So, from Fussy’s first word, I guess this story is over? I kid; all the Harmanns are rather hardheaded and used to having their way. Think of it more as a negotiation point.

Looking back at part one, Liz almost seems a little “aspie.” Makes sense as being a demi of a technical bent, she’s used to focusing completely on something before moving on. Thus, that’s why Josh had no idea that she was interested in him until the radar array project was complete.

Below, I love the little bit where Josh is busted for looking at Faustina’s ass. We men really are pigs.

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“No,” Empress Faustina said, busy behind her desk in the massive legionary base just east of Knoxville.  “He’s a nobody and you are my first-born.  Try again and look higher, next time.”

Having only seen pictures and footage of the empress, Josh stood stock still at his Intended’s left.  She was much younger looking than he expected, but the resemblance to Liz was striking, barring her darker hair and turquoise eyes.  Eyes which regarded him with contempt.

“I have made my choice, mother,” Liz went on in a measured tone.  “I shall emancipate myself from the family and leave if you do not agree.”

The empress grew perfectly still.  I wish I was anywhere else than here, right now.  She stood and moved around her desk toward the door, pulling on her legionary jacket as she did.  No sign of rank or awards, just the small gold wreath circlet in the middle.  Everyone knew who she was.

“Walk with me.”

Outside in the bright sunlight, there was the usual business of what was a logistics depot for the legions.  A mile per side, steel and ferroconcrete, it was one of the many places the empress might have called home.  She idly returned any waves, salutes, or calls from anyone they passed.  From asphalt, they went to gravel, then dirt.  Josh saw that there was a small patch, looking a bit like a garden, along the north wall.  She abruptly stopped.

“I know you hate politics, First Child,” Faustina began without turning about.  “And, have never served in my legions.  You have, ah, inoculated yourself from being my heir.”

She took a few steps and leaned down to smell some yellow roses, a gift from the Republic of Texas.  Josh tried to not…

“Don’t look at my mother’s butt, Intended,” Liz scolded him.

Yikes!

“You make my points for me, daughter,” Faustina said, turning about with a feral smile.

“We have been in close physical proximity for just over half a year, off world, and Joshua has always been a gentleman,” Liz riposted.

“Or maybe he is lazy?  Or homosexual?” was the empress’ quick retort.

“Like my brother?”

Once again, it was if ice had formed on the empress’ face.  “That subject is not…”

“Joshua will be my husband and Les’ brother-in-law.  I shall not keep secrets from him.”

Two quick steps and the mother and daughter were nose to nose.  It was everything Josh could do to not panic and step back.  He took Liz’s hand and moved closer to her.

“Thank you,” he barely heard from her.

“You,” the empress began around gritted teeth, “are not head of this family.  I am.  We shall…”

She fixed Josh with a glare.

“I have summoned my husband, currently in Birmingham,” she announced.  “We shall all speak again at 1900.”

A blink as turquoise stared at the sun’s yellow.

“We both know you are ovulating right now.  Do not force our hand.” She walked past her daughter, presumably back to her office.

“My God…” Josh breathed.

“That went better than I expect, Intended,” Liz said as if discussing the lovely weather about them.  “There was much you did not know going on, as we were also arguing mind to mind.  Come, let us sit on this bench for a moment that I may make you older.”

“You…you really would leave your family for me?” he managed.  This is so beyond me…

“I would hate it and die a little, inside.  But yes.” She patted the bench.  “Sit down and listen, Intended.”