(Untitled)

[gabriel_tam]

It's early afternoon when he opens the door from Milliways into the Tams' New Mayfair home. The tastefully-furnished space of Gabriel's home office lies before them.

"Go on, River," he says, gently. "Go ahead in."

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[gabriel_tam]

The sudden silence is more than a little disconcerted.

It's Gabriel who reacts first, adapting smoothly to the situation.

"As you gentlemen are no doubt aware, my daughter has rather distinctive gifts." His tone is as dry as desert sand, and more than one of the guards finds something to look at.

Bajian Li, who is the head of this particular team, has both the grace and necessary presence to hold Gabriel's gaze with his own.

"Be that as it may, she's still not trained in the same way we are, sir, and it's our job to see you both safe and secure."

[river_meimei]

River's eyes cut to Bajian Li.

She doesn't move otherwise, and she says nothing.

[gabriel_tam]

"Do it at a distance. Given that this is an unplanned trip, the risk should be minimal. Call in extra monitoring and response units if you want, but it'll be remote," Gabriel says flatly.

[river_meimei]

"Gonna be okay," River mutters. To her father, or to the guards; it's hard to say which, with her head tilted down and hair tangling about her face, and her eyes flicking from one thing to the next.

"She'll be careful."

[gabriel_tam]

Li still looks as though he wants to argue, but it's clear he's dealt with such issues before.

"Very well, Senator. We'll establish a perimeter, and monitor from there."

He makes a quick hand-signal to the others, and all four move quickly and quietly through the gates.

Gabriel turns to River.

"Is that better, băobèi?"

[river_meimei]

"Don't tell them I'm listening," she whispers.

A few seconds pass, and then she manages a smile for her father; after a moment, it solidifies more.

"Got sky."

Beat.

Softer, and half as if convincing herself, "I'm okay."

[gabriel_tam]

"You're okay," he agrees quietly, and puts his arm around her shoulders, drawing her into a hug.

"Come on. Let's go. I think you'll like it there."

[river_meimei]

And she does.

She curls into her father's arm, and she casts quick darting glances at the guards hidden behind trees, and she never quite relaxes even in the sunlit grassy park.

But she does.