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Pain was not what he wanted to open his eyes to, but he wasn’t entirely sure what happened. He let out a low groan. “Kuen?” Fiera was at his side in an instant.

“Fury, what happened?” Kuen asked, noting the dark circles under her eyes.

“My da shot you in the back, damn near collapsed one of yer lungs,” Fiera said. “Nev fixed the lung, but it was full of clots. We’ve had you on meds for six days.” She sat down carefully beside him.

“Six days?” Kuen stared at her. They’d kept him under for that long? His lung must have been seriously damaged.

“Yeah. Nev said keeping you out was better, easier on your lung.” She wasn’t looking at him. Something was wrong.

“Fury, how bad off am I?” Kuen asked.

“You’ll live, and most of the clots are broken up and bein’ absorbed now,” Fiera said. She still wasn’t looking at him.

“Fiera.”

Her luminous teal eyes met his. “It’s my fault.”

“What is?” Kuen asked.

“You gettin’ shot. I’m the one who wanted you t’stay on Sorus. If I’d just let you go like you wanted you wouldn’t be hurtin’ like this,” she said, the words soft and so full of pain it broke Kuen’s heart to hear them. “If – if you want t’leave after this, I’ll understand.”

Kuen managed to catch one of her hands in his. “Fiera, I knew coming out here was a risk. I didn’t expect to be shot by your father. But I knew I could be taken down by someone just for being Core.” He brought her fingers to his lips and kissed them. “Do you want me to leave?”

“No.” She was still so quiet, so frightened. “I want you t’be with me fer the rest of our lives. But I’m scared, Kuen. Da might try it again. Or get someone else t’do it.”

He tugged on her hands, and she obliged him by lying down beside him. He held her against his chest. “My phoenix, we’re both a mess, aren’t we?” he asked with a pained chuckle. “Both injured, both scared – and yes, I’m scared too – and both probably feeling quite pathetic right now.”

Fiera choked on her laugh. “Yeah, that sums it up pretty good.”

“What a pair we make.” He kissed her forehead. “I’m not going anywhere. We have a farm to run, don’t we? And we still have a long future of children to raise so your ma can spoil them rotten.”

“I think she’d like that, though we’re not ready for them yet,” Fiera said. One of her hands found the chain he wore her ring on. “Kuen, what’s this chain?”

“Your ring. I plan on putting it back on your finger on the day we do finally officially marry,” Kuen said. “Your ma said something like this would be acceptable out here for that.”

“Long as we’ve known each other? That ring’s perfect fer us,” Fiera said, touching his face with one hand. He covered her hand with his. “Kuen, do you still love me?”

“I love you with all my heart, Fiera,” he said. “Broken and mangled as it is.” He leaned in to kiss her forehead again.

Fiera lifted her face and the kiss fell on her lips. She kissed him back with care for their mutual injured state but the same kind of deep passion they’d once shared. “I just wanted you t’know the feeling was the same,” she whispered when they broke apart.

He held her close until Neven walked in the room. “Hope you two aren’t getting’ up t’any mischief, Fury. Neither of you are ready for that right now,” he said.

“Not enough energy fer it, Nev,” Fiera said without moving. “You need me t’roll off?”

“No, I can walk around t’the other side. You two need the time together. You’ve been sleepin’ on the floor and when a couple’s separate fer too long it wears on them,” Neven said.

He ran a scanner over Kuen. “So? Are all the clots gone?” Kuen asked.

“Yes. All the clots are gone. The gunshot’s healin’ up good too. Don’t expect t’have much stamina though. It took a lot of yer own natural resources just t’get yer body workin’ properly again,” Neven said.

“Looks like most of the work on gettin’ the farm up and runnin’ is goin’ t’be on me and Gaspare,” Phelix said from the door. “Can these two handle the housework while we do the farm work, Nev?”

“So long as you don’t expect them t’wrangle littles or haul heavy loads I’ll let them pass,” Neven said.

“No littles, and no heavy liftin’,” Phelix promised. He glared at Fiera. “You heard him, Fury. Until he clears you, no heavy liftin’.”

“Hey, I’ll behave. I don’t want t’end up bedridden again. Don’t like bein’ stuck doin’ nothin’,” Fiera said.

“All right, Kuen. It’s quiet in the house right now. Only reason Flicks is here is ‘cause he’s grabbin’ a few more things t’take up t’the new house. They got it finished in record time after you got shot,” Neven said. “I’m goin’ t’let Fury handle you. Get up and go take a shower. If you can do that, I’ll let Gaspare take you up t’the farm tonight.”

“It’s that close to being ready?” Kuen asked.

“Only reason we’re not up there now is ‘cause we’re waitin’ on a special order bed fer you and Fury,” Phelix said. “Nothin’ in the shops was long enough.”

Kuen grinned. “I know my height makes things difficult. Thanks for looking out for me.”

“Ah, yer our brother now in everythin’ but legalities,” Phelix said, shrugging. “We didn’t see why we shouldn’t take care of you. Fury, me and Gaspare will be back in about two hours. If he’s strong enough, we’ll take both of you up. You should see the house too.”

“Okay Flicks,” Fiera said. Phelix sauntered off. The creak of the stairs told them he was gone. Neven patted Kuen’s arm and left as well.

“Want to try to sit up?” Fiera asked.

“In a moment,” Kuen said. “Right now I’m enjoying this.”

“We need t’get you washed up before everyone gets home,” Fiera said, though she didn’t move either.

“I know. I just have a feeling this wasn’t happening while I was being treated and I want a minute more with you,” Kuen said, holding her close. He buried his nose in her hair. “You still smell like Himostava cookies.”

Fiera laughed. It sounded a bit hysterical, but it was a real laugh. “Ma uses some of the spice oils in the shampoo we use. She makes that too.”

“You are going to have to teach me how to do that. I’d like to know how to make my own soap and shampoo,” Kuen said.

“I’ll be glad to. I might see if ma’s got some ingredients we can snag so we can make our own while we’re stuck sittin’ in the house. It’s a long process, doesn’t require any heavy liftin’ since it’s just the four of us, and would be good practice,” Fiera said.

She finally sat up. Kuen took a deep breath and let her help him into a sitting position. He was a little light-headed but managed to keep from passing out. “What are we going to do if I’m too dizzy to stand?” he wanted to know.

“Then I guess we aren’t goin’ t’the farm today,” Fiera said.

“I sincerely hope I can stand because I want to see what those two have been up to,” Kuen said.

“I haven’t seen them for more than breakfast and dinner,” Fiera said. “They’re there from pretty much just after dawn t’just before dark. They switch out the skimmer they rent ‘round noon so they’re not keepin’ the same one all day. Can’t be cheap though. It’s probably eatin’ into our farm funds.”

Kuen stood and steadied himself against the wall. His legs were shaky, but the dizziness passed quickly. Fiera grabbed some clean clothes for him and the two slowly limped down the hallway to the bathroom.

Fiera smacked the shower twice for him so he could have a slightly longer one before they ventured down the stairs. Alena grinned to see them both come wandering over to the table. “Nev said feed both of you like you hadn’t eaten in a week,” she said. “Considerin’ Fury’s been pickin’ at her food, and you’ve been on liquid nutrients, it’s been about that long fer both of you. Sit, eat.” She put a plate of food in front of each of them. “If yer still hungry after that let me know.”

The portions were modestly sized and Kuen polished his serving easily. He looked up at Alena. “I think I’m still hungry,” he admitted.

“Same here, Ma,” Fiera said.

Food was spooned out onto their plates and fresh glasses of juice were set at their places. “Here you go.” She turned around, but not before Kuen and Fiera noticed how pale and shaken she looked.

“Ma, what’s wrong?” Fiera asked.

“Fury, Herry told me what’s got him tied up in so many knots right now. It took Thea pushing him, but he finally fessed up to somethin’ that I don’t know if I should be mad or proud of the boy fer,” she said.

“What is it, Ma?” Fiera asked as she continued eating.

“Herry’s been sneakin’ food and clothes to yer da fer a good few months now. It wasn’t yer da’s idea, but he let Herry do it ‘cause he knew the boy wanted to,” Alena said. “Turns out Herry is in denial about what yer da did and wants desperately to believe he’s a good person. But after he shot Kuen he can’t believe it anymore. It’s eatin’ him up inside and there’s nothin’ I can do. I took the trellis down so Herry can’t sneak out anymore, but the damage is already done.”

“Can Thea do anythin’ fer him?” Fiera asked, setting her fork down.

“She’s workin’ with him. She says he’s so young he should bounce back, especially if he sees Kuen up and movin’ around. He’s scared he’ll be blamed for Kuen’s injuries ‘cause he didn’t rat out his da,” Alena said.

“I don’t blame Herry at all,” Kuen said.

“Will you tell him that, Kuen?” Alena asked, turning around. “You too, Fury?”

“I don’t blame him either, Ma, and I’ll tell Herry that soon as I see him,” Fiera said. “It’s all da’s fault. Herry had nothin’ t’do with it.” She paused and then sighed. “I saw da once too, Ma.”

“I figured he might have tried t’talk to you,” Alena said. “I also know why you didn’t tell me. I don’t mind. Not yer fault. That man gets under yer skin, doesn’t he, Fury?”

“He does, Ma. But I’ll tell you plain. Da’s dead if he gets in my crosshairs. I can’t pound him like I want but I can still shoot him,” Fiera said, picking back up her fork and shoving another bite of food into her mouth.

“Wing him. Let the Core have him,” Alena said. “They’ll be way nastier than we could ever be.”

“Normally I would argue against doing something like that,” Kuen said with a growl. “In this case, I think a quick death is too easy a punishment.”

Fiera looked at him. “Okay then. I’ll take out his leg. He can’t run if his knee won’t bend. We’ll catch him and turn him over t’the Core troops. Maybe it’ll help the planet out if we turn him in.”

“It can’t hurt,” Alena said. “And I hope that skybrained bastard is listenin’ in at the windows and hears us ‘cause I want him sweatin’ after everythin’ he’s put us through.”

Kuen and Fiera finished eating. Instead of going back upstairs the two stayed down and helped Alena clean the kitchen. Fiera asked about the soap making ingredients and the trio went through Alena’s vast store of oils to find the ones they wanted. The rest of the ingredients were carefully sealed in containers so they could be transported over when the last few items were dropped off.

Thea came in a short while later, Herry on her heels. He saw Kuen and froze. “Hey Herry,” Kuen said, as if nothing was wrong. “You look like you’ve had a busy day.”

Herry squeaked. Fiera sighed. “Herry, me and Kuen don’t blame you one bit fer what happened. It’s all on da. You had nothin’ t’do with it. Now come here and get a hug from yer big sister.”

Herry ran across the room and threw himself into Fiera’s arms, crying. Kuen wrapped his arms around them and held them both. Herry wrapped one strong arm around Kuen.

“You really don’t hate me?” Herry asked in a small voice, looking up at Kuen.

Kuen dropped down to his knees so he was closer to the boy’s level. “Of course not. Herry, do you love your da?” Herry nodded slowly. “You wanted to help him, didn’t you?” Herry nodded again. “Did you know he was going to do something so stupid like shoot me?” Herry shook his head violently. “Right. You just tried to make sure he had food and clothes. You’re not to blame for what he did.”

“You know what he did on the Lusitania, Herry,” Fiera said. Herry nodded slowly, looking miserable. “You know I blamed myself fer that one, right? Like, if I hadn’t agreed to his skybrained scheme those people wouldn’t have died.” Herry stared at her, wide eyed. “I figured out a while back that it wasn’t my fault. I don’t control da. Only he can control himself, and he doesn’t do that too well when it comes to anyone from the Core.”

“Sometimes people we love do bad things. It’s not our fault and we can’t blame ourselves since we can’t control them,” Kuen said.

“You really aren’t mad at me?” Herry asked.

Kuen hugged him. He wasn’t used to children, but this seemed to be what the boy needed. Herry hugged him back. “Not at all,” Kuen said. “As I said, you just wanted to help your da. You didn’t mean for him to do this.”

“Like I said, I’m not mad either, Herry. Yer a good kid. You want to help family, like we taught you, and da is still family even when we’re mad at him. So you tried to help,” Fiera said.

“Thanks Fury. Thanks Kuen,” Herry said, sniffling and smiling.

“Now, get upstairs and clean that room before I decide I’m mad at you,” Alena said firmly. Herry giggled and ran up the stairs, taking them two at a time.

“Thanks, you two,” Thea said. “He really needed t’hear that.”

“Ma told us he did,” Fiera said as Kuen moved back into his chair. “Thing is, we’re not mad at him. He really is a good kid. He can be a bit thick at times, but we all were at his age.”

“You more than most,” Alena said with a snort.

“That’s why I recognize the problem,” Fiera said with a shrug. “You can’t say I didn’t learn as I got older, Ma.”

“No, you definitely got smarter the older you got,” Fiera said.

“So long as Herry gets the chance t’grow up he’ll get some brains too,” Fiera said. “Let’s be honest. We all had our stupid moments when we were that age. Me, Flicks, Marc, Nev, Minnie, Teigue, we were all a handful. I was just the one who had t’be hauled off to the DC on a regular basis.”

“At least he’s not that much of a problem. They’d prob’ly just shoot him these days,” Alena said sourly.

“They what?” Fiera asked.

“Those deemed too much trouble are killed by CAF specialists, Fury,” Thea said, a haunted look in her eyes. “I heard the stories of what you and the others were like. You’d have been dead before yer thirteenth birthday under the Accords.”

“Fury, I swear, if we ever get a chance to do something about those frakking laws we are changing them,” Kuen snarled, startling the women. “Gunning down children for being wild, regardless if they’re fighting or not, is murder.”

“At least we agree on that one,” Alena said grimly.

“Do you think you’ll ever be able t’change them, Kuen?” Thea asked.

“If someone gets lucky and takes out that woman, maybe,” Kuen said. He would never call her his mother again. Alena was right. Just because he shared half his genetics with her did not mean she deserved that honor. “I’m her only child so by law I inherit everything. I can put her wealth to good use in changing laws. Not by buying votes, but by funding actual studies, paying to restore Colony worlds, things like that.”

“Then let’s all hope someone gets lucky soon,” Alena said. “Or there might not be anythin’ left of the Colonies to save.”

Kuen put a hand on Fiera’s shoulder. He could feel her shaking. He leaned forward. “Breathe, Fury. Blue is only a good color for you when you’re wearing a dress,” he said.

Fiera choked and laughed, slapping him lightly on the arm. “I can’t punch you. You bruise too easily right now.” Her expression spoke volumes. “Thanks, Kuen.”

“We all need a laugh sometimes, Fury,” Kuen said.

Gaspare came through the door. “Oh good, you’re up. Have you eaten?” he asked.

“We just finished,” Fiera said.

“Great. Let’s get you out to the house. If we can get the skimmer back before sundown, we won’t be charged the full price. This has been expensive. Good thing your ma knows who to talk to for good deals on the rentals,” Gaspare said.

Alena shrugged. “I know people who owe me favors. They can afford t’cut their prices a bit t’help you four out,” she said.

Fiera and Kuen snagged the soap making stuff and joined the other two in the skimmer. “The bed still isn’t there, so we’ll have t’go back to ma’s farm,” Phelix said. “Shop says tomorrow fer sure. They’re throwin’ in some custom beddin’ ‘cause it was supposed t’be ready today. Their craftsman got kicked into the DC and they had t’bail him out so that’s why they’re a day behind. His wife’s makin’ the sheets and his daughter’s puttin’ together a couple blankets.”

“Wonderful,” Fiera muttered. “We’re startin’ out great. Kuen and I can’t do farm work. Our bed is delayed. Things are gettin’ messy already.”

“Don’t worry about the farm work, twint. You two can mind the house and the garden,” Phelix said. “Gardenin’ isn’t heavy liftin’. I’ll measure out the stuff you need in the mornin’ before we go. Or Gaspare will with me watchin’. We’ll manage until Nev gives you two a clean bill of health.”

“You think he ever will?” Fiera asked.

“Yer not on the walkin’ wounded list forever,” Phelix said. “Not like me.”

“Sorry Flicks,” Fiera said. “I’m just feelin’ sorry fer myself.”

“Hey, I’m not upset. I know you, twint. You hate bein’ helpless and that’s how you feel. You’ve always been this way,” Phelix said.

“Kuen’s very much the same as Fury. He has to be up doing everything and not taking care of himself,” Gaspare said. “I’m driving and even I can feel that glare in the back of my skull, Kuen.”

Gaspare was right. Kuen was glaring at him. “I do not have to be up doing everything and I take fairly good care of myself,” Kuen said stiffly.

“Right. Who was it that had to force you to eat more than once because you refused to do it otherwise?” Gaspare asked.

“Shut up,” Kuen muttered.

“Looks like we both need our keepers sometimes,” Fiera said, leaning against him. “Flicks was always mine.”

“Hey, you were mine too when I needed one,” Phelix said.

“And Kuen’s been mine when I needed him,” Gaspare said. “It’s the way a family works.”

Kuen was startled at that. “Is it? I never realized.”

Fiera rested her hand on his. “You had family and didn’t even know it.”

Kuen closed his hand over hers. “I guess I did.”

They reached the farmhouse. “By all the stars, you two been eatin’ and sleepin’? And have you let the work crews eat and sleep?” Fiera asked.

Even Kuen was impressed. Where there had been barely a shell of a building six days earlier now stood a sturdy structure complete with doors and windows. “We’ve been up here all day every day, stoppin’ only fer lunch,” Phelix said. “After what happened I wanted t’get away from ma and the others.”

Gaspare parked the skimmer. They all piled out. Kuen steadied himself on the edge of the skimmer. Fiera waited for him before the two carried their bundles into the house. “Gaspare, did you have a hand in the decorating?” Kuen called.

“Inside was him,” Phelix said as he came in. “Outside is me. Security system was Keo’s idea.”

“Security system?” Fiera asked.

“Keo built it from scratch. He’s been up here with us every day gettin’ it set up,” Phelix said. “You know that’s his specialty. Take a look. Ma didn’t want him to put one on the farm ‘cause of all the littles she deals with usually. But fer us, I had him go all out.”

Gaspare walked in. “His work puts some of what I’ve seen to shame, Kuen. That man is a genius with the limited resources we have out here. He’d be terrifying with what we have in the Core.”

Kuen set his box on the table next to Fiera’s and walked over to look. Phelix showed them how to access the controls for the security system. It used the comm, but they were able to easily pull up cameras all over their small territory.

“There’s the normal cameras, and he somehow – we didn’t ask – got infrared and night vision cameras set up so even if someone tries t’sneak up on us after sundown they’re goin’ t’get a nasty shock,” Phelix said. “Ma had Joei make our gate lock. She’s the one who made the new one on the farm gate after the bombardment durin’ the war took out the old gate. It’s good and complicated, unless you know the trick.”

“Shiv and Keo supervised the set up of the fences for us and they built in the highest level of shock wires they’re legally allowed. They won’t stop someone who’s really determined, but they’ll set off an alarm on the comm system which will let us know something’s hit the fence. The cameras in that part of the farm will turn on and we’ll have a good view,” Gaspare said.

“Frakkin’ – you two know we’re goin’ t’owe them somethin’ good fer this,” Fiera said.

“They, uh, want you t’sing at the festival,” Phelix said, looking a little worried. “I said that was up t’you. If you don’t, they want somethin’ from the garden.”

“Skathi, is it that time already?” Fiera asked.

“Two weeks,” Phelix said.

“Festival?” Kuen asked.

“Yeah, summer festival’s comin’ up,” Fiera said with a sigh. “Kuen, remember how I told you about life on Sorus? I mentioned the summer festival. Everyone pitches in somethin’ – either food, labor, or entertainment. We can’t do food yet, you and I are out fer labor, so we’re goin’ t’have to be entertainment.”

“Sorry Fury,” Phelix said. “I know you hate bein’ the center of attention.”

“She loved it when we first met her,” Gaspare said.

“Only ‘cause it served a purpose,” Fiera said. “What am I supposed t’sing, Flicks? I don’t really feel like most of the usual festival songs fit anymore.”

“Somethin’ new maybe, but nothin’ from the Core,” Phelix said. He switched to twinspeak momentarily and Fiera cast a worried look at Kuen before nodding reluctantly.

“I take it this is something I’m not supposed to know about?” Kuen asked, more amused than worried.

“It’s not that,” Fiera said. “It’s just…I used t’write songs a lot. It was a way t’be rebellious without bein’ destructive. I wrote one shortly before Junna. Flicks thinks I should sing it. I’m not sure if I should.”

“Is it going to get you into trouble with the CAF soldiers who are likely to be watching the festivities?” Gaspare asked.

Fiera shook her head. “Nothin’ like that. Just, it’s kind of personal and I don’t usually sing those.”

“It’ll be okay, Fury,” Phelix said. He said something in twinspeak and Fiera responded with a shrug.

“Tell you what, Flicks. I’ll sing that one if you’ll get the Roughlings t’join me in singin’ ma’s song,” Fiera said.

Phelix grinned. “You got it, Fury.”

“Your mother has a song?” Kuen asked curiously.

“Another one Fury wrote. This one was back when she was a teen. It was for ma’s birthday and it’s gorgeous. It does take all of us Roughlings to sing it though,” Phelix said.

“I’m looking forward to this even more now,” Gaspare said with a smile.

“Goin’ t’need new clothes. I’ve lost some weight,” Fiera muttered.

Kuen hugged her, something she seemed to really enjoy. “We’ll figure it out, Fury.” “Let’s look at the rest of the house and the outbuildings, then we can head back to ma’s farm,” Phelix said. “She might have somethin’ fer you.” They finished touring the farm and hopped back in the skimmer.