{Ishkur | John’s Iona}

Chris inspected his military dress, hanging in the closet. He’d located it on Earth for this special occasion. To think, General Korac had invited the entire Concerted Empire of Iona Pax to the wedding.

What a security nightmare.

As Jack’s Chief Security Officer, this was a protocol disaster. Chris and Colton spent months preparing for all the elected kings to gather, but Xelan and Tameka’s Primary team had assured them every precaution was taken. The ceremony was secure.

“Chris, are you in there?” Karter called before peering into the closet. “Hey, handsome. Are you ready to nab Echo from the groom?”

Chris smiled at her. She was glowing and didn’t know it. Motherhood suited her, and Chris couldn’t be more elated that Korac turned out to be her son. He glanced at the door to the King Elect’s suites. “Yeah, Jack and Ross will be awake before too long. What do you think?” He gestured to the uniform.

Karter beamed. “I think you’ll look very distinguished at the ceremony.”

That’s what Chris was going for—

A hint—a touch of the darkness tried to creep into his thoughts. A whisper of Celindria’s voice in his ears, telling him what she thought of the uniform. But no. Practicing some meditation techniques he’d learned from the Yun, Chris pushed the trauma back. The monster wasn’t welcome here.

Chris smiled, and Karter took his hand. He followed her to the shrine housing the special Shadow conduits, and they stepped through the one leading to Korac’s chalet.

The tall Icarean General answered the door in silk jammies and a matching cap on his head.

In the background and out of sight, Pehton cried, “Oh, no. No! Not my feathers!”

Chris felt his eyes go wide.

Karter glanced at him and burst into hearty laughter.

Korac smirked. “Don’t mind her. She’s being a drama queen.”

If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

“I will end you!” Pehton sounded serious.

Korac chuckled, and it was a good sound Chris had noticed Korac was making more often lately.

Without ceremony, Karter reached up and pulled her son in for a hug. “I’m so happy the day is here.”

The Iona General squeezed his mother, and Chris excused himself, taking a step down into the expansive living space. The low couches surrounding multiple fire features offered cozy perches for reading and snuggling. Like at Chris’ place in John’s Iona, the electronic media appeared on screens summoned anywhere within a nanite field, and it was adjustable to the desired size for viewing.

It blew Chris’ mind to remember he’d started with picture tube TVs and antennae.

On Earth.

Korac gestured upstairs. “Echo’s in her crib, if you want to get her.”

Chris perked up as Karter glanced between the two men in the room. She took the hint and headed to the nursery off the master suite, while Korac descended into the space with Chris. When the half-Aegis moved, Chris could actually see Karter in him, comfortable in their long limbs and ready to fight at any given moment.

On his way over, Korac said, “I’m three millions years old.”

Yeah. Every time someone reminded Chris of how bizarre their lives were, he did the big blink and shook his head. What could he say? He went for, “It’s quite the lifespan.”

“I would still appreciate some advice on my union day, if you have any to give.”

Was… Was the Iona General reaching out to Chris as a paternal figure? How should he respond? He peered at the man who looked no older than twenty-five in Earth years and thought of the advice he’d want on his wedding day.

A few things came to mind. Chris said, “Do whatever she says. She’s always right. Give her chocolate when she gets cranky. And trust her to know what she wants, except whatever you’re having for dinner. Then you’re shit out of luck.”

A long pause followed, filling the living space with assessing consideration.

Eventually, Korac smirked, saying, “You’ll do just fine.”

It was a surprising thing for him to say, and Chris took it for the compliment it was.

Karter appeared then, holding the most precious bundle of whistling baby. With Echo in her arms, the Valkyrie was radiant.

The glow was catching, as Korac gave Echo his finger to grip. He said, “Thank you for watching her during the ceremony and the honeymoon.”

Chris waved him off. “You couldn’t give her enough excuses to babysit.”

Karter beamed at him for speaking the absolute truth. Then she gave Korac an incredulous look. “Poor Pehton is upside down. What are subjecting her to in there?”

“Pure. Torture!” Again, Pehton’s torment sounded authentic.

Chris chuckled when Korac winked at his mother. Baby Echo cooed and whistled, encouraging her father.

“Oh, there’s my little girl. Don’t forget she needs this.” Korac handed over a bag and a jingling toy. “And take this, it’s her favorite. And sing to her, but on pitch. She gets fussy if you’re off key…”

This was what they’d fought for. The little moments of warmth and care.

This was Iona Pax, and they were its Shadow.