Jason sat in front of the comm terminal in the penthouse apartment he and Hannah shared. He 3as staring at a blank screen, running through avenues of approach and potential conversation routes in his head. Finally, he took a breath and tapped in a comm code.

A few minutes later, an older human woman’s face appeared. She was attractive, but her looks held a distinct edge… like a scalpel lying on an empty table. Her eyes were dark blue, and her black hair had silver steaks through it. But when she saw Jason’s face, she smiled a warm and friendly smile.

“Jason! Oh, I wasn’t expecting your call for a few more days! Hang on and I’ll go get your dad. Just a sec.” and she moved away. Jason took a breath and waited.

A few moments later, his mother reappeared with a man who looked like an older and slightly softer version of Jason. “Hey there, son! How are you? How’s the new job? I bet you are all-hands-on-deck after that statement from the Oed government. That is all anyone is talking about in the Diplomatic department. What is that Governor… B’Tren-Hyrushi, right?… what is he like? Seems shrewd, pulling off something like this at the perfect time. The Federation can’t really do-” and Jason held up his hand.

“Dad… in a minute, okay? I have something I need to talk to you and Mom about. Mom, have a seat will you?” She looked a bit curious, but pulled over a chair next to his father. “Ok… this sounds pretty major. What’s up?”

Jason looked over at Hannah and held out his hand to her, motioning her forward with the other.

Reilly(s)