South Of Bikini 3- Trial Of The Century? Broken Rules? free porn video

Alexander Steinert and the new sisters travel to 'her' private domain and instead find themselves in a 'Wonderland' of sorts were Cmdr. Steinert is on trial for her recent actions. Can the new Empress understand the twisted charges and defend her sister before the four most revered figures she's ever known? What rules have been broken in order to save a life? Copyright 2012 R.G. Beyer Episode 5 "Trial of the Century? Broken Rules?" "Alex, we've been worried about you! Where have you been for the last day and a half? Randi had to extend our reservation another week," Emily's voice asked as I opened my eyes. "What happened? Where's Alex Steinert? Did she leave?" I asked as I shaded my eyes from the bright sunlight streaming through the French doors of our presidential suite's living area. "Alex Steinert? Honey, you are Alex Steinert. What are you talking about?" Emily asked looking perplexed. I went to my private domain and called out Alexandra Steinert, but she wouldn't show until Ruth Scott arrived and made her appear," I told her. I noticed Alex Reilly smile. What was that about, I wondered? "You saw my mother, Alex? You actually talked to my mother?" Emily cried in alarm. "Empress, There's something wrong with Alex! My mother has been dead for fourteen years," she cried looking to my twin for help. "There is nothing wrong with the Empress, Emily Steinert. She tells the truth. She does have the authority to contact those that have deleted." "Deleted?" "Sorry, I meant departed. There is a place that the Empress goes for peace and solitude. In our 'private domain', as my sister dubbed it, we have the power to call upon our paramours and ancestors." "Alex, is mother okay? How does she look?" I instinctively gulped. "Um...she looks a lot...um...like me, dear," I replied in a shy voice before cupping my new endowments. "Only, I have more up here." I felt myself blush. "Oh my God, you're right! I never noticed until you said that!" Emily paused and looked to the floor a minute. "I guess we really are sisters now," she said quietly looking back up to me. "Your mother called me 'daughter', so I guess..." I replied letting it drop. It was my turn to drop my head. "So were you successful?" Alex Reilly asked impatiently. "I think we both know the answer to that, Alex, but I'll share the conversation with you," I answered and reached out my hand to her. As before, the tingle startled me. "Sister, why do you continue to haunt our sister?" Alex mumbled to herself. "What happened, ma'am? I mean, I asked to see what happened...back in your universe and Momma Scott placed our hands together. This...this place...so bare...so forbidding...Connie and I were there. She wanted to know why, but I was afraid to tell her...to tell her the reason! She pushed and pushed...I thought my mind would explode as my heart broke! I finally told her. She seemed to understand until...until I told her I..." I stopped to wipe the tears that suddenly appeared on my face. "Until I told her I killed...that I killed her father." Emily gasped loudly. "Alex, you didn't kill Jack Cummins. She's down on the beach right now." "She refers to my Jacquelyn's husband, Russell Brackenridge, Emily. Remember that in my universe Jacquelyn hasn't been male since 1944. She and Russell, whom Alex rescued from 1918, were married in August of 1985. It took thirty years for Jack to finally gain the courage to want a child." "So Connie is Jack's daughter? Just like here?" Emily looked confused. "Only in my universe, Jack is Connie's mother. Russell Brackenridge died from severe radiation exposure on Terra shortly after holding his newborn daughter." "How sad! Oh Empress is there anything that can be done to change such a horrible situation?" Emily asked solemnly. "Nothing that wouldn't anger upper management, I'm afraid. Believe me; the Empress would not want to face their discipline!" "You sound like you have experience, Alex?" I felt my legs go weak suddenly and found myself on the couch. "What happened? I thought Alex and I had reached an agreement," I said rubbing my sore knees. "What did she say, Alex?" I asked. "Apparently my Alex has seen management's response to her solution, Alex." "Huh?" I grunted in confusion. "We must go to your domain, Empress. It is time for Alexandra Steinert to go home." "I just tried that remember? All I got was another free trip back to this reality without my knowledge!" I complained. "This time the power of the three will be invoked, my sister!" Alex glared at me and raised one of her eyebrows. "The power of three?" I asked as I mentally counted the number of 'Empresses' now present. "I know you talk funny sometimes, Alex, but I only count two," I argued, pointing between the two of us. "Patience, my sisters," Alex winked. "So...when do we leave?" I asked still confused as to her cryptic statements. "When the other members of our party arrive, Alex. Only then can we conclude this mission and move onto the next. "Could you be more mysterious, Alex? I'm the newbie here, remember- I wasn't aware there was going to be another...'mission'?" I protested. "There will always be 'another' mission, Alexandra...or haven't you used your gift to see that already?" she smiled. I hadn't- mostly because I was still new to the whole looking before I leaped into the future or history thing! Quickly, I scanned my near future and was reassured that my initial ordeal had almost run its course. Somewhere inside I felt a great sadness arise. Yes, I thought to the visitor within, you will soon be returned to those that love and respect you...despite your self-assumed shortcomings. "Why do we have to go to that place, Aunt Alex? I hate that place!" "I side with Cassie, Aunt Alex. Couldn't we just wait here?" "I would have thought that Alexandra's own daughters would jump at the chance to rescue her. Sam, Cassie, you disappoint me," Alex Reilly scolded her nieces. Were they my nieces now also? "So where is this place again?" Jack Cummins asked as she and Mina looked at each other in confusion. "Alex' domain's location has never been specified nor has it ever been defined. It is the personal realm of the Empress and as such is private," Connie told her parents. "It is her own blank slate- her sandbox to develop anything she wants," she added seriously. "I ask that everyone hold hands and that the Mind Warriors severely limit their gift's output," Alex Reilly asked as we all joined hands. Emily looked at me with an unsure expression. This would be her first time to 'my' domain. "Empress," Alex said as she looked to me, "We are ready for transit to your private domain." This was it. I began to concentrate on the dark nothingness lit only by a small, motionless, single yellow sun. "Transiting in three...two...one." Darkness filled our vicinity. To my right the small yellow sun provided just enough light to see that everyone was here. "My word! When you said the place was empty and undefined, I had no idea how that description lacked!" Mina Cummins declared as she looked around. "Oh, Empress, it's just as I remember it!" Connie bubbled. "Alex? Alex Steinert, won't you come out? We have a great many things to discuss, Empress," she said turning to look into my eyes. "Constance, the Empress may not be so ready to appear. She still lacks confidence and is embarrassed to show her face to the one person she failed to protect," A familiar voice said out of the darkness. "Mother?" Emily called out as her eyes widened considerably. We all turned to the voice as a figure began to come into view. "Momma Scott!" Alex Reilly cheered in relief as she hurried over to the woman and embraced her. "It is good to see you again, Alexandra. Emily, don't be afraid, child, I won't bite," Ruth Scott told her daughter as she released Alex Reilly and held out her arms in invitation. "Mother, is it really you? Is this some crazy dream I've been drawn into?" "I'm as real as the Empress wants me to be, Emily. I've missed you so much!" she said pulling my wife into a tight hug. Their reunion was very touching and I noticed a tear or two forming in my eyes. Ruth Scott released Emily and set her gaze on me. "Alexandra, the time has come, child," she said evenly as she stared into my eyes. There was little doubt as to whom she was talking to. Fear suddenly filled my body! Resistance and fear, two feelings I had felt so often in the last four weeks. 'Alex,' I thought to my guest, 'this needs to be resolved. I need to live my life- to be the Empress of this universe...by myself. Please come out and participate with those that have traveled such great distance to bring you home.' "I don't deserve this," Another figure said as she came into view. "Let us be the judge of that, child," Mother Scott looked over her shoulder at my twin. "Mother!" Cassie and Samantha screamed and rushed to their mother. "We've been so worried about you, momma!" Sam cried as both girls wrapped their arms tightly around the woman dressed in old Navy Regulars. "Why are you doing this, momma?" Her Cassie asked. Their twins stood next to us and quietly watched the tearful reunion. I noticed that Dr. Reilly joined her arm with Alex Reilly's and leaned her head into her shoulder. Alex looked over to the woman and sighed. Camille and Cassi Darough wrapped an arm around each other's back. Randi Peltierre, Cindy Riggby, Jack, Mina, and Connie Cummins stayed quiet while Alusia wept openly. Emily and I took each other's hand as we watched. I felt Emily tighten her grip as the scene continued. "I've missed y'all so much!" My twin cried as her daughters refused to let go. "Momma, stop this self imposed exile and return to us!" Samantha pleaded through her tears. "Please forgive yourself so we can be a family again." "I can't, honey. I brought this on myself and I have to pay for what I've done." "But you only did what you thought was the right thing, momma! Connie forgives you!" Cassandra continued for her sister. "Well I don't think she should be forgiven so easily! In fact, she should be held accountable for everything she has caused here, in this universe!" Dr. Reilly Reilly declared in an angry tone. We all turned to the woman- amazed to hear anything remotely vengeful! "I'm serious! If not for her, I would still have my credentials and practice! She should make restitution to us for ruining our lives!" she continued, unshaken by our glare. "Reilly, this is not the time! We are here to help separate the Empresses, not strengthen their union!" Alex Reilly scolded. "This isn't the time fer y'all to be a bitch!" she added. "Reilly's right, Empress! I feel she should be held accountable for the trouble caused in our universe," Our Cassandra Fleming agreed. "Knock it off, sis!" Our Samantha Fleming glared at her sister. "I happen to like my gifts! Never in a million years could I have hoped for such things to happen to me! Empress," she looked at Alexandra Steinert, still enveloped in her daughters, "I forgive you and want to thank you for the miraculous gifts you've bestowed on us. I will make you proud by continuing your work here on this world!" Sam is right, ma'am. I want to thank you for my gift- I'm still unsure of the new anatomy though...but I'll get used to it in time, ma'am," Randi Peltierre added as she took a step closer to my twin. "I didn't mean to hurt any of you- I don't even know how I got here or why," My twin said just above a whisper, her eyes glued to the floor. I felt she was really telling the truth- that she really didn't know how she got here. I decided to find out. "So, if you don't know how you got here, who could have done it if not the Empress of Time and Space, Alex? We are the only beings capable of such a feat, are we not?" I asked glancing around to those in attendance. Alex Reilly, Alexandra Steinert and I looked to each other for the answer to that. It suddenly hit me that one person here seemed to remain silent and expressionless. "Ruth Scott, you've remained calm and quiet while we debated the subject. Could it be that you know more than you are willing to divulge?" I asked- more like accused. "Alex!" Emily cried as she looked at me in disbelief. "Mother couldn't have anything to do with this! Tell him mother! Tell him...her that you know nothing about the Empress being here!" "Did you notice that one very important member of your group is still missing, Alexander?" Ruth Scott said sidestepping the question entirely. "Mother? Is Alex correct in her assumption? Are you somehow involved with the Empress' arrival here, and with the new Empress's arrival also?" Emily stared at her mother...I guess our mother now. I took the only answer possible and prepared myself for the consequences. "Of course she's involved! Who else could possibly know so much about 'upper management' unless they were part of it? Let's look at all the facts. From my combined memories, I noticed that you've helped the Empress numerous times by giving advice and suggestions; you've acted as liaison for 'management' and even chanced praising your daughters for jobs well done, even while reminding others that such actions border on prosecution! Mother, according to these memories you've appeared here even when uninvited, you've even risked 'management's' wrath by coming to Earth and even Terra occasionally- once you even kissed my...Alexandra's cheek!" I paused to see her reaction. She was surprisingly stone-faced. "Why wouldn't the mother of the Empress be among the ranks of 'Upper Management'? I thought pride was one of the seven deadly sins, mother, yet you show it constantly when we meet!" I concluded. "Constance, please come out, child?" Ruth Scott called as if not hearing anything I'd said! "I'm right here, Mrs. Scott" Connie replied in confusion as the older woman seemed to ignore her totally. "Mother? Alex has made some dangerous allegations! Please tell him...her she is wrong," Emily pleaded. All seventeen of us were now looking at Emily's mom waiting for her to acknowledge my accusation. "Constance...we're waiting, child." "I'm right here, ma'am," Connie said once more, but received the same lack of reaction. "Mother! We're all waiting for at least a rebuttal!" Emily shouted! "Constance, everyone is waiting child. Show yourself this instant!" "I said I'm right here, Mrs. Scott! Why won't you acknowledge me?" Connie cried, becoming very upset! Ruth Scott slowly looked to the youngest of us. "I know you are here, Constance. I am calling on your twin to show herself, now hush child!" "Mother, you are not even close to making sense! Connie is here with us, yet you say she is hiding somewhere?" Emily asked in frustration. "The Constance of this world is here, child, yet the Constance whose anger-driven incursion nearly doomed both her and her friend Alexandra refuses to appear before us," Ruth Scott answered cryptically. "How can someone be here, but not be here, yet be refusing to appear, ma'am?" I asked in total confusion. I felt a massive headache coming on! "That is the question we all are asking, Alexander!" My mother-in-law approached and looked deep into my eyes. To say I was very uncomfortable was an understatement! "I know you're in there, Constance. Alexandra can no longer hold you in this body, child. You only have to think about appearing here with us, my dear," she said, never releasing eye contact with me. My headache increased until I thought my skull would explode! I screamed out in pain! I found myself on my knees as I looked up to see a slightly older version of Connie standing next to Alexandra Steinert. She was wearing a silver sheath dress that memory told me she was wearing when we...Alex and company first arrived on Terra. She looked stunning! "You're me!" Connie cried. "We are temporal twins, Lady Constance," the older Connie confirmed with a nod and sad smile. "So, we are not Terran then?" My Connie asked sadly as she gazed at her twin. "As I have only recently found out, sister." Constance turned and looked at Alexandra Steinert, who looked on the verge of tears. "It..." Alexandra sniffed, "It is a mistake I must live with, Connie," she replied. "Welcome to the inquest, Constance Alexandra Cummins-Brackenridge. We shall start the proceedings following the arrival of the rest of the tribunal," Ruth Scott announced. "What inquest, mother?" I asked in amazement. Emily and I looked at her dumbstruck. "Ah zere you are! I am sorry I am late leibschen, I vas checking in on mien granddaughter Brianna...Alexandra, vhut are you und your zisters doing here, leibschen?" An older looking gentleman asked as he came into the light. "Grampa?" Alexandra and I gasped as he did so. I hadn't seen my Grandfather since his funeral thirty years ago! "So nice of you to join us Fredrick! How is Brianna Steinert doing?" Ruth Scott asked. "Zee same. Zee kids, zey are zee full-time job, yes?" "I know all too well, Fritz," Momma Scott said as she looked sternly at the three of us Alex's with a raised eyebrow. "Shall vee begin zen?" "We're waiting on the other two, Fritz." "Vut has you done now, mien Liebschen?" Grampa looked between the three of us with concern. "Apparently she has committed some reprehensible sin and angered the management," Another male voice said as a tall, thin, bearded man in his late fifties appeared in the light. His tall hat was a dead give-away as to his identity. "Abraham Lincoln?" I gasped. "In the flesh, Alexandra- so to speak," he said as a rich inviting smile appeared on his face. Alexandra Steinert gulped noticeably before bursting immediately into tears. What was up with that? Oh. Lincoln immediately approached my twin. "The tribunal will desist from contact with the accused!" Ruth Scott decried. The former president stopped suddenly and looked sadly at Alexandra Steinert then at Alex Reilly and I. I wondered what I had done! "Madam President, I wish to formally address the members of this tribunal as to a grave injustice being made..." "Hold the speech, Abraham, we still await one more," Ruth Scott warned. "I came as soon as I heard, Lady Ruth," another man said as his figure entered the light. "I have been intensely observing the relocation of my people to their new home, M'lady. Apparently, word does not move as fast as the Empress of Time and Space." "Maximillian!" my twin gasped as she fell to her knees in anguish! She now knelt before the four members of the tribunal with her hands covering her face- tears flowing freely around them. My heart went out for this woman- my twin sister. What had she done that caused her this much pain? I searched the memories for the name 'Maximillian' and glanced over to Alex Reilly for confirmation. She nodded. He was a Terran! "This tribunal into the alleged misappropriation of powers, questionable life-threatening decisions, self-loathing, and habitual and flagrant disregard for the rules as they pertain to Alexandra Steinert, aka, Alexandra Steinert-Fleming, aka, Alexandra Steinert-Covington, aka, The Empress of Time and Space has convened and opening arguments will now commence," Ruth Scott announced officially. What the hell was going on here? I had never heard of such outrageous charges- I mean, self-loathing and flagrant disregard for the rules? Really? Those were prosecutable infractions in my new life as Empress? "This is bullshit!" I said out loud. "I concur completely, young Empress!" Abraham Lincoln said as he shook his head several times in disbelief. "The defendant's council will hold comment until asked to proceed!" Ruth Scott scolded me. I looked at Alex Reilly to see her expression. She nodded. I swallowed hard. How was I going to defend my twin? I had no idea how to be a lawyer let alone defend someone I hardly knew! "The prosecution will now state its case against the defendant. Constance Alexandra Cummins-Brackenridge, you have the floor." The surprised expression on the silver clad woman showed she was as unprepared as I was! Alex Steinert likewise uncovered her tear-stained face to look at her in shock! "Ma'am?" she asked caught totally off guard. "Constance, state the nature of the aforementioned charges and how Alexandra's actions resulted in our intervention and your subsequent arrival in this universe." "I'm not sure I understand, M'lady. I was unaware of the charges or of this hearing. Am I to have no preparation time?" "Constance, given the Terran protocols involved and its lengthy judicial system, there will be no preparation! You are human after all, so we will default to the human form of justice. Please continue and state your case." Maximillian quickly stared at Ruth Scott in surprise. Constance looked down to where Alex Steinert still knelt with sorrow- filled eyes. She did not look like she wanted to pursue this at all. "Counselor?" Ruth Scott pushed. Connie took a breath and exhaled quickly. "M'lady President, Alexandra is only guilty of withholding my true birthright, that being Earth instead of Citadel, Terra. Even on Terra, M'lady, that is not a punishable offence." "Granted, Lady Prosecutor, move onto the other charges." "With all due respect, M'lady, Alexandra indeed respected all life and sought out the most desolate, uninhabited, and isolated galaxy to breach the news of my true lineage. There was no abuse of power on her part. It was I that let loose my demons and abused my full range of power in rage, M'lady President! It is I and I alone who should be prosecuted for that which was done." I noticed Maximillian smile at her presentation and confession. What was happening here? Wasn't this a trial? "Well said, Lady Prosecutor! The charge shall be rescinded and resubmitted under the name of the new defendant, Constance Alexandra Cummins-Brackenridge! Address the next charge, counselor." An eyebrow rose on the elder Constance's face as she paused a moment. "As to the charge of Alexandra's alleged self-loathing, I submit that anyone having to make such decisions when faced with the sensitivity involved in the righting of the time stream would consider any error, no matter how small and/or insignificant a failure to one's confidence. I further submit that the charge of 'self-loathing' be reduced to extreme 'second guessing' or 'personal guilt', M'lady." "I would concur if not for the fact that a second set of persons was involved, Counselor. In this case, the charge defaults to 'personal unintentional imprisonment'. Continue, Lady Prosecutor." Constance looked at Alexandra Steinert, Alex Reilly, and then to me. Her eyes pleaded for forgiveness from us. She took another large breath. "Esteemed members of this tribunal, Alexandra Steinert has indeed been holding me hostage in this universe..." "I object, Madam President!" I protested. "The alleged term 'hostage' cannot be substantiated at such an early stage in this tribunal. I motion that it be struck from the record and the rest of the proceedings!" Where the hell did that come from? "Well played, Alexandra. The term hostage should be struck from this tribunal, Madam President," Mr. Lincoln advised with a satisfied grin directed to me. Grandpa Steinert nodded his agreement and gently elbowed Lincoln. "Zat's mine Granddaughter, Abe!" He said with a proud grin. Lincoln outright smiled at me as well. Abraham Lincoln actually smiled...at me! "The objection carries! Henceforth, the term hostage shall not be considered in this inquiry. Apparently there is more to you than meets the eye, Alexander!" Ruth Scott praised and actually winked at me! Visions of 'Alice in Wonderland' came to mind immediately. "Understood, M'lady," Constance Brackenridge said before continuing. "Members of this tribunal, Alexandra Steinert is indeed guilty of harboring me from harm since our arrival in this universe. I believe it was only to prevent encroachment on the existing Constance Cummins." "Objection, Madam President, speculation!" I said quickly. "So noted, Alexander. Continue, Ms. Brackenridge," Ruth Scott conceded, raising an eyebrow at me. "Even though she provided me with safe harbor, I succeeded in contacting my twin on this world following the experimental procedure conducted by Dr. Reilly Reilly, PHD. Without the activation of my nanos in young Ms. Cummins, contact with her would have been impossible. It is therefore Alexandra's personal imprisonment that has impeded me from rendering consultation and subsequent reinstatement of both of us into our home universe." "M'lady President, I submit that it is only because of my gift that Alexandra felt inclined to withhold valued information from me!" "The prosecution will refrain from redirecting any more charges, Ms. Brackenridge. The tribunal is well aware of the intensity of a Mind Warrior's gift. Proceed, Ms. Brackenridge." "Aye, M'lady. As to the charge of disregarding the rules, ma'am, I must remind this tribunal that rules were only made known when or after they were required. No useful reference was ever obtained from management prior to engagement of the Empress." "Constance, would you like to assume defense for the accused?" Ruth Scott asked in annoyance. "No, M'lady President. I merely wish to keep these proceedings on track and factual. My resignation as prosecutor is not being considered nor tendered." "Very well, Lady Prosecutor, please remember which side of this hearing you stand on! Continue." "As you wish, M'lady. After careful redefinition, the defendant is accused of extending unsanctioned protection to those under her care and extreme improvisation in regard to the rules of conduct as they apply to the entity known heretofore as the Empress of Time and Space. As such, the prosecution desperately seeks to understand the extended, self- imposed detention of Alexandra Francis Steinert, Empress of Time and Space, in this universe. And we therefore seek reimbursement and other possible compensation for damages gotten by the attending plaintiffs: the resident Alexander Steinert, Empress of Time and Space, and her preliminary sisterhood." "Thank you, Ms. Cummins. The defense shall now address the tribunal." Was I hearing this right? Connie Cummins more or less asked that we all be told of the sequence of events that resulted in my, as well as the others' conversion into 'Timeline Peacekeepers'! How could I possibly defend against something I desperately wanted to learn myself? "Alexander, we're waiting." What could I do to provide my client a proper defense? How could I possibly reword what Connie just said to Alex' benefit? Was there really a benefit though? Alex herself expressed her guilt- misplaced as it was now that I could recall her past memories! I could now understand the complexity of decisions involving the whole of the universe. A single, unaccounted bit could skew a mission terribly and guarantee failure or near failure, as was the case most times so far. I needed those suspected missing memories of the specific incident that was core to this tribunal. How could I get access to them? Should I just ask? "Alexander, the defense will state its case to the tribunal. Further delays will be seen as contempt of these proceedings," Momma Scott warned. "Madam President, in defense of my own new identity, I must request I be referred to by my new, official, and legally binding name in this universe, Alexandra Frances Steinert, ma'am. Alexander is a name given to those of the male persuasion and clearly..." I motioned down my body, "I neither look nor function as such." "Very well, Alexandra," Momma Scott smiled brightly, "I must insist you represent the accused." "I would like to, Madam President, but first I request approval for uncompromised release of details concerning the key incident as it pertains to this tribunal. Certain facts remain unclear as to their relevance to the case and therefore must be revisited and deliberated thoroughly. If justice is to be first and foremost to this tribunal, I ask for the court's approval in this matter," I plead as formally as I could remember from Terran protocols. Alex Steinert's court martial memories also helped with my phrasing. I never thought I could sound so...so official! "Although unusual, this tribunal hereby orders Cmdr. Alexandra Steinert's full release of sequential details relating to the Constance Cummins-Brackenridge incident to her counsel, Alexandra Frances Steinert, reigning Empress of Time and Space. This Tribunal shall reconvene when the defense has fully accessed the requested records. This Tribunal stands adjourned until that time," Ruth Scott declared with a satisfied smile. Mr. Lincoln approached me. "Alexandra, are you sure you wish to relive that incident? I know of the trauma you faced on my behalf and wish not to hurt you further." "Mr. President, I understand the dangers and am willing to undergo the pain and trauma it contains if it can possibly allow me to understand what Alex is going through. As Empress, I must protect my sisters and loved ones, sir. She would do as much for me- as would any of my sisters." "But you are so new to this life, Alexandra! Not for one moment do I believe you fully comprehend everything that is at stake for your sister!" "I understand that, without my help, sir, my sister will have a sentence for which she is undeserving imposed upon her. Mr. President, you of all people should understand the implications," I argued. "Alexandra, you are indeed deserving of your title. Had I such dedicated people in my circle many more wrongs would have been righted during my term in office! I will allow you to meet with your client, Counselor." "Alexandra?" Maximillian called to me as Mr. Lincoln walked over to speak to Alex Reilly. "Empress, although the novice you handle yourself before this tribunal very professionally. You represent Terra proudly, Alexandra!" He told me before wrapping his arms around me and squeezing me tight. "Alexandra is counting on you, M'lady...whether she wishes to recognize it or not." After being released, I looked at this man...a Terran- an honest to gosh alien! He hugged me...and...even complimented me! He said I represented Terra proudly? Did that mean that I was Terran too? I swallowed hard. "See, Fritz, I told you she was up to the challenge! Well done, Alexandra, dear!" Momma Scott commended me as she and Grandpa approached. "Thank you, ma'am, but should you be speaking to me right now?" I asked respectfully. "Why not, child, this is just an informal hearing. Why wouldn't I be allowed to talk with my daughter?" "Be...because I'm the defense counselor, I guess?" I answered, unsure of myself. "The barrister is quiet right, Madam. Counsel and court officials should refrain from contact and communication unless the case requires sidebar or chambers," Mina Cummins said from beside me. I hadn't even seen her approach. "Thank you, Mina...by the way it's nice to see you again. How are your girls doing?" "My only daughter is right here, mum. As you can see she is doing well," Mina replied in a stricter British tone than usual- it sounded downright regal! "My mistake, wrong universe. Alexandra, you had better meet with your client," Momma Scott recommended with a wink. "Time's a wastin'!" My client...Alexandra Steinert- now my twin sister- had been ignored by everyone here...even me! I now approached her and offered my hand to help her up. She was still sitting while kneeling. "I can get up on mah own, thank you!" she scowled. "Alex, I have no idea what I'm going to do to defend you," I said to her in anguish. "I've never done this before!" "I know, and I'm sorry y'all got involved, Alex. Never dreamed I'd wake up to find myself riding shotgun in my old body. Are you sure you want to do this? I mean...there are things in here that would humble the most despicable tyrant in the universes!" she said as she motioned to her head. "If we stand any chance of clearing you, I need to know," I paused to think a second, "We need to know what exactly happened to make you want to just give up and hide in my head! Alex, I have no idea what the consequences will be if this tribunal finds you responsible!" "I had my reasons, Alex! That is all y'all should need, though my defense is not as important as making restitution to you and your new sisters for what ah done." "But I'm as guilty as you, Alex, we're temporal twins! I am you...only in this universe! I can't quite figure that out yet, but if I am to defend myself, I better give it my best shot and that necessitates seeing what happened out there. Now, can we just sync up or do I call mother back over here?" "You wouldn't do that!" "Try me, hun! I may be new to this Empress stuff, but I sure know how to piss someone off to get my way!" I paused to let that threat sink in, "what's it gonna' be, hun, the easy way or the hard way?" I threatened. "Fine, but you need to understand the whole story...from the beginning. Don't claim that I didn't warn you!" Alex cautioned as she extended her hand. Did I really want to do this? Did I really want to pry into this woman's mind as it were? Would I end up knowing more about her than myself after this? With much trepidation, I took my twin's hand. Empress' Suite, Citadel, Terra, 22:07, Climax, Apogean 5th, 292 of the New Era "Just a minute, Alexis, mommy has to relieve herself before you get fed!" I said to the crib containing my new screaming bundle of joy. They called her the miracle that saved Terra. Somehow that didn't matter to her at the moment; Terra's new miracle demanded my breast! Looking at the clock, I noticed the time- 2207hrs. Jack should be getting her first labor pains just about..." "Shit!" I heard her scream from down the hall. The lights in the suite blinked quickly. "Alex!" Jack screamed from her room. 'I'll be right there as soon as I use the lavatory, Jack.' I thought to her then decided to add, "it's only the first pain, Jack, and they only get worse.' "You're all heart, Alex," Echoed back through the hallway. I quickly did what I had to do and scooped Alexis out of her crib. From experience, I daftly unbuttoned my pajama top and brought my starving daughter close. "Ouch! Hey, don't be so greedy, hun, y'all have sole claim to these teats." "Ouuuw, SHIT!" Jack's voice echoed down the hall as the lights dimmed longer this time. I looked at my desk clock again- 2211hrs. Four minutes apart, I thought. "No kidding, Alex, I have a clock in my room too!" Jack shouted. "Hey, Alex, looks like I got here just in the nick of time, huh?" My voice said, startling me. "About time, sis. Jack needs to get over to the infirmary before her labor gets too strong," I said to my temporal sister and her male guest. "Keep to the innermost hallways, Russell. Solara's radiation is too intense for normal humans," I advised. I was glad he had decided to come. After our initial travels together, I half expected him to refuse altogether. "You think she'll be glad to see me, Empress?" "Russell Brackenridge, get yer ass in here!" The scream from down the hallway left little doubt to that question! "I guess we should go, sis, see ya in twenty." I nodded as Alex and Russell walked out of my room and Alexis decided to clamp down harder! "Slow down, honey, there's still some left in that one," I said, scolding my day-old daughter. Getting off the bed, I walked over to my dresser and picked up my tiara. I was going to need it in about twenty minutes. "Tibius, Jack's about twenty-five minutes from delivery, you'd better alert Maximillian and get down to her special delivery room, but keep everyone on the other side of the building," I said to the walls as well as thinking it loudly. "Confirmed, my love. Tibius and Maximillian are enroute- ETA ten minutes," My mate's voice said in my mind. Ma Bell had nothin' on the Terran communication system! "Alex, did I hear Ms. Cummins complaining again?" Tish asked as she appeared in my doorway. There was a murmured exchange out in the hallway before Randi's head popped into view. "Jack's just gone into labor, ladies. The Empress has taken her and Russell to the infirmary. I need you two to stay here for your own protection, understand?" "But she may need us, sensei!" "Trust me, Tish, this is one delivery you would be better off not seeing!" "Will there be some unforeseen complications, Alex-sensei?" "No, there's gonna be an unforeseen roof raisin', hun! Literally! Randi, what's the status on Jack's birthing room's suppression shields?" "Energizing now, Director. Charging to thirty-seven-trillion Joules- one hundred percent of maximum capacity, Director." "It won't be enough, but it'll cushion the rest of the city anyway. Thanks, hun." "But if you knew the effort would fail, why build the shields at all, Alex?" "Let's just say I envisioned a crater where Citadel once was and leave it at that, hun." Randi whistled. "Randi, have the fire retention crews on alert. Have them implement protocol: Constance-Arrival. "Acknowledged, Director. Emergency services are on standby." "T-minus twenty-five minutes, Randi. Tish, I need you and Randi to watch little Alexis for me in a few minutes. She'll wake and start crying when Connie is born so be ready for that. Oh...and the building may shake a little too," I paused as I carefully moved Alexis to the other side. "Just be ready for the worst," I added with a wince. Alexis having had her fill and properly burped went right to sleep. I carefully placed my pinky finger to the corner of her tiny mouth and gently pushed to break the perfect vacuum on my stinging nipple. I carefully laid my daughter back into her crib and pulled the blanket up to her neck. Leaning in, I placed a kiss on her smooth, delicate cheek. I looked at the clock- 2220hrs. "I'm going to go help your best friend arrive now, honey, but I'll be back in a few hours," I told my content, sleeping babe and turned to face her expecting aunts. "Right after they dig us out of the rubble," I added with a raised eyebrow as I walked past them, observing their eyes popping from their heads. "Sensei, you cannot be serious!" Tish exclaimed as I turned the corner keying up my Reilly suit to my dress whites. I also brought my tiara online as that would be the only protection I would have. Its HUD menu indicated a full charge. "Hi, Jasen, am I too late?" I asked sarcastically as I entered the specially prepared birthing room with Tibius and Maximillian. The building, its single floor design and location on the outskirts of Citadel, would keep damage to a minimum. Hopefully. "I'm still here so I would conclude you are right on time, M'lady," He replied with equal sarcasm. I noted the time on my HUD- 2230hrs. "Grand High Counsel, all preparations have been completed?" Tibius nodded his acknowledgement. "Time for you, Maximillian, Tibius, and Russell to take cover, Jasen," I said sternly. "Empress, Randi and Tish are back in the suite, you should go back there too! Alexis will need consoling in a few moments." "I remember, sis. Come on Russell, You really need to get to shelter!" Jasen, Tibius, and former High Counsel Maximillian had wasted no time in vacating the building. "But I want to stay with my wife and child!" Russell complained. "Believe me, hun; you don't want to be within, twenty city blocks of this place when Connie pops out!" My twin advised. "Sis, have Randi go to War Emergency Power on the suppression shields- one hundred ten percent." "We both know that won't do any good, sis, Jack's way too powerful." "Jack's laying right here, Alex, and she can still hear you! Rusty, get yer ass out of here before all hell breaks!" Jack managed to growl before she again screamed in pain. The lights dimmed for a whole fifteen seconds this time! "Get out of here now, sis. Take Russell with you!" I shouted angrily as I took Jack's hand and squeezed tightly. Alex nodded, forcibly took Russell's hand, and disappeared. I accessed my tiara menu and selected the protective environmental shield. The status bar indicated that my tiara still had a full charge and the selected shield was operating at full power. The blood-cuddling scream that emanated from Jack momentarily deafened me and my hand felt like it was clamped in an ever-tightening vise! The room went dark for a whole minute! My tiara's power indication dropped to eighty percent. Four more to go, I thought. "Thanks for the play-by-play, Alex!" Jack commented sarcastically through tightly clinched teeth. "I don't think I can do this, Cap!" "Come on, woman, you're Navy and we can do anything!" I coached my sister as the muffled sound of an air raid siren could be heard outside the building- Protocol: Constance-Arrival had initiated. "Alex?" "Ya, Jack." "Shut the hell up!" I gently patted our joined hands. "It'll be fine, Jack," I told her softly The next scream did deafen me and I could feel my nanos go to high alert. My tiara's power dropped to sixty-five percent. Dust started falling from the ceiling- shaken loose by her last contraction. We would later find out that five blocks around us went dark for three minutes! Three more to go, I said to the pitch-black room. "Dammit, Alex!" "I know, hun, it'll all be over soon. I said trying to soothe her. "One thing, Alex?" "Ya, Jack?" "How...how do you know how to deliver a baby? Have you ever had to do it before?" "I've done it just once, Jack." "When, Alex?" "Right now, hun, now push!" "I thought you said I had three contractions left?" "I lost count! PUSH!" I shouted as the lights came back on and moved to the end of the bed to wait. The scream, dust, flash of light, concussive force, and explosive thunder seemed numbing as Connie made her appearance on the planet. As the dust cloud dissipated, the foreign star constellations that the ancient Terran mariners had used for eons began to slowly appear overhead in the waning evening light. "Hello Constance, welcome to Terra," I said quietly as I handed her to Jack- cord and all. "She's beautiful, Jack!" I tried to ignore the flashing menus on my suit's HUD that told me, one: that my tiara's power reserve had been completely drained, and two: that my suit was now indicating some critical error condition! Every square inch of my body felt like it was on fire- which, judging from the faint red glow in the room, some of me probably was! I never had the chance to use the inhalator that Jasen had taught me how to use in the last few weeks. Connie coughed and began crying as soon as mother and daughter made contact. Tears poured from my friend's eyes. "I can't believe I just did that, Alex! I can't believe something so marvelous...so miraculous, came out of me!" I smiled at her and nodded. "Jack, I need to cut the cord, hun," I told her softly. "I'll get it, Alex," she said just before the umbilical collapsed about two inches from the newborn's tummy and split apart. The smell of burning flesh wafted over to me. There was no blood loss whatsoever. Alex, Jasen, Russell, Tibius, and Maximillian reappeared after several minutes, lanterns in hand, just as I was cleaning up the afterbirth. Despite the loss of the building's ceiling, roof, overhead environmental machinery, and the upper third of all its walls, my tiara's shield had kept a fifteen foot 'clean spot' around me, momma, and baby. "Jacquelyn, she's beautiful!" Maximillian exclaimed, his voice cracking with emotion. "Congratulations, Russell Brackenridge of Earth!" He added turning to shake Jack's husband's hand. "Two miracles in as many days, Empress. How can we ever thank you, M'lady?" Tibius asked as he wrapped his strong arms around me and squeezed. "Well, first you could try loosening the hold y'all have on me, hun, my chest's still achin' somethin' awful!" "My apologies, Empress. I forgot that ours was the first miracle for Terra." "The first of many, hun." "Can I hold her, Jacki?" Russell asked. He had just asked the one question I would come to dread! "Constance, meet your daddy," Jack said quietly, but happily as she held her new daughter out to her husband. Alex and I burst into tears! It was still going to happen! Russell stood quietly holding his new daughter for a few minutes before he began coughing- lightly at first, but as the minutes passed the cough got worse. "Jasen, Russell needs to get to cover immediately," I said trying not to sound too alarming. "What is it, Alex? did I catch something?" Russell asked as he continued to cough into his hand. "Oh God, I'm coughing up blood!" "What's wrong? Alex, what's wrong with Russ?" Jack exclaimed in concern. "Get him out of here, Alex!" I shouted, but only loud enough to get my point across. Connie had fallen asleep and been handed back to Jack before Russell's latest coughing spell. My future twin closed her eyes for a moment. An impish grin formed on her face. "Take my hand Rusty; we have to get you out of here," she said sternly and forcibly grabbed his hand. The two disappeared. "Alex?" Jack pressed for me to explain. "It's Solara, Jack," I began sadly. "What about it, Alex?" "Solara's radiation is a lot stronger than our sun." I paused and gently laid my hand on her arm. "Alex, tell me what's wrong with Russ!" "Radiation, Jack! Solara's radiation is killing him!" I told her as tears ran down my face. "But we're all human! If anything he should just get badly sunburned." "You forget that our nanos protect against extreme radiation, Jack. That's why Alex and I wanted him kept shielded- to stay to the internal halls of Citadel's buildings." The air suddenly sweetened. "Why didn't you protect him, Alex? You knew this would happen, right?" she accused more than asked. "We had hoped that he had been kept isolated enough, Jack! We tried...we really tried." I began crying outright now. My hands came up to my face as I turned away from her in shame. Tibius wrapped his arms around me and tried his best to comfort. He held me for a long time. "How much and how long?" I heard Jack ask. I remained quiet- still held tightly by my mate. "Alex...How much and how long?" she demanded! "Alex?" "Two days at best," I answered through my tears. He took the equivalent of standing on the outskirts of Nagasaki." "Do something, Alex!" she pleaded, as the air grew sweeter still. "Do...something!" she hissed! "I...we...we tried, Jack! We really tried! Nothing...no sequence...no scenario, nothing will let us save Russell," I choked out in despair. "I can't do anything else without facing 'The Management', Jack." "It's not fair!" she shouted as the air around us cracked and sparked wildly. Connie woke up and started crying. Jack began to cry also. The air began to clear. "It's just not fair," she sniffed as she pulled her baby closer. "I want to see him, Alex. I want to go home to see my husband before..." "I'm afraid that wouldn't be advisable," My sad voice said from what was left of the doorway. My temporal twin stood there with a sullen expression."He wouldn't let me take him...we ...we didn't..." she managed to get out before dropping her head in sorrow. Everyone remained quiet for several long minutes. "She'll never know..." Jack began, but I interrupted. "Constance will meet and know her father, Jack. We owe both of you that much." "But not when she needs him...not when it counts!" "Constance Cummins will know her father, Jacquelyn Cummins! I personally guarantee it!" My twin declared with more authority than I thought I could ever muster given the situation. Why did she look so nervous though- like she expected lightning to strike her dead? I started to walk over to her, but she took a step back. "Alex, I have to leave now. Randi and Tish will have no need of the Empress for their deliveries. I bid everyone good morrow." She was gone an instant later. "Alex? Alex, what did you mean that you would personally guarantee Connie gets to know her father?" "I'm not sure, Jack. I didn't get a chance to sync with her- not that it would have been a good idea." I pointed to my swollen chest. "Did you get anything from her?" I asked in confusion. "Nothing, Alex. Whatever you did you weren't transmitting anything!" "M'lady Jacquelyn, I will act as the child's father if you so wish it," Jasen and Maximillian chorused admirably. "Aye, M'lady! It would be my honor to also act as the child's guardian," Tibius volunteered. "Constance shall know a father one way or another. She shall know parental affection even after you return home- that is my guarantee, M'lady." "I'm taking her home to Earth, Grand High Council," Jack declared resolutely. "Do you really want to do that Jack? Connie isn't your average run-of- the-mill kid, you know!" I asked as I reminded her of the obvious. "Have you thought about how she will react to say...?" I thought about everything that could possibly go wrong as she grew toward adulthood. "What happens when she wants a puppy and you say 'no'? What would happen when some boy dumps her the first time? How will you cope with puberty?" I asked, glaring at my friend. She remained steadfast- and silent. "Jack, she's not you," I reminded her. "She's a product of you and Russell. We know that he has a temper. Why else did you come with me on this trip if not to refrain from being angered by his temper?" I paused again. "Jack, it would be best if Connie remained here, on Terra, so that she can have the benefit of properly training her gift. Back home she would most likely become a thousand times worse than 'Carrie'! Think of how you sometimes feel back on Earth. I know you've wanted to 'express' yourself- to impress upon certain...people, your...your...opinion. You've already been there...to experience growing up, but before your gift. You know the value of responsibility. Connie won't have that luxury, Jack. Her gift is already developing," I said as I motioned to the newborn in her arms. Jack's blouse slowly began to move off to the side to reveal her right breast. When clear, Connie took immediate advantage of the exposed meal. Jack swallowed hard after staring in stone-cold amazement and gasped sharply as her daughter initiated first contact. Again there was silence in the room. "Being born on Terra makes her a citizen?" Jack asked as she turned her head to Tibius and Maximillian. "Aye, M'lady. Constance Cummins is a natural born citizen of Citadel. As such she is entitled to any and all benefits available," Maximillian answered. "She'll be taught to control her gift, Grand High Counsel?" "The very best education available on the planet, Lady Jacquelyn!" "She is to never find out about her Earth roots!" Jack commanded after a full minute. "Jack, she will find out! Wouldn't it be better to tell her up front?" I asked. "Alex, Connie is Terran, plain and simple! When we leave here, I'll allow my memory of her conception to be erased. I ask that you, Tish, and Randi submit your selves also." "Jack, I've already seen that she finds out," I revealed quietly. "That's the deal, Alex. Take it or leave it!" ... I rubbed my eyes of the tears as the darkness of 'my' domain came back into focus. "I'm sorry, Alex. I didn't know all the facts." "There is more to see in order to be fully briefed on the circumstances of our case, Alex. I only paused because of the emotional stress placed upon us. Allow me a moment to compose myself before we continue. I nodded. "You won't go and hide again, will you?" "I'm here by your grace, Alex. This is your domain and I'm just another spirit called here- I don't exist outside of this place," she replied sadly. I never thought about that! Without me as a 'host', Alexandra Steinert...the one from another universe...couldn't exist! She was trapped here for as long as I choose! I was now her warden. That thought sickened me. I stopped to think a minute. Was she really here by my invitation or by the tribunal's? "It would be wise not to dwell on such small, inconsequential issues, Alexandra," Momma Scott advised as she moved in beside me. "But won't I be just as guilty if I fail her and she is left here, momma?" I dared ask. "Alexandra, this is not a tribunal to assign guilt," she said with a smile before walking over to Alex's daughters, Sam and Cassie. What did she mean 'no guilt would be assigned'? "Alex, are you okay?" Emily asked as she approached and took my hand. "I feel like I've fallen down the rabbit hole, dear," I admitted. "I've been informed that this is a tribunal, but it's not really a tribunal. All I need now is a guy in a top hat!" I complained before looking to my left- at Abe Lincoln. "Off with my head," I exclaimed quietly as I mimed slitting my throat. "You'll do fine, honey. Everyone here has faith in your ability," Emily consoled me. "Faith in my abilities?" My voice got louder as it went up an octave. "Dammit Emily, I'm an engineer, not a lawyer!" "Emily, dear, come over here for a moment?" Ruth Scott asked from a short distance away. Alexandra Steinert had walked over to Grandpa and Mr. Lincoln. She headed back over when she saw that I was again alone. "Would you like to continue, Alex? I've got to warn y'all this is the meat and potatoes and may not be pleasant." "I thought you said you couldn't remember most of what happened, Alex?" "That's why I am to assist you, Counselor," Camille Darough said touching my arm gently. I noticed her daughter Cassi do the same with the older Connie. I instantly felt a weird crawling sensation running in the direction of her contact. "The feeling you perceive is me drawing some power from you, Empress. I will need the reserve to retrieve the requested information." "Draw from us too, Cami," Cassandra said as she took Camille's free hand. Samantha offered her hand to Cassi as well. Their counterparts of my universe followed suit. The four member 'Tribunal' stepped back and stood close together. All were smiling for some reason. "Ladies, because of the likelihood this procedure will destabilize this domain, I suggest we join hands with our sisters. I'll do my best to buffer our current location," Alex Reilly said, and waited until all our sisters stood hand in hand. "You may proceed, Camille and Cassiopeia Darough of Reilly," she announced after just a moment. "Acknowledged, director. Initiating memory retrieval and relay." "Wait! What relay?" I shouted before everything went dark! Citadel Community Park, Citadel, Terra, 27:00, Median, Venusia 15th, 422 of the New Era "Mother! What are you doing here?" "It's that day, Alexis," I said sadly. "You don't need to do this, mom! I'm sure Connie will understand if we just break it to her easy." "That's not the way it will happen, honey," I said as I approached and hugged her tightly. "It has to be this way. Your existence hinges on this one mission, Alexis. It's not entirely about Connie." "That doesn't make any sense, mother. Connie needs to be told, I agree, but how can my existence be involved?" "It'll all make sense in a few years, honey," I reassured her. "Where is Connie anyway?" I asked as I expected her to walk down the park path any moment. "Alexandra took her off world for a small mission, mom. I would imagine to keep her from hearing this conversation." "So you've looked into your friend's future, Alexis." "As much as I cared to do, Mother Empress. What is to come is very discouraging and grotesque. Why would you willingly do this to yourself?" "It is something I always knew I would have to do, honey. I am to start this and I am now here to finish what I started. I have to be held accountable for all that I have caused." "Must you always confuse your tense, mother? If I didn't know better, I'd think you caused another paradox. You know how they give me headaches." My daughter stared into my eyes for a moment. "Empress, could you please state your current temporal launch point?" "Cmdr. Alexandra Steinert, USN, Earth, June 30th, 1944," I told her as I offered my hand. "How can you be held accountable for any of this, mother? You haven't had anything to do with this yet. Why must you be the one?" "No matter which instance of me is responsible, I am still responsible, Alexis. Ultimately, the 'Empress' is responsible." "There you are, Empress. Grand High Counsel informed me of your impending arrival today. Welcome to Citadel, M'lady," A man's voice greeted as he walked up the path to us. "Welcome to you also, Jasen. Why is my personal physician so anxious to see me?" I asked as I shook his hand. "I have been asked by Tibius to conduct a preliminary work up on you prior to this mission, M'lady. I am to collect hair and tissue samples for archive." "I understand. I'll be over to the infirmary right after I spend some time with my daughter. How long did my granddaughter say she would be gone, Alexis?" "Two days, Empress." "See you tomorrow, doc. Until then I will be spending valuable time with my daughter," I smiled at the man and continued smiling as I turned to Alexis. She returned a nervous smile to me. "That I could spend time with my own daughter, Empress, even though adopted," Jasen said sadly. "The Empress assures me Connie will be safe on their mission, M'lord. I have never known mother to lie about such things." "May I request one day with her, Empress?" "Take however long you like, Jasen. I happen to know this crazy blonde that thinks she can travel through time," I forced a smile trying to comfort him. "As you wish, Empress. I take my leave of you and Lady Alexis then," He bowed slightly, turned, and walked back the way he had arrived. "Mother!" Alexis looked at me in surprise. "You just lied to him!" "As did you, honey." "That is because I have seen that things work out eventually." "I wish I could be so sure, hun," I snorted in doubt. I knew I would survive this ordeal simply because Alex Steinert-Covington existed. How things would play out was still as mysterious as the prize at the bottom of a box of Cracker Jacks! Citadel Community Park, Citadel, Terra, 27:00, Median, Venusia 17th, 422 of the New Era "Will you be gone for long, mother?" Alexis asked mechanically. I could see she was having a hard time holding back her tears. "We shouldn't be too long, hun- a day at best. This is just a reconnaissance mission for intel on another upcoming mission. It should be a piece of cake." "Then why do you need me, Empress? Wouldn't mother be the better choice?" "Do you see Jack here, Connie?" I asked the obvious question. "No, M'lady. For what reason, I have yet to figure." "Jack and I just came off almost six weeks of tedious escort duty back home and three taxing missions for the Empress. I told her to take a break, Constance," I smiled at the woman, keeping it as natural as possible. "Still, why engage me, Empress?" "I'd still like to have a Mind Warrior by my side just in case, Connie, and before you ask, Jack is otherwise occupied for the near future. If y'all don't want the adventure, hun, I'll just leave now- solo." "Empress, it would be an honor to accompany you on your latest adventure," she said sincerely. "Grandmother Empress, I wish you good luck and favorable time streams," Alexandra said as she hugged me. There was tenseness to her embrace as the familiar tingle passed between us. As we parted, I nodded and gave her a reassuring wink. "Connie and I will be back in one day," I told everyone as I nodded to Jasen. "Until then, Empress," Alexandra said brightly. "Until then, Empress," I repeated. "Constance, we should be on our way, hun," I said as I offered my hands. The scene around us collapsed and blacked out. We traveled the stars for some time before our surroundings changed to that of a strange, alien looking wasteland. "Alex, where are we?" she asked. "Can you hear anybody or thing in the vicinity, hun?" I asked. "No, Alex, it is strangely quiet...too quiet!" "That's good." "Why is that good, Alex? I thought we were here on a scouting mission." Connie suddenly looked down at the ground. I followed her stare. There in the loose dusty soil was a shoe print. It looked exactly like the low-heeled Navy issue pumps I had on right now! Apparently my aim was slightly off. "Someone has been here before, Alex," she said quietly, but then looked to my feet then up at my face. And so it starts, I thought. "What starts now, Alex? Why have you brought me to a place you've obviously been to already? What is going on, Empress?" "We need to talk, Connie," I replied. "Talk? Talk about what? I thought we were going on a mission, Empress?" I looked around at the vast expanse of nothingness that surrounded us. I had just set the next chapter of our lives on its destructive, Earth- shattering...unseen course. My mouth went dry. "Alex, what is wrong? Why do you look so conflicted?" I fought hard to hold my composure. "I'm not sure I can do this," I mumbled as I thought about the hours of preparation I'd made- not only finding this place, but also readying myself for the outcome. Things had already passed the point of no return. I had to do this- like it or not, I was now committed. "What was that, Empress? What can't you do?" Her tone showed fear and uncertainty. "This was a mistake. I can't go through with this," I mumbled to myself and started shaking my head. I wondered how cruel management's punishment would be when I had to answer for this. "What can't you go through with, Empress? You're starting to scare me, my lady." "We shouldn't be here. This isn't the place or the time," I mumbled again. "Why are we here then, Empress? I do not hear any living things, as if this planet- this whole galaxy is devoid of life. What mission could we possibly have in such a desolate place?" "It can't happen like this- there has to be some other way- some way that I missed," I said aloud as my vision blurred. "Alex, why are you crying? What are we doing here?" Connie looked at me in concern. I felt my emotions skyrocket! "Empress, your mind is even more chaotic than usual. What is the matter? Why are you so upset? Empress, if we are not to be here then why stay? Shouldn't we return home?" My heart felt as if it were going to explode as I frantically searched my gift for alternatives! When that wouldn't answer me, I asked the question: Should we just go home? I squeezed my eyes tight and caused more tears to run down my wet cheeks when a resounding negative answered the question. "Empress, what is wrong? Why is your heart pounding loud enough that I can hear it standing next to you? Empress, I implore you, why are we here?" Why were we here? An image of some smoking mass- burnt beyond recognition- flashed into my mind. My hands began to shake uncontrollably. My knees grew weak under me and my stomach became nauseated. I could hear my pulse in my ears. "Empress, your silence is very disturbing; please answer my question- why...are...we...here?" I didn't answer her. I couldn't answer her! "Empress, I demand to know why you have brought me here...to this forgotten landscape. Answer me, Alex!" I drew in a large breath of the local, untainted air. It had no fragrance at all- virgin air. "We're here for you, Connie," I said sadly. More tears escaped my eyes. "Empress, I don't understand?" "I know you don't, honey, and I'm very sorry about that. I wish this were easier," I sniffed and wiped my eyes with the palm of my free hand. "Your cryptic answers and strange temperament worry me! What have I done that warr