Shards of Hope (Psy-Changeling 14)

“The squad owns acres and acres of land around the entire compound.” Cris’s clear voice broke into his memories, drew his attention to the map, though he already knew the location inside out. The squad’s ownership spanned the entire valley and the jagged snowcapped mountains that bordered it on either end. Those mountains curved in on both sides, creating a natural barrier against any force on foot.

It was part of the reason Zaid Adelaja, the first Arrow, had chosen the location for the first training compound. As a result of over a century of quiet moves by the squad to gain control of all land in the vicinity, there were no other structures, roads, or even comm beacons for fifty miles in every direction beyond the mountains.

“I assume the evacuation protocols are up-to-date?” Judd asked while Walker scrolled through the valley specs.

Nerida was the one who replied. The Tk had previously assisted with valley security, but Aden had recently promoted her to the primary position, her predecessor having asked to retire to a quiet place in the sun. “We can clear the children within an hour of any threat notification,” she said. “And the entire area is seeded with surface-to-air missiles and other security measures.”

“It won’t be enough if we intend to use the valley as our home base,” Zaira said bluntly from her position directly across from Aden. “We may want to build a family, but if and when the information leaks, others will see it as a threat or a target.”

It was an important point. No matter how much help Arrows had provided to the general population over the past months, they remained some of the most dangerous and feared individuals in the world. And fear could often turn people malicious as they sought to wipe out the cause of their fear. Aden was working on changing the world’s perception of the squad but it would take time—and regardless, they would always protect their children.

After a short discussion, Nerida and Axl took charge of coming up with a new and even more aggressive security protocol.

Aden, meanwhile, would handle telling the children what was to happen, how their living arrangements would change. No longer would they be in antiseptic dorms—all children were to be assigned to a family unit headed by two Arrows, though, as per Walker’s advice, the latter was to be a slow process. Under the plan, senior Arrows were to be treated as “uncles” and “aunts” with peripheral duties, rather than being in primary charge of the children, unless they requested otherwise and were judged ready for deeper contact and responsibility.

Vasic would start to connect with the youngest children, the ones who were least in control of their abilities but far more in touch with their emotions. His task was to be their point of contact, the one person they could go to without hesitation.

I’m not sure about this, Aden, the other man said.

I am. Vasic was one of the gentlest Arrows Aden knew, and he understood the vulnerable. He’d know how to calm their fears. Bring Rabbit. Your pet is a better icebreaker than any words you could say.

As for Walker, he and Cris would work together to assign compatible children and Arrows to one another, while Judd picked up most of Walker’s duties back in SnowDancer. Zaira was to provide assistance where needed, including liaising with “damaged” or recently retired Arrows in Venice and elsewhere around the world who might want to relocate to the valley as teachers or to build families. While a number were dangerous and unstable, many were just worn out, might well thrive in this new environment where they weren’t expected to be perfect soldiers.

The final member of the team, Amin, was placed in charge of organizing the new living spaces.

“The construction of the family units should be done by Arrows,” Nerida pointed out. “It’s the only way we can maintain security.”

Amin shook his head, the dark, dark brown of his skin gleaming in the light. “We don’t have the expertise.”

“Amin’s right,” Aden said, fully aware of his people and their capabilities. “We were only able to build the extension to Vasic and Ivy’s home because her father and several other community members oversaw the project.”

“DarkRiver is in construction.” Judd’s voice. “I know you won’t want an entire team in the valley, but they can construct the buildings elsewhere and Vasic, I, and the other teleporters can bring them in. Only the foundations would have to be laid.”

“We should agree on the most efficient parameters for the houses,” Amin began.

“They shouldn’t all be identical and starkly functional,” Walker interrupted. “Neither should you set them out in military-precise rows.”

Nerida was the one who voiced the critical question. “Why?”

“Because you don’t want the valley to look institutional.” Walker’s pale green eyes held each of theirs in turn. “You’re creating a permanent home.”

And a home, Aden thought, didn’t need to be only efficient. He glanced at Amin. “We can ask DarkRiver’s architects to personalize the homes in different ways.” They were much better qualified for the task. “Focus on making sure we’ll have the flexibility to accommodate diverse types of family groups—including those families that want to live together with others.”

Getting Amin’s nod, he turned to Vasic and Judd. “I need you two to speak to the other teleporters, make sure we have the capacity for the transfer.”

“It will have to be done in pieces,” Vasic said. “But we should be able to put the pieces together as long as DarkRiver is willing to give us instructions.”