The method of travel was traditional, something out of their past, one from but two years ago and one they still occasionally made use of, yet it somehow felt outmoded, from further back in time.

Addison and Ronnie headed south on Interstate 93, Addie driving in their family SUV, their destination Boston, where mother and daughter wished to spend a day shopping and interacting, something they did several years in a row, before.

Before. Two years equated to a lifetime, given what occurred in that time. There were the subtle differences, such as Addison driving rather than riding as a passenger. Now licensed for almost a year, she drove as if 5 years of driving experience were hers to claim.

In partial keeping with past shopping excursion tradition, mother and daughter would exit toward Sullivan Square, where they would leave the vehicle behind and take the Orange Line to the Green Line. Where it differed was in the final destination: Newbury Street, instead of Downtown Crossing.

So much had changed since their last shopping trip into the city; it was as if that were a memory from another era, when both were ignorant of the true nature of their family, and in Addison’s case, herself.

Two days before, Addison jumped into the Gulf of Mexico right out of Chekresu, diving 30 metres in the night into a virtual maelstrom. The seas pushed 25 metres from trough to crest, the wind howling with the force of a sustained 200 kph plus speed, growing stronger each minute Addie remained in the water.

She spent 90 minutes in such hellish conditions, refusing to give up without accomplishing her goal, relentlessly moving towards and ultimately retrieving the unconscious llhaesa. Inside of two weeks, Addie saved Jahrae and llhaesa from significant peril and danger, perhaps death, risking her life each time.

No one thought of Addison as a child any longer, she surged from adolescence into adulthood at an earlier age than most, faster than almost everyone did, possibly except for llhaesa, with whom she shared so much.

The actions carried a cost. The incidents came back in her dreams, although in each dream Addison faced down the challenges, emerging successful in her efforts. Still, they haunted in some fashion.

“With what you did Addie, the dreams are added baggage that comes with placing oneself in harm’s way, in striving to help others. It is our mind at work, making certain we grasp the permutations, the possibilities, and that we learn from them.

Obviously, you know we are proud of you, although my hair will go grey from you dealing with people with guns, dealing with hurricanes, and the like.

In this family, we follow our inner guidance and do, and you did. Look at the larger picture, what was happening, why you and llhaesa were there. Over two hundred people are alive who wouldn’t be because of the collective efforts of this family and the AISV.”

“I agree, and I would do the same thing again. Mum ‘essa fell off that platform; she did not have on an EEWV that would have enabled us to just pull her out of the water. Someone had to get to her who had one, and the only one who could do this, given I cannot pilot, was me.

Any of us would do that for any other of us, heck for anyone else.”

“Oh, I know Addie. What I worry over now is the reaction of media. You now carry responsibility and pressure I wish was not there, but it is what is. Your popularity is now pushing into the same level as that of llhaesa and Jahrae, and everything you do will be news.”

“I guess that was inevitable, just by virtue of being my parent’s daughter. As you say, it is what is, and I give my best.”

“Take the next exit, Addie. You have to go a ways along to get to Sullivan Square, so just keep going once on the exit.”

Addie dutifully followed her mum’s direction, and soon they were leaving the SUV behind, heading into the Orange Line Station. Their wait for a train was but seven minutes, and given it was past morning rush hour, there was ample seating.

Taking the first forward facing seat from the entry, Ronnie asked Addie about the upcoming trip to Arrhazon. “Are you excited? Are you nervous? What are your expectations?”

Addie smiled, her eyes focusing outside the train as she assembled her thoughts. “Nervous? No. Excited, absolutely! I have lived here my whole life – and I could have been content with that throughout life, maybe visiting other parts of this world, experiencing new cultures, having fun.

This…I would suggest all of our minds expanded, our world expanded, what we think of as world no longer sufficient to define what our province is. I know it is a bit different for you, but for me, my heritage is only half of Earth, the other half I have yet to see, the source of part of my genetic make up and its history.

I have watched a lot of video on Arrhazon, read a lot of information on the Athenaeum, but it is nothing like meeting the people, seeing things for myself, all the little and big things that are different, from food to architecture to customs.

Mum, do you think back to when you first met Tim?”

“How do you mean, Addie? I do think about those times, and at least that element is real, we did do those things, we did have those conversations.”

“I meant in the sense that but a few months before you met or whatever, we now know that Tim was llhaesa, with all of her history and life of 25 years at that time. We know the horrors mum ‘essa endured as her life came to what was intended to be a horrific ending; this directly resulted in Tim being here.

You were fortunate; you did not undergo implantation of faux memories, all you and Tim did was reality.

Yet it must still seem so surreal, knowing the truth.

We need to switch trains at the next stop.”

Ronnie understood what Addison asked, the thoughts behind the question. Over the past two years, Ronnie wrestled with this, but she also knew that how Tim felt was a real feeling, it was a real connection.

If only she knew early on of the conflict within Tim, if only she knew to encourage Tim to seek help. “Addie, there are times I question myself.”

“Why?” Ronnie’s answer surprised Addison, and her attention turned fully toward her mother, taking in expressions, gestures, and words.

Ronnie now took a turn and gained distance vision, looking outside the train car into the darkness of the subway tunnel as it flashed by. The wheels of the train squealed occasionally, while the car rocked gently as it rolled along.

“If I had paid attention to detail, if I saw the occasional flashes of angst that Tim carried, if I recognised those periods of silence were times of introspection, seeking answers, seeking resolution, seeking the truth, maybe…I could have helped and encouraged, I don’t know.

Over the last six months with Tim, you saw, Addie. Tim felt tormented; we know now this was because of whom he really was, all of whom he was before pushed hard for freedom. He started coming up against and touching on the reality of before, pushing through artificial barriers in place to separate the two.

Then again, maybe it had to happen this way for the masking to blow off as it did. It baffles mum Elsren, she considers it an extraordinary event, not yet explainable, even by the Arrhazonan science that took llhaesa and refashioned her as Tim.

I was so scared, Addie; scared for you and Serry, scared for me, and scared for Tim. When the accident happened, when Susan was injured, that was the low point, but it was also the turning point.”

Addie enjoyed this exchange, so much so that she had to concentrate on their location in order not to miss the North Station stop. “Let me guess. At that point, Susan forgave Tim, invited both of you into her life, shared Reiki when Tim expressed interest, and that sharing, that teaching, that learning, opened up new channels.

As an advanced practitioner of the Arrhazonan equivalent, yet more connection between old and new life took place. More cracks developed. Then there was the music. I remember dad – Tim – obsessed with writing music he did not understand, working by trial and error.

It is extraordinary that a being as gifted as llhaesa in musical arts had such an impediment as Tim; such was their programming of his mind. It is extraordinary that Tim persevered, pushed through this and got the right music assembled.”

Ronnie placed a hand on her daughter’s knee. “That…is quite an astute analysis,” she praised. “I thought I would miss my children as children, but…you prove me wrong in that assumption, Addison. Interacting with you now is a great joy in my life.”

“Thank you, mother…thank you. I guess for me, living it, it is just part of growing up.

We are at North Station, we need to take the Green Line outbound to Arlington, mum.”

Mother and daughter disembarked the train, following the modest group departing the train; some of whom mimicked them and headed for the Green Line.

A train came into the station, but its destination was in the opposite direction. The wait continued, after ten minutes another approached that would take them out to the Arlington stop.

Settled on the train, they watched as the cars slowly filled with passengers, their conversation muted by the spectacle of people jockeying for standing position.

“What a difference from the last train, but it is a workday after all. Are you looking forward to Newbury Street shopping, Addie?”

“It isn’t our usual place to wander about, but it should be…interesting. I guess what we take with us to Arrhazon represents a bit of this culture, hopefully in a good way.”

“Excuse me,” a voice called out, one of a hundred. Neither Addie nor Ronnie reacted given they were seated, not thinking someone spoke to them. “Excuse me,” the voice repeated, this time catching Ronnie’s attention, directing her attention upward, past Addie. “Yes?” she asked, acknowledging she heard the question from the young man, one likely of college age.

“I am sorry to bother you,” he began, seeing Addison now looking at him curiously. “I just wished to say that what you did over the past two weeks is an inspiration to all in our generation, Addison.

We can change this world if we all try.”

It took a moment for Addie to realise what unfolded, that she was recognised, that this young man wished to pay her a compliment. “Thank you, your comment is appreciated!

You are right, if we all do our part, we can change things. I just happened to be in a place where I could make an immediate difference.”

“I agree. Anyway, sorry to disturb you, but I feel such admiration for you and your family, and this is probably my own chance to show my gratitude.

Enjoy your day.”

“You as well,” Addie replied, and as an afterthought called after him, “do something to assist another today.”

The young man turned back and gave her a thumb’s up, but he kept to intent and moved along, leaving Addison and Ronnie to ponder his words.

“I hadn’t thought of it, Addison, but I suspect there will be more of that for you today. Are you ok with this?”

“Yes, it bothers me not. We talked about our family being a tradition of doers, well; we are also a family that interacts with others. It all goes hand in hand.”

Addie kept close watch on the stations, informing Ronnie as they approached Arlington, their intended stop. They worked their way through those remaining on board, stepping down and off the train, and temporarily stopping to look for the exit to Newbury Street.

Both dressed casually, wearing shorts, tank tops, and sandals, clothing that felt just right as they emerged into the sunny, 24°C weather. There was nothing pretentious about this family.

Waking two blocks, they encountered a young woman skilfully playing a violin. Avoiding the sun, she stood in the limited shade afforded by buildings on the southern side of the street. At her feet was the violin case, open and containing a scattering of coins, along with a few paper bills.

The musician also dressed down for the weather in shorts and a tank top, while she wore her reddish hued hair up on her head, keeping it out of her face. Freckles stood out when she occasionally moved into the sunlight, likely the result of many days spent doing as she did now.

Mother and daughter stopped to watch. Recognising the start of one song as one written by llhaesa, Addison felt something inside urge her to sing. Drawing a deep breath, she gave in to the feeling and sang along.

The college age musician, likely a student at nearby Berklee, gave a quick glance and smile at Addie, her eyes growing wider as her mind processed and realised just who it was who sang along with her play.

Ronnie turned refocused her attention away from the performers, surprised to see somewhere around 100 people now watched.

The song ended to enthusiastic applause, and Addie spoke up, encouraging people to donate to the young musician, that the entertainment had value to them if they stopped to watch.

Addie reached in her bag and extracted several bills, dropping them into the case. The musician gasped, but the gesture worked, and at least half those watching followed suit in some way, as they were able.

“Thank you,” the young woman leaned in towards Addie so she would hear in the bustle of supporters.

“No, thank you for performing. My mum does this on occasion, and in fact, she and I played on the Common not long ago. It gives charisma and character to the city, makes it feel lived in and homey.

From the looks of that case, you probably should close up shop for today and get that somewhere safe,” Addie encouraged.

“Yikes!” the violinist exclaimed, taking her first look at the case since Addie contributed. “Yes, you are right, I will do just that. By the way, I am Marla, and obviously you are Addie.”

“Yes. Have a wonderful day, Marla!” Addie took her leave, Ronnie turning and walking with her as they made their way back into shopping mode.

Over the next two hours, mother and daughter were in and out of a plethora of stores on both sides of Newbury Street. They requested their purchases ship, saving them from carrying things along with them.

Addie spotted a shirt she loved, white cotton and sleeveless. It featured an artist’s interpretation and rendition of llhaesa and Jahrae, holding hands and walking along a stream, the sketched foliage around them colourful New England in fall. There were two small words, written in script, under the image: The Immorals.”

The world knew their parents, and there was one thing few would suggest: that her parents were immoral. The meaning struck Addie immediately, a challenge to those who think they sinned by marrying. It was a quiet and tasteful declarative, and after purchasing, Addie went and changed into that top.

“Ooh, I like it, Addie!” Ronnie exclaimed, seeing Addie in her new shirt. “That artist gave a wonderful accounting of llhaesa and Jahrae.”

The two made their way to a restaurant, choosing to dine outside and enjoy the sun. Both ordered light fare, Ronnie a traditional Caesar salad, Addison a mandarin salad.

“Mum, thank you,” Addie verbally offered to her mum just after ordering.

“You are welcome, for whatever it is I did,” Ronnie quipped.

“Thank you for being such a wonderful example and guide for me in life. When all of this happened, I can remember being at that home in Vermont. This woman was with us I did not know. She was beautiful and tall and played a wondrous piano, but…as a child, as a child not knowing, it was scary. ‘Where is dad?’ went through my mind more than once.

I was worried. Where was my father? Now I know you and mum ‘essa talked much before then, and you both agreed that we needed to know…but when did you first see llhaesa?”

“I never saw her in Plymouth. I rode along in the ambulance, but I could not see out back, and Dolores warned me not to look out back. When we got to their hideaway, Dolores immediately drove me back to Henna.

Llhaesa got away after I left, driving a vehicle here to get you children, to keep you safe. We thought the government, failing to get ‘essa would try and get you, and actually, we were right, they did try to get you and Serry.

They wanted verification, and to them, your DNA was their goal, not to mention what they thought you might know.

Knowing this, llhaesa drove to Henna, but we were gone. We had to meet up with your grandmother, and that delayed us. Llhaesa caught up to us on I89, right across the river into Vermont.

When I saw her, well…I guess it is no secret to say she – and now you, her virtual twin – was simply breathtaking. Before me was a classy looking woman who carried herself well – Saehressa raised a graceful daughter – and I just knew, my God, I just knew right then that Tim was gone, that Tim was llhaesa. I knew not how, I just knew.

Small wonder Tim struggled so to shed the cover, they were such different people, though both retained a strong sense of caring. He tried so hard,” Ronnie paused, a tear or two evident.

Addie reached for one of her mum’s hands, holding it, encouraging her to share.

“Thank you, Addie,” Ronnie said declaratively, her eyes full of love for her daughter.

“Tim was in effect a flawed programme covering a real human being. He did not ask for that, they just made him that way, fabricated him out of someone else. I wish I could go back, I wish I could have a few minutes with him, just before the end, knowing all we know now.”

“What would you say to Daddy?” Addie wondered, using a reference she had not spoken in some time.

Ronnie stabbed at her tears with a tissue; she made no effort to hide the emotion of this conversation. She liked discussing this, she needed to discuss this on some level, and Addison was the perfect person to chat with, two people who knew and loved Tim.

“I would explain why he was torn in two; I would tell Tim that what he felt so strongly deep inside, that his gender was wrong, was true. I would tell him that not only was it wrong, he was in fact a beautiful woman, one that would soon refashion his body in reclaiming her body, and that all that was good in him lived on in her.

I would tell him that his passion for taking you kids outside, this to look up through the telescope at 51 Pegasi, was also significant; it was his home. I would share how one day we would leave and head there to visit his home.

Then I would tell him of his daughters.

I think this part would be what most interested him, Addie, hearing of how his oldest daughter was now a hero on two worlds, the best student on two worlds, a loving and caring woman who devoted heart and soul to the betterment and health of others.

After I shared that with him, if I had time, I would follow by explaining how she was an identical to who he – she – really was, beautiful and tall with thick, dirty blonde hair. I would tell him of her strength, of her inner strength, her spiritual strength, and her physical strength.

I would share Serry’s bravery in her choice to unmask, stories of her mediation activities amongst feuding classmates, of who we suspect she will be in eight years.

If there was any time left, maybe I would tell him that how he so struggled to assemble that song, that song made not through skill but trial and error, that song was the key, a key that took him home, back to a life where there was no better musician in the universe.”

Addison looked at her mum but said nothing initially, her thoughts processing and contemplative; her tears were flowing now as well. Mother and daughter understood each other; their feelings from that time were so similar despite their different perspectives.

Addie was in a unique position, because there was one other thing she would share with Tim that her mother had not mentioned. “Mum, that was quite poignant, but at the risk of piling on, there is something I would share you did not mention.”

“What is that, Addie?” Ronnie wondered.

“That who he was inside, who he struggled so hard to free, was all that you would tell him, with one additional thing. Somehow, he and his eldest daughter, the one that now looked just like his true self, would have this connection, this attachment of feeling, of empathy, of perception, that transcends time and space, sharing that of one with that of the other.

I think Daddy would have liked to know he connected to me, always.”

The exploration of that time almost twenty-six months before ended as both caught a glimpse of their server standing near their table, patiently waiting to gain the attention of they, his patrons, both of whom seemed engrossed and enthralled in a subject he had no desire to interrupt.