The walk back to her chamber barely allowed time for the edge to be taken off her mood. Stacia wanted to go to the Green Zone and allow her mind to drift off watching the animals at play. Or marveling at the children scampering up and down the Learning Tree. But the day left her so shaken and exhausted, her adrenaline spent, she wanted little more than to collapse on her bed, shut her eyes, and enjoy silence and darkness. To worry alone. Maybe she didn’t have room to chide Hondo for being so recalcitrant when it came to learning the lessons of Muungano.

“Bek stayed home today,” Yahya said as soon as she crossed her door’s threshold. “Again.”

Her mind added not that you care to his words. Which wasn’t fair to him since they all understood what her role entailed and each one of them signed on for the sacrifices being a leader in the community required, before she accepted her post. Stacia closed her eyes to center herself before speaking. “Yes, I know. I received a medical update.”

“Then you know that his condition is worsening. He’s resting now. When he’s awake, he works with Maya to keep up with his schoolwork. Soon he won’t be able to make it to class at all.”

“There’s nothing I can do.” Her voice reduced to a whisper, not wanting to think or feel, only to have a moment to gather herself in peace. She rested her palm against the wall. Strictly a matter of pride, she hated Yahya seeing her like this. A tacit admission that she needed the comfort of his presence. He moved toward her, but she held up her hand to stop him. She activated the entrance enough for her to watch Bekele sleep. She commanded an entire starship, the finest research vessel in the fleet. She knew diplomats throughout the star system. Understanding her place and role in Muungano, she knew her words could shape history. But her baby was sick, and there was little she could do about it. “I failed to help him the one time he really needs me.”

The air between her and Yahya shifted again. The intensity of Yahya’s energy lowered. Approaching slower this time, each tentative step brought him closer to her. He kissed the back of her head. “You’ll figure something out. You always do. That’s why they got you running this whole piece.”

“Thanks, Yahya. I got it from here. If you don’t mind, I need to be alone.”

“You don’t have to be alone. Especially now. If not me, have someone else pop over. Please.”

“I appreciate you, Yahya.” Her tone stopped just short of dismissal.