Puk and Yito were a breath of fresh air.

"Movie nights?" I asked, trying to keep the bemusement from my voice. "You're speaking to the Co-Emperor of the Concerted Empire of Iona Pax, and you're requesting a monthly movie night?"

Yito nudged Puk. "I told you this was silly."

Puk shook his head, adamant. "No. We need to keep this crew together. A movie night is a perfect excuse for all the traveling peeps to roll in and spend some time with the home bodies. And honestly, after spending two months on a rock while Matt tried to guess Armageddon, I learned the Shadow are sorely lacking in pop culture education. I'm not requesting this. I'm demanding it." He pointed at the floor to emphasize his point.

My brows shot up. "Well, I can tell you're serious, gentlemen. Aren't you about to leave with Matt and Lucy on an adventure off-Sphere?"

Yito came clean. "I've gone several millions of years without a partner, and while I enjoy Ginger and Morning Star's company, sometimes they remind me of how deprived I am."

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Puk nodded vigorously. "It's true."

I was getting the full picture. "So you would like an excuse to come home and have opportunities to socialize. You know you don't have to go with them, right?"

"I love every second of it, but one night a month for some company would do me some good. If you get my meaning, sir." Puk tacked on the 'sir' as if he'd just realized who he was talking to. The Mon3 drone even stood a little straighter, near attention.

I bit my thumbnail, feigning contemplation. Added some pensive nods... "Yes. I think we can do that. I believe Matt and Lucy would like the challenge of balancing their work with a regular social life as well. And it'll be good for Bethany to maintain contact with her brother and sister.

"Yes. Movie nights. Once a month. I'll make it official."

The two high-fived each other hard enough to ring through my study before they both seemed to remember in whose audience they were lingering.

"Oh, sorry. Thank you, sir."

They both nearly tripped over themselves on their way out.