The light of a new day streamed in. One beam reflected off a cut glass mobile hung in the window for that very purpose. Anna laid quietly in her mother's arms, eyes open and seemingly enchanted by the lights that danced on the ceiling. Terra gazed in wonder at the new life that began within her, imprinting this image to be forever treasured.

Will bent down to kiss his wife, then rose with a half-grin. "Two miraculous things happened today. Our daughter was born, and you were up to see the sunrise."

Terra laughed. "And look at her. Definitely your daughter. Figures she would be a morning baby."

Ginny knocked softly on the door and peeked in.

Motioning Ginny in, Terra said. "She's still awake. Here, hold her for a moment while I pee."

Ginny sat down in the rocking chair and Will passed Anna to her. The baby remained quiet, taking in her surroundings as best a newborn could. Ginny gazed down at the little bundle. "Hello, little Anna. I will be your grandma. And we are going to have so much fun!"

Will shook his head with a smile. "Let the spoiling begin."

*****

Over the next few weeks, Will and Terra settled into a new routine driven completely by a baby girl. As Terra predicted, Anna was indeed a morning baby. She slept fairly well for a newborn, but invariably she would wake before dawn. Usually hungry, Anna was a voracious eater. For the early morning feeding, Will would get up and bring Anna to Terra to nurse, but then take her away to allow Terra to get some more sleep. Together, father and daughter would watch the sun rise on her new world.

Already she has her father trained.

After what seemed too little sleep, Will brought in a fussy and squirming bundle, handing her to Terra.

"I think she is hungry again. Are you sure she is getting enough milk?"

"She's gaining weight like she should." Terra held up her baby daughter and cooed. "So, hungry again, are we?"

Terra pulled back the loose t-shirt she used as a nightgown to bare a breast, then winced as her daughter latched on with unexpected force and began sucking.

"Yes, definitely hungry."

Terra lightly stroked fingers across the little one as waves of pure bliss rippled through her. She smiled as tiny fingers gripped one of hers. Once fed, burped, and diaper changed, Anna fell into another nap rocking in her mother's arms.

Who am I kidding? She has her mother trained as well.

That evening brought visitors. Joseph and Avin Morse took turns admiring Anna as they held her. The baby girl turned on her charm and, for the first time, enjoyed the attention of those outside her parents and grandma.

Will extended his right hand to Avin. "Welcome. What brings you here?"

Avin turned and smiled as he watched Joseph make faces to the baby in his lap. The contrast of a tiny baby with a mountain of a man gave Terra pause. Anna fit easily within his massive hands.

Avin motioned to Anna. "Young ones like this remind us of our purpose."

He sat down before Will and Terra and took on a more serious demeanor. "I bring news. I met with the Emperor personally, and another rep met with the Blue Uprising Council. It was not at all cordial, but we got our point across. We have commitments from both sides to leave you two alone."

Will scoffed, "How can we trust their promises?"

"I won't lie to you." Avin shook his head. "The agreement is tenuous at best. I think you are safe, for now. They are distracted by war preparations and wish to preserve the services of the Library to avoid dissension within their own populations."

Ginny frowned, glaring at Avin. "It is a sick irony that our work to lessen suffering inhibits the changes needed to avoid it."

Avin glared back at Ginny. "We have already discussed this." He turned back to Will. "We plan some subtle advertising for the Library. You will start seeing our logo associated with our services to remind people it is us, and not the Dynasty or the Uprising that is supporting them."

Terra asked, "And what of the war?"

"No good news. Both sides are still massing troops in the north. My best guess is that the Uprising will dictate the start, maybe in six months or so. I believe the Dynasty's strategy will be to control the battlefield and draw in the Uprising's forces into some sort of trap. Unfortunately, that will probably be in the Highland Province, quite possibly near Freehold."

No one spoke. Terra contemplated the horrors a war might bring. Anna broke the silence as let out a whimpering cry. Will took her from Joseph's lap and cradled her in his arms, rocking her back and forth.

He whispered to his daughter. "I am sorry, little one. This is not the world we would choose for you."

A sudden fear gripped Terra, bringing on a pounding heart. "Do they know we had a child?"

Avin looked directly at Terra. "I believe not. And we must keep it that way. I think I understand your concern. They already fear the combined capabilities of you and the Hooded Man. They may fear the potential future abilities of your offspring even more."

A knock on the front door disrupted the discussion. Ginny opened it to find Zoe. Terra grinned at her friend, but dropped it when she noticed Zoe's serious demeanor.

"There are skirmishes to the north. Civilian casualties will be here soon." Zoe swung her gaze to Terra. "I hate to ask this of you, Terra, but would you be able to help?"

Conflicted, Terra drew in a deep breath, glancing first at her daughter and then up into her husband's eyes. "Will?"

From the firmness of his lips and the hesitation, Terra could tell he had reservations. Finally, he replied, "Only if you can hide your identity."

Ginny spoke up. "Zoe, have some scrubs brought here. Terra can change and put on a surgical mask before going to the hospital. That will help hide her identity. Also, have a private room available for her."

Ginny, Zoe, and Terra all looked at Will. He nodded an acceptance.

Terra rose, kissing her daughter and then her husband. Will whispered in her ear, "Be careful, and make sure you stay safe."

She whispered back after another kiss. "I promise."

When Terra arrived at the hospital, preparations were already underway for the expected casualties. Everyone moved about in a whirl, but a disciplined and practiced one.

Far too practiced. And it will keep happening.

Liz tapped Terra on the shoulder. "Thanks for coming, Terra."

"What do you expect?"

Liz shook her head. "Not sure yet. We are preparing for the worst."

Pointing to an exam room at the end of the hall, Liz said, "Set up in there. We will bring those that need your skills to you. Like last time, just stabilize them and we will take over from there. Take breaks when you need to. I pray this will bore you."

Before Terra could respond, Liz took off to resolve of another matter.

Terra went to her assigned room and sat down on one of the two chairs. The room was small, almost claustrophobic, with barely enough space for the chairs, a padded table, and a small cabinet. She drummed her fingers as she waited while her gut twisted in anticipation. She wanted to be out there among the action, but understood the risk that might bring to her and her family.

Family! My husband and daughter! I have so much more to lose now.

She closed her eyes and took measured breaths, relaxing her body as best she could. Remembering Joseph's guidance, she cleared her mind and listened with her heart. A calmness came over her. Terra's devotion to her family and even her presence here now were acts of love. Her daughter appeared in her mind's eye.

Never regret love.

Terra snapped out of her meditation when Zoe knocked on the door. "They are here."

Within minutes Terra's first patient wheeled in, a young woman with an ugly gut wound, laying unconscious and near death due to internal bleeding. As Terra transitioned into the aura, an unexpected tingling power flowed through her. The clarity of her aura vision surprised her. In short order, the severed blood vessels within the young woman were located and sealed, and pieces of the offending dart were removed.

Terra motioned to the attending medic. "All done. The major bleeding has stopped, but she has already lost a lot of blood. She will need immediate treatment for hypovolemic shock."

The medic wheeled the young woman out. Terra glanced at the clock, surprised that the psi-surgery only lasted about ten minutes, something that previously would take thirty minutes or more.

Terra examined her hands. My Talent is still so strong. But why?

She had no time to contemplate that question before the next patient wheeled in, a middle-aged man with a severe head wound. Terra went into the aura, but then pulled back out. She bowed and shook her head at the medic. "He is already gone."

Several more followed over the next few hours. Most Terra could stabilize, but for some, it was too late.

Zoe was next to enter, but she carried a smile. "You have a little visitor who is eager to see you."

Ginny followed Zoe in, carrying a fussy blanket-wrapped package.

Terra's face lit up. "Well hello, little Anna girl. I bet you are hungry."

Anna shook her arms and kicked her little legs at the sound of her mother's voice. Zoe backed out, closing the door behind her as Terra took Anna into her arms, then winced as her daughter latched on to her breast.

"Easy girl. Your mommy's nipples are getting sore."

Ginny sat down next to Terra. "I told Will to stay put, no need to expose his face in public. How are you doing?"

"Good," Terra responded. "Surprisingly good."

Terra cooed at her daughter as she continued to nurse, but then jerked her head up as angry shouts and crashing sounds outside the door interrupted the peaceful scene. Both Terra and Anna jumped as gunshots rang out in the hallway. As a mother's rage swelled, Terra growled, baring her teeth and narrowing her eyes. She handed Anna to Ginny and slung the door open.

Turning back to Ginny, Terra hissed, "Lock the door behind me."

Ginny called out, "Terra, no!"