Already in the White House and preparing for later events two floors below, the family and team moved about the third floor as if it was their private residence. Indeed, for this one overnight stay, ‘your temporary home’ was the verbal mandate given to them by President Ellenwood, their friend and host.

The White House was about to hold a formal state dinner in honour of Jahrae, llhaesa, their family, and all of the Arrhazonan team. In preparation, the President and wife Elaine graciously wished to open their home in welcome to their distinguished guests.

Inside of fifteen minutes of their arrival, Addison and Casey found and made themselves home in the Solarium Room as the last vestiges of late afternoon light flooded in from its many windows, windows that afforded a spectacular view of the Washington Monument and surrounding area.

Visiting the children in their chosen place of refuge, llhaesa made her way over to one of the spacious windows and stared outward, captivated by the lengthening shadows and pervasive ambient golden glow produced by the low lying and soon to set winter’s sun.

“Careful with your gown Addie, it will wrinkle quite easily,” llhaesa cautioned as she turned away from the windows, noticing Addie sprawled nonchalantly across a sofa. “The first time I wore a gown of that length, I tripped over it after just putting it on; I somehow stepped on the hem.”

Addison, springing into an upright position on the flowery patterned sofa, turned to llhaesa, amusement beginning to filter into her expression. “Did you fall?”

“Yes; I stuck my hand out just in time to keep me from breaking my nose. For the effort, I sprained my hand.”

This revelation sent both Addie and Casey into laughter, one reinforcing the other’s amusement. “I will take very good care not to do as you did, mum!” Addie blurted out amidst her laughter.

“You are so coordinated, which is why this seems so funny,” Addie added.

“I normally am, but I have my moments. For instance, I tend to hit my head on occasion, and probably will wearing these heels tonight. I am almost 194 centimetres in these infernal shoes, so if there is anything low-lying, ‘bonk’.

This is something with which you should take care going forward, dear daughter. You are growing quickly, and as you approach my height, especially as fast as you appear to grow, your head will take a few knocks as well.”

“That is such a wonderful thing to look forward to, sheesh! My head hurts already, just thinking about it.”

“Casey, you seem quite placid and content in your tuxedo,” llhaesa observed, changing the subject and drawing Casey into the conversation.

“It is all right, I guess,” he replied, the monotone and unenthusiastic reply suggesting he remained unconvinced. “I have never even worn a suit before, much less a tuxedo. I have to admit I do not look as good in my tuxedo as you do in yours, llhaesa.”

Casey’s comment caught llhaesa off guard; he never made such observations on dress of others, or even gave any indication the subject was of interest to him. “Why, thank you, Casey, but you look, as Jahrae would say, rather smashing in yours.”

Llhaesa is guarded in what she says to Casey; her intuition continues its strong suggestion that Casey has gender issues lurking somewhere inside. For all llhaesa knew, Casey might secretly prefer a gown to the tuxedo currently worn. “A modification of what Arrkarharans call ‘gaydar’,” llhaesa whimsically and silently mused. Deciding it would be insensitive to disregard and blow through the cautionary warnings, she sent her thoughts elsewhere.

“I’m going to head down the hall and rejoin the remainder of the family,” llhaesa advised Casey and Addie, taking her leave, “and I’ll be back when it is time for you to finish getting ready.”

Reaching the rest of the group, llhaesa surprisingly found the President chatting with Jahrae and Ronnie. Walking up to the President, llhaesa remarked, “We both wear tuxedos tonight, this must be a dinner of state first. It is great that we can eschew the rigid and formal constraints of years past; I love it! Well done, Alicia!”

The President made a show of checking over llhaesa from head to toe. “I must admit you will turn more than a few heads with your choice of dress, ‘essa; you certainly would turn mine!” the president winked along with offering the compliment. “Not only are you supermodel gorgeous, no one can miss seeing you given your height.

I chuckle at how one or more of our more traditional and older political invitees will react to you; one in particular that has been a thorn in my side, well, may I introduce you to him?

“Who is this person, and why would they react this way?” llhaesa was puzzled.

“Senator Bemis, Republican from Nevada. He is in his sixth term now, and he likes to project his size when talking with me; many have made this observation and I disbelieved. I finally started paying attention, and sure enough, he does this. It is quite amusing.”

“How tall is he?”

“Oh, maybe around six feet, nothing spectacular, but since I am 5’6”, he senses an advantage. With you in heels…”

“I have height advantage over him, I see. Hmmm, I will see what I can do. Please do introduce me to him!

I have to scoot downstairs. I will see you all in…a half hour!” The President gracefully disengaged from the group and headed off to prepare for her formal duties, loving this particular night more than any other formal affair to date.

In her opinion, the Arrhazonans were stand up people, without exception people she liked being around. “If their spirit infects this world as they and I hope,” the President silently postulated, “they just might succeed in the goals they espouse and work to achieve.”

Following protocol, the one hundred and thirty guests, including the special guests, arrived and made their entrance in the East Room ahead of the President, who was the last to enter. The President walked in arm and arm with her popular and fun loving wife, Dr. Elaine Bourassa, to the genteel ovation of the earlier arriving guests.

President Ellenwood made her way into the room, taking time to greet and chat with each person as she slowly worked forward. Watching from afar, llhaesa marvelled at Alicia’s easy grace, animatedly chatting with everyone, sincerely interested in what each had to say. Small wonder the nation elected her despite all the factors pundits had suggested stood in her way: Alicia cared about people.

Barbara Millwood called llhaesa out of her private contemplation of the President, wishing to introduce llhaesa to Dr. Sylvia Washington, the capable physician who brought the president back to good health after her bathroom fall. “It is my pleasure to meet you, Doctor,” llhaesa smilingly greeted, first shifting her glass of carbonated water and lime to her left hand before taking the doctor’s proffered hand.

“From what the President, Barbara, and Marcia have told me, you played a significant role in protecting this country from people less interested in the welfare of everyone, and more in their own power and money,” llhaesa opined, knowing her own rescue never would have happened, at least in the way it played out on that fateful day.

“Please call me Sylvia,” the doctor graciously asked, modestly adding, “We all do what we can to make things better, and from what I can see, you and Jahrae do far more than your share.

By the time I set things up so Alicia could sneak out of the hospital, I was certain you were the real deal. Thank you for confirming my judgement!”

“You are most welcome,” llhaesa replied, slightly blushing. “Have you had the opportunity to meet Elsrensia, our physician?”

“Yes, I did moments ago; she has invited me to travel to your world when you return. I am intrigued by this possibility, and have discussed it some with the President, who has final say.”

“We would love to have you!”

An authoritative and loud voice called out, interrupting the various conversations of guests, announcing that dinner was ready to serve. The Voice requested guests file over to the State Dining Room to take their seats.

Once the East Room was clear of people, workers began adding informal seating where there was only people standing moments before, providing small tables and chairs guests for après-dinner, in order that they could comfortably watch llhaesa perform.

Each guest moved to their assigned seating and settled in. Joining the President at her table was wife Elaine, Jahrae, llhaesa, Addison, Saehressa, Casey, Marcia Paang, Susan Woodward, and Barbara Millwood. As staff served the first course, a light spinach and carrot salad, the President rose and called for a toast.

“Thank you all for coming tonight to meet and chat with our special guests of honour, whom I hope you have had the chance to interact with over the last hour, or will over the remainder of our night.

I was elected on a theme of change, a call to optimism and to build for the future, but I have to say, after meeting llhaesa and Jahrae and all of the others, they made me rethink exactly what I meant by my original position, made me rethink the limited scope of what was actually a near sighted leadership vision.

This is a time of great hope, it is the greatest time in the history of humanity on this planet, a time when our cousins in the universe call upon us and ask us to join with them in becoming part of a newly forming interstellar community.

They ask simple things of us before they agree to a partnership with us. They ask that we stop making war on one another, that we feed those who are hungry, that we clothe those who are without clothes, that we provide health care to those without, that we educate all to the best of their ability, and that we unite as a world.

We collectively think this a daunting, overwhelming request and task. Admit it, each one of us here tonight, upon hearing of their grand vision for the first time, felt scepticism course through our thoughts, me as well as you. This is where I call out myself as myopic and near-sighted.

After that burst of scepticism, I stepped back and tried to look anew, this time from further afield, from their perspective. Damn, but they are right…they are right. They can see ability in us we refuse to see in ourselves – our ability to unite and take care of one another.

As you know, I have an interface that connects to their world, and I regularly exchange letters with their Chief of Government, Gl’nsiel Frehsan. She shared with me how llhaesa and Jahrae are the very best of their world; she would trust no one else, would not allow anyone else, to attempt the task they voluntarily undertake on this one. I have seen llhaesa and Jahrae’s records of achievement, and they are nothing less than extraordinary.

I knew llhaesa and I would be friends from the moment we exchanged two sentences on the way to the Jamila Live broadcast. I knew Jahrae and I would be friends from the moment she shared her first thoughts on the same programme.

They call us to walk with them across a bridge to a future we heretofore only fantasised about in our movies and literature. I know of no one more deserving of our appreciation and gratitude than Jahrae and llhaesa, and along with them their entire family and team.

Please join me in a toast to llhaesa, Jahrae, Ronnie – who by the way, is our future representative to Arrhazon, Elsrensia, Saehressa, Addison, little Sérada, who is not here tonight, Casey, Jesnsera, Chsensera, M’traliel, Khahishra, Anita, Dottie, Vicki, and David! Wow, I said that all in one breath!

You are our inspiration; to you!” Alicia held up her toasting glass and then brought it down to her lips, emphasising her actions. Draining the glass in one healthy sip, the President called out, “Thank you. Now, shall we eat?”

Alicia sat down, basking in the warmth of the champagne as it followed gravity into her body, combined with the feeling of warmth inspired by her words. Looking toward llhaesa, she noticed a reddish tint to llhaesa’s facial colouring. “Did I embarrass you, llhaesa?”

“I guess my face is a tad pinkish; no worries, I sometimes do that when people comment on me or our group.”

“What she will not say Madame President,” Jahrae interjected, “is that she is uncomfortable with anyone reminding of her accomplishments or that she should consider a leadership position.”

Llhaesa audibly groaned, and everyone at the table laughed, well knowing her distaste for personal power. It went unnoticed that her groan was absent a usual element of joviality.

“See what I mean?” Jahrae motioned toward llhaesa as she offered llhaesa’s groan as proof. “It is also one of her rather numerous endearing qualities.”

“Llhaesa, suppose one day our world is in fact unified, and we and Arrhazon and other worlds form an interstellar government. Would you consider taking a leadership position in that capacity?”

Llhaesa looked like she would groan anew, but surprised everyone by saying, “I would give that consideration.”

Everyone but the president and Elaine looked at llhaesa as if she just announced she was carrying sextuplets; the President, seemingly pleased, just smiled, sensing something stirred within llhaesa.

Saehressa broke the spell of silence, knowing she and Jahrae carried the most influence with llhaesa and had the most experience with evaluating and understanding her outlook.

In what was rare for her, she failed to notice llhaesa’s unusual mood, and consequently Saehressa’s face fashioned into something combining mirth with approval. She had thought on this issue for such a long time, and wished her daughter to know how she felt. Proceeding onward, she semi-rhetorically asked, “Well now, what have we here, my dear daughter?”

Saehressa, sitting directly across from llhaesa, looked intently at her daughter, love pouring out of her eyes, her mind gathering the words that welled up and pressured for release. After a brief hesitation, Saehressa continued.

“Ever since you were a young child, you have exuded leadership skills, sometimes quietly, at other times not so quietly – you simply stepped in, stepped up, and got things done whenever you saw a need. Looking back, I suppose on some subconscious level I knew even while I carried you that something like this was your future; how, I know not, I just felt it in my soul.

No obstacle in your path is ever too large and no obstacle is ever too high. I cannot recall a time where you failed on something you put heart and mind into achieving or overcoming, and some of the things you did as a child where rather astounding, our first tangible clues that you possessed a rather formidable intellect and ability.

Through college, you focused on things of importance within and with your local environment – high school and college was your sheltered enclave. Yet on your last day of college, at your commencement, you stepped up and burst forth from your cocoon-like educational space, ready to embrace all of Arrhazon as your new environment in which to perform, play, evaluate, advocate, and change.

A great many people took notice of your commencement speech and performance, initially not quite believing what they heard and saw. That you went after the government in such a blunt, candid way, that you had information no one else had, that what you did in performing was even possible – your dad and I, as well as your friends and instructors, knew your performing talent, we knew your political inclinations, but not Arrhazon, it knew not. A lot more would have noticed were it not for suppression of the story by the government.

You were remarkable. Perhaps for historians of the future evaluating our time, they will single out your commencement as the turning point in Arrhazonan history. This was unsurprising for me at the time, I watched you for twenty-two years. You were just llhaesa being llhaesa, doing something because it was natural for you to perform that way, natural for you to call out how Arrhazon needed to change. This is not an acquired talent, it is an intrinsic part of your soul – you know no other way to be.

You abhor desiring leadership my dear, yet you simultaneously relentlessly place yourself in a position where others will call for you to lead, seeing and hearing your advocacy and your deeds. You might not take the time to notice the things you do that produce a clamour for your leadership, but they will, they have, and they do. You do things no one else can even dream of doing – again, natural for you. Yes, you could simply refuse to use your talent, but that is not in your personal make up.

Jahrae – at least I think she does – grasps the significance of her tangential actions and contributions, as well as acknowledges other roles she might assume in the future. Maybe she understands and sees these things because she had to work harder at it, but there are commonalities between both of you. She ran from activism as you run from power – until she realised that she could best honour you and your memory by standing up and taking the lead as an activist.

Your inspiration not only saved her life, but in the process, Jahrae found strength and ability she never believed existed within her. She found what she believed in and what mattered to her.

You know the ability to lead is within you, dear daughter. Hearing you say ‘you would give that consideration’ is an indication you finally begin to realise just what it is you have accomplished and what it is you possess for ability, how it might best be applied in the future. Perhaps you begin to understand how and why you inspire, why others embrace you and trust you to do what is collectively best for us all.

The two of you are a unique team, some things in common, some not, each getting to where you are through different paths and experiences, but it seems the universe not only intentionally chose to bring you together, it chose well in bringing you to each other.

Maybe there is a greater purpose here, beyond either of you. Your famed reluctance and resistance might well be one of the very traits that make you best qualified for what it asks of you, but there is a time to keep that as a reminder, not as a hindrance.

Listen to your mother, ‘essa…for once.”

The last line drew laughs from all at the table excepting llhaesa, who merely smiled. Even Addie and Casey found the discussing interesting and Saehressa’s last comment amusing. Addie just thought of llhaesa as her mother, not a potential leader of the universe. Casey, new to the family, just thought of llhaesa as a caring sister, one kind and personally guiding. Now, for both, there was this new, beyond world-scale picture to factor into the whole.

Llhaesa surprised again by saying nothing in rebuttal or otherwise, picked with her fork around the periphery of her salad for a minute or two before courteously excusing herself and leaving the table, calmly meandering around tables and walking out of the room.

No one at the table was quite sure what just happened, or if llhaesa was even upset. Jahrae, seated just to the right of the President, started to rise, but the President interceded, placing her hand on Jahrae’s hand, asking, “Jahrae, if I may, please allow me to go talk with her.”

The request left Jahrae slightly taken aback, but she acceded, sitting back down while offering a simple, “All right, if you wish.”

The President reprised llhaesa’s departure, excusing herself and calmly strolling around the tables, acknowledging greetings but plodding determinedly forward and out of the room, walking into Cross Hall just in time to see llhaesa disappear at the far end of the Hall into the East Room.

Alicia continued onward, but before as she reached the wide entryway into the East Room, the sweet and beautiful sound of a piano floated outward, instantaneously mesmerising and enthralling her with its ethereal but troubled and complex melody.

Llhaesa noticed Alicia enter the room, but she kept playing until Alicia stood but a metre in front of her and then stopped, looking at Alicia with the saddest eyes the President could recall seeing in a long while.

“’essa, might I sit with you?” Alicia asked, softly, gently.

“If you wish, please feel free.”

“Thank you.” Llhaesa slid over on the piano bench, allowing the President to take the space nearest to her. “I know this might ring hollow given I am in the pre-eminent political position on this world, but… I understand how you feel.

You may know I am an artist by education and training, but you likely do not know that I was good; in fact, my first month post college I sold a few works for what were significant sums for an unknown artist at that time. Three to be exact and they are still works held privately by the same three families.

The only ones who know of this are my family and those who hold the works.

I happened to mention health care to the last client making their purchase, sharing how my mum was running up huge bills due to her illness, yet she did not have health coverage, and I fear I ranted to this unfortunate person, such poor marketing skill!

Instead of my ranting turning her off, she encouraged me to do something about health care. She told me I was articulate and knowledgeable and could make a difference, but to always hold tight to my artist’s heart.

The next year, I ran for the State Senate and won. Soon, my political career advanced, and I set my artist life aside, supposedly temporarily. Oh, I fully intend to go back to it once my tenure as President is over. I miss it a great deal, ‘essa.

I do dabble with painting – more than dabble, actually – in my private time, especially when troubled, as you are now. You have been through much over the last eight months. First, there was the horror of instinctively knowing that as Tim your body was all wrong, then as that set right, the government hunted you down and abused you, followed by the arrival of Jahrae. Immediately thereafter, Addison chose to embrace her Arrhazonan heritage, and you chose to become a mother, dealing now with your pregnancy.

You have not had the time to process how you feel, you have not had time to mature into your outlook and where you wish to go in life; in many ways you are still 25, though you did mature in some way by continuing to experience life as Tim, but Tim’s life and your life are a universe apart. On this specific issue, it is not one with which you have had to wrestle for fifteen years.

I guess that is a long-winded, politician’s way of saying, ‘I understand, ‘essa’.”

Llhaesa did not look up, and instead played another burst of thirty seconds of a concerto she wrote and would play later. Alicia watched how llhaesa worked her hands across the keyboard, awed by the sheer talent of the woman beside her. Stopping, llhaesa turned toward Alicia, her mind processing, evaluating, and assembling what she wished to say.

“Alicia, when you were elected to this office, were you scared?”

“Oh, I was terrified, llhaesa. There are times when it scares me still. People do not see us now, wrestling with all too human feelings, they only see ‘supports this bill’, or ‘opposes that bill’.

Talking with you now, I feel human; you understand and appreciate me as being human. I feel that way with Elaine; she keeps me grounded, just as Jahrae keeps you grounded. In truth, I prefer this feeling to the feeling that comes from a successful coursing of a bill I support through Congress.

When I am done with the public stuff for the day, I take my kowtowed to arse and park it in front of someone who knows me like no other. Elaine can see through my moods, see through my silences, and even through my occasional moments of euphoria. She sees me naked, not just in body, but especially in mind and soul, and I guess that isn’t something I would wish to share with the public, anyway.”

Alicia took hold of llhaesa’s hands, holding them tight as she continued. Llhaesa could feel Alicia will for love to flow outward through her hands, the offering love of a friend, concerned.

Both acknowledged this feeling without speaking, sitting there eyes locked, a new level of trust building upon the foundation of the old. Finally, Alicia felt it was ok to continue.

“What your mum said a few minutes ago overwhelmed you, right?”

“I guess, no it is more than that. Jahrae encouraged this, and that bothered some, to be honest; it just did not feel like our usual playful teasing. With my mum, I know on some level deep inside, she is right – after all, she is my mum, and we have always had a special relationship; we trust one another, we speak forthrightly. My parents – mum and dad both, guided and nurtured me. Even with the loss of their first child, they gave me room to find my place in life.

This is what bothers me, Alicia. Jahrae choosing almost immediately to pursue the topic, coupled with my mum’s candid assessment that I hold back, that I have this capability and duty that I run away from, that I should embrace. I appreciate her candour, but emotionally, I am not ready.

I lost fifteen years of my life. OK, I didn’t really lose the fifteen years, but I gained a wholly different and unanticipated fifteen years, years on a different world, of a different gender, and a different life. I would not trade away those years ever, because I love Addie and Serry heart and soul.

Just for a little while, can I revel in and reacquaint with my family, in the precious little things that Jahrae does, Addie does, or Serry does, and soon, what Ahrella will do? Can I embrace my motherhood without constant reminders I have other responsibilities to get on with in life? There is time for all that; I just wish to live life and cherish life right now, for once. As it is, I chase around this world convincing people to call upon their governments to change and unite. Can that be enough, at least for now, please? Please?”

Llhaesa finished speaking just as her inner will fell to the forces of emotion within, unable to hold back any longer. Her fingers tried and failed to strike the piano keys, her mind distracted by the rising tide within her. Tears called out confirmation of what Alicia already knew: this was a moment of reconnection, of llhaesa acknowledging and coming to terms with, her resumed life.

Alicia pulled the unresisting llhaesa into her arms, signalling a will to comfort through the steady hold of her arms. She knew better than to say anything, after all, what could she say? That llhaesa need not do this, that others should allow her to embrace a life she now fought to pull tight to her. No, silence was best, physical contact, better.

Llhaesa was not hopelessly mired in tears; this was a soft cry, one of contemplation and evaluation, rather than one of a lost hope or despair. After fifteen minutes, she pulled her head away from Alicia, muttering a heartfelt “thank you”.

“Alicia,” llhaesa began, her voice now gentle, yet resumed with her usual strength. “You have given me much to think about. For now, I must embrace my family and hold tight to the large and small joys they bring to me.

There will come a time when I will embrace leadership, when I am ready for a formal leadership position.

Shall we go back to join the others?”

“If you wish, ‘essa, we can. May I ask what you wish to play for us later?

“I played a portion of it when you came in, it’s called, ‘Piano Concerto for the Uniting Worlds’; that particular passage you heard is part of the Prelude.”

First sliding off the bench, both smoothed their clothing, llhaesa making certain there were no residual signs of her tears. Finished, the President and honoured guest walked arm and arm out of the East Room and Down Cross Hall, disengaging from physical contact just prior to entering the State Dining room.

They casually rejoined the head table, with some of the other guests in the room looking on curiously, given the almost half-hour absence of the President and llhaesa. The serving staff, out of deference to the President and llhaesa, held off on removing the salad plates and serving the next course.

The adults at the table pretended as if nothing at all happened, although each also felt a deep sense of worry, well knowing something did happen. Most of all Jahrae felt disconnected, felt she somehow failed llhaesa with her initial words and by not responding and comforting when llhaesa obviously hurt.

While Jahrae wrestled with her faux pas and imagined failure, Saehressa silently boxed and jabbed at herself for choosing this night and this setting with these guests to lay bare her thoughts, thoughts on an unresolved dilemma that plagued her daughter through adulthood. “Why how I said it,” replayed in her mind, and why say it now?”

Jahrae loves flying low to the lakewater. Usually she is unable take us quite this low, what with boaters about the lake in summertime, but it is not yet the new boating season, which traditionally begins on Memorial Day.

Chekresu has water capability. I half expect Jahrae will set down on the water and take us under, ready to explore along the lake bottom. We have made use of this capability only once to date, but I really do not wish to think on that incident again, at least not now.

We have not come up to Lake Winnipesaukee since the ice went out six weeks ago, confounding all the usual ice out prognosticators, most of whom predicted mid-April. Jahrae had 31 March as a date, and I laughed at her choice; the lake rarely sheds its coat before April, and with that in mind, I chose 11 April.

Jahrae had the earliest date in Vicki and David’s General Store pool; in her second ice out contest ever, Jahrae won. No fair! She reminded me of this as soon as the lakewater came into view. First the sailing competition wins, and now this, the things I must endure for love.

The $2,327 she won found its way to a local charity for children, and of course, Jahrae made a few friends with her thoughtfulness.

I look toward our property, now just in front of us. It is nice to see leaves unfolding out of their early season buds; the green adds a spirit inspiring psychological element to the lake experience that is indescribable.

I miss Arrhazon City, and in particular miss our flat in Old City, but it would not take much effort for one to talk me into permanently living as a lake dweller, no matter if we are here on Arrkarhara or on Arrhazon – although here we deal with winter, whereas there we do not.

A call early this morning from M’traliel inspired our unexpected short hop up to the lake. M’tra informed us the house was under time of renewal siege, and the siege group insists upon our presence, in order to complete what she called our ‘post-equinoctial awakening’.

Sounds like a party to me. Jahrae slows us to a snails pace, ready to set the craft down. Looking just ahead of us, I can see quite a few people scattered through the lawn area, awaiting our arrival.

“Jahrae, why don’t you set Chekresu down on the water, and we will moor it at the dock?”

“Good idea, ‘essa; that will save room for what are apparently numerous people celebrating our mid-season change.”

“Do you have any inkling of what this is really all about?” I ask, hoping she has some clue.

“Not me, I know nothing, and apparently you do not know, either. We just celebrated Sérada’s birthday, no one else falls in May, and so birthdays are out as possibilities. Might anyone else be getting married?”

“Not any that I am aware of, J’har,” I reply. Clearly both of us are puzzled. We stop.

“’essa, can you climb out and fasten two tethers from the dock to Chekresu?”

“I can do that, for a fee,” I tease, extracting a faux price that Jahrae will pay no matter if I see to the mooring or not. Yes, I am talking about that.

“Oh, and what is this fee you wish me to pay, my dear ‘essa?” she playfully asks, well knowing.

I knew she would not let the comment slide by. “I will give you the bill later tonight, though I wonder if you have sufficient means to pay.” I get up, grab two synthetic tethers from storage and open the door, ready to jump onto the dock, from where I can fasten to dock and Chekresu. I jump.

Har, Jahrae peers out the door at me playfully, her face frozen in incredulity. “Oh, really now, I cannot pay your price? Who is it that fell asleep on me twice in the past week, hmm?”

I did do as Jahrae suggests; I look up at her and grin, ready to wrap the tether around the black metal cleat fastened to the dock. I delay as my mind drifts away from the task and back to my propensity to fall asleep anywhere, or more specifically on that night, I fell asleep with my face embedded in her crotch. Hey, I was tired! Of course, she could not move very easily, either.

Fortunately, I woke up maybe fifteen or twenty minutes later, but Jahrae patiently lay there with my face firmly attached. As I recall, she was giggling when I woke up, and her fingers were combing through my hair.

Jahrae will never let me live that one down, and I suspect she will mention this incident within the next minute.

“More specifically, who fell asleep with their face in between my legs?”

See, what did I tell you? I knew she would mention this. “You were emitting sleep inducing pheromones, oh, goddess of the night. I…was powerless against them.”

“That is ‘goddess of light’, not ‘goddess of night’, thank you very much.”

“You are your own person; forget that old mythological T’srha. You are the T’srha, who is living right here, right now, and goddess of night is an apt title for you, it certainly fits you better than me. I am your elder and need my sleep, of which you selfishly continue to deprive me out of satiating your sexual thirst.”

I can see Jahrae eye the tether as I hold the other end on the dock; she probably considers pulling on it, and by doing so, dunking me in that semi-frigid lake. Jahrae averts her eyes from the tether back towards me; it is obvious she changed her mind, choosing to speak. “Remember the interview by the pool last fall? I bet that lakewater is nice and warm as well, are you interested in an unplanned swim, ‘essa?”

Jahrae places her hand on the tether, leaning outward with some of her weight upon the rope, too much. My evil twin within temporarily wins out, and I give a sudden, strong, and downward pull on the tether. Ooh, there she goes!

The resulting splash kicks up at me, catching the front of my thighs and some of my abdomen, but it is a small price to pay for my impromptu achievement.

I finish securing Chekresu as Jahrae surfaces, and ooh, she is swearing up a storm, swimming the short distance to the ladder with her usual powerful strokes. I do believe I should remove myself from this dock, quickly. I run.

I can hear people on shore laughing, and I move toward them, past them, calling out my hellos as I wave to everyone while on the run. I pull open the door to the house and scoot inward. Jahrae is about ten metres back, and she is quite intent on catching up to me. I can hear the laughter continue, with the guests encouraging Jahrae onward to capture her prey.

Of course, I am the prey, and I pray I am elusive prey.

I hear yelling as I run up and into the great room. “I am going to get you for that, wench, count on it!”

Har, I love it when she calls me ‘wench’, she sounds so irate-goddess. Oh oh, she is getting closer, I am spending too much time contemplating and giggling, and I giggle louder the closer she gets to me; it is a weakness I must work on.

I run up the stairs towards our bedroom, but she is more determined than I am; prey with apparent poor survival skills. I reach our bedroom; she is right behind me now.

I fall to the floor laughing, and Jahrae squishes, sloshes, and squeaks into the room, a spotted trail of water in her wake. “You are doomed, ‘essa, doomed!”

She pounces on me; my hands are up in self-defence, and our hands paw across one another, gaining purchase, pulling, pushing, twisting, and turning. We wrestle and roll back and forth across the floor. Others are appearing in the doorway, laughing, slowly filing into the room to watch the crazed Arrhazonan couple. Are we really the First Couple of Arrhazon as they claim? Film at 11!

I am soaked, but I care not; this is fun. Jahrae breaks free and tries to get up and chat as if in normal conversation with the sane people in the room, a means of spiritual separation from me, but I pull her back down.

Addie and Serry are in the room, and they love our antics more than anyone else does. I just hope if they start wrestling, Addie takes care, she is so much bigger than Serry now, in fact, Elsrensia measured Addie’s height the other day whilst giving an annual physical – she is now equal to my 187 centimetres. My concentration breaks; Jahrae strikes at my weakness.

“Ah ha, ha ha ha ahh, Jahrae, don’t tickle me!” She is tickling my ribs and I am inordinately vulnerable there, as opposed to my feet – of course, she knows this and this is why she strikes in that precise location.

My turn; I go for behind her knees – look at her squirm!

“No, not my knees, no, llhaesa, no!” After ten seconds, I stop, we both do; we take sitting positions on the floor, our legs stretched out. I am laughing; Jahrae is laughing, everyone is laughing. Someone is taking our pictures…Ronnie! “Ronnie, just you wait, we will get even for those pictures!

Jahrae, look at you, you are all wet, and now I am as well. Whatever happened to you? Did you fall in the lake on the way in? That was quite a clumsy thing to do!” I cannot resist giving a reminder of what started these antics.

“Very funny, ‘essa. You had best be on your guard, because I will get even!” Jahrae threatens, and I know she means what she says.

“Wait,” I protest. “You dunked me last fall, so now we are even!”

“In your dreams; that is not how I see this, my dear. And my opinion is the one that counts. Now if everyone will excuse me, I would like to change my clothing for something less…moisture laden.”

“You wish me to leave? I have to change my clothing as well!”

“You can stay.”

“Why, thank you, goddess of night. By the way, can someone tell us what this party is for?”

“Sure,” M’traliel pounced on the question. “It is spring, this is a beautiful location, all of us have been working hard, and we need to celebrate ourselves and our renewal of life. I am thrilled the two of you got us off to an uproarious start today!”

“I’m glad you liked our entertainment, now shoo!” I hear Jahrae call out to them. M’traliel leads the way, and the others dutifully follow. I get up and close the door, then begin to remove my sopping wet clothing, while Jahrae does the same.

Once our clothing is off, I remark, “How about we go down like this and provide further ‘entertainment, J’har?”

“I bet your brother David would like this version,” J’har quipped.

“May I remind you there is a herd of dykes down there as well?”

“Your point is accepted and well taken.”

I walk into the bath and emerge with two bath towels, one for me, and one for my wetter partner.

“Thank you, ‘essa. I must admit drying off is rather comforting.”

I say nothing, and concentrate on my own towelling off. With this done, I move on to clothing, now unsure if I wish to wear jeans or shorts. I opt for shorts, a light tan pair that are moderately short; I do not like the near knee length ones. Hey, I have a 92-centimetre inseam, and prefer my legs to be unencumbered and free.

Jahrae chooses shorts as well. A good choice, as she has great legs. “Are you ready, oh goddess of beauty?”

“Goddess of beauty? What happened to ‘goddess of night’?”

“You dismissed that term as not acceptable.”

“I see, so you try another and see if this one is acceptable?”

“No, I just tried another on a whim. This one seems more appropriate in the moment.”

Ooh, she likes this response, and rewards me with a hug and a kiss. Am I manipulative or endearing – or both? No matter, I like the result. “Shall we go downstairs, goddess of parties present?”

“You goof!”

She always calls me a goof; ergo, I must be a goof. I have looked at the English definition of ‘goof’, and rather like the ‘cause of amusement’ one. That fits.

We head downstairs and outside, where I spot Ronnie, who has the now ten-month-old Ahrella riding frontpack. I need to check in with my baby, who can now crawl as if the wind is at her back, finding her way into everything she should not touch. A more recent development is her attempt to say words. Will her first word be in Arrhazonan or English?

Ronnie is standing with Khahishra, Anita, Saehressa, and Dottie. The grandmothers have Khahishra and Ronnie cornered. I hug and greet each after first greeting our child. I ask which language Ahrella will first invoke.

Dottie, Saehressa, and Ronnie go with Arrhazonan first, Anita and Khahishra with English.

“How about you, ‘essa, which do you believe will be first?” Anita asks.

“I will let Ahrella choose,” I reply, deadpan. I wink at the same time.

Jahrae joins us, handing me an already opened beer. She pulls a swig from her bottle, while I mimic her action with mine, realising too late she smirks wickedly.

“Ugh, what the hell is in that, J’har?” I call out immediately after spitting the swig back out in a spectacular projectile spray that fortunately misses everyone but makes them laugh. It tasted like Tabasco, and well, I am not big on Tabasco beer. I am making a face of taste-rejection, and I unwittingly make Ahrella giggle, which in turn makes everyone in the group laugh more.

“I added a bit of Tabasco to spice you up,” is her immediate confession. “I should have aimed that spray at you,” is my retort.

Addison, Sérada, and Casey wish to go in the water. I think my sixteen-year-old stepsister crushes on my seventeen-year-old daughter. I hope this crush is merely family bonding; I think it is. I pray it is. Casey is still getting used to girl-life after finally admitting the truth; she will find a very pleasant surprise waits upon reaching Arrhazon.

“Yes, you may go in the water, but Addie and Casey, you two have my direct mandate to watch out for and take care of Serry.”

“We will,” Addie replies, stepping up to smooch me on the cheek. Damn, I cannot believe she is as tall as, and how she looks virtually identical to, me; this is spooky at times. I could probably get away with being her at school, at least in wintertime. Addie hasn’t quite filled out in the breasts and hips to match me – yet.

They are off to change to play in what Jahrae knows is very cool water. I actually like cold water at times; at least I remember liking it on my stay at E’sphara’s Artist Colony. Speaking of E’sphara, I need to ring her, though I will not do this on a party day. Tomorrow.

I move on to greet others at the party; oh, there is Susan Woodward, whom I have not seen in ages; she is chatting with Jamie Collins. “Hello, Susan, hello Jamie!” I excitedly call out on my approach, while my arms outstretch, proffering a hug to each in turn.

After several minutes, Jamie moves on to chat with Vicki, while Susan and I continue to chat for a long while, deciding we need to do Reiki together. Tim asked Susan to teach ‘him’ Reiki, but of course, fate intervened and now ‘I’ am back, one long practising and skilled in the Arrhazonan version, Aailhra. I look forward to this, and if we ask my mum and Jahrae to join in, it could be an excellent session.

I ask Susan if she is interested in joining us for the trip back home. We leave in less than two months.

“Are you serious? I would love to accompany all of you and experience your world. Count me in!”

“I had a feeling you would join us, Susan, which is why I asked. Would you care for another round of refreshment?” I am suddenly playing host, even though M’traliel threw this party. I must be getting territorial!

“I would, ‘essa; I would like to try one of Jahrae’s famous lavender concoctions, I hear they are unlike any other on Earth!”

“You might say that, and I accede to your wishes so long as you spend the night right here.”

“I agree; of course I planned to stay from the first.”

The party continues through the afternoon and into the evening. M’traliel even hired a caterer, and they have served food ever since their first arrival around noon.

The sun is setting, and someone suggests we walk over to the beach and watch the…sun – I must remember to call it that – find its way to the western horizon.

There are around forty of us on the beach looking westward, and initially things were quite animated and noisy. As the sun grows larger through the ministrations of atmospheric illusion, we collectively quiet, watching.

High-level clouds invisible in the brighter light of day suddenly gain visual reality, creating an array of light and dark colouring that enthrals and inspires our beach standing horde. Partners are pairing off, including Jahrae, who slips her arm around my waist. Serry stands to my front, and I have my arms draped over her shoulders, holding her tight. Addie is with Casey, and Ahrella sleeps in our home.

No matter where, seeing a star complete its daily assignment for our portion of the world is always captivating and inspiring, as if on some primal level we pay homage to our celestial roots. My roots may lie with a different star, but I can still find a connection with its sister, disappearing before my eyes.

Arrkarhara – damn, the sun – is gone; our collective spell breaks. Slowly, people begin to move about, now at a slower, deeper, reflective pace, with voices correspondingly lower in volume. Someone suggests a campfire on the beach, and I agree to this, teaming with Addie and Jahrae to bring down the necessary firewood.

Serry wishes to toss the match on the paper to ignite the timeless symbol of human manipulation of nature. I agree, and she does so expertly.

As if someone has given instructions, the pliant group metamorphoses into a roughly circular entity, fire to our centre, as if a newly created beach-bound star around which we choose to placidly orbit, admiring what we fashioned with our hands.

We celebrate our creative inspiration by looking deep into its flickering orange, red, indigo, and white mysteries. The fire bonds with us, choosing politely to send its exhaust directly upward into the sky; nature saw to it there is no wind stirring on this mid-spring night.

I hear a snap, and assume the fuel of our fire calls out one more cracking gaseous release; another splinter of wood separated from the whole.

Sudden movement pulls my attention left; M’traliel collapses sideways into Khahishra. Time downshifts our little pocket of the universe, the universal gears now taking us into slow motion. Everything I see, I process in frustratingly slow increments.

I see M’traliel’s face, she looks as if…I see blood on her chest now, blood that rapidly spreads across her white tee onto Khahishra, while Khahishra’s mouth begins to fashion and emit a scream that pierces through the once serene and peaceful night.

Jahrae calls for everyone to drop to the sand.

I know now.

I scurry off the beach, and once in the shelter of trees, my time resets to normal. I run as fast as my legs have ever carried me, across the lawn, onto the dock, to Chekresu. I bother not with the tethers; I release the door and jump in, the door sealing behind me. I take off, pulling half the dock with me, half of it remaining; it is broken in two, the outward section carried along by Chekresu. I am outraged.

Systems tell me what I already instinctively know: there is a small but speedy craft less than two tenths of a kilometre off our beach, beginning to move away. We never saw it, but I see it now. They saw Chekresu and now speed away.

Three people are on board that boat, each with a weapon that cannot hide their presence from Chekresu’s sensors. They have multiple weapons; AK-47s and sniper rifles. The latter type of weapon is what felled M’traliel. Sensors, running even when Chekresu was not in use, recorded three shots fired, two after Jahrae’s prescient warning to lie prone in the sand.

I am over the boat now, and I fry their weapons, instantly. Their hands are likely not in good shape. I release the tether holding the half of the dock still with Chekresu and it plunges into the lake. I am tempted to sink their boat; I feel a powerful urge push me into vaporising their boat. I wish to kill these pricks even as their boat moves away from our gathering. I am enraged.

The system that would do this is programmed and active, ready to turn three human lives to less than dust. I begin to depress the triggering switch when an onrushing wave of Aailhra sweeps through body, mind, and soul. My dad – it is my dad, and somehow I hear him say to me “no, do not do this, llhaesa, be true to you; please be true to whom you are and to what you believe.”

I pull my hand away from the switch.

“Dad? Dad, I hear you, and you are right. Thank you.” I speak aloud, the spoken words simulcasting my inner thoughts. Goddess, he is right.

I call authorities and advise of the situation. Ending the call, I deploy self-fastening electronic grips onto the escaping boat. They are powerless to stop this, and once the devices signal their attachment and online status, I lift their boat out of the water and rapidly increase forward speed. “Have fun, you are about to make a rapid one way trip to the closest police station, courtesy of me,” I yell out defiantly.

A minute later, I release the boat from a height of three metres, their boat landing with a jarring, bouncing, and rocking thud in the middle of the police parking lot, where officers, weapons drawn and pointed, surround them. I turn Chekresu away and head back for the beach, setting down behind the unmoving group of family and friends.

I run out and through everyone, all stepping aside before my approach, as if they awaited my arrival and believe I must be with my friend. Elsrensia works feverishly on M’traliel, Elsrensia’s face reflecting despondence and despair. She authoritatively commands, “llhaesa, get a gurney off of Chekresu, stat!”

I run again for the craft, releasing the door, climbing in, running through, grabbing the gurney, and running back out. The crowd left a passage through which the gurney floats through to the awaiting Elsrensia.

I fall to my knees and I pray; I pray loudly, I pray frantically. I vaguely hear others join with me.

I pray to Goddess, I pray for my friend, I pray for her life. I pray.

This was a formal attire fare affair, and both llhaesa and Jahrae readily accepted this as their clothing fate for the evening.

Due to the expected lateness of the hour of conclusion, Sérada slept over at a friend’s home, while the much older Addison would attend the state dinner with her parents. In addition, llhaesa, Jahrae, and Ronnie insisted that Casey also attend, and Saehressa concurred with their judgement.

Wishing for a stylist with which one has comfort, with N’kenenda on Arrhazon and Oalessa on her way back there on Equality, the guests of honour at the state dinner needed to find a viable alternative. They chose to call upon Mary Woltera and Cindy Rodriguez, the co-partners in the exclusive Visions salon in Washington, and the two stylists Barbara Millwood recruited for llhaesa and Ronnie’s makeover day in Annapolis.

Those in the know considered Cindy and Mary the best in the greater D.C. area; their services were prized and sought out by government officials and visiting dignitaries. Knowing of the state dinner, and already knowing Ronnie and llhaesa, they readily agreed to clear their personal slate and assist, adding that they would also have their six best stylists ready to assist the group.

Llhaesa expressed resistance to Jahrae losing the fire hair look, and was relieved Jahrae agreed, though the highlighting was in need of touching up. For her, dreads had run their course for now, though she was sufficiently fond of them to return to such a style at some point in the future.

The stylists had their work cut out for them: there was llhaesa, Jahrae, Ronnie, Elsrensia, Addison, Chsensera, Jesnsera, Saehressa, M’traliel, Khahishra, Vicki, Dottie, David, and Anita tended to by eight superb stylists. Even Casey was going to get a do-over, a choice given him by Saehressa and one he initially expressed resistance to, but subsequently changed his mind.

Rather than take four craft southward, all met at the t’yaeli-Khentavra residence and made the trip on Chekresu, and all would stay at their home and the home of Ronnie and Elsrensia upon their return.

With llhaesa pregnant, she was the official designated pilot, along with Elsrensia. Both would not imbibe intoxicating beverages at the affair of state, allowing the others free reign to have fun – within the bounds of diplomatic decorum.

The lively group set out early for Washington. There was so much to do, and hair was only the beginning. There was clothing waiting for them, arrangements and fittings having been done a couple of weeks before, and the actual time of pre-arrival preparation, not to mention a light lunch in there squeezed into the mix of the styling and clothing time.

The White House expected their arrival, and insisted that Chekresu land on the grounds, from where limousines would take the guests to their various destinations – after breakfast with the President.

Anticipation of the high-powered interaction left Casey nervous, despite their best efforts to downplay his worry; nonetheless stepped forward to shake the President’s hand with great trepidation, and she could feel his hand trembling.

Reacting swiftly, the President’s arms flew upward and opened as her hand left their handshake, and she pulled the young man into a heartfelt embrace. She knew his story, and she loved that this special family – one that rapidly moved toward the forefront of world leadership – took him in as one of their own. If only all children were so fortunate.

After the President moved on to Addison, Casey, the hug an incredulous experience, beamed a smile that would light the Shenandoah Valley. Once the President continued on past Addison, Casey glanced toward her and silently mouthed the word ‘wow!’

Breakfast was a smorgasbord of delicious and delectable dining, and by the time the family and team climbed into the two limousines that carried them off to ready, most felt the immediate pull of a nap preferable to a day of dressing and styling.

Dedicated as they were, led by the kinetic and unflagging llhaesa, pregnant yet leading their charge through the day, the group of fourteen dutifully went about the necessities of their special day.

The first stop was hair, and this would prove time consuming, much to the chagrin and lament of Casey and Addison, who redirected their time into humour, and who began to sound like a teenage version of Jahrae and llhaesa in their relentless teasing of one another.

“Like mothers, like children,” Saehressa quipped to the other adults watching the younger two interact. Llhaesa, Jahrae, and Ronnie chose to wait until the others finished before their hair was touched, and so were present for the conversation.

“Whatever do you mean, mother?” llhaesa asked, feigning innocence. “I know of no one who puns and quips and teases such as our children do here.”

“And naturally, you do not expect me to believe that remark, ‘essa, which is quite fortunate for you, I think!” Saehressa replied. Changing the subject, Saehressa inquired into llhaesa’s wishes for redoing of her hair.

“I am of uncertain mind, as per usual, mum. The dreads served their purpose, they shocked my unsuspecting wife – as did her fire hair for me, I might add – but they were rather hard on my scalp initially, and I would rather have my head feeling no discomfort as I greet dignitaries from across this world.

By the way, should I hold my hand up with fingers in a ‘V’ sign behind Jahrae’s head once things are underway?”

“Oh, geesh!” Jahrae heard this remark and responded, rolling her eyes as she did so. “I so know you would do this, and you talk of being unlike our children in their remarks and antics!”

“I would not do that, Jahrae. There are plenty of other things that would tempt me first.”

“Of that I have no doubt. Since you play this evening, and since you inevitably get me in some way in a concert, I can only wonder what devious scheme works through your mind.

There is just one thing though – I so missed you doing so!”

Jahrae rose quickly and kissed llhaesa on the forehead, and sat back down, not wishing to engage in a prolonged public display of affection, though as she sat llhaesa had already sprung to her feet, reciprocating, this time kissing Jahrae on the mouth.

“My my, someone is affectionate this morning!” Ronnie remarked. “Perhaps I need to show Elsrensia the love as well, to heck with our hair, lets do it!”

Saehressa held her hand to her heart, while her face pulled over a look of shock. “Such things you say in front of your poor, innocent, mothers!”

“My mums are hardly poor, and definitely not innocent, Saehressa – unless you, Dottie, and Anita claim virgin births.”

“Well, llhaesa’s is a forthcoming virgin birth!” Saehressa tossed back.

“It is? Jahrae, is your wife a virgin? Across sixteen years, you have yet to consummate your marriage?” Ronnie inquired, continuing the teasing and dragging Jahrae into the fray.

“Apparently my wife is claiming innocence yet again.” Jahrae replied, having missed most all of the exchange that prompted the remark by Ronnie.

“Me? I have said nothing, my love. There is no claim of innocence from me!” llhaesa self-defended. “Our mum claims me innocent in my fertilisation.”

“Notice she said ‘fertilisation,’ and not ‘insemination,” Anita decided to toss a comment into the conversation.

“I can assure everyone that llhaesa is no innocent,” Jahrae unexpectedly and playfully defended her spouse.

“You say this in hopes llhaesa spares you in her comments and performance at the state dinner!” Ronnie rebutted.

This tangent of discussion halted as the first redone hairdo, that of Dottie, appeared, leaving everyone to praise and gush over the cut, styled, and highlighted do.

Vicki followed Dottie back to the group, while David, the simplest to handle had finished before Dottie.

The hair event took hours, but the group at last finished, with Jahrae retaining her fire accented hair, though newly enhanced, strategically trimmed, and curled.

Llhaesa proved the most radical change on this day, leaving dreadlocks behind for a wilder, dishevelled look, one that saw slightly below the tops of the shoulders hair twisted and lightly curled throughout, with streaks of platinum blonde lightening and complimenting llhaesa’s natural dirty blonde colouring, and it looked stunning upon her.

Addison and Casey drew the most praise; both looked older than their years, each with a distinguishing cut that suited them, yet maintaining a youthful and slightly irreverent look.

Back into the limos and a brief drive up the road, the gang of fourteen stopped for a bite to eat. A light lunch ensued, soup for the lot of them, procured from a favoured local diner that was along their travel route. Since it was after the usual noontime rush, the diner had no problem seating the large group.

The soup lunch lasted but an hour, with the group back in the limos and on to their clothing stop, a designer’s original wear clothier.

With twelve women and two men to tend to, most thought that meant twelve gowns and two tuxedos. As the fitting swung into high gear, the Arrkarharan contingent of the family expressed surprise as llhaesa stood in traditional open jacket black tuxedo with burgundy coloured cummerbund and bowtie, worn over a formal white, winged collar dress shirt, the look simply and tastefully completed with round toed faux patent leather black boots featuring a 6.5 centimetre heel. Llhaesa refused to wear leather.

Wearing such a heel, a heel likely shorter than that worn by most women in attendance, llhaesa nonetheless would tower over most of the Arrkarharan guests – except her mum, who would prove a close match in height. Stunning in its simplicity, not a person in this room would be unaware of her presence, which made two, since her partner would form a team that enraptured and enthralled all in attendance.

Jahrae wore a shimmering silk, burgundy-coloured gown, the colour matching llhaesa’s cummerbund and bowtie. The gown was of shoe level length and flared out slightly below the waist. Above the waist, it was halter-top style, with a slight band of fabric rising up and around her neck, the front gathered at the neckline. A white sash began above her left breast, swung down toward the right, around her waist to the side, and back up to end with the fabric at the edge of the fabric in back, which left her back exposed from just below the shoulder blades upward.

Her shoes were burgundy, heeled sandals that suggested regal elegance, yet were comfortable for their wearer.

The others gasped as they saw Jahrae, especially since her hair stylist, armed with a swath of cloth from the dress, altered the streak of red in her hair to a matching burgundy hue.

While this was impressive, the white sash drew everyone in. This featured many formal decorations, including several for bravery, leader of the Equality Revolution, service to the people of Arrhazon, protector of life, Ambassador to Arrhazon, leader of the mission of rescue, and recognition for her charitable efforts.

Not even llhaesa was aware of this sash prior to now. Jahrae was reluctant to wear it, but Gl’nsiel insisted that as representative of their people, the sash was a requirement. “Jahrae, Goddess of Arrhazon, Jahrae! Look at you!” Llhaesa exclaimed, her voice reflecting the appreciatively stunned and admiring feeling that stirred within.

Jahrae had another surprise for llhaesa. Disappearing for a moment, she returned with a white coloured, scarf-like sash that she draped back and front over llhaesa’s left shoulder and then pinned it in place. “Jahrae, what are you doing?” llhaesa asked, with no clue as to Jahrae’s purpose.

“This is for you to wear, my love. While you are not in the employ of Gl’nsiel, she asked me if I might convince you to wear this on behalf of our people. On the sash are decorations for being the foremost spokesperson for equality on Arrhazon, for courage in the face of likely arrest and possible execution, one for having fifteen years of your life stripped away as a result of working for the cause of equality, for advocating for all people, and one for protector of life. There is one recognising you as the Mother of Arrhazonan democracy and equality, with another for founding the charities I run. Finally, there are several for music, among them recognition of you as the foremost composer and foremost musician in our world’s history.”

Caught off guard, the unexpected honour humbled llhaesa, and she meekly responded, “I would be honoured to wear this on behalf of the Arrhazonan people, who so graciously awarded it to me.”

“I would say the two of you make one amazingly stunning pair,” Anita observed, emerging into their gathering area wearing a traditional slate blue chiffon gown, with wide shoulder straps, the hem length tapered from mid-calf to floor length. Attention turned to Anita, as she took her turn fielding compliments.

Out came Casey, in black, double-breasted tuxedo and black tie, wearing black loafers to match the look and his younger personality. The others complimented him, but tried not to pile on, knowing he was sensitive to an overt amount of attention.

Still, he earned a hug from everyone and a whispered comment, this keeping away the embarrassment of a group discussion and effort. He was spared by the return of Addison and Ronnie, Addie wearing a simple floor length navy blue silk strapless gown, and match navy blue pumps, prompting Ronnie to call out “I don’t know about this, my gosh, can you believe Addison, my child, is so stunningly attired and captivating? My child has grown up!”

Ronnie wore a smoke-grey gown of floor length that darkened in a gradual gradient pattern. The gown pulled in at the waist, the cloth held by a pendant of gold and diamond loaned to her by the designer. Shoulder straps were of gathered fabric, and fell slightly off Ronnie’s shoulders onto her arms.

Saehressa emerged, wearing her choice of a v-cut ragged edged, ankle length gown with straps that circled behind her neck, the material a random pattern of turquoise and black that gradually increased streaks of black moving from top to bottom. Turquoise heeled sandals, sandals that placed her on an equal height level with her daughter, matched the turquoise in the gown, creating a flowing and carefree youthful image.

Standing next to llhaesa, Saehressa looked thirty-five, while her daughter looked twenty-five.

The parade continued as the remaining members of the family and team emerged, with the group gathering for a photograph of them together, which the clothier would use for publicity purposes, with their permission.

The lot of them were dressed, and they were ready, with three hours left before the state dinner. Given they were guests of the President and staying in the White House for the night upon the President’s insistence that morning, they climbed into the limos once again for the drive to their residence for the night.

Carried on board was Jahrae’s obvious wish when she sprang into llhaesa’s arms, a wish with which llhaesa happily and easily complied and fulfilled.

Although tall, llhaesa was rather lanky, now as she was when she and Jahrae first met, and few suspected her actual strength until they actually witnessed llhaesa in action in some way.

Such a time unfolded when llhaesa lifted Jahrae off Jamila’s stage and spun thrice, Jahrae’s legs out flowing, despite llhaesa having two fractured ribs. Carrying Jahrae onto Ambassadorial Revolutionary a minute before was another example of llhaesa’s understated strength, and the six adults accompanying the couple spontaneously broke out in applause at the touching romantic gesture.

Once across the rail and onto the boat, llhaesa softly lowered Jahrae to the deck, accepted Jahrae’s instant, excited, and thrilled offering of a hug and kiss, from which it seemed neither partner had any wish to conclude.

Conclude they did though, for there were guests waiting on the dock, and llhaesa, ever a gracious host, quickly held out a steadying hand for the other boarding passengers to grab as they climbed aboard.

Accompanying Jahrae and llhaesa on Ambassadorial Revolutionary’s initial voyage were M’traliel and Khahishra, Ronnie and Elsrensia, and David and Vicki, along with Serada, Addison, Sean, Rafferty, and Pegasus, Addison and Serada’s Newfoundland puppy.

Ronnie held the puppy, and passed him to Jahrae before making her crossing onto the boat. No one feared the combination of puppy and sea, for this was a Newfoundland, renowned for instinctive swimming prowess.

An impromptu tour of the boat deck began, with llhaesa leading the way, explaining features, information on the sail, and technical details.

“Jahrae,” llhaesa called out, “one of the trips made by the crew on Chekresu was not to work on the homes, rather to work on this boat. They replaced the auxiliary engine – an internal combustion engine – with a more compact and state of the art engine from Equality. For those of you unfamiliar, this new engine runs on water, somewhat convenient on a boat, is it not?

They also upgraded the communication and navigation equipment with Arrhazonan equipment, but recalibrated it to display and interface in English, rather than Arrhazonan – in case David, Vicki, Ronnie – or others – use or pilot the boat.

Shall we go below and see how things look down there?”

Llhaesa once again led the way as the group toured the inner spaces of the spacious sailboat.

After they finished and returned topside, Jahrae found her voice. “Llhaesa, this boat is a beauty, and I shall treasure it for as long as I am alive.

You know my love of water, which I know you now share with me. I know of no better way to spend a day, so long as you are with me.

You are a sweetheart, though I should not say this, for fear my words shall return to haunt me!”

Llhaesa already searched for words to pounce upon, and sensing Jahrae felt ready to spar, offered, “Just think, Jahrae. You remain in command of a ship, even after the departure of Equality!”

“My love, do you conveniently forget I am head of the diplomatic mission to this world, and as such, the highest Arrhazonan authority here? Do you also forget you are an Arrhazonan, not an Arrkarharan, and as such I am responsible for your conduct?”

“Perhaps you should reconsider this position of authority you hold, my dark haired goddess T’srha. Accepting responsibility for me is an unenviable task I would wish upon no one else, particularly upon someone who loves me.”

The group seemed to settle in for the show of the exchange, for the llhaesa -Jahrae teasing was legend amongst everyone but Vicki and David.

As if sensing their expectations, Jahrae sat down on the seating built in a U shape around a securely fastened table, finding a place of comfort for the exchange. “My most rambunctious and aspiring blonde, dreadlocked nymph, you would do well to see to the refreshment needs of our guests, rather than risk displeasing the goddess who concedes to let you share a bed with her.”

“You undoubtedly refer to the same dark haired goddess who journeyed for fourteen weeks and across fifty light years, just in search of the aspiring nymph. I accept the risk of potentially displeasing, for the dark haired goddess accepts the greater risk of sleeping with a pregnant woman under whom the boat relentlessly pitches, rolls, and yaws.”

“Point taken, my love; point taken! Now shall the dark haired goddess and the blonde nymph of fantasy team to see to the needs of our guests?”

“We can certainly team, but perhaps we are wise to clarify what the needs of our guests might be? I am reluctant to leave such an all inclusive invitation in their observant hands, T’srha dear.”

Jahrae’s eyes reflected the inner joy she felt at hearing llhaesa tease and play with her middle name, recalling the long years of regret for never having shared the name. “You seem taken with my name, ahrella.”

“Well now, perhaps you and Ronnie will understand why our third child will carry the name Ahrella T’srha T’yaeli.”

Hearing this name for the first time, Vicki spoke up, inquiring. “You know the gender of your child, and you have chosen a name?”

Jahrae fielded the question, knowing llhaesa wished to share this news, but had yet to find the opportunity to do so – until just now.

“Yes, the gender is known, and we have chosen her name. We thought our middle names, symbolic of our reunion – would be a nice combination for our third child.”

Very nice choices,” Vicki sincerely complimented the parents.

Llhaesa made her way into the completely stocked galley, joined by Jahrae. The guests decided amongst themselves they wished to minimise the work required in assembling refreshments, and so they decided to go with Jahrae’s famous Lavender Goddess, which required minimal effort to make a pitcher full.

That done, llhaesa asked if everyone was ready to cast off from the dock, and receiving an affirmative reply, asked for Jahrae and one other volunteer to assist in readying the boat to leave, to which David sprang up, ready to help.

David and llhaesa untied the lines from the shore ties, while Jahrae, making use of the auxiliary engine, slowly moved the boat away from the dock and into the narrow channel between prongs of the main dock.

The boat effortlessly slid out into the bay, heading for the open ocean beyond. Within an hour, the mainsail and genoa exclusively powered the craft, their white magnificence gleaming in the bright, cloudless sky. The auxiliary engine had long since shut down, and there was a special feel to riding the water in a sail-powered boat that each of the guests felt drawn to.

The fifteen-metre boat smoothly plied the waters in a south southeasterly direction, a path slightly askew from one paralleling the coast. The passengers were ready to spend several days basking in the warm fall sun in the waters off Florida, the Bahamas, and various other islands. Eventually, the vacationers wished to make it into the Gulf, though they were uncertain how far they would go before returning to Palm Beach.

Fall was prime hurricane season in this region, and the sailors took special care to check weather conditions prior to actually scheduling the trip. All was tranquil, with no sign of inclement weather. If a problem developed, Equality would immediately inform them of the danger.

The sea was cooperative in its perfection, with just enough of a breeze to keep the boat moving at a moderate pace southward. Their first intended stop was just off the island of Bimini, which they wished to reach before sunset.

Jahrae kept the boat true to course with her masterful sailing, though she sailed waters new to her. Most gathered around the periphery, though the children were below, engaged in a game of Monopoly.

“Llhaesa, this boat is magnificent!” Jahrae casually observed to her smiling partner. Was this retaliation for the ring?”

“Actually, the idea swirled within me for a few weeks now, but it was only with the flurry of music sales after the Jamila appearance that the funding actually was in place such that I could spring for a boat of this nature.”

Ronnie could not resist commenting. “You never bought me a boat of this size. Why the one at camp is a dinghy compared to this one!”

Llhaesa laughed at the teasing, rebutting, “This boat would consume over two years of Tim’s salary, Ronnie!”

“And how long did it take you to earn this?” David asked, curious.

“That depends, David. If you count time to acquire skill, then measure time from childhood. If measured from the time I wrote the music, three weeks. If measured from the time I made the music available for sale, three days. Not to change the subject, but, David and Vicki, we are at a point now where the foundation can begin operation.

I will leave it to you and Ronnie to work out the details, but the money is already flowing into the account. That is the extent of my business talk today.

Did I happen to show anyone that this boat comes equipped with a professional keyboard – which I happened to make certain was on board the boat. Perhaps once we settle down off Bimini, I shall play.”

Meeting their desired goal, the boat set anchor off Bimini an hour before sunset. The water was as glass, carrying an aquamarine hue. All felt the draw of the water, and within minutes of laying anchor, everyone was in the water, excepting the puppy, who watched from the deck, yearning to be in the midst of the water-play that unfolded before him.

Unable to resist no longer and finding his courage for the leap in, Pegasus leapt off the deck, coming down alongside the startled llhaesa, who watched the little guy quickly find his sea legs, swimming from person to person, as if Newfoundland water decorum required him to check in and ascertain the good health of each swimmer.

Satisfied, Pegasus made his way to the children, who splashed and generally seemed far more interesting to spend time with – until two dolphins joined the swimmers, cautiously exploring the lively group.

Llhaesa’s thoughts immediately flashed back in time, back to Empo, and she felt sad for not asking Jahrae if she had any further encounters with her sea friend. Making a mental note to ask later, llhaesa hoped these dolphins would actively desire to interact as Empo did, and whether they chose to was entirely their call.

Once on board, Jahrae saw to the Salston’s need for living space, and with this done, she set out for the Dining Hall, requesting reservations for a party of fourteen. This number included Elsrensia, for the connection between Ronnie and Elsrensia was no longer just speculation, it was fact.

Jahrae also requested seating near the broad expanse of massive portals that formed the outside wall of the ship, captivating ambiance for the gathered family.

Reservations were for eight pm, allowing plenty of time for people to settle in, perhaps nap, shower, and dress for dinner.

Jahrae had a surprise for the evening that she would share with the group, an idea unintentionally gleaned from Jamila during a commercial break.

After the programme, she and Jamila mysteriously scooted off, promising only to return shortly, and they did, a full forty minutes later, offering no explanation as to where and why they had gone.

With arrangements for dinner made, Jahrae returned to their suite, finding herself pounced upon by a very much in the mood llhaesa. With four hours until the reservation, there was more than enough time for play and time to ready for dinner.

Jahrae softly giggled at and frolicked in llhaesa’s sexual aggressiveness, treasuring every second of the resulting intimacy. They settled in anticipation into their bed, silken burgundy covers drawn to cover their bodies in case of the unexpected incursion of visiting children, not wishing a reprise of Serry’s night time intrusion several weeks before.

They made love driven by the full force of their passion, though Jahrae muted her calling-out, knowing if her voice reached above a certain level it would be audible outside of their immediate environs, and questions from their children would prove the equal of their entering the room at an inopportune time.

Knowing they ran against the clock, they kept their bed play under an hour, the satisfying ending flowing into sleep in the arms of one another.

Jahrae woke with a start at eight pm, immediately recalling the time of their reservation. She scrambled out of bed, the sheets pulling off llhaesa as they caught on Jahrae’s feet, such was her frantic effort to reach the bath and expeditiously shower.

Llhaesa woke from the sudden removal of the warmth of both Jahrae and the bedding, and immediately fell into laughter as her partner tried to shake herself loose from the entangled sheets.

Deciding it was pointless to move until Jahrae vacated the shower, llhaesa lingered in bed for ten minutes, pulling the bedding back over her, and awaiting her turn to shower. When Jahrae walked out of the bath wrapped in towels – one for hair, one for body – llhaesa, bereft of any clothing, scooted into the bath and on into the shower, attempting a new personal best in shower time.

Dinner was not a formal affair, but both dressed a bit above their usual clothing for comfort. Jahrae chose black and white as a colour theme, knowing llhaesa loved her in that colour combination. Her choices consisted of black dress slacks and a white mock turtleneck tunic, with an Arrhazonan sapphire goddess of fertility draped on a gold chain around her neck.

Llhaesa, knowing much of her clothing was on borrowed time as her pregnancy progressed, chose to wear her favourite dress blue jeans with a white button down oxford top, leaving the top button of the shirt open. Llhaesa then improvised to suit her mood, finding a red scarf that she wore in necktie fashion around her neck, but with the tie inside the opened collar shirt, rather than under the fold of the collar. The tie fell perfectly, ending just a few centimetres below belt level on her jeans.

A half-hour late, the couple made their way out of their suite just before eight thirty and headed for the dining hall, where they found the rest of the family already in waiting. Both apologised profusely for their unintended tardiness.

The children were given a choice to sit interspersed within the adults at the table, or to gather collectively in their own sub-pod of dining. Led by Addison, they went with the latter choice, claiming the far right side of the table as their dining turf.

Llhaesa found herself seated at the head of the left hand side, though not by choice. She sensed this was not accidental for whatever reason, and redirected her thoughts toward conversation already underway.

Jahrae sat to llhaesa’s immediate left, back toward the portal and the spectacular view of the blue, white, brown, and green earth below.

Vicki sat directly across from Jahrae and to the right of llhaesa, while David sat alongside his wife.

Dottie sat toward the right side of the table with Hrilleae, Saehressa, and Anita, the grandmothers working their mutual magic in welcoming and initiating another into their familial sorority.

Two servers worked the party competently and professionally, taking orders for refreshments and appetisers, while standing back attentively, giving the party space to enjoy each other’s company without interference, yet being within distance such that they might promptly see to the needs of any guest.

Llhaesa listened, seeing where the conversation was in the moment, allowing her time to understand the topic at hand before she attempted to join in. With pregnancy, alcohol was no longer an option as refreshment, and so she settled for her favourite non-alcoholic refreshment, carbonated water with a couple of twists of lime.

Due to their current locale in space, the crew, curious and adventurous in ways that included their dining, made a few trips to bring earth fruits and vegetables aboard ship. The chefs seized this opportunity to create new dishes, though a few were tried and true Earth recipes.

Llhaesa, drawing on fourteen years of Earth living, ordered mushrooms stuffed with bread crumbs, cheese, and jalapeños as an appetiser, curious to see if Jahrae loved them as much as she.

Llhaesa noticed a marked change in David’s attitude. Instead of sombre, David was actively chatting, laughing, and cracking jokes, at one point even winking at llhaesa, something he never would have done with Tim.

“How are you tonight, sis?” David called out; startling llhaesa, given this was the first use of the term ‘sis’ ever.

“I am well, thank you for asking. So far, morning sickness has spared me, though I fear my appetite is rapidly gaining sway over me. These jeans will not fit much longer!”

“Llhaesa, you have a long way to go before those do not fit you, and you are in incredible shape to begin with!” Vicki tossed in. “That said, I understand on appetite, everything sounded delicious when I was preggers with the twins.

Before we get lost in conversation, thank you for having us aboard, and for welcoming us into the family, this means much to David and me.”

“I second what Vicki said,” David began, fully accepting and welcoming the change of circumstances. “When you wrestled me, llhaesa, something deep inside told me you were all about the truth that you really desired us to be family, that you had some inner drive to play big sister to me as little brother.

When you squared off to wrestle, it was at once amusing and fun, real sibling interaction on one hand, and on the other, a fervent wish to reconnect. Thank you.

As Tim, you were hard to connect with, distant, private, living in your own world. Now, you are effervescent and outgoing, a leader, both in our family and in life.

I do not know if I can be of help to you with the foundations that will form, but I surely wish to try.”

Llhaesa’s eyes flashed with pride, looking deep into David’s eyes in a way that Tim never would. She saw trust, she saw hope, she saw love. This… was family.

“The only regret I have, Tim, is that you never met my dad. You would have liked him, I think.”

Dinner proved everything llhaesa, Jahrae, and Ronnie wished it to be, cementing the ties of family, building for the future.

Jahrae held her surprise for after dinner.  Although she sat near llhaesa, she stood, calling the attention of the group. “There is an Arrkarharan – Earth – custom of which I became aware earlier today while on Jamila’s programme, and Jamila was gracious in offering to assist me, given I know not the city of Chicago!

While llhaesa and I are already married, given that our family – is of two worlds, it seems appropriate to incorporate customs of both worlds into our formal relationship.

Llhaesa, I know you know you are my moon, you are my stars, you are my inspiration in life. As an affirmation of our love, this is for you.” Jahrae held a tiny but elegant case, which she slowly opened for llhaesa and all to see. Inside was a breathtakingly beautiful blue diamond stone in an simple but magnificently worked gold setting, the colour emphasised by smaller sapphires to either side. The stones were proportional to the setting, tasteful and not garish. The ring spoke of honouring love and a partner, not one that would make it the focal point of a gathering, merely a beautiful accompaniment representing love, not materialistic predomination of thought.

Llhaesa, her emotions already on standby alert due to the wash of hormones within, fell into both smile and tears simultaneously, overwhelmed by Jahrae’s beautiful gesture born of learning of a custom and wishing it to represent her love. “Jahrae, it is magnificent, and I shall treasure this always!” Llhaesa joined Jahrae in standing, the lovers embracing and sharing a passionate, but tasteful kiss.

Lying in bed hours later, double pillows fluffed and propped up behind each of the now happily exhausted lovers, conversation was mellow, speculating and pondering their future, as well as reliving the surprise ring sharing during dinner. They lay close and tight after a heavy and passionate round of lovemaking, reluctant to fall into sleep and disconnect from their mutual wish to let the whole of their senses drink in everything about the other. “After 8 years, another baby in the home, that will be some re-adjustment!”

“Perhaps for you my dear, but for me, this child shall be a first, requiring a total adjustment.”

“And yet you wish for your turn at pregnancy as well, or so you have told me five nights in a row!”

“I do, parenting is the fulfilment of a life’s goal and dream. Growing up in a society that encouraged women to eschew careers in favour or domestic life, I was fortunate to have parents who saw a different future for me.”

“One that you enthusiastically embraced, not to mention you took serious risk to work for change leading up to the revolution.”

“That I did, but it was worth the effort. After all, I was there to assist Jahrae, and if nothing else, that was a vital strategic accomplishment, not to mention a mandatory personal requirement. Had I failed to assist, I would never have forgiven myself.”

Ronnie snuggled just a little closer to Elsrensia, and reached over with her right arm in a pseudo-hug.

“Thank goodness you were there, Elsrensia, thank goodness you were there. And thank goodness you are here!”

Jahrae was in obvious tears; there was no hiding the tears from anyone with her on the stage, sitting in the audience, or watching at home. Jamila passed her a tissue, while llhaesa sprang out of her seat with arms open, and took the rising Jahrae in her arms, whispering soothing words of comfort, gently swaying and rocking and squeezing, at once acknowledging and appreciating the emotion behind the tears, while helping Jahrae stem the flow of tears.

After what was at least a minute, both sat down, while the audience applauded as a way of showing its support and affection for Jahrae.

“Jahrae, may I ask what saddened you?” Jamila asked, gambling Jahrae would wish to share with the audience.

“Yes, you may, Jamila. For almost fifteen years I lived with the memory of llhaesa, of our marriage, and for much of that time, I thought she was dead. Memories of this person every cell in my body screamed for in emotional withdrawal from loss, never wishing to let go of this person I loved, always wishing to stay firmly attached to her memory. My memory of her was the only means of connecting to llhaesa, if only in my mind.

Think of these memories – of our times together, of watching her perform or chat with an audience on some important subject, of thinking everything she did was with beauty, grace, intelligence, and a deep sense of empathy for everyone and everything in this universe.

Now, here I am on a stage with her, before a world, before two worlds, and here I am witnessing llhaesa in vintage form, musically and politically. How can I possibly convey what it is like to see her work her magic once again? Waves of emotion swept over me watching this; I simply and selfishly cannot believe my good fortune. What the world will learn is that this good fortune I feel will in time extend to them as well, you can count on this.”

Jamila nodded acknowledgement of her understanding, replying, “Well said Jahrae, well said. I believe the world empathises with you, with your story, and they can appreciate how you feel. Isn’t that right, audience?”

The audience stood as one, their applause conveying through this medium the words they could not personally share with Jahrae.

Sensing she should not belabour the point, as well as allow Jahrae time to recover, Jamila changed the topic.

“Ronnie, can you believe llhaesa is the person to whom you were married to for fourteen years?”

“Jamila, I often think about this, how we slept next to each other through that time, both of us ignorant of the actual person that was hidden from view and consciousness.

What I keep coming back to is how things have worked out, how I finally had the opportunity to see and know the real person, not the façade. Moreover, with llhaesa’s unmasking came change for me, for the better. Not change as in ‘I lost a husband,’ rather change in my outlook on life; what is important in my life; in my outlook on my sexuality; and a million other things. Llhaesa opened my eyes simply by her existence and her extraordinarily prescient outlook on life. I am honoured to be in her life in some small way.”

Jamila turned toward Elsrensia, ready to draw her into the conversation. “Elsrensia, you helped Jahrae through a difficult time in her life, just after she lost llhaesa. Do you or Jahrae wish to talk about what happened during that awful time?” Jamila asked, unsure of whether either would talk on the matter.

“Jamila, in deference to Jahrae and to my professional obligations, I am bound not to speak of such matters. I will say this: Jahrae showed extraordinary resilience and courage, but she needed time and space to sort through what mattered, to step back and see how best to move forward, to stay true to her and llhaesa’s vision. She did all of the work; those of us who assisted gave her as much space, time, and love as was within our ability to give.

Jahrae is an extraordinary woman, and in her own, different way, a good – perfect – match for llhaesa as a partner and as a leader. She is someone the rest of us look up to just as we do with llhaesa.”

“Jamila, I look up to Jahrae as well, and think it important that I say this,” llhaesa unexpectedly added to the conversation. “I left Arrhazon at a time when Jahrae only began to fashion her future dreams and aspirations, finding her way through the filter of living life, and she did this with an unimaginable emotional burden. I returned to find many of her dreams and aspirations – that I wished for her as well – fulfilled.

Not all of what she accomplished was of Jahrae’s dreams, but they were of mine. In many ways, my vision of where Jahrae could go exceeded her own, for she did not realise such potential existed within her. After all, she spent her adolescent years distancing herself from the work of her parents. Well, Jahrae found out this potential did exist within her, she found out that in reality her parent’s outlook was in fact hers as well, and she embraced all of this with responsibility, confidence, and commitment.”

“Were you shocked by the change in Jahrae, llhaesa?”

“No, I was not shocked. Rather I was elated and well, that elation rather led to me carrying Jahrae’s child; none could bestow greater honour upon me than to carry her child and so all is good!” At this, the group and audience briefly chuckled before llhaesa continued.

“The love in me for Jahrae is stronger than ever, exponentially so. My wife is an extraordinary human being, an extraordinarily talented human being, and it is an honour to know, love, and share life with her.

Please know Ronnie is deserving of a proclamation of ‘extraordinary’ as well, something I learned over fourteen years, and reinforced over the last several months.

While there has been no public announcement to date, President Ellenwood gave authorisation for me to mention this on air today. When Equality returns in just over fifteen months, Ronnie will journey with us to Arrhazon, doing so as the first Ambassador from the United States to the world of Arrhazon.”

The audience reacted positively and with approval, cheering the news of Ronnie’s appointment. Jamila congratulated Ronnie, and added, “No one deserves this honour more than you!”

Jamila changed the subject in order to address everything she wished to discuss during the programme. “Jahrae, when you first saw llhaesa, can you describe for us how you felt in that moment?”

“I was overwhelmed with emotion, Jamila. To see llhaesa after so many years, after years of believing her dead, the most fervent of my dream-wishes played out before me.

I perceived a glow enveloping her, all that she is, was, and will be shining brightly before my eyes.

Llhaesa has grown as a person, through the experiences as Tim with Ronnie, with parenting our children, with learning of your world and the culture of your world, through living life through a different perspective.

It is hard to explain how we can find additional love, or feel tangible preciousness, yet llhaesa’s experience, as did mine, led her to appreciate those around her beyond what we normally can feel.”

“Aside from the actual act of reunion, what do you believe is the most remarkable experience stemming from your reunion?”

Llhaesa and Jahrae answered in unison. “Family!” They both giggled at the common answer, and Jahrae looked to llhaesa to speak first.

“Jamila, think of the shambles things were when I first regained my consciousness. The government was after me, Ronnie and the girls had no clue as to what was going on, what happened to her husband, or to their dad.

Out of this, through our subsequent interactions, our family reshaped and bonded to this new reality. When Jahrae arrived, our family expanded to include her and our larger family.

Sitting in the front row of the audience today are Dottie, David, and Vicki Salston, along with their twin boys, Rafferty and Sean.” Llhaesa waved toward the family, and the family stood to acknowledge the audience’s applause. After the applause subsided, llhaesa continued.

“Imagine what this was like for them – suddenly Tim is gone, identified as someone else, who was in fact someone else, and that their memories of family from earlier times were not real.

That is rather upsetting, for so many obvious and probably not obvious reasons. Yet our family includes them, because over the last fourteen years we have lived as family. Now, with the truth known to all of us, things that were in the way of David and I no longer exist. David has an older sister now, and both of us can interact in ways that was never going to happen between him and Tim.

I am proud of our family, proud of how we have embraced and welcomed everyone and each other from such an incredibly diverse background. Jahrae?”

“I agree with llhaesa,” Jahrae began. “From the moment we landed in Henna, where I was greeted by Ronnie’s immediate and unsolicited introduction of the children as my daughters, well, that was an incredible moment I will cherish forever.

Being a mom to our girls is an experience I would not trade for any other in life. That they accepted me as a third mom, well…Jamila, when either of them look into your eyes with total trust, that responsibility is enormous, but it is the best of feelings. I am proud of them, and proud to be their parent.”

“Now you will be a parent again, the three of you. Such exciting news that you share with us! Jahrae, when you were on the journey here, after you knew llhaesa was alive, what was your expectation?”

“I had great faith llhaesa would once again be in my arms, and me in hers. I knew of Ronnie and the girls – we watched broadcasts from Arrkarhara – Earth – from early in the flight, so we knew what media reported on llhaesa and the family.

To be honest, I was unhappy with the reported treatment they received by your Acting President, none deserved such horrification. President Ellenwood is fantastic, a wonderful leader for your world, with a strong sense of human rights and a vision for the future. Her recovery changed so much.

With Ronnie and the girls, I had no idea what to expect, though part of me feared significant animosity. It is a testament to they and llhaesa that this worked out in such a wonderful way.”

“How did you learn that the in vitro fertilisation worked, that llhaesa is pregnant?” Jamila wondered.

“Ronnie and I accompanied llhaesa on the appointment,” Jahrae explained. “My understanding is you have home tests for pregnancy here that you use in privacy. Elsrensia simply waved a small electronic device over llhaesa to determine if she was pregnant. Elsrensia, perhaps you can demonstrate for us?”

“I will, Jahrae! Llhaesa, would you stand, please?” Llhaesa stood up in front of her seat, while Elsrensia held a device no bigger than a thin mobile phone, waving it past llhaesa. This took a fraction of a second to do.

Elsrensia held up the device, where unintelligible writing appeared on the screen. “My apologies, the results are in Arrhazonan, but it simply states the subject scanned is pregnant. The result is one hundred percent accurate.

These devices are not technology we withhold, and we will see to it that they are manufactured and disseminated to your medical community, at no cost to your world.”

The audience roared in approval of both the test and the announcement of the sharing of this technology.

Llhaesa chose to follow this with an announcement that new water generation and purification technology would soon become available as well, this promising to revolutionise life in third world and arid regions. “No more will you need to dam your rivers for water. No more will you need to divert rivers like the Colorado, they will once again flow free.”

Yet another round of enthusiastic applause filled the studio, and this revelation earned llhaesa a hug from Jamila, who bounded out of her seat with arms already opened toward the sitting and surprised llhaesa.

“OK, changing things up, llhaesa! Would you perform for us once again?”

Llhaesa smiled, with her infectious and beautiful smile reflecting a combination of verve, appreciation, and graciousness for the invitation to do what she loved most.

Llhaesa walked deliberately to centre stage, where this time only the grand piano awaited her. Intending to play a classical work she wrote for piano, llhaesa, who advised Jamila prior to the programme of what she would play, found a beautiful arrangement of fall flowers and colours setting atop the left hand – audience side – of the open lid piano.

Llhaesa gracefully sat before the piano, drawing her deep breaths, a solitary spotlight shining down upon her and the piano, blocking out from view the greater expanse of the stage.

The piece started slowly, working with emotion instead of stretching the limits of llhaesa’s physical ability. Instead, she caressed and stroked the keys from the front, from sliding her fingers onto keys from the side, playing with the timing and length of notes, the strength and forcefulness of struck keys, letting one sound intermix with another, all in such a way that the emotional language of music filled the studio.

In truth, only someone of llhaesa’s peerless skill could play in this manner, such was the intricate weaving of physical ability, technical competence, an intimate relationship with and mastery of the universal language of emotion and of music.

Bundling all of these elements together, knowing precisely when and where to make use of inflection, raw statement, urgency, angst, pain of loss, and emotional highs, llhaesa drew in the entirety of the audience. Across generations and genres of music, those who loved rock, or jazz, or blues, or any of the myriad genres of music, found themselves drawn in to llhaesa’s wondrous performance.

The piece itself was ten minutes in length, and while llhaesa performed conservatively in terms of her movement, those who watched knew this was the more remarkable of her two songs, while the two performances confirmed what was rumoured and speculated: no one had ever had the pleasure to witness a musician more talented than llhaesa.

Llhaesa ended on a reflective note that emotionally implied all was well with the musical world and story she created via the performance.

Returning to her seat, Jamila waited for the continuing uproarious applause to subside before asking llhaesa about the piece.

“Jamila, I wrote the arrangement over a two week period, as part of a larger classical project that is only partially finished. It is a story not unlike that of our family, and it brings together the diverse emotions of those who have lost loved ones, of how they reunite, of how they reconstitute family, all told through the exclusive voice of various instruments, each representing one person.

For today, I used the piano to play parts that other instruments would normally play. I hope it worked well this way.”

Before Jamila could affirm that it indeed had worked, the audience stepped in and shook the studio with another round of appreciative approval.

The legend of llhaesa ahrella t’yaeli had now taken firm root and hold on a second world, a world that would find its way to view her in precisely the same way as its cousins, some fifty light years away.

Llhaesa, Jahrae, Elsrensia, and Ronnie would make the trip alone, their first flight unaccompanied by one of the ship’s crew. The grandmothers would oversee the children, from class time through bedtime, just in case the four industrious voyageurs, with their multitude of guests, were not back on board at that time.

Boarding Chekresu, Jahrae saw to closing, sealing, and pressurising the craft, whilst llhaesa ran a pre-flight check. The wide array of instrumentation indicated the craft ready for depressurisation of the hangar, but llhaesa waited for actual confirmation from Jahrae before requesting this next step.

“Are you nervous, Ronnie?” Jahrae asked, in reality teasing llhaesa.

Seeing Jahrae’s playful expression, Ronnie fell in step with the teasing. “I have second thoughts, Jahrae. Perhaps it is best that we get out and walk. Llhaesa can meet us there.”

“Aren’t you guys’ funny?” llhaesa shot back at them, adding, “Of course, if you continue to tease while I attempt to pilot this craft, you might find us landing on the moon, instead of in Tampa.”

Jahrae groaned. “That is actually our fear, llhaesa. Now you are certain you have gained certification, right?”

“You saw my certification, Jahrae. Remember, there is return flight, of which I will be a passenger, not pilot.”

“Only if we land in one piece, and Jahrae, Ronnie, and I have doubts on the likelihood of this occurrence!” Elsrensia tossed in.

“Three against one, this is most certainly unfair. Undoubtedly, on the return, you will speak of Jahrae’s mastery of the controls, the smoothness of our flight, the beauty of her landing, and the confidence you felt throughout! Just you wait, Elsrensia and Ronnie. Both of you, as well as my dear wife, are apparently pre-destined for the oubliette of my soul!”

In reality, Ronnie, Elsrensia, and Jahrae had total confidence in llhaesa’s ability to fly the craft, as did llhaesa in their ability. Such was the closeness amongst llhaesa, Ronnie, and Jahrae that the usual banter between llhaesa and Jahrae had acquired a third participant, though Ronnie had yet to master the nuances of how they used words and language as their implement of choice in jousting. Elsrensia, still getting up to speed on things, loomed on the outside, as another who would soon fit right in the tight knit family.

Llhaesa, in communication with Equality, awaited instructions to take the craft off the deck and move out into space. The ‘go’ instruction came seconds later. “Chekresu, hangar is depressurised and doors are open. You are clear to lift craft and leave the hangar.”

“Authorisation received and noted,” llhaesa replied in Arrhazonan, which Ronnie now clearly understood. “Power levels in desired range, Chekresu is ready to lift; and initiating – now.” The craft slowly lifted off the decking, and reaching the desired and instructed height, llhaesa signalled again, “forward thrust initiated.”

The craft moved through the doors at a speed that would measure an almost snail like twenty kilometres per hour. Once cleared of the hangar doors by one hundred metres, llhaesa increased forward speed to two hundred kph, and at a distance of ten kilometres, began a powered descent, the opposite of the traditional Arrkarharan space faring methodology, where craft slowed to enter the atmosphere, in effect dropping from orbit.

Llhaesa much preferred a power-type descent, in which she remained in control of Chekresu at all times, and allowing the use of higher speeds.

With the craft descending, her tension eased, though her concentration on task remained. Still, llhaesa engaged in conversation, expressing excitement over the various planned elements of their day.

Within fifteen minutes, she expertly landed the craft behind the Salston home, in the same location as on their first visit. Ronnie handled depressurisation, and once accomplished opened the door, allowing the waiting Salstons, including the twin boys, to climb aboard.

As soon as the newcomers settled in, llhaesa once again took to the skies, flying above normal aircraft routes. The advanced equipment aboard Chekresu served as their personal air traffic control system, superior to anything currently in use by world governments.

The flight northward from Tampa unfolded and completed in a spiffy ten minutes, resulting in a smooth landing on the lawn to the side of llhaesa and Jahrae’s new home, their new home but seventy metres from Ronnie’s home.

The passengers disembarked, and spread out across both properties, checking the substantial but mostly hidden improvements made by work teams from Equality. Each home was essentially intruder proof, and redundant safety systems protected all advanced technology.

Jahrae and llhaesa planned an addition to their new home, and they preferred to hire an Arrkarharan contractor to do the building, part of their wish to become part of the local community.

The addition would consist of a great room with cathedral ceiling, this to provide adequate space for a baby grand piano. A second room would house a small recording studio and one room for Addison, one for Serada. For the short time they would live in this location with the baby, once born, the couple planned to keep the child in their room.

The family toured through both homes, checking out the systems and improvements, chatting and laughing, talking of and imagining future improvements.

Short on time, Jahrae, using her new Arrkarharan based mobile, while having little idea what she ordered other than the descriptive provided by others, ordered pizza for the group from a local eatery, ordering several pizzas to meet the needs of the varied tastes and likes of the family.

Llhaesa, familiar with the Arrkarharan delicacy called pizza, chose for her and Jahrae, suggesting Jahrae order a large pizza with mushrooms, black olives, jalapeño peppers, and artichokes. Jahrae’s accent proved difficult for the order taker to understand, and so she repeated the request thrice before finally succeeding with the order.

After dinner, the adults pitched in to clean up, and this done, re-boarded Chekresu to head for Chicago, llhaesa again piloting. The group landed an hour before show time, and waiting staff greeted them warmly. Dottie, Vicki, David and the boys would watch from the audience, while llhaesa, Ronnie, Jahrae, and Elsrensia appeared on stage, llhaesa to perform later at centre stage.

Jamila hugged her friends, and invited the group to her spacious office until it was time to head into the studio. A half-hour before broadcast, they made their way into the studio, the Salstons taking to their front row seats.

At precisely two pm, the show began taping, for this would not be a live broadcast. Jamila greeted llhaesa, Jahrae, Ronnie, and Elsrensia, the former two on the far sofa, the latter two on the closest sofa to Jamila, who sat in a wing backed chair just off to the side, angled so she could speak to audience and guest alike.

“It is great to have you back again, llhaesa, Jahrae, and Ronnie! Special greetings to our new guest, Elsrensia!” Jamila began, once everyone found a seat. “Llhaesa you look well, in far better condition than when we last saw you.”

“I feel much better as well, Jamila. My ribs and jaw are healed, and the two teeth that had temporary implants are now regenerated, all thanks to Elsrensia.”

“Elsrensia, you are new to our stage,” Jamila spoke to her newest guest. “And you obviously worked wonders on llhaesa’s recovery. How long did healing take?”

“Approximately thirty hours in all.” Elsrensia replied.

“You just said ‘thirty hours.’ How could she heal so quickly?” Jamila asked.

“We have technology that facilitates rapid re-growth of cells, Jamila. Unfortunately, this equipment is not portable and is aboard ship. Perhaps one day we can make use of this technology here.”

The five chatted for a half hour, interrupted by two commercial breaks. After the second break, Jamila asked llhaesa to perform, and she readily agreed.

Llhaesa was ready to play, and would let both the music and her mood shape what followed. Walking confidently to the grand piano and keyboard waiting for her on centre stage, llhaesa sat upon the piano bench and drew her customary three deep breaths. Her arms lifted upward and backward, palms forward as she did so, all of this movement in harmony with her inrushing breath. Her arms came down on exhale, only to lift anew with a new breath.

Finished, her brain cleared and focused, llhaesa began to play. Uninhibited physically as she was when Jahrae first arrived, llhaesa’s fingers showed peerless dexterity and coordination.

Choosing to play a newly written song, llhaesa rocked the house, incorporating the electronic keyboard into her play three minutes into the song, this instrument offering an accenting and duelling contrast to the piano.

Llhaesa’s voice ascended above the instruments, reaching for lows, highs, and about everything in between. Llhaesa held notes, as if having no need to breathe, she changed inflection for emphasis, and her voice projected and soared, the combined instrument play and vocal performance creating a performance unique in the annals of recorded performance on this world.

At one point llhaesa lay down upon the piano bench and reached upward to the keys, playing unseeing and from below. In the last minute of play, llhaesa stood while she performed, moving in time with the music, spinning, and playing with her back to both instruments. She finished with a jump into the air in place, somersaulting and striking a hard final note while unfolding into an upright landing.

The audience loved it, rising as one to their feet, cheering, clapping, and chanting llhaesa’s name.

Llhaesa moved toward the stage edge, bowing and thanking the audience. “Thank you! Thank you!” The audience continued to cheer, and llhaesa felt her emotions stirring within. “You all are a wonderful audience, thank you!” llhaesa yelled out, the cheering finally tapering off and fading away.

“I am touched – and rather emotional – over your appreciation; please know I will treasure this moment through my life.

I wish to chat with you for a moment, if I may, if Jamila is willing.” Llhaesa looked toward where Jamila and her guests sat, receiving an enthusiastic go-ahead nod.

“In two weeks, my family will settle into life in your country, on your world, for the next fifteen months. We are grateful to President Ellenwood, Chief of Staff Paang, and Attorney General Millwood for the great kindnesses extended to us over the last few months.

We intend to prove ourselves worthy of such kindness in whatever way we can. Now I know some think that should mean immediate access to advanced technology, but we are not at a point where that is possible.

What I wish to do, what we wish to do, is work to change this, work to get the people of this world involved in working for a better world, one free of war and oppression, where equality is both law and practise.

From my perspective, all of us can do better; we can play a role in change. Where I see the most promise is with the women of this world, our abilities and outlook too long oppressed.

In order to achieve lasting results, we need everyone engaged and involved, putting forth ideas, discussing the options, choosing solutions.

It is not sufficient to talk change, or to throw our hands up and claim it is impossible to achieve meaningful change. The only acceptable course for us is to work for what we wish to achieve. If we fail, at least memory of our effort will comfort us. Perhaps we identify where we fail, and we try again, but we must start somewhere, and that starting point is now.

Before I rejoin everyone to chat, I wish to share a personal element from my life, a new development. I… am pregnant.”

As when she shared this on ship, an audible gasp rose from the audience. Even Jamila’s expression reflected pleasant surprise, wishing and anticipating congratulating llhaesa. For now, Jamila congratulated Jahrae, who simply and quietly uttered to Jamila, “Wait, she has more to share.”

Llhaesa smiled, first looking at the gathered group onstage, and then back out to the audience. “As you all know, I am a lesbian, and chose in vitro fertilisation as facilitating methodology. In this case, the fertilised egg is from Jahrae, fertilised with blood from Ronnie.

We decided that since we three parent our two girls, we should continue parenting as the three of us, though in terms of actual partners Jahrae and I are partners, while Ronnie and Elsrensia are partners. I suspect that our parenting group of three might one day be four.” As llhaesa said this, she looked directly at Elsrensia, her look signalling welcome into the family circle.

Elsrensia blushed at the mention and public pronunciation of her relationship with Ronnie, and she reached out with her hand to take Ronnie’s hand in hers.

Resuming her chat, llhaesa publicly thanked Elsrensia for her efforts in making llhaesa well. “There is more. Elsrensia oversaw hormone treatment prior to implantation, and she handled the process of fertilising Jahrae’s egg with incredible skill.

Elsrensia is from Arrhazon’s first family of medicine, and she gives honour to all in her family who have done so much in insuring the health of others.

I know for you of this planet, this is startling news, two women conceiving and a third carrying, but this is common practise on Arrhazon. I wish you to think of this not as a violation of the natural order of the universe, fashioned in terms of your particular beliefs, rather as something that can change the unnatural order of things that are not so nice.

What I mention here is also unfortunately true on Arrhazon, though I dearly hope to see evidence of much improvement upon my return. I speak of domestic violence and sexual assault, driven by power needs rooted in insecurity, framed by control.

In the past, some have used biology against us. We bear the brunt of reproduction, and through various societal mores, patriarchy boxed us in.

No longer is biology our limiting destiny. We turn this around, and we make biology our liberating option, not limiting destiny.

The option we chose is liberating. Most heterosexual couples would not make this choice, nor do I advocate that you consider our option as one better than another – it is not a better option. Instead, know the technology is available – and Elsrensia will work to facilitate this through respected institutions.

Perhaps our culture begins to change, begins to recognise that biology cannot control women, because… we have options.

Imagine us having confidence, not willing to endure domestic violence, because ours is a culture of options, options we are willing to consider and embrace.

You have a word for this – choice, though the word is often used rather narrowly. An added choice will soon be available, further empowering each of us.

Know the power each of you carries in your hearts, your minds, and your bodies. Know that we can overcome challenges together, if we believe in each other.

Part of the change for which I advocate includes gender equality, and it begins here. Will you join with me?”

The craft landed in Washington, returning Alicia Ellenwood, Marcia Paang, and Barbara Millwood to the White House, and with that accomplished, set a course south for Florida, toward what llhaesa, Ronnie, and Jahrae knew was their most difficult and challenging task to date – facing the Salstons.

Accompanied by the entirety of their newly formed family – Saehressa, Hrilleae, Anita, Addison, and Serada were also aboard – the three mums hoped to expand their number by Dottie, David, and Vicki Salston.

None had illusions this process would prove easy. While Ronnie quickly saw the wisdom and potential efficacy of the reconstitution of her family, David Salston harboured negative feelings toward Tim before the llhaesa transformation. Dottie, while becalmed by llhaesa’s words when llhaesa called, still was unpredictable. There best hope for making things work was Vicki. If Vicki saw the good in things, the others would likely pay heed to her viewpoint.

Llhaesa called to say the family wished to visit, and Dottie readily agreed, though llhaesa heard David grumbling in the background, obviously suspecting who called Dottie.

The ship came to rest in the Salston’s Tampa back yard. Dottie Salston owned the property, but David had lived there ever since the news about Tim broke. Vicki flew down to Florida with the children, this to spend a week, leaving their prized employee Sherri to run the general store.

Llhaesa warned Dottie to keep the children out of the back yard, giving an approximate time for landing. Llhaesa pondered landing in such somewhat confined places, and while she already completed classroom instruction on flying the craft, to date only had flying time to her credit – no landing practise. “Better to leave landing this to the professionals for now,” she thought.

The craft set down in the Salston yard, and inevitably drew interest from curious neighbours. A group of around twenty gathered around the landing site, while police did not respond, owing to the dissemination of information from the government that the Arrhazonan team had clearance to land the craft anywhere they wished, outside of restricted space – which first required advance notice before entering. Jahrae planned to negotiate a treaty on this matter once living on world.

One by one, the passengers disembarked, with Dottie’s face illuminating at the sight of Addison and Serada. Both ran to her and took a turn at offering a hug and a kiss, and then reprised these actions with David and Vicki, before spotting the twin boys standing back against the rustic spiked panel fencing. Changing and redirecting their focus, they ran off to greet the six year old twins Sean and Rafferty.

Addison set off in the direction of the three younger children, immediately asserting control of the small group of children. Ronnie loved that Addison was of an age where she could watch her younger sister and other children, making it easier to tend to other matters.

While the children reconnected and reacquainted, the adults did the same, excepting there were several meeting for the first time. Ronnie, now the most familiar person to the Salstons, handled introductions, starting with llhaesa, Jahrae, Saehressa, and finally Hrilleae. Ronnie noticed their presence apparently bothered David, but he tried to maintain a diplomatic front towards those who were guests in Dottie’s home.

The fall Florida sunshine was still powerful, and the morning hinted at the day becoming hot. David brought out folding chairs for the entire gathering, and immediately and graciously proposed a barbecue later in the day, though not suspecting four of the new arrivals were vegetarian, with Addison the most recent to proclaim this her dietary pathway.

The adults settled into the improvised seating, with llhaesa sitting just to the right of Dottie. Jahrae sat by llhaesa, while Ronnie sat to the other side of Dottie. With chairs arranged in a loose circle, the visiting grandmothers sat to the other side of the seating circle, facing Dottie, Ronnie, and Jahrae.

David, apparently anticipating this gathering for some time, and with advanced notice of their arrival, was ready. “Do you think it is ok for you to waltz in here like you are actually family to us?”

“David!” Vicki called out, clearly embarrassed and aghast at David’s comment. “Ronnie and Tim – llhaesa – are part of our family. We have been family ever since they married, which from what I understand, is when Tim – llhaesa – was first placed here.

David, we have talked on this before, and you told me you understood, yet now you go and say something like that. If you cannot act civilly, then perhaps you should go inside and let the rest of us chat.”

“Vicki, it is ok,” Llhaesa began to say, but Vicki cut her off before she could complete her comment.

“No, llhaesa it is not ok, not in any family of which I am a part, thank you.”

“Very well, Vicki, I will be frank; you are correct, at least from my point of view. Here is what I propose: David and I will take a walk and chat by ourselves, whilst the rest of you can visit.”

Vicki tilted her head as her eyes shifted to a more distant gaze, signalling her feeling that llhaesa’s idea had merit. “David?” Vicki asked, awaiting his response.

“Yes, I will walk and chat with you, Tim, llhaesa, or whoever the hell you are.”

Both rose from their seats and readied to walk off for a stroll along the roadway. Jahrae felt skittish over llhaesa and David walking off, but she ultimately realised this was likely the best way to ratchet down the animosity and reach an understanding.

Vicki took over, playing gracious host, and asked if anyone might be interested in homemade lemonade. The off-worlders, curious as to what this soon to be proffered drink was, agreed, marking their first foray into Arrkarharan ‘cuisine.’

Saehressa jumped up to offer assistance, as did Ronnie, and the three disappeared into the Salston home.

Meanwhile, David and llhaesa walked off at a brisk pace set by David, no doubt to burn off some of the energy roiling inside of him. Llhaesa was naturally first to speak, given David circled the wagons and prepared to defend his turf.

“David, I know we were not close before this, and I accept blame for not working to overcome that distance. Now that my mind and body are restored, perhaps I am better able to address this issue now.”

“Are you saying you wish to be close to me? For what reason would I wish to be close to you?”

“Because you have no siblings and I am the closest you have to one – and that pesky actual history of the last fourteen years.”

“I do not understand why you persist in this – it was all a lie, a lie. You were a fake, your people brainwashed my mother – not your mother, my mother, and now she lives with memories of birthing you as Tim, of raising you; yet it is all phoney memories.

Can you imagine what this is like to live with? On top of what they did to her, they brainwashed me as well.”

“I can, because I have reciprocal memories that are faux in origin. Not of being birthed obviously, but childhood memories with Dottie and with you – none real.”

“You have fake memories?” David asked, apparently not thinking of this possibility.

“Of course – I was the one they planted here and had to believe in this new identity they gave me.”

“What are you going to do about it?”

“What am I going to do about what, David? Llhaesa asked, unsure of his intent.

“Your memories – are you going to do something to rid yourself of them?”

“I am uncertain, but at this point, I am inclined not to, for various reasons. First reason, and in all honesty, is that the science is at best experimental, and deservedly so. Playing with minds should not happen, ever. To strip these memories from me would mean yet more invasiveness, and I have no desire to reprise such an action.

Secondly, I have memories of Dottie that pull me closer to her. We forged an actual relationship since my arrival, but I hate to strip her out of my life.

Believe this or no, but I hate to strip you from my life, David. I understand why you are hurt, but I will not sanction and condone your conduct. If we are family, then I am your older sister, and well, as your older sister, you can expect me to act like one and challenge you if you act abhorrently. Like now.”

David remained silent, and llhaesa could sense conflicting emotions stirred within him. They continued their brisk walking pace, now some blocks from the Salston residence. Llhaesa, the taller of the two, easily matched David’s pace.

“What is your name again?”

“Llhaesa – La.hay.ess.sa.”

Silence returned, and llhaesa intentionally maintained her silence, affording David time to think. They traversed half a block and a full second block before he spoke again. “How old are you, really?”

“In your years, I am thirty-nine years old.”

“Four years older than me.”

“Yes.”

“Are you really looking to be my older sister? Do you not wish to return home?”

“I wish to return home, yes, but at some future date. And in truth, I am of two worlds, David. My children are of this world and the world of my birth. I will not remain on either world exclusively.

Right now, I have things that I wish to do here.”

“And that would be?”

“Establish my family, re-establish connections with you, Dottie, Vicki, and the children, build my music career here, and change the world, those types of things.”

David looked at llhaesa as if she were daft. “You just said ‘change the world’ with a straight face.”

“That is because I meant what I said.”

David stopped walking, and turned to llhaesa, suspicious. “So that it is it, is this some sort of ploy to exploit this world and us?”

“Hardly, and don’t be ridiculous, David. We have not chatted about my history, because you have this hair across your arse about how I came to be here, which was through no fault or effort on my part – they kidnapped me, changed me, stripped me of my memory, and now that I am here, well, you are stuck with me.

‘Stuck with me’ means, you deal with my track record.”

“And that track record is?”

“Rather than explain it to you, I will show you this evening, providing you accept my invitation – our invitation.”

“What invitation is that?”

“To visit the ship Equality, and strip yourself of ignorance. I wish to ask you and Vicki to do something, and it might change your life – providing you get these dumb science fiction movie plots out of your head about aliens trying to take over the planet. Yeah, I know, Arrhazon did not get off to a great start due to our former Chief of Government’s conduct, but ours is a democracy restored. And it was working toward that and equality that led to my being placed here to begin with.”

Llhaesa, seeing the hesitance – almost fear – in David’s eyes, and still sensing the latent anger that led to this walk, decided to play David’s game on David’s board.

“OK, here is the deal, David. You wish candid and tough talk, well, here goes: I am a musician. A damn good musician, the best you or anyone on this world has ever seen, and that is equally true of Arrhazon – where I am from.

Early in my career, just after graduation as valedictorian – from a school ten times better than your best – I was outspoken on politics and issues of equality. The head of government hated me, but I persisted in my efforts.

At the age of twenty five, many people were clamouring for me to lead the government of our world, to run for Chief of Government. When I showed signs that I might just do this – and win, well, here I am.

That is what you are dealing with. I intend to work to change this world, David. Change it to end war, to end discrimination, to end poverty and starvation. Now if those sound like horrid goals to you, well, walk away.

On the other hand, if they sound like goals that seem impossible but are worth striving for, I’m your girl. Or specifically, you are my guy, and Vicki is my girl – to run a foundation funded by my music earnings.

This foundation will work towards the things mentioned above. You will be able to send monies to Africa or South America or within the US where people are most in need. Imagine you and Vicki – in charge of this effort, in charge of the monetary element of working for change.

Now tell your older sister she is wrong to do this, and that she is wrong to ask. Go ahead, tell me you do not wish for me, or for Ronnie, or for Jahrae, Saehressa, Anita, Hrilleae, Addison, and Serada to be in your life.

Go ahead and tell me, David. Go ahead and let out that anger, go ahead and shake that chip off your shoulder. It may suck how we came to be family, but the universe made us a family. And I am claiming you as my brother, like it or not.”

David stood and stared at llhaesa, mouth agape, uncertain how to respond. A million emotions swirled within, resulting in confusion and an inability to act. Anger still showed, and llhaesa, sensing she played the right card, pushed further.

“You never beat me as Tim in wrestling, David. In case you think that suddenly changed, think again. I will whoop your arse!”

On the side of a road devoid of traffic, one that wound through a residential neighbourhood of Tampa, the Salstons squared off as they had numerous times before at the lake, each awaiting the other’s first move.

David, tired of the dance around, made his move, lunging at llhaesa. Llhaesa swerved out of his path, spun around and caught David by surprise, by her action, by her strength. Inside of ten seconds, llhaesa had him pinned; inside of a minute, the two laughed uproariously, and it was then llhaesa knew she played her cards right.

Choosing to dine quietly, the maitre d’ seated the three diners away from the mainstream gathering of guests in the dining hall, but near one of the large portals affording a spectacular view.

The girls wished to dine with their parents, but for this occasion, the three parents felt that it was best to take time and work things out amongst themselves, in order to have a general blueprint as they went about schooling and parenting the children.

The divorce of llhaesa and Ronnie already decided upon, the next big questions to consider was housing, as well as where the children would spend their time. Housing was first on the agenda. Currently Ronnie held two properties, the home in Henna and their camp upon the lake.

Llhaesa and Jahrae initially thought of using the camp, especially given their love of water, but now they were having second thoughts. “Perhaps it is best for Jesn and Chsen to locate there,” Jahrae suggested.

“Where would we stay, Jahrae?” llhaesa wondered, trying to follow Jahrae’s logic trail.

“I am certain Ronnie would have us for a few months, while you get to the business of music and start generating income, and Ronnie quickly nodded her affirmation.

“While that is possible, and would make sense for the girls, perhaps I should mention a few housekeeping items. First, the music website is finished. Email is up and running, this is a public address. I have another for private use. Within a week, there will be music available on the site for purchase.

This commerce is possible because President Ellenwood today emailed approval of our request for working visas. The team is indefinitely authorised to reside in the US.

Jahrae, you have email news as well?”

“Yes. The team has email established for on planet correspondence, the addresses of which we will provide to the various governments on planet. These are official addresses, used for non-commercial purposes. Each of us has such an official address, excepting you, Ronnie, as you are an Earth citizen.

Ronnie, before you feel left out, I have another email address for you – one that actually interfaces with Arrhazon’s email system. You can use it to correspond with anyone there – like our Chief of Government, whom I know wishes to speak with you.”

Llhaesa returned to the subject of housing. “I will record music over the next few weeks, and make it available immediately. Jamila will list the site on her website and mention it on air. I suspect that when we are ready to move, we will have sufficient funds for housing, which is why I have another suggestion to make. We should buy the house next door to yours, Ronnie. It is for sale.”

“That house is similar in size to ours. You can afford something rather sizable – or will.”

“Our concern is to be near the children, not having a huge home.” Jahrae replied before llhaesa could. “Having a home next door erases many of the logistical issues we otherwise would have. Of course, if you do not wish us to live there…”

“Are you nuts? I would love to have both of you living there! Ronnie refuted.

“Then it is settled. We move in next door. On to another matter, how to manage revenue generated from the music site, from concerts, etc. Jahrae, you handled this on Arrhazon, but you have a full plate of duties already. I do wish for this to work the same way, but we need someone competent and trustworthy. Any ideas, anyone?”

Jahrae smiled and playfully punched llhaesa’s arm. “You have someone in mind already!”

“Yes, I do.”

“Who do you have in mind, llhaesa?” Ronnie asked, clueless.

“You.”

“Me, but I am a teacher, what do I know about accounting?”

“Neither of us are accountants, Ronnie. I suspect you will have other duties in another year, but for this year, this is my thinking: you oversee things, and you bring on someone to train that will run the show beginning next year.”

“That brings us back to where we were before,” Ronnie replied. As an afterthought she added, “What will I be doing after another year?”

“Remember when I suggested you might make a great ambassador to Arrhazon?”

“What a great idea!” Jahrae tossed in.

“What is – Ronnie managing the business, or her being named ambassador?”

“Both.”

“Ronnie, do you recall when I suggested you would make a fine ambassador?” llhaesa asked.

“Yes, but –“

“I mentioned it to President Ellenwood. Expect her to ask you soon.” Llhaesa finished before Ronnie could voice her objection.

“What!”

“She likes the idea, and thinks you are the perfect choice – if you are willing, of course.” Llhaesa had not shared this with Jahrae, and so Jahrae was as shocked as Ronnie.

“Llhaesa, you waste no time in getting things going, I am impressed! For someone still recovering from injuries, you manage to get things done.” Jahrae beamed. “Now how about Elsrensia – where will we house her?”

Ronnie wasted no time in answering this question. “She will live with me.”

Jahrae merely smiled, knowing this pair found attraction on first meet. Llhaesa was unaware, and it was her turn to be surprised. “You two have eyes twinkling, so I rather suspect this is an arrangement borne less of practicality than of desire.”

“You would be right, llhaesa.” Ronnie answered.

“This team is pairing off like atoms of hydrogen and oxygen. Sheesh, I’d best watch Saehressa and Anita!” llhaesa observed, marvelling at how two relationships had formed so far.

“By the way, llhaesa, has Chsen spoke to you yet?”

Puzzled as to what Chsen would need to speak with her about such that Jahrae would ask, llhaesa asked for explanation. “Why would she wish to speak with me?”

“I cannot say, but you should visit with her privately tomorrow,” Jahrae replied, not willing to say more.

“We sort of wandered off from discussing financing,” llhaesa began, trying to bring the discussion back on track. “Ronnie, Jahrae will train you, and after giving this some thought, I will ask you to consider Vicki and David as your successors running the music affairs.” Llhaesa referred to her ‘brother’ as Tim, and his wife. “While I know David is not at all happy with me in the moment, he will come around. I trust both implicitly.

Ronnie, our business is set up to send much of the money generated into worthy causes – thus how Jahrae came to run the five foundations. I have no idea what the foundations are worth now, but my last year on Arrhazon they were around what you would know as $100 million in assets. What are they worth now, Jahrae?”

Jahrae laughed, knowing the reaction that was certain to erupt upon her answer. “Two hundred fifty billion give or take a billion. That is the actual foundation assets, and is after most revenue went to EREGS.”

Both llhaesa and Ronnie looked at Jahrae, wide-eyed and speechless. Ronnie found her voice first. “You are telling me that llhaesa and your foundation on Arrhazon has assets greater than that of many countries on this planet?”

“I am unfamiliar with the assets of the countries on your planet, Ronnie.” Jahrae sincerely answered. “All I will say about this for the moment is that your last three songs did rather well, ‘essa. After all, they triggered a revolution.

As for our personal assets, they are nowhere near that amount, Ronnie. I would guess they are around what the foundation was worth when llhaesa was last there. Both Llhaesa and I prefer the bulk of the money go to worthy endeavours.

You should know this, and it is ok for me to say it, because llhaesa and I have already talked about it – and set the process in motion. Trust funds are already being set up for the girls – and for you, so when you get to Arrhazon, you will have funds available for your use.”

“OK, we move on, Llhaesa changed the subject, still feeling stunned after the figures mentioned by Jahrae. “Now we must discuss housing for M’traliel and Khahishra.”

“You mean M’traliel, right?” Ronnie asked.

“No longer, as Khahishra has just chosen to stay with M’traliel. Only Hrilleae will return home.” Llhaesa explained. “Saehressa is staying with us, so we have no room left. Housing for M’traliel and Khahishra becomes a priority for us, and we must work on this over the next few weeks.

Another thing of note on M’traliel that is important to mention. Jahrae, I have not had a chance to tell you today, but M’traliel is rejoining the music world.”

“She is going to perform? But M’traliel does not like being on stage!” Jahrae responded, knowing her friend’s dislike of performing limelight.

“That is mostly in terms of being a solo performer, though she is apprehensive on stage, or was. M’traliel tells me she is less shy and concerned now. Therefore, I asked her if she would record and tour with me, the two of us performing together, and she agreed.”

“’essa, that is wonderful news!” Jahrae replied, excited by this change of heart by M’traliel. “You will make a great performing team.”

“Thank you, and I am thrilled to team with M’traliel, we should have a great time. We will begin practise next week.”

There was no intent on Bill Green’s part to share everything known to the government, just enough information to mitigate the rampant rumours running amok, which threatened to cause panic and violence.

While Acting President Green prepared to deliver his speech to a waiting world, technical crew moving back and forth in the Oval Office making a seemingly endless array of connections, eight hundred miles south-southwest of Washington, David Salston sat with Dorothy Salston, his first visit with his mom in eighteen months.

Known to friends and family as Dottie, she remained as active at 64 as she was at 30.

Gardening was her forte, her comfortable Tampa home displayed the best gardens in the neighbourhood, and the gardens were a direct result of her daily effort, care, and love.

Dottie liked to work out of doors in the early morning hours, when the heat of a Florida summer’s day was at its nadir. Sometimes she would go for a second round of gardening in the hour or so before sunset, when cooling shadows crept long across the gardens, blocking her from exposure to the full intensity of the relentless rays of the sun.

With darkness now blanketing eastern North America, Dottie’s garden work had ended hours before. After finishing in the garden, she took to her kitchen, looking for something for dinner that tickled her interest and that could be quickly fashioned together; her search paused as Dottie heard the telling call of her doorbell.

Moving to the door, she was surprised to find David standing at the door, bag in hand, and even more surprised when two government investigators showed an hour later, their purpose to run back through her memories of Timothy, from birth to adulthood.

Dottie shared her extensive memories, not at all happy at what she sensed others were attempting to suggest – that her memory of Tim carried significant flaws, to the extreme extent of fabrication.

The President would speak in just a few minutes, and she and David would be the most intent viewers in the nation, his words carrying direct bearing on all that swirled within them.

Earlier, David outlined what he knew, but to Dottie, it seemed like so much nonsense – she knew her memories of her sweet child, there was no way they were fabrication. If only she could speak with Tim.

Her thoughts shifted back to her surroundings as the President came on-air. “Good evening fellow Americans. Over the last week, an event has unfolded which is the subject of countless rumours, the source of wild speculation.

I would like to share with you what we know to this point. I hope that the truth will serve to dissipate rumour and mitigate speculation, though I understand we will much discuss the subject in the coming days, weeks, and months.

On Tuesday, 24 July, a therapist in northern New Hampshire met with one of her regular clients. HIPAA law prohibits me from sharing some details, but I can share what unfolded that is in the public domain.

An anomalous event occurred on that day, the nature of which we cannot explain, at least at this time. Spontaneous genetic mutation occurred, transforming the person meeting with the therapist. The person involved shares a story explaining why, though we have no way of ascertaining whether it is true.

Given the circumstances, we accept it as truth, absent contrary proof. We can say up front that DNA testing confirms this person has no direct relation to any other human currently on this planet, though there are historical ties dating to 15,000 years ago.

This is a summation of the story: her world suffered through injustices, and as an outspoken advocate for change, the leader of that world sent her into exile, first using genetic masking to change her physically, as well as mask her thoughts. Apparently, the process was highly experimental, and as such, flawed.

Over the years, her actual memory worked at the flaws, the internal pressure of her repressed memory finally exploding outward, resulting in the anomalous event.

This person is in our protective care, as is her family. She assures us her world is otherwise peaceful, albeit the social injustices that led to her exile. It is prudent for us to attempt to ascertain the truth of this, of all she has told us, and I am confident we will find it to be as she suggests.

There are important ramifications for our world. Our scientists have long speculated on alien life, and many people have long speculated on such life visiting us here. Well, it looks like they were right, but few that I am aware of ever suspected those with whom we made first contact would be our cousins.

It is vital that we evaluate this altered circumstance intelligently and calmly, and come to a good place with this new reality, not of one interwoven with fear.

Rest assured I will act prudently and presciently, but the bottom line is we have to learn to accept that our universe is full of life and sentience. Perhaps now we begin to lay the groundwork to a new era of life and humanity, where we connect and interact with those from other lands. Consider this… is 1492, and… this time, this time we have to get it right, not create yet another painful history.

President Ellenwood mandated that this person was her guest, and I honour her mandate, excepting we must ascertain the truth such that we make wise choices to protect the interests of all people.

Thank you for your time, and may heaven smile upon the peoples of the universe.”

David looked over at his mom, whose face wore a look of great shock.

For Dottie, the President of the United States just called out her memory as a complete fabrication. Either that or this… alien took Tim’s body, and destroyed her son. In her mind, this was the most likely happening and explanation, and her shock quickly mixed with full-blown outrage and hate.

Dottie began to shake; the shaking increased in intensity, reaching a point where David could see her entire body quiver. He began to move as her colouring dropped away toward pale. His mom’s breathing began to seize, leaving her gasping for air, her consciousness visibly waning. David hurriedly dialled nine-one-one, requesting immediate medical response.

Emergency medical technicians arrived seven minutes later, stabilised Dottie’s breathing, placed her on a litter, and whisked her off to the closest medical centre, David riding with his mom.

Riding along in the rapidly moving ambulance, David looked at his unconscious mother, and the feelings the image created in his mind matched the rolling and jarring that came with a vehicle moving along the ups and downs of uneven road pavement. The entire sordid story was incomprehensible and beyond reason; how this… this… alien messed with his family, and by doing so now harmed his mom, threatening her life.

For David in this moment, let outrage take control of his mind. He hoped with every atom of his being that the person he once knew, the brother he called Tim, would rot in hell for all eternity, insufficient payment for what he did to the Salston family; but he could think of no greater punishment with which to find satisfaction.