Read The Chronicles of Amon book 2 The Sea of Marmara Page 50


  Chapter 10.

  “Hey, buddy! You’re back, huh?” Her hair was shorter than the last time. She seemed to be in a good mood. Perhaps a bit forward, but nonetheless, pleasant.

  “Yes, thank you.” He smiled to himself. “I believe it is time for the 4 to meet. Will you set it up, please?” He spoke in his usual low-key manner, being assertive without being rude.

  “Sir, I’m not sure they’re anywhere close by.” Asha was surprised he had recovered so quickly, but his forceful, authoritative voice left no doubt. She also noticed the subtle change in its presence. This time it was more low-key. More persuasive, less demanding.

  “Please make the arrangements immediately. Let me know when we’re ready to link.”

  “Yes, sir. Any preference?”

  “Make it 24 hours, if possible. I’ll try to be flexible.”

  Asha hadn’t seen this side of Aaron in a long time. The loss of his wife had affected him deeply. Before, he was more harsh. Gentle . . . but harsh. Now? Not so much. But every indication was that he was back up to speed and ready to move forward. The loss of a wife, or a child, or even a close friend was always difficult. And he’d experienced it how many times? Hundreds, maybe? She couldn’t imagine. She was in her mid twenties. And he was what, thousands of years older by Earth standards? That was just so far out of her league that she just couldn’t grasp it. She had better let Ambia know, she thought to herself. As she turned to punch up her number, Ambia walked into the room.

  “What character did he call in?” Ambia was somewhat upset at not being called immediately. Then seeing ‘Aaron’s profile diminish and go out of sight on the O.O.D. console where Asha was now seated, she realized that ‘immediately’ was now!

  “Never mind. I saw.” Ambia padded across the polished floor, sleeve-covered hands clutching a mug of steaming chocolate close to her chest. Carefully, she slid into the seat next to Asha.

  “How’d he sound?” Ambia offered the hot drink to her friend.

  “Up to speed as far as I can tell. Not as snotty, though.” She took the proffered gift, brought it close to her lips and gently blew away the steam rising over the edge. Carefully, she took a sip. Sweetness seared into her jaw muscles, keeping her from speaking immediately.

  “He didn’t have that much to say, I take it.” Ambia reached across the small table and gently took the drink out of Asha’s hands.

  “Only that he wants to call a meeting of the 4. But that’s nothing out of the ordinary.”

  “Did he say how soon?”

  “Twenty-four hours. That’s all he said.”

  “Did he say where he was going?”

  Asha shrugged.