Ever since Tracey''s words earlier that day, Tarquin just couldn''t settle his mind.

Everything seemed peaceful on the surface, but underneath, there was a storm brewing-dangerous currents no one dared talk about.

The fights between countries never really stopped. Tarquin wanted peace, always had. But there were people out there who just loved to stir up trouble, who couldn''t stand the idea of folks simply getting along.

And when wars start, who pays the price? Not the politicians. Not the generals. It''s regr people-folks just trying to make a living, raise families, put food on the table.

Sure, their country was prospering these days. They had the best technology, the best defense systems-missiles, tanks, fleets that could stand up to anyone who came knocking.

But it wasn''t the guns and bombs that kept Tarquin up at night. It was the dirty tricks behind closed doors-the kind you couldn''t seeing.

Everyone knew: biological weapons were the worst of the worst. The kind of evil that made even war look tame. Just look at history-Squad Seven''s atrocities were enough proof of that.

And now, rumors were swirling about a new kind of virus, one even worse than before. If it ever saw the light of day, the devastation would be unimaginable. Worse, this thing was designed specifically to target them.

Tarquin''s mind shed with images he wished he could forget-cities in chaos, neighbors broken and desperate, Elysia clutching their kids, terrified.

He clenched his jaw, anger simmering. Just because they wanted peace didn''t mean they were weak. Some countries—some organizations-kept testing just how far they could push things before it all blew up in their faces. One day, they''d get what wasing to them.

He had to find this so-called "Generation Eight" virus before they finished it. Had to figure out how to stop it before it ever hit the streets.

But where was it? His parents'' deaths-no doubt, they were connected. The "mysterious person" who kept after him, what they wanted-it had to be this.

If it''s that important, that dangerous... where would Mom and Dad have hidden it?

"Hey. Everything okay? You look a million miles away."

Elysia''s voice brought him back. She was standing right in front of him, looking concerned.

Tracey and Baby had already gone into the kitchen. He was still rooted to the spot.

Elysia grinned, "Baby walked in and immediately told me you were outside, just staring off into space. What''s going on? You look like you''ve seen a ghost."

Tarquin pulled himself together and fibbed, "Your grandma said she wants Baby to start learning medicine with her."

Elysiaughed, “That''s what''s got you all twisted up? You''re worried about her?" He nodded. "A little, yeah."

Her smile grew even brighter. "You''re such a softie for our girl."

She looped her arm through his, leading him toward the dining room.

"Medicine''s a tough path, and not exactly safe. We''re still figuring so much out, and there''s all kinds of risks. But I support Baby and Grandma all the way."

"Learning medicine, it''s good for her, and good for everyone else. Grandma says Baby''s got talent, and honestly, I see how much she loves mixing up those herbs and potions."

"With the right guidance, she could really do something amazing. Make a difference, you know? We''ll always need more doctors. The more

people who know how to heal, the better for everyone."

"Me, I was never that interested in

medicine, but I stuck with it because, well-when the kids have a fever or scrape their knee, at least I know what to do. And even if I never be a real doctor, at

help out. That counts for

Cast can

something.”

"Imagine if everyone knew a little first aid-maybe folks wouldn''t have to wait hours in the ER just for a cough."

Elysia chuckled, "Okay, maybe that''s a little idealistic. But I''m all for Baby learning medicine. You never know when those skills wille in handy."

Tarquin looked down at her. Grandma was right—Elysia really did have a big, giving heart. Even her daughter learning medicine turned into a way to help the world.

So gentle. So kind.

He kept the virus and the darkness locked away, and just said, "You''re right. I support her too."