I swear I did not think about Allie’s name vis a vis that other girl who fell down a hole until yesterday. At least this way I dodged a huge discussion of politics. Maybe that will be tossed into the lap of Anton, next.

The thought I had in the lead-in of the last segment was enough to have Allie voice it to Fussy; outside of war, no one should have to bury their children or grandchildren. Longevity is a curse.

Enjoy my content? Buy me a beer!

His eyes closed and he leaned into his wife a little.

Best we talk this way, Alicia suggested.

Yes.  He’s tired but has a vast curiosity and would force himself to stay awake and listen, Faustina agreed.  So, Hero, I suggest you brush up on your Latin for some proper names.  The history books will not look kindly on “Crabbies” and “Squiddy.”

I am not a hero.  I fell down a hole.

Many great tales start that way, she disagreed.  Shall I order you to change your name from Alicia to Alice?

The girl’s flinch was almost enough to have her slip off the couch.

You…you’ve always known this would happen?  How?  Did you tell Saras to name me this because you knew!

No.  The retired empress’ laugh shook her soul.  Just a coincidence, I’m sure.

“Don’t patronize me, Fussy!” she said aloud, prompting a blink from Johnston before he resumed his nap.

I had nothing to do with naming you.  Did I suspect there was, and is, something we knew nothing of deep under this world?  Yes.  Not one single clue pointed me to that, but too many instances of datapoints.  Beginning, of course, with what happened to my son and I, so many years ago.

A… Alicia shook her head to restart it.  A lot of that report remains classified, to this day.  But…is Mars, my home, really as beautiful as you described?

Faustina’s hand came up to touch the right side of the girl’s face.

Come, Hero, I shall conceal nothing from you.

And in an instant, Alicia lived the three months her great grandmother had.  Disoriented, she stood and staggered to the kitchen.  Miss Silque caught her and had her to the sink, just in time.  When the retching stopped, the maid handed her a small towel and a glass of sparkling water.

You…only Machines can move memories like that!

I have been demi-human for a very long time, Fussy chuckled.  You learn shortcuts.

Alicia rinsed and spat.  After wiping her mouth, she drank the rest, set the glass down, and thanked Miss Silque.

If what you saw is true, then my world is beautiful, she admitted, walking back to the couch, then past it, looking out at the sea.

Your world is beautiful now, Faustina contradicted.  You know I told my other son, your grandfather, I would not come back.  He shamed me until I did.  Stupid git should have just reminded me there were no cigars on Aq – Mars; I would have gone home just for those!

Right then!  Alicia whirled about.  You…you called Mars something else!  I…I cannot see it in your memories!  Why?

You may not know that.  None of you.  She put her arm about her husband’s shoulder.  I know what you really think of me:  as fake a retirement as Diocletian, you thought.  I will not castigate you for that.  Once my beloved, here, passes, I may take up my standard here, just to make Reina weak in the knees.  Until then, I will tend to my husband in what time he has.  Leave me.  Go home.  We shall speak later.

Desperately wanting to talk more, she knew she must obey.  Another ninety degree bow and she made her way toward the corridor which would take her back to the main door.

But next to the couch, she looked down.  Faustina Hartmann had closed her eyes and rested her head onto her husband’s. 

I am so sorry for you, she cried in her mind to her great grandmother.  You will outlive your husbands, some of your children, some of your grandchildren.  You are the strongest person I know but there’s nothing I can do to help you.

Of course there is, foolish child, came the light thought.  Pray for me.