No News but Good News

After getting her kids off early for school, Noble took a moment at the kitchen table to look at the morning news. She sighed. 

The media was still full of praise for Ki Song and Anvil for braving the Fourth Nightmare just in time to rescue the remnants of Antarctica.

'Those heralds really did their job. Anyone who doesn't know about the bravery of the Sovereigns is living under a rock.' 

It had been three weeks since the Supremes' debut, and yet that was all anyone could talk about. 

"Anything interesting?" Fort asked idly as he poured two cups of tea. 

Noble set down her communicator. "So much of the same. These days I could write the news in my sleep."

Fort raised his eyebrows. "You are tired of hearing about the string of victories in the Southern Campaign?" 

"I know, I know. I just read that at the rate they are moving, they will have the rest of the continent evacuated in the next week or two."

Noble scratched her nose.

"Don't get me wrong. I understand it is big news and I am happy things are progressing well. But it's all centered around the Supremes. I would love to hear about the people being saved. Maybe include some information about how things are going for them in the Dream Realm. I'm just saying that a change of pace would be nice. I mean, any other time, Lady Changing Star's transcendence would have been the top story, but it felt like barely a footnote among all the propaganda for the Sovereigns." 

"I heard the government is planning to start sending home soldiers soon," Fort sat down beside her and passed her a cup. "With how many locations have been evacuated through the Dream Gates, there is no need for so many boots on the ground in Eastern Antarctica." 

"That's something at least." Noble took the mug with a grateful smile. "Though timing is key." 

"Timing of what?" Fort blew on the hot liquid. 

"The NQSC is already overwhelmed with refugees and the people who were already living here. The Outskirts are busting at the seams. The government needs to be prepared for another sudden influx of people. If not—" 

Noble had not been to the Outskirts since before the wedding, but even then things had been dire. Bringing more people would put an even greater strain on limited resources like space. 

"The government will figure it out," Fort answered while blowing steam from his cup.

"Speaking from experience, 'figuring it out' is not as easy as it sounds." Noble blew out her cheeks.

The corner of Fort's mouth turned upward. "You can take the Queen out of the kingdom, but you can't take the ruling instinct out of the Queen."

The former monarch cut her eyes at her blond companion. "I'm just worried, that's all."

Fort's expression softened. "It's sweet for you to care so much. Look at it this way, even if the soldiers left right now, it would be many weeks, perhaps months before they fully filtered back into the city. That is plenty of time to plan and make adjustments." 

"I guess," Noble took a sip of the liquid. It was still too hot, and she set down the cup with a sigh. "At least, I hope you are right. I couldn't bear for those who fought so hard to have no place to come home to."

"We all want that." Fort shifted in his seat. "Let's talk about happier things. You said you want different news? I believe your mother and Julius return today." He nudged his wife. "Do you think they enjoyed their delayed honeymoon?" 

The couple had waited until after the solstice to take a small vacation. Like most newlyweds, Lena and Julius had opted to visit somewhere in the NQSC and turn off their devices for the week.

They were scheduled to reappear this morning and had dinner scheduled with Noble and the rest of the family that evening.

"As long as they were together, I'm sure they had a wonderful time. I have rarely seen two people who care so deeply for one another." Once Noble had gotten over the shock of her mother wanting to get remarried, the professor had paid much closer attention to both Lena's and Julius's feelings.

They were very deeply in love. 

"More than the two of us?" Fort pretended to pout. 

Noble rolled her eyes and kissed him quickly. "No one can compare to us, sweetheart." 

"You've got that right," Fort stole another kiss as he stood. "Do you need anything before I leave?" 

"Not at the moment. Go slay the dragons...figurative ones. If any real ones enter the Waking World, let me know and I'll handle it." 

"You mean besides Saint Kai? I don't know how I would feel about you handling him." Fort winked. 

Noble rolled her eyes. "Yes, besides him. If any corrupted dragons enter our world—specifically Government Headquarters—you be sure to let me know." 

"I will. See you when I get back from the lair…I mean office." Fort caressed his wife's cheek with his thumb before turning to leave.

"Have a wonderful day!" Noble sent her husband her feelings of love.

He accepted it without hesitation.

"You too!" The Director picked up his bag and headed out the door.

Noble was alone.

'The sweet sound of silence.'

Finishing her tea, the professor let the warm liquid soothe her soul. Noble had just finished her week off after the Solstice and it was time to get back to work. But since that work was mostly completing research, she was in no hurry to head out the door. 

Quiet moments were precious and she wasn't about to waste this one. 

But eventually, she could not delay any longer. 

After washing out the cup, Noble put on her coat and headed down the street. Glancing at the 'sold' sign in the next-door neighbor's yard, the professor chewed the inside of her lip. 

'I hope the new people are nice. I feel like that house just went on the market!'

It would be nice if the family had kids the same age as hers…well, only if the teenager was not a boy.

Noble couldn't handle another Cade incident just now.

The cheating athlete had transferred schools after being ejected from the track team, and Rain seemed to move on. There was no need to rock the boat.

'Anything is better than that house sitting empty.' Noble decided with a shrug.

Due to the mid-morning hour, the train and streets as a whole were less crowded than usual, helping Noble to make it to the Academy in record time.

After checking in the hospital to see if any of her remaining students had returned from the Dream Realm, the professor headed toward her office.

Rock had left to conquer a Nightmare the day before along with a few other of the Academy's staff, making the halls feel extra empty.

'They will fill up again soon enough. They always do.'

Reaching her desk, Noble's hand hovered over the pink rock on the edge of it. She kept meaning to dispose of the stone, but something in her wouldn't let her father's death go. So it stood there as a testament of her indecision.

'Maybe tomorrow,' the professor shook her head. Instead of tossing the rock, she picked up her datapad and a stack of synthetic paper.

It was time to head to a very special part of the library.