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Subject: {ASSM} Marie's Solstice 11/14 Pier and Park 1-3/4 (new) TBD
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Date: Mon, 09 Apr 2012 10:10:04 -0400
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Marie's Solstice 11/14 Pier and Park 1-3/4 (new)
---

It's been one year, since Jessica asked Tom if he'd be her new
father...
---

Pier and Park
Tom, Jessica, Roberta(Lora) and Lady Kay
---

I walked up and stood behind Jessica, then put my hands on her
shoulders.  "Happy Anniversary, Daughter."

"Thanks, Dad.  Can't believe it's been a year since I asked you if
you'd be my father."

I chuckled.  "Well, it has.  If you don't believe me, check your phone
to see when your date with Jim is."

"Nahh...  Waste of time, since I know you're telling the truth.  Where
you gonna park the Sam Cee?"

"Mahika got us cleared to beach it so we can drop the ramp and take on
guests."

"Guests?  You never did tell me what you had planned for today."

"Well...  First, the four of us are going to go check out the park. 
Lora and Kay already know it's special to me, so this trip is mostly
for you and I, so I can share some more of my past with you."

"Special?  How come your aura sorta got real gray and close to your
body?"

"Memories, Honey.  I promise I'll tell you when we get there."

"Ok.  You mentioned some guests?"

"I did.  If you look to the right, you'll see them."

"Hey!  That's Jim and the other cops who work the pier and beach!"

"Yep!  Now you know why we spent yesterday doing all that deep sea
fishing.  I decided to invite them aboard for a BBQ."

She turned and hugged me tightly.  "Thanks, Father."

"You're welcome, Jessica."

She let go, then moved to the railing and waved at her friends while
the Sam Cee beached.

Once the boarding ramp was down, she and Indrakshi ran off to go say
hi to everyone, and escort them back.

I was at the stern and gazing at the open sea when I was flanked and
two arms snaked around my waist from opposite sides. 

Lora spoke softly.  "Gong to be awhile, before we can take time to see
the park."

"Not worried about it, Love.  This is her day, and she'll let us know
when she's ready."

"True.  Well, Kay?"

She laughed.  "I've been tossed out of the galley for the day, so I'll
have to settle for relaxing with you folks."

"And the twins?"

"As if you didn't already know?  They and the grrls will be serving
the crowd during the BBQ."

Kay let go and turned me before she pulled my head down for a
lingering kiss.  "And you, Old Wolf, are going to finally get to tell
your daughter about your childhood.  It will be good, for both of
you."

"I know."

I turned and went back to watching the sea, and letting my mind ebb
and flow with the breaking waves.

* * *

"Dad?  DAD!"

"Oh.  Hi, honey.  How's Jim?"

"He's fine.  Drakshi already charmed him and the others, so I was able
to get away pretty quick.  You ready?"

I came back completely and looked down.  "Worried about me?"

"Yeah.  You were pretty zoned, ya know?"

"Thanks.  Tell you about it once we're at the park."

She grabbed my hand and looked at me.  "Come on.  They're already at
the end of the pier and waiting for us."

We left, and made the trip in silence, until we were standing next to
one of the old cannons.

I gestured at it.  "It was that smooth when I used to get on it and
slide along it until the wall stopped me.  I was no more than five,
the last time I did it when my parents were together.  Want to try
it?"

She looked at it, then at me and nodded.  "Did it on your own?"

"Yes, while they watched."

"Gotcha."

She went over, touched it carefully, and smiled.  "Only warm.  Good!"

She clambered up, then scooted into position.  "Well?"

I chuckled.  "Right."

I walked over and leaned on the wall next to her, then gazed at the
beach.  "Mom brought me here after the divorce, until we moved so far
away we stopped coming here.  Anyway, when we were still a family,
we'd come to the pier and get something to eat, if we didn't fish off
the end and then go make a fire and clean and cook what we caught. 
Ocean perch.  I don't remember the name of the place we bought the
food at sometimes, but I know it wasn't Sharkie's, back then.  I got
hooked on smoked shark meat, though."

"Yeah.  That stuff is good.  So...  Gotta be a lot more, right?"

"Oh, yes.  When I was sitting where you are, I used to hunt pirates
and blow them out of the water."

"Bloodthirsty kid, weren't you?"

"Not really.  I was a kid, and we lived near the sea, so I hunted
pirates.  Later, in a different place, my friends and I were cowboys
and Indians or cops and robbers.  Sometimes it was Army and Navy and
we refought World War 2.  Killed a lot of Nazis and Japs when I was a
kid.  The games were serious, but...  That's all they were.  A game,
and I knew it.  Nobody tried to make it more than that."

"Yeah.  Now, if you do that violent stuff, they think you need
therapy.  Guess people had better contact with reality, huh?"

"Maybe.  I remember seeing the jets go over, before the divorce, and I
think I vaguely knew about Korea.  It was just something I took for
granted, that you fought when you had to, and some people were so evil
it was the only thing you could do."

"Sounds like you were a normal kid."

"I was, until the divorce."

I fell silent and she leaned and touched me lightly.  "Bad?"

"Yes."

I tipped my head in her direction.  "Check out my scalp."

She ran her fingers through my hair, then sighed.  "That's a pretty
bad scar.  How come you never fixed it?"

"Never remember it, unless I'm doing something like this.  Happened
when the divorce papers were served to my dad.  We were still living
together.  Guy showed up, and dad threatened the guy with a machete. 
I got scared and dived under their bed.  One of the cross boards was
broken, and my head hit it."

"Umm... That's pretty radical.  Get him arrested, or maybe even shot,
these days."

"I don't know if dad was ever charged.  Anyway, I don't remember any
of the details, or how soon it was after that, that she took me and
left him.  Don't even remember where we went.  Might have been to my
grandparents on his side.  I do remember that they were given custody
until the divorce was over.  It went to court and got pretty nasty, I
guess.  All I remember is looking through that wooden railing that was
between the observers and the people involved in the case."

"Musta really messed with your head."

"Don't remember, Jess.  What messed with my head happened later, and
it was accidental."

"Accidental?"

"Uh huh.  Mom hated men after it was over.  Well, I guess she hated
them before that, but I didn't know about that until I was a lot
older.  She did her best, but...  After I was about seven, I learned
that women couldn't be trusted, because if something went wrong after
you married one, if you were the guy, you got screwed out of
everything you'd worked for.  I grew up damn poor, Jess.  One room
shack, outhouse, hand carried water...  All that stuff.  My dad's
parents gave me stuff, but anything else, we usually made, or worked
hard and took a long time to save enough to get it.  By the time I was
eight, I was used to earning money and saving it so I could buy my own
stuff.  Naturally, I was possessive, and didn't want somebody to just
come along and take it away from me, and getting married, or involved
with a girl, made that pretty likely."

"Dad?  That sucks.  What about your mom's side of the family?"

"Oh, I know it does.  She taught me a lot of good stuff, but I managed
to pick up a lot of bad stuff, too, and that...  Made me afraid to get
involved with girls, then women after I got older.  Her dad had died
of a heart attack when he was in his forties.  I think she was still
living at home when it happened.  Her mom had been committed to a
mental hospital.  Mom eventually got her out and took care of her at
home.  Screwed herself up physically, taking care of her.  I remember
watching that happen, since Grandma died when I was about eighteen."

"Yeah, I get it.  That's weird.  You had a decent life mostly, and
wound up with a fucked up attitude about some things.  But me, I got
abused, and came out of it more focused on the good stuff that can
happen."

I hugged her.  "Yeah.  Had to happen to somebody, and we're the ones
who survived it all.  We got something people like Lora will probably
never have."

"What's that?"

"Empathy, Jessica.  When we tell a survivor they can make a new life,
they know we've been where they are, and we're not running a con on
them."

"Ok.  Bad job of ducking  No points."

"Don't come here very often.  Hard to track, because it still hurts."

"Uh huh.  Don't think I'm going to have that problem, unless I go back
to that park.  Don't know.  No happy memories of anywhere we lived, so
I bet it will be a long time before I want to go look them over."

"Right.  So, she ran, and took me with her.  People didn't have a lot
of empathy for single mothers back then, especially ones who didn't
want to get remarried.  Mom's skills were limited, so she wound up
working as a motel maid at a couple of the motels along the beach.  I
was fifteen when she told me she'd been raped, twice, at one of them,
but never reported it.  Can't blame her for that, since most folks
assumed a woman usually did something to trigger it.  Wasn't there, so
I can't tell you the details, except she always said she'd gone into
the rooms like usual, to clean them and make the beds, and those times
the man was still there, and...  Both times, they used her, and that
was it.  I think she said it happened a couple weeks apart, at the
same motel, before she quit and went somewhere else.  That's mostly
what I remember her doing, except for the time she worked at an
industrial laundry.  She kept me with her a lot, and I learned how to
help iron the sheets by feeding one of those huge rotary irons.  We
called them 'mangles',

"Shit, Dad.  No wonder she hated men."

"Yep.  Gets better.  When I outed myself to her, and we went through
all that, I had to explain human sexuality to her, before I could
explain what it was like to be a zoo, and also an anal erotic.  For
her, anal sex meant pain.  Turned out dad had liked anal sex more than
in her cunt, and he took it whenever he wanted it."

"Yeah.  I can take it or leave it, but Beck and Cath helped me find it
out that if it's done right, it can be pretty good."

"Uh huh.  So, this was the mother who was alone, and trying to raise a
son so he'd be a pretty good man.  Naturally, I was on her side in her
case, but by the time I was ten or so I'd seen a lot of guys get
fucked over by the system, and listened to her attitude about men in
general.  Mixed messages, and I took away mostly the negative stuff. 
Didn't help that I also had all the religious stuff in my head, too."

"Yeah.  At least I don't have all that messing with my head."

"I had a crush on a girl just before high school, but she went to a
private school while I went to the public one.  No telling what would
have happened if we'd gone to the same school the next year.  Anyway, 
Jess, I must have been about seven or eight when I spent some time
having sex with a cousin who was a year older than me.  We got caught
by a kid once, and he made us do stuff for him, and that turned me off
of sex with her.  I think we might have done it a few more times, but
we moved again, so it wasn't easy for us to get together.  She wanted
me to fuck her, years later, but I was so fucked up with the religious
programming and fear, that I didn't do it.  Didn't have any condoms,
either.  I was afraid to buy them, and I didn't want to risk getting
her pregnant.  One of her brothers was with us, and that inhibited me,
too.  I was about fourteen, that time.

"Odd thing.  It was shortly after that when her youngest brother and I
were in the same area, and I don't remember how we got there, but I do
remember both of us dropping our pants and I held my tip between his
ass cheeks and masturbated until I orgasmed.  Most vivid image I have
of the experience, other than how white his ass was, is seeing a good
sized drop of my ejaculate land on my shoe.  Was really obvious
because I was wearing black dress shoes.  Only happened once.  I
suppose, if we'd seen each other more often, and had more chances to
get off by ourselves, we probably would have been gay with each other
and gone all the way, if I hadn't got past my inhibitions and started
fucking her again."

"So...  You could have gone gay?"

"Yeah.  Maybe.  But there was a lot of fear. Back then, gays were in
the closet, and if you got caught, you usually got beaten.  And...  By
then, I had a lot more to hide.  I was in a gay relationship with my
dog, but I made sure nobody knew about it.  We fucked each other in
the ass, a lot.  He never tied, and I was on my back all the time, so
it was always missionary style or I'd straddle him."

"Damn.  You ever try a bitch, back then?"

I laughed.  "That was how I got started.  She was in heat, and we had
a lean to so they'd have shade.  I'd get under it with them and
explore.  I tried to fuck her and didn't make it because she was so
small, so I helped him tie, instead.  He was a collie mix, and she was
a Benji type dog.  Real small, but a reasonable length.  When they
were hooked, her hind legs were off the ground.  She never vocally
complained about him being too big, and struggled to get away, but
that was it.  He fucked her often enough she quit fighting him.  If
I'd known then, what I know now, I would have realized he'd stretched
her enough I could have been fucking her."

"That went on when she was in heat, and that was it for my
exploration.  Mostly, I jerked off a lot, and sometimes I jerked him
off.  I don't remember if I ever fucked him at that house, or if that
started after we moved, and I was able to get better privacy after we
bought an old trailer for me to use as my room."

She stared at the sea, and finally nodded slightly, then turned so she
could hug me.  "All that fear and shit kept you from trying girls.  I
can see that much.  Then you experimented for awhile, until you were
gay with the dog.  Seems like you should have stayed gay after that."

"I did, with that dog, and later, with my mother's dog.  He was the
first one I let tie with me, while I straddled him.  That first time
was scary, because I wasn't stretched and if he'd managed to jerk out,
he might have ripped me pretty good.  Felt good, and I was hooked."

"Umm...  Yeah.  Full and deep, right?"

"Very."

"So...  What happened?"

"I was in my twenties, single, not seeing anyone, and I took the time
to think about my future sex life and stuff.  That was when I accepted
that I probably never would feel able to have a relationship with a
woman.  I had a connection with dogs, so I decided to start checking
the pound until I spotted a bitch I liked.  Even had a breed in mind
and put myself on the waiting list.  Few weeks later, she and her
brother showed up.  An older cousin hauled me to the pound after I got
off work on the first day I could adopt her.  Back then, they didn't
do the spay neuter stuff, so I had me an intact bitch.

"I was smart enough to wait and let her get fucked by a dog, and after
that, we were pretty much fucking at least once a day until just
before she had her puppies on my bed."

"Umm...  Dad?  Was it just the sex?"

"Hard to say, now.  We did bond real good, but I have to admit I got
her with the intention of having a sexual relationship with her in
addition to the usual pet-owner stuff.  We had our differences a few
times, and she got in my face when I was too selfish.  Sometimes I'd
get angry with her and she'd tolerate some discipline, but go too far
and I got a warning snarl and a face full of teeth.  She had a real
strong personality, and that...  Was the best thing that could have
happened.  She helped me learn control, and eventually, she taught me
how to love, and be loved.  I even had a few brief social, non sexual
friendships with women, once I was getting laid and could keep the
stuff separated."

Lora giggled, and Jess turned so she could watch her.  "Mom?"

"He's condensing things, a lot."

"So?  We got lots of time for me to hear all of it, eventually.  I
don't mind"

"Think like a Bard.  Tom loves to play with words."

"Yeah, I know...  Oh.  I get it."

She turned back to me.  "Slippery, Dad.  Social?"

I nodded slightly.  "I was in my late forties when I realized that
through my business contacts with women, I was far more comfortable
around them, than I was men.  I'd always thought I was afraid of
women, but I'd been seeking them out as long as the meetings were well
defined, and not social in nature.  It was *men* I was afraid of,
because...

"I wasn't one, emotionally, and everything I did that was 'male
stuff', was acting."

"That transgendered stuff?"

"Exactly.  Lora can tell you, that as old and experienced as I am, I
still have that fear of making social mistakes, so until we've had
time to settle into the relationship, and I know what I can do, I'm so
damn passive it's frustrating to the woman, and it...  Surprised her
when I finally felt comfortable enough to be more of an active
partner, like I was with Kay, when you and I first met."

"Mom?"

"Remember when I told you to make your deals before he went dog?"

"Yeah.  Makes sense, too.  He's real good at that imploring dog
stuff.  Oh, yeah.  Now I remember.  You got a real funny look.  You
gonna tell me what that was all about?"

"He came and talked to me right after he left you, and told me that
you were on your way to ask me to adopt you and be your co mother.  He
was still wolf, and he was using his eyes and everything else on me. 
It was...  Distracting me, so I asked him to go back to being human. 
Besides, I'd been standing there, looking out to sea, and thinking
about how I'd need a kid to help me, and for it to work right, I
should be living the life, which meant getting married.

"Well, before I could mention that, he told me we could get married
with Chrys' help, or we could live in sin, until we were married by
common law.  Anyway, he didn't need to do all that stuff with his
eyes, because I was thinking the same thing, and that there were only
two men would could be my husband, and Merlin...  Is Merlin.  That
left Tom.

"We got married, then spent some time in the past, on our honeymoon. 
It was good enough for both of us that we...  Quit keeping track of
time, and decided that we really would come back when we felt like we
should.  I was still enjoying the memories, when you and Kay showed
up."

"Must have been good ones."

"Oh, yes, they are.  We reinvented ourselves several times, and while
we had some spectacular disagreements, overall, life was quite fun."

I snickered.  "Wasn't for the guy who pawed her in Old Frisco."

"Yeah?  What did she do?"

"Kneed him in his crotch, and calmly told him he wasn't the one who
could call her 'Darlin' in the tone of voice he used.  Then she
relinked her arm with mine and we continued our stroll as if nothing
had happened."

"Really?!"

Lora laughed.  "Yes, really.  I was wearing my 'Southern Hospitality'
dress and he thought I was just another whore."

"I thought you said you guys lived near that fancy resort Kay bought
into,  up in Oregon."

"That was later.  We started in San Francisco, then worked our way
north until we found the right place we could homestead."

"Oh.  Ok.  Dad?  Childhood?  Sounds like the Big Guy did a lot of
weird stuff to you, too."

"Probably.  You've seen my site, so you know most of the important
stuff."

"Yeah.  That's strange, how you could be so open about your private
life, but not be able to tell people about all the normal stuff."

"Uh huh.  Really fucked when it came to having close friends.  I had
to be two people, and there wasn't a lot I could share with both
sets.  Doesn't matter, now."

"Umm...  Yeah.  Sometimes this being a public figure stuff sucks, but
at least I can be myself and not worry about some sort of 'good
person' image I have to live up to.  Gotta admit that I get tired of
folks always trying to prove I'm still a whore, just because I decided
to marry Cath and Beck while they were dogs.  They're human, and who
cares what shape they're in when we fuck?  I don't!"

I chuckled.  "Give folks some time.  Having those Rabelaisian kids
running around is helping people get used to the idea having a shape
prejudice is stupid, when it comes to love and sex."

"You ever think?..."

"Socially, things have changed some.  Marie and Liberty have been
helping that when they make the links so people can actually talk to
their animal partner.  Legally, it's going to be a long, long time,
before the laws get changed.  Same goes for pedo, Jess.  People are
going to have to compromise someday, and right now, I think things are
so bad that all we can do is our best, to make sure we don't lock
ourselves into a global one size fits all approach to pedo."

I looked at Kay and held my arm out so she could snuggle into my
side.  "Technically, what we did thousands of years ago was pedo, and
since there's no statute of limitations, if she wanted to, Kay could
report me and I'd could wind up a registered sex offender, and all
that stuff."

She laughed.  "It didn't happen on American soil."

"Doesn't matter.  I'm an American citizen, and could be prosecuted for
it."

"Maybe.  I was legal, for that location and time."

"True."

Jessica waited after we went silent, and finally she sighed.  "I
thought we were talking about your childhood."

"We are, Honey."  I tapped the side of my head.  "I'm millions of
years old, in non linear time.  You do the math."

"Oh.  Think like a Bard.  When you're going to live forever, no matter
how old you get, eventually that time will be like...  Being a baby."

"Yep.  What I'm really trying to get you used to, is the idea that
your perspective is always going to be changing, and so will that of
the cultures you live in.  It happens slowly, and not always in a good
way, but it does happen."

"It's been a year, Dad.  You trying to tell me someone might decide to
prosecute you for pedo, or bestiality, now that you're a real public
figure?"

"It's always a possibility, and technically, it's true, so a
conviction is possible.  Could happen to you, too.  When Becky and
Cathy are shifted, they're real dogs, and all the tests available
would say they are dogs, and not humans.  Legally, you're a
bestialist, and married to a couple of dogs.  If someone wanted to
push it, you can be convicted of adultery when you make love to them
in their human forms, according to Terran laws."

"Don't bother about the religions.  But, I'm a Rabelaisian citizen,
right?"

"Yes.  Don't expect that to stop the fanatics, if they decide to go
after you."

"So...  What do we do, if it happens?"

I shrugged.  "We let it happen, of course.  I imagine the simplest
solution would be a plea bargain of some sort, but that might not be
the best one.  We'll have plenty of warning, before it happens,
because people will most likely go after others so they can get some
case law established, before they try for us."

"Messy."

"Yep.  However, if we're patient, we'll be able to quit worrying about
it."

"Oh?  Oh.  Yeah.  Things will change, and people won't be interested
in prosecuting."

"Yep.  As we know, and you will too, 'common sense' changes over
time.  Should change quite a bit, now that we've linked up with
Rabelaisia, and Chrys has started that exchange program in earnest. 
The next generation is going to have some pretty open minded attitudes
about what it is, to be a person."

"You know something?  You're too relaxed about the idea someone could
try to fuck you over, by prosecuting you for pedo.  I heard a lot of
coulds, and maybes, You been ducking something?"

"Waiting to see if you figure out the obvious."

I gestured at the Sam Cee.  "You've been living on the hint, for the
last year.  Seems like a good time for you and Lora to compare notes
and see if you can figure it out.  Hotshot investigative reporter like
her would have found out, if she'd taken the time to do some basic
research."

Jessica turned herself around, then she and Lora studied each other. 
"Well, Mom?  I don't get it.  Why would the Sam Cee have something to
do with nobody going after Dad?  Can't be because it's neutral
territory, right?"

"I think that's related, but knowing how twisted he is, it's probably
an effect, and not the cause.  So, you're right."

"Thanks.  Yeah.  Twisty, until it's over, then you usually figure out
it was the shortest  way to get there."

"Good point.  During our honeymoon, I mentioned that someday I was
going to corner him and try to find out the hidden story, that I
*know* is there.  It wasn't the one about him having some of the most
sophisticated technology in the world, at the time.  Call it
reporter's instincts, or whatever, but the *real* story, as far as I
was concerned, is how he managed to get blanket permission to do his
hunting anywhere in the world, in any territorial waters, and not have
people scream about him violating treaties and all the usual things
that happen when one country does that stuff."

"Like a cop chasing somebody across a state line?"

"Worse.  He can start and end his chases anywhere, or...  Would you
believe he set it up so any country in the world could ask for his
help, without anyone needing to talk to anyone else?  Same for
resupply.  When he started, he wasn't able to just wave his hands
around and create what he needed.  Mahika could do it, but she needed
something to duplicate."

"Sounds like what a Bard does."

"It is.  His authority is absolute, anywhere in the world.  He brushed
that off by pointing out to me that with Mahika on his side, nobody
could do anything about it.  I think it's more, somehow."

"You think not getting arrested and stuff is related?"

"Absolutely.  By the way, I was right to ignore the technology he
uses.  It was all off the shelf stuff.  The secret is what he used,
and how he linked it together."

"Yeah.  I can believe that.  Does it a lot in his writing.  Can't
ignore any of it.  Works, though.  So you're saying that he did
something, we know it, but we're looking at it wrong, or figured it
wasn't important?"

"I'm...  Not sure, Honey.  He likes to leave stuff out, when it's
common knowledge.  He did something, and maybe...  He did something
else at the same time, that made perfect sense, or even because he had
to do it, but he's not telling us what it was."

"Because he had to do it, and we should know that?"

"Yes."

"Any ideas?"

"One.  It must be related to how he made the deals to get blanket
permission."

"Yeah...  He had to cut...  DAMN!"

She turned her head and glared at me.  "No wonder you picked today to
talk about all this stuff.  Our anniversary, and I'd be thinking about
everything that happened.  Obvious!"

"That's not an answer, Jessica."

"Wasn't supposed to be one, *Father*!  You cut deals.  Had to, right?"

"Of course."

"Uh huh.  Just like I did with the Big Guy.  'All is forgiven, no hard
feelings, and let's start over.'  You came clean and got pardoned, in
every country in the world, so you can't be tried again for what
happened.  Later stuff, yeah, maybe, but...  I bet as long as it
happens in your presence, or where you're living, they can't touch
you.  It's that diplomatic stuff that says you're immune."

"Pretty good.  Your mother can figure it out from a different set of
clues, if she wants to."

Lora spoke softy.  "Thomas?"

"Yes, you can, and I know you have the clues, because you already
admitted you did a lot of research and pushing when people wanted you
to get me put away.  You said 'unacceptable', not 'illegal', even
though technically, a lot of it took place where it is illegal.  Care
to explain that lapse in clarity, if it was one?"

"Misdemeanor.  Statute of limitations has expired a long time ago."

"Animal abuse is still a felony."

She sighed.  "Yes, it is, but there are easier targets out there, with
a better chance of getting them convicted.  Someone with generation
long plans might try for lots of case law, until they could feel good
about convicting you, but...  Social attitudes do change, and by the
time they get that far, your animal fucking will be a non issue."

"You saying you've missed it?"

"Must have."

"Wikileaks.  Tucked away in all that are some items about me, by folks
who had been to my site, and worried about what would happen, if
someone made my past an issue.  They were reassured, from the highest
levels, that the people who had the final say knew, and the issue had
already been resolved at *that* level."

"I must have missed it.  Probably used the wrong search terms."

"Or didn't realize what you were reading.  When the Sam Cee was
active, we generated a lot of traffic while people kept track of us,
then it slowed down when we were out of the area."

She sighed.  "Thomas?  It is absolutely insane, how you can be so high
profile at times, and everyone just...  Seems to miss stuff about you,
that a quick search on the net should turn up."

"Should it?"

"What have I missed?"

"You didn't know my full name, until after we were on our honeymoon."

She exploded.  "One link missing?!  That's all it took?"

"Yes, Miss Neely."

"I'll.  Be.  Damned.  Something else is missing.  If my research is
right, back then most folks thought there was a solid link between
bestiality and future pedophilia.  Bet some of them wanted to make you
pay for your sins before they pardoned you and all that."

I winced.  "You're right.  That was suggested a few times."

"But it never happened?"

"Depends on how you look at it."

"Ducking?"

"Yeah.  Not good memories."

I turned slightly and took the time to kiss Jessica before I pulled
back and watched her face.  "Honey?  Mahika made the links, and the
folks who wanted to see me pay for what I'd done, got to see my entire
life.  Every one of them decided I'd already paid more than anyone
should have, for what I'd done, and was still doing.  They decided I'd
earned some peace in my life, and thanked me for being able to find
the strength to atone, by helping the rest of the world with their
problems."

She studied me for awhile.  "Is it atonement, really?"

"No.  But if they wanted to see it that way, I wasn't going to try to
make them see it my way."

"That's fucked.  Must have hurt, when Kay had to leave you guys.  You
gonna be ok, when we go to Rabelaisia?"

"No, but I'll get over it.  Kay will be here.  So will Chrys and the
Grrls."

"Dad?  I know you adopted us, but...  Drakshi will be a legal adult in
a few years.  Her ears work fine and she's not stupid, either."

"Thanks for understanding, Jess.  Be awhile, before you folks have to
move."

"Yeah.  Right now, you're too fucking close.  Let's back off, and go
back to the BBQ."

"Know the signs?"

"Worse.  I'm close, just feeling for you."

"Yep.  Not surprised, since you're my daughter."

"And you're my father."

She slid off the cannon and grabbed my hand.  "Let's get out of here
and go party for awhile, before the next crisis shows up."

We started walking back to the Sam Cee and I squeezed her hand. 
"Thanks for listening, Jess."

"Welcome."

She looked up.  "Hey!  Jerkwad!  You let him have some time off, so
Kay can put his head back together, ok?  If you gotta fuck with
someone's lives, fuck with me and Roberta for awhile."

Thunder rumbled and she glared.  "No!  His head's messed up, and he's
gonna really fuck things up, if you don't let him have some linear
time to himself.  You got me, Roberta, and the twins, so the jobs will
get done.  Hell, even Chrys and Merlin are available, and Mahika and
Sandy, if things are really fucked.  You ever let Tom and Kay have
*their* honeymoon?!  A *real* one?"

Something must have happened, because she turned to Kay.  "Got him on
the run and feeling guilty.  Change, place slide, do whatever, just
stay linear and get the Hell out of here while you have the chance. 
We'll cover for you.  Besides, Mom needs the practice, if she's really
going to be The Mother of The World, on Rabelaisia."

Kay smiled and changed into her unicorn.  "We'll be back, when we get
back.  Thomas?"

"Thanks, Jessica."

I hugged Lora.  "Be back in a bit.  Take care of our family while
we're gone."

She kissed me and brushed my cheek with her hand while she cried. 
"These are tears of happiness, Love, and apology.  We forget that
while you take care of all of us, sometimes the two of you need each
other, without the rest of us in your way.  See you when you get
back."

"Thanks, Lora."

I got on, and spoke softly.  "You thinking what I'm thinking?"

"Can't get out of here fast enough?"

"Yes.  Over the Sam Cee, then...  Give these folks the kind of show
that lets them know you've been holding back."

"Oh, my.  Skim the surface?"

"Works for me."

She moved a couple steps and jumped over the wall.  I heard some
screams, but they were already fading because she'd turned and headed
directly at the Sam Cee.

She cleared the stern, then both of us added power to her flight while
she started beating her wings strongly.  Less than a quarter mile out
to sea, she broke the sound barrier and a huge plume of water followed
us as we went over the horizon.
---

End:  'Pier and Park'
======

Neighbors, when I closed 'Pier and Park', it was obvious that I could
take it either of two directions.

I could stay there, and follow Jessica and Roberta, or I could leave,
and follow Tom and Kay.

I did both actions.

The result has been three more chapters.  In this one, I follow
Jessica and Roberta.  In the next chapter, I will be following Tom and
Kay.  In the 'final' chapter, I return to Jessica, and eventually
bring Tom and Kay back into the action.

That's the long form.

The short form is that...

"It got away from me!"

Thanks for taking the time to pause with me.

Enjoy, eh?
-----

On the Beach
Jessica and Roberta
---

Jessica was silent while they watched Kay and Tom until they were over
the horizon, then she reached for her mother's hand.  "Guess we'd
better go to the party, and apologize."

"For what?  It's your party, and nobody was expecting them to be
anything more than part of the background."

They started walking and were getting ready to go down the steps to
the beach when Jessica sighed.  "Did I do the right thing?  Dad was
pretty fucked up, and I figured that since Kay is a survivor, too, she
was probably the only person in the world who could bring him back
from wherever his head's at right now.  Sorry."

"Nothing to apologize for, because I agree with you.  All they've had
are stolen moments, and until we showed up, there was nobody like
them, who could be called on for some things, so they've always been
'on call'."

"Oh.  I wasn't even thinking about that.  I just wanted Dad to have a
chance to get his head straight, before he lost it.  You think Mahika
and Sandy are going to be mad at me?"

"I doubt it.  Remember, they're at least as old as he is, and have
probably seen him in worse shape."

"Worse?  Oh, yeah.  That time he drove Mahika away from him."

Roberta stayed silent, and they were both lost in their thoughts while
they finished the trip to the upper deck.

Jim met them, and after he knew he had their attention, he waved at
the stern of the Sam Cee.  "Can either of you tell me what happened?"

Jessica sighed and shaded her eyes while she looked out to sea. "Yeah.
Dad wasn't in good shape after telling me some stuff about his past,
so I got mad and told the Big Guy to let Kay and him take off so she
could put him back together.  They..  Decided they couldn't get out of
here fast enough."

"We noticed.  First time I've ever seen someone break the sound
barrier, in total silence.  Best we could tell, they were still
accelerating when we lost sight of them."

When she didn't answer right away he eyed her shrewdly.  "What about
you?  You ok?"

"No.  I'm in better shape than Dad was.  Glad he didn't try to run
next to her."

"Sounds like whatever it was, one of them was trying to run away from
it."

Jessica looked at him, then Roberta, and shook her head. "Mom?"

Roberta reached and pulled Jessica into a hug, then she turned her
head and gazed at something in the distance.  "Those two are so
complex, that I doubt if they know all the reasons they left as
quickly as they did.  They must know that they can't hide from the Big
Guy, so my guess is that they were making a statement to him."

"Statement?"

"Of course.  Symbolically, they were leaving their responsibilities
behind.  Plus, as...  Insane as it sounds, they were telling the Big
Guy that they trust us, so he'd better trust us, too.  But, Jessica
forgot to mention that she made it clear that it was long past time
for the two of them to have a *real* honeymoon, by themselves, and
without any interruptions.  To paraphrase her deal, if there are
problems, he'd better fuck with our lives, instead of Tom and Kay's,
until they're ready to go back to work."

Jim stared at her, recovered, then smiled when he looked at Jessica.
"Did what had to be done?"

"Yeah.  The Big Guy wasn't happy about it at first, but he saw it my
way pretty quick, and let them go for now.  Dad was in no shape to get
in the Big Guy's face, so I did it for him, this time.  Pretty hard
for dad to tell someone off before he gets fucked, ya know?  I don't
have that problem."

"Ahh...  No, I don't know.  Pretty obvious something happened in his
past."

"Yeah.  The Big Guy arranged things so his mother fucked up his head.
Sounded like he knew it was happening, too."

"And he never said anything to anyone?"

She turned on Jim.  "Where's your head at?!  If he'd said something,
he would have been taken away from her, and that might have helped
him, but it would have fucked her up more, for certain.  They loved
each other, and she was doing the best she could, and it must have
been a lot better than most folks back then.  They tried to help the
kids, but I've never heard that they tried to do much to help single
women who had children, and didn't want to get remarried, back then.
It wasn't *her* fault, but if he'd said something, people would have
convinced them both it was, ya know?  It was his goddamn father, and
that asshole was already out of the picture, except for what he'd done
to his wife, that stayed in her head."

"More?"

"Yeah.  Lots more.  Like dad said, it had to happen to somebody, and
we were the ones who survived all of it.  *That*..."

She waved at the stern.  "Was Kay helping dad run away until he gets
so tired of running, he's ready to stop and think again.  When he
does, she's the only person in the world he'll listen to, and *hear*,
except for me, and I gotta stay here, so someone's available in case
things get so fucked up the Big Guy needs someone who thinks like dad
does.  It's fucked, ya know?"

"That, I do know, Jessica.  Not from personal experience, of course.
Just seen it too many times, and felt helpless because I knew there
was nothing I could do to help."

"Yeah.  Hey, guy...  Only four years left before our date.  I can walk
and run pretty good as a mare.  You interested in letting me take you
for a ride?  Maybe I can spot some perps so we don't feel so
helpless."

He looked at Roberta and raised his eyebrows.

She smiled.  "She's already 'turned on', and Tom taught her how to
make the change on her own.  If you don't want to ride bareback, I can
bring in her saddle and tack."

"Mood we're both in, you'd better add the fighting straps to all the
other tack."

"No problem.  Jessica?  You'd better get something to eat before the
two of you take off."

"Ok.  Mom?"

"What?"

"You wouldn't have to change unless you want to.  Be nice if you and
Drakshi came along."

"You want us to troll, so your job is easier?"

"Yeah."

"I'll change.  You can look for perps, and I'll see if any zoos are
out there, that I can help.  Deal?"

"Deal!"

Jessica grinned at Jim.  "She's pretty hot, when she's a mare.  So am
I, I guess.  Don't know, because I'm on the inside.  Real strange,
because I can tell some folks are watching me, but I can't tell if
they are zoos or bestialists.  Mom can tell, though, and since she's
who she is, people don't get defensive when she spots them and talks
to them."

"That's...  More than I can deal with right now.  Let's get you some
food, then we'll go let people know that we aren't ignoring them."

"Ok.  Hope we can convince Drakshi to let someone else replace her for
an hour or so.  Let's go."

* * *

They were settled and eating when Mahika's voice came over the pa
speakers.  "Attention all hands!  Tracking crew to the bridge,
immediately!  We have a developing situation that needs monitoring!
Roberta.  Jessica.  Relax and go about your business.  It's not
something you two need to worry about.  Sandra is on her way to give
you what we know."

Everyone looked at each other, then Jim sighed.  "Are we going to have
to worry about the Sam Cee launching?"

Roberta closed her eyes and scanned the Sam Cee, then smiled.
"Unlikely.  Everyone is amused, not worried.  Sandra, if I'm reading
her aura correctly, is...  Irritated about something, but also more
amused than she is irritated, so whatever it is, it's not something
they see as pressing."

Sandra arrived, and she studied Jessica.  "Whatever it was you did to
them, it worked.  Maybe too well."

"Umm...  Something wrong?"

"They're in no danger.  'Wrong', is debatable.  Mind telling me what
you did, before I make that decision?"

"Dad's head was pretty fucked up after he told me about his childhood,
and what helped make him who he is."

"We assumed it was something along those lines.  He likes to do that
the first time he takes a family member to the park.  We could see you
on the cannon, so we knew what he was doing when he leaned on the
wall.  He did that to me, too."

"Ok.  Well, I got pissed with the Big Guy, and told him to back off
and let Dad take a break so Kay could help him get his head straight.
I had to get pretty in his face, but he finally saw it my way, after I
told him Mom and I would be here if things got bad enough he needed
people who think like they do.  There was some more, but not much.  He
and Kay agreed they couldn't get out of here fast enough, so they...
Took off after I told them to get the Hell out of here while they had
the chance."

"We noticed they were in a hurry.  Kay was doing Mach 3 and
accelerating, when we lost lock on her and had to switch to the
satellites."

"Oh.  So...  What are they doing?"

"According to Orbital Tracking, they are on vacation and cleared for a
flyby of the ISS, before they look the world over and decide where to
go for their second stop.  Right now, Kay is in a vertical launch to
orbit."

"That's...  Insane?  Are they safe?"

"They'll be fine."

"Ok.  Well, I asked the Big Guy if he'd ever let them have a real
honeymoon that was just the two of them.  That was when he backed
down.  I guess they decided to get off by themselves, huh?"

"Obviously.  Anything else?"

"Yes.  After they agreed they couldn't get out of here fast enough,
they decided to go over the Sam Cee, and give everybody the kind of
show that made it clear that Kay has been holding back.  After we
watched her take off and split, I figured that speed stuff was all she
was going to do."

Sandra thought about it, then looked at Roberta.  "You're...  As
serene as Kay at her worst."

"Tom asked me to take care of our family while they were gone.  I told
him we'd see them when they got back."

"So you encouraged them."

"Of course I did.  Until Jessica and I showed up, they've always been
on call, and never had a real vacation where they could really abandon
their responsibilities to someone else."

"Oh, I'm not complaining about that.  Would have liked more notice,
but that's the dog in me complaining, mostly.  That part of me loves
stability in her life, or at least excitement that is a little less...
Impulsive."

She looked at the sky and sighed.  "So Kay has finally decided to go
into orbit.  I've been wondering when it would happen.  At least it
isn't because of an emergency.  Someday, we'll have colonies out
there, and we'll all have to deal with those problems, too."

Her head came down, and she grinned.  "Mostly, Jessica, I'm jealous,
because we seldom get to do something new just because we want to,
Usually, it happens in response to an emergency.  So, it's not wrong.
It's very, very, right.  You planning on doing it, someday, now that
you know it can be done?"

"Umm...  Not for a long time, but yeah, it sounds like it would be
fun.  What about you and Mahika?"

"We're not that bored with our lives, yet, so we're willing to wait.
The twins are as crazy as Tom and Kay, and are already looking forward
to going into orbit with you.  We don't know how Chrys and Merlin feel
about this adventure."

"Oh.  She would know, wouldn't she?"

"Yes.  So, since there's nothing to worry about, everyone can enjoy
the BBQ, then we'll hope we get some peace while we wait for the
honeymooners to return."

"Yeah.  I hope it's a long wait."

"Years?"

"Umm...  I don't think it will be more than a few months, because I
know dad wants to be here for me.  Might even be weeks or days.  But,
even though it would suck if it was years, I have Mom, and the rest of
you guys, so I could deal with it, eventually."

"But you'd like to have a father here, wouldn't you?"

"Yeah, and he knows it.  As soon as they get it out of their systems,
he'll remember that, and be back.  After all, he gave his word, and he
does his best to keep it."

"True.  Well, if we find out anything more, one of us will let you
folks know."

She nodded at them, then turned and went back to the bridge.

Jim tipped his head back and gazed at the sky.  "So one of them
decided to just go take a look at the ISS.  I can barely believe
they'd have the contacts to get such an insane stunt cleared.  Mostly,
I'm a bit jealous, and wondering which one of them suggested it."

Jessica giggled.  "Had to be Dad.  Kay can get pretty crazy, but she
usually isn't as crazy when she's looking for fun."

Jim brought his head down.  "You sound pretty certain."

"Yeah.  Most folks can't see the obvious, but I'm getting pretty good
at it, with Dad's help."

"It's obvious?"

"Sure.  I bet even when I tell you that you're sitting on the Sam Cee,
you can't figure it out."

Jim thought about it, then sighed.  "Roberta?"

"Not a fair test, since I have inside knowledge.  Jess?  You started
this one."

"So I get to finish it.  No problem.  Jim?  I bet you, and the rest of
the world, take the Sam Cee for granted, right?"

"I guess we do. Yes."

"Uh huh.  When Dad built him, everyone said it was impossible.  Dad
took that as a challenge, so he found a way to do it, anyway.  Same
for going into orbit just because they felt like doing it.  I bet they
already knew how to do everything they needed to do, and all they had
to do was figure out how to combine that stuff.  That's how dad
thinks, and...  Maybe it's because of what he survived, that his head
works that way.  When stuff is that bad, you look for any way to
escape, and if it doesn't work, you get desperate and start trying the
stuff people says shouldn't work.  I know a lot about that."

"The sub text being that his head was in his past, and he needed to
get away.  Since he knows he can't get away completely, he decided to
do it symbolically, by going into space?"

"Has to be part of it.  You have to admit that up there, not many
folks are going to be able to interrupt them.  So, they can be by
themselves until they decide to come back...  Oh.  Yeah!  Of course!"

They waited, and after a few minutes Roberta spoke gently.  "It may be
'of course', to you, but it isn't to us."

"Huh?  Oh.  Sorry.  Both of them like to play tag with jets at over
30,000 feet.  All they did was do the stuff they do when they do that,
and keep going, instead of slowing down.  That vertical stuff is
something they did for fun, and because everyone expected them to do a
normal launch.  Go straight up, find the space station, then go chase
it down.  Simple.  Obvious...  And lots of fun!"

Jim laughed.  "And we already know they wanted to look the Earth over
so they could decide where to go next.  Most people would use a map
and travel guides."

Jessica giggled again,  "Yeah, but they left in a hurry and forgot to
pack everything they might need, so they had to improvise."

Jessica suddenly shivered and her eyes lost focus.  "Oh, crap.  So
that's why the Big Guy has been abusing us when he tests us, and why
so many of us are women.  Now I know why Dad and Kay were so casual
about going into space."

Roberta leaned and touched Jessica lightly.  "Honey?"

Jessica came back and put her hand on her mom's.  "I'm ok.  Doesn't
make it ok, but at least it makes sense.  Dad's going to need to
know..."

She dug her phone out and made a call.

"Hello, Jessica."

"Yeah.  Hi, Chrys.  Look.  No time to explain this and I know you're
busy, but you gotta tell Dad something for me."

"I'm listening."

"Thanks.  He needs to know that all that abuse we survived wasn't
because the Big Guy is sadistic, or a test to see how strong we are.
Sure, that's a part of it, but it's not the most important reason it
had to happen.  It was so we'd get used to thinking like an immortal.
No matter what happens to us, we live through it.  I bet it helped
them decide to do the orbit stuff, ya know?  You tell him that, and
he'll figure out the rest.  That's all I had."

"I...  See.  You are, indeed, your father's daughter, Jessica.  I will
pass on your message."

"Thanks.  Bye, Chrys."

She hung up and shook her head.  "Gonna make it a lot easier for all
of us to come to terms with it, I bet."

She focused on Roberta.  "Mom?  You see it?  Everybody uses that to
tell survivors they're strong enough to keep going, but I bet nobody
ever realized how much it can affect how we see time, because for most
people, time is something...  Measurable and definite, because they
don't have a lot of it, so we always hear that stuff about using it
wisely or carefully.  We don't have that problem, so we can relax and
make it move fast or slow, just like we learn to do when someone is
abusing us and we know we can't escape what's happening."

Roberta considered it, then nodded.  "I can see the possibility of
that being true for most of you.  Before we get into a discussion
about the reasons Merlin and I were chosen, I want you to think about
something else, after you explain that comment about most of us being
women."

"Women have always had stuff done to them, so it's a lot easier for us
to adapt to enduring  something like immortality.  I think it has
something to do with being able to have kids, but that can't be all of
it.  Mostly, it's sort of a hunch that makes sense and later someone
may come up with a better explanation."

"Makes me some sort of exception again, just like Merlin, doesn't it?
Worry about it later.  Do you think the flashbacks you have, and their
clarity, might be a way of helping you become comfortable with moving
and living in the past?  Maybe they blur the lines somehow, so for
you, true time travel is less a leap of faith, and more something you
take for granted, because you've been doing it already?"

"I don't know, Mom.  Be weird if that's true about flashbacks. They're
like a movie we can't stop and we're frozen so we can't stop watching.
We're living it again, and...  It's *real*.  I want it to stop, but
it's just like it was when it happened.  All I feel is helpless and I
have to wait for it to stop, and when it's all over, my head figures
it out, and I can get out of my head and see again so I know it didn't
really happen, and anyone there isn't part of what happened."

"Hmmm...  We'd better take a break, and go for those strolls.  I need
some time to think about something else, too."

"I'm not going to flash, Mom.  I know how that feels.  Right now, I'm
frustrated because the only way to get you to understand, is to have
one while you're in my head, and that's a stupid thing to do. Besides,
Dad does understand, so I'm not hurting because nobody understands
what I'm talking about.  Mostly, it's Dad I'm worried about.  Sure,
they're having their fun, but I sure hope he doesn't flash before they
get back where it's a lot safer for him to do it, ya know?"

"You can relax.  Chrys would know, and I'm sure she and the grrls can
handle anything that happens.  Wouldn't be the first time she's had to
go rescue Tom from his impulsiveness."

"It's not?"

"No."

"Ok.  Hey!  Jim?  Sorry about all the talk-talk.  You ready?"

"I have a full belly, and a chance to ride while the excellent food
settles, plus companions I enjoy, to help me keep from getting bored
while I make a patrol.  Of course I'm ready."

"You hoping I find some perps?"

He sighed.  "I have mixed feelings about that, Jess.  Are we spotting
less of them because there really are less of them, or are they
getting the word and going someplace else?  My biggest fear is that
we're driving them somewhere else, and that's making it a lot worse
for those kids, instead of making it better for everyone."

"Well, we've been stopping the ones we catch, so that's a win.  Sounds
like you think it would be a good idea if I started checking out other
beaches where there are lots of kids."

"Yes.  The street knows that it's not a good idea to be a pedo, and do
your trolling here.   Nobody has figured out how we're catching them,
but they know we are."

"Yeah.  Still get the tourists, though."

"I know.  Let's go collect Indrakshi, and you can give me that ride."

* * *

Indrakshi was on Roberta and posing while one of the freelance
photographers was having his picture taken with them, when Jessica
snorted softly, and drifted away.  After she was standing so the waves
could wash over her legs, she spoke so only Jim could hear her.

"You notice anything odd about the photogs, other than there are a lot
more of them than there used to be?"

He thought about it, then nodded slightly.  "They're not trolling
pedos, any more, and people seem to trust them with their kids, a lot
more than they used to."

"Yeah.  I noticed that, too.  There's something else, I think."

"Oh?"

"The first thing they do when we show up, is get someone to take a
Polaroid of them, with Drakshi.  Then, I gotta be seeing things, but
as soon as that picture is put somewhere folks can see it real easy,
parents and kids mob them.  Am I nuts for thinking that somehow people
have figured it out, and if Drakshi's been by and posed with them,
it's like the person has been approved as 'kid safe'?"

Jim chuckled.  "Well, Indrakshi is easy on the eyes, so that, and her
relaxed attitude, helps her popularity a lot.  Kids and parents both
like to open up to her for some reason, too.  A lot of these folks are
regulars, and parents do tend to keep each other informed.  Been some
newspaper articles on how safe this beach is getting, so that must
help, too."

"Good points.  And the fact a cop has been here and nothing has
happened to whoever, must be some sort of sign, especially if the
person has been a regular.  The regs aren't as pushy about the pics as
the new folks, so...  You think it's some sort of unofficial club?
People won't relax unless we've come by and checked them out?"

"Sounds like it.  I think it's also something that we shouldn't see
clearly enough to ask about."

"Oh.  I wanted to get one of them sort of private, and ask about it.
Maybe one of the kids or parents will mention it to Drakshi.  By the
way, Mom's really zoned about something, because I've noticed that
she's way more mare than usual.  She's paying attention to what she's
told to do, and that's it."

"You think she's searching for zoos?"

"If she is, she's not doing anything about it.  Been a few guys who
had some pretty strong links to her.  Has to have something to do with
that comment she made before we left."

"Spot any possibilities, yet?"

"No.  I think we'll need to get further away before we find any perps,
if any are here."

"Want me to tell them I need to let you stretch your legs, and we'll
be back after you run for awhile?"

"Yeah, that will work.  Umm... It won't be an all out run, but it will
be fast enough.  I think..."

"Something?"

"Those cliffs about three miles away.  Nobody except sun bathers
there, right?  So you guys only check them a few times a day?"

"There's access from those houses, so we see those folks, sometimes."

"Uh huh.  Families.  Naked families.  Kids and adults together, and
it's real private."

"I don't like what I'm thinking, Jess."

"Yeah.  Sharkie's, and it's been a year.  Gotta admit it's a long
walk, but..."

"It's a public beach, what little there is of it.  Will that get you
close enough to check the areas we can't see from the ground?"

"Wish Libby was here.  She's got the range to do it right. All I can
do is see the auras and the links.  I can guess the ages, but I can't
get as close as I usually do, when I can see the kids at the same
time."

"I know that.  What about the emotional feel?  Not a lot of people in
the area, so that should help, right?"

"If they got spotters, they'll see you coming, and have time to clean
things up."

He thought about it, then touched his mic.  "This is Jim.  Is there
anyone near me who can do some scouting before I let my mare run and
stretch her legs?"

"Ken here.  Been in visual contact since you left the party.  Get
bored?"

"Bored, on the Sam Cee?  Never happen." 

"I'd love to try once I get off.  Still an open party?"

"Yes, it is.  Been awhile since I've let her stretch, so how about you
go all the way to those cliffs, then I won't be forced to make a
safety decision if she wants to take a long break and keep going after
we run out of people."

"Can do.  I'll let you know.  Time to go make sure those nudists are
ok, anyway."

One of the ultra lights turned around and headed away from the rest.

They watched it, and Jim sighed.  "If you spot anyone, someone will
have to come back later."

"At least we'll know."

"True.  Ballsy of them, if someone really has set up this close."

"This is Ken!  I need a rescue team!  Two kids in the water, at the
base of the cliffs!  They're alive, but...  It's bad down there and
there's no way I can get to them."

"Ask him to do something so I can see where they're at."

"Ken!  This is Jim.  Give me a sign, so I know where to go!"

"Are you nuts?!  I can get you close, but that's it."

"Give me the damn sign!  I'll worry about the rest!  We're the
closest!"

"We?!  Got it!  When I drop, you'll know where!"

"Thanks!"

Jessica sighed. "Damn.  I wanted to keep my place sliding for an edge,
but this is an emergency.  You're going to get wet and cold, but at
least I can keep us from getting smashed up.  Dad made sure I knew how
to do that, before I was allowed to learn how to run.  I'm going slide
us in, so be ready to look for those kids.  You grab one, and Mom and
Drakshi will grab the other."

{{Mom!  If cops are in a panic, it's because there are two kids in the
water at those cliffs.  Ken's already there, and he'll give us a sign,
so be ready.}}

{{You slide first, and we will follow you in.}}

{{There's the sign, so we're gone!}}

When she reappeared, they were in the water.

"Jim!  I'm between the kids and the rocks, so if you look left, you
should see them.  Grab the nearest one, and as soon as you get a good
grip, shout and I'll get us out of here.  Mom's here on the other side
of them and they'll grab the other kid."

"Looking...  There.  Shit.  He's just out of reach.  Drift out about a
foot, before he goes down."

Suddenly he lunged and hit the end of the fighting straps.  Someone
screamed.  "Damn!  His arms are broken.  I have a grip, so lets go!
Put us in the water.  This guy's pretty fucked up and I don't want to
just drop him on the ground."

"If I do that, can you get him across my back?  I'll submerge to make
it easier."

"So we can make a delivery?"

"Yeah,  There's an emergency room I have a real good image of, but
mainly, I know there's a place clear enough, nearby, that mom can stop
next to me."

"Forget it!  He just went limp!"

"Gone!"

As soon as they were visible, Jessica shouted.  "Out of my way!  We
got a collapsed kid with us!  You still got a grip?"

"Both hands on his body, Jess.  Go!"

She hit the emergency doors at a run.  "I'm gonna have me a serious
headache, until I can fix my head.  

"Hey!  Stat, or whatever the magic word is!  We got us a kid who was
dumped in the water, with another one headed this way.  Someone do
something, fast, because he went limp during the rescue!"

The closest nurse reached and wrapped her arms around the boy, then
looked at Jim before she spoke softly.  "He's still breathing, so we
have a chance.  I'll take him now, officer."

"Oh.  Yeah.  Uhh...  Thanks.  I'll need some help, too.  Thermal
shock.  Only reason I'm in the saddle, is the straps.  Don't know if
the others will need help."

"What about your mare?"

"Jess?"

"I'll be fine.  Bigger body, and I've already dried myself.  Sorry,
but I haven't had time to learn how to heal someone else.  Mom and
Drakshi will be fine.  Mom has more experience than I do...  And here
she comes.  At least the girl is alive.  I can see lots of bruises,
though"

She moved to one side and spoke softly.  "Hi, mom.  You ok, Drakshi?"

Drakshi looked at the girl she held.  "My body is fine.  My mind is
not.  Mother?  Will you...  Help my cousin?"

"I shall.   Let one of these people take her from you, then get down
so I can shift.  Ladies and gentlemen, if you would please get
whatever pictures you need, before I heal these kids, I would
appreciate it."

After she changed, she walked over to the nurse who was holding the
boy.  "Forgive me.  His aura is dim, so I must heal him now."

She reached and touched his forehead.  "You cannot hear me yet, young
man, but your ordeal is over, and soon, you will wake up and be well."

She glanced sideways.  "Jessica.  A zone of warmth, for Jim, until I
can take care of him, please?"

"Sure, Mom.  Sorry, Jim.  This is my first time and I was worried
about the kid.  Forgot I knew how to do a zone."

"It's ok, Jessica.  I took an oath."

"Yeah, but...  Forget it, and relax.  We're all gonna make it.  I'm
going to work up to it slowly, from the inside out, so you don't get
overheated."

She looked around.  "I don't know all the right words, so all I need
to know is what temp I should make his body."

"Normal temp.  98.6, then his body will adjust if it needs to."

"Thanks. Jim, when I described it to my dad after he did it to me, he
told me that what I felt was like a morphine rush.  What's going to
happen is that I'll start in your chest, and slowly expand the zone
until your whole body is back to normal temp.  After that, these guys
better check you out.  I know you guys got some pretty good coverage,
so we'll pay for what isn't covered."

"Ahh...  Could you stop talking and do it?  It's obvious you aren't a
Bard."

"Sorry."

Thirty seconds later his shivering had stopped, and he was staring at
her.  "What about yourself?"

"I'm fine.  That was pretty warm water.  Has to be a lot colder before
I start to feel cold.  I could have swam in it all day and been fine.
Umm...We've all seen naked guys before, so you'd better let someone
help you down so you can strip, so that wet stuff doesn't cause
problems.  Think of it like skinny dipping with your friends, with the
skinny part, *second*."  He stared again, then went into slightly
hysterical laughter while he was helped down and stripped.

When he was naked, and wrapped in a thermal blanket, he looked at
Jessica for a long time before he spoke softly.  "You'd better stay a
mare, Jess.  And...  You know what this means, right?"

"No problem.  Yeah, I know what it means.  Scads of paperwork,
interviews, and questions.  I was hoping we could go back and find out
what Kay and Dad are doing."

She twisted her head slightly.  "Hey, Sis?  You don't look too good."

"I am wishing that our father was here, so I could ask for revenge."

"Right.  Well, come on, and I'll go run around the parking lot, or
something, while you ride me and  curse whoever you want to.  We need
some privacy, before I have you call Sandy."

She looked around, then focused on one of the Doctors.  "Weren't you
an intern, the first time I showed up?"

"I was, and I am feeling like one, again, while I watch your mother
healing these children."

"I know that look.  You thought he wasn't going to make it."

"I knew he wouldn't.  What happened to them?"

"What else?  Used and discarded.

"Congrats, and... Thanks for the good memories, that made me think of
bringing them here.  Hey, if you guys want a chance to relax after
your shift, there's an all day BBQ on the Sam Cee.  It's turned into
sort of a special one for folks who don't get thanked as often as they
should."

"We will consider it."

"Ok."

She lowered her head so her eyes were level with the boy's.  "Yes, I
really can talk.  I know your head is still messed up, but if you can,
I'd appreciate it if you touched my head somewhere and just...  Let
go.  I bet you couldn't believe it was really happening, because
everyone was...  Bad, but they'd actually been pretty nice, when they
weren't forcing you to do stuff, right?"

He nodded slightly, so she kept talking. "Well, you really are safe,
and there's a policeman here, and I work for them sometimes, so I'm a
sort of a police mare, and one of the things I do is help kids like
you when I get the chance.  Sure, it's part of their job, but I made
it part of my job, because a little over a year ago, I was a child
whore, just like you were."

His whisper was hesitant.  "You were a child whore, and now you're a
cop?"

"Yeah.  Usually I look like a bitch, but today was special, and I
wanted to show off to my friends."

"Can I umm...  I've always wanted to touch a horse."

"Sure.  Go ahead.  Pet me, and...  Think about whatever you want to
think about."

He touched her head, flinched, then moved his hand.  "It's a lot
softer than I thought it would be."

"Thanks."

He closed his eyes and shivered.  "Did it really happen?  They were
laughing when they broke our arms and legs, and that hurt a lot, but
now I don't hurt and that's weird.  You guys give me some shots so I
don't feel like I'm hurt?"

"Mom fixed your body.  She could fix your head, too, but then you
wouldn't be you, so she has to make sure it's really what you want her
to do  It's not pills and stuff like that.  She just removes all the
bad stuff so you don't ever remember it.  You got a real family?"

"Somewhere.  I was real young, so I'm not sure.  I think maybe my mom
and dad weren't my real ones but...  I don't know.  It's just a
feeling I have."

"Anything else?  You don't have to say it, just think about it if you
can't describe it.  I'll see the same thing, and feel the same things,
so you'll know someone else knows what happened.  It's ok, for a boy
to cry.  Men do it too.  I've seen Jim cry a lot, so I know he cares,
too.  Take a look.  He's trying to hide it, but he's crying real bad
right now.  He's the guy in the blanket."

He looked, then nodded.  "Yeah, he is.  First time I've seen a guy
cry.  They beat me if they caught me doing it  Beat any of us who
cried."

Images flashed through her mind after he quit speaking and finally
Jessica spoke very, very softly, in his head.  {{See? I'm right here,
with you.}}

{{Is that really you?  You look like a girl.  Real pretty, too.}}

{{Thanks  I'm Jessica..}}

{{Jessica?  They talked a lot, about a Jessica who got away, and how
they'd made sure none of us could escape that way.}}

{{I'm the same one.  Thanks for your help...  Do you have a name?}}

{{Not really.  All they ever called me was 'One hundred and thirty
seven'  She's number 'Seventy Two', I think.  All I heard was her
voice, because they kept our heads covered, until just before
they...}}

{{Tossed out the garbage, for the fish to eat.}}

{{Yeah.  I guess you really can see what I'm thinking.}}

{{Does it help?}}

{{Yes.}}

"I have some stuff I need to do, but my mother will be here, and she
can do the same stuff I can do, only more of it and better."

"You really have to leave?"

"I'm only going to the parking lot, to give my sister a ride while she
makes a private phone call.  Maybe mom can help you guys remember your
real names while I'm gone."

"We can have real names, just like regular people?"

"Yeah.  She'll do her best, to find out who you really are, and people
will do some tests to find out if you're on the missing kids list."

"Ok.  You promise you'll be back right away?"

"I'll be back, One Hundred and Thirty Seven, and you can tell number
Seventy Two, that she can trust my mom, if she wants to get in her
head, or she can wait until I get back."

"Ok.  Soon, ok?"

"Yes.  If I can't be here, my sister will be, and she's pretty, too. I
think she's prettier than I am, but it's hard for me to tell, since
I'm on the inside of me."

He stared, then nodded.   "I'd rather have you here."

"Well, you have some stuff you need to do, and so do I.  Let's see
what happens, and if you think you really, really need me, tell my
Mom, and she'll tell me.  I'll be here quick, just like...  I had to
be, ok?"

"I suppose.  You gonna save the other kids?"

"That's already being done."

"Ok...  If ya gotta, ya gotta."

"I do, so...  They won't do this again."

"Oh, yeah."

"Hey...  I'm gonna bend my head real low, and press against your chest
kinda.  Wrap your arms around it and squeeze as tight as you want.
It's called a head hug, and we mares love them."

"Real tight?  I won't hurt you?"

"You won't hurt me.  You can cry, too, and nobody here is gonna tell
you, you shouldn't.  *Real* men and boys are allowed to cry any time
they want to.  You ready?"

"Yeah."

She bent her head and nudged him gently, then he held on and sobbed.
Eventually he let go and looked at her.  "Ummm...  You're pretty
smart, aren't you?  You knew exactly what I needed to feel better.
I've never hugged anyone just because I wanted to, and it felt a lot
different."

"I know.  It was like that for me, too.  I gotta get stuff done, so
you might as well do what they ask you to do, ok?"

"Yeah.  Hard to believe it's really over.  If they can't figure out my
name, will you give me one?"

"Let's see what happens, first.  Indrakshi's better at that stuff than
I am, so...  Anyway, it you ask me to, I will."

"Ok."

He pulled his hand away and watched her and Indrakshi leave. 

"She really, really is, a talking horse, and she can see inside your
head.  I thought they were lying to us about people who could get in
your head.  They said we shouldn't let people like that get close to
us, because they'd hurt us real bad.  She didn't hurt me, she made me
feel a lot better.  She's...  Real warm and cuddly, when she does
that."

He looked at Roberta.  "She's real pretty when she's a girl, isn't
she?  A lot prettier the way she is now, though."

Roberta studied him, then nodded.  "Even though she and Indrakshi are
my adopted daughters, I agree with you.  They are both pretty, no
matter what shape they are.  Are you ready to let these people examine
you, or do you want to be given a chance to rest?"

"I'm real tired."

"Then we will let you have a bed, and you can sleep without fear,
because one of us will be watching over you."

"Thank you."

"You're welcome."

After he was led off, and the girl was taken for her exams, Jim glared
at Roberta and she nodded.  "Numbers, Jim, and they don't remember
their names.  If they had, Jessica would have used them."

"Not good."

"True.  Could be worse.  You need to loose that angry look, and focus
on the fact we saved both of them, and by now, that area is being fine
toothed.  With Ken in the air, I doubt if anyone got away."

"How'd she do it?  It wasn't the usual way.  It was more like it was a
hunch and she teased it out, until it made sense, to go check that
area from the ground, instead of the air."

"She's a lot like Thomas, and they're both working on improving the
closeness.  She saw the obvious, when nobody else knew it was there to
be seen."

"I hope that will make sense, someday."

"It will."

She handed him her phone.  "Here.  The substation number is in the
contact list.  You might as well call and let them know where we are,
and that we're all ok.  I'll deal with your clothing and gear while
you do that, so they don't need to send you anything."

He sighed.  "Yeah.  I forgot to turn off the man down stuff, so I bet
we have a couple units headed for us, if they've figured out the
tracking data was real, and not a glitch."

* * *

Once they were outside, Indrakshi got on Jessica and sighed.  "I have
no family, but she is family, Sister of my Heart."

"You remember her name?"

"It was never spoken in my presence.  All I remember is playing
together a few times.  I am sorry."

"Relax.  She's safe now.  Mom can get it out of her, or maybe I'll be
able to.  No point in going there and seeing if anyone will tell us
who she is, is there?"

"None."

"Ok.  We got a bigger problem, anyway."

"You are sounding angry, Jessica."

"I am.  While I was in his head, I told him my name.  Drakshi, he
recognized it.  Worse, it was because they kept telling all the kids
that none of them would ever escape in the way I had."

"That is very not good."

"And you are reverting to your native language, Heart Sister.  I've
never heard you do that, except when you are joking with us."

"My mind, it is somewhere else.  I am not as you are.  Is there
anything I may do, that will make me feel less helpless?"

"Call Sandy, and after she answers, call her 'My Alpha', and tell her
you have a message for her, from me.  Then tell her about the kids
being told they wouldn't be able to escape the way I did.

"This will make me feel better?"

"Definitely."

She made the call.

"Indrakshi.  We heard that you helped rescue two children."

"Yes, My Alpha, and I have a message for you, from my Heart Sister."

"I will hear your message, and create a new context."

"Jessica says that when she used the mind talk with the boy, who
almost died, but is healed now, he recognized her name.  She told me
that they told all the kids that none of them would ever escape the
way Jessica did.  I feel very not good, because the girl I helped is a
cousin.  Her family was very rich, by our standards, and there was no
need to sell her to these animals who break arms and legs before they
treat people as if they were fish food."

"I see.  Do you wish revenge, or justice?"

"I wish...  My heart wants revenge, but my head knows that justice is
the right answer."

"Is Jessica there?"

Yes.  She is as a mare, so she told me I could give you her message,
and it would help me feel better."

"Jessica?  Should the context include justice, or revenge?"

"I want these people *stopped*, Sandra, who is also Wolf.  They are
using numbers, instead of names, and the boy, at least, was...
Harvested when he was too young to consciously remember if he had a
name.  He is probably near my age, so I suspect he might have been one
of us who was being...  Groomed, by the Big Guy.  Do whatever you
think is proper, to help him recover, since he does not have the
options I had."

"Thank you, both of you.  The news will soon have coverage of people
who died because of burst blood vessels.  A warning was given, and not
heeded,   Mahika and I will mete out the proper justice, so these
people will not be able to harm children, ever again."

She hung up, and Indrakshi shivered.  "She was so cold, my blood
turned to ice.  I am glad it is not I, she will be seeing next."

"Yeah.  Mine, too, and I knew about the warnings.  Come on.  I know
when a guy thinks I'm very fuckable, and that kid really has it bad
for me, so I know he'll pretty much roll over and do anything I ask
him to, when he wakes up."

Indrakshi giggled.  "His eyes told me the same thing.  You are already
happily married, Jessica."

"Yeah, and I'm not interested in that stuff, except with Cathy and
Becky, so you're going to help me cool him off enough he'll start
thinking about girls...  Like you."

"Me?!"

"Yes, you.  If you had the inner eyes, you'd know he's pretty one
track about mares right now, but with a little gentle persuasion from
a friend, he'll like girls better.  You don't need a husband, but you
do need a friend who is...  Not as I am."

"Are you being a matchmaker, or a meddler?"

"Both.  Mostly, Indrakshi who has needs she cannot satisfy when she is
alone, I am helping you have a chance to have what we sometimes call a
'fuck buddy'.  If it becomes something more, well, you've told me
often enough, that you miss going to sleep with arms holding you
against a male body.  At least these will be attached to a male who
would be sharing joy with you, and not stealing it, right?"

"We will need a spell, until he is used to our ways."

"Talk to Roberta."

"Your mind.  It is still not here."

"Yeah, It's Dad and Kay."

"You helped me, so there is a debt.  I will take care of...  I cannot
use a number.  I will attempt to become his friend, and do my best to
teach him the ways of love, so you may focus on what is important to
you."

"Thanks, Drakshi.  You are a true Heart Sister.  Let's go make
arrangements for you to stay here, and I'll see if Jim is ready to go
back.  At least, there, I'll be able to watch the news while I do all
the paperwork."

They went back inside, Drakshi dismounted, then she found Roberta and
had a whispered conversation with her, before the two of them entered
the main hospital.

Jim studied Jessica, and sighed.  "I've been told that since all my
vital signs are normal, I can go someplace else.  So, once I get
dressed, I'll need a ride."

"Yeah.  Figured you might.  Drakshi is going to see about transferring
his fixation from mares, to girls.  I'll be on call, just in case.
Other than that, since I was on the clock for you guys, I do what my
handler tells me to do, until the shift is over.  Just...  Don't put
me away wet, ok?"

He blushed.  "Please, Jessica.  Don't go there right now.  I am a
happily married man, with a family, and a wife I love."

"You left out that you aren't a pedo.  I was teasing, Jim.  I'm really
not interested in another chance to go swimming with you, so I can see
you naked.  I do think that if there is a next time, I'm going to
leave a lot of our gear someplace dry.  Your jacket makes a poor life
vest."

"Cramps my style, too.  I had to really twist so I could grab that
kid.  Good thing I was hooked to the straps.  I'm going to suggest
that they be a requirement, when we're riding a shape shifter who can
place slide."

"Want me to turn my back while you get dressed?"

"I'll use one of the bathrooms."

A few minutes later he came out and they went back outside.  After he
settled in the saddle, he sighed.  "Very soon, Jess, I'm going to load
you in the K9 unit, and take you to all the emergency rooms, so you
can use the one nearest to where you are, and not one that is...  So
far away."

"Somebody copped an attitude?"

"Briefly.  It ended when your former intern grabbed the phone and
explained that it isn't about processing paperwork, it is about saving
lives, and he would file a formal complaint about unprofessionalism,
if he heard another word about us going someplace that wasn't on the
reimbursement list."

"I knew I liked him for some reason.  Now I know what it is."

"Mind telling me?"

"He knows how to cop an attitude, so it gets things done.  You ready
to go back?"

"No.  But we have to.  Drop me at the substation, so I can pick up our
paperwork."

"This is my first time.  You willing to join me in our conference
room, so you can help me fill it out and say things the right way?  We
can have the big screen on, so we can keep an eye on the news."

"I can do that."

"We're gone, again."

* * *

Jessica was looking over her forms after she'd made her rough draft of
what she remembered, when she started giggling.

Jim leaned back and stretched.  "Be glad we didn't save bodies.  I
could use a good laugh right now."

"I hope you don't mind that I'm a little hysterical."

"Not the first partner I've had, who found something funny about the
paperwork.  What did you find?"

"Well...  On the books, you guys carry me as a police dog, right?"

"Of course.  We don't hire kids."

"Thought so.  So...  This is all regular paperwork, and it wants my
badge number.  I don't have one, and...  I'm supposed to be a dog, not
a mare, when I'm working.  What's going to happen about that?  Is
someone going to have me be a mare so I can get poked and prodded,
then given all the horse shots, too?  I bet there's someone out there
trying to figure out if a vet should look me over, to check me for
damage.  I'm thinking that this is the first time a cop who is a
Terran power handler has been this involved in an incident in this
part of the country.  Things are going to get real weird, I bet."

He groaned.  "Weird, is right.  You've done the canine course, but
never been through the academy.  I see the media having a field day
with us, because your parents are up there doing the impossible, and
while they're doing that, you're out there putting your life on the
line..."

"You got something?"

"Don't know.  Isn't Tom something like third generation military?  We
could do a 'tradition of service' bit, to help explain you being out
there when most kids would be glued to the TV."

"What about my age?  Folks are gonna obsess over that, I bet."

"According to our paperwork, you're a fourteen year old *bitch*,
Jessica.  You should have been retired years ago."

"And as a mare, I'm just entering my prime, if you look at the
numbers.  Somebody is going to have a pretty big headache by the time
all that gets sorted out."

"Use your dog license number, for now.  If folks get pushy, I'll see
about getting you a badge."

"Ok.  What about the rest of it?  How long do I have?"

"Got the notes done yet?"

"Yeah."

"Ok.  Make a couple sets of copies, and after I get mine done, I'll
deliver them and take a break.  There is plenty of time for us to do
the rest of it.  Sooner the better, of course, but we're allowed to
relax so we have time to remember more.  People get pushy, I'll remind
them that on the books, you're an animal, and we don't ask our animals
to fill out paperwork."

"You're nuts, Jim.  Anyone else, and they might let you get away with
it.  Not going to happen after the media finds out it was me you rode
into the ocean.  And...  Shit!"

"What is it?"

"It was you and I, *again*.  I can promise that the folks in charge
this time aren't in a position to get revenge, but...  Anyone
operating in this area, is going to be...  Considering some sort of
revenge, or a handle to slow us down, when it comes to putting perps
away.  Take care of your family, huh?  If you need bodyguards, or
security, get it, and I'll make sure it's covered.  Your wife and kids
be interested in being a host family for some Rabelaisians?"

He grabbed for his mic and spoke urgently.  "This is Jim.  I need my
family covered, immediately!"

"Relax.  People have already checked, and units were sent as soon as
we realized what you were pulling out of the water."

He slumped with relief.  "Thanks.  We need to fix an oversight.
Jessica needs a badge number.  I'll let someone else figure out how to
justify giving a badge to a dog who can also be a mare that rescues
kids."

"Oh, great.  I thought cops who get sex changes are a can of worms.
Definitely going to shove that one higher.  Anything else?"

"I'll deliver the copies of our notes in about an hour, I hope. Anyone
know if we're on vacation?"

"No word yet, so you, at least, can plan on working your normal shift,
tomorrow.  Your partner is a volunteer, so it's up to her."

"Thanks.  We'll let you know."

"Got it."

He looked at Jessica, and frowned.  "Are you here?"

"Not completely."

She picked up her phone and sighed before she hit send.

"Hello, Jessica.  They're both physically ok, and I'll be working with
them to see if we can discover their names.  Indrakshi told me there's
no point in sending someone over to find out her cousin's name, so
I'll forget about sending one of the grrls to go do some exploring,
for now."

"Thanks, Mom.  That wasn't what I called about."

"Oh?"

"I need your thinking on something."

"I'm listening."

"With Dad and Kay on vacation, that means the first team isn't up to
strength, right?"

"True."

"Thanks.  Please tell me I'm being paranoid, when I say I think we
should tell them to stand down from their main jobs, and we'll put the
second team on alert, instead of trying to fill in."

"It would make sense for us to get some time as a team, and there is
always a first time.  I have the feeling you have another reason for
suggesting this?"

"Yeah.  I didn't have time to tell you something before you and
Indrakshi split."

"She mentioned it, and...  Before we get too serious, the links are
real, and they are coming to terms with that.  They'll be good for
each other."

"Good.  I'm worried about the Sam Cee.  I think they should go hot,
just in case these folks decide to get stupid about things.  I know
their leadership is...  Out of the picture, but someone is going to
step in, and they'll be looking at us pretty hard, because this is the
second time we hammered them, ya know?  Anyway, if the Sam Cee  goes
hot, and something happens, we're gonna be all there is, for anything
else."

"Have you discussed this with anyone else?"

"Not yet.  I need to make some copies, then I'll be taking a break
with Becky and Cathy.  Jim's here right now and listening in."

"This sounds like it's more than a hunch."

"Ok.  You're right.  Dad's on the roller coaster right now, and I bet
Kay is totally focused on having her fun, and trying to slow his ride
down, so he can think about getting off.  Mahika's tied in to that,
probably, and Sandy is probably doing her best to keep an eye on that
situation, in case they have go on a rescue mission."

"I think I see.  With you and I already in the middle of a situation
that could escalate, if it hasn't already, you think we should make it
official, and take over all the duties?"

"Yeah.  Shorten the chain of command, if nothing else, so we don't
have to consult with folks who won't be up to speed.  And...  I got a
hunch about Mom and Dad, that they're going to manage to find a way to
crash, and we'll have to be able to move fast, to pick up the pieces."

"Crash?"

"It's party time for them, right now.  People who party, don't spend a
lot of time thinking with their heads, right?"

"I agree.  As soon as we end our conversation, I'll call Sandy and
advise her of our decisions.  After that, I'll warn Marie and Ted that
we might need them in a hurry.  You tell Becky and Cathy.  Take that
break, but make sure you're keeping an eye on the news."

"Thanks.  Hope I'm crazy, ya know?"

"I do.  Go.  Take that break, and do your best to relax.  It might be
awhile, before you get another chance."

"Umm...  Yeah.  Later."

She hung up, then sighed.  "Jim?  You mind making those copies?  Mom
just made me really, really nervous about things."

"Something obvious to both of you?"

"No.  I have hunches, or see things nobody else does, like Dad. Mom...
I got a hunch she was the best investigative reporter in the world,
for a real odd reason."

"Can I hear it?"

"It's die before even hinting that you know it."

"I can agree to that.  Nothing gets said, until one of you tells me I
can say it."

"Thanks.  We haven't really confirmed this, yet, but...  Kay called
Roberta a Seer.  When she agrees with a hunch, as far as I'm
concerned, it's fact."

"That's...  Not very good news, right now."

"I know."

"Go take your break  I hope it's a...  Long one.  I'll put our
paperwork away, and all that stuff.  What about the party?"

"Thanks.  Make my excuses for me?  Otherwise, don't sweat it."

"Anything we can do to help?"

"I doubt it.  You thinking of volunteering, if things happen?"

"If I'm here, of course I will.  So will anyone else   Works both
ways, Jess.  You help us, we help you, if we can."

"Umm...  Thanks."

"Welcome.  Go take your break.  I'll deal with the stuff I can deal
with.  Oh, remember the rules.  No more talking about what we did,
unless one of my bosses authorizes it.  I'll see what I can do about
getting that bent a little, so you and your husbands can indulge in
pillow talk."

"Thanks, but our pillow talk is going to be in braille, ya know?"

"Yes.  I'm looking forward to some of that with my wife, since I
survived again."

"Jim?  Be paranoid and let Sandy or Mahika take you home?"

"Another hunch?"

"Common sense.  Think with your head, right?"

"Your point."

"Ok.  I'm out of here."
---

End: 'On the Beach'
======

The Bigger Picture
Tom and Lady Kay
---

Tom was laughing softly after they broke the sound barrier.  "You up
to maintaining the acceleration?"

"Will it help?"

"Hell if I know, Love.  Can't hurt, for what I have in mind, if you
feel like pushing the envelope."

"And what wild hair is up your ass now, Thomas?"

"Do you  realize we've never picked a place that's 'just ours', where
we can go when we have to stay linear?"

"That's..."

She snorted.  "We've never been by ourselves for very long, have we?"

"Lots of stolen moments, but even in non linear time, we've always had
company."

"We can thank Jessica, later.  I'm up to whatever you have in mind."

"Tell me that after you hear my idea.  We need to look the world over,
right?"

"Yeesss....  Are you *insane*?!"

"Nope.  I can generate the shield and other stuff to protect us, if
you focus on your flying, until the orbit is stable.  I also have the
number I'll need to call, since people would appreciate knowing what
we're up to."

"Yes, Thomas.  It would be very, very wise, to make it so I don't have
to worry about missiles."

"Your point."

He dug his phone out, found the number he wanted, then hit send.

The voice that answered was female, and alert.  "Orbital Tracking.
Kira speaking.  Good morning, Captain Galahalt.  Been awhile.  What
can we do for you?"

"Hello, Kira.  I'm piloting Unicorn One, and we'd appreciate it if you
could authorize an ISS flyby for us, before we find an orbit so we can
enjoy the view."

There was a long silence, and finally Kira responded.  "Captain?  Are
you telling us that U-One is capable of achieving orbit, and returning
safely?"

"Yes.  Don't know how long we'll be up there.  Long enough to look it
all over, and figure out where our next stop will be on our vacation."

"Vacation?  Never mind.  Tracking says you're giving the ground
lookers a real workout, and...  We'll accept your confidence in being
able to orbit and deorbit safely.  You're...  Clear for launch, and
flyby, at your convenience.  The crew will be expecting you, and we'd
appreciate it, if you deorbit as if you're planning on landing in
Florida."

"Want us to let the folks at the station give us a flight path, or
should we just...  Do a visual deorbit and landing?"

"Ahh...  A visual deorbit?  Let me check."

She was back almost immediately.  "Tracking says they need the
practice.  Deorbit at your own discretion, and angle.  We're looking
forward to the experience."

"Thank you, Kira.  Hope you enjoy the show.  Sorry for the short
notice. Our vacation was unplanned, so we didn't take the time to make
better arrangements for our communications.  I'll call when I have
phone service again."

"Thank you, Captain.  I'm sure we will enjoy it, once we accept it's
really happening.  Have a safe flight, and we'll be waiting for your
call."

He hung up, put his phone away, and Kay laughed.  "You  made it sound
so routine."

"Well, we've played with jets, so there's not a lot of difference, and
we can always slide out of problems, right?"

"I'll give you that point.  You ready?"

"Put on a real show, and go vertical, then take a direct route to the
station?"

"No orbital mechanics, or acting reasonable?"

"I'm tired of holding back all the time.  Since this is supposed to be
our honeymoon and vacation, let's go all out, and enjoy ourselves."

"Sounds like lots of fun, to me."

"Good!  Shield in place, and I've locked us together.  Go, when you're
ready."

"I'm ready, and..."  She curved her path until they were headed
straight up.  "Accelerating into space."

{{Ok.  I'll get serious, and make sure you're getting enough oxygen.}}

{{Thanks.  I'm going to be practical, and bring my wings in, then do
all the rest with power.  I'll extend them again when we're ready for
the flyby.}}

{{Ok.  Got them spotted, yet?}}

{{Yes.  I'm going to level out and keep accelerating until we're
moving at the same speed.  Go ahead and try for contact.}}

{{Following your link...  Got it!  Hello, Alpha.  This is Captain
Galahalt, piloting Unicorn One.  Do you copy, over?}}

{{Umm...  Alpha here, U-One  We copy.  Can you turn down your
volume?}}

{{No problem.  Is this better?}}

{{Much better.  Where are you?}}

{{Behind you, and slightly below your altitude.  We're accelerating to
match your speed.  Look for the gold glow, and you'll have us.}}

{{Searching...  Ah!  Got you!  You folks are really moving.  We're
going to try for some magnification.  Is our approach radar going to
be a problem?}}

{{I can block it.  Would you like a better target out there?  I can
create something metallic at whatever size you need.}}

{{No need, Captain.  You're carrying more than enough to give us a
solid lock.  You can dim the running light.}}

{{Say when.}}

{{Getting close.  A little more...  Good!}}

{{Ok.  I'll keep it there unless you complain again.  Looks like we're
matched.  You folks ready for the chase and rendezvous?}}

{{Not quite.  We'd appreciate it if you aim for somewhere other than
our center.}}

{{Oops.  Sorry.  Got a preference?}}

{{About one hundred meters out from our left side as you see us, so
our best cameras can see you go by, if you miss your timing.}}

{{Done.}}

{{Thanks.  Ok, U-One.  At your discretion.}}

{{Coming in.  We'll let you hear our chatter.  Kay?  How you doing?}}

{{Now that I'm matched, it will be simple.  Accelerating...  Ok,
that's fast enough. Give us a few minutes, then we'll start slowing
down.  Don't worry.  I've played tag with fighters, so I'm keeping our
relative speeds to something I'm used to.  I'll let you know when I
need to focus on things again.  Questions or comments?}}

{{You're used to maneuvering at Mach three relative?}}

{{Yes, when I know the size of my target.  Oh, Sorry.  Let me get my
wings extended, now that I can relax.}}

{{U-One?  That is an incredible sight.  Thanks.  We understand you
folks are on vacation.}}

{{In a way.  This is the first chance we've had, to be by ourselves
long enough to have a real honeymoon.  It's a few thousand years late,
but we don't mind.  You're our first stop, then we'll look Earth over
and figure out where we want to go next.}}

{{Do you mind if we broadcast that?}}

{{Not a bit.  You may also mention that it's been a joint effort, and
only another power handler, with Tom's experience, would be able to
help me make the trip.  Someday we might be able to carry a passenger
or two, but don't expect it to be soon.}}

{{So you couldn't act as an emergency shuttle, if we had problems up
here?}}

{{Not this way.  In a true emergency we could place shift and avoid
the tedious stuff we're doing right now.  Given a suit, and some
practice, any Bard or Mage could help out.}}

{{That sounds like you're saying that as long as it isn't large cargo,
crew could be ferried back and forth without using the shuttle
system.}}

{{That's a definite possibility.  You'd have to talk to the Senior
Ambassador, to find out what the possibilities and restrictions would
be.}}

He suddenly turned all business.  {{Alpha, to Unicorn One.  Tracking
has advised me that you are past your turnover, if you plan on using
standard deceleration curves.}}

{{Unicorn One, to Alpha.  Relax.  I don't use standard curves.  We're
still well short of my usual turnover point for this relative
velocity.}}

{{Noted.  You folks must have some unusual g tolerances.}}

{{We use a damping field, and ease into it until we feel
uncomfortable.  And...  Here we go!}}

{{Wow!  I'm going to be impressed, once we get the numbers on that.
You folks have the time for a couple of us to come out and say hello
in person?}}

{{It will be our pleasure.  When you get here, we'll expand our shield
so you can actually talk with us.}}

{{I'm not sure any of us are ready to open our suits in space.  No
offense intended, U-One.  It's a bad habit and we don't want to get it
started.}}

{{Understood, and none taken  Telepathy will be fine.  Where would you
like us to wait?}}

{{Where you are.  We'll come to you folks.}}

{{We'll stay put, and enjoy the view.}}

Kay rotated herself until they were looking at the Earth. {{Well,
Thomas, here we are.  He's handsome, isn't he?}}

{{Very.  I always dreamed about going into space, but never thought it
would happen like this.}}

{{Feel any better?}}

{{A little.  Still shocked at how close I got to flashing.}}

{{What's Vel think of the view?}}

{{Wishes she were here, and it reminds her of when she arrived and saw
it from space for the first time.  Accepts that this time is about you
and I, and wants me to remind you of when she banished you and Merlin
for a year.  Says she's busy with Marie and Ted, or she'd go thank
Jessica in person.}}

{{Let's see if we can talk about us for awhile.}}

{{It was bad, and getting worse, real fast.}}

{{You need me to hold you while you shake?}}

{{Not yet.  I'll make it until we find our place.}}

{{Any ideas?}}

{{Someplace we can snuggle and share the afterglow as long as we
want.}}

{{Be nice if we can return and expect some privacy, too.}}

{{True.  Have to be someplace few people would want to go.}}

{{Would it?}}

{{An idea, Love?}}

{{Yes.  We've always been driven.  Let's abandon that, and do the same
thing we just did.  Let whim make our decisions for us.  We need some
privacy, and to be able to enjoy the afterglow.  Let's rent a motel
room somewhere, be tourists, then go back to it and relax.}}

He laughed in her head.   {{I picked the ISS, so it's your turn.}}

{{Entertainment City.}}

{{Deal.  You're being lazy, or eager.}}

She giggled. {{Both.  I want to know what it's like, to have you all
to myself, for more than a stolen moment.}}

She turned her head slightly.  {{Company headed for us.}}

{{You handle it.  Chrys says she has a message for me, from Jessica.}}

{{Good news?}}

{{Don't know yet.  She asked, because she didn't want to distract me
and cause a problem.}}

{{I'll keep an eye on our shield.}}

She slowly rotated until she was facing the two people headed towards
them.  {{Hello.  We're honored that you're taking the time to make a
personal welcome.  It is an unexpected gift and we will treasure the
memory.}}

One of them raised an arm.  {{Larry, and my companion is Theresa.  I'm
afraid this isn't all being courteous.  We moved up the time of a
scheduled inspection, since it was only a few hours away.}}

{{Still, you made the effort, and that is what counts.  If you are
willing to trust me when it is time, you may grab my wing tips and I
can ferry you to where you need to be.}}

{{There is no risk to any of us?}}

{{None, except the risk of feeling spoiled.}}

{{An acceptable risk.  Since you are willing to do that, I would like
to ask for something more.}}

{{Ask.}}

{{A flyby was mentioned.  Could you...  Take us with you?  Everyone
who has served here dreams of being able to appreciate the ISS from
space, and not have to pay attention to the details involved in such a
tour.}}

{{It will be our pleasure.  I will keep my wings spread, and you may
do your best to act as if you are sitting on them, as close to my body
as you can get.  Tom will do the rest of what is needed to keep you
there, and I will...  Show you what it is like, to be able to truly
fly, in space.}}

They approached and settled, then Tom touched each of them.  {{Relax
and enjoy the ride.  The seatbelts are invisible, but they are there.
If you will permit it, I can generate the oxygen you need, so you do
not have to use what you carry.}}

There was a brief silence, then Larry spoke with regret.  {{We'll have
to refuse that.  We're too used to technology, and the risk of over
confidence is too great.}}

{{What if we create a set of replacement bottles that you may take
aboard and test, or analyze before you add their contents to your main
supply?}}

{{Acceptable.}}

{{Before we leave, have someone shove an empty in our direction. We'll
make some duplicates that are full, then send them all back.}}

{{Thank you.}}

{{Whenever you are ready, Love.}}

{{I suppose I should avoid anything that looks like I could impact the
station?}}

{{Yes.  You're up to something, Kay.}}

{{I'm defining the parameters of my flyby.}}

{{Right.  I'll shut up and deal with our guests if they want to make
comments or ask questions.}}

{{I'm going to back off, then do an approach so you folks can see it
as we did when we arrived.  Then, I will...  Keep my distance while I
play tag with it.}}

She started with an approach that took them underneath the station,
then she looped back and went over it.

Then she swooped and soared past it enough times they saw all of it at
least twice.

Eventually she slowed and carefully positioned herself so they were
facing the station while she kept her position at a safe distance.

By then it was obvious that her passengers had been awed into silence.

Tom broke the silence.  {{Thank you, Alpha, for your hospitality.  We
hope we haven't abused it.}}

{{You haven't, Captain.  Unicorn One, you are cleared for contact, and
we have a request.}}

{{Thank you, Alpha. What is your request?}}

{{Captain, we understand Unicorn One has an unusual way of helping
people believe she was really present, after she leaves.  At a
location of her choice, we would appreciate a similar...  Sign.}}

Tom laughed.  {{It shall be as you wish, Alpha.  Our pleasure.  Do you
want it signed, too?}}

{{It would be an honor, Captain Galahalt.  Houston has asked me to
remind the two of you to stop by for a special ceremony.}}

{{They want to gong us, and add to the tinware and ribbons I already
carry at formal functions?}}

{{I'm afraid so, Sir.}}

{{Did you explain that we're on our honeymoon?}}

{{I did.  They're willing to wait, as long as you agree to give them a
few days notice before you arrive.}}

{{We can do that.  Kay, let's allow our passengers to disembark, then
you can do the fancy stuff, we'll sign it, create those spare air
bottles, and be on our way.}}

She laughed.  {{Unicorn One, to Alpha.  I'm on final approach for
docking.}}

She moved in, her hooves touched, and she spoke gently.  {{This is
your Unicorn speaking.  Thank you, Lady and Gentleman, for flying with
me.  I hope you enjoyed your adventure.  Please make sure you are
returned to your normal reality, before you take that first step.}}

Theresa giggled.  {{Lady Kay?  That was the perfect touch, to end such
an insane adventure.  Thank you.}}

{{You're welcome.  Don't forget about your inspection.}}

{{We cheated.  It was a visual one this time, and your passes were
close enough we would have seen anything that needed closer
attention.}}

{{Never off duty?}}

{{I'm afraid so.  Space isn't forgiving of mistakes.  It was a
pleasure, to have someone else handle the maneuvering for us.  That
let us relax enough we could enjoy the view, and the ride.}}

{{We understand.  This is the first time we've had a chance to truly
let go of our responsibilities, so we are...  Somewhat giddy with the
sudden freedom to be ourselves, and relax.}}

{{We noticed.  Traditional flying unicorns don't make impulsive visits
to space stations, then take on passengers.}}

{{I think it was infectious.  Last we knew, crew members don't relax
enough to trust anyone who passes by, enough to ask for a ride.}}

{{Your joint reputations preceded you folks.  The trust was always
there.  What has been lacking, is your presence, to inspire the
courage to ask you to help us live a dream.}}

{{I think I see.  There is now a collective desire that a way be found
to let something similar happen again?}}

{{Of course.}}

{{Talk to Lady Chrystal.  Once she stops laughing at the audacity of
it, she will see about making it happen.  Her people are usually eager
to explore new territory.}}

{{Thank you, Lady Kay.  If the Captain is ready, one of us will send
him the air bottle.  Four will be sufficient to replace what we've
used on this EVA.}}

{{I'm ready.  It will take me a few minutes to make the duplicates.
While I'm doing that, Kay can work her magic.}}

He caught the bottle, studied it briefly, then created the duplicates
while Kay found her spot and created an image of Excalibur.

She added her signature, then Tom gestured and left his, before she
went back to where her former passengers were waiting.

Tom handed them the bottles, then he waved.  {{A memorable experience.
Warn Orbital Tracking that we're going to stay at this altitude and go
geostationary over Florida, then we'll make a leisurely drop until I
have phone service again.  We'll check in and let them work us into
the normal flight patterns, so we don't disrupt things.}}

{{We'll do that, Captain.  Have a safe flight, and maybe, someday, we
can meet again.}}

{{We're easy to find, and the Sam Cee always has room for guests.
Goodbye for now, Theresa.  Larry.}}

{{Goodbye for now, Captain.}}

Kay bobbed her head when they waved, then she got serious.  {{Unicorn
One, to Alpha.  We are ready for undock authorization.}}

{{Alpha, to Unicorn One.  You are clear to undock.  Have a safe
flight.}}

{{Thank you, Alpha.  May the wind always be at your back, and the
skies, clear.}}

{{Thank you, Unicorn One.  Alpha, out.}}

{{Unicorn One, out.}}

She let herself drift for a few hundred feet, then she sighed. {{Well,
Thomas? Are you ready for our next adventure?}}

{{I'm already keeping an eye out for things I'll need to deflect
around us.  Ready.}}

{{Searching...  And there it is!  Let's see if I can slow enough, in
time...}}

She let Florida get past her, then she kept slowing until she was
stationary relative to it before she moved them so they were directly
over it.

{{Going down.  Please keep all body parts inside the shield while we
enter the atmosphere, and get out your phone, so you may recontact
Orbital Tracking as soon as possible.}}

Tom laughed.  {{I bet you're giving the tracking computers fits,
because this sort of landing is supposed to be impossible.}}

{{Their problem, not mine.}}

{{True.  I'm enjoying the view.  You?}}

{{Of course, now that I have the leisure to do so.  Perhaps we should
have stayed for one more orbit, but now that we know we can do it
safely, we can do a better job of planning for an extended stay in
space.}}

{{And perhaps make love under the stars?}}

{{The thought had crossed my mind, Old Wolf.}}

{{Thank you, Kay.  My phone just let me know I have service again, so
I'm going to make sure we have an atmosphere, and make that call.))

"Orbital Tracking.  Kira speaking.  Hello again, Captain."

"Hello, Kira.  Appreciate it if you route us in."

"We have you on course for Entertainment City?"

"That was Unicorn One's choice, so if that's where you show us headed,
that's where we need to go."

"Understood.  Maintain your current flight path until touchdown.
Expect a media presence in that area.  When you are below five angels,
you are authorized to go VFR."

"Call it for us, Kira.  We don't have an altimeter."

"Talk it over with the FAA, later.  Perhaps The Ambassador can add it
to her list of things to discuss with them.  I see a future that's
going to get...  Interesting."

"True.  Might be a good idea to find some people who are comfortable
with telepathic contact, and make sure you have a couple of them on
each shift."

"Thanks for the suggestion, Captain.  It will be looked into.  You're
below five angels, so you can go VFR.  Nice talking with you again,
and we enjoyed the show."

"Our pleasure, Kira. We're VFR.  Been nice talking to you, and as
always, dealing with your professionalism has been an enjoyable
experience.  Tell your supervisor we feel that all of you have earned
gold stars in your folders.  We'll be in Houston in the near future,
so we'll drop by and make sure they're added.  Take care."

"Thank you, for all of us.  Welcome home, Unicorn One."

He put his phone away, then released most of their shields and let
some of the wind through.  "Now, I understand what it means, when the
astronauts choke up while they talk about the first time they heard
'Welcome Home'."

"Well, dry your eyes, and look down.  I think someone had to work
fast, to paint that winged unicorn and put a circle around it.  Hope
it was fast drying paint."

"You telling me you missed that tall presence, who probably had
something to do with it?"

"I was deliberately ignoring her."

They landed, and Chrys walked over to study them.  "I'm here because
your daughters are worried about the two of you."

Tom stretched and looked at her thoughtfully.  "Tell them my head
isn't quite where it should be, but it should be in a few days."

"Anything else, before my people drop the barricade and you two get
mobbed?"

"Yes.  Tell Sandy that they are authorized to take on a media presence
before they bring the Sam Cee around to meet us, before we all go to
Houston.  Tell her it's time to push the Sam Cee all the way.  Let's
find out what his limits are."

Her ears perked at him, then she nodded.  "That should distract her
from her frustration, although most of it is an attempt to hide her
pleased surprise and jealousy.  She mentioned something about pushing
your limits, when there's no emergency."

"Thanks, Chrys.  You can release the mob."

She gestured, then vanished.

People slowly surrounded them, just outside the circle.  Eventually
the crowd stilled, and nobody seemed willing to break the silence.

Tom looked around, and finally spotted a girl of about ten who seemed
to be leaning in their direction.

He smiled and held out his hand to her.  "Somebody has to be first,
Young Lady.  If your parents will allow it, you may get up here with
me, and ask us anything."

He raised his eyes slightly.  "There is no danger, other than the
enthusiasm of a child's dreams.  We are at ambient temperature, in
spite of our recent excursion."

Her father studied him, then sighed.  "And what of the dreams of
adults?"

Tom laughed, and got down.  "We can encourage those, too.  Would the
three of you climb aboard Unicorn One, and let us help you dream,
together?"

He looked down, then shook his head slightly.  "You made the original
offer to Lyla, alone.  Let her make the final decision."

She looked up.  "You think I should get on Lady Kay, all by myself?"

"I do."

She faced Tom, and he nodded.  "So be it, Lyla.  Come over here, and
I'll help you get settled.  Ever been on a horse?"

"I've ridden ponies lots of times."

"Then you know how it's done.  Good.  I'll link my hands and make a
step, then, after you get a firm grip on Kay's mane, jump slightly,
and I'll catch you and lift you up so you can do the rest."

"Umm...  Would you get upset if I show off?"

"What do you have in mind?"

"Lady Kay's a lot taller than I'm used to, but if she sorta squats, I
should be able to put my hands in the right place so I can jump and
land on her back."

"A running mount?"

"Yeah."

"Kay?"

"I'll protect my wings.  Whenever you are ready, Lyla."

She ran to a position about fifty feet behind Kay, took a deep breath,
and started running at Kay.  "YAAAAAAA....  HOOO!!"

Kay had squatted as soon as Lyla started her shout, and when her hands
hit Kay's rump and she pushed off, Kay came up at the same time, to
give her a boost.

When she realized what had happened, Lyla grinned and spread her legs
as she shouted.  "Yeah!!"

She landed with her legs forward of Kay's wings, and after she settled
she looked at her parents.  "Was that a ten?"

Her mother nodded. "I believe it was."

She laughed and spoke to Tom.  "She's a gymnast.  Wants to go to the
Olympics, someday."

"Does she have a sponsor, yet?"

"No."

"Kay, Love?  Is 'Team Unicorn' impulsive enough as a belated wedding
gift?"

"More than adequate, Thomas, but it's up to Lyla and her parents, to
accept or not."

"Mom?!  Dad?!  Oh, pleeease, say YES!"

Her father's lips almost twitched into a grin, but he managed to stay
sober.  "Lady Kay is about the same size as a balance beam, and you
haven't practiced in a few days.  Show them what you can do, so they
can decide if offering to sponsor you was a good decision."

"Now?!"

"You'll have to learn to focus in front of a crowd, someday, Lyla.  At
least this one will be sympathetic, if you make mistakes."

"Me?  Make mistakes?  Are you CRAZY?"

"It could happen."

"No way, and I'll prove it!  Don't move until I'm done, ok?"

Kay arched her neck proudly.  "I'm ready."

"Thanks."

Lyla did a full routine, and when she nailed her dismount, the crowd
cheered.  She grinned at her father.  "Well?"

"Well done.  We'll wait and see what the experts say about it, after
they see the video."

"My left hand started to slip, once, because Kay isn't flat, and I
landed on her spine. After that happened, I made sure of where I was
putting my hands and feet."

"I missed that, so you made a good recovery."

"Thanks, Dad."

She faced Tom.  "Well?  Am I sponsored?"

"You are.  Since you're the first team member, you get to design the
uniform and logo.  Unless you decide you don't want the job, you're
also the team captain."

"Is it ok if I get help designing our logo?"

"Yes.  You ready to let me help you back on, before we do the question
and answer stuff?"

"Sure.  Thanks."

"You're welcome.  You know something?  Kay has two ends."

"So?"

"Wouldn't it be more polite, to mount her from the front, so she can
see you coming?"

"Wouldn't her horn get in the way?"

"Nope.  Want to see how it's done?  We call it 'The Unicorn Mount'."

Lyla studied Kay.  "She'd have to get her head real low, or a person
would have to be able to jump pretty high and far.  Yeah,  I need to
see it before I'll believe you can do it."

"No problem.  Kay?"

"Ready when you are, Mr. Showoff."

Tom laughed, and walked until he was about the same distance in front
of Kay, that Lyla had been behind her, then he stopped and turned
around.

Without warning her, he ran at Kay.  She dipped her head and pointed
her horn at him, and when he was close enough he grabbed it with both
hands, and jumped while he held on.

Kay jerked her head up, and flipped him into the air.  He let go,
twisted, did a backwards somersault, and when he came down he
straddled Kay in front her wings, then held out his hand and spoke
easily.  "Join me?"

"Umm...  You a gymnast, too?"

"Not really.  I do a little of everything, to keep from getting bored.
It helps, that Kay's a show off, too, and puts up with my crazy ideas,
most of the time."

"Oh.  Ok.  Help me up, please."

They clasped hands and when she jumped, he pulled, and then caught her
by her waist and raised her high enough she could plant her feet
before she turned around and settled in front of him.

"Thanks."

"You're welcome, Lyla.  Do you have any questions, or do you want to
let everyone else ask them?"

"I better wait, because I bet people want to interview you about what
you did in space.  It was on all the displays, live, and it was...
Awesome!"

"It was fun, too."

"I bet!  So...  Are you going to be around once in awhile, since
you're my sponsor?"

"Of course.  We'll swap phone numbers and all that stuff, so you and
your parents can talk to us if you need to."

"Thanks.  I'll save my questions, because I have so many and I don't
know which ones I should ask."

"No problem,  People will probably ask them during the interview,
anyway."

He changed his focus.  "Ok, folks. Kay and I are ready to take a long
break, but we'll give you an hour now, and some more time, when we're
ready to be in public again."

He pointed at one of the people in front of them  "You, first."

"What made you decide to visit the ISS?"

"A whim."

"That's it?!  You folks just decided you wanted to go see it, so you
did?"

"It was a little more serious than that.  Kay and I have never had a
place of our own, for just the two of us, because of our jobs.  I
suggested that we should look the Earth over from space, before we
made any decisions about where to start our honeymoon.  She agreed,
and I figured that as long as we were there, we might as well do a
flyby.  Because of my past, I have a number that lets me talk to
Tracking, directly.  I called it, and after a brief discussion, we
were cleared for launch."

"Called them?  Aren't you people able to use telepathy?"

"We are.  However, nobody has discovered a way to record telepathic
conversations.  I felt that it would be wise to have things recorded,
and official.  Kay was pretty adamant about making sure nobody fired
any missiles at us, too.  We did use telepathy to talk to the crew on
the ISS.  We didn't have a choice, since neither one of us has a built
in radio."

"It's obvious you folks can ignore the laws of physics."

"We don't ignore them.  The...  Consensus reality most people think of
as the only reality, is a subset of true reality. We can sense and
manipulate a larger part of the true reality, so we are able to do
things that are ordinary if you have our senses, but seem to violate
the laws that are based on a more limited view."

He pulled out his cell phone and held it up.  "When I was a child,
science fiction was filled with dreams of anyone in the world being
able to talk to anyone else, whenever they took a notion to talk to
them.  Some people wrote of devices over which you cast a spell, or
made certain gestures, and then you could have your conversation.
'Magic Mirrors' come to mind as an example.  Well, here is mine.  I
feed it electricity, to keep it ready for use, and when I need it, I
make the correct motions on its surface with my fingertips, or I tell
it what I wish to see, and a few seconds later, it grants me what I
wished for, or lets me know that my wish cannot be granted at that
time.

"However, while this is a very efficient tool in the shared reality,
to someone able to sense and work in a larger portion of the true
reality..."

He put his phone away and waved his hand in a rectangle, then made an
image of their interview appear.  "There are ways of doing things that
are not generally available, and less cumbersome."

"Will that show up on camera?"

"Yes, and for everyone here, it looks as if they are facing a normal
screen."

"So what you are trying to say, is that although your trip was
impulsive, it was as safe as...  A Sunday drive?"

"Safer, and if something had happened that was dangerous to us, we had
an 'escape system' we could have used.  And, of course, there are
people who could have rescued us, if we'd been incapacitated.  We were
impulsive, but we had a support network in place, if we needed it."

"My next questions are for...  Should I call you Unicorn One, or Lady
Kay?"

"Kay, will be fine.  We are on vacation, so there is no need for any
formality."

"Kay, then.  Are you aware that 'how unicorns manage to fly' has
become a common discussion topic, recently?"

She laughed.  "Yes."

"Science says some of what you do is quite possible.  However..."

She bobbed her head slightly.  "According to Science, I'm a
bumblebee?"

"Yes."

"If I have an explanation that can be accepted by science, you'd like
to hear it?"

"Yes, or even one that isn't, as long as it's internally consistent."

"I'll see what I can do.  You must accept that what works for me, may
not work for anyone else.  The way we interface ourselves into this
fuller reality is a very individual experience.  There isn't anything
as simple as a right way and a wrong way.  It's 'what works', and
'what doesn't work'.  What works during one set of conditions may not
work, or be adequate during a slightly different set of conditions."

"Sounds like you're saying that the usual research techniques won't
always give the same results?"

"Yes.  There is a consensus reality involved, but the congruencies are
fewer than what we are used to.  An example of that is what happens
when Tom is a wolf and he paces me when I am flying next to an
intercontinental flight.  I'm in mid air, and he's running on a solid
surface, that is carrying him at the speed he has chosen.  If I wanted
to run, instead of fly, I could adjust my view until that surface is
solid to me."

"Someone else can get more details."

"The first thing you have to accept is that all of us have conscious
control of our 'mass effect'.  This also changes our inertia.  At
normal speeds, this is how I deal with the problem of my wings being
too small to generate lift and forward motion, if I had a normal mass.
When I'm flying, a scale would show me as being much lighter than when
I am standing on the ground.  There's more to it, of course, because I
also have to make adjustments so a sudden gust doesn't shift my course
or even flip me over."

"Ok.  The main point is that your weight when flying is going to be
different than when you are on the ground?"

"Yes."

"When you are going faster?"

"It's an analogy, and it does break down eventually, but the energy
flows I can see, can be used just like jets use the Gulf Steam, or
other high altitude wind currents.  I pick one that is going in the
direction I want to go, and moving at a speed that is close enough to
mine, that I can use my aura to link myself to it.  At that point,
most of my flying is done using that energy stream. Since my physical
body is attached to my aura, it moves at the same speed.  By switching
from stream to stream, I can accelerate to any speed I need, then
maintain it, in any direction I want to go."

"So you maneuver by careful selection of the energy streams you ride?"

"Yes.  We also knew they seem to be everywhere, because power handlers
from both worlds have traveled in space, already, and none of them
have lost their abilities while traveling."

"Could you travel between the worlds without a spaceship?"

"Theoretically, yes.  I suspect it will be a long time before anyone
attempts to do so.  For the foreseeable future, we will confine
ourselves to local space."

"Thank you for your time, Lady Kay, Captain Galahalt.  I'd better
control my curiosity, and let others have access to you."

"You're welcome."

The next person focused on the possibility of Kay carrying passengers.
That conversation consumed the rest of the hour, and threatened to
keep going, but Tom made their apologies, and ended the interview.

He helped Lyla down, got off, then stood to one side while Kay
shifted.

Before he could finish his search for motels near them, a corporate
representative approached them.

Kay noticed the purposeful approach first.  "Thomas?  You'd better
pause your search.  We have official company arriving."

They looked at each other and he raised his eyebrows before he
shrugged.  "The woman is consumed by her purpose, and that's all I
have any confidence about."

Kay nodded, then held out her hand.  "We jointly apologise for the
abruptness of our arrival, and our failure to enter the parking lot in
the normal manner."

The woman waved Kay's concerns away.  "It was taken care of, before
you arrived.  Shortly after she was made Senior Ambassador, Lady
Chrystal contacted us and worked with us to develop a new set of
guidelines for access.  However, that is not the reason I am here."

"That sounds like her.  Continue."

"Yes, Ma'am.  Normally, rooms are booked months in advance, and there
is a waiting list."

"Understood, and we weren't planning on asking for special treatment."

"Lady Chrystal checked with her staff members who schedule the use of
the suites she has permanently leased for the use of Rabelaisians. Two
of them are available, and will be so for several days.  She has made
it clear that she expects us to make your stay an enjoyable one, and
it is part of that, for me to inform you that she will instruct her
staff to handle the rescheduling, if you desire to extend your visit."

Kay didn't bother looking sideways.  "Thomas?"

"I'm inclined to accept, but I have a condition."

He faced the woman.  "Are you empowered to negotiate for your
superiors?"

"To a certain degree, yes."

"We are on vacation.  Any attempt to contact us to discuss business
related matters, will cause us to leave, immediately.  That point is
not negotiable.  Further, any chance of your being able to...
Encourage us to make this location our landing area after any future
space flights, will be wasted effort.  Am I clear on that point?"

The woman winced.  "You are very clear, Captain."

"Thank you.  The next item is negotiable.  We are known to be
entertainers, and there is the possibility that other guests will be
requesting that we pause, and...  Entertain them.  We would like to be
able to do so, without worrying about someone asking us to cease and
desist."

The woman nodded slightly.  "That problem is also one that was
anticipated.  As long as you do so in the places designated as
'available for amateur entertainment', there will be no attempt to
discourage you.  If you wish to perform in a location that provides
scheduled entertainment, it will be up to the people who schedule the
acts, and the scheduled acts, to determine if they wish to make some
time available for you."

She looked away, then back.  "Our policy is, of course, to be the ones
who control the entertainment, so our guests may relax.  That policy
has been made...  Flexible."

Kay studied her, then spoke carefully.  "There is a...  Potential
problem?"

"Perhaps."

"You are overly cautious.  Explain."

"Yes, Ma'am.  We seldom have guests of your stature, who wish to be
only guests.  Usually, they are here to perform, before they take the
time to relax and enjoy what we offer.  You are in public, and
mingling with other guests who will recognize you."

"And many of them will ask us to be...  For lack of a better way to
express it, wandering entertainers."

"Yes."

"Will it be acceptable if we confine ourselves to words, unless we are
in a proper location?  And...  Are we allowed to let ourselves be
photographed if someone wishes to have us pose for them?"

"You are our *guests*, Lady Kay.  You are, admittedly, the most famous
we have had, and that changes the scale of your effects on our daily
operations.  You may deal with all requests in any way you wish.  I
can say with confidence that any of our people you pose with, will be
honored"

"Yes.  They would be, wouldn't they?  There is one more potential
problem, and the resolution is non negotiable."

"I'm listening."

"We will pay our own way.  We do not wish special treatment.  If a
service or product involves the payment of a fee, we will pay for it.
Be certain that we will be checking our accounts to make sure."

The woman winced again.  "You have...  Anticipated our offer."

"Good.  Well?"

"If someone attempts to refuse payment, will you inform us, before you
leave?"

"Are you saying that you will be paying so little attention to us,
that you won't be constantly using the security cameras, and audio, to
keep track of what happens?  We are on vacation.  We are NOT here to
test your people.  We will offer to pay, and make sure the payment is
accepted.  How *you* handle the initial refusal, if it happens, is up
to you.

"So you refuse?"

"Do you honestly expect all your guests to tell you when one of your
employees makes a mistake?"

"No.  We appreciate it when we are informed, of course."

"You are being tedious.  We refuse."

"Courtesy..."

"No.  Thomas?"

"I agree.  We cannot relax here, since it is obvious we will be
expected to use our...  'Fame', as a tool for their benefit, without
tangible compensation.  I repeat, for both of us:  We are on vacation.
It is our first vacation, and we have been looking forward to it for
thousands of years.  We will not let *anyone* use us for their own
purposes.  Am I making myself clear in this matter?"

"You are."

"Good."

He gestured, and the unicorn symbol and the circle around it vanished.
"Young Woman.  I seriously doubt if you directly ask other high
profile guests to do what you asked us to do.  In fact, you made it
clear that you had instructions to offer us a free ride for as long as
we were here, because the extra revenue generated by our presence
would have exceeded your losses by a substantial amount."

He crooked his arm and Kay linked hers with it before she spoke
gently.  "We asked for no special treatment.  You presumed on that,
and attempted to use us, in spite of our making it clear we are on
vacation, and neither desired, nor expected to be treated differently
than your normal guests.  Perhaps we will return.  In the meantime,
you may NOT use our presence here, or our choice to land here, in any
marketing campaign, no matter how...  Indirect you *think* you can get
away with.  We landed, and after a brief discussion, we have decided
that we do not wish to stay.  Leave it at that.  You have your
memories.  They will have to suffice until we feel ready to come here
again."

She took a deep breath.  "Thomas, let's go somewhere else.  Stopping
here was a mistake."

He looked around, sighed, and made a gesture with his free hand.
"Violence would be inappropriate, so it will not happen. Please accept
that this is a personal decision, and is not a suggestion that a visit
here would be an unpleasant experience.  We are sensitive to the
emotional atmosphere, and have decided that while we might enjoy the
experience, there would be an undertone to it that would tend to make
us feel used, and bitter.  Should the emotional atmosphere change, we
will reconsider our decision."

They vanished.

The woman who had triggered it all, sighed, and looked at the sky
briefly, before she let her tears flow while she retraced her path, so
she could face the inevitable, and justified, anger of her superiors.

* * *

Tom and Kay returned to reality in a place that was familiar to them
both.

Woodhenge.

Kay walked over to rest her hand on the plaque that described it, and
sighed.  "Did we make the right decision, Thomas?"

He bit back his first response, and made an effort to get his anger
under control.  "I've never felt so much a...  Part of it all, Kay. To
be seen as a tool, when all we wanted to do was...  Hang on to
that..."

He walked over and hugged her before he tipped her head up.  "It was
the right decision.  She, or one of her people, would have been
escorting us, and a lapse would have been noted, and dealt with as
soon as it was...  Convenient to do so, in a manner that wouldn't
focus attention on it."

Kay slumped into him.  "The media would have announced a lapse to the
world, Thomas.  It was...  Rude of her, and she will probably pay the
price for her mistake, but...  I find I need more, from her, and...
Those who make the decisions that controlled her actions."

He laughed, and his laughter was harsh, and filled with the tones of
condemnation.  "What do you have in mind, Love.  A...  Warning?"

She touched his chest lightly, then flattened her hand against it.
"Yes, My Husband.  They have cast a pall over us, that I, at least,
will need some time to recover from.  They have earned the same in
return.  Their guests are blameless, unless you count their...
Continued indifference, a contributing factor.  I do not."

He touched her hand, then sighed and looked up at the starlit sky.
"Can't leave it alone, can you?  It's alway fuck us over, then the
belated apology.  Appreciate it, if you eventually get your head
straight, and start doing it the other way around.  Very well.  We
will...  Speak for you in this matter, but we will deal with the rest
of it when *we* are ready to."

When he touched Kay's lips with a finger, she smiled bitterly.  "I
think Jessica is good for him, but it will take time.  Let's hope she
has it, before she must move to Rabelaisia."

She pulled away and reached down to straighten her dress, before she
gazed at him calmly.  "You are...  Not calm enough, to finesse this,
Thomas.  I will leave the initial, 'attempt to get their attention' to
you, then I will show them the darkness they have cast over our hearts
and minds."

He nodded.  "I will confine myself to a thunderclap, since we both
know I enjoy being theatrical."

She managed to throttle her slightly hysterical giggles, then she
nodded and raised her hands over her head.  "Go!"

He gestured as if he were hurling something, and as soon as his
movement stopped, Kay began calling the light away from those who
worked at Entertainment City.

Before she could finish the action, Jessica's shout lanced through
their minds:

{{"Dad!  Mom!  No, god damn it!  We're dealing with it!"}}

Kay sighed and lowered her arms after she returned the light.

"Thomas?  She said 'we'."

"Indeed.  We should have anticipated that they would be there."

"That we did not, speaks very loudly, that we must find a way to...
Recover, before we decide to go back to work."

He nodded, then turned until he was facing in the direction of
Stonehenge.  "Would my lovely, and...  Very distraught wife, join me
for a leisurely stroll under the stars, to a place that holds some
pleasant memories in trust for us, so we may read them, and return to
a happier time?"

"You are...  As devious as usual, Thomas Galahalt.  The walk should
calm us enough that we may begin to consider ways in which we may
help...  Fix the problem we have had shoved at us."

She walked over, took his left hand in her right one, and tugged
gently as she stepped.  "Come, My Love, and we shall find a way to
have a place of our own, that...  Also has the emotional atmosphere we
need, so we are able to relax."

When they arrived at Stonehenge, they made themselves known to the
watchers, and after a brief discussion, during which Tom agreed to pay
the usual fees, they made their way to the stones.

Kay waited until they were near the stones before she laughed gently.
"What a pragmatic man you are, to insist on paying for something we
both know we will never be asked to pay for, if we make ourselves
known."

He glanced back at the entrance before he turned back and sighed.  "It
is bad enough, that we are here after hours.  They deserved something,
for the dilemma I created by giving my warning, that they would be
wise to discourage the rebuilding of Stonehenge to a glory it never
had.  Do you think they will heed it?"

"I don't know, Thomas.  It is more likely that Hubert will have to
take the time to speak to the proper people, and provide the evidence
that would convince them such would be a dangerous folly."

"What about yourself?"

"I am still a shadowy figure to people.  My warnings must be...  More
showy and impressive than a few casual words, spoken as an
afterthought."

"As showy as a woman in a white gown slowly appearing from the depths
of a muddy pond that was used to provide water for equally muddy
animals, so she could hand Excalibur to The Great Wizard, Merlin?"

She giggled.  "Hubert was very vexed with me, for months after that.
He spoke at great length about the lack of dignity involved in my
improvisation."

"The man who chronicled that adventure was equally...  Distressed.  He
did a good job of altering reality to suit his concept of how 'The
Lady' should behave."

"He was paid well, for his skills."

Tom laughed.  "He was worth his price."

He turned to face the stones and held out his hand to Kay.  "Join me?"

She took it, and they stepped over the low cable before they walked
over to place their hands on the nearest stone.

Kay spoke gently.  "Hello, old friend.  Much has happened, since you
first saw us together.  Someday, when we have more time, we will share
those adventures with you."

She removed her hand and smiled impishly, before she shimmered and
became a young girl, who was wearing a flowing gown.  "Come, Thomas. I
feel a need to sit on the altar stone with you, so I may be...  A
young woman, to your young man, again."

He shimmered, and became a muscular young man with flowing red hair,
who was wearing  a pair of rough pants and carrying a blacksmith's
hammer.  "Come, then, and I will... Sit next to you, while we once
again share our dreams, and plan for our future."

They walked to the altar stone, he sat on it, then he reached and
helped her settle next to him.

She giggled briefly, then gestured vaguely  "I think that no matter
where we go, we will always be an 'event'."

He leaned back on his hands and laughed.  "True.  It is obvious, that
if we stay linear, there is a lack of places on Earth, that we might
have a hope of calling ours, and expect privacy, if we wish to mingle
with people, and not place slide."

She touched his leg lightly.  "Must we always stay on Earth, Thomas?
We have watched over our children for thousands of years.  Perhaps it
is time that we did so, literally."

"What?  A castle in the sky, to match the one you and Merlin built for
yourselves?"

"You have to admit, it would be uniquely ours."

"True."

He stiffened and turned his head so he could watch her.  "Kay?  Do you
see it?  Castle in the sky.  Fantasies.   Dreams.  What if...  The
sharing of dreams was not a business that catered to those who could
afford to buy them?"

"Free to all?  It would be...  Difficult to get started, and it would
take a special dedication, to make it work over the long term."

"Aye, and special skills.  The skills honed by parents who accept that
when it comes to children, and dreams, there is no expense so great
that it can't be paid, somehow."

"You are mad, Thomas.  Very, very mad, and so must I be, to agree to
help you build our Castles in The Sky."

"Castles?"

"Of course.  Past, present, and future."

He tilted his head back and gazed at the sky before he spoke dreamily.
"With magical creatures to carry them, they will find...  Themselves."

She stroked his leg.  "Themselves, and others who dare to dream.  Did
you feel them, as I did?"

"I did.  There were so many, and...  We must make sure we are ready,
when we meet our neighbors, Kay.  Are you ready to... Help me create
the stuff of dreams, once again?"

"I am."

"Then we shall begin this shared madness."

He got his phone out and made his first call.

"Orbital Tracking.  Drake here, Captain.  In what...  Unusual way, may
we help you, this time?"

"A moderately complex one, Drake.  I would appreciate it, if you folks
could allocate three geostationary locations to me, say...  One to two
kilometers in width.  I would also be grateful if one of those
locations was the same longitude as a ground location in the US, that
would allow for mostly vertical ascents and descents, so our
interference with normal air traffic is minimal.  I anticipate at
least daily launches, so if it's possible, please allow for that
eventuality.  If that isn't possible, we won't have a problem if you
work us into what you already handle, when we start our operations.
Also, those three locations should be one hundred and twenty degrees
apart, or as close to it as you can get.  And...  Contact your
Rabelaisian counterparts so that arrangement can be duplicated there."

"That's a...  Pretty good sized order, Captain Galahalt.  It will take
some time for us to fill it."

"Can you do it in less than a year?"

"Easily."

"Then there is no problem.  Bill the usual account, as needed."

"We're looking forward to learning what you have planned, this time.
Anything else?"

"Not that I can think of.  Thank you, Drake."

"You're welcome, Captain."

He chuckled after Drake hung up.  "Your turn.  Let's see how rich we
can make Sam."

She laughed and brought her phone out.  "Very, you crazy man.  I
suppose you want him to handle the design work for us?"

"And the hiring of our entertainers, when the time comes.  See how he
deals with an open expense account."

She laughed again, and made her call.

She was still in the opening negotiations, when Tom's phone rang.

He looked at it and frowned.  "It's Jessica.  I hope her news is...
Something I'm willing to listen to."

He answered in a real calm voice.  "Hello, Jessica.  I hope I won't
need to spank you, when I get back."

"Umm...  I don't think so, Dad, but if it happens, I'll be ok with it.
Cindy, she's the rep who fucked you over, is next to me.  Cath and I
are keeping her company so she makes it back to her office."

He stiffened, glared at his phone, then put some ice in his response.
"Go on."

"Yeah.  This is about your fun.  I know what can happen, when someone
challenges you.  Are you and Mom going to do what I *think* you're
going to do?"

"Depends."

"Uh huh.  You are, aren't you?"

"Geostationary, six total, unlimited budget.  Free shuttle service and
access.  Everything free, except for the souvenirs our people make for
the guests. The giftee determines the price.  Two worlds, Jess,
simultaneous openings.  Be thinking about which one of your eighteenth
birthday gifts you want to unwrap first.  Gotta go.  Kay has Sam on
her phone, and we need to discuss the basics, before he finds a bunch
of kids who want to do the design work for us.  I've already made the
request for orbital allocations."

He didn't wait for her reply before he hung up and looked at Kay. "Ok.
the gauntlet is down.  Let's see what they do about it, after Jess...
Picks it up and beats Cindy about the head with it."

"Are you going to apologise to Jessica for your abruptness?"

"Maybe.  Probably not, since that was a working call, and she wanted
what I gave her."

"Well, Sam is waiting.  Let's deal with him, so he can have something
more than 'we need to design six orbital habitats', when he puts
together the design group."

"Right.   Hello, Sam.  You ready to take notes and make suggestions?"

"I am, and I'm glad to hear you folks are feeling better.  I imagine
some other folks aren't, but...  It will improve my negotiating
positions.  Are you worried about conflict of interest?"

"No.  I'd appreciate it, if you do the same thing Jessica is probably
doing, and make it very clear that attempting to...  Discourage our
competition with them, would be unwise."

Sam chortled.  "I'm a kid, Tom, but *that* is something I should be
able to do, even when I am not turned on.  Let's talk specifics."

"Right!"

The three of them discussed things until Sam was satisfied he had
enough to start with, then Kay hung up and smiled.  "You are an
ambitious man, Thomas."

"I know.  I imagine some Earth to orbit specialists are going to be
upset with us, when we begin building things without their help."

She laughed.  "Their problem, not ours.  It will be more interesting
to see how many people opt for their services instead of ours, when we
go operational."

"Good point.  We'll have to see what we can do to make sure they don't
lose any people when the inevitable accidents happen."

"We can plan for that, later..."

Suddenly she frowned, then sighed.  "We are remiss, Thomas.  Get out
your phone, that we may watch the news.  If our daughter is performing
as you, and Roberta is working her magic with others..."

He sighed.  "You are right.  It is time we found out if there was a
miracle, and the corporation who shattered our mood, has begun to
learn some wisdom."

"Is Chrys involved?"

"Yes, but I've been ignoring our link  All I've known, is that she
is...  Vexed with someone."

"Vexed?!"

"Yeah."

"The news, Thomas.  It's probably going to be a good idea for us to
have a clue, before you contact her."

When they heard the live news from Entertainment City, about the
executive who was on his way to convene a special meeting, Tom sat up.
"Things have escalated quite a bit."

"Shush.  Liam is speaking again."

They heard the personal message, and when the reporter noted that the
man who had spoken it was running, so he could get the meeting started
as soon as possible, Kay sighed.  "Help me down, Thomas.  It seems we
are needed again."

"Aye."

He helped her down, then he joined her.

"I believe you should be an ordinary unicorn, this time, so we can get
close enough that I can easily help our passenger aboard."

"I have never been *ordinary*, Old Wolf, but I will concede your point
about the ease of helping him to my back."

She shimmered, and as soon as the shimmer vanished, Tom changed back
to his usual form, got on, and settled.

"Go!"

She started running, and between one stride and the next, they
vanished.
---

End: 'The Bigger Picture'
=====

End:  Marie's Solstice 11/14 Pier and Park 1-3/4 (new)

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