." I say out loud. "Now who has your loyalties?" I come right out and ask. I am starting to think that I have no time for subtitles. "I know you still think of the empire as home. but is that really true. 20 years is a long time Rich. You only ran, you did not think about living." I lift my hand to stall his protest. "Look how you, you did not help raise your children. You did not do much more than get by. Now, Now you see that there is life out side of the empire. Now you want to make a better world."

I cock my head to one side, frowning at him. He is a hypocrite and I want him to understand that.

"You don't pull any punches." All the air seems to go out of him as he realizes I am right. "I was a shit because I thought; hell I didn't know what I thought. I get that now. I am trying." Rich looks at me in hopeful apology.

"I am not the one who needs to know that. You have people depending on you now."

He shrugs and drops his hands to his side. We both look up as Melville enters the council room. He is followed by Jekyll and Napoleon. The two of them arguing over his shoulder. Melville seems to ignore them as he looks around the room, Making note of the people he needed to hear from.

"Enough." He says over is shoulder to the angry pair. "It looks like every one is here. Let's get started." He takes an empty seat and gestures for them to sit as well.

Moving away from me, Rich looks sullen as he too takes a seat.

"Hello Richard." Melville nods to Rich. "I think you know why you are here, yes?"