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  It was a little girl, and her ruby-red eyes were visible through their slight opening and her puffy lids.

  Imbri let the medical team load her up as she touched her daughter’s hand. “What is your name, Madam Archive?”

  “Jillema.”

  Imbri smiled. “Imjillema she will be. Your name, sir?”

  “Rimash.”

  “Imjillema Rimash is her name.” Imbri laid back as the medics removed her and her body went limp.

  “I am following her.”

  Rimash nodded. “You need to faint.”

  She looked at him and then collapsed in his arms. He smeared blood on her cheek and carried her after the medical team. He whistled and jerked his head to the Archive express carriage. It was on a dedicated line and would not be bogged down. It was the fastest way to get Imbri medical care.

  The medics followed, and in moments, they were on their way to the treatment centre. The baby was squirming in the arms of one of the medics. She might be early, but she had energy.

  Jill held her arms out. “Give her to me.”

  The medic hesitated and then handed the child over. “Yes, Archive.”

  The baby peeped at her and waved her hand in the air. Jill smiled and slipped her finger into the tiny velvety grip.

  Their little trio watched over the medics working frantically, and when they arrived at the medical centre, Rimash carried them after the still form of Imbri. The blood on the pathway let him follow at a stately pace even as the medics ran off.

  “Well, Imjay, I am sure that she will be fine.”

  The red eyes looked at her seriously through thick lashes.

  Rimash asked, “Imjay?”

  “Imjillema is a bit of a mouthful. Imjay is a lot easier.” She stroked the baby’s cheek.

  “I will arrange for clothing and a bed for her. What else do we need?”

  “Food, diapers, toys. That sort of thing.”

  “Right. I will notify the Childcare Archive. They can provide me with a list.” He was staring down at the baby in her arms.

  Imbri never woke up. She breathed her last at the Great Archive with her new child at her side. Jill was now a mother.

  Jill hadn’t considered children as an option because she had rejected the three suitors that her family had brought to her. She had been told that they wouldn’t find anyone else and that it would be disrespectful for her to consider a man from outside their traditions.

  So, she had dated, she had been careful and she had never considered making any permanent attachment.

  Imjay needed a mother, and Jill was going to have to rise to the occasion.

  “How do we proceed with the funeral?”

  “The Archive itself is making the arrangements. Her family on Selna will be notified, but her body will remain here. She will be laid to rest in the hall of the archives, with all honour paid to her.”

  “That is very nice.”

  “She gave birth to one of only a handful of citizens of the Great Archive. She deserves all that the Archive can offer in her rest.”

  A medic came up and inclined her head. “May I take the baby to check her over, Archive?”

  “Of course. May I come with?”

  “Of course, madam.” The medic reached out and scooped Imjay from her arms.

  With one last glance at Imbri, Jill followed her new daughter, and Rimash followed her, both of them dotted with the blood that had brought Imjay into the world.

  While the death was a tragedy, life awaited, and that life was wailing like a banshee all the way down the hall.

  Chapter Six

  When Jill had a chance to sleep, she dreamed of wind, water and the heavy beat of wings. A low, slow song eased her back into dreams with less wildness and a calmer pace.

  Imjay squalled several times in the night, and each time, Jill got up, crossed the room, warmed a bottle and fed her. She also changed her and walked up and down the floor with her eyes nearly closed.

  The option to breastfeed had been opened to her, but it would take a few days for her body to change rhythm, so she opted for the nutrient mix that would help a Selna-Nyal grow big and strong.

  Her hair was currently black and silky, but Jill had been warned that it was probably temporary. Eyes and hair belonged to the Nyal.

  When Imjay was finally settled, Jill went to put her back in her bed, but she started to fuss. With a sigh, Jill went back to bed and put the baby on her chest. Imjay slept, and Jill went in search of the soft mental music.

  A hand on her shoulder woke her out of her sound sleep. Rimash was standing with Imjay tucked in one arm, and the baby was looking at her with bright eyes. Jill felt less than bright.

  “Good morning, Archive. Your breakfast is ready, your clothing is in the lav, hanging on the door and a triple dose of caf is waiting for you in that carafe. Get ready and I will explain your new schedule.”

  She got out of bed and staggered into the lav, greeting the shower with relief. Hot water was both relaxing and invigorating.

  She dried off, got dressed and brushed her hair, settling it in a soft twist. Her dress went on over her head, and she settled her headpiece in place before heading for breakfast.

  Imjay was happily getting her bottle, and Rimash looked like he had done that sort of thing before.

  “Do you have children?” She couldn’t believe she had never asked before.

  “No, but I have taken care of children here for the last few hundred years. Four or five of them, all different species. Drink the caf, you look exhausted.”

  She drank the strong breakfast stimulant and felt her eyes open slightly. “I have heard that babies are hard to deal with until they can sleep through the night. I am just going to make a schedule and hope that I am not insane by the time that happens.”

  “Babies are not good with schedules.”

  Jill sighed. “I know, but I have to look forward to something.”

  He laughed. The baby fussed, and he resumed feeding her.

  “Selna and Nyal both have rapid early development. Imjay will feed frequently, but she will grow rapidly. I will help.”

  She looked at him with grateful hope before she realized that it would interfere with his own rest. “You can’t. If she messes up my sleep, I can only imagine what will happen with yours.”

  “I do not need much sleep. I can help.”

  The temptation was great. “I will think about it. Can I let you know after lunch?”

  He grinned. “Yes. Now, finish your meal. Your clients are waiting.”

  She ate without tasting and swigged down more caf until she was vibrating with energy.

  “You will have to carry her. A nanny is being arranged for her while you work. One of the students in the Contract Archive is being interviewed as we speak.”

  “So, you have an implant as well?” She put her dishes in the recycler and straightened her gown, checked her mouth for crumbs and then reached out for Imjay.

  Rimash went through the gear he had acquired for the baby, and he assembled a diaper bag with the daily requirements before handing her a sling that she could use to hold the little, warm bundle against her.

  Imjay’s lips curved in a cute little bow as she was tucked into the sling. She was held against Jill’s heart, and it seemed to be what she needed to fall into a deep sleep.

  Jill smiled. “She is so adorable.”

  Rimash handed her the baby bag and offered her his hand. “I would carry it, but as your guard, I am not allowed to encumber myself with anything other than you.”

  She slung it over her shoulder and put her hand on his wrist. “Not a problem. I used to babysit my cousin’s kids. This is easy.”

  “I am glad you think so. Let me know if you think the same when you have been a parent for more than a day.” He winked and led the way out of her quarters.

  A crew was waiting in the hall, each of them with Archive Maintenance authorizations on
their uniforms. They surged toward her quarters as Rimash led her away.

  “What are they doing?” She glanced back every few feet as the team disappeared into her quarters.

  “Your quarters are being linked with mine; a nanny suite is being added as well as a baby’s room. You are a mother now; your space is being altered accordingly.”

  Imjay let out a soft cooing noise, and Jill looked down. Her mood softened immediately. “Fine, little miss. You will get a room of your own.”

  “The changes and the nanny are sensible. You can’t function as the Contract Archive if you are exhausted.”

  “I feel pretty perky today.”

  He grinned. “The day has only just begun.”

  He was absolutely right. The baby snuggled against her distracted her clients exceedingly, and Imjay didn’t wait until the contract searches were done to express her displeasure with her current state of being soiled or hungry.

  She managed to process three clients in the morning before she hitched the clean and fed into her sling and went for lunch in the Archive break room.

  Imjay had dozens of admirers, and her popularity gave Jill a chance to eat.

  Rimash left her side for a moment, and when he returned, he had a woman with him. She had soft blue skin and vivid yellow eyes.

  “Archive Ahamad, this is the nanny that the Great Archive has selected for you. Her name is Laliette, and she is of the Driar folk.”

  The woman bowed. “It will be an honour to serve you and your daughter, Archive Ahamad.”

  Jill smiled. “Call me Jill.”

  The woman looked shocked.

  “Well, then, call me Archive Jill. My family name has no place here.”

  “Thank you for welcoming me as caregiver, Archive Jill.”

  The Legal Archive came up to them, holding Imjay. “I have your documents of official guardianship and motherhood. All I need is your blood and a drop of hers.”

  Imjay was fussing and squirming in the man’s arms. Jill held out her arms and took her daughter back.

  Imjay looked perturbed, as if being shown off was an irritation. Jill soothed her and stroked her downy cheek.

  Rimash nodded. “I have cancelled your afternoon appointments, and the rest of the day will be filled with the legalities of an alien adopting a legal citizen of the Great Archive.”

  Legal nodded and winked. “I will see you later then. She is a lucky girl. You have much to offer.”

  Rimash stiffened, and Jill felt more than saw, his wings flex. He was not happy about the wink.

  Jill beckoned to Laliette. “Laliette, this is your new charge, Imjay. Technically, Imjillema Imbri Rimash. Or that will be her registered name as of this afternoon.”

  Rimash nodded, “Emergency custody has been filed and registered. The adoption is the only legal matter left to accomplish. No one will dare to remove the child from the Great Archive. The security here is designed to keep us and the information safe.”

  Imjay was eyeing the newcomer suspiciously.

  “Imjay, this is your nanny, Laliette.”

  Laliette took the baby carefully and settled her with the comfortable ease of someone who had handled a lot of children.

  “Do you come from a large family, or do you have one?”

  Laliette chuckled. “I come from a large family. I was not the eldest, and so I was told to find a subject of study, so I came here. I have been here for four years, trying to find something that holds my interest. The only thing I have been able to focus on is reproductive sciences.”

  “Well, you are holding the result of it right there.”

  Laliette rocked Imjay lightly and the baby settled. “She is lovely. It will be a pleasure to care for her.”

  “Will it interfere with your studies?”

  “No. The Great Archive has given me flexible access to all of the archives that interest me. When I choose a field of focus, I will be granted a secure terminal to do my homework so that my attending on Imjay will still allow me to pursue a career.”

  Jill nodded. “Good. When will you start?”

  “My things are being moved to my new quarters in your quarters, so I can be on duty this evening and Rimash can brief me on your schedule. Let’s see if I can’t find a way to get those dark circles out from under your eyes. They don’t look very good.”

  Jill took the baby back and sighed ruefully. “They probably don’t, but she is eating on a regular schedule and that schedule is whenever she feels like it. I just have to go along with it. Despite her mother’s claims, she seems to have fully developed lungs.”

  Laliette had a curious expression cross her features. “Well, I will get her medical reports this evening. Dinner hour?”

  Rimash nodded. “We will be expecting you.”

  She bobbed a quick bow and left them to the rest of Jill’s break.

  Jill looked at Rimash and sighed. “I swear, if I hadn’t heard a song in my mind, I would never have gotten any sleep over the last week.”

  His cheeks darkened to a deeper shade of greyish blue. “A song?”

  “Yes. A relaxing and rhythmic song. Every time she woke me up, that song put me right under again.”

  The baby waved one small fist in the air. A gesture of triumph if ever there was one.

  Jill gave Imjay an evil look, slipped her bag over her shoulder and heaved herself to her feet. “So, where is our first stop?”

  “Medical for the reports, legal for the formal documents.” He extended his hand.

  She put her hand on his wrist, and they walked out of the elegant lunchroom.

  It was time to get the little miss all legally hers.

  “If the family decides to fight for her, you will have to engage in legal battle.” The Legal Archive outlined her options.

  A scribe was taking down information and preparing to draft the final document.

  “Right. I am prepared for that.”

  He gave her a sly look. “If the father enters the picture, having a mated couple in front of him would do wonders to force him to accept your claim.”

  There was a skeevey look to his gaze, so she reached up behind her shoulder and took Rimash’s hand. “I have it covered. He is with me around the clock. There isn’t a better caretaker on this world. He would make an excellent mate.”

  The Archive chuckled and shook his head. “Everyone knows that the Drai don’t select their mates at random. No one would believe that you two are mates after such a short time.”

  Rimash moved and leaned down, threaded his free hand in her hair, and he kissed her softly.

  While Jill’s fascination went into keeping the light contact going, Imjay shrieked and wiggled between them.

  When Rimash stood straight and moved behind her again, the Legal Archive was in the strange position of putting his metaphorical eyes back in their sockets.

  “Okay, so that will work. Do you have anything else to strengthen your case in case it comes up?”

  She smiled. “I do. I have obtained her mother’s medical travel scans, and I have her statement in my office declaring the child’s name and its disposition into my care.”

  “I think we are done here for today. We have everything we need to file, and then, we wait to see if either family raises their heads.”

  Jill got to her feet and fished out a bottle for Imjay to drink while they walked. A pressure tab on the bottle warmed it to blood heat, and the little lips puckered up.

  “I also have a contract that turns her into a Nyal heiress if it comes down to that. Anything to keep her family at bay.”

  He frowned. “They were acting according to their traditions.”

  “I know, but they sold her, he bought her and then he sold her back to them again. A life of being rented out to the highest bidder is not what I will have for my child.”

  She nodded and left the legal department, signing the copy on the way out. It was everything they had discussed and a
few extra points that the Archive had proposed.

  Imjay had an entire world of education protecting her. It was kind of a nice feeling.

  Chapter Seven

  Back in her quarters, she changed Imjay and settled her in her cot before she rounded on Rimash.

  “What was that kiss?”

  He cocked his head, and the music swelled in her mind. She swayed and reached out. He caught her and supported her.

  “So, you have figured it out?”

  She blinked up at him. “I have checked the Drai contract. Wow. You folks really did a deal on the Alliance and the Imperium.”

  He flexed his wings. “We are an ancient race, and we hate leaving home. Well, it is illegal for us to leave if we didn’t make it out before the interdict.”

  She smiled. “It is a little out of my scope of experience. I thought you needed a territory to bring your mate to.”

  He leaned in until his nose was nearly touching hers. “Who says I do not have one?”

  She looked away before meeting his uncomfortably close gaze. “I don’t know. I suppose that I just assumed you didn’t based on the Great Archive being in control of the whole planet.”

  “We have an understanding.”

  He closed the distance between them, and her toes curled when his lips touched hers. His armour was warm when she pressed her palm against it, and all of the small touches of the previous ten days washed through her in remembrance. His hands had been all over her at one time or another.

  The only place he touched her was her lips, but her body came alive under that tiny contact.

  Her family would not approve, but her family was not here and this was precisely the sort of thing that she had left home to experience. Affection without restraint and no disapproving eyes.

  A knock at the door pulled them apart.

  Jill felt heat in her face and a distinct pulse in her lips. “I think that Laliette is here.”

  He inclined his head. “I believe you are correct.”

  He stepped back and turned, leaving plenty of space for his wings. She supposed that appendages like that would create a number of physical habits to move around in a world where everyone else could turn on the spot and not knock anyone down.