South Of Bikini 2- Meeting The Relatives free porn video

Admiral Demmit arrives with a mission request. Apparently he had found Reilly's vast historic library on his visit to the future and researched a few old friends... South of Bikini: Onward Episode 8 "Meeting the Relatives" "Mommy?" a small girl's voice whispered in my ear. "Mommy!" the same girl's voice whispered with a little more force. A pair of small hands shook my shoulder urgently. "Mommy, wake up! It's Christmas morning!" The small hands shook my shoulder harder. "Mommy needs a few more hours of sleep, hun, go back to bed for a while," I mumbled, moving my head slightly on my pillow. Why was it wet? "Mommy, Cassie's already down in the livin' room sortin' presents! I told her you would be mad, but she just kept doin' it! Mommy, get up!" Samantha's whisper turned to a quiet hiss as she shook me harder still. "Sammi, I just came back from a rough mission, hun! Let mommy sleep a little longer," I pleaded and turned over. "Alex, you've had yourself locked in here for a whole day! As your doctor AND your sister, I ask that you get up!" Emily's voice suddenly startled me awake. "And my name is Emily, not Samantha, so get up lazy bones! Revile was thirty minutes ago!" 0630 hours, Atlantis-Minor Base, June 29th, 1944 "Revile? What day is it?" I asked, rubbing the sand from my eyes. "Oh, I am sooo sorry!" my sister said in a sarcastic voice. She brought a fist to her chest in mock homage. "It is 0630, June 29th, 1944, Empress!" She glared at me. "Now get up, Alex!" "Why is my pillow so wet?" I asked offhandedly as my hand came up to investigate. "My guess is that you tired yourself out so much- pushed yourself so hard- blamed yourself for everything that happened- as usual, that you did the only human thing possible- you cried yourself to sleep yesterday morning!" she angrily reprimanded. Emily sat down on the edge of the bed. "Alex, I really think you should go easier on yourself. There is a slight chance that all that stress could do damage." I felt her touch my hip, noting that it felt warm and smooth. I was still lying on my right side, but wearing my favorite pink nightie instead of my shorts and 'T'. Why did that keep happening? Emily read the question on my face. "Why do you keep putting that thing on, Alex? I'm sure you have other...more modest nightclothes programmed in." I didn't answer right away. "Was it that bad, sis?" she asked, breaking me from thoughts- mindless ones. "Was what that bad?" "Your last mission. Was it that bad?" I nodded cautiously. "Almost lost Brie, Chuck, and Randi," I mumbled. Emily gasped quietly. "That's terrible, Alex! No wonder you looked exhausted yesterday morning! Um, can I ask why you called me Samantha before?" "I dreamt it was Christmas and Sam was trying to wake me up to tell me that Cassie was sorting presents downstairs. I have no idea why I would dream something like that." "Maybe that is your way of escaping and coping? Using pleasant memories to displace bad ones? It is the way the human mind interprets and manages traumas both physical and mental. Pleasant thoughts and dream sequences release endorphins and block unusually high beta waves so that the body can relax and achieve REM sleep." Emily's head twitched suddenly and her eyes refocused on me. "Future Emily or my Emily?" I asked gently with a smile. "Future, I think. That is the strangest feeling, Alex. How do you deal with that?" "You get use to it over time, sis." "So, are our sister and future brother-in-law safe?" "I left them in 2010, Em. Brie, Chuck, and Brittany." "Brittany?" She seemed to concentrate for a moment. A huge smile flashed to her face. "Oh! That's wonderful, Alex!" Emily's smile waned slightly. "Isn't that a little ahead of schedule though?" "Maybe just a little." I brought my hand up to my face and narrowed my thumb and forefinger. "A little." "Mina isn't going to be happy with you, you know!" "I'm not happy with the way things turned out either, Em! I made some downright bad choices on this mission! Sometimes, I wonder if I'm really ready for this gig." "What's a...a gig, Alex?" She looked at me, confused. "Sometimes I wonder if I'm ready to be the Empress, Emily," I rephrased my concern. "Oh, come on Alex! How long have you been doing this?" she asked, turning to her right to face me better. "About three months," I said sheepishly. Emily crossed her arms in front of her. "How long have you really been doing this, Alex?" she asked angrily. I had to really think about that. "About fourteen years, give or take a few months," I replied, barely above a whisper. Emily tried to gasp the air completely out of the room! "I had no idea, Alex! You need to slow down before you age prematurely!" She looked pleadingly at me. "I'm in no hurry to lose you, Alex." "It's all in the job description...unfortunately," I reassured her with a smile. "So, when is the next mission, my Empress?" Emily giggled after a short pause. "Didn't you just prescribe taking it easy, Dr. Scott?" We both laughed at that. "Uncle Rick is on his way, Alex. He should be here in an hour or two so you better get yourself put together." "Why wasn't I informed of this yesterday?" "Um...you were sleeping it off, maybe?" Emily giggled again and hurriedly left the room. "That's cheating, Alex!" I heard her complain from the short hallway. Why did she say that? Wonderful! I don't even have time to hit the shower, I thought. Wait, what was I thinking? The shower helped me at least feel cleaner! After brushing my teeth and brushing my extremely long hair out, I opened my bathroom door. "That's cheating, Alex!" Emily complained from the short hallway as she rushed by. I smiled and set course for the Mess Hall after waving to my earlier, sleepier self, just getting out of bed. The steaming cup of coffee gently placed itself on the table before me. "Thanks, Jack," I said softly. "Skipper, would you like me to put your hair back the way it was?" Corrine Masterson offered as she passed by. "My eye color, too, if you don't mind?" "Your eyes too? Who did this to you, skipper?" "Your daughter, Corrine." "Oh," she said as she started to gather up my extensive, golden blonde, tresses. "First you should take your crown off, Empress," She politely informed me. When had I put the thing back on? Had I even taken it off to shower? Maybe I needed more sleep? "Sorry, I forgot I had it on." I quickly checked to make sure it was turned off and removed my tiara from my head. "I'm glad you like it, skip," Randi said, smiling from her seat at the next row of benches. Corrine re-gathered my long hair and held it tightly to my head for a minute or two. The decrease in weight was very noticeable when she released it. I snagged a few strands and brought them into view. It felt good to see my natural hair color again. "Skipper, I'm not sure I can do your eyes right. Can you put up with them like this until I feel confident enough to try?" "I'll live with them for a while longer, hun- when y'all are ready." "Wow! They really are blue, Cap!" a tiny voice said into my left ear. "Sasha, you shouldn't have realized your gift for another month. Have I changed our present that much?" "I don't know about changing our present, Cap, but I was talking with my daughters when we traveled to Kili to kick out Hathor last month. It just took asking a few questions, that's all." I breathed a sigh of relief. The pixie flew from my shoulder and landed on the table in front of me. "I kind of liked your hair long too, Cap! It made you look like a top- notch princess- especially with the crown!" Sasha giggled, her hands quickly covering her mouth. Of all the fae I had seen, both here and on Kili, Sasha was the prettiest of all in my opinion. "So now what, hun?" I asked the miniature woman standing before me. She crossed her arms in front of her and grimaced. "Now Chief Samuels wants me to help fish wires through the tighter spots in Sand Dollar!" "So what's wrong with that? We all have to be ready to use our talents and skills to maintain the boat, Sasha." "But if I do that I'll get my wings oily! I can't fly so well with oily wings, Cap!" "Are they still dirty after you grow up and return to pixie mode again, hun?" I asked with a slight smile. The pixie clasped her hands in front of her and tried to gracefully move a crumb from in front of her with her tiny right foot. "Well, no," she said shyly, her eyes dropping to avoid mine. "Sasha, I know it's hard, but you know you have to spend most of your life at full height. You would burn out too quickly otherwise- and we simply can't order in that much honey, sweetheart!" I looked at the sad expression on the six-inch, winged fashion doll before me. "Logistics would start to question Supply, and they would start asking questions that Admiral Demmit would have to answer. Get what I'm sayin'? "I could start my own Beehive." "You could," I replied flatly. Sasha's face beamed! "I'll get right on it, Cap!" She disappeared out the already closing mess hall door in the blink of an eye! "That didn't take long, did it, Alex?" Emily commented from beside me. "Remember, it only took Alexis a few minutes to master her wings, sis!" "Not that, Alex," Emily smiled happily, "hopping back into 'Empress' mode." She laughed. Jamie Hilf came through the mess hall doors before I could respond to my sister's comment. "Skipper, Admiral's plane is twenty miles out and closing, ma'am." "Jack, assemble everyone at the dock, I'll be along after I finish my coffee." "Aye, Captain." 0814 hours, Atlantis-Minor Base, June 29th, 1944 "I'll call when I'm ready to return to Pearl, lieutenant. As always, you have seen nothing unusual here, understand?" "As usual, Admiral," the young officer replied as he signaled the pilot to start the engines on the PBY Catalina moored to our dock. He looked towards us, the formation of uniformed, pretty, young women standing at attention, and smiled. "Good hunting, sir!" "Yes, good hunting, indeed! See you in a few days, Ensign!" Admiral Demmit replied to him squarely. "Sorry, sir!" He nervously saluted the Admiral and quickly entered the fuselage and closed the hatch. We remained at attention until the plane broke free of the ocean's surface and climbed into the sky. "Welcome to Atlantis-Minor, Admiral," I said brightly as I saluted. The formation followed suit. "At ease, Captain Steinert." He returned the salute haphazardly. "What brings the Admiral to Atlantis, sir?" I asked in my official tone. "How are you, Alex?" he asked, looking directly into my eyes. His response at seeing my blue eyes caused me to cringe. I knew, without a doubt, he would say something. "I liked the green eyes better, Alex," he said before I could say anything, or answer his question. "It was for a mission with the Empress, sir." "I'm sure I'll be reading about it, Commander?" "Most of it, Admiral, yes." "Most, Alex?" "Some of it was of a personal nature, Admiral. I'd rather not explain in the presence of the crew, sir." He uncharacteristically nodded once. "Captain, I'd like to congratulate you and your crew for the marvelous job you and Sand Dollar did in our last campaign. Unfortunately, because of the... you're...unique...circumstances, any awards are impossible," His gaze dropped to the ground momentarily. "Sir, as long as we were doing our jobs to protect the fleet, our country, and democracy, no awards are necessary," I told him. "A noble sentiment, Alex, but it pains me to deny my best boat crew the accolades they so rightly deserve. If times were different, Alex..." He stopped. "I did, however, manage to send Distinguished Service medals to your families." There was a hushed murmuring from the crew. "Thank you, Admiral." I...we all saluted him again. Again he nonchalantly saluted back before his eyes dropped to the ground again. "Sir, is something wrong?" I asked, as I looked to Jack and Emily on either side of me. "Alex, I need to talk to you and the command staff in my quarters as soon as I get situated- say, in an hour? "Aye, sir. Jack, see to the Admiral's things." "Aye, Cap." Uncle Rick's gear left the ground and slowly flew towards the compound and the Admiral's quarters. The old man just chuckled, shaking his head as his belongings floated away on invisible hands. "Alex," Demmit started after we all took a seat. "There has been a request for the unique talents of Sand Dollar's crew." This was it- word of our gifts had obviously gotten out and we were to be used as weapons! It was my worst nightmare turned reality! I looked around to my friends- my crewmates. We all had similar expressions. "Admiral Demmit, speaking on behalf of my officers and crew, I must respectfully decline, sir." "Hear me out, captain." Demmit looked conflicted as he almost made eye contact with me. "It's not what you think." "Then what IS 'it', Admiral?" I pressed, maybe a little too incensed. Uncle Rick looked surprised by my response, and stared into my eyes. It wasn't his usually powerful gaze though. This look was something reserved for his equals- individuals he considered good friends- relatives. "I'm the person making the request, Alex." Each of us looked at the other in silence for several minutes. "I'm sorry, Admiral, I didn't know," I apologized to my superior. "What do you need?" Again the old man broke eye contact. "While I was in the future," he started slowly. "I reviewed the history stored in Reilly's library." "We already know you looked at the archives, Uncle Rick, you told us, remember?" I reminded him as I watched his expression remain unchanged. "What I didn't mention was the fact that I researched some of my fellow crewmates from the closing days of the 'Great War'. Reilly's archives are very specific and well maintained. Did I ever tell you that, Alex?" "No sir, you didn't, but thank you, I'll relay that to RVP next time I'm there." He nodded and continued. "One of the men, I was surprised to learn, beat fate and somehow managed to live a full and rewarding life despite being listed 'lost at sea', 12, May, 1918," He then paused momentarily. "I remember as if it were yesterday, Alex. I was assigned to the destroyer, 'Davis' DD-65. I was all of nineteen. We were called in to rescue survivors of a U-boat, U-103, that had been hit by one of our convoy transports, the RMS Olympic. We were recovering the men in the water when the lookouts started screaming that a rogue wave was heading our way." "We barely had enough time to get thirty-two of the survivors on deck before Capt. Fogbottom...sorry, Capt. Zogbaum, ordered everyone below and to brace for collision. We were ordered to leave the others to fend for themselves. Russell Brackenridge- Rusty we called him- was trying to hurry the last German prisoners onto the deck when one of them decided he would take his chances and dumped him and Rusty overboard into the drink. There wasn't enough time to fish either of them out before the twenty-five foot wave reached us. I barely made the hatch seal before the water was over the deck. I lost a good friend that day, Alex. I also regret leaving twenty more men to their fate. That was the day I learned exactly how precious...and short life was." "If the archives are correct, he must be the luckiest man on the face of this planet, Admiral," Carroll exclaimed. The rest of us nodded in agreement. "Exactly, Lt. Sheldon- or Rusty had someone looking out for him," Uncle Rick stared directly at me. "After we took one hell of a beating from that wave, we began to make temporary repairs and look for survivors. All we found was wreckage from the U-boat. We assumed no survivors and limped back to Milford Haven." "Maybe he was picked up by another ship, Admiral?" I suggested. "Reilly's library distinctly states that Russell Brackenridge died in 2020. We celebrated Rusty's twenty-first birthday 4, May, 1918! "Wow, he sure did live long- one hundred and twenty-three years," Carroll interrupted. Uncle Rick and I stared at Lt. Sheldon again. "He's not a sea turtle, Carroll," Emily scolded. "Awfully strange that a sailor lost at sea off the coast of Ireland would live so long, wouldn't you say, Alex?" Uncle Rick raised an eyebrow to me punctuating the statement. My mind went into high gear searching for his present location- for the locations of everyone lost that day. I didn't hold out much hope seeing as it had happened over twenty-six years ago- my gift worked better on the future. "Admiral, I suggest we see what Chief Peterson has for lunch, Alex may be here for a while," I barely heard Jack say as I focused on my self- imposed assignment. "Any luck, Alex?" Uncle Rick asked as I entered the Mess Hall to the amazement of my officers. "Wow, half an hour. Another new record, Carroll, pay up!" Jack smiled at her like the Cheshire Cat. Ignoring the comment from my 'current' first officer, I informed the Admiral of my findings, which weren't too promising. "I need to travel back to a time before it happens, sir. I was unsuccessful in seeing anything before today. So, before I risk my boat or crew, I need to see what I'm up against. Have any suggestions on a safe target- someplace I can rephase and remain anonymous?" "Can't you just stay unphased or whatever you call it?" Uncle Rick asked looking relieved that I seemed to be taking on the mission. I just stared at him for a minute. "I'd run the risk of reappearing if I concentrated too long, sir." "I guess the safest place would be Kili Island, it's been there since...forever, hasn't it?" he said hopefully. "Only since 2026BC, sir, only a mere four thousand years." "Thirty-nine hundred and seventy years to be specific, Alex," Carroll corrected me. Uncle Rick and I looked to my navigator. "Sorry, Skipper, Admiral." "Good thought, but it would be too dangerous, sir. Mina and her people would sense me and discover Reilly. I'd never hear the end of that transgression!" "Why not stay here then? I mean the history of this island is why I chose it. The native stories claim this end of Ni'ihau is haunted! What's to say you aren't that spirit?" "We already drive those people crazy on occasion, Admiral. Just today Sasha was seen by several children hiking the highlands." "I was?" a tiny voice asked above me. I rolled my eyes then looked to the hovering pixie. "Yes...you were, sweetheart. You have to be more careful and not forget that innocent minds can follow you no matter how fast you fly." "That would explain the baby in the village pointing and cooing at me as I flew past. Wow, I never thought about that, Cap," she said - her face filled with concentration. "Sasha, we're having a grownup conversation here so either grow up or get out," I told the tiny woman now hovering a foot in front of me. "Oh, all right!" Her tiny voice said as she flew into an open area and began to grow. "No matter how many times I see that, it still amazes me," Uncle Rick admitted as a full-sized Sasha returned and sat down. "We could visit mother, Alex. She would have been seventeen in 1918. We could pose as her cousins- the ones that never came to visit? Mother told me on several occasions about how disappointed she was every time they deferred their visit," Emily told us with some excitement. "We need some place we can stay for about a week, Emily. Do you think your grandparents' house would be appropriate for two cousins to stay for that period of time?" "A week? Why would your reconnaissance take a week, Alex?" Uncle Rick asked even as Emily gave me a knowing wink. "Because my last mission took a little over three weeks to complete, Admiral. Look, that's the amount of time Emily and I will need- take it or leave it, sir." For the third time today Admiral Demmit stared at me in disbelief. "Boy are you in a bitchy mood today, Alex," Carroll complained. Jack quickly, but gently batted our navigator's head. "Oh, ya, right. That makes perfect sense now. Sorry, skipper." Carroll blushed and looked down at the table in embarrassment. I wasn't sure Uncle Rick grasped what had transpired between my Ex-O and Carroll, but his stern glare seemed to subside slightly. "Alex, you do what you have to do to confirm this apparent mystery. I've given Sand Dollar a week's shore leave on paper. I know you don't need it, but the Navy needs to know where all its equipment is at all times. If something important comes up I'll call your sister Brianna stateside, okay?" "You'll know tomorrow if we can help, sir," I told him. "Emily and I have to go prepare for our visit to the Demmit house." I turned and started for the door. Emily stood up and joined me. "Ladies, may I escort you to the Captain's chambers?" Uncle Rick asked as I heard the bench he was sitting on slide back noisily. We stopped and waited at the door for him. "Girls, first I want to thank both of you for doing this. I'm not sure that you're involved, Alex, but no one I know of lives that long" He glanced over at both of us and shook his head. "Present company excepted." "You have doubts, don't you, Uncle?" "What I saw in the records at Reilly...they intrigued me, so yes, and I have many doubts as to Rusty's resilience in the open sea and especially his longevity." "Maybe we'll take a side trip to Kili to read up on our Mr. Brackenridge, sis?" I winked at Emily as we entered my office. Uncle Rick held the door for us. "That would be prudent, Alex, but you had that planned already." "You know me so well, Emily," I smiled. "There is that, but I'd do the same, sis," she laughed. Uncle Rick gave a chuckle as well. "So, sis, what are the names of our two cousins?" I asked as I sat behind my desk. "Their names were Allison and Andrea Demmit," Uncle Rick volunteered before Emily said one word. "I only met them twice- once at my cousin, Anna's wedding before I shipped out from Boston in April of '17. Before that, they visited with us for several weeks when we were children- I was about six or seven years old, I believe. I'm not sure Ruthie would remember them though. Then something happened. Dad never talked about it or kept in touch with Uncle Alistair after that- I don't think they saw eye-to-eye on something. Anyway, we heard rumors that Uncle Alistair had died just before Christmas of 1916. One thing I do remember is being very surprised by the strong family resemblance between Allison and your mother, Emily! " "So, do we have to meet any certain physical appearances, Uncle Rick, or will just looking the way we do suffice?" I asked out of curiosity. "Not that I'm aware of, Alex. As I recall they both had darkish, blonde hair, both were about your height, and I seem to remember my cousin Allison had these beautiful blue..." Uncle Rick's eyes suddenly got big as saucers as he stared intently at me. Instantly, he stood up, turned and headed straight for the door! "I need a drink!" he growled. Admiral Demmit disappeared out the door. "What was that all about?" Emily asked, looking to me intently trying to see what our uncle had seen. "Me...rather, us, Emily." "I'm not getting it, Alex." "Uncle Rick just started to describe me." "You?" "Me- as I look right now. In doing so, he gave me the perfect place and time for our stay." "A wedding? That's perfect, Alex. Grandfather and Grandmother Demmit would've gladly opened their home to any out of state 'relatives' for a wedding!" "I'm not going to be real pleasant to be around- just a warning, sis." "I'm not that dense, Alex, I know what you meant in the Mess hall. Why don't you bring some of those twenty-first century things with you? They would be far more comfortable than anything from the time period." "Let's not talk about it, sis, even after fourteen years it's..." Emily started laughing. "Even after fourteen years, you're still such a boy, Alexandra Steinert!" She continued to laugh. After a moment, she abruptly stopped. "We'll need to go shopping for party dresses!" "Yay," I said with as little enthusiasm as I could. "No, really! We'll need period gowns for the wedding, Alex." "That's what our Reilly suits are for, sis." "Still we'll need to see what styles are out when we get there. Then we design our clothes accordingly." "Fine, we'll leave after I get the specifics from Uncle Rick...before he gets too loaded!" 1311 hours, The Roland Demmit House, Hartford, Connecticut, April 11th, 1917 "Y'all never told me your grandparents lived in a mansion, Emily!" "It's only three stories, Alex- hardly a mansion." "But the thing takes up almost half a city block, sis!" "Alex, Grandfather only owns a quarter of the block counting the grounds." "This place is bigger than Ma an' Pa's house, the barn, an' the wood shed combined, Emily!" "I've seen your barn, Alex, and it's about half the size of this house! Now, y'all need to drop that drawl! We're all Yankees in this family." "Of course, sister, I knew that. Shall we look around at the local population so that we may find a secure location to reconstitute ourselves into this temporal stream?" "We were never British, sis! The Demmit's' originated in Bavaria. Great-great-great Grandfather was a Hessian soldier attached to a British Regiment. He changed sides shortly after Valley Forge and fled to Long Island. From there he helped the resistance smuggle supplies across Long Island Sound. The story goes he met Gram on one visit to Connecticut. There's a portrait in my Grandparent's foyer of them." Several couples walked past as we watched and waited. This era's fashions seemed more modern and sensible- at least the dresses had higher hemlines! One woman stopped to check her heel after almost tripping on a seam in the concrete sidewalk. "Good, only two inch heels!" I whispered excitedly. Emily laughed. "I know for a fact they went higher, Alex." "Any idea on our foundations, sis?" I asked, feeling my cheeks warm. "For that we have to either go upstairs, or go into town- your choice, Alex." "I'll feel like a Peeping Tom, but we're here so let's go in, sis." Emily led me up the short walk and onto the beautiful, ornate front porch. We easily passed through the wide, solid maple, double front doors and headed up to the second floor. Emily pointed to the first door on the right as we reached the beautiful, wooden railed balcony, which overlooked the huge foyer. "This was...is my mother's room. We should be able to discern what the women of this age wore underneath. She should be seventeen and her style of dress should match what we would need." I nodded and she pulled me gently into what turned out to be a bedroom suite! "No, this isn't a mansion at all, Em! Her closet is bigger than my room back home!" I said as I gazed in awe around the small, centralized living area. I thought our room at the White House in 1865 was spacious! This made that look like a cheap hotel room in East St. Louie! "Knock it off, Alex! Her bedroom is over here." Emily guided me to the right, through a plain, white painted door. Beyond was a beautiful four-poster bed complete with white, flower- embroidered canopy prominently placed in the center of the room. "Wow! How many people did you say lived here, sis?" I asked, still in awe of what I was seeing. "Grandmother, Grandfather, Uncle Rick, and Mother." She hesitated. "And six servants," She added quickly with a giggle. "It's just a simple country cottage- no big deal," I rolled my eyes and shook my head. "Just stay close, Alex Steinert." "Um, we're still phased out, Em," I reminded her. "Mother's dressing closet is over here," She continued, ignoring me completely. Before us were prime examples of early twentieth century feminine finery. "So how do we copy both garment and fabric, Alex?" "We have to rephase and use our sense of touch, of course!" "I'm not sure that's a good idea, Alex. What if mother comes in?" "I'm working on it," I replied as I asked the proper questions of my internal friend. Nodding once to myself, I gave Emily her answer. "We have four minutes starting now. one thousand-one, one thousand-two, one thousand-three..." My sister dropped my hand and began touching every piece of lingerie and every dress, skirt, and blouse. A floorboard squeaked as Emily moved farther into the cavernous wardrobe. We gave each other a panicked look. "Make that one minute, sis!" I whispered as loud as I dared. I heard the suite's doorknob jiggle and start to turn in the outer room. "Or less! Take my hand, sis!" "Hello? Miss Ruth, are you in here?" An older woman's voice echoed through the rooms. "Now Ruthie, you're too mature to be playing these sorts of games now. Come on out, young lady," The yet unseen woman said as she closed on our position. Emily barely touched my hand as the middle-aged housekeeper came into view. "Huh! I could have sworn someone was in here," The woman said as she sniffed at the air once or twice. "She can smell us, Em!" I said in fear of being discovered. "That's Mrs. Haroth. She looks the same as I remember!" Emily exclaimed as the woman walked through us examining the giant closet. "Get enough information for our clothes, sis?" I changed the subject as we quickly left the room the same way as we had come in. Hurrying down the stairs and out the front door, we again found ourselves out on the sidewalk. "I just finished coordinating our wardrobe, sis," She told me after a minute or so. "Good I'll setup the link between our Reilly suits." Almost instantly the file transfer commenced and two minutes later I was browsing through our very own 1917 fashion catalog. "Great, they still have corsets," I growled in displeasure. "I don't think these will be quite so tight, Alex. The cut and length are less severe than those torture devices from the 1860's." "If you say so, sis. We better change now, I'm starting to get nervous about...you know." "Ok, I think I'll wear the light brown, poplin skirt with the yellow and white striped v-neck, sailor collar, blouse...maybe with the black heels and beige stockings," Emily said with just the slightest hint of enthusiasm. Her Reilly suit immediately began to change. After it finished, I moved my hands to her hips so she could put our hair up and still be out of phase. She didn't look that bad! In fact, with her hair pinned up into what she called a 'chignon' she looked quite attractive. "Alex Steinert, are you jealous?" Emily must have misread my expression. "No, you look very pretty, sis." I made my own selections and triggered the change; standing on my tiptoes to accommodate the shoes I had chosen. Just as a precaution, I exhaled. "I knew you couldn't pass that one up, sis. You look marvelous," She praised. I had chosen a blue and white, sailor collared blouse with some Aztec style design along the collar's edge and matching scarf, a black and white plaid skirt, white stockings and white heels. I could feel the firm, but acceptable pressure applied to my frame by the corset beneath. To my surprise, it wasn't too bad...for a corset! Each of us also had matching blazers and fabric purses...or were they called handbags in this time? "Are we ready, Andrea? I asked, as I looked Emily over once more. Something was missing. "Alex, we have to put our hats on. No self-respecting woman of the day would be caught without her hat," She whispered as she placed a light blue, slightly floppy brimmed, woven straw hat haphazardly on her head. That was it! She quickly took my hat from my side, undoing it from the small button at the waist of my skirt. As I held my hand to Emily's waist she positioned and pinned my white, flower decorated, wide- brimmed, straw hat into my hair. Once she was holding my waist, I did the same for her. We were now ready to make our appearance at Emily's Grandparents' home. After making sure nobody would see us appear, I rephased us on the front porch directly in front of the doors we had passed through just moments before. We looked at each other and each of us took in a big breath of air. We were still holding hands. "Ready?" I asked quietly. "As I'll ever be, I guess," she replied equally apprehensive. Emily reached for the doorbell knob and pulled. I felt the first hint of my monthly visitor as we heard the bell tinkle somewhere inside. I squeezed Emily's hand tighter. "You really should try to stop cutting it so close, Al..." The left door opened slightly. "Ruth? What in heaven's name are you doing out there?" She looked at me, upset. I just blinked at her a few times in silence. "Mrs. Haroth?" Emily asked in a timid voice. The woman opened the door fully and looked at both of us. "Oh, I thought you were..." She stopped as she stared into my eyes. She began looking us up and down. "Yes, dear, I'm Olivia Haroth and who are you?" She continued to evaluate us both. "I'm Andrea Demmit and this is my sister Allison, ma'am. We're in town for the Richardson Wedding on Saturday. Father told us to look up Uncle Roland if we should ever be in Hartford?" "Andrea and Allison Demmit, you say?" "Yes, ma'am," I replied quietly as I started to worry that Uncle Rick's memory might be errant. "I haven't seen you girls since you were small!" She smiled at both of us. "Your aunt and uncle neglected to inform me you might be coming." "I'm not sure they got our telegram, ma'am. Father was told there was some trouble on the lines between here and Albany when he sent our RSVP. "Well come in, girls! Your aunt and uncle will be overjoyed that you two came!" We were warmly ushered in and, after surrendering our hats and jackets, shown to the Parlor room. "Have a seat here and I'll get your Aunt Amelia. She's out in the greenhouse tending to the Easter flowers. Would you girls care for something to eat- something to drink perhaps?" "Could I have a cup of Earl Grey- two sugars, please, ma'am?" "Certainly dear. I'm partial to that myself! And anything for you, dear?" Mrs. Haroth looked at me with a strange smile. "Same for me if you please?" I asked timidly. "Of course, dear, but I had you pegged for a coffee drinker," Her face started to sadden a bit. "Oh, if it's not too much of an imposition, ma'am? Black, please?" I replied, looking up and giving her a guarded smile. "I thought as much! Your cousin, Ruth, favors coffee too! I can't believe how much the two of you look alike, and I just love those blue eyes, dear!" Mrs. Haroth's face beamed at me. "Thank you, ma'am," I blushed. "I'll be back in a few." The housekeeper turned for the pocket doors that lead out into the foyer, but stopped and sniffed once. She turned back to us with a confused look on her face. This started me worrying all over again. "Anything wrong, Mrs. Haroth?" I asked in a small voice. "That scent. I think I've smelled that once already today," She looked directly at me. I felt myself start to tense. "I told you that you put too much of that on this morning, Allie! She could smell you as soon as we got off the train!" I caught on immediately. "But I like it, Andie!" "It's enough to choke the horses!" Emily groused. "It's really not that strong, dear. Don't let your sister trouble you," Mrs. Haroth interrupted our little disagreement. "Yes, ma'am," I shyly replied. "Mrs. Haroth, did I hear the doorbell?" A very familiar, but younger voice asked from the foyer. "Ruth, dear? Come see who just arrived." Momma Scott appeared in the wide doorway. Emily and I stood from our chairs. It was like looking into a mirror! "Oh...my...GOD!" Ruth Demmit exclaimed as we stared at each other, face to face. "Ruth, do you remember your cousins, Allison and Andrea?" "Allison?" Ruth Demmit repeated as we continued to stare, unmoving. She looked confused. I knew the feeling, wondering how she hadn't been a previous 'Empress'. I could have been looking at a slightly younger version of me- or better yet, my granddaughter, Alexandra! Ruth's expression immediately changed to a huge smile. "Empress!" she chimed out in excitement. I felt any and all blood drain from my body! "She's coming around, Andie." "Well, 'Empress', did you have a good snooze?" I heard Emily ask. Why was there humor in her voice? I opened my eyes to see me staring back. "Now isn't the time for a mirror, sis!" "I'm not a mirror, cousin!" my face replied. It began giggling! "Don't you dare pass out on me again Allison Demmit! What would father think?" Emily groused at me from my left. She was busy taking my pulse. "Ruthie, give her some air," Emily asked in her professional voice. Ruth Demmit withdrew a few feet, but continued to stare and giggle. I noticed Mrs. Haroth keeping her distance off to my right. I smelt coffee. "They know, sis?" I asked as quietly as I could. "Of course we know, Allison. That's all you wanted to be called the last time you visited us. Don't you remember?" another woman's voice replied from behind me. I craned my neck up to see a woman resembling Emily only with medium brown hair. I noticed several streaks of gray running through it. "Aunt Amelia?" I asked, quickly gathering my thoughts. "Nice to know you still recognize me, sweetheart." She giggled and walked around in front of me. "Now, can you two tell me why you've never visited until now?" "Father was always too busy, Aunt Amelia- at least, that's what he kept telling us," Emily answered. "How is my wily brother-in-law doing these days?" As planned, if asked that or a similar question, Andie and I looked at each other sadly. "Oh, I'm so sorry, girls. When?" "Before Christmas, Ma'am," Emily...Andie said sadly. Aunt Amelia looked at both of us for a moment- as if debating what to do. "No more will be said of the matter, girls. Allison, have a drink of your... Olivia, is that coffee in her cup?" "That's what she asked for, Mrs. Demmit." 'Aunt Amelia' glared at Ruth, who cowered slightly. "Olivia, bring my niece some of that fresh lemonade you just prepared," She looked back at me. "Sweetheart, after that dizzy spell you need something sweet!" I looked back at Andie. She nodded. "Thank you, ma'am," I said looking back to our 'Aunt'. "Allison, how old are you now, sweetheart?" I paused to think about my answer. My calculation surprised me- I was forty! "She's twenty, Aunt Amelia, and I'm almost nineteen!" Emily...Andie answered for me. "Then you are both adults and should call me Amelia or Amy. Is that clear girls?" Andie and I nodded. "I'm seventeen. I'm an adult. Can I call you by your first name, mother?" Ruth asked. "Not in this lifetime, child!" "oh." A memory of my Cassie asking a similar question came to mind. "Now that's the face I like to see!" Aunt...Amelia said noticing she had torn me away from my thoughts. "Two bits for the thought, Allie?" Amelia asked. "She's probably thinking about her boyfriend from back in Albany," Andie replied in a catty tone. "Well you better snag him soon, sweetheart; time's a wastin' as they say!" I fought hard to control the urge to say 'I have all the time in the world'; instead I just nodded. "Allie doesn't seem to be in a hurry, Amelia. She thinks she has all the time in the world," I saw a devious smirk appear on my sister's face. "You know I'm waiting for him to come home from the war, Andie," I shot back. "Oh, he's fighting in Europe?" Amelia asked, intrigued by my response. "He's serving on a supply ship between England and the Mediterranean." "Well then there's a good chance he's dead already!" a male voice replied from the foyer. The cruel voice was similar to Uncle Rick's only more gravelly. "Roland Walter Demmit! How dare you suddenly appear and dash a young woman's hopes! Apologize to your niece this instant!" "Why, I'll do no such thing, woman! Since when do I take orders from you?" "Since we married- the day you said 'I do'!" Amelia didn't wait for any response and continued chastising her husband. It seemed that company or servant, it didn't matter...the Demmit family was an open book! "You will forget about that disagreement with Alistair and apologize to these two young women, Roland! The differences between you and your brother are ancient history and don't carry on to your nieces! Now apologize!" I hadn't expected Amelia to sound so angry or to attack with such tenacity, but I now saw where Emily's mother got it from! Grandfather Demmit was an older man- maybe fifty with mostly gray hair- almost white, really. He was about our height with a slight potbelly and wore a black suit with black leather shoes and a matching silk bowtie. Though several years old, it made him look respectable and worldly- not like some of the 'snake oil salesman' outfits- 'dandy's' I think they were called, I had seen along the street on our arrival. Roland Demmit was also the type of man that could carry a grudge for years- and still did! I felt it my time to engage the potential enemy. "Sir, I understand that something had transpired between you and our father, but at the time of the disagreement we were small children. I will not have you coming in with guns blazing just after our arrival! So, if you do not apologize, Andrea and I will have no other option than to seek residence elsewhere in Hartford! I refuse to have a member of my family insult my sister and I in such a cruel and rude manner!" I unloaded on the man before me. We locked eyes and stared into each other's soul- both of us refusing to yield even an inch! A minute passed and we still remained locked in ocular combat! Two minutes passed, then three. Roland Demmit abruptly started laughing. Had I won? I wasn't sure. Uncle Roland reached out and pulled me close. He embraced me tightly. "Welcome to Hartford, Allison. Welcome Andrea," He looked at my confused face and continued to chuckle. "I sincerely apologize for my rude behavior, ladies. I can see you have the Demmit spirit...and our stubbornness- something my dear brother sorely lacked. I thought I would never meet my equal at soul searching; now I have been bested- by my own niece of all people." Uncle Roland hugged me again after kissing the back of my hand. He repeated his welcome with Emi...Andie then left the room shaking his head, still chuckling. "Gee, I never saw someone stare down father before- and certainly not besting him," Ruth Demmit whistled. "Well done, Allison. It's about time my husband met his match! You two can stay as long as you like. Let me show you to your rooms." "We usually share a room when traveling, Amelia. Although we seem to fight a lot, we do enjoy each other's company," I deferred. "As you wish, Allie, but we do have more than enough room." "Of that I am certain." I laughed as I looked around the large Parlor room. "Do you have a lavatory, Amelia?" I asked, feeling another twinge in my abdomen. "Yes, dear, there is a water closet, bath, and basin at either end of the upstairs hall, one just off the foyer, and one in the servants' quarters." "Thank you and please excuse me," I said as I headed into the foyer. "Ah, there you are, Allie. Would you girls like to see your room now?" Amelia asked as I returned to the Parlor. I noticed a glass of lemonade waiting for me. Amelia apparently followed my eyes. "Have a drink sweetheart. Olivia makes the best refreshments in Hartford." Mrs. Haroth smiled with pride from beside the entranceway to the room. I looked over to her. "Thank you, Mrs. Haroth," I took a sip. It did taste refreshing- and sweet! "It tastes wonderful, thank you!" Taking a few more good swallows, I placed the glass down and looked at our hostess. "That feels better. I'm ready now, Amelia." As it turned out there were six bedroom suites on the second floor and four for the servants on the third. Amelia escorted us down the nearer side hall to the suite next to Ruth's. It was just as big, just as beautifully decorated, and just about as big as my office and quarters back on Atlantis-Minor! "Girls? Where are your things? I didn't notice them in the foyer." "The agent at the station told us he would see that our travel trunks were delivered sometime today," I told Amelia. The tale had worked in St. Louis so I decided to use it again. "I shall have Roland and Jeffery go down there with the White," Our aunt said quickly. "Amelia, I'm sure our baggage will arrive soon, if not tonight, then tomorrow. You don't need to make a special trip," I replied quickly trying to dissuade her. Amelia Demmit looked at us- at me, for a moment. Her eyes met mine and looked deep. I wondered who had taught who- husband or wife! Breaking eye contact with me, she took a step back and looked out into the hall in both directions. "You Demmit's are all the same- too proud to show weakness!" She scolded as she came back in and closed the door. "If you girls haven't got baggage just say so! We're family, that's all that matters- destitute or not!" Ruth gasped quietly as she looked between her mother and us. "We have money, Aunt Amelia." I produced a small bar of gold from my handbag. Emily had suggested I bring it along just in case, before we had left Reilly. "Yes and it's probably the last one if I know my brother-in-law! Ruth, I'm sure you and your cousins are close enough in size to lend them something to wear and sleep in tonight. Be a good hostess and fetch a few things." "Aunt Amelia, that won't be..." Emil...Andie started to tell our hostess. "Nonsense, sweetheart! And what did I say about calling me Amelia?" "Amelia, we're quite able to sleep in our underclothes and wear our dresses over again," Andie told her. "No niece of mine will ever wear the same outfit two days in a row, in the same week- is that understood?" "Yes, ma'am." We both surrendered. "What was that, girls?" "Yes, Amelia," we chorused. "And don't forget it!" She punctuated her warning with a sharp nod of her head. Amelia pointed to a couch behind us. "Have a seat, girls and tell me exactly why you've come to Hartford." "So, the two of you are only here for the ceremony and then you plan to move on? Where on Earth will you go next?" Amelia asked as we told her our well-rehearsed cover story. "West," I answered. I wasn't lying either. I just didn't tell her how far west. "We aren't leeches. Andie and I can take care of ourselves, besides; we have friends that are very protective of us," I added confidently. Nothing we had told her was a lie. "Mother, I brought a few things as you asked," Ruth entered our room carrying a large pile of clothes. How she held them all and could still see in front of her, I hadn't a clue! "Wonderful, honey, now let's see what fits and what really looks good on these two!" Amelia walked over to the suite's door and closed it, locking it in the process. 1415 hours, Hartford, Connecticut, April 12th, 1917 "Harriet, these are my two nieces from Albany. They both expect good fittings and I expect the same attention to details that you normally afford me! All purchases will be addressed to me and me exclusively, understood?" "Of course, Amelia. When have you not known quality from me?" "That's why we're here, dear. When one finds a reputable merchant, one supports her thoroughly. Let's start with measurements, shall we? Allie, Andie, you know what to do dears." I gave Andie a look of dread as we were shown to separate small rooms at the back of the store. "I want a selection of everyday and one special occasion corset, Harriet," Aunt Amelia raised her voice from the front of the store. "And don't let them tell you otherwise." "What did you two girls do? I've never seen Amelia so headstrong," The tailor/seamstress asked quietly when out of earshot. "Our baggage never made it to Hartford, not that we had very much," Andie replied. "Oh, that explains it. I take it you're here for the wedding?" "Yes, ma'am, we are." "Well, I can see that you two are Demmit's through and through- in fact, Allie, you look surprisingly similar to your cousin Ruthie. The two of you could be twins!" "I've heard that many times since our arrival yesterday, ma'am." "So why not borrow some of her clothes, dear?" "Ruth's clothes are a little tight on her, ma'am- up top," Andie answered from next door while I just blushed. Harriet immediately wrapped her measure around my bosom. "Yes, I see that. So that is the only difference between you two? Tell me dear, do you like some of Ruth's garments?" "I like what I have on today, ma'am. This is one of her's. A little too tight up here though." I pointed to my tightly bound chest. "It feels like I'm wearing one of mother's old whale-boned corsets!" "Why would you even want to try on one of those old torture devices?" "I ask myself that very question every time I think of it, ma'am," I said flatly. Emi...Andie tried to stifle a giggle. Harriet looked toward the fitting room's wall in confusion then nodded. "Let me guess, she goaded you into trying it on?" "We both wore one," I admitted. "Well not to worry, I'll have you two fitted properly in something that will caress your body, and give you just the right amount of curves!" By the end of the day, Aunt Amelia had spent a small fortune on us! Shoes, stockings, dresses, skirts, blouses, even corsets were now in the tailoring stages at various shops around Hartford. Emily and I were dog-tired, run down, and looking forward to our bed- at least that was comfortable! A formal dinner being served in the house's large dining room brought about another round of interrogations by Uncle Roland. "So, how is your father, Alistair these days?" Uncle Roland tried yet again to extract information. "Roland, you asked the girls that same question last night, time to move on," Aunt Amelia intercepted. Emi...Andie and I again looked sadly at each other- the same as last night. "Where is cousin Richard, Uncle Roland?" I asked, changing the subject. "Richard will be here Friday eve, Allison. He is preparing to ship out next week." "Oh? Where is he being stationed?" "Richard joined the Navy against my wishes." "But Amelia said you were in the Navy, Uncle?" I pressed. "That was peacetime, Allison, but I'm sure you wouldn't understand the difference." What a slap in the face! "I'm not so sure about that Uncle Roland. Typically, the American Military has been very lax during peacetime and even around the onset of every such confrontation to this point in history. Although morale was fairly high during peacetime, duty assignments, respect, and attitudes left every branch of the military weak. It seems that until war breaks out, the United States is happy to just sit by and watch. Although, there is the saying 'practice makes perfect'? I'm sure while deployed, you practiced your duty station constantly?" I watched as Ruth's mouth dropped open. Amelia, too, looked shocked by my narrative. "You see, Amy? This is what happens when women are schooled in things they cannot possibly fathom!" "The thing I cannot possibly fathom, Uncle, is why you consistently berate women and their cognitive abilities! Clearly you have been oblivious to the actual acuity shown by Amelia and Ruth- or even Olivia for that matter! When you leave for your job every morning the last thing on your mind is you! What will YOU do today? What sort of business will YOU do? What will YOU eat for lunch? Whereas, Amelia or Olivia ask; what should we make for us? What do we need from the market for lunch- for dinner? What needs to be done for the household to continue to function properly?" "We women have a lot more on our minds beside just worrying about how pretty we look for our man! Tell me, Uncle Roland, do you even remember, let alone know the proper procedure for readying a three-inch deck gun? How about the steps needed to disassemble or reassemble a model 1911 naval issue Colt pistol? Maybe you would like to entertain us with the proper use of sextant and compass for global navigation?" "I don't have to sit here and take such abuse from my severely misguided niece!" Uncle Roland started to stand from his place at the head of his table. "Please sit back down, Uncle, I'm not finished yet!" I told the man calmly as I produced and pulled back the action on my personal 1911 Colt. Everyone at the table gasped! "Someone call the police!" he gasped out before sliding back down into his chair. "I assure you Uncle, I mean you no harm. The weapon is solely for the purpose of illustration," I told everyone as I ejected the clip and handed it to Amelia. I gently released the action and recocked it to remove the round set in the chamber. Within five minutes I had demonstrated my prowess with small arms- having set a new record for breaking down my weapon and reassembling it completely. "I am also comfortable with compass and sextant, navigation by chart calculation, and dead reckoning by the stars. I have also studied military tactics extensively. Feel free to ask me any question about any naval vessel, Uncle!" I retrieved my clip from a stunned Aunt Amelia and reinstalled it before gently placing the Colt back in my handbag. Everyone at the table remained silent for a number of minutes. "So you think this impresses me, Allison- familiarity with a pistol? Only a woman would think of such childish escapades." "I also know how to use it, sir- very well, in fact," I raised an eyebrow. "I wish you and your sister to leave this house at once! Nightfall or not, I will not have such eccentric females in my residence!" Uncle Roland went to stand again. "So, Uncle Roland, what will become of your business when prohibition is enacted?" I must have hit a nerve as everyone at the table stared intently at me. "It will pass, Uncle, and the family distillery might go under if you don't modify your product line." "How do you know about my business?" Uncle Roland looked angrily at Amelia. "Amelia has no idea about what I ask, uncle. I know that the nineteenth amendment will pass in the next two years- I have seen it." At this point, I saw Emily start to rub her forehead nervously. "Yes, Uncle, I am what you call clairvoyant," I paused to watch his reaction. "So now you can see the future? Tell me, niece, what shall I do in order to stay solvent?" "Isopropyl alcohol and vinegar." "Iso-what alcohol and vinegar?" "Isopropyl alcohol, Uncle Roland. Medical-grade alcohol. Some people refer to it as wood or rubbing alcohol," Emil...Andie explained. Now we both were being stared at like sideshow freaks. "So now you are a businessman and you, Andrea, are a physician?" Uncle Roland asked. "In ano...a manner of speaking, yes, she is," I answered, almost saying too much. "I have been schooled in battlefield triage, Uncle, we plan to travel to France and assist at a rear area hospital," Andie revealed. "While enroute, Allie and I will assist the doctor onboard." "So tell me, Dr. Demmit, what is my current physical condition?" Roland asked with obvious contempt. Emil...Andie closed her eyes. I hoped she would go easy on him! "Currently you are in fine health considering your forty-eight years and constant social drinking. You've had three broken bones in the past- two knuckles in your left hand- probably from bar fights, and a compound fracture of your lower right leg. Judging from the calcium deposited around the injury, it happened at an early age, say, ten or twelve. The joints of both hands show signs of advanced arthritis and are also inflamed causing severe pain in cold weather," Andie rattled away. "Oh, you are also having problems with your stomach. I suggest you take bicarbonate of soda before every meal for six weeks to rid yourself of that ulcer. Also, I recommend cutting back on the cigars." "You told me you stopped smoking those disgusting things last year, Roland!" Amelia interupted. "Amy, she can't possibly know by just closing her eyes! There is something wrong here!" "Then how does she know about your broken leg and knuckles, Roland? How does she know about the constant heartburn you've been having?" Amelia questioned. "Olivia, you should stop being so vein and purchase a pair of shoes that are comfortable and the proper size for your feet. Wearing shoes two sizes smaller than you should will deform the bones of the feet and cause even more severe pain if continued." "Ruth," Andie continued, "you have a problem with...Ouch! Alllllie, that hurt!" "You were rambling, sis- starting to make no sense, whatsoever," I said, trying to subtly inform her that she almost went too far. Mrs. Haroth, I noticed, was busy looking back and forth between her feet and my sister. "How do you two know these things?" Ruth asked, impressed by our display. "Ask your father how he is so successful in business, Ruth. It's a gift passed down on the Demmit side, or so father told us," I informed her. "That is absolute nonsense! If we listened to you, you would have us believing my ancestors were some kind of witches or sorcerers!" "I'm not saying anything of the sort, Uncle Roland. I'm merely saying that somewhere, deep inside of each of us, there is a special trait- gift- talent- ability- whatever, that we either develop or ignore. Sometimes we develop it unknowingly as with your 'business sense'- that ability you cherish that allows you to look into a client's mind- 'judging his character' you call it. It has been passed down from generation to generation in our family and shall continue to be passed along for many more," I said before pausing. "Tell me, Uncle Roland, what did you see last evening when we came eye to eye?" "That's my business, no one else's!" "Really? I'll tell you what I saw, sir. I saw a man very much in conflict with his feelings. A man that wishes things had developed differently between him and his brother. A man that worries constantly about his son and his choice to join the Navy- worried that he may not survive the war, but also worried about how far the son will advance above his own final rank of Lieutenant. You sir, are constantly worrying about your business and your employees, but especially you worry about the security and safety of your family, yet you are unwilling to verbally admit anything. So, now that I have revealed my findings, it's your turn, uncle." Uncle Roland looked extremely embarrassed and remained quiet for a few minutes. He kept looking to me as though I had injured him in some way. That hadn't been my intent. "When I looked into your eyes, Allison, I-" He glanced away for a second. "I saw the soul of a person that was every bit my equal, able to command and garner the respect of those under her?" He shook his head as if clearing some stray thought. "I saw a woman of timeless wisdom and knowledge- a kind, giving, protective being, unbiased in most of her beliefs. I saw someone driven to do the right things- to right any wrongs encountered," He paused again. "When I looked into your eyes, my dear niece, Allison, I...I see the vast and limitless expanse of this wonderful, majestic universe! Looking into your eyes was like looking into infinity!" Wow, he was good, though I doubted he believed half of what he'd said! Amelia's mouth dropped open. She quickly wiped a tear away. "Allison, I'd like to speak with you and Andie, if you please!" "Am I to come along too, mother?" Ruth asked. "Stay and keep your father here, dear!" "Oh, all right." 1825 hours, The Roland Demmit House, Hartford, Connecticut, April 12th, 1917 "I want the truth from you two this instant! First you tell me that you will be heading west after this wedding. Now all of a sudden you two are hopping a troop ship to Europe! Girls, I'm having a hard time believing either story right now!" Amelia confronted us as soon as we were out of earshot of the dining room. "And how do you know so much about coming events? I didn't even know about the temperance bill reaching Congress and I'm a member of the Connecticut Committee! It's as though you know what's going to happen- like this is somehow your history!" Amelia glared at me personally. "Amelia, Allie has already explained that she is a clairvoyant- something passed down from Grandfather Richard." "You see? This is what sets me to wondering! You, Andrea, seem to know the family history quite well. Allison," She motioned to me, "Seems less sure about her family lineage. That observation stands in total disagreement with your physical appearances. Clearly you are both sisters and both Demmit's, so why do I get the feeling you are not my nieces?" Emily and I both sighed. What did Chief Samuels call these awkward situations? Oh ya- an 'OH SHIT' moment! "Excuse me a moment, girls," Amelia smiled and walked back out to the dining room. "Olivia, we'll need two cups, a pot of Earl Grey, and a cup of black coffee in my sewing room, please. Dear, I will be a while and will see you in our room later. Ruth, you have schoolwork to finish, I believe," She told the occupants there. "Now then, girls, we have a lot to discuss. Please have a seat, won't you?" She said as she returned and we entered the sewing room. Amelia shut the door and locked it after Mrs. Haroth delivered our drinks so we wouldn't be disturbed. Since I was grounded it would also make escape very difficult. Emily and I looked at each other, unsure of where this conversation might go. "Now, girls, how about we address your true relationship to me?" "We are related, Amelia," Emily stated. "I understand that, Andie, but how?" "I guess we're well beyond blind faith, Amelia?" I asked calmly. "Unquestionably, Allison." "Listen, Grandmother Demmit, our intentions were not to mislead you. Alex and I came here to research a certain incident about to happen." "Grandmother Demmit? I have no grandchildren yet, Andrea. And what of this Alex you speak of, or is that your real name, Allison?" My vision started to narrow. "Alex, don't you dare pass out on me again," Emily slapped my face just as stars began filling my vision. Amelia looked at me with concern. "My name, Grandmother, is Emily Amelia Scott. I am the daughter of Ruth Scott. Alexandra IS my sister." "Ruth isn't even married dear, so there is no way I have grandchildren." "Not yet she isn't, ma'am. Y'all will have another weddin' in fourteen months," I let my drawl loose, causing Amelia to stare strangely at me for some time. "Grandmother, I was born in 1920," Emily admitted while looking at the floor. "Alex was born in 1916." Amelia now stared strangely between the two of us. I could see a thousand questions running through her mind. One question in particular kept repeating. "Yes, I'm from Missouri, ma'am, Oak Ridge to be exact, and proud of it," I answered her yet to be asked question. "But your accent, Allison, it's from..." She stopped the second she realized that I had apparently just read her mind. I proceeded to answer her next two questions. "No, Mother Ruth didn't move there, and it's very complicated, ma'am. If I tried to explain, you would probably require Emily's medical services." "Why will my daughter move...How are you doing this?" Amelia went to pick up her teacup but only managed to lift it a fraction of an inch before letting it drop back to the saucer. We stayed silent for a number of minutes and watched Amelia's mind work. I placed my hand on Emily's to let her know things would work out. She in turn, looked to me and nodded. "H.G. Wells!" Amelia giggled out nervously. "Girls, you really had me fooled." "Grandmother?" Emily asked in surprise. "The Time Machine! I re