Interestingly, this underminds my entire arc for these two books. If Luce is banished from the DMZ, then one leg of my “religious war over the Fusions” is knocked out. Oh well, this is what I was shown to write, so I’ll work it out one way or another.

I think I’ll gloss the entire trial scene, esp as everything will be happening behind the scenes, anyway. Also, I know there is some significance to Luce’s reluctance to give up her staff and coat, but I don’t yet know what it is. Generally, a staff indicates authority and a coat or robe much the same (“I’m wealthy enough to keep warm”). How this novel wraps up, that is, the very last scene of the epilogue, will be a little odd, even for me.

Enjoy my content? Buy me a beer!

“But…” Graf began, only to have Ildi quickly raise her hand.

“Two things, Young Winstead.  One, be very careful how you speak.  If you contradict me, it could be very bad for all of us.” A look to Pai.  “I see you are beginning to become aware of the threat you are.  Good.  Point two, was, once we get the jurisdiction settled, imperium or Mexico? and thus a better idea of the legal system, I shall step in and suggest banishment rather than jail time.”

“Banishment.  Details?” Pai asked.  “And, being who I am, I can assist with the some of the legal issues.  The DMZ is to keep us crazy Russians out, after all.”

“Thank you, Pai.  To your question?  Luce makes a very public confession of her acts, apologizes to the deceased’s family – I’ll have to find some compensation from somewhere – renounces all political claim to that area, and leaves.  Forever.”

Pai blinked.  “On behalf of my mother, Imperial Russia has no objection to this offer and shall speak in favor of it, if you so desire.”

“Again, thank you.  Now, Mister Winstead,” she goes from young to mister? “I want to hear your thoughts, as a neutral third party.  As you two are already holding hands, perhaps your wife’s reflexes can stop you from ordering me to do something stupid.”

“The apology to the family is most important,” Graf began, slowly.  “And the restitution you mentioned.  Followed by a trial.  Do you really think they’ll let her go?”

Managed that without a warning squeeze or shake.  Yea, me.

“Did you,” Ildi back to Pai, “determine who the dead human is?”

“Yes.  From his badge number I have his complete record.  Not married and no children.  Were I like my Uncle Balthazar, I’d be thanking God right now.  The deputy was one of four children.  They are all adults and his parents are still alive.  Their family home is in Weaverville, to the west of Redding and about forty kilometers east of where Luce killed their son.”

There was something of a gasp or gulp from the log behind Ildi.  Luce did not lift her head but was sobbing.

“I shall record and present this as evidence of remorse, if need be,” Pai barely vocalized.  Then, louder, “When do we leave?”

“Now.” Ildi turned about, went to her granddaughter, and helped her to her feet.

“This is the sting of your gift, Husband,” Pai said with another whisper.  “Is she acting this way out of love and concern for her family, or because you accidentally ordered her to?  We cannot know.”

“This is very creepy and something I never wanted, Pai.” And how do I get rid of it?

“I’m aware.  You know Alix and I will help you; Aurie might have some thoughts, too.” Now a tug.  “Do not for a minute think you are alone.  Now, look ahead.”

With Ildi’s hand out, Luce slid her sling and rifle off, over her head.  She put out her other hand.  “Your staff, too.”

“But…”  A nod.  “Okay.”

Ildi crooked that into her shoulder and once again extended her hand.

“Your coat.”

“Grandmother!”

Either not wanting or not able to yell back, the older waited.  Very slowly, as if taking off armor, Luce removed it and passed it over.

“Go now.”

“I… I’m sorry.”

“I know.  Go.”