New section, so new section title. It shall start in a calm, bucolic setting, but I hope the world catches fire in a few ten-thousand words. I do recall that Graf and Pai were married on this land, and that Alix was there, too. That was just before their, ah, agreement. Has she been back, since? I’ll find out and let y’all know.

My love of writing discussions over meals is nigh-well legendary, and this shall lead to another one. Pai will act like a maid to try to not call attention to herself, as it seems Minny’s beau, introduced below, is not sure what to think about all this, and her sitting in front of an empty plate might put him off.

In the background, we have a team of speculatores, one of many, making sure there will be no problems for Aurie’s annexation plans. I seriously doubt there will be any dialog, there. Also, there’s that secret “in two days” Pai mentioned. She knows, of course, so I do, too. Even Alix does. Poor Graf has no idea…

Enjoy my content? Buy me a beer!

The debriefing of the empress took barely an hour.  Her eyes were golden fire the entire time, so was obviously scouring data as they talked.  Graf led the conversation but had to fall silent for when he was sick in Argentina.  Once back to Alta California, Pai looked to him to take back the lead, only pausing when his wife touched his hand to convey to Aurelia what she had done to another Thinking Machine.

Aurie stood and got some water at that.  Sitting, she told Graf to continue.

She tilted her head at the story of Luce, with a muttered, “This is stupid.  But I like your idea, Mrs. Winstead.”  Suspecting she meant what Pai had said about being king and another wife, he sputtered a bit and ran down to a conclusion.

“Thank you both,” Aurelia said.  “I will need y’all again.  For now, dismissed.  You are returning to your homeland?  Know that I am going to annex it in two months.  And, yes, you may tell them that.”

She closed her eyes and they left.

That evening was a shock.  The S-2 was on the ground next to the barn, to not spook the locals.  But in the house…

“I think we’ve met, but years ago,” Graf managed.  “Joe Sendberg, was it?”

“Yes,” the young man said, hand out, which Graf took.  “Your father has already said he’s fine with Mindy and me getting married next month, but some of the stories I’ve heard, well, I thought we should talk, first.”

“I just hope you don’t get caught up in all this, too,” Graf muttered.

“What was that?” Joe asked.  “Oh, let me get that, Min.”

Helping with the roast out of the oven, Pai laughed.  Once on the top of the stove, the young man turned.

“There is another with that nickname,” Pai smiled.  “One of my kind.  I found it funny.”

Obviously uncomfortable with the idea of what his wife was, Graf suggested a beer for the two of them on the front porch.  Which Pai immediately ruined.

“Word from down south,” she said, sitting on the front steps to conserve power.  “Alix and the kids are being dropped off in two minutes.  Glad for the roast, as they’re hungry.”

She looked over her shoulder and gave a knowing smile.

“And there will be another surprise in two days, Beloved Husband.”

“Another ship?” Graf demanded.  “Are you trying to scare my neighbors?”

“It will be here and gone in a nonce.  No worries!”

She deliberately creeps me out when she does that, he thought, indicating the two rocking chairs on the front deck for he and Joe.  “Has my sister, your Intended, talked about how things are, well, a little complicated for us?”

“Uh,” he paused, “yes.  I won’t say I understand, but, to be polite, how will I call…?”

Pai laughed.  “Typical Midwest Nice!  Call her by her name, Alix, or mother.  Our kids call me Auntie.  And Graf might have another name for me, soon!”

Graf glared at his wife who still was not forthcoming on what she was keeping closely held.

Expecting another scout, like Caper, Graf was very surprised to hear the rumble of several diesel trucks coming down their country lane.  He and Joe stood and set their beers on the deck rail.  Pai just laughed.

Moments later came four legionary trucks, the gold eagle with its head and wings up, claws extended over six stars, emblazoned on the doors.  I know from reading that it used to be five, under Faustina.  Aurie has been as aggressive as the Russians when expanding her territory, both here and in space.  I could ask…

“So, Wife,” he said as they slowed in front of his family home, “the leading-edge of this land being added to the imperium?”

“Yepper!” she said, looking back with a smile.  The passenger door of the second truck opened.  A legionary waved before pushing his seat forward.  A moment later, Suza  jumped to the ground, stumbling and rolling to her feet.  Someone handed Tér to the legionary, who set him down, carefully.  They both ran toward the house.

“Daddy!  Auntie!” Suza shouted.  Behind them, they saw the man offer a hand to Alix, who also exited the truck.  She smiled and waved.

“Should I talk to…” he said into the seconds before his children were upon him.

“No.  I’ll speak to the legionaries.  I’ll tell you what I learn at dinner,” Pai replied, as Suza bounded up the stairs past her and into Graf’s arms.  Tér paused and Pai pulled him up into her lap.

“Welcome home!” she whispered.