The Darkness Within, Chapter 48

Chapter XLVIII

The night turned into morning and a new and wonderful day of fun was in store for the Reed Father and son. Tom woke up in a good mood, the time was around 10:30am, he figured he would let Jackson sleep in a bit to rest up for day planned out by his loving Father. He was in such a good mood that Tom started to cook up breakfast for the family. The smell of bacon, sausages, scrambled eggs, toast, and his favorite or hash browns filled the house. The mouth watering mix of smells drifted through the house and snuck under every door filling the rooms with the smell of food. Sniffing the air, Jackson opened his eyes a bit and sat up yawning, the smell caused the boy’s stomach to react.
“That smells so good.” he said softly before climbing down out of bed to see if the smell was real. Arriving to the kitchen he saw Tom and Isaac talking, peeking around the corner he saw the meal being made, so mouth watering it was that he licked his lips. Such good meals his father made always made him happy and stuffed, a piece of bacon missing off the platter wouldn’t be noticed, the boy was going to try and take one off the counter as he softly crept into the kitchen.

“Ah, speaking of which...Good morning young Jack.” Isaac spoke as Jackson was caught by the watchful eyes of Isaac. It made Tom turn to see his son in mid-creeping stride as the boy froze being seen. Tom merely smiled warmly at Jackson.

“Good morning son. Hungry?” he asked the obvious knowing what Jackson was up to. Blinking a bit, the boy soon sighed and fixed himself right.

“Yes, sir. Was trying to get a bite but Isaac sees everything.” he said as he looked at the AI who seemed to be smiling having caught the boy doing his best to sneak in.

“You did cook up a lot of food and all it smells good!” he said grabbing a stool to stand on to watch Tom cook so he could learn how to do it himself once he was older. After all, children learned from observing their parents.

“Heh heh, well your Mother and I have been talking. It’s time I spent more days with you. So today I planned a little ‘fun day’.” Tom told softly smiling as he scrambled the eggs in the pan.

“A fun day? Like what?” he asked looking at him curiously.

“Like going to the ballpark?” he asked as Isaac knew what it was but was keeping his lips sealed and Jackson was giving him that look that said ‘Give me a hint!’ but the AI knew better.

“My you’re smart, but that’s only half of todays fun.” Tom smiled as he teased his son playfully.

“Half?” Jackson repeated thinking what else there would be done today, he thought of a walk through the woods but his father might not do that out of fear.
“What else?” he asked looking at him.

“I’m taking you to that Aqua/Zoo just out of town. I figured it would a good idea and smart one since you seem to love your animals.” he told his son putting the eggs onto the complete plate now and handed it to Jackson.

Jackson was looking at him in total surprise, they were taking a trip to the Aqua/Zoo today after seeing the ballpark. He couldn’t believe it, setting the tray down he hugged his father and it was a tight hug.
“Thank you!” he said, he always wanted to go there and now he was, he was really looking forward to that part for their trip.

Tom smiled warmly as he set down his cooking tools to embrace his son into a hug. Stroking through Jackson’s hair Tom wondered if he could ever really connect with his son. After all that has happened he hoped for the best, today was the deciding point for Tom. It would either go very well or very bad, he wished for the best to happen.

Eating breakfast quickly, Jackson hurried thereafter to shower and dress for the day. He wanted it to be a good one and kept hoping it would be. Part of him wanted Rook to come along and enjoy it but this was a father/son outing. Combing his hair he brushed his teeth before hurrying to Tom who was ready to go, making sure his camera was ready and Isaac too.

“Ready to go?” Tom asked softly with a smile.

“Yes, sir!” Jackson said grinning as he got his shoes on and hurried out to the car, anxious to see the animals, he wondered if there was going to be a killer whale show today.

“A father/son day out? How quaint.” Derek’s voice came from next to Jackson. Blinking Jackson looked around quickly as he smiled.

“Yeah, we’re going to have a fun day. At least I’m hoping.” he told getting into the car and buckled up.

“I don’t want anything going wrong, can you make it a good day Derek?” he asked softly while waiting for Tom.

“Of course, if you wish I can stay with you the entire day.” Derek told kindly as his form appeared outside the other car window.

“Can you just make sure nothing goes wrong? I don’t want it going bad since it might make my dad not want to like me.” he said looking at him with a pleading expression.

“Very well. Have fun young Jack.” Derek said before fading away, just as Tom had come over and opened to car door. Seating himself and strapping in he turned to look at Jackson.

“You look really excited. I’m glad.” he smiled at his son.

“I am! I really want to have fun today. No issues and no distractions. A perfect day.” he said looking outside, he hoped Derek would keep his word and make it safe and perfect. Tom placed Isaac in his stand as the AI appeared.
Right away Isaac noticed the boy seemed a little distracted looking out the window. Finding it suspicious the AI placed his hands on his hips.

“Everything alright?” Isaac asked making Tom look at the AI then his son. Jackson blinked and looked at Isaac and then Tom.

“Yeah, why?” he asked curiously as he didn’t know why he was asked that, he wasn’t doing anything wrong was he?

“You seemed to staring out the window...distantly. I just wanted to know if everything was alright.” Isaac said with his avatar tilting his head slightly.

“I was thinking about things.” he said smiling at Isaac before looking outside the window again at Derek who smiled back at him, the outing had to be perfect.

Tom frowned a little concerned as he looked at Isaac. He knew nothing about his son’s ‘imaginary friend’. Tanya had not told him about what Jackson saw and what happened when the boy was with Rook yesterday. The Father of this young boy was completely oblivious to what was really happening.

“Well, it’s always nice to think things out.” Tom smiled sheepishly as he put the car in gear and backed out.

“Did you remember the camera?” Jackson asked looking at him as Tom nodded and doubled checked, it was all there, ready. “Money?” Another nod as they pulled out of the driveway and started off, waving to his mom who smiled seeing them off.
“I hope we have fun.” he grinned.

“Check, and check. Don’t you worry. We shall, just keep those hopes up my son.” Tom smiled as he looked at Jackson in the rearview mirror.

“You think they’ll let us pet some of the animals? I want to pet a tiger cub.” he said smiling as Tanya told him about a zoo that allowed people to interact with some of their animals. It was different from petting zoos since some were large cats.

“They might. We’ll just see.” Tom chuckled warmly at the thought of tiger cub in Jackson’s lap.

Back at the house, Tanya was relaxing in the garden as she watched the rabbits nibbling on the grass. There was so much planning to do with the baby and her future plans for their anniversary that was coming up in the winter. She wanted to treat Tom well, possibly a trip to a good art museum or a spa outing. Sighing she closed her eyes and relaxed
“I hope the boys behave themselves.” she said to herself.

“I wouldn’t worry too much about them. Jackson’s a smart kid for his age, Tom though very timid can handle himself.” Rook’s voice came. The Spartan hung his arms of the fencing resting on it as he watched Tanya.

Opening an eye she looked over at him as she fixed a hand over her eyes to see him better, “Tom’s still in training but sometimes he doesn’t want to do it. At least he knows how to handle a pistol...a bit.” she said resting.
“So what have you and the man been doing as of late? Caught the demon?” she teased.

“Ha ha, very funny.” Rook replied sarcastically.

“I wouldn’t force to much on Tom, he’s been through enough as it is....as for the creature. Nothing. No sign of the damn thing. I did find a connection with those rapes/murders, though you probably won’t like what I have to say about it...” Rook told as he slumped on the fence, lowering his body like a dog with it’s tail between its legs.

“What’s the connection?” she asked sitting up a bit

“Come on over Rook, spend some time with me. We haven’t got to talk much since I’ve been constricted to the house.” she huffed, she loved being outside and doing things but Tom was so nervous around her since she was having their second child.

Rook agreed happily as he leapt over the fence with ease. Walking over to her he took a seat next to Tanya. He didn’t seem too thrilled about giving her the bad news as he hung his head down low.

“To be honest...I noticed that the rapes/murders stopped suddenly when Tom became himself again...I found it odd so I started to do a little searching...” Rook told as he avoided eye contact with Tanya staring straight into the Koi pond.

“You think Tom was doing it?” she asked as she exhaled slightly and nodded then looked at the pond shaking her head before flicking a bug off her arm.
“I’ve always wondered what Tom was doing when he was out for hours on end, I had a hunch he wasn’t at his studio.” she soon looked at him, “What should we do?”

“I don’t know. It’s just a theory, I can’t say was him. I doubt it was really him though, but rather the creature somehow controlling him. To really find out we would have to go into his subconscious. Meaning Dr. Paul would have to put him under a trance and enter his mind through hypnosis...even that is risky to do...” Rook explained.

“I hate hypnosis, never had it done but I think it’s wrong. You never know if they try and mess with your mind and make you do things.” she told him before seeing the rabbits moving to the pond to get a drink. “What has Paul been making you do as of late?”
“Field research. He orders me to go to different caves all over the town. Your information about the Demon liking to live in dark places got the Doctor thinking. Maybe the creature is hiding in the caves around town, waiting and watching.” Rook narrowed his eyes in disgust at the foul creature and his innocent friend that was forced to bond with the darkness.

“Do you know what to do when you face him?” Came her question out of the blue, he knew he would fight it but what would he do once he was face to face? It could happen at any given moment.

“Good question...I guess improvise...” Rook frowned not really having a clue what he would do if the creature met him face to face.

Turning to face him, he looked at Tanya who was now looking at him, “I can tell you he’s strong and fast, very dangerous. You need to think on your feet, much like in any combat situation. Don’t ever lose track to what’s going on around you. Make sure you carry silver, pure silver on you. Okay?”

“Understood. This won’t be easy...it will probably be the hardest battle I’ve ever fought...” Rook sighed thinking about Bishop.

“It’ll be hard but don’t lose yourself, make sure, just please make sure you are always carrying a blade made of silver. I do.” she said showing him on her ankle which were hidden by her pants.

“I understand...Dr. Paul has been making a few things with silver. I myself have started making silver bullets with the scraps and what silver I can find.” Rook told her as he dipped his head.

She patted his back gently before relaxing, “It’ll be hard, I know. Was friends with him before all this went south. Almost killed him but the tide changed so fast. You’ll do right Rook, you’ll stop a monster and free your friend. A bit cliche but it’ll end the nightmare.”

“....And what If I can’t? What I can’t bring myself to kill him in the end?” Rook frowned deeply.

“You’ll be killed, we all might be killed too. I know he still wanted to kill me for what I did to him.” she closed her eyes and turned away.
“...he’ll tear Jackson in half.” She frowned thinking that, she didn’t want that demon to win.

“That won’t happen.” Rook growled suddenly. “I won’t allow any harm come to you or Jackson. Same goes for Tom. My duty is to protect you and your family, I tend to live up to it and keep my promise to you.”

She smiled at him and nodded, “Never let your guard down, if you do get him down, stay focus.” She huffed.
“Alright, want something to drink or eat?” she asked.
“Sure, can’t turn down a free meal now I?” Rook chuckled back to his fun loving self again. “This vacation has an unknown due date. Might as well enjoy it while I can.”

“Same here, at least those two will have a nice time together. They needed it.” she chuckled getting up and headed inside.
“You’re welcomed inside you know!” she called back as she headed into the kitchen.

The Spartan happily stood up and followed in behind her. Entering the house he strode through the living room. Hearing a chirping he stopping and looked over to see Tom’s little Java Finch , also named Rook, chirping happily. The Spartan smiled at the excited little bird, Tom must have moved him out to the living room to prepare his office for something. Or maybe he just wanted to move the bird to the living room, either way Rook was pleased to see the little bird. Continuing his way through the living room he sat at the bar and watched Tanya in the kitchen.

“Our little bird loves being in the living room, gives him a great view of the backyard.” she said looking at Rook for a second as she set a glass of water down in front of him as she raided the fridge and got a watermelon out. “One of these days, we might end up having another bird or two for him.”

“Heh, I still find it ironic that we share the same name. I was wondering why he was out here and not back in Tom’s office. Are you two planning for the second baby at all?” Rook asked. She laughed and looked at him.

“Of course, we’re ready, just need to get diapers and a new baby bag.” she said setting down a plate with a slice of juicy watermelon on it. “I’m still curious if it’s a boy or girl, still haven’t figured out a name yet. If it’s a girl, I want to name her after my mom.”

“I bet your Mother would be honored.” Rook smile at Tanya.

“I know she will. I still miss her but I know she’s watching me.” she told sighing.

“Glad the man that murdered her was killed.” she told turning around getting a slice of watermelon for herself before putting the rest away.

“Yeah, it’s a shame. Things happen and we can’t really predict them, but life goes on.” he said lifting up the watermelon on his plate and looking at it. Joining him she looked at him with a raised brow.

“Figuring out where to start first?” she asked looking at her own and licked her lips as she took a bite of the juicy sweet fruit. “Mm.”

“Mm mmm...I was just thinking.” he said shaking his head before taking a soft bite of the fruit.

“Race you.” she suddenly said making him look at her as he suckled on the bite in his mouth. “Race you in eating it.” That smirk was a challenge.

“You’re on.” he slurped through his mouth.

The two headed outside and sat down on the picnic table and watched eat other carefully, nodding to each other they were ready.
“Ready.... set....go!” she said as they quickly started eating.

In a manner of seconds Rook wolfed down the melon slice and tossed the left over on the plate. With a juicy sticky pink mess on his mouth and chin he smirked victorious.
“I win.” he grinned playfully. Surprised, Tanya swallowed what she had in her mouth and chuckled.

“Cheater.” she teased not having even gotten far on her slice.

“Best 2 out of 3?” she asked.

“Heh, if you think you can keep up.” he grinned slyly as he joked with Tanya.

“We’ll see.” she said before getting up and went inside, after a moment returned with the melon and sliced him another piece, sitting down she cleared her throat and got a drink of water. “Ready?”

“When you are.” he smirked at Tanya.

“Go!” she said starting to eat again as Rook start to wolfed down this other slice in a matter of seconds leaving her with only a few bites and him being victorious. Again.
“You are fast.” she said only after swallowing what she was eating.

“Well, you never know when it’s going to be your last meal. Besides if you were a real Spartan, you learn to eat your meals fast...no offence to the being a Spartan ma’am....” Rook said as he frowned and trailed his gaze to look away.

“It’s alright, I wasn’t raised like you, ONI kept me and raised me. I learned a lot of things from my mother and whatever they taught me.” she told taking another bite.

“Mmm, so good, you want more?” she asked.

“No thank you....I’ve lost my appetite...” he said in dull tone as he stared into the koi pond.

“You keep acting like that you’ll end up making me feel sad.” she said losing her appetite for her own meal, things always changed so fast. From happy to depression.
“Forgive me ma’am...I just....some came over me.” Rook sighed before rubbing his temples.

“Dr. Paul has been putting a lot of stress on me lating...not only that I help but feel I have a boulder on my shoulders. I know I’m not suppose to think...but I have been thinking about a lot of things....” he continued staring back into the Koi pond.

“Thinking isn’t a bad thing, it makes you think about things over. Can make you depressed or distant. I know.” she sighed watching the rabbits nibbling the grass, “Have you taken a few moments for yourself to have a clear mind? Like meditation?”

“No....I can’t...Dr. Paul and the other ONI scientist told me and the other Spartans to not even try to think. Except when on the battlefield with thoughts and plans for attack...beyond that we aren’t allowed to think or question anything...” Rook explained grimly as he looked at Tanya
with blank eyes, void of any emotion.

“You need to think, without it you’d be lost. Trust me, think once in awhile, meditate on it. You can meditate with me anytime. Meditation helps balance you inside.” she said to him.

“Heh, thanks but...I don’t know if I can. Everytime I try to I get  headache. So I just stare off into space or the sky.” Rook said sounding distant. That’s when he was smacked on the back of the head and looked at her instantly.

“What did I just tell you?” she said narrowing her eyes as she was getting uncomfortable with his depressing behavior.

“Forgive me...ma’am. It’s hard to control those moments where I zone out and turn into something besides myself. I’ve been through alot, but when Bishop and I were on that planet....something inside us both changed...I can’t exactly say what it was...but I know now what happened to Bishop. As for me....I haven’t a clue.” Rook sighed before getting up and walking over to the koi pond watching the half black half white koi swim around in front of him, as if it were trying to tell him something important.

There wasn’t much to say to him, Tanya didn’t know what those two went through since she had hardly any field experience. Sighing she collected the plates and watermelon before heading inside to clean up, she really hoped nothing happened, the last thing she needed was to deal with that demon right now. Being pregnant was a blessing but it sucked when she needed to defend herself.
“I hope Rook doesn’t lose himself.” she whispered looking over at the bird.

“What do you think?” she asked it. The little finch chirped and hopped around on it’s perch. Tilting its head it chirped again.

“You think the Spartan will be able to beat the monster that’s haunted me for a long time?” she asked walking over to the finch and smiled at him. “I pray that he has the strength to do it.”

Rook stood in the doorway over hearing her conversation talking with the bird. He frowned deeply, wondering himself if he could take down the Demon and his best friend. The grief and thoughts squeezed at his heart as he narrowed his blue-grey eyes sadly. “Why did it have to come to this...” he wondered in his mind lowering his head. Sighing he walked into the living room and up to Tanya, the bird chirped seeing Rook.

“Then pray harder...I will need all the prayer and good luck the galaxy has to offer me...” he said boldly but in a grim tone. His sudden talking startled her as she turned to see him, she exhaled softly and placed her hands on his face to have him look at her.

“You hold more fates than one, you fight to protect me and my family, but you also fight to free Bishop from the nightmare. You’ll save many lives but the cost... “ she frowned looking away as she removed her hands.

“I feel you’ll never be seen again after this, you’re one of a few friends I actually have that I consider close to being family.” Huffing she shook her head once more. “Jackson looks up to you, every night he prays that you stay safe and alive so he could see you again.”

Rook looked away from her dipping his head, his bangs hiding his eyes but not his frown.
“I wasn’t suppose to get attached to anyone while I was here but, I did...your son Jackson has found a special place in my heart...That night I thought I lost him...I lost it, I panicked. A Spartan never panics or loses control... When I saw Jackson was missing, I feared I lost him. I could never forgive myself if that happened.” Rook told as he bit his lip trying not to cry, out of frustration and heartache.

‘Jackson went missing?’ Tanya thought looking at him instantly as panic started to fill her, what if her little boy ran into the Demon during that time he was missing? Gripping his shirt she pulled him toward herself more.
“How long was Jackson missing for?” she asked as he could tell she was close to having a panic attack, Jackson didn’t tell her what happened at the park.

“...Almost, two hours. I finally found him when it was getting dark out...he told me he wasn’t lost and that this ‘guardian’ called ‘Derek’ lead him back to me. I found it strange, I couldn’t see this ‘Derek’. Another thing was I felt I was running around in circles trying to find Jackson...” Rook told her narrowing his eyes down at Tanya seriously.

“That damn Demon.” she growled letting him go.

“A ‘guardian’? Pah! I bet it’s that Demon trying to woo Jackson away from his comfort and into his arms. Dammit.” she growled pacing now while thinking. “They’re away all day, that beast could possibly be with them, Tom hasn’t called if something was going on, so...they should be alright but I don’t want their time together ruined because of this. Shit.”

Rook said nothing. Instead he cupped his chin in thought. He was allowed to think now since he was planning out a strategy or thinking of thoughts to do with his assigned mission. He thought of when he was back in the woods trying to find Jackson, he had felt trapped in a never ending loop. Perhaps it was the Demon trying to throw him off track or buying time to get to Jackson. Just the thought of it made the Spartan snarl.

“What are your orders Ma’am?” Rook looked up from his thoughts at Tanya.

Looking at him firmly she took a breath, “Go to where they went, the aqua/zoo, observe them and keep an eye out for Jackson.

“Understood Ma’am.” Rook nodded before turning and leaving to carry out the given orders.

Now it was time to wait and see what becomes of this, Tanya spent the next few hours cleaning and tending to the animals, it was around sunset when the guys came home from a great day and she hurried inside to greet them once she was done washing her hands in the kitchen sink of course.

Tanya could hear laughing, a happy laugh. Both sounded familiar and could be pinned to her husband and son. She waited at the front door till it opened with Tom and Jackson walking inside with smiles. Tom looked up from his son to see his wife, Tanya, standing there waiting for them.

“We’re home home honey.” he smiled warmly to her.

“We had a blast mom!” Jackson said hugging the teddy bear that his father got him. “I got a killer whale one too, it was so awesome, there was a lot of cool things!” He was so happy and thrilled, the shows were perfect and Tom was glad to have brought extra clothes.

“Glad to see today went perfectly.” she said smiling kissing her son on the head before kissing Tom lovingly. “So, who wants some sweet potato pie and some nice pork chops?”

“Sounds lovely dear. What do you think Jackson? We can tell your Mother all about today.” Tom said looking down at his son.

“Sounds great and yummy.” Jackson told as he collect his other plush and hurried to his room, only after taking his shoes off.

“Wash up!” Tanya called to him as she looked at Tom.

“How many times did you two get wet while there?” she asked smelling the water on Tom’s hair as he chuckled a bit and rubbed his head.
“Lost count, Jackson wanted a front row seat for all the shows.” Tom laughed.

“Oh jeez, him and his adventurous behaviour.” she said smiling and ruffled Tom’s hair up.

“Get washed up, I’ll get the food served, you two had a great day and I’m glad.” she kissed his nose and headed into the kitchen.

Tom smiled watching his wife walk back into the kitchen. He headed off himself toward the bathroom where he met up with Jackson.

“You know, your Mother is going to want us to take a bath. After all that salt water dumped on us.” Tom smiled at his son before reaching down and tickling him a little. Chuckling, the boy grinned and washed his hands carefully.

"I know, we smell like we've been to the ocean!" he looked up at Tom and leaned against him saying, "That was the best outing ever, Dad."

“Agreed, we should do it again real soon.” Tom’s smile became warm feeling his son lean on him and call him ‘Dad’. It felt good, Tom was proud, feeling closer to his own son. Looking down at Jackson he wrapped his arm around the boy and gently pulled him closer. He made the boy chuckle and hug him close before sighing.

“Maybe we could go to the amusement park or to the beach!” he said grinning. “Please?”

“Amusement Park one trip and the beach the next trip. How does that sound?” Tom chuckled warmly back as he tried ruffling Jackson’s hair, the way he always saw Rook do. Grinning he hugged Tom close as the man smiled.

“This will be so fun! Mom’s going to be jealous.” he chuckled as Tom smiled at that.

“It will be a good jealous though.” Tom said starting to wash his hands now.

Once they were cleaned up and ready, they headed back to the dining room and sat down as Tanya was just placing their plates down full of good food.
“Make sure you eat it all.” she said grinning and got her plate and joined them.

“Looks good dear.” Tom smiled at Tanya as she sat down.

“Eat up.” she said smiling at him before smirking.

“Before I put your face into that pie.” she got Jackson laughing at that making her grin at his laugh.

“Wouldn’t want that now.” Tom said before joining in with the laughter.

“So tell me, how did today go?” she asked curiously to her two boys, she was eager to know how it went, she’ll learn more from Rook once the two guys were showering.

“It was a perfect day. Nothing went wrong. I was more surprised and thankful than anything.” Tom said looking over at Jackson. “Why don’t you tell your Mother what happened at the Aqua/Zoo, son. She will enjoy it.”

“Well, when we got there, there was a lot of people and they were announcing the water shows with the dolphins and the killer whales, seals too! We had time to spare till then so we checked out the animals, they were awesome! There was a ton of spiders in the insect room, enough to make you shudder! I didn’t want to hold one at all but I did hold a snake! It was a little boa.” he grinned.

“I told him ‘no we can’t have one’, heh heh we just smiled and laughed.” Tom chuckled cutting into his porkchop.

“I think we should get a snake still.” Jackson said as Tanya chuckled while Jackson told about the petting zoo and the big cats, the games they played and ice cream they had before going to the horses and had a small ride, the final stop was the water and the shows.

“All in all, a perfect day, I would say so myself.” Tom said before taking his last bite of the dinner.

“Sounds like you two will have great memories, did you take photos and video Tom?” Tanya asked before getting a drink of her tea.

“Oh loads of them. You know me hon, ‘Never leave the house without the camera’.” Tom chuckled getting up from his chair.

“I’ll want to see those.” she said wanting to see what she missed out when the guys went out of town for most of the day, it was fun being alone for the whole day but she did miss her two boys. With the fear of the Demon following them around, another good reason to look at the photos.

“Of course. We would love to show you. Wouldn’t we Jackson?” Tom smiled as he looked over at his son.

“Yeah! You’ll laugh at the one I took of Dad getting attacked by a monkey.” As Tom blushed, the monkey had jumped onto him and was playing around.

“Heh heh, yes well...ahem. Heh heh.” Tom chuckled shyly as he paced himself to the kitchen.

“Oh? What happened?” she asked looking at Tom. “Did it hump your head?”
“G-Goodness no!” Tom flushed red blushing embarrassed Tanya even said that.

“N-No..i-it just...got carried away playing is all...” he frowned nervously.

“Aw, did he braid your hair.” she asked kissing his cheek and nuzzled him. “I’m playing with you, don’t worry so much. I wish I was there to see it but you two recorded your adventure, I want to see it while you two shower and go to bed.”

“Of course dear.” Tom smiled at her.

“Come on Dad.” Jackson said tugging at his arm as it was time to shower and clean up, after collecting the camera, Tanya moved into the living room and set it up as she relaxed and sighed, Isaac appearing next to the stand as the two boys were in the bathroom.

“Anything odd happen today Isaac?” she asked hitting play on the remote.

“None to account for Ma’am. The Spartan Rook has sent me his analyses for today’s trip. He found nothing out of the ordinary.” Isaac reported as his avatar crossed it’s arms behind his back.

“Hmm, that is strange.” she mumbled and started to watch the video while they guys took a long shower to ensure they no longer smelled like the ocean, course Tanya didn’t mind, they were married near one in winter.

“Ma’am not to be...bothersome, but do you plan on informing Sir Tom about this ‘Derek’ character you and the Spartan have been discussing of?” Isaac asked tilting his avatar’s head in curiosity at her.

“I don’t know, I might but I fear it’ll upset Tom and if I don’t tell him he’ll get upset, it’s terrible when I’m torn to tell or not. It’s not an easy task keeping a love one sane.” Tanya said.

“It’s worth a try. The truth may hurt, but it’s always better to tell it then to not.” Isaac told as his avatar shifted now folding his arms in front of him and pushing up the glasses on the bridge of his avatar’s nose.

“Yeah..” she said looking at the video and raised a brow, rewinding it she was sure she saw something but it might have been a shadow from someone walking past.

“Hmm. How about this...” she mumbled to herself and zoomed into the image a little bit but it wasn’t that good. “Hm, that sucked.”

“What have you found Ma’am?” Isaac asked his avatar raising a brow.

“I thought I saw something but it might be a shadow of someone walking by, think you can check over the video footage and see if you notice anything?” she asked looking at him. “Please.”

“I will do even better work to it. Edit and clear the focus up.” Isaac said with a smile.

Nodding to him she watched the rest of the video, when it was finally done she yawned and stretched. They had a wonderful time and she was glad seeing the two smiling so much and acting like normal people, so pleasing.

“It’s late Ma’am. You should go to bed. I will take care of the household and the video you requested editing.” Isaac said dipping his avatar’s head watching Tanya yawn.

“I’m glad you don’t have to sleep Isaac, being human is okay but when you push yourself too much, you regret it.” she smiled.

“Maybe one day, AI will be able to be transferred into bodies.” she teased getting up and went to the back door and locked it.

“Even if it happened, I doubt that we AI will still be able to sleep like Humans.” Isaac chuckled slightly at the amusing thought. She smiled coming back and gave him a ‘kiss’ before nodding.

“You do have a point, goodnight Isaac, let me know what you find.” she said as he nodded to her as she went to get ready for bed.