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Episode 7 "Exodus I" 2200hrs, L. Scott home, Bridgeport, Conn, August 29th, 1944 "So Lu Sei found your flask?" Emily asked, as we got ready for bed. "Didn't waste a second after I left the room, sis. It was comical in a way, though. You should have seen her face when she found out it was just water!" "She knew that there would be alcohol in it?" "She was living on a base of fighter pilots. I'm sure at least one of them needed some 'liquid courage', Em." "But how would she know, unless someone offered her some?" "Hey, maybe one of the guys found out about her method of payment..." "I think its better left alone, Alex." "I do too," I agreed then changed to subject. "I hope Pa has a good supply of hankies for tomorrow." "I hope it turns out like I saw it, Alex. Everyone needs to have a little joy in their life at some point. Doris was telling me a few days ago that she hasn't seen her husband since he shipped out early in 1941- something like June or July, I think." "Things will work out just as you've seen, sis. Thankfully, there is a 'happily ever after' plot for the Sullivan family- not right away, but on average everything falls their way." "I'm glad we could help. As for Lu Sei...when does her gift manifest? I haven't been able to see that for some reason." I closed my eyes to think about her question. "Lucy Sullivan reigns down 'pixie' havoc in three weeks if...if the timeline remains stabilized." "We'll give Doris and Ralph a good heads-up, right?" "Doris, yes. Ralph...he somehow already knows what pixies are capable of," I told her with a sly grin. "Gee, now how would he know that?" Emily said just as Yuuka flew lazily through our bedroom window. "Alex, Lu Sei has fallen asleep. She must have been very tired," Yuuka said as she landed and grew to full height. "Let's hope she sleeps for more than three hours, that girl had several dormant health issues that needed repaired," Emily said to herself. "She had several health issu...? Empress?" Yuuka looked at me, confused. I nodded. "I'll talk with Allie and make arrangements for her to bring you back to Bridgeport in three weeks for some 'flight training'. I'm sure you two will get along wonderfully, but don't...don't let her play you, Yuuka! Lu Sei is a very smart girl and an even more devious Pixie than you. Since you already know all of the 'tricks', make her listen and learn. Teach her the responsibility of her gift." "Does she come back with Allie and I then?" "No, Lucy Sullivan will stay with her parents, receive stellar marks all through school then attend MIT on a full scholarship for aeronautical engineering." "So is that good? What is an 'MIT'" "Massachusetts Institute of Technology. It's a school similar to Ricky Lynn's school." "So Lu Sei is going places?" I looked at Emily with a devious smile. "You could say that, hun. You could say that." "Okaaaaay...I'll take that as a positive thing," Yuuka said carefully before starting to shrink. "I'm glad she'll be well cared for, Alex. Should I welcome her into the sisterhood or wait until Allie and I come back?" "Emily and I will give them a heads up in the morning, but you can give Lucy the news after you tell her your real name, Little Flower." "Alex, she really doesn't like the Japanese right now. I'm afraid she'll reject me if I tell her." "Like you look anything but American these days," I scuffed. "And you'll never know how she'll react until you actually tell her, hun." "I know, but I don't want to..." "Just tell her that you're named after your Japanese mother! What could it hurt? I mean, she already knows that you mean her no harm," Emily chided. "Okay...I'll tell her in the morning," Yuuka said in defeat as she slowly flew back to our open window. "Good night, ladies." "Yuuka, we leave for Atlantis at 1100hrs." "Are Doris and Lu Sei coming this time?" "They'll be busy with something else, hun." "Alright. See you before 1100hrs." "Sleep any better, sis?" Emily asked as she pulled the sheet aside and got off her side of the bed. "Not really, but I got enough. You?" I asked, rubbing my eyes. "Not so much last night. I kept dreaming of the Sullivan's." "Dreaming or seeing, sis?" I asked with skepticism. "I'm not really sure. Is that how it is for you, Alex...more like a dream than a premonition?" I smiled at my sister. "You are such a tease, Alexandra Steinert!" 'Breakfast is ready.' Echoed in my head- Emily's too, as her hands went to her forehead immediately. "Sometimes, I think Cami is even less subtle than Jack," She groused while still rubbing her head gently. "Let's wash up and go down stairs, we have a fairly busy day ahead of us," I suggested as I walked out the bedroom door to the lavatory. "Hey, you got the bathroom first yesterday!" "Did I? Sorry, sis, you go ahead then," I said as I stepped back from our door. I would just jump ahead, clean up, and reappear here fully dressed for the day as she walked back in. Emily would stick her tongue out at me and accuse me of cheating as usual. I thought about that for a moment then closed my eyes and saw it wouldn't happen this time since my sister had used her gift again and saw my deception. I needed to be even more devious around her from now on. It would always be a friendly competition though. Yuuka, Lu Sei, Doris, and Ricky Lynn arrived about halfway through breakfast. Being a beautifully sunny and tepid morning, once done cleaning up, we all decided to take advantage of Pa's large front porch. Pa sat in his usual lounge chair while Emily, Allie, and I called the glider. Yuuka, Ricky Lynn, Andie, Cami, and Reggie brought folding chairs out from the house. Doris and Lu Sei claimed the hanging porch swing. It effectively placed their backs to the Sullivan house five doors up. A taxi drove down the street- a rare sight in this neighborhood to say the least. Emily looked to me in momentary trepidation. "How odd. When was the last time we saw one of those on this street," Doris replied off-handedly. "The last time was when I shipped home from Schofield," Pa answered innocently. Doris looked at Pa and cocked her head to the side for a second then shook it side to side twice as if answering some internal question. Pa choked slightly as his eyes opened wide. He stared at the sidewalk in front of the neighbor's house- the one with the large shrub. "I'll be damned," was all he said. "Louis, the child!" "Hey Lou!" A man called from the street. "Hey...you seen my wife lately? She's not at home, so I figured I'd check here." "Ya, she's right here, Ralph. Come on up. Join the party." Doris' head shot around and she was down the steps and into her man's arms quicker than I could have transported her there! "You're here! You made it home to me! Oh Ralph, I've missed you so much! I can't believe it's you!" Doris cried happily as she smothered him with kisses. To say that there wasn't a dry eye among us was an understatement. Strangely, Lu Sei remained seated and seemed to become very nervous. She looked to be shivering. Pa got up and went down the steps where he shook Ralph's hand and patted him on the back. "Got some cold beer in the refrigerator, want one?" Pa asked happily. "Thanks, but I gave up drinkin' about two years ago- haven't had one since." "Well, come on up and have a seat. My girls and some of their friends are here on leave and I'm sure they're curious as to where you've been." "Welcome home, Mr. Sullivan," We all chimed. Doris turned around and stared at us for a moment then mouthed the words 'thank you'. The happy, reunited couple slowly walked back up onto the porch where Ralph began to stare at the three of us sitting on the glider. His mouth dropped wide open as he froze in place. Doris, confused, looked between her husband and us several times. "You..." He managed to say before he looked to Pa. "She...she's...she's yours?" "These are my daughters Alexandra, Allison, and Emily," he introduced us, then pointed over to the Atlantians. "And this is my other daughter, Andromeda and her half sister, Regina. Next to Reggie is Jacquelyn, Camille, Ricky Lynn, and over there is Yuuka." All nodded as their names were called. Ralph Sullivan's staring was short lived though as he turned his head and saw someone he'd never expected sitting on the swing. "Lucy! My God, how can you be here?" he exclaimed as he rushed over to her, picked her up, and swung her around in circles in a tight bear hug. Once dizzied, he stopped and set the girl down. Lu Sei wrapped her arms around his waist. "Sullivan! You finally made it home! The Empress told me she would help bring you home and she did!" She cried excitedly then looked to me. "Alexandra, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for what you have done! Thank you for giving me back my Sullivan!" "You...you...you can speak English! How in the world did you learn to speak so well?" The confused man asked. "Camille taught me when we stayed on the spaceship. She did it in one night, too!" "One night?" Ralph said as he looked back at Cami. "On the spaceship?" "Is it so hard to believe, Mr. Sullivan? Care to explain how you survived a crash into a mountainside?" I asked calmly. Doris' mouth dropped open upon hearing that little gem. Ralph looked around at all of us for a minute or two as he debated fulfilling my request. "I...IIIII...I was rescued," he said quietly as he looked to me fearfully. "How could you have survived crashing into a mountain, buddy?" Pa asked in astonishment. "I...I was rescued..." "Yes, we got that already, Ralph...but how?" "Two...twooooo...little...ummmm...ummm...fairies...took me...aaaaahhhh...out of the plane...at the, umm, last...ummm...possible second." "Two Pixies?" Lucy exclaimed as she bent over and hugged Yuuka excitedly. She then looked around at the rest of us- her eyes stopping on me. "Empress? That's why you and Yuuka went? Why you became a Pixie too? You rescued my Sullivan?" I smiled. "We're all full of tricks, hun- each and every one of us." "How can any of this be possible?" Ralph exclaimed. "Buddy, these girls can make things happen! I was reluctant at first, too, until they showed me. I phased out after looking up and down the street for observant bystanders, got up and walked over to the newly returned pilot. Again Ralph's eyes opened wide. "We can do wondrous things, Mr. Sullivan," I said phasing back in beside him. Lucy began giggling uncontrollably. "How did you...?" "Weren't you paying attention two years ago, Ralph?" "You mean when one second I was trying my best to crash into a mountain, because two mythological beings from my ancestors' homeland told me too, and the next I'm sitting on the ground watching you two," He pointed to Yuuka and I, "grow from four inches to full-size in the matter of five seconds?" "That would be it, Ralph. Each of us can do other things as well." "Hey, pal, I'm five inches tall in Pixie mode!" Yuuka corrected angrily. I could tell from her concentration that she was holding back from actually going to that 'mode'. "My God! What are you?" He asked as I phased out and suddenly appeared sitting on the glider again. "Show off," Emily grumbled quietly. "Does it really matter what 'we are', Ralph Sullivan? Isn't it enough to know that you are back with your loving wife and daughter now? Can't you just leave it at that and be happy?" "My daughter?" he gasped out. "Lu Sei," I said switching my translator to Cantonese, "would you like to adopt Ralph Sullivan as your father in lieu of your parental loss?" Doris' eyes widened as she looked to me indicating that Cami and Jack had successfully implanted the language. Ralph's eyes popped out of his head. "I accept, Empress Alexandra, and thank you again for this miracle," She replied in her native tongue. "What did you just say to her?" I asked her if she would be willing to adopt you as her father, Ralph." I giggled as tears suddenly burst from Doris' eyes. "And...and what did she say?" "She said she accepts and thanked Alexandra again for bringing us all together," Doris replied to her husband's surprise. "That's exactly what I said. Empress?" Lucy questioned as she regarded Doris cautiously. "Lucy, we don't use my title when there is a chance somebody we don't know will hear it, okay?" I nodded to Cami and Jack. "I officially state my repentance, Alexandra, how inconsiderate of me," she apologized in Reillese. "Now what did she say? That didn't sound like Chinese." "It is a language we use on my home planet, Ralph Sullivan. Alex calls it 'Reillese'. Cami, Yuuka and I just call it 'our' language," Allie told him. "You all...you're from another planet?" "Just Allie and Cami, Ralph. If you remember, I'm from Oak Ridge, Missourra. Jack's from South Bend, Indiana; Ricky Lynn's from Brooklyn, Yuuka's from Hiroshima, Japan, and Andie and Reggie are from Atlantis of late." "Celestra, Alex. Our Home planet was called Celestra," Andie said sadly. "But you said they were your daughters, Lou?" Ralph exclaimed looking at Pa like he had three heads. "It's...it's complicated, Buddy. Just know that they ARE my daughters and I love them all dearly- every one of them!" Pa said as he gestured to everyone on his porch. Pa's phone began to ring. "I'll get it," Emily sang before she disappeared- physically. A few seconds later, we heard her answer. "Hello, Scott residence...This is his daughter Emily...Yes, we've been back in town for a week...what? Oh, no, we'll be leaving this afternoon...we have a few more days left on our leave and we were thinking of taking Daddy to Atlannnnnntic City...are you sure that's...no, we're all out of Pearl Harbor, ma'am...yes, Hawaii... ...okay then, I'll tell him, thanks...ah huh, I hope so too, ma'am...what? Oh, not yet, I...yes, ma'am, I'll keep looking for the right one...thank you, Mrs. Levit...bye." A few seconds later, Emily was again seated beside me on the glider. "That was Mrs. Levittson. She wanted to tell you about some very strange things that have been happening in the neighborhood recently, Dadddd." "Strange things? What strange things could possibly be happening around here this past week? Alexandra, any ideas?" Pa asked sarcastically. I rolled my eyes. "Jack, apparently Mrs. Levittson saw you pick up her clothes line when it fell yesterday afternoon." "That's strange? How exactly?" Both Doris and Ralph asked at the same time. "Jack was sitting here the whole time." "But, I thought Cecily lives at the other end of the block..." Ralph began to say. "Here's your duffle, Mr. Sullivan. You shouldn't leave it on the sidewalk," Jack said with a giggle. The man reached out and took the hovering bag without really paying attention. "Thank you...um...Jacquelyn, is it...wait...how did you...?" he said, suddenly realizing that Jack hadn't moved. He stared at her then at his duffle in confusion. "Like Alex said, sir, we're full of surprises," She continued to giggle. "She also thought she saw one of my twin sisters vanish into thin air at the park four days ago. Alex, did mother visit after Doris and I left?" "She might have," I responded cautiously. "I thought Ruth died a few years back, Lou?" Ralph asked in confusion. "She did, but that apparently didn't stop my wife, Ralph. You see..." Pa sighed heavily. "Again, it's complicated. You probably wouldn't believe me anyhow. I'm not even sure I believe half the things I've seen this last week!" "Ruth Scott...the Ruth I was seen at the park with, is not from this universe, but from one where I did not become Empress of Time and Space. She is here, in our universe visiting after a rather lengthy stay in another universe- one vastly different from her own. She had stopped to say goodbye and thanked me for helping her." "You're right...I don't believe it...but I do...in a way...sort of...I think?" Sullivan replied shaking his head free of the bazaar explanation. "She said goodbye to you and didn't even stop to see me?" Pa said, shattered. "I don't think she would forget you, Pa, do you? Remember, she shares our gift," I reminded, pointing between Allie and myself. "She could pop in anytime she wants." "I...I didn't even think about that, Alex...you're right." Pa smiled happily. "And on that note...Hey, Flirt, you wanna go home and get reacquainted?" Ralph asked, attempting to change the subject. "And just who is this 'Flirt' character, Mr. Sullivan?" Doris asked in a very icy tone. "Lucy. Some of the guys named her that because she seemed to always be helping around the base- like she was always flirting with us. I argued that maybe she was just lonely and wanted the companionship. We'll get reacquainted later...if you'd like, Roxy," Ralph explained smoothly. He waggled his right eyebrow several times after he said 'Roxy'. Doris stood up and hugged her husband again while Lucy blushed and looked away. "Are there any other surprises in store for my family?" Doris asked after she carefully looked up and down the street a few times, "Empress?" "Only one minor thing, Doris. If you two would stay behind for a moment? Ralph, Doris will be home in fifteen minutes. Why don't you take your bag home and change out of your uniform...get comfortable," I suggested. Ralph Sullivan placed his duffle on the floor and walked over to me. "Thank you again for the rescue, Alexandra. Though unorthodox, I stand forever indebted to you and your sisters," he said as he hugged me tightly. He then went over to Yuuka and thanked her likewise. Picking up his bag, Ralph Sullivan said his goodbyes to Pa and my sisters before turning and slowly walking off the porch to the sidewalk then up the street. I waited patiently before turning my attention to Doris and her new daughter, Lucy. "Expect Allie to bring Yuuka back in three weeks, Doris. She has a training program set up for our newest sister," I told her. When a blank stare came back, I had to elaborate. "Ralph was almost right in the nickname his comrades choose for Lucy. 'Flit' will be her callsign and nickname from now on." "Flit? I...I don't understand. Why 'Flit'?" I placed my hand on Lucy's shoulder. "Did you and Yuuka clear things up, honey?" "Yes we did, Alexandra, why? What type of training will Yuuka give me? She is a Pixie aftera..." A huge smile filled the girl's face. Doris stared, first at her daughter then at me. "There were several small medical problems I diagnosed in Lucy when we first met, Mrs. Sullivan. Though not life-threatening at the moment, they would have shortened your time together. Alex decided that time had already robbed you of your special 'togetherness' and allowed her the Mahanilui. You will now have all the time you need together," Emily said in her professional voice. "I'm a pixie now?" Lucy asked enthusiastically. "Will that be alright, honey?" I asked the excited girl. "Can I fly now, Alexandra?" "Not right now, Lucy. Give your body time to develop your gift. I'm sure that, by the time Yuuka and Allie arrive, you'll be driving your new mother and father crazy. Remember this though...no matter how excited you may be, be wary of where and when you choose to enter 'Pixie mode'. You are one of us now- a member of the Kili sisterhood. We operate mostly behind the scenes to avoid attracting undue attention. Never forget that if the world found out about any of us...well...it would be worse than the cruelties you have already experienced in your life," I then set my attention on our older guest. "Doris, Lucy is a very special person- even before we intervened. She is very smart, very responsible, and very mature for her short, almost twelve years. Being our sister now, she will live several lifetimes longer than normal. Understand, also, that you will be offered a similar choice when the time is right," I winked. "I suggest not dwelling on what I have just told you and instead concentrate on giving this young woman the love and affection she desperately needs. Concentrate on being a good mother to her, Doris Sullivan." Mrs. Sullivan immediately embraced me and began to cry into my shoulder. "Thank you for everything, Alexandra! May God protect you where and whenever you go!" she said before stepping back from me. "Bless you all!" Doris motioned for Lucy to join her at the porch steps. "Lu Sei? Stay out of your new parents' liquor cabinet. You might find you no longer have a taste for any alcoholic beverage other than mead. Oh, and Doris? Better stock up on honey, okay?" Doris nodded, but Lu Sei's mouth dropped open- taken aback that I actually knew about her raid on the Sullivan's bourbon early last evening. I waved my finger at the girl several times to drive home my point. "We'll see you in three weeks, Lucy." Yuuka waved as mother and daughter walked, hand in hand, down the steps toward the sidewalk. "Alex, does it always feel this good? To make things right, I mean?" Pa asked as the pair walked up the street and disappeared past the neighbor's tall shrub. "Most of the time, Pa, but not always," I answered as my expression saddened. Mr. Lincoln came to mind- enough said. "Alex, it's quarter to eleven," Jack reminded quietly. "Right, Jack. Does everyone still have their Reilly suit on?" I asked our group? My sisters all nodded. Pa remained quiet before looking down slightly. "The question was directed at you too, Pa. Y'all got your suit on?" I asked with a slight grin. "You...you want me to come along again? Girls, I thought you had to leave for your base?" "Let's go inside. It's much more private than the front porch," I recommended. After making sure the house was locked up, we gathered in the living room and joined hands. "Are you sure I should go with you, sweetie?" Pa asked once again. "Everyone to dress whites, please," I ordered without answering him. Louis Scott's brown Army uniform was the sole standout among our sea of white. "Once Army, always Army, girls," He stated flatly as we all stared at him. Uncle Demmit's office appeared around us. "Make sure you aren't standing in anything before I rephase us," I reminded. "Jack, please close the Admiral's door." "Aye, Cap." The wooden door slowly closed and latched with the slightest 'click'. "I gave Ted the rest of the day off, Alex. Care to pop in at any time," Uncle Rick said without even looking up or around. "How did you know, sir?" I asked as soon as I phased us in. "I didn't. I've apparently been talking to myself on and off for the last two hours, Capt. Steinert," he said, finally looking up from the paperwork in front of him. "Lou! Good to see you. How are things back in Bridgeport?" "Everything was...normal...up until a week ago, Rick. How are things in paradise?" "Yes...I can understand that," he chuckled. "As for paradise, a whole lot better since the scenery changed," He nodded to us. "I've missed you, Lou." Uncle Rick stood and began walking around his desk. Pa met him halfway. Both men shook hands and Uncle Rick raised an eyebrow while looking down at Pa's right foot. "I see the foot heeled nicely, Lou. I'd like to get the name of your doctor." "Bellatrix Mintaka, Rick. She's really good! Would make one hell of a DI too!" He replied then leaned in closer, "And brother? She's a real looker, too!" "So, is mother ready to leave, sir?" I asked, ignoring Pa's quieter comment about Andie's chief surgeon. "She left earlier this morning, Alex. She said that you, Allie, Andie, and Emily would understand." "Um...did she say anything about me, Rick?" Pa asked timidly. "Sorry, but I suppose I'm guilty of hogging the conversation, Lou. Ruth wouldn't open up about where and what she's been doing lately. I tried, but she just wouldn't budge," Uncle Rick admitted, sheepishly. Several of us raised an eyebrow to his admission. "Anyway, she left this morning. Gave me a kiss on the cheek, stepped back, smiled, and 'poof', gone." "Sounds familiar," Pa mumbled. "Maybe we should go back to Atlantis so you and Allie can look forward in time to locate her, Empress?" Yuuka suggested. "I'm sure Mr. Scott would like to see his wife again?" "So when do I get to see this 'Atlantis', Alex?" Uncle Rick asked begrudgingly. "There's already one more of you than necessary in play at the moment. I'd rather not chance another. I promise I'll take you on my next mission, Uncle. Right now we need to get 'Daddy' back to Atlantis for his follow-up with Dr. Mintaka," I said glancing over to Emily for a second. "Lou, why do you still insist the girls call you 'Daddy'? It was fine when they were little, but they've grown up and are adults now. Don't you think just a simple 'dad' would do?" Uncle Rick smiled and almost laughed when Pa blushed deeply. "I never told them to call me that, Rick! Emily's never called me anything but." "He's teasing, Pa! Don't get so embarrassed," I groaned. "We have to get going, sir," I added as I held out my hands. "When you find Ruthie, tell her she'll always be welcome here, Alex. I'll always have room for her. Oh, and Lou? Unless you have the proper authorization, I would expect the proper uniform and rank while on this base. Is that clear Major Scott? After all...if all my marine counterparts walked around in Army uniforms, we'd have far too many court marshal's to review!" My sisters and I, with the exception of Andie and Reggie, began to giggle quietly amongst ourselves. Pa looked downtrodden. "Aye, sir, I'll remember that." Uncle Rick smiled and shook his head to the side several times before taking Pa's hand and shaking it again. "Lou, it's been nice to see you again. Maybe after the war we can get together properly...maybe at Alexandra's wedding? I hear that's coming up in a few years." Pa suddenly stared at me in surprise. "I heard that it was a 'one-of-a-kind' ceremony- that the bride was given away by both of her fathers," Uncle Rick laughed heartily. "We really need to go, Pa," I stressed in embarrassment. Louis Scott slowly took my outstretched hand. Our quarters on Atlantis surrounded us. No Temporal Anomaly Alarm greeted us as we rephased and dropped hands. "Louis!" My voice screamed out as Ruth Scott rush to Pa. In a running tackle, Ma embraced Pa, knocked him over, and vanished! "And here he thought she didn't care for him," Jack giggled. "So, you think she missed him, Em? I wonder what she had in mind?" I asked trying to contain my own laughter. "Trying. Not to. Think. About it, Alex!" Emily replied through tightly pursed lips, her face beet red. E.S. Atlantis, Standard Year 257:08:11 "Do you think mother took dad back home instead of stopping back here, Alex?" Emily asked as we left Andie's conference room. We had spent the last two days planning our next move on Darren Clemson. In that time, Louis Scott hadn't re-materialized on Atlantis. "Let them have their fun, sis. We really don't know how long Ma's been exiled." "Let them have their fun? Alex, do you even realize the images that statement conjures?" "Like we've never done or seen anything like that, Emily," I replied sarcastically. "But they're our parents, Alex! Have you no shame or...or decency?" "Where is this coming from? I know for a fact that you never join a nunnery," I giggled. "Still, it's not right, Alex. Our parents aren't supposed to be the ones transiting the cosmos..." she paused to think, "getting it on! They're the ones that should be giving US the talk!" "Oh? And what 'talk' would that be, Emily," my voice asked from behind us. "The talk about promiscuity, mother! What I witnessed two days ago was the act of a wanton harlot- the sex-starved creature that you always warned me about becoming! How could you, mother?" Emily answered in anger. "If you had been sequestered as long as I was, I'd bet you would do the same thing!" Ma argued bitterly. "So how long has it been, mother?" Emily growled, not backing down an inch! Ruth Scott suddenly closed her mouth and eyes. A smile appeared. "Long enough to make me see my errors, my daughters. Long enough to recognize where I went wrong," She answered serenely. "Hey, if you girls are going to keep this going, I think I'll go out to Delta ring and grab something to eat," Pa said as he carefully looked our way and tried to slip out of the room. I hadn't noticed him standing there until now. "I'm not through with you yet, Louis," Ma growled enticingly. It reminded me of a lioness looking at the half-dead antelope she'd been playing with! "Alex, do you know if they serve bourbon or scotch anywhere on this ship? I could use a few good stiff ones," Pa asked, despite Ma's 'warning'. "Pa, Dr. Mintaka told you that alcohol could interfere with your health now," I reminded him. "Well then maybe she could give me a script for all the aches and pains I've developed over the last ten days! I'll be over at Medical," He declared as he walked out the door. "Ten...days?" Emily gasped as she covered her mouth with her hand. "I guess it really has been a looooong time, sis?" I smiled tensely at Emily with a wink. 'Empress Central to Alexandra! Come in, Alex!' Brie's voice rang through my head suddenly. "Go ahead, Brie," I said aloud. "Who is she talking to?" I heard Ma ask Emily. "Our sister, Brianna, she..." 'Alex, I need you to come to my house April 10th, 2035, ASAP,' Brie stated sharply. It sounded serious. "Ladies, I'd love to continue this conversation, but Brie has something important to show me," I said quickly. Just as I thought about phasing out, Emily's hand touched mine. "Oh no you don't! You are not leaving me here with her, Alex." "Declares my prudish sister," I replied as I opened her virtual throttle in my mind. Emily moaned in surprise. I had done it without warning her again. "Sorry, sis, but I might need the extra juice just in case Clemson did something else," I said trying to validate my action. Brie's living room effortlessly appeared around us. I relaxed a little. Chas. Mason Home, Springfield, Missouri, April 10th, 2035 "Well you could have warned me!" Emily complained. "Coulda warned y'all 'bout what, Em?" Brie asked. Emily quickly glared at me and just as quickly started fidgeting with her hair and uniform. "Alex and I were just having a serious discussion when you called, Brie. How have you been?" "The headaches been real intense these last few days, Doc. I'm hopin' Alex get's them time fluctuations fixed soon. How y'all been holdin' up?" Brie answered candidly. "I'm about ready to go out of my skull, Brie, now whatcha got for us?" I answered. "I thought you did that once, already, sis?" Emily chortled. I glared at her intensely until Brie answered. "Well, I was toolin' 'round on the ol' Internet just a little while ago an' ah found somethin' very in-trestin'. Ah thought y'all should see it fer yerself," Brie said as she motioned us into Chuck's home office. She touched a monitor screen and it popped to life. Randi Van Pelt's face appeared. "You rang, Brianna?" "Hi Randi. Ah got Alex an' Em here finally. You wanna show'em what we found on Twitter?" Randi's face looked right at Emily and I. "Hey, Alex...Doc. I monitored this vid on Twitter this morning...watch. A crudely shot video began playing on the screen in place of Randi's face. I recognized the location immediately. "Memphis," I said quietly as I struggled to keep my mouth off the floor. I listened to the audio as I stared at the familiar face talking and the hieroglyphics scrolling across the bottom of the screen. "I tell you, I would not stand for the disrespect shown to you by the current administration! The supreme administrator has become weak in his old age and ignored the wishes that our Gods so graciously set forth eons ago. I can tell you that I have spoken with them at length and have received their suggestions for new leadership of these lands. Now, many of you will declare me mad or deranged to such an extent..." Clemson's voice preached. "I'd be the first to have the bastard committed," I interrupted. "Take a number, sis!" Emily suggested. "...But I have actually talked to our forefathers- for I and I alone have the power to go through history to visit the various periods and interact with those living in them. The land that I visited was serene and placid. No wars, no conflict, and no dissension whatsoever- as peaceful a place as anyone here could imagine. My people, the Gods, our forefathers, have seen the unrest in our lands and they have tasked me to come back and warn you of your coming downfall! They have entrusted me to spread their sanctioned message throughout the land, and that message..." "Ain't this the most horseshit y'all ever heard in one sittin'?" Brie asked, interrupting this time. "...To honor the Gods in the way they have demanded! They therefore, recommend that all Egypt pay homage to those that brought about the original peoples of these lands and put to task the lesser peoples beyond our borders! Let them know that we are the promised ones- the leaders of this world for now and for the foreseeable future!" "Those Gods, that I have conversed with, have recommended that I take the office of Supreme Administrator, and therefore have given me the authority to reorganize and re-imbue our people with strength, wisdom, and technology. Together we will remake our planet and govern it the way the Gods have decried! We shall unseat and evict those that have hampered our reaching our pinnacle- our providence! Join with me today in our quest to re-imagine our destinies- our futures- as I have foreseen we shall do, for I have seen our future...and I have seen our past! So if our current Supreme Administrator would honor our forefathers' requests, I will lead this great nation into its glorious future- the future our forefathers have envisioned for us! Egypt will once again be known as the first and greatest civilization in the known world!" The video halted and Randi's face reappeared on the display. "Why haven't you caught this whack-job yet, Alex?" "I've been trying, Randi. Clemson always seems to be one step ahead of me at every turn, though. It's as if he actually knows where and when I'll be." "Well, if you ask me, this was a blatant cry for capture, Alex, I mean, posting this to Twitter? Everyone's known for decades that posting something like this to social media is an open invitation to get caught! I fail to see how someone could consciously put this incriminating stuff out there for all to see." "He's completely aware of what he's doin', hun," I said with a distinct growl in my voice. "He's daring me to come after him." "You're kidding, right?" Emily said looking at me in disbelief. "I'm not...unfortunately." "Alex, how the hell y'all get THAT outta that video?" Brie exclaimed. "Randi, what has been the average response to this video since it was posted?" "Who is this whacko?" "Ya, like that could possibly be Ancient Egypt, dude." "Is this a promo for an upcoming reality show?" "Aryan's unite! The original fatherland calls to us!" "David Keresh has risen!" "What a loser! That is definitely not Egypt. I was there in a past life," Randi quoted a few of the responses. "The list goes on, Alex. Though, I've taken the liberty of translating the Emogies for you. I know how much you like those things," She snickered. "It's received three thousand seven hundred and three comments in the last four hours." "Can you zero in on where it was initially uploaded, hun?" I asked without emotion. "Doing it as we speak, Alex." "How's Dell doing, Randi?" I asked out of curiosity while she tracked the video back. "She just went through her reboot, Alex. If the authorities had had eyes on me when I went for her reset button, I'd be in jail right now for child molestation!" Randi confided then paused. "Empress, the video originated in a suburb of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I can pinpoint the exact address if you'd like." "Ricky Lynn's house," I said off-handedly. "How'd you know, Empress?" Randi's expression on screen became confused. "Clemson posted that video from her house! Probably while she was sleeping off that drug he gave her," I said in anger. "First he rapes her then he destroys her character by posting that...that garbage! I'm going to take him so far back in time, time won't exist yet!" The lights dimmed noticeably. "WOOW! Brianna, I'm reading a moderate, but very disturbing, temporal fluctuation in your neighborhood- your block- in fact the fluctuation is coming from your house!" Randi cried excitedly as she stared at Brie, Emily, and I from the monitor. "Alex, you better calm down a little. We'll catch that no-good, sorry excuse for a man!" "Sis, y'all take a breath, 'kay?" "Has she always glowed like that, Emily? I can't remember seeing her give off light before," Randi asked. "Only when she gets really mad, Randi. I've seen her do this a few times on this mission so far." Randi noticeably gulped. "Oh man, I hope I'm nowhere near her when she finally goes off." "Keep Brie informed if anything else catches your attention, Randi. Emily and I have to go visit an old friend. Oh, tell Dell I miss her, hun." "Will do, Empress," Randi replied. "Oh...Skip? Good hunting, ma'am," She added as she moved away from her camera and saluted me. The monitor went black and the computer turned itself off. "Ah really wasn't done usin' that yet," Brie said to herself quietly, hand on her hip. She paused, staring a moment at the computer then turned to me. "Peyton's at Norfolk, Alex." I leaned in and kissed my sister's cheek while giving her a gentle hug. "Thanks, Brie, now...y'all better get upstairs an' care fer that sick youngin' of your's." "She ain't sick, Alex. She's just a might sensitive to all the time fluctuations. Y'all fix 'em and yer niece gets better, now scoot." Emily took my hand. "Period dress whites, sis," I said as Norfolk Naval station appeared before us. To our left were the submarine docks. "Boy has this place changed," Emily said as she looked around. "Ninety-one years has a way of doing that, sis," I said with a smirk. My sister looked at me and rolled her eyes in annoyance. "Really? I wouldn't have thought...There's Peyton with Vernon, Julia, and Tim, Alex." "Admiral, what in the world has been going on the last few days? One quarter of my crew has been reporting severe migraines and our doctor can't figure out why," Vernon Reynolds asked as soon as they were close enough to talk without the others hearing. "I need Peyton for a few days, Vern," I demanded without pause. I don't think I even smiled. "Alex, what's wrong?" Julia gasped out taking notice. "What happened? Did we lose somebody?" "Peyton, we have to go...before anything else changes." "Changes? Alex, what is going on?" Vern questioned. "We have to go before I lose you all again," I said quietly, through tensed lips. "Before you lose us? Again?" Tim Penne gasped in alarm. "According to Alex, we've ceased to exist about four different times now, guys," Emily informed our brothers and sisters. All four mouths dropped open in disbelief. "Peyton, feel like taking another crack at Meridian, hun?" "I haven't had any Sim time on her in quite some time, Admiral. Isn't there some way I could..." "We're on a tight schedule here, hun. Either you can do it or I ask the only other pilot available! What will it be?" I stated tersely. "Aye, ma'am! You've got yourself a pilot!" "Good girl. Jules...Vern...I could use your talents on this one if you feel so inclined. Tim?" I turned my attention to the youngest of Detroit's officers while her Captain and Ex-O smiled like little children at a candy store. "How are those muscles getting along with Submarine life? Want to flex them a little, hun?" "I could probably lift a full-sized tour bus, Admiral." "How about just a ten ton granite slab, hun?" "Not a problem, ma'am," Tim Penne, Abby's second oldest, replied with a big grin. "Preparations?" I asked. Vern looked to Julia then to Tim and Peyton. Each nodded to him. "Reillys' are charged and ready, Admiral," He reported, still with the childish grin. I noticed Vern's third in command approaching. "Lieutenant, I'm taking these four with me," I barked. "I'll have them back in a few days." "Aye, Admiral. Take care of her, Cap...Julia, Tim- you too, Peyton," Kyle Richards said as he saluted. He turned back toward Detroit and pointed out into the bay after I saluted back. "What the hell are they doing out there?" He shouted as loud and as surprised as he could. Kyle began running back toward Detroit. To my surprise, the rest of the crew turned to see what he was talking about. We quickly joined hands. Atlantis' command level conference room surrounded us. Alex Reilly, Ruth Scott, Pa, and the rest of our previous group sat conversing amongst themselves. "I believe our crew has arrived," Ma stated casually as we rephased. "Clemson messed up. Badly this time," I said with an evil smile. Vern, Jules, Timmy, and Peyton's mouths dropped again. "Commodore Celeste, may I present Commander Vernon Reynolds, Lt. Commander Julia Masterson, Lt. Timothy Penne, and Lt. Persephone 'Peyton' Triebsch. Folks, this is Commodore Andromeda Celeste and her sister, Subcommander Regina Celeste. Standing next to Alex Reilly is..." "Ruth Scott. Glad to make your acquaintances," Ma interrupted and proceeded to shake Vern and Tim's hand. She embraced a stunned Julia Masterson and a wide-eyed Peyton next. "Um...Alex...this doesn't look like any place I've seen before. Where are we? When...are we?" Vernon Reynolds asked cautiously in confusion. Andie smiled as she looked at our newest arrivals. "Welcome to Atlantis, ladies and gentlemen. I believe my sister has brought you back some seventy thousand years into Earth's past." My four new companions remained silent for a long time- they just kept looking around in wonderment. "I believe a tour would be in order?" Andie continued with a smile. "I suggest we adjourn and reconvene tomorrow at two bells, ladies. Alex, I believe our mother requires you and your sisters' presence in her quarters?" "That's right, Andie, I have some catching up to do with your sisters. You and Reggie take our new guests on a tour of the ship and we'll see you two in a few hours," Ma said pleasantly as she motioned for Alex Reilly, Emily, and I to follow. "Ricky Lynn?" "Vern. How's things?" She asked casually. "Professor, what is going on? Why are you all here? Why are we here?" "Well, you'd have ta ask the skipper, but in general, we're here to stop my boyfriend from destroying the universe. You see..." Ricky Lynn was telling Vern, Jules, Tim, and Peyton as we left the conference room. "Okay, so what is it, mother?" Emily asked angrily. It was evident she really didn't want to be here. "I thought you'd be gone by now to whichever universe it is you hail from?" "She gets her animosity from the Demmit side, Alexandra. You two should keep that in mind," Ma said nonchalantly. "You aren't my real mother, mother! Maybe there's a me on your world that you gave birth to, but not here. I knew MY mother very well, Ruth, and you are nothing like her." "Aren't I, dear? See...I distinctly remember growing up in Hartford. I remember how your grandfather worked very long hours to put food and clothes in that overly large house," Ma began, looking at Emily critically. "I remember when my Rickie joined the Navy and I recall quite well that father was very disappointed he did so without consulting him. I also distinctly remember the day that you two came calling to the house, and I remember vividly the way you two introduced Louis and I. You know...Mother and Daddy where very distraught about the way you left that night! Mother cried for a week afterward and Daddy...well, he never did forgive himself for treating you the way he did, Alexandra. He blamed himself until the day he died. Mother and I never revealed you despite my sudden ...revelation." "Revelation? I'm not following, mother," Emily remarked disbelievingly. "Like your sister, dear, I found I could do the impossible. It was shortly after you were born. I found myself at home...but not at home...not what home had been just minutes before, I mean. Things were...were almost the same, but I noticed minute differences- one being that mother and father had never met Allison or Andrea Demmit the week of the wedding." "Naturally, I became completely confused, but decided to play along until I could find out what had happened. Months went by before I finally figured things out- things I never thought possible until I thought back to that day I met you, Alexandra Steinert," Ruth pointed to me. "You were my exact double in every respect save one. I realized that maybe...just maybe after my last growth spurt I had cleared that hurdle...the only thing I couldn't understand was how I could have experienced a sudden growth spurt at eighteen? To this day I've never been able to answer that question," Ma revealed, shaking her head to the side a few times. "You went through my things the day of the wedding," I said out of the blue. Ma instantly looked over to me and stared for a moment. Emily looked at Ma curiously. "The flask," she stated decisively. "What about the flask? It just had water in it," Ma admitted softly- like a child caught with her hand in the cookie jar. "Have you searched our shared memories, Ma? Obviously you haven't. Had you, those memories would have told you the answer," I said with a serious tone. "My only question is, how did you consume the alcohol needed to trigger Alex' nanos when I know the Rowland Demmit household was dry?" "Now it is you that should access our 'shared' memories, Alexandra," She responded after her eyes and mouth reduced in size. I took her to task. "Ruth Demmit went to see grandfather at the family distillery when you were three months, sis. While there, several cases of illegal, uncut whiskey fell from a cart and smashed on the shop floor. Ruth followed Grandfather despite his warning to remain clear. The smell of well-aged liquor permeated the air. I remember you felt dizzy afterward. Things felt tighter the next day. I'm sorry, Ma, I didn't mean to bring this on you," I reminisced and apologized. "Don't apologize, dear. It was the best thing that ever happened to me. The experiences I've had...the places I've visited...the people I've met..." Ruth Scott's eyes suddenly dropped to the floor, "the things I've done." "So what did you do, mother?" Emily pushed rudely. "I...I can't tell you, girls. It...it was part of my 'agreement'," Ma sniffed. "I've already revealed too much! Upper management is watching, and I haven't finished my task yet." A sudden realization hit me. "Mother, do you expect us to believe that you have your own agenda...that you are actually on a mission of you own?" Emily groaned, interrupting my thoughts. "What mission could that be?" Ma composed herself quickly. "One that will remain hidden until fruition, my lovely daughters. Rest assured I have no intention of failing." "Sis, I think it would be better to leave this alone," I suggested evenly. "How can you suggest that, Alex?" Emily questioned irritably. "We'd do better to continue planning our next move concerning Clemson." "Alex is right, Emily. We need to concentrate on our current mission," Alex Reilly agreed. "Alright, so what do we do about him? He seems hell-bent on destroying Khufu's administration in Egypt. I'm seeing this as his twilight," Emily asked giving in and concentrating on centering our attention. Alex, do you still have the prints for the Sun Temple Cami made before it was destroyed?" "I've had them the whole time, sis," Alex Reilly smiled as she reached into her purse and retrieved a small 'Reilly' memory crystal. "You think five years is enough time, Alex?" she asked. "Should be," I replied. "Take Ma with you. She'll run interference for you and Djedefre," I said reaching for Ma's arm quickly. The mild tingle passing between us caught Ma by surprise. "I wish you would stop that, Alexandra!" She exclaimed. "I would, but I want you to know what my plan is," I told her. "Let's go, Ma," Alex Reilly said as she took Ma's hand and disappeared. "They left so soon?" Emily asked in surprise. "Why, weren't you done being rude to her?" I countered tersely. "I'm sorry for that, sis. I just can't believe she's our mother. The Ruth Scott I knew growing up would never behave that way." "Around her own daughter, no, she wouldn't. She would need to set a good example so that you would learn propriety. Search your future memories and tell me you didn't do the same with Jimmy," I challenged. Emily's head turned slightly and her eyes looked to the floor. Ma's door opened and Andie, Reggie and the others entered. Everyone looked around noting the decreased occupancy. "They'll be back in a few hours," I reassured everyone. "My God, Alex, we're...we're in orbit!" Vern gushed as he came over to me and embraced me tightly. "Why would they call it a 'space ship' if we weren't, hun?" I asked, struggling for breath. "Very funny, Alex! You could have given us warning." "Like you've never gone off-world before, Vernon Reynolds." "Off-world, yes, but not off ANY world, Alex! I wasn't prepared for this at all." "You do know that our default Reilly IS a deep-space rated space suit, right?" "He knows, Alex. Vern just has a slight case of motion sickness and is acting like this to keep his mind off it," Julia Masterson explained. "There is a noticeable difference between artificial and natural gravity. I felt it immediately on our arrival." "Tim?" I asked as I turned to Abby's son. "How are you holding up? I believe this is the first time for you?" "I've never felt anything like this, Admiral! Commodore Celeste told me she would turn off the gravity inducers in one of the storage bays in the Command Core so I could see what zero 'G's' really feels like!" The young Lieutenant prattled excitedly. "Permission to instruct the Lieutenant in low gravity situations, Captain Reynolds?" Peyton asked formally. Vern looked to Andie for her confirmation. She nodded and moved to the information terminal by the door. "Dixie, alert storage bay 'Alpha-4' Control Personnel to prepare for gravitational inducer disablement. There will be a group of guests conducting 'null-G' training in half an hour." Vern, Jules, Peyton, and Tim looked at her curiously. I had forgotten that they had not received the Atlantian language files. "All maintenance personnel have been notified and are awaiting the Empress' group, Commodore." "Thank you, Dixie, that will be all for now." "You are most welcome, Commodore. Mom, will you be participating in the training?" Ricky Lynn blushed brightly. "I haven't been in zero 'g' for a long time, Dixie. I'm a little out of practice." Our newer arrivals turned quickly and stared at the professor. Samuels looked around, feeling the pressure. "Sounds like fun, I'd love to, Dixie," She said, smiling tensely at our USS Detroit contingent. "Dixie, commense transfer of archive 'AtlantisLang' to our new arrivals. Request code 'Richard-Lawrence- Samuel-zero-five-nine-one-one-echo-zeta-phi'." "Request accepted, mom. Download port link-up and handshaking initialized. Download initializing. Download complete, mom." "Thanks, baby. Cappy, I had Dixie load Atlantian to your suits. You should be able to access and select it for translation." "Thanks, professor," Vern answered for the other three. "Dixie, what is the weather at our 'L-Z'?" Andie requested suddenly. Atlantis will be over the designated 'L-Z' in four minutes-thirty-two seconds. Weather at requested location is currently two hundred-ninety- nine-point-zero-eight-one-six-repeating above absolute zero and precipitating under clouds." Ricky Lynn quickly reached into her backpack and retrieved her personal computing device. She tapped in the information. "Eighty degrees and raining," she translated. "That is correct, mom. I did not realize I needed to format my response in the 'Empress' scale. My apologies." "Its okay, Dixie. Professor Samuels just wanted to make sure our new guests' translators were working properly," Andie told the A.I. Ricky Lynn nodded to her after receiving similar confirmation from Vern, Jules, Peyton, and Tim. "So who wants to go flying around?" I giggled. "I'm game," Yuuka said as she began to shrink. "Pixie," Peyton began as she held her hand out to stop the five-inch flying woman, "things are not what they seem with gravity absent. I recommend caution at first." "As long as there is air for my wings to push against, I'll be fine, Lieutenant," Yuuka confided confidently. There was going to be no end to the comedic slapstick this afternoon. No severe casualties, but a lot of wounded egos would result. E.S. Atlantis, Standard Year 257:08:14 "So how is your shoulder, Alexandra?" Pa asked as he and Ma entered our quarters. Emily begrudgingly lowered, marked and closed her latest book. This one was by someone called Alistair MacLean and was about a fictional, covert, World War II, rescue mission in the Austrian Alps. "I'm glad we heal fast, Pa. How is that knot on your head?" I responded. "I think it hurt worse than having my foot blown off, sweetie, but I'll live." "Louis?" Ma looked shocked. "You're joking...right?" "Mother, Pa was caught in the barracks at Schofield! He was lucky that was the only thing he lost!" Emily growled irritably. "I thought you were watching from the other side?" She glared at Ma. "Or was that a lie also?" "Young lady!" Pa interceded quickly. "That is no way for you to talk to your mother! I want you to apologize immediately." "If she really is our mother! Somehow I question our relationship, Father." "Emily!" "Let her go, Louis. She's allowed her own opinions. I wouldn't have it any other way." "I will not stand for this rude treatment, Ruth! She is our daughter! Our daughter! Not my daughter- ours!" "But Daddy, I..." You will treat your mother with respect, Emily Amelia Scott! Have I made myself clear?" Pa roared. "Yes, Daddy," Emily answered timidly. "I'm sorry you had to witness that, Alexandra, but know this..." He paused to take a breath and calm down, "I...I will not stand for any of my daughters being rude and snooty to anyone- especially their mother." "Technically, I'm not really your daughter, Pa, I..." I began to say, but he cut me off quickly. "We are so far beyond that at this point, Alexandra! You and Allie are our daughters forever more. End of story, understand?" "Yes, daddy," I cowered, impressed by his statement and its forcefulness. "Louis!" Ma cried as she looked at him in surprise. "Where did this come from?" "Someone had to stop this insolence before it escalated, Ruth. Since you went away, I've had to act as both parents- not very hard considering our daughters are in the military. It worked because I had my own problems at the time. Alexandra's arrival changed all that though- considerably. The Empress of Time and Space and her friends have redefined the meaning of my life, Ruth. Our daughters have proven that the impossible is most certainly possible and you being here only punctuated that. Even so, Emily's behavior since your return has been unacceptable and I will not let it go any farther. Now apologize to your mother, Emily," Pa demanded and crossed his arms in wait. Emily looked at me sadly for any support. I had nothing and ever so subtly shook my head to indicate such. She closed her eyes and nodded once then looked at Ma. "Daddy's right. I was out of line and I'm sorry, Momma," She said before bursting into tears and running into our shared bedroom. The door 'swooshed' shut. "Emily, you get back out..." "Leave her go, Louis. She needs to sort this out on her own, dear. I've seen she'll calm down in an hour or so. Everything will be fine, though things will never return to my pre-arrival norm." "What is that supposed to mean...'pre-arrival norm'? Ruth, I just want her to show the proper respect for you." "Pa, Emily's going through some very unusual changes. Ma's arrival and subsequently observed, uncharacteristic behavior has made those changes even more difficult." "What changes, Alexandra? Except for her more aggressive demeanor I've seen no other changes," Pa said looking at me curiously. "You've seen the major changes, Pa, in fact, you were the very first to witness two of the big ones," I revealed. Louis and Ruth Scott looked at me without comprehension. I stared back at them for a moment. "Before I knocked on your door...how long had Emily already been 'visiting', Pa?" I asked to make my point. Ruth Scott's eyes opened wide at my question. "She arrived the day before you and...and...holy shit!" Pa answered before he gasped. "I forgot about that. I forgot that she had suddenly disappeared from the kitchen to stand next to you at the front door. That was one of them?" I nodded. "I'd been pushing Emily to develop more portions of her gift since I had discovered my travel abilities. I figured that if I could do time related stuff, my sister could too. She began slowly exploring and pushing her limits after we arrived here, on Atlantis. Emily missed you so much, Pa; she yearned to visit you." "So she can travel through time too?" Pa asked, his mouth not quite closing. "In a way. Emily's gift isn't quite as robust as mine, Pa. She is only capable of projecting herself through time. Yes, she looks and feels like she is there, but her physical body remains stationary. It will be termed 'physically manifested, out-of-body' experiences in the twenty- first century." "That's one, sweetie, what was the other?" Pa asked as Ma remained silent. "Emily shares my ability to shift out of phase with reality. You saw that several times during our stay, as did Doris and Ralph Sullivan." "You rescued Ralph and Lu Sei?" Ma gasped out in surprise. "It was the right thing to do, Ma. Even though it didn't happen originally, it was the only decent thing to do. I'm willing to face 'Upper Management's' judgment for it too!" I declared confidently. Ma's expression turned serious as her eyes lowered slightly; they began moving quickly side to side as she apparently pondered my newly admitted exploits. "Things work out better this way, Ma," I assured her. "Lucy proves she is every bit a sister of Kili. I'm glad I helped save that family's future." I noticed tears forming as Ma looked up and stared me straight in my eyes. "Ruth, what's going on? Did Alex do something wrong?" There was a very long pause before Ma said anything. In the meantime, tears slowly ran down her face. Pa looked between us constantly, concern etched on his face. "I'm serious, Ma. I'll take whatever "Upper Management" decides should be my punishment!" I said boldly. "It's not that, honey," Ma replied as she wiped her cheeks. "Then what?" I challenged. Ma approached and wrapped her arms around me, her mouth moved close to my ear. "I'm so proud of you, Alexandra, and I will forever be your humble servant, my Empress." I gasped- my eyes going wide with what she had just said. Pushing her back so I could look directly in her eyes, I stared into them wanting to find the reason this woman- my adoptive mother- would say something like that. I saw two, infinitely deep, green ringed pools of love and pride. I looked into her eyes again. There was something else there. Devotion- I saw her unquestionable devotion to me and everyone associated with the Empress. I saw that she would follow me to the ends of existence...and then some...if necessary. "No!" I said forcefully after only a moment of deliberation. "We're equals, Ruth. There's no need OR desire for servants where the Empress is concerned. I will not have anyone lower themselves to servitude...ever." Ma stepped back and silently regarded me for a couple minutes- the instant, satisfied, smile on her face said it all. "You...you are everything I couldn't be," She finally whispered as her right hand reached out and she gently slid the backs of her fingers down my cheek. I was momentarily stunned. "Louis, I think it's time to leave our daughters to their mission. We should be getting back home," Ma said, turning her attention to Pa and offering her hand to him. "Are we really going to go home, Ruthie...or am I going home and you'll disappear from my life again," Pa questioned skeptically? "I promise to stay around for a little, Louis," Ma said sadly. "Unfortunately, your wife suddenly reappearing, not to mention her unexplainable youthful appearance, will not be easily accepted or understood, so yes, I must eventually leave you, my love. I'm sorry. Alexandra, we will talk again. Take care, Empress." Ruth and Louis Scott vanished just as our quarter's door opened and Alex Reilly walked in. "So, did Ma and Pa leave?" Alex glanced around, suddenly looking stunned as her eyes settled on me. "Apparently she has," my twin said, answering her own question as she hurried over to me and wrapped her arms around me. The slight tingle felt wonderful. "Oh, Alex, I neglected to see how hard that was. I'm sorry." "I got caught up in the family aspect, sis. It felt wonderful, I..." I paused. "I'm going to miss her, Alex." "I know, honey. We both knew what was to happen," Alex Reilly said gently as she guided my head to her shoulder. The coolness I felt on my cheek when it touched the fabric of Alex' uniform indicated I had been crying. Her Reilly quickly took care of the salt water, absorbing it instantly. "Jack, Cami, assemble the troops, we leave in an hour," I said toward the ceiling after I had composed myself. "I didn't think you wanted to leave so soon, sis," Alex Reilly commented. "We still need to be as unpredictable as possible." "Now that everyone is here, I'd like to thank Andie and Reggie for their hospitality..." I began. "Wait...you're not coming back, Empress?" Reggie asked in surprise. "Oh, we'll still pop in from time to time, but our mission has almost reached its conclusion," Alex Reilly assured her. "We, the Sisters of Kili thank the people of Atlantis for their generosity, hospitality, and understanding. Without y'all, we couldn't have protected our sisters and brethren...the whole of Earth's future from Mr. Clemson's careless alterations of history. My sisters, I thank you from the bottom of my heart," I concluded as tears again began to interfere with my sight." "Alex, you'll need a bridge crew," Andie said with hope. "Jack, Peyton and I have flown Meridian once before, Commodore. I'd be happy to take you along, but you have your own ship to command. Besides, you'll be needed here for Atlantis' landing." I noticed Ricky Lynn's eyes narrow slightly. "I didn't know it was that close now, Alex," Andie said quietly. "Closer than anticipated," I mumbled quietly. Commodore Celeste nodded her understanding. She had been through two landing scenarios, one successful, but unconventional, the other catastrophic. I walked over to Andie and hugged her tightly. "Thanks for everything, sis, I'll think of you every day until our next visit," I whispered into her ear. I released her and repeated my action with her sister. "You and Ian take care of the babies now, you hear? Watch Andie's back for me too." "I will, Empress." I glared at our half sister. "I will, Alex," She nodded with a smile. I stepped back while each of us took turns saying goodbye to our hostesses. After many goodbyes and many more tears, Alex Reilly and I offered our hands to our sisters. It was too bad that Brie had contacted me and requested I ta