Well! Two reveals. One, we get back to what Fussy and Ed found in “Ice Inundation Intelligence,” and two, that Les and Min do, in fact, love one another. I’m guessing they would use the more precise term of agape. I do not even know if Min’s Model 12 body is kitted out for sexual intercourse. Guess we’ll have to find out. In a non-prurient way, of course.

Since they brought up the Device, I wonder how, if at all, it plays into the image of that feral girl by a stream? Many, many futures here and I am increasingly confused. Writing, in a sense, is like Schrodinger’s Cat: by typing the words, you collapse the wave equation from all the myriad ways, to one.

Enjoy my content? Buy me a beer!

If you like, this is faster, Minerva said to her mind while ruffling Lissa’s dark hair with her left hand.  That got another giggle.

I don’t think we should keep secrets from –

I am forward this in realtime to my cap – to Les.  Perhaps tell your mother?

“Mom?” Saras called, looking over her left shoulder to the kitchen.  Laszlo was moving plates and flatware to the table.  “Like I did with my uncle, may Minerva and I talk, well, our way?”

“That’s fine, First Girl,” she replied before talking to her brother-in-law about his relationship with Robert.  And hers.

All clear, as you heard, Saras thought.  And, you call him Les?  Not sure if my mom can see the cues, but I think you really like him.  Even demi, I’m still a girl and don’t get a lot of this.

As personal as this form of communication is, I shall withhold little from you. 

Little? Saras knew a smile flickered across her face.

Certainly.  Some of what we have done and seen is only reported directly to the Empress.  And by word-of-mouth.

That surprised her.

Just WHAT have you seen out there! she demanded.

Minerva blinked.

I withdraw my question.  Sorry. 

You will be older, soon.  I think it is important for what is being done here.  Minerva picked up Lissa as she tried to slid off the couch and make her way to the table.  You, from your mother, know about the Device, so carefully guarded by Aqua.  What does it imply?

Saras knew the story, but – just like she said – not all the details.  Too classified.

The Empress and my other uncle, Edward, found something which tossed them into the future.

And?

Well, uh, they were rescued by Dad and Kalí.

And?

Umm…

The Device is a made thing.  Reflect on that.

Saras heard her mother turning off the burners of the stove.

That…that somebody made it.

Very good.  Use your Five W’s.

What?

Who made it?  When did they?  Where?  Why?

I don’t know any of those answers.

Then, she eased the little girl to the floor, be older.

I, Saras blinked at her wet eyes, I had wanted to use this to know you better.  Not talk tech problems.

“My newest friend,” Minerva smiled, “I am a tech problem!  Just ask my captain.  Who I love more than my own existence.”

“Min, please,” Les sighed.  He walked over and put out both hands to pull her up and into his arms.  “We all have and are problems.  Just not here; not now.”

“Yes, Master,” Saras barely heard from her.  Mom must have heard that, too, as she nearly dropped the serving platter.