Sagan announced Pablo and Lynn next. I hugged them both and didn't hesitate to say, "I am so proud of you."

Lynn stepped back, hands on her pregnant stomach, and beamed. "Yeah. That's all I needed to hear."

Pablo smiled and agreed. "We don't really need anything. We only wanted a little time with you. And..."

"We wanted to invite you to the naming ceremony," Lynn finished.

Judging by her size, it was a week away at the most. For those smiles, I could spare the time. "We'll be there. I'm sure Aria, Torch, and all of our security teams will fuss, but this is essential. Have I mentioned again how happy I am for both of you?"

A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

Happy they survived the last few years, and here I was keeping a most dangerous secret.

You shake your head, reminding me, "You'll tell them. I know they'll come to understand once the concern passes. The Shadow are constructive in their criticism. We've learned lessons from each other's mistakes, and that's how we've survived Imminent."

I hope so, Rayne.

We discussed the ceremony, Lynn's research on the defense weapons throughout Ishkur, and Pablo's latest efforts for public health education throughout Iona Pax.

It was easy going until Lynn asked, "Have you discovered who stole the shipments of Pil platinum?"

I looked into their honest and open eyes, swallowed, and said, "I plan to address the matter with everyone here soon." I know my smile wasn't nearly reassuring enough, but Lynn, Elden bless her, gave me another hug before the pair left my study.

I called out to Sagan, "Please send in the next."