The video clicked, rewinding done, and the screen cleared. Krelian watched again, chin resting on folded hands, as Fei and Elly argued in the square and ran when a guard approached to question them. Reports ticked by on the screen to his left, detailing their current whereabouts and displaying video footage where surveillance was available. It was almost good enough to inspire a laugh, but he satisfied himself with a smirk. Subtle as always, Lacan.

He'd given Elhaym more credit, but it appeared she didn't deserve it. Their attempts at stealth were clumsy, their behavior abysmal by the standards of Solarian society, and Fei was quite obviously an intruder, with his land-dweller clothing and dark coloring. What did they think they were getting away with?

The Imperial Guard was on its way to the Van Houten residence. Hyuga was waiting for them to return to the checkpoint on the second level. Either way, he would have his prey.

Your guilded cage is waiting, little bird. Will you fly in of your own will?

That would be so like her.

He leaned back in his chair and watched the playback again, fingers tapping the edge of the console. They were younger than he remembered. Their faces were thinner and more mature in his memory, Lacan's creased by sadness, Sophia's graced with a pale smile. It had been to his advantage that they met so soon this time, but it brought a tightness to Krelian's chest that never quite left him alone.

Made for each other. Miang's words were proven, though he'd known the truth already. Of course they were made for each other. Over the course of two hours he'd watched the way they clung to each other, supported each other in times of stress. He watched her abandon everything to follow him the instant she had the chance. There was no mistake - they even fought as he remembered.

Would they remember? Would his face bring their memories to the surface, or were their former lives hidden too deeply? He saw Fei's distant expression on the tape. It was Lacan's expression when he spoke of little girls with green hair and cities that rivaled Etrenank in their technological splendor. And it was gone in an instant, the spell broken by Elly's interference.

Krelian switched the screen off and glanced at the progress report scrolling across the screen to his right. They had reached Soylent, and were now making their way toward the palace proper. Soon he would have the answers to his questions.


~ Finished 5:20am, 06/19/04. 30 minutes.