Outside the entrance to the children's area an armed guard of three families stood. We'd had too many close calls with sneaky aliens and we certainly had enough Warriors to spread around now. The men were friendly it seemed, but vigilant as we approached.

The guards from the camp made a point to introduce themselves and speak politely to Rose and me. There were men with them that must have been Warriors from the compounds. I assumed our campmates had been told to model good behavior. Rose and I returned their greetings and made small talk.

Unlike the men last night, these Warriors seemed more accepting of our equality in the camp. They watched us curiously and spoke to us cautiously, there was no malice. I figured they either had no real opinion on humans or were just going with the flow of the camp. Either way, I was relieved not to have to fight again. The night before had been stressful.

The door was opened, after it was unlocked, and the guards allowed us entry. After we stepped inside I heard the heavy structure closed and re-secured, The men were leaving nothing to chance.

The inside of children's area was a shock for Rose and me. It was so well Lit I blinked a little. I had not realized they'd brought this many young ones back, although the size of this space still dwarfed the men and boys in here. It was Like the inside of a football stadium. It appeared all the boys were taught together, although they seemed to be divided by age group.

Older boys sat to one side and they sat at tables. As the children got smaller they tended to have them grouped sitting on the floor. I imagined they'd run out of tables and the little boys probably didn't mind. Several groups of men were with each different age group, presumably teaching.

Sparing a second look at the room we were in I had to smile. If I had to imagine a Paterian school, this would be it. Based on the marks on the floor the periphery was a track the boys could run. On the left wall were huge diagrams of wrestling moves and the sword fighting positions. The right wall was dedicated to plants and animals in the forest. The far wall was a map of the entire planet. Beneath the map I could just make out short descriptions of the different areas.

Even in this dangerous time the boys still had their Lessons and their physical exercise. My campmates had made sure the children would not suffer if they had to stay inside for some reason. Everything continued and they still got to learn, even in times of danger.

"Mama!" I heard five voices yell out in synchrony.

Mycah and his Brothers dropped what they were doing and ran to me. Instinctively, I knelt and held my arms out to them. The boys expected a kiss on the cheek and a Little hug. Daddy and Damien had told them that's how I should greet them. They returned the affection with their usual exuberance,

“We're Learning about animals in the forest today!" Mycah told me excitedly.

The little ones couldn't wait to tell me all the things they'd learned already. The Child Keepers had even promised to take them to see for themselves, once the aliens were gone. The boys were enamored with the idea of getting on the big transports and experiencing the bright green world they'd seen outside the tunnels.

I noted men approaching and I encouraged the boys to go back where they had been. My presence here should not be detracting from their education. Mycah's family didn't want to Leave me, though.

"Come with us, Mama," Rees begged. "We like it when family is with us." As I stood, I smiled down at him and then greeted the lead Child Keepers. They were campmates I‘d never gotten to know, but it was evident to me they were formidable men. The five of them were muscular and commanding. This family was obviously in charge of everything here.

“Ciara, from Earth," I said politely to the man who appeared to be the lead Brother. "I am Damien's mate. My job is usually with the tailors or the Healers, but I am not needed there today. My friend and I would like to assist with the children. It is something we both enjoy. Our families want us to Keep Mycah and his Brothers during the day. We wondered if we could help today, just to get an idea of what you do. We have put in a written petition to the Administrators."

“Hyun, born in the T'lynien Mountains," the lead Brother announced in a deep bass.

“We would be glad for more help and you are encouraged to

Keep your own family. My Brothers and I would be happy to help you Learn.”

I smiled realizing Hyun was born in this very mountain. He was probably a wealth of information about the world around us. The children were lucky to have men like this teaching them.

Introductions were made between Rose and the rest of the Brothers. After my friend said her name a slightly smaller Brother in the back, named Lul, pulled out his pad and started to slide his fingers across the face. His face brightened as he Looked back up at Rose.

“You are mated to Basin's family, rescued from the Caras compound?" Lul asked.

Rose was proud of her family and smiled as she answered affirmatively.