by D. R. Rosier
I snorted, “Missions are about hurry up and wait. We?”
She said, “We can talk to each other, with our minds. Not words, but feelings and concepts.”
I frowned, “Why can’t I hear you then?”
She screwed up her face in concentration, it was adorable, if I do say so myself.
“Gina thinks it’s because you’re an adult. She said you’ll be able to hear us when we grow up, and finish maturing. Our brains are still growing, we’re not the same, not yet. You’re taking us with you, right? We hate this place. I’m Tina by the way. Who’s that?”
Jillintara said, “I’m Jill, I’m unlocking the rest of the doors now. Do you want to come with us? We’re not from Earth. Well, she is, but Lori doesn’t live on Earth anymore.”
Five more doors swung open, and identical little girls walked out. I wanted to be shocked at how together and mature they were being, but I wasn’t at all surprised. I’d never had a childhood either, but I hoped it wasn’t too late for them.
Another one looked a bit disbelieving, but said, “I’m Mina, we’re going with her, wherever that is.”
Wow, I guess I’d just been adopted.
Jillintara smiled, “She’ll make a good mother.”
I will?
Gina said, “She’s like us, and the only one who can understand us. We wouldn’t fit in anywhere else. But we’re happy to hear that.”
Another said, “Dina,” as she patted her chest, then pointed at the last two, “Rina, and Lina.”
Gina, Tina, Mina, Dina, Lina, and Rina. I wondered who named them. Well, I had a perfect memory, and my sixth sense would be able to tell them apart easily enough, even if they were identical.
Dina asked, “So, another planet, really?”
She’d sounded as disbelieving as Mina had.
Jillintara dropped the hologram for a moment, winked in all her blue skinned glory, and put it back on.
They all looked amazed, and had a sense of wonder on their face. That fact would have made me cry if my switch wasn’t on, just one more thing to add to the breakdown later.
I wasn’t sure if I’d be a good mother or role model, but I knew Jillintara would be. Of course, this complicated things greatly, five year olds didn’t belong on a ship of war.
Jillintara said, “There’s a cloaked shuttle on the way down, and I’ve already gotten measurements to fabricate their ship suits. They’ll be ready by the time we reach the ship.”
The girls narrowed their eyes, so I found myself regurgitating my tale of abduction, and how I’d been freed from the drugs. That there was nothing wrong with them at all, the drugs weren’t a medicine but a form of control. I didn’t tell them the long version, it only took about twenty minutes.
Myra said, “The facility is secure, and it’s safe to leave. The shuttle will arrive in ninety seconds.”
My crazy turned off as soon as we got inside the shuttle, and I wanted to roll up in a ball and cry, to work out all I’d seen in my mind. But I couldn’t, I had to stay strong for six little girls. I could break down later…
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Things were incredibly complicated now, and would only become more so.
Outside of the obvious, that our vacation had evolved, we couldn’t go out on the town like we’d planned. Not that Cyntariel seemed to mind, she and Jillintara were totally absorbed in the girls, and enjoying themselves. I was too, but I also worried.
Besides crewing a ship of war, there were other problems. They couldn’t choose to be permanent Isyth citizens until they were of age. Even with their advanced minds, they couldn’t comprehend what they’d be giving up, the opportunity to have kids and be with a human male. That part didn’t bother me so much, but despite being genetic twins they weren’t carbon copies. They were all different.
That meant their education would have to be confined to Earth level knowledge. Only when they were old enough to understand and commit to Isyth, and understand they couldn’t share that knowledge with Earth, could they learn what I had learned. That would isolate them from Isyth children their age.
Though, they’d have me, their sisters, and if Jillintara and Cyntariel were any indication, a whole lot of love and acceptance from the people in my life. The girls were eating it up too, and had adapted to their change of circumstance almost without effort.
That was just one example of a complication, but no one ever said being a mother was easy.
They’d be worth every single complication, I just needed to figure it all out, and I had no doubt they’d all make their own marks on the empire one day, just as I had. Assuming they didn’t go back to Earth. I just worried that them going with me might not be the best for them, but I was more than willing.
Their graceful movements, intelligent questions, and intrinsic understanding to most situations just underlined the truth. They wouldn’t fit in with human kids their age. Maybe loving them, and being there for them, and understanding them really was the best option for them.
Over the next couple of days, we all stayed on the ship, except for Vik and Telidur who continued the trade negotiations. Those were going well, but they took time.
As far as the facility, the generals and senators had already resigned. They’d lost a good chunk of their power, but I doubted any real charges would be brought. It would be swept under the rug as I’d feared, but at least they wouldn’t be able to do it again.
The scientists were another story, as were the soldiers who accepted illegal orders on imprisoning minors. It was far from over, but it looked like they at least would be facing jail time, either in Leavenworth or for the scientists some other prison.
It was later that night, four days after our arrival, when Cyntariel solved one of my conundrums. Actually, two of them, both major ones. Specifically, the whole mating thing, and what would I do with the girls when it was time to work. I’d give up a lot for them, and raise them, but I didn’t want to stop being a part of Vik’s crew and life.
We were in bed together, and snuggled up after our normal bedroom activities. I felt… content.
She said, “I’ll be happy to watch them you know, when you’re on ship and on assignment.”
I raised an eyebrow, “Are you sure?”
She smiled, “They’re your flesh and blood, no matter how they came about, and your family. Of course I’m sure. What do you think we’re doing here, in this bed together? I love you Lori Adams. I’m sure you’ll be returning the favor in the future. How would you treat my and Vik’s children?”
I just stared at her in confusion.
She snorted in exasperation, “You’re amazingly intuitive, but not when it comes to the fact your loved and valued, are you? What do you think we’re all doing sleeping together? We’re just waiting for the right time to mate officially. Those girls are your family, so they’re mine as well. Just as my kids from Vik and Telidur will be yours.”
My mind froze, “You’re with Telidur too? I… hadn’t noticed.”
She giggled, “I grew up with both of them, remember? Plus, Vik’s going to need help pleasing us two and Jillintara as well. A mite blunt for me, but I fear you won’t get it unless I hit you over the head. But no, we don’t flaunt it, any more than I did with Vik. I guess you just didn’t see us at it.”
Jillintara too? Why didn’t I know this, and when had it happened?
She said, “Point is, we’re all family. It won’t be official, but we thought we’d wait until Jillintara and all you’re A.I. daughters could do their magic on the populace, it won’t be easy for them to be accepted as a race, not at first. It would be better if the people could understand a mating that includes an A.I., before we drop it on them. But… it’s a done deal in all but name. Your children are mine, and I imagine they’ll have the empress wrapped around their little fingers in short order, being her nieces and all. They’re adorable.”
I felt like I had a frog in my throat, and felt tears in my eyes. My voice was a little shaky.
/> “Are you sure, that’s a big time commitment.”
She frowned, “They’ll have aunt Solyra as well. But it’s not as bad as you think, Vik is admiral now, he’ll be spending almost half his time on the ground. You won’t be disappearing for months at a time on missions anymore. You’ve already seen that. This ten day mission will probably be the longest, and rare. Especially with the new ships, you’d be home most nights. I imagine even some missions you could take them along, like when Solyra goes on her visiting tour in a few months. I know I plan to be there for that too.”
I nodded, not quite believing it yet. Oh, in my head I did, they clearly and obviously loved me, but my heart was still insisting I wasn’t that lucky, and that fairytales didn’t come true. Of course, it was no fairytale, it would be great, but also hard work, even if a work of love.
She kissed my tears, and held me close for a long time after that. I’d never been so surprised, happy, or hopeful in my life. After a while, we made love again…
Vik grunted, “The president wants to talk to you.”
I gazed over at the kids, and of course Tina the resident wise ass said, “We’ll be fine, Jill and Cyn will be here. I promise we won’t break anything.”
They were actually quite well behaved, not perfect by any stretch, but they didn’t assert their opinions and independence with violent behavior. Come to think of it, I’d never done that either, thrown a tantrum I mean. Maybe it had something to do with the sixth sense, they were secure in me, and wouldn’t fear I was going to run off and never come back.
I snorted, “Brat.”
She rolled her eyes, “Tina.”
Then after a moment, she giggled.
That’s how I wound up on the shuttle, heading for a day of boring talks. We walked over to the bay, and got on the shuttle with Telidur. I didn’t have to ask if Cyntariel or Jillintara minded, clearly spending the time with the girls was a million times better than dealing with politics.
“Do you know what she wants?”
Vik shrugged, “Not sure, my guess would be an informal thank you for exposing the illegal covert organization in their government. I imagine she might ask after the girls too. Anything more… no clue.”
“How are the negotiations going?”
Vik said, “Good, we’re shooting for a fair price. I imagine once it’s done, we’ll make about ten percent profit on top of the costs. If it was just that we’d be done, but were haggling over the support mining a gas giant part, and long-term maintenance refits that need a dock. Ten percent is a reasonable earning, and makes them equals. It’s a bit of a juggling act, we don’t want to be too generous, no one likes free gifts or trusts them, not from government to government. We also can’t be seen as charging too much, and taking advantage of our superior bargaining position.”
That sounded dreadfully boring, but also important.
“Think it will take the full ten days?”
Vik shrugged, “If we focused on that, probably not, but we’ve been introduced to a lot of people the last few days, both from the military and political infrastructure. Earth’s governments are too damned big. Too many people want to be seen or photographed as associated with it, but no one wants to take actual responsibility and sign the trade agreement.”
I snickered.
Telidur laughed, “It’s not quite that bad, I’m sure the president will sign, just as soon as she’s done with the politicking parts. I can’t disagree with Vik though, it’s all so… inefficient. Oh, be prepared to be surrounded by state department guards. They’re there to protect us from the crazy humans.”
I arched an eyebrow.
Telidur waved at his body, “Who could dislike this?”
I snorted, and he winked. I had a cheerful smile on my face as the shuttle landed, and we got out. I guess we were expected, because there was a huge crowd. Some few were protesting, but most just wanted a look at the aliens. I wondered what they thought of petite little me standing between the two hulking, blue, gorgeous, and sexy Isyth men.
Mine.
We were escorted to the building by ten guards surrounding us. I shouldn’t have been taken off guard by all the cheering and staring, but I guess I was already used to being around aliens. They were just… people. In this case, people I loved.
One of the guards said, “The president and secretary of state are in route, and should be here shortly.”
Then they stepped outside, and closed the door leaving us alone. The meeting room was rather large, and comprised a black and gray carpet, white walls, and a large red oak conference table that could seat twenty.
Vik said, “They say that every time, there will be others with them as well. It seems to change every day so your guess is as good as mine.”
I nodded, wondered why I was requested, and tried to ignore all the pessimistic possibilities that popped into my head while we waited…
Chapter Twenty-Nine
The door opened and President Dana Ashworth walked in wearing a sharp women’s business suit. Directly behind her was Secretary Terry Johnson. I didn’t recognize the other two men who walked in. They all took a seat on the other side of the table.
Terry said, “This is Jonas Stanton, one of the government’s lawyers. Next to him is General Nathan Turnbull.”
The general was in uniform, and looked like a man who would brook no nonsense, he was also in his early sixties. The other man was sharply dressed, and wore a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. I instantly didn’t like the lawyer, though I couldn’t have said why.
Not yet anyway, I was sure that would be apparent shortly. This whole situation didn’t feel right to me any longer.
Dana said, “I wanted to thank you personally before we get started, for ending such a horrific abuse of power. Not only was that hidden group assassinating people that interfered with their agenda, they were doing far worse than that behind closed doors.”
The general cleared his throat, which instantly gained everyone’s attention in the room. Including mine.
“It was quite well-done Miss Adams, if quite alarming on a national security level how easily you pulled it off. We have no intentions of pressing any kind of charges, though quite a few laws have been… bent in the operation.”
I frowned, I could practically hear the silent but that he hadn’t muttered.
The lawyer said, “That’s correct, we have no intention of pursuing charges of you illegally hacking and entering a government facility. But I’m afraid we do have a problem. We find it alarming that you would abduct six citizens of the united states. We must insist you turn over the girls to the proper authorities, where we can take stock of their mental health, and find a proper home for their upbringing.”
Dana’s face looked sour. She might not have agreed to this personally, but she was obviously bowing to political pressure from some quarter.
“What are the origins of this objection? They are my flesh and blood, family, and as such they should be with me. Moreover, only I can truly understand them. A psychologist wouldn’t know the first place to start, they will not fit in to strict definitions. Lastly, they requested to go with me. Are you trying to tell me the state will understand their needs more than I could, or would love them more?
“I also regretfully submit, that most likely some asshole that fell through the cracks is responsible for this sick joke, and I will never hand over those girls to be taken advantage of. They will never be assassins, for the United States or otherwise.”
Though, I imagined they’d excel at sports, or even the military one day if they wanted to pursue it. But… I wouldn’t be teaching them sharp shooting at six years of age either.
The general frowned, “Do you have any proof of that accusation?”
I shook my head, “Of course not. But I’m not turning them over to the government either way, if it’s true or not. The government has already done enough. Anyone, that’s stupid enough to try and take them from me, has no good or moral reason for doing so.
I’ll take it from here, and give them a loving family. If they choose, they can return to Earth after they’ve been raised with morals, and in a loving environment. The law does give family the right to raise children, does it not?”
Vik shook his head in disbelief, but didn’t say anything. Telidur looked rather murderous, which made me feel better.
“So… Mr. Stanton, would you mind sharing where these ridiculous orders originated?”
Actually, I doubted he knew.
Jonas said with a sneer, “A year ago you were a drug addicted assassin. You’re a murderer, do you really think you’re fit to be their mother? You’re lucky you’re not in jail, and that can change if you continue to obstruct my orders.”
The general looked embarrassed, but was obviously there to enforce the court’s decision. Wherever the lawyer got a hold of those documents from.
Dana looked sick, and even that asshat Terry looked shocked at what Jonas had just said. Whoever was behind this they had serious political capital, and had probably worked through multiple other politicians and judges to pull the strings. How could there be a court order for six girls who technically didn’t exist? On paper I mean.
Someone wanted them, and I was sure it was for no good. I knew I was a pessimist at times, but I was sure of it, I could feel it.
“Was that supposed to upset me? Because I think all you did was upset my ship mates. You know, the crown prince of the Isyth empire. The girls are out of your nefarious reach, and on the equivalent of Isyth soil aboard our ship. Does your master truly want to destroy a strong alliance between the empire and Earth over this stupidity?”
Dana cleared her throat, “Isn’t that just taking things a bit too far.”
Vik said, “Maybe you aren’t aware of the realities of the situation. Or perhaps you’re merely used to such a dysfunctional government. You manipulated me into bringing my future mate down here, on the pretext of congratulating her. Yes, future mate, which means those six little girls are just short of being a part of the royal family, and are already loved and cared for. I’d be extremely careful just how hard you choose to push this. In fact, I’d advise you to get up and walk the fuck away. Maybe we could talk about our trade agreement tomorrow, when my temper cools.”