Locked Doors and Secrets

It never occured to me just how peaceful things could be in such a busy, hectic world. My father and Leksi have finally left. It took no small amount of persuasion on my part, not to mention a promise to consider becoming Leksi's mate.

I considered it. Honestly. For all of five seconds.

NOT!!!

But he doesn't have to know that. As long as I agree to think about it, he's agreed to leave me alone. Kara decided she wanted to take a trip with her grandfather to the homeworld. Saying I wasn't too thrilled about it was an understatement. But, I reasoned, it might be good for her to meet the rest of the family.

And hopefully, I won't have to put my child in counseling when they return.

This was the first time in over 4 years that I had been able to enjoy being completely alone. So why was I ready to get dressed and go out? I called Leroy but there was no answer. I wanted to touch base with him since I never get to see him anymore. I needed to see if he had any information on this mystery player.

Feeling restless, I grabbed up my bag and housekeys and left. I strolled down the street, watching the people walking back and forth, everybody in a hurry. Somehow I found myself in front of headquarters. I walked in, the click of my heels echoing off the walls. I stepped into the main control room to find it empty.

Where is everybody?

I tried every door in the place, searching for some sign of life. I didn' t find anyone until I got to the last door. A locked door with a handprint reader. Curious, I lifted my hand and placed it on the reader. It glowed green for a moment then turned red.

This had to be where Christopher was stashed. I pulled out my phone and sent Dispatch a quick text message. 'Where r u? At HQ'.

I nearly jumped out of my skin when a voice said behind me, "I'm right here."

"Dammit!" I pushed him hard enough for an ordinary man to go flying into the wall, but Dispatch barely moved. Were those muscles under that baggy jacket?

"Stop sneaking up on people. You need to wear a bell or something." He gave a brief smile, then went back to his usual somber self. "Did you need something?"

I crossed my arms in front of me. "What's behind this door?"

He didn't even glance at it. "Nothing special."

"Then why is there a security scanner on it?"

Something changed in his eyes. For the first time, I was a little nervous being around Dispatch. "It's nothing. Everything can't be open to everyone." And no, I'm not hiding Christopher in there.

"Dispatch, I need to talk with him." He nodded and steered me towards the control room. "And you will, in due time."

What in the hell did he mean by that?

So What's the real reason?

Okay. I never thought I'd hear myself saying this, but - I agree with Leroy. I kind of understand the logic behind what dispatch was doing by pairing us up, but I swear it's starting to drive me crazy. What is it supposed to accomplish?

Twice I've had to go get Ean from the bar, and by the time I found him, he was too drunk to be of any use. I could say that he planned it that way, but I'm trying to be nice. Tellico has me scared to death to answer the telephone, cause I never know when he'll jump out. I understand that the telephone travel thing is his power, that doesn't mean he has to use it ALL the time.

And this new guy. He still doesn't talk. Doesn't answer.

I've tried to talk to Dispatch about it but he's adamant that it has to be that way. A couple of times I tried to sneak off by myself without letting the rest of my "Team" know. But somehow, the walking toaster manages to find me anyway. A couple of times, he beat me there.

This weekend is Kara's birthday, so they're gonna have to work without me. I planned to take her out shopping - No Obsidian, no Leksi, no dispatch, no team members. Just me and her. Since Leksi got stomped in the bar - there's no nice way to put it, that's just what happened - he's been pretty quiet. Unfortunately, he still shows no sign of leaving. I did hear rumours that Dispatch might approach the guy who beat him up though. Anybody that can hold seven and half feet, three hundred-seventy four pounds of pure muscle dangling by his feet is all right with me.

Damn. Now my cell is ringing again. Looking down, I notice that I've never seen the number before. Hmm. It's probably Tellico. If I let it go to voicemail, will he be stuck until I let him out?