It’s Friday, even if I have to go into DayJob for a few hours tomorrow, so a shorter entry. I’m hoping to write the conclusion of Part Three either today or today and tomorrow. I’d been stumped as to how Aurie was going to mess with Eloise’s mind; demis can do a lot, but they aren’t Machines who can rewrite your memories, as when Reina gifted Allen Rupert warship design.

The Canadian CSIS sounds as corrupt as our current three-letter agencies. Democracy leads to socialism which demands state terror.

Enjoy my content? Buy me a beer!

There was a pause of nearly a quarter minute.  Did she get ticked off by that?  Eloise wondered.

“And not just you, General,” Aurelia began.  “We all record these, but this time there are CSIS in the room with you.  Lost confidence in you, have they?”

He ignored her.  The Regent of the imperium.

“Leftenant Patel, I must order you to return home to Canada,” he announced.

“I have offered her political asylum,” Aurelia said before Eloise could respond.  “You will torture and murder someone the imperial family considers a Friend.  Do the men to the left and right of you, just off camera, have a death wish?  I can obliterate every city in Ontario with a population more than fifty thousand without moving from this table, General.”

“Are you, Regent Hartmann,” he said, finally acknowledging her, “planning on fighting Canada and Texas at the same time?”

“Texas has stood down.  My cousin is on her way to me via jet aircraft now.  Reasonable people, of any make, can always reach accommodation.” A blink.  “Are you reasonable, General Burghy?”

“Will you not release my officer?” he asked.

“What is to release?  She may come and go as she pleases,” Aurelia replied.  “I offered her a new home, is all.”

“Leftenant Patel?” he asked her.

“I…” I miss Bob!  “I shall do as ordered, sir.  I shall ask the local authorities here for a means to return to you, soonest.”

This time, even I saw his eyes dart left and right.  Do they have guns on him?  On his family?

“Thank you.  Please inform me or my staff once arrangements are made.  Burghy out.”

Once the image on the laptop screen faded, Aurelia chuckled.

“You think this is funny?” Eloise demanded.  “I can die; he can die!  And, was that true about your cousin?”

“Yes.  To both questions.” She stood.  “I am prepping transport for you now.  Let’s get Colour and have a nice dinner.  I’ll even let you drink.”