The thing about tampered genes is you never know when they might show up. A majority of Faustina’s descendents are human. A majority of Gary & Henge’s are Demis; the difference is that Fussy’s two husbands were human, and there was no way to create a breeding program without first cousins marrying. Very bad form. In G & H’s case, not only is Gary a Demi, his wife is a former Machine with a manifested physical body. That makes for some very interesting genetic permutations over the generations.

Saying all that, Pai sits their hosts down and tells them about their son’s gift. She graciously mentions her old self, version 1 (and I bet Suza and Tér will go nuts to see her again; the twins had not been born when Pai went to version 2.) as a temporary bridge until the rest of the Hartmann clan is informed and some kind of tutor system set up; given the wars – which will be back on in the next segment – this temporary bridge might be at least a year.

“This is a simple agenda, three items, and we should be finished in fifteen minutes.  After, you must talk and sleep.”  Pai said in a voice similar to when she would assume a command role.  She sounds like her mother and I am not telling her that.

Istvan, in a dress shirt with the sleeves rolled up against the warmth and blue jeans, had come home around twenty-three hundred.  Typically Hartmann handsome, his eyes were something of a throwback to his great-grandmother as they were rather almond under his very dark hair.  He’d kissed his wife and asked about food, but Llaura was increasingly tense about this meeting they asked for.

“Point one,” Pai began, dipping her head a bit, “is to thank you for putting up with our family.  It was the order of the Empress, but still an imposition, and we are in your debt.”

“Pai, please,” the head of the household said.  “You know how my family is about, well, family.  And we consider y’all family.”

“Good.  Point two:  just a bit ago, Aurelia sent me a message and Graf and I must be on our way for another mission.  After breakfast, tomorrow.  Alix and the children must remain for at least another month until we understand more of the insurrection.”

“That’s fine,” Llaura spoke up.  “The twins are a bit of a handful, but I think Ödi likes having a full house!”

“Which brings me to point three.” She paused, blinked., and looked to Istvan.  “Your son, Ödön, carries your genes.  He is demi-human.”

Llaura’s cup of juice fell out of her hands onto the floor.

“B…but…” Istvan began.  “His eyes…”

“Evolution?  The Fusions did.  Regional mutation?  I’ve no idea,” Pai replied.  “More to point three.  He loves both of you but is really connected to you, Llaura.  You carried him and now feed him.  However, he’s, well, not really lonely, but almost bored.  You know, Istvan, some of your demi relatives get bored with humans?”

“And you, my beloved Machine wife, doesn’t with your boring human husband?” Graf laughed, hoping to lighten the mood and get their hosts calmer.

Istvan stood and walked to look out a front window.  “So what do we do?  Contact the rest of the family?”

“Absolutely.  Demi-humans are precious.” She felt Graf’s right hand onto her thigh and did not mention the war.  “But most of them are rather occupied by now.  If you desire, I can have my first self here by sundown, tomorrow.  It, I, can continue to slowly make your son older and calmer.”

“First self?” Llaura asked.

“This is Pai’s second android body,” Graf attempted to explain.  “Her first, not really retired, has been doing work in central Europe.  But, as you pointed out, Istvan, family is more important.”

Their host turned.  “I don’t know much about Thinking Machines.  Pai can, what’s the word, animate two bodies at once?”

“Easy-peasy!” Pai cried with a smile.  “Plus, the kids are used to that body and will be happy to play.  And I’m very useful to have about the house!  Once the rest of House Hartmann knows all this, I’m sure several will come down here or ask you north to make y’all older about your very special boy.

“And,” her smile never wavered, “he’s going to need lots and lots of siblings!  After you two talk a bit, go to bed and work on it.  Questions?”

“I don’t know where to start,” Llaura muttered.  “But I think we’ll sleep in the nursery tonight.  Right, Honey?”

“Absolutely.”

“Good!  Graf and I are to bed after we check on the rest of our family,” Pai concluded.

Upstairs, Graf paused.  “Aurie sent you a message?”

“Yes.  We have a mission to former Ohio, to an old, I think vestigial is the correct word, colony of the imperium.  Are you sleeping with Alix tonight?”

“I…I wanted to check on her and have her help me pray.  But tonight is with you.”

“Changing so much!  I am so happy for you!  I shall talk with Uncle Balthazar while you do what you must.  I love you!”

“I love you, too.  Back in a bit.”

Alix was groggy but when she heard my request, rolled out of bed, knelt, and pulled me down, too.  Aloud but quiet, she thanked God for everything, especially our kids, prayed for me and Pai – out of character, but nice – and then recited the Lord’s Prayer.  At least I remembered that.  Back to Pai, her bright golden eyes faded as she patted the bed next to her. 

“My uncle wants to talk, whenever you’re ready,” she smiled.