Zev watched the way Kir lit up with every step further into the Dvergr caverns. It was beautiful to see her lost in the moment and totally unaware of what was happening around her - a moment of freedom from vigilance and anxiety - but it was also tragic. It would be short-lived; he had no doubt she wouldn’t choose to stay here even if the Dvergr’s home offered her safety and stability. It wouldn’t be enough to satisfy her, and if there really were other freed X’hondrians there, he had a feeling it would only strengthen her resolve to do whatever it took to bring down the empire. 

He slowed down to stay a few steps behind the others partly just to watch Kir’s reactions, and partly to have some privacy as he dragged his fingers over the mycelial roots that clung to the stone walls. Zev - and every other Aenid pilot - had no idea this planet existed because it didn’t connect to the Universal Sclerotium Root Matrix. Something about this planet or perhaps some Dvergr technology had severed its connection, and in a way that was good. It was untraceable; as far as the Aenid were concerned, it simply didn’t exist. He had a feeling they’d be back, though, and they needed to be able to [I]find[/I] it next time. As his fingers made contact with the root systems he passed, he could feel the connections like a neural network that wrapped around the planet. Comparing the shape to a void in the Root Matrix to find it fit perfectly like a puzzle piece.

Bingo. Next time they wouldn’t be stumbling across the Dvergr on accident.

He caught up to the others at the bottom of the stairs, finding the perfect line of anti-grav boots somewhat amusing. Zev watched Astri help Harrison with his, and mirrored that on his own boots. He looked up just in time to see Kir shakily rocket off, concern rising in his chest. Harrison was off first, trailing after her to give her space, and Zev and Lyris weren’t far behind. He caught up to Harrison quickly, ready to jump in if Kir couldn’t make it on her own. There might have been a small competitive streak in him as he hovered alongside Harrison. 

He saw her fall one last time, and before either he or Harrison could act, the X’hondrians had swooped in to save her. It was a relief, but he would never admit he was a little disappointed to be robbed of the opportunity to save her himself. Maybe next time.

As they all touched back down in the X’hondrian building - Harrison with a bit more grace then he did, and  Lyris with far more style than either of them - the excitement around them was palpable. Every X’hondrian was rushing to the entrance to see the newest arrival, all clamouring no doubt with hopes that it was someone they knew. He could only imagine the joy of those reunions. 

While Harrison was busy ingratiating himself with Kir’s people, and Lyris was reconnecting with those of her sister tribe, Zev felt a little out of place. Still, he waded in with a smile and started greeting.

Kir, on the other hand, was a little overwhelmed. Finally, the elder X’hondrian that had pulled Kir from peril stepped in, “Ka’illit have mercy… Give them some air!” Turning to Kir, she smiled with soft warmth, and took her hands, “I’m La’ala a Par. And you are…?”

“Kir’ion a Ka’ilit.”

La’ala beamed, looking both surprised and joyous at the name, “Welcome daughter of Ka’ilit. It’s not home, but it is safe.”

“Thank you,” Kir said tearfully, her voice little more than a strained whisper. “How many of us are there?”

“Including you, just shy of four dozen here. Another dozen or so that spend months away trying to free others,” she said proudly. 

“Are there others out there?”

“Ours is the only colony of freed X’hondrians that we’re aware of, but it’s not impossible,” La’ala sighed. 

“It’s better than nothing,” Kir nodded, understanding. La’ala nodded in return, understanding the disappointment. It clearly wasn’t the first time she’d seen it.

Kir hesitated, but La’ala was patient like she knew the question she was afraid to ask. She looked back at her companions all mingling with X’hondrians on their own, her eyes lingering a little too long on Harrison, and a small smile curling the edges of her lips as she watched the Serenian practically bouncing off the walls with excitement. 

“…My family?” Kir finally asked, her voice coming out smaller than she had intended.

With a sigh, La’ala shook her head sadly, “None of your clan have made it yet. I’m sorry.”

“It was a long shot,” Kir accepted, trying not to deflate.

“Why don’t you rejoin your friends?” La’ala suggested. “We’re long overdue for a celebration, and I think we have just the been given the perfect opportunity. A daughter of Ka’ilit has been returned to us safely, after all.”

Kir laughed a softly under her breath and nodded. She tipped her forehead against La’ala’s in a customary parting gesture before slipping away to rejoin the group. 

Reappearing between Zev and Harrison, she tugged them both closer to announce, “I hope you’re okay with sticking around for a bit because you guys are in for a real treat. They’re throwing an X’hondrian party.”