With Ghost away for the day visiting her mother, Mc'Key was left to his own
devices - the first time they had been so far apart since their return to
the Warren together. There was something fishy about this trip. It all
looked very above board on the surface, but Phaedra had mentioned dragon
gossip of some 'secret wing' and since Mc'Key knew of no such thing, he
could only assume this comment was directed at his lady love. He had not
tried to persue the matter, leaving her to her own devices, but if there
*was* some new wing, he would have to make it his business. People couldn't
just form a wing whenever, especially those who had not completed the
rider's training.

The events of the last couple of days had been perplexing. First, Inagua had
tried to kill Phaedra and had been sent away for her trouble - that saved
Ghost a job she would have hated - then the rogue escaped after having sex
with the Warrenlady - a mating flight involving Phaedra was always a
worrying experience. He was unscathed, however, and thought he would use his
time to catch up on Beta Wing duties, including training.

He called Ji'lmae to the training grounds and it was just like old times,
teaching the young rider some of the combat manoeuvres he would require in
the Wing. He was getting very good and could soon become a full member of
Beta Wing. All through the training, however, he could not stop thinking
about the 'secret wing' and resolved to go and see Phaedra.

After checking with Melith via Vas, Mc'Key headed over to the Warrenlady's
office. A brief knock at the door found her in and Mc'Key thought she did
not look very happy.

"What is it Mc'Key?" she asked.

"If this is not a good time," the rider said hesitantly.

"What! No, I'm sorry Mc'Key. Melith is laying eggs and it's playing havoc
with my peace of mind," she smiled.

"I wanted to ask you about this 'secret wing' you referred to."

"Mm? Oh yes. Melith told me that some of the female riders were forming a
new wing and asked me why I had decided to form an all-girl wing. When I
asked her about it, she said it was called 'hatchlings flying' or
something - she couldn't recall the exact name. I take it that you know
nothing of this."

"No, my Lady. I have no idea. But I will make it my business to find out."

"I understand that Ghost is involved," Phaedra put in.

"Then I will start my enquiries with her when I see her next."

"Thank you Mc'Key, that's all."

Mc'Key was about to leave when he suddenly stopped.

"My Lady, I know you have other things on your mind, but ..."

"Out with it, man!"

"I was wondering how you were. I mean, with the assassination and the rogue
rider and well, everything that's happened, I was wondering if you are OK."

[Tag Allen! Mc'Key does like the WarrenLady, but will she confide in him?]

After leaving Phaedra's office, Mc'Key was at rather a loss. He had no idea
when Ghost would be back, but he knew one thing - she was going to tell him
*exactly* what was going on. He went to the dinning hall for a bite to eat
and a sip of something red.

NRPG:

This is just a wee one to get myself back into Geode after the Barb-Bridget
tennis we've been playing! Once the girls get back from Lago Vista - if they
don't need help before with the mysterious problem - Ghost at least can
expect a warm welcome - and a lot of questions!!

Respectfully submitted,

FCO Lt.(jg) Olivier Patru, USS ORION NCC-1997, Starfleet.
Special Agent-2 Jim Reaper, X-Files Division, FBI.
Ar'Aman Bowright and Darar, Daere Warren, DragonLands.
Mc'Key and Vasleth, Geode Warren, DragonLands.

aka Peter Shillan.