South Of Bikini 5- Home Is Where The Heart Is free porn video

EPISODE 3: HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS 10:00AM, ALEXIS REILLY RESIDENCE, FLEMING CITY, JUNE 19TH, 1459AE 5 7:30AM, REILLY BUILDING COMMUNITY HALL, FLEMING CITY, JUNE 20TH, 1459AE 13 8:30PM, AVALON, HOMEWORLD, SEPTEMBER 12TH, 264AE 31 1:58PM, REILLY BUILDING COMMUNITY HALL, FLEMING CITY, JUNE 20TH, 1459AE 40 South of Bikini Season 5 Episode 3 "Home is where the heart is" "You are among friends, ladies. Alexandra, rephase and greet your mother properly." Billie, Freya, Cassie, Sam, Cassi, Randi, and Hoshi looked at me in shocked surprise. Yuuka looked back at us calmly from Alexis' shoulder. Though still phased, the Pixie knew exactly where we were standing. Cami tightened her grip in a show of support. For once in my long life, I felt completely inert- unable to move or even talk. Alexis sighed sadly. "Well...I also saw this happening. Alright, if you won't come to me, I'll come to you, Empress." The woman I knew as Alexis- my sister's daughter- that now called me her daughter- shimmered slightly as she walked over to us. "There you are," she chirped happily. "I understand you recently found out about us, Alex, although for me, it's been over a thousand years since we last met. Let me have a look, hmmm?" I felt myself nod slightly. Alexis smiled brightly as she reached out and gently ran her fingers down my cheek. "I can go to my rest happily now that I have seen my daughter attain her true calling." I felt my expression suddenly change and my vision blurred. "Oh, come on! I didn't mean right this instant, honey! I've still got a few hundred good years ahead of me!" Alexis giggled then her expression turned serious. "Look, don't act so surprised, Alex. You and Camille knew I was your mother those last two months back at Avalon! Are you going to talk to me or do we stare at each other until we tire of standing?" "What...what do...do I call you?" I stuttered. "Ahhh, your voice still does work! That's good to know. As for how you should address me? I would suggest a page right out of the Empress' own handbook: in public, call me Alexis, but when among friends, call me mom, mother, momma, mum, or nothing too derogatory. How's that?" "Yes...mother," I answered shyly. "I like her, mom," Cassi said to Cami. "She wasn't like that the last time we met, Cassi," Cami replied snidely. "Things have been difficult these last hundred years, Camille Darough," Mother responded tersely. Yuuka whispered something into her ear. "I'm sorry, little one, but Mei Lee has since passed- almost twenty years now. However, Allie and their remaining descendants would be delighted to meet you. First though, I think you should exit Pixie mode. People of this 'technologically enlightened'," Mother snorted in disgust, "era, no longer believe in the existence of Fae like yourself. You are simply impossible and illogical according to their technology!" "Won't they see me growing up, Lady Alexis?" Yuuka asked. "As long as you are within my protection, no, Lady Yuuka. You are free to 'grow up'." As Yuuka grew, I asked a rather sensitive question. "So, I take it that Alex Steinert has already left on her final mission, mother?" "It will be one hundred years tomorrow, Alexandra," Alexis Reilly...my mother informed us sadly. She began to cry. "All these years and I still miss her so much!" I took her into my arms and held her until she managed to compose herself. The whole time Billie, Randi, Sam, Cassie, Hoshi and Freya remained silent. "Come, I'm sure you all are tired from your trip. I'll transport us to my residence." A large, but modest domicile- what my sister called an 'apartment'- appeared around us. "Welcome to my home, girls. Sorry it isn't as spacious as our suites in Avalon, but it fits the bill. The guest bedrooms and the guest bath are off that hall to our right. My bedroom is off to our left, beyond the dining room and kitchen. The loft is only accessible to Pixies and those of us that can transport or fly. Now, I have provisioned for your two week stay so please make yourselves at home and do not worry about putting me out," Mother said with a bright, but strained smile. I got the distinct feeling that she had been lonely, possibly on her own, for quite some time. Cami, Cassi, and Freya began to float up toward the ceiling. Yuuka quickly entered Pixie mode and joined them. "Why bunk beds, Lady Alexis? And why so many?" Cassi asked innocently from the loft. "Allie and her kin occasionally stop by for a visit," Mother sighed quietly. "There are but twenty Fae left on Earth." "Twenty? I thought by now our Homeworld would be teeming..." Cami seemed surprised. "Automation, hun. With the advent of more sophisticated devices, Fae are more prone to get in the way. I can't begin to count the number of funeral services I've attended over the recent years." "Can't you do anything to the programming...some embedded subroutine to distinguish Pixies from real targets?" Randi asked appalled by what she heard. "Lady Comptroller, please remember that- at this time- you have not received your gift yet. Randall Valiant Peltierre is an extraordinary programmer and Cyber Engineer, but he still does not have the rapport with technology you possess." "Oh...I forgot...sorry," Randi apologized then her face brightened. "Maybe I can do...my 'thing' without him detecting me?" she asked, hopeful. Mother gave her a slight, but quick grin. Yuuka flew back down and exited Pixie mode next to mother. "Lady Alexis, there is a bunk in the loft that has my name on it. Why?" "Allie has never lost hope that you would come back to Earth to visit, M'lady. She has never forgotten you- you're rescuing her and Mei Lee, or your patient tutoring. You are her idol and 'Squadron Leader'. I would start to prepare for the emotional reunion now, Lady Yuuka," Mother explained and warned. "Am I due to stop by during our stay, mother?" I asked curiously. Her smile became tense. "No, Alexander is busy with things of his own, honey. If he should slip by my foresight and surprise us, you are his cousin from Daroughton- one of my sister Cassandra's, kids." I had to ask the question. "Mother, are Samantha and Cassandra still...you know...?" "They're faring better than I am, Alex. Your sister brought her Sam and Cassie to visit about five hundred years back. They were able to sync, while I still remain patient. It seems my sisters again take favor from the Empress," she said with disappointment. "Mistress Reilly, we did not mean to offend. It was the Empress's request that we accompany her," Cassandra apologized. Alexis...mother raised her hand. "I have seen all that will happen, ladies. I assure you I am not insulted. In fact, I look forward to the impending events- events I know cannot be changed nor even modified by the Empress of Time and Space. I have lived my entire twelve hundred and fifteen years in preparation for what is to come...what has to come. I welcome the conclusion of this Goddess-forsaken paradox!" 10:00AM, Alexis Reilly Residence, Fleming City, June 19th, 1459AE "Mistress Reilly," Billie Sangiere began. "William, I am well aware of who you were, are, your title, and your gifted talents. You ladies may all call me Alexis," Mother said as she suddenly pointed to me blindly. "Except you, of course, Alexandra!" she smiled impishly. "Questions?" she asked as she turned and walked to the dining room. We heard ceramics clattering. It was a full two minutes before she reappeared carrying cups, saucers, and two carafes on a metallic serving tray. Setting the beverage tray down, she looked at us intently. "Come on! I know y'all have at least one question!" "Mistress Reilly..." Freya began as mother glared at her. "Mistress Alexis..." Mother shook her head with a giggle. "Care to try one more time, my Valkyrie sister?" "Alexis?" Mother nodded. "Alexis, is this really the Homeworld? If so, why do the memories of it appear unfocused- phantasmal...as like something once dreamed then discarded?" "How long have you all been at Reilly Research, ladies?" Mother asked. "Nine hundred and eighty-three revolutions, Alexis," Randi answered. "Reilly Research Station officially goes online in nine days, ladies." "Oh my Goddess!" Cami gasped loudly as she shuddered visibly- a haunted look washing over her face. "Mother?" Cassi asked with concern as she took hold of Cami's arm. "There are twenty-two months remaining," Cami answered in whisper. "That is correct, Cameron." Mother nodded sadly. "And you are alright with this?" Cami's voice squeaked two octaves higher. "I have already made my peace, sister. I look forward to rejoining mother and father in the next realm. But enough of this morose conversation! I said I would answer any questions...please let me clarify. I will answer any questions other than those referencing this world's pending demise, okay?" "Why are we needed here, Alexis?" Randi asked boldly. "To try to stop the catastrophe. Comptroller," Mother answered quickly. "As well as other things previously mentioned, some, more critical," she added cryptically. "Such as?" Hoshi inquired. "Such as providing support for your 'cousins' as they prepare for their lifetimes' adventure!" Teasing really did run in the family, I thought. "THEIR lifetimes' adventure? Mother, becoming stranded on a lifeless planetoid for over nine hundred years..." I paused. "That was more of a death sentence, not an adventure!" I corrected harshly. My mother's smile grew larger- her eyes seemed to sparkle deviously. "And yet here you all stand...finally complete and comfortable with your true selves. I see no significant- residual or otherwise- signs of imprisonment or torture." Mother went silent and let us all think about that for a few minutes. "Now, since tomorrow is Epiphany, we shall begin to prepare for the 'celebration."' "Epiphany?" Cassi asked in confusion. "What's Epiphany? I mean, I know what it means...but...you celebrate 'Epiphany' here?" "It is THE day, M'lady!" Mom proclaimed. "The day the Empress of legend was rumored to have 'mystically'," she framed the word in air quotes, "enlightened the world to its barbaric, destructive, future path- if you still believe those old tales, that is," Mother smiled tensely. Seeing no reaction- positive or negative- mother continued. "The modern holiday commemorates the supposedly recorded day that our 'ancestors' finally got their collective heads outta their asses and banded together to form a new world order- suddenly agreeing to put down their weapons- quite out of the blue, I might add- and work together in peace for the betterment of all. They called it 'the Epiphany', DUH!" she explained sarcastically. Her face angered instantly and a tear dripped from the outer corner of both eyes. "I call it the day...the day...my...the day that...my...MY mother gave her life to try to save this cursed planet from itself!" Mom broke down and cried openly. I quickly stood and gathered her into my arms. I felt another pair of arms embrace both of us. "Be assured it is more current in our minds, M'lady," Cami said gently. "It has only been," she paused to calculate, "fourteen years for Alex and I. I thank the Goddess you were not present to witness it." "Unfortunately, you, Aunt Jocelyn, and Aunt Jacki- Goddess rest her soul- transmitted it world-wide," Mom choked out as she cried harder. She and Cami held me tighter. "More coffee, Alex?" Mother asked as she picked up the carafe and offered to fill my cup. "I'm good." Mother nodded. It had taken well over half an hour for us to regain our composure. "So, about our Epiphany celebration..." "What kind of commercialized occasion has this Epiphany evolved into?" I asked sourly. Any celebration seemed somehow gruesome knowing what the anniversary really meant. I silently- so as not to sadden mother further- mourned my sister- my actual grandmother- Alexandra. She noticed- being half Terran and all, but remained silent, a look of understanding flashed across her face before she answered. "It is a holiday similar to your world's American day of thanks. Thanksgiving, I believe it to be called?" I nodded as I recalled my sister's memories. "How many sisters are to attend?" I inquired. "Just us, your two Aunts, and a few other sisters, sweetie. I don't have enough room for many more." "My Aunts? Samantha and Cassandra? They're coming here?" I asked in shock. "Director? Sam and I are here, but we are not your 'Aunts'! Though unsure of our real relationship, I think 'Aunt' is somewhat of a reach," Cassie exclaimed emphatically. "They will be staying with us here, at the apartment, yes, but the celebration will take place down in this building's banquet hall. You see, long ago we decided that Epiphany should mean more than just giving thanks. Every year, your Aunts and I invite the city's poor and downtrodden, those that have suffered loss, hospitality. We offer hot meals- as much as they can eat- entertainment, socializing, and if they are in need, warm beds for a few nights. It is just one of the 'holidays' we do for those that have nothing or have lost...everything, Alex. We believe it is what mother would have wanted. Actually, she gave us her approval when she popped in several times..." Mother paused for ten seconds. I could almost feel her fighting against that last thought... "Alexandra, the children...they love to hear about the 'mythical' Empress and her adventures through time, though keep it light and simple. Mother always made that a priority when she attended." A sorrowful look began to creep over mother's face again. This had to be extremely hard on her. I know I was having a hard time suppressing my own memories. "So we're offering up a soup kitchen? Something like the Red Cross?" I asked, but wondered how I knew that...oh, Alex Steinert's memories again. Everyone stared at me. Only Yuuka and Hoshi seemed to understand. "So Cassie and I get to meet our temporal twins? Are they like us?" Samantha asked innocently. "We shall see what happens tomorrow, ladies. They will arrive promptly at 7:30AM," Mom prophesized. It sounded all too much like one of my responses. "So...Randi...have you made any more modifications to RVP in the years since RRS went on line?" Mom asked our comptroller. To this point Randi had said/added little in the way of conversation. Randi made no attempt to respond, instead, she continued to stare blankly out the window. Billie waved her hand in front of our sister's face several times with no recognition. "Avalon, honey? Could you let Randi talk to us for a while? I need to ask her several questions," Mom said looking up to the ceiling a moment. "I'm sorry, M'lady, Omega #1, Revision 3, External Processor was busy downloading my complete library of historic archives which required both processors' collaboration and significant access time," the A.I., whose voice sounded a lot like me, apologized. "That's alright, Ava. I won't keep her long," Mom said with a tinge of red in her cheeks. She looked over at me and nodded sadly. It wasn't my voice, I realized. It was grandmother's voice. "Sorry, Alexis. I wanted to back up as much data as I could before... um..." Randi said as she suddenly realized where she was heading and stopped. "What is it you asked, ma'am?" "I wanted to see how connected you were to Ava...Avalon, Randi. I also asked if you made any modifications to RVP over the years." "Modifications to the RVP core programming is constantly being upgraded, Alexis. To date over seven thousand major modifications have been implemented." "And why have you decided to backup our historical archives? I would think that Reilly would house such archives already," Mom inquired. "Apparently, such data has been lost or otherwise rendered unrecoverable, M'lady. Hypotheses range from core memory failure to extreme Fusion Giant EMI," Randi answered. "You people from the future talk funny." Mom laughed tensely. M'lady, for what purpose am I here? This society seems peaceful enough. What upcoming event would require a Valkyrie?" Freya asked. "We may have some 'persuading' to do later in the week, sweetie," Mom answered, though cryptically. "And why, exactly have I been asked to come along, Empress?" Hoshi asked as she stared; daring either of us to say something just as 'mysterious'. "I just thought you would want to see our Homeworld," I admitted. "That and I thought you could use some R and R. After Greece, we all could use some time off to recuperate." "Oh," Hoshi said quietly as she sat back. She seemed appeased, but disappointed that I hadn't baffled her. "Following form, M'lady, why am I here? I bring to the table the only true recollection of the Homeworld, but other than that, I see no purpose for me or my gifts to be here," Billie- as usual- said formally. Mother giggled as she shook her head several times. "My, you certainly are not the William set to depart this Earth in eight days, Miss Sangiere. So how can you be so sure you alone remember your history reliably?" Mom stared into my assistant director's eyes intensely for a moment. I recognized the 'Demmit stare' immediately! Mom's eyes narrowed. "My Terran side has uncovered some surprising information about you, my dear. It seems you have learned- because of your 'maternal' experience- the use of force...when necessary, of course. That particular talent will be needed with your cousin." "I have no cousins, Alexis. I am the last of the Sangiere clan," Billie declared as she puffed up her chest a little. "The last direct descendent, yes, but the last Sangiere? Not likely, William," Mom countered with a devious smile. Billie immediately closed her eyes and began to concentrate. "She still can't do that on the fly like you or I, honey?" Mom winked at me with a quiet giggle. I shook my head as I noticed tears beginning to run down Billie's face. "Why is the queen crying, Empress?" Cassie asked in concern. "She has just seen that she has relations that live and breathe the same air you all have- and for the same amount of time, Cassandra Jacquelyn Sangiere." Cassie's mouth dropped open. I thought she would fall over, unconscious. "You never told me you were related to the Queen!" Sam cried in surprise as she gently punched her sister's arm. "Why didn't you tell me?" "She's still as clueless as she ever was," Mom giggled just loud enough so I could hear her. "It hasn't gotten any better in three revisions either," I whispered. Mother looked at me in astonishment. "Revisions? Are these not my sisters?" she whispered. "Yes...and no, mother," I winced. "They still are Cassandra and Samantha, but...they are reproductions...with certain enhancements. It was necessary as the radiation from the Fusion Giant caused more damage than my nanotechs could effectively repair. They are the fourth revisions of your sisters." "You knew this and never said anything, Alex? After everything we have done together...after nine hundred and sixty years?" Cassie exclaimed in disbelief. "Nine hundred and eighty-three," Randi corrected. "Whatever! Why didn't you tell us Sammi and I are related to you?" Cassie demanded. "Wait," Sam interrupted. "Yer sayin' we're related to the director, Cassie?" Mom and I looked at each other, rolled our eyes, and barely kept from laughing. Nope. Not even through four revisions! "I'll get the door," Billie said as mother and I continued to laugh at our two arguing sisters- my two revised Aunts. A silvery-violet blur streaked between our faces. And just as suddenly, a middle-aged woman practically fell on Yuuka- almost knocking her and the chair she was sitting on over in the process. "YUUKA!" the woman screamed excitedly. "Nice of y'all to join us, Allie! I see you still remember your old squadron leader," Mom said, still laughing. "I think she's happy to see you, Yuuka!" Mom used the sudden distraction to gently take my hand and pull me closer. "I want you to promise me, Alexandra!" she whispered sternly into my ear. I looked around at our group in concern then realized she had taken us out of phase also. "Promise what, mother?" I asked, still looking around the room. "Promise me that you'll transport the Pixies back to your Earth. Mom said it needed to happen. Please, Alex...please promise me that...that no matter what...you'll take all twenty back to your Earth!" she continued in a beseeching whisper. "Anyone else, mother? Who else would you request the Empress of Time and Space save from this planet's self-imposed demise?" I whispered back as I tried to keep an even temper. Alexis stared at me with trepidation for a moment before a tense smile erupted. "I see Aunt Mina has taught you well," she said as she leaned closer and kissed my cheek. "Then we both know what has to happen in the upcoming days and months before the end of days." I nodded sadly as I also noted Billie was the only one looking around the room for us. Her look of relief told me we were back in phase. 'Welcome back, Alex,' Cami's voice said in my head. "I hope your mother has not asked too much of you?" 'I have not, sister. I have merely made several small requests. That is all.' Mom's voice answered as she looked from me to Cami, Cassi, and Billie in that order with her tense, closed-lipped smile. My eyes scanned the room after I looked over to Yuuka and Allie. Both had stood back up and were hugging each other tightly. Other eyes, much smaller, and residing in pairs in five-inch female frames, but still very observant, also watched the two women. Seven pairs of eyes along the top of the bookshelf nearest the apartment's entrance door, four pairs seated on the top of this room's video monitor, three pair looked on from the edge of the end table, and five pairs of eyes quietly observed mom and I from the drapery rod over the large living area window. Wonderful! Twenty-one Pixies! And I thought one was too many! This was certainly going to be a party like no other! "What did I ever do to you?" I asked mom quietly- just loud enough to be heard above my two, still arguing, revised, Aunts, and the two reunited Pixies. "Wait!" Yuuka said loudly, attracting everyone's attention. "Your daughters, granddaughters, and nieces?" Her voice cracked into the next octave. "Yes, all those that remain, Squadron Leader," Allie answered. "Twenty of us have survived the technology and curiosity hunters over the millennium. I promised them all a trip to see your...our Homeworld- my old planet Earth! Do you think the Empress could find it in her heart to do that, Squadron Leader?" "Why don't y'all ask the Empress herself, ladies?" I said with a giggle before being almost bowled over by Allie. "Empress? Alexandra? Is it you, sister?" Allie almost cried as I tried to push her off of me. "Allie, this is my daughter, Alexandra Reilly. She was also at Avalon that day. She and Camille of Darough," Mother said to end her confusion. "My apologies, Empress. I forgot about the Empress as three," Allie bowed after standing back up. "Would it be possible for us to request transport for a short vacation to your Homeworld, M'lady?" "I'm sure that can be arranged, Allie. And it is good to see you again, young lady," I answered. I now noticed my companions looking around the room in wonder. I thought about my daughter, Reilly, and what she would say if she had come along. Something like: 'where's a good exterminator when ya really need one.' 'I was wondering that myself, Alex.' Cami thought to me. I...Mom, Billie, Cassi, Cami, and I giggled. 7:30AM, Reilly Building, Community Hall, Fleming City, June 20th, 1459AE "Hi! Is anybody home?" That simple question was followed by a perceptible loss of atmospheric pressure in our immediate area. To my right, cutting vegetables at one of the long preparation tables, Samantha and Cassandra gasped and appeared to lose any and all color as they stopped and stared at one another. Walking out of the large, industrial refrigerator, Alexis giggled and motioned with her hand for us to follow as she passed, heading into the main hall. Sam and Cassie didn't move at first. "It's going to happen- either out there or in here. Your choice," I said calmly. Are they that afraid, Empress?" Allie asked from my left shoulder. "They've never met, honey. I told them that it wasn't any different than meeting their twins on our world." "But aren't they the same persons, Empress?" "Yes, but they're terrified, Allie," I began to explain. "Terrified of what they will find out about themselves- what has been forgotten over almost a full millennium." Yuuka flew off my right shoulder and hovered just off my left. "Maybe we should stay in the kitchen, Allie. It's going to be very awkward for them. These types of reunions should be as private as possible," Yuuka advised as she held out her hand to the other Pixie. "Of course, Squadron Leader, we have all experienced awkward situations. We understand," Allie said looking around the huge kitchen as she took the offered hand. Both Pixies flew to the top of one of the large metal cabinets where all nineteen of their sisters sat or stood milling around. "Girls," I said looking at them. "You really don't need to stay in Pixie mode. I don't think mother accounted for this when calculating her inventory of honey." A yellow-winged Pixie with beautiful blonde hair flew down and hovered before me. I knew her temporal twin, Sunni, back on Earth. "Empress, we wish to not take up the precious space- space that your highness requires," she said as she bowed deeply. "Cut the crap, Trina!" I replied sharply. "You know my name and, no matter which one of us you're talking to, that we all request using it instead of that title." The Pixie giggled politely. "Sorry, Alexandra. We do not wish to get in the way. We usually stay in Pixie mode while meal preparation is done. We have already set the tables and when it comes time to serve our guests, we all change mode and begin those tasks. As for Princess Alexis' limited honey inventory, we have accessible financial accounts and have already placed request, and received, sufficient quantities from the local supplier," she informed me. "Fair enough. I'm sorry I snapped at you, Trina," I said as I walked out into the main hall where I was just in time to see my aunts wrap their arms around my assistants. "OUCH!" All four women exclaimed in surprise. It echoed loudly around the empty, cavernous room. Allie's fighter group swarmed out of the kitchen immediately and hovered over the heads of both Sams and both Cassies. "Pixies! It is a normal reaction when temporal twins have not synchronized for an extended period. Your Squadron Leader can explain. Please stand down," I told the excited swarm. All twenty-one women gathered over in the nearest corner of the room. I barely heard Yuuka's voice over all of the buzzing wings. The group slowly dispersed and all twenty-one exited Pixie mode, found seats, and watched us with interest. "Empress! It is good to see you again. Alexis said that you would be here this year," Cassandra...I guess Aunt Cassandra now, said. My Cassandra remained stationary and mute as she came to grips with all the new memories flooding her mind. The same was true for Samantha. "So, it is as Aunt Alex claimed all those years ago, Empress. Your nieces are identical to us except in personalities- which are opposite. How intriguing. I would like to meet them one day," Aunt Cassandra proclaimed. "You mean in all the years, Alex hasn't taken you across the universal boundary?" I asked incredulously. "Neither mother nor Aunt Alex, Empress, though we can think of no reason for it," Cassandra replied sadly. "Though...I believe she felt the imbalance might persist and destabilize the Protoverse as it did before her initial arrival to our universe." "Well, I'll just have to remedy that soon," I said quietly to myself. "Don't, Alex," Mom ordered. "There is a reason mother procrastinated our introductions and I'm sure you know exactly why!" I nodded almost imperceptibly. I did know the exact reason- only it had nothing to do with upsetting the Protoverse! Unfortunately, it was worse- a temporal waypoint. Alexis...mom, nodded back once. She obviously had been monitoring my thoughts. Talk about not following Terra's premiere protocol! 'May I remind you again that we are not on Terra, Alexandra?' Mom said in my mind with a devious, visible, smirk. 'Yes, mother, I know...and so do Cami and Cassi now.' 'Cami is well aware of my breaching 'protocol', Alexandra.' Physically I rolled my eyes. "Empress?" My assistant, Cassie, inquired in confusion, "What happened to these memories? Why couldn't I remember any of this...from before our upcoming assignment?" "Since I have the same voids in my memories, I can only hypothesize. Perhaps it is related to the significant EMI pulse when..." I started to explain, but noticed Alexis'...mom's expression grow sad. "I hazard to guess, honey. Any number of things could have caused it," I said instead, deciding not to upset mother further. From somewhere in my mind the word 'LAME' shouted loudly. Mom raised an eyebrow to that. Yes, she was monitoring. My Aunts had already started to look younger as they're newly reset nanos began the task of cellular regeneration. Before the day was over, my aunts would look identical to my assistants, Cassandra and Samantha. They might even start acting identical too. Yay. 'My' Cassandra suddenly stared at me then Ale...mom. "We can do all that stuff?" she asked in surprise. "We actually helped the Empress move all those villages?" she squeaked. "Y'all bet yer asses we did, sis! Scared the livin' piss outta us at the time too! As of that day we'd never done anything remotely that demanding! If Aunt Alex hadn't required our participation, Sammi, Alexis, and me would've never found out how much we can really do...how much you can do." I thought my assistants would pass out, but instead, Cassie disappeared and a moment later walked out from the kitchen- a huge, brilliant smile on her face! Seeing her sister's smile, Sam decided to try her newly remembered skills, phased out, and she reappeared by the banquet hall's front doors sixty seconds later. "So where'd you two go?" Mom asked as my two aunts looked on with matching smiles. "I spent the day at the public archives...um...researching," Sam answered. "That's funny. I didn't see you there," Cassie replied in surprise, but continued. "And I was in the history section for over eight hours." "I spent most of my time in the myth and fantasy section," Sam told her, annoyed. "Funny, I thought you'd spend your time in 'Romantic Fiction'," Cassie teased. That didn't take long. "Well, our work here is done! We'll be going now, Empress!" Aunt Cassandra announced hurriedly as she and Aunt Samantha quickly made for the door. "You two are going to stay right here!" Mom growled. "We ALL still have a tremendous amount of work to do before opening those doors! And you two aren't just going to stir things up and bale like you did a few years ago! Now get in that kitchen and help with Epiphany prep!" "Alright, Lexi! Geez!" Aunt Samantha groused. "Who woulda thought our lil sis would become our mother?!" Mom's head drooped forward as her gaze fell to the floor immediately. "Now look what ya done? Y'all know how Lexi feels about that subject, Sammi!" Aunt Cassandra growled. "What I done? Like y'all didn't do a damn thing, Cassie Sangiere?" "Y'all knock it off, will ya!" I told them to quench the squabble I knew might possibly be coming. "Ain't nothin' worse 'en missin' yer ma! Do Ah hafta turn mah Mind Warriors on y'all?" I warned in a louder voice. From the corner of my vision, I noticed Cami and Cassi Darough appear in the kitchen doorway. I mentally waved them off. All three faces shot toward me then immediately dropped. I guess I hit a nerve. "I'm sorry," I said quickly. "I had no right to-" "You, above all others, have that singular right, Empress!" Mom said softly as she gently took my hands in hers. She and my two Aunts began to kneel. "Don't even start!" I scolded angrily, but calmed myself as they stood back up- mom slower than her, now physically younger appearing, sisters. "Look, I know this is not the happiest holiday for you, but instead of dwelling on what actually happened that day, let's celebrate the Empress' achievements- what she accomplished!" It was my turn to look toward the floor now and I felt a tear run down both cheeks. "What...she...what she...she had to do. Let's..." I sniffed back more tears. "Let's...celebrate her...courage...the courage to do what had to be done." Mom quickly pulled me into a tight hug and we both cried in shared anguish. The 'Banquet Hall' on the first floor of the Reilly Building, in which Mom's 'apartment' also resided, was enormous. Easily six thousand square meters, it had been separated by a floor to ceiling, soundproofed, corrugated, divider. The larger two thirds of the area- the dining hall- was filled with tables and chairs and could easily seat five or six hundred. The lesser one third was further partitioned into individual 'bedrooms' where the guests could safely sleep, if desired. Overall, the dining hall was spectacularly decorated with two-dozen crystal chandeliers hanging eloquently from the nine-meter high ceiling to provide illumination. Around the walls and on the dividers, were murals depicting scenes of the 'mythical' Empress and her beloved Avalon in their prime. One mural in particular portrayed a beautiful and very realistic looking Empress, her blonde Mind Warrior, three daughters, and two small, winged women- one with silver-violet wings and lustrous black hair as they posed in front of the heavy wooden doors of the Empress' 'Palace'. One of those Pixies depicted in the mural flew lazily past me now. Allie stopped, hovered, and followed my gaze. "I don't think it looks anything like me, Empress. You, however, have been depicted beautifully," she said, bowing to me in midair. "Thank you, Allie, but that is not me. That is my grandmother, Alexandra of Avalon," I corrected sadly. "I so wish my mother was here," Allie sighed as she continued her flight to the bedroom area. "Don't you even think about it, young lady!" Mom warned as she appeared behind me and placed a hand on my shoulder. "Why?" I asked simply as I turned. "Because Mei Lee asked not to. She made me promise that, when you did arrive, I'd prevent you from transporting her here. Mei Lee gave her life to protect her daughter, Alexandra. Let's just honor the woman's wish." I nodded after running the scenarios. "There appear to have been many promises made in this universe, mother. I'm afraid I will be breaking a few." "I know, Alexandra...I know," Mom agreed sadly. Within a half an hour of opening the doors, the dining hall was filled to capacity and a line snaked out onto the sidewalk through the large vestibule. How could it be that on a planet so technologically advanced, so many were either homeless or financially destitute? "So...what kind of game bird is this again? Yuuka asked as she picked up another serving tray full of the whitish, sliced meat. "I'm thinking it's this world's version of turkey?" I answered, though not really sure. It certainly matched my sister's memory of the United States' holiday favorite. "That goes out to table twenty-one, hun," Alexi...mom told Yuuka as she walked briskly into the kitchen. "Alexandra, be a dear and fetch another container of gravy out of the cold locker, please? Give it to Hoshi so she can open it and reheat it. After you've done that, I need you to come with me. It's just about time." Finishing that task, I joined mother by the doorway. Aunts Cassandra and Samantha walked through the crowded dining room and joined us. "Do we have to do this, Lexi?" Aunt Sam whined. "Yes, and no, you cannot be the Empress this year, Sam!" Mom responded. My aunt frowned in disappointment immediately. Mom reached out and gently touched my assistant, Cassie's, arm. "Cassandra, dear, could you put that tray down and join us, please?" "Of course, Lex...M'lady," Cassie frowned in confusion. After five hours of receiving her newest shared memories, she was still coming to terms with them. "Now where is Rose?" Mom said aloud as she scanned the nearer section of the dining hall. "Rosie?" Mom shouted as she found her target and motioned to get her attention. "Could I borrow you a moment, please?" "Yes, M'lady?" The woman that looked a lot like Corrine Masterson said as she joined us. "Rosie, I'd like you to do a little cosmetology. I need Cassandra here," Mom grasped and gently raised my assistant's hand, "to look like me when I was eighteen. Think you can do that?" The woman I knew to have green-speckled, lavender wings carefully appraised my dumbfounded assistant for several minutes then gathered her hair up in her hands. Two minutes later, Cassie's hair matched Alexis'- save the gray. Placing her hands on Cassie's face for less than a minute, Rose removed them to reveal 'Alexis'- as I first met her back at Avalon. "Wonderful job, Rosie!" Mom praised. "The cast has been set! Now on with the program!" Mom announced excitedly after Rose went back to her previous duties. "Ummm... what program?" Cassie, now disguised as Alexis, asked blankly, but then blinked as the memory presented itself. "Oh! Sure, I can do that, M'lady." "Remember, dear, you will represent me now. You've met the real Alexis in your universe. I have been told the two of us are much the same. I'll be monitoring you should you have any questions," Mom reminded my assistant. She then turned around to face all four of us. "Places, everybody!" she chirped happily as she gently clapped her hands. It was certainly nice to see a full-blown smile fill my mother's face for a change! Mom touched the earpiece in her right ear. "Ava? It's time to make the announcement. Please patch me into the Address system." A pleasant chime sounded through the hall and the conversational noise dropped significantly. "Dear guests, welcome one and all to the Reilly Foundation's annual Epiphany celebration. I have been informed that in just a few moments Empress Alexandra will arrive to begin the festivities. Everyone is invited to attend her Majesty and her daughters as rumor has it they will hold court here today. Thank you," Mom's upbeat voice rang out over the audio transducers. Several of our Pixie sisters- in human mode- moved to the center of the dining hall and asked several tables worth of guests to help them open up a clearing in the middle. They increased the space to just over ten meters in diameter. Then the girls each picked up, unfolded, and held up a section of a large red 'curtain' that one of them had brought out from the kitchen. The lights dimmed. Mom phased out. A bright spotlight snapped on and illuminated the red, circular, 'curtain'. Our sisters quickly dropped the thick red fabric in unison to reveal mom in a beautiful, royal blue peasant-style medieval period dress with white lace trim. It wasn't hard to believe it was authentic. The gathering hushed immediately with a collective gasp. "Lords and Ladies, and all you young squires and maidens! Welcome to the one hundred and seventy-fifth annual Epiphany celebration here at Reilly Banquet Hall. Is everyone having a good time so far?" The crowd applauded politely and children could be heard shouting 'yes'. "Is everyone getting enough to eat and drink?" Again the audience applauded- some whistled. The children's excitement seemed to double. "Wonderful!" Mom cheered with a dramatic smile. "Now. It is our pleasure, the Daughters of Avalon and our sponsor, the Reilly Foundation, to present to you..." she paused dramatically, "THE ROYAL COURT! Please give it up for Empress Alexandra and her daughters: Cassandra, Samantha, and Alexis!" Mom announced as she pointed back toward the kitchen and took a few steps in our direction. The children began cheering, giggling, and shouting as they jumped from their seats and ran toward the cleared space. Our sisters carefully kept the excited kids from getting too close and cleared a path for us to enter. "I guess that's our cue," I said as I selected my medieval clothing and activated my covering. My 'daughters' did the same. As I offered them my hands, I felt the slightest of weight press on my right shoulder. "This year we're going to try something a little more spectacular," I informed my 'daughters' as I phased us out and transported us to the center of the room and back a minute and a half. "Is everyone getting enough to eat and drink?" Mom asked again as my real aunts leaned out to give me a questioning look. I smiled deviously. Everything stopped and an eerie silence suddenly filled the hall. "I want you, Cassie, to lay on the floor sideways, head to my left. Lean your head on your left hand, elbow on the floor, and raise your right knee in the air about a third of a meter. Rest your right hand on your right knee. Don't worry about rephasing when you release my hand, I've got that covered, honey. Aunties, I need you to stand on either side of me- facing away slightly. Cassandra, move your right leg half a step from the left- toes only, touching the floor. Samantha, do the same only with the opposite leg. Now I want you both to act like you're both holding plasma pistols vertically in the air with both hands." One face looked up at me and two others looked over to me in awe. "Did you just stop time, Empress?" Aunt Samantha gasped. "Yes, I can do that," I replied flatly. "Please, I need all three of you to have a serious face when I rephase us to make this work." Thirty seconds later- by my count, we were ready. I let time resume. Mom was repeating her introduction. If she had nullified my time stoppage like I knew she could, she hadn't moved or let on, and I hadn't noticed as I posed my 'daughters'. As before, the audience applauded- some whistled. The children's excitement had definitely doubled in volume. "Wonderful! Now. It is our pleasure- the Daughters of Avalon and the Reilly Foundation- to present to you...THE ROYAL COURT! Please give it up for Empress Alexandra and her daughters, Cassandra, Samantha, and Alexis!" Again Mother pointed to the kitchen entrance and took a few steps in that direction. She was now well clear of us. I began to think about my temporal shield- to turn it on gradually and confine it- and was rewarded by the telltale, bluish glow surrounding only the four of us. The light increased as I thought about its intensity. Our guests- especially the children closest to us- began to point, gasp, and retreat, suddenly frightened by what was happening. Mom turned at their gesturing and gasped audibly! My shield continued to double in intensity for a few more seconds before I rephased us and completely cancelled my shield. Our guests- all of them, and only after a unified gasp- began applauding wildly at- what appeared to be- to their eyes- our scientifically impossible, magical appearance. No doubt some adults were wondering how we did it and how much it had cost the Daughters of Avalon or the Reilly Foundation! Mom, still with a very stunned expression, immediately went to one knee and bowed deeply before us, but remained silent. "Well, my brave daughters," I announced with royal bravado as I looked out onto our guests and smiled. "I believe we are safe once again! I have brought us to a more 'civilized' era in this planet's history." The younger children began oooowing and ahhhing while pointing to my shoulders. Apparently they had noticed Yuuka on my left and Allie on my right. The pointing out of the two, colorfully winged, five-inch women spread like wildfire through the young revisions. "My faithful Pixies," I said purposely, turning my head to each- just to bring more attention to them. Mom instantly looked up at me, in wide- eyed horror! "Hurry away and begin your reconnoitering; I want to make sure this location is truly secure!" I commanded as I pointed back to the kitchen majestically. Both Pixies quickly got the idea, shot from my shoulders, and flew along the cleared path doing several loops and a few crossovers before disappearing through the open kitchen doors. I observed mom's expression change. She rolled her eyes and shook her head. 'Show-off!' she thought to me. Our guests were silent for several long seconds, completely stunned by the 'too realistic effect'. The stunned audience recovered and clapped wildly for two full minutes. The enthusiastic whistling actually hurt my ears. Still smiling and remaining stationary, I heard coherent voices making comments from the closer adult guests. "Wow! That looked real, but that's impossible, right?!" "How in the world did they do that?" "These are some of the best special effects I've ever seen!" There were many more, but those were among the ones I could make out. "Mother? We have company!" 'Alexis' informed from where she lay below me. "Apparently you've rephased us into the middle of some large gathering. A festival of some kind, I presume," she never acknowledged mom kneeling less than a meter in front of her, instead looking past her to the audience. Our audience laughed and giggled mildly. "Empress, why have we arrived here? Do you have some foreseen purpose you intend us to fulfill?" Cassandra asked, her head turning slightly to me. "Look at all the children! I love children!" Samantha cackled like an old hag. 'Alexis', Cassandra, and I slowly looked to- and stared uncomfortably at Samantha in disbelief. Our guests, especially the kids, laughed hysterically! "My daughter, I believe you have taken too well to the Terran's 'Witches Festival'! We, however, are no longer on that planet. These children look benign and well mannered. I sense only good magic's and intentions here." "Don't mind her, mom, Samantha just likes to tease," Cassie assured me. "Humph!" Samantha huffed indignantly. "Hey, where are we anyway, Mom?" she continued, looking around in confusion. Again mom- still bowing and on one knee- went unnoticed. "Let's ask the local inhabitants," I suggested then looked past mom to a girl of maybe seven revolu...years of age in the front row. "Um..." I pointed past mom to the little girl, "Pardon me, M'lady...we're not from around here...soooo...could you tell us where we are?" I asked sweetly. "Fleming...City," the girl answered timidly just above a whisper. "Could you say that again, M' lady? Time travel sometimes dampens our hearing, as the winds of time can be very loud. Where are we again?" The audience laughed. "Fleming City," the youngster shouted giggling. "Oh! Fleming City," I paused to contemplate that. "And...and do you know what year this is, M'lady?" "1459!" she again shouted. "Is that AM or PM, M'lady?" I asked, feigning confusion. The young girl began laughing hysterically. "Mother! The time of the day is AM or PM, not the year!" My 'daughter', Alexis, growled from below me. I imagined her rolling her eyes. "Why are you lounging on the floor?" An older boy- maybe nine or ten blurted out to 'Alexis'. Several other children followed suit and began shouting the same question. Looking at the initiator, I raised my hand for them to quiet so I could answer. "Because we were under attack by a horde of Romans bearing gifts; their only thoughts, to do us financial harm!" I said royally. "Don't let her kid ya, honey! Mom likes to tease. She actually asked us to assume this pose before we transported in," Cassandra giggled. More laughter filled the hall This was fun, but the Empress had other duties here today. "Have the people of this era forgotten the proper way to greet the Empress of Time and Space?" I questioned in a menacing, regal voice. Again, overlooking mom for the gathered participants. Mom looked back at the little girl that had told me our location and coaxed her to move forward and join her. The girl shyly did so and automatically knelt on one knee. Mom leaned over and whispered something in her ear. "Empress, welcome to Fleming City! It is 12:30PM, Saturday, June 20th, 1459AE," Mom and the girl chorused together loudly. "Thank you, M'ladies," I said as I curtsied delicately. Sam and Cassie bowed to her also. The girl beamed at our noble gesture. Mom whispered into her ear again and the girl rose cautiously and ran back to her previous location. Giggling and high-pitched murmuring ensued from the young children surrounding her. Mom looked back up at me and smiled proudly. She then gave us a nod and rose to her feet before moving off to our right. My three 'daughters' looked toward me. "You know, Empress, I think- that in the name of peaceful relations- it is customary to distribute gifts when meeting a new society. Am I right, everyone?" Samantha informed me as she motioned to our guests with one hand. Applause filled the hall and we waited one minute for it to subside. "So it is, Samantha! How might we go about this? These young maidens and squires seem set to bolt from their lines and storm our position!" I replied. "Maybe if they formed single lines in front of each of us and remained orderly and well behaved, Empress?" Cassandra offered. "I think that would work well, daughter," I acknowledged. "Lady Moderator, would you see to the particulars?" I asked mom regally as I motioned and bowed to her. "As you wish, my Empress," Mom answered with a gentle bow of her own and a pleasant smile. "Can I get up off the floor now, mother?" 'Alexis' whined. The hall again filled with laughter as applause erupted. Several of our sisters that had been serving guests approached and formed the children into single lines according to different age groups. I, the Empress, naturally got the youngest group and the children that were courageous enough to ask about meeting the Empress personally. "And I want a new personal comm, an a real, grownup, motorized bicycle, an a Heavy Hectare Automated Earthmover, an...an..." A young boy of about seven revo...years droned. I had hoped someone was taking notes as his list seemed to take at least four pages! "My, are you sure you can use all those things, young squire?" I interrupted with a pleasant laugh and grin. "I do, Em...Empress! Poppa promised me you would get me all the things that I want as well as lots of money for him to pay for it!" The child replied. I didn't think he quite understood the reason he was here, or what money really was. 'Here.' Mom said in my mind as she remained out of phase behind me. "Well, let's see if this can help you and you're Poppa on your way. It might take me some time to get your request together as it is a rather lengthy list, so please be patient, honey," I said as I reached my left hand behind me and felt an envelope drop onto it. I reached back around and offered it to the moderately surprised child. "Is that all?" he asked in surprise and quickly continued. "Where's all my stuff? I wanted my stuff today!" He demanded. "Patience is a virtue, my young squire!" I replied as I looked into his scowling face. "Time is a sequence of events that must happen correctly or they might not happen at all," I looked to his apologetic father sadly standing off to the side. "Give this to your Poppa and I promise you will have all that you have requested." "It's just a stupid envelope though! What could this do?" he demanded quite petulantly. "My dear young squire, just give this to your Poppa as I have requested. He will know what to do with it." "Keep your dumb envelope!" The boy shouted and threw it to the ground before stomping away angrily. A look of horror filled his father's face. The discarded envelope suddenly hovered off the ground and slowly flew over to the boy's father. He stared in utter amazement of the spectacle, but accepted it in his outstretched hand. A tear appeared on his cheek as he nodded reverently to me. 'Thanks, Cami,' I thought to her. 'He thanks you too and apologizes for his son's rude behavior, Empress.' Cami thought back. Another spoiled child rushed to me and immediately demanded that I produce his requests in real-time or he would have his mother charge me legally with 'breach of contract'! I stopped time and turned around to where mother stood. "Y'all believe these here brats? Ah ain't no Homeworld Santa, ma! How dare they demand anything from me...or...or any of us! They got no solid ground to stand on yet insist I cater to their egos!" "The children of this time period are very spoiled, Alexandra, I'll give you that. Though," she giggled, "This is the first time an eight-year- old has threatened us with judicial action! I'll see what I can do." "No. I can take care of this, ma." "Just think to me if you need me, Alexandra." I nodded and released time. "So...you're intention was to accuse the Empress of Time and Space with breach of contract, young barrister? Rather a bold move on your part, though futile! Do you not understand that I am above any and all laws of the land- on any continent- any planet- any universe?" I said looking at him with a devious and foreboding grin. I also engaged my temporal shield a few notches. "And do you also understand that you and your mother have no legal right with which to apply business law charges to a nonprofit organization- let alone two? May I remind both of you that you are here because you both are monetarily distressed- your mother, Chantel, not having held a job for eighteen months? I'm also afraid that means you have no finances with which to initiate any legal action at all against me OR my daughters," I said calmly while looking straight at the child's mother. I pulsed my shield to accentuate the 'or'. "What I will do for you both is give you this envelope. You, dear Joshua, will hand this promptly to your waiting mother. She will understand and act on it's enclosed instructions or I will see you back here next year. Do...I...make...myself...clear?" I said all that as I gave him and his mother the 'Demmit Stare' while pulsing my shield to emphasize the last five words. "Come along, Joshua! We've taken up too much of the Empress' time already," His mom whispered in wide-eyed, fright as I held out the envelope, which she accepted with down-turned eyes. "My most humble thanks, your Majesty." The woman took a firm hold on her son and quickly guided him away from us. 'Not what I would've done, but impressive nonetheless, Alexandra.' Mom thought to me. There was the slightest sound of approval in her thought. This was getting very disappointing! I had welcomed over two-dozen children so far today and all wanted the same thing. Things! As if my previous observation about being some Santa Claus supplement on this planet were actually true! I took a deep breath and let it out slowly to calm myself. Not one of the children seen by me so far seemed to have grasped the concept that their parent(s) or guardian(s) had little or no means by which to support themselves, yet all had more or less demanded material 'things' from me and my 'daughters'. None seemed to even think about asking for the 'important things'; things like a home, education, food on the table, or loving parents in the case of the orphans in attendance. I interviewed several more 'demanding' children before deciding I definitely needed a break. I closed my eyes and within that brief second, I saw an image...or rather a set of images that surprised me and shook me to my core! How had I missed this? Opening my eyes, I looked to the next child in line. She had been waiting patiently to see me for well over an hour. The meter and a half tall girl suddenly began to teeter and looked on the verge of collapse. Two of our sisters noticed and very quickly stepped in to help as her mother looked on in horror from not far off. "Well hello there! How are you today, sweetie?" I asked the frail, sickly looking girl of about ten or eleven as I gracefully offered my hand in friendship when Allie and Yuuka carefully handed her off to me. She was dressed in a slightly medieval looking dress and strangely, wore a knitted cap on her head. I noted her high forehead and no escaping locks of hair at all. I also noted that she was deficit eyebrows and lashes, as well- odd. I immediately consulted my gift again to make sure. "I'm feeling good, your majesty, and you?" she said politely, trying to genuflect. I quickly motioned for her to remain standing. "Oh, I've had good days and bad days, Alicia. That is your name is it not?" I replied pleasantly. "Yes, I'm Alici..." She stopped abruptly and momentarily stared at me in curiosity. "How pretty!" I smiled. "Alicia...what is it...Peltierre?" I said gently. "Peltierre, your majest..." she whispered as her mouth suddenly dropped open. "I won't tell anybody, Lady Alicia!" I whispered back conspiratorially- her tentative futures having already played out in my mind. Alicia suffered from a lack of antibodies and clotting agents. I saw two possible futures for this poised and very polite young lady. Unfortunately, her name didn't list among Reilly's crew manifest as I'd just foreseen. I got up and offered her my seat. She nervously waved off my offer. "That's okay, your majesty, I'm just a little nervous. This is the first time I've ever met you, Empress Alexandra," she gracefully declined. "And this is the first time I've met you, M'lady," I admitted, bowing my head. "So...what is it you truly desire this day, Lady Alicia, on what I have been informed is the planetary holiday called Epiphany?" The young girl blushed and I noticed her intensely concerned mother watching off to my right, listening intently for her answer. It took her about thirty seconds to build the courage to answer. "To travel through time and help people like you do, your majesty." Her mother instantly looked heartbroken. "Why would you want to travel through time, Lady Alicia? It is laced with uncertainty and unknown dangers. Travelling through time is very stressful and not for the faint of heart." "But mom told me the stories of how you travel through time to help people, your majesty! I want to help people too!" My heart fell! She had just forced me to choose option two. Looking around I saw that 'Alexis', Cassie, and Sam were between interviewing children. "Watch this, Lady Alicia," I whispered as I raised and waved my hand left to right slowly. All movement and sound around us stopped. Both Alexis', Cassandra, and Samantha all looked toward me. They were giving off the slight bluish glow that told me they were shielding themselves from the stoppage. Alicia noticed the glow too and her mouth dropped open. "Empress? Why did you stop time again? Cassie inquired. Alicia looked around us- probably wondering what was happening. "We'll be back, ladies," I said, standing, before phasing out. Of course I released my hold on time as well. A huge, white-walled, castle towered before Alicia and I. We were standing in the center of one of the many villages that had been moved that fateful day. "Do you recognize this place, M'lady?" I asked the dumbfounded girl. There was only stunned silence from my companion. "Lady Alexandra, what brings you and this strangely coifed young maiden to Miller's Glen? I thought you out spreading the peace?" A man in period coverings asked as I rephased us. He seemed shaken by our appearance, but had quickly recovered. "My young companion wishes to see where I live, sir. I did not wish to startle you by appearing so suddenly." "It is nothing but pleasant to see you out and about, M'lady!" He said happily as he bowed slightly to us and continued about his business. "Majesty? Are we really here? Can this really be...? My confused companion inquired in an excited, but unsure tone. "I thought your wish was to travel with me, Lady Alicia?" I said with a pout. "That was your deepest desire, was it not?" "Momma and Poppa said you weren't real though. They said you were just a legend." "Huh! And I suppose the two Pixies you saw when we first appeared weren't real either?" I countered with a smile. "Lady Allie? Would you consider yourself real or imaginary?" I asked looking to Alicia's frail right shoulder where a silver-violet-winged Pixie stood clutching the girl's knitted head cover. The Pixie hovered off the child and faced Alicia eye to eye. "I consider myself very real, Empress. Who is our friend?" Allie replied. "An acquaintance from a future time that has very eloquently asked to travel with me through time, Allie. Alicia, meet Allie. Allie, Alicia. The Pixie began to grow- but not too much. Alicia's eyes almost popped from her head and I thought she would faint on the spot! Allie offered her hand as soon as she stopped growing to her six-year old height. Alicia was speechless as well as motionless. Allie took my companion's hand and shook it vigorously. "Hi." "Empress, why does she wear such a strange bonnet? I have never seen such a design before." "As I said, Alicia isn't from this time, Allie. We have just arrived from the far future," I explained. "Then you are not Alexandra of Avalon?" Allie realized. "I am Alexandra of Reilly, dear sister." Allie dropped to one knee. "Welcome to Miller's Glenn on Avalon, Empress! It is 1:35PM, Sunday September 12th, 264 AE," The six year old declared. My companion gasped as I felt her grip tighten on my fingers. "Why...why...are we here, majesty?" The girl gasped as she continued to stare at the younger girl before us. "You said you wanted to travel through time to help people, didn't you, Alicia?" I asked gently. The child silently and slowly nodded. "Well, we're here to help someone," I continued. "Who, majesty?" she asked quietly. I looked at Allie a moment then back at my guest. "You. We're here to help you, Alicia," I said with a bright smile. 8:30PM, Avalon, Homeworld, September 12th, 264AE "Did you pass my message to Mei Lee as requested, Morgan?" "Aye, M'lady. Mother and child have gone to East Bordergate for a few days to greet Lady Alexis' arrival from her crusade." I nodded my acknowledgement. "How's the girl doing, Lady Alexandra," Alex's chambermaid inquired as we met and conversed quietly in the hallway just outside my domicile. It was a suite really, consisting of three bedrooms and a large living area with a small dining nook. "Sleeping peacefully for several hours now," I answered. "Apparently the trip and everything associated with it fatigued her more than she thought. She was not a well child, Morgan." "I trust she will look...less piqued by morning?" Morgan stated more than asked with a knowing grin. Alex's chambermaid was one of the few people that had known about the Empress before our big 'coming out' three months ago- relative to this time period. "Yes, she will, but I'm not comfortable with the circumstances though, sister. I saw one of two possible scenarios; one where she asked me and her parent for a new personal communicator then she and her parent deleted with the Homeworld; the second was she asked to time travel with me...to help people...she...she forced my hand, Morgan! That crafty little revision actually- and freely- chose her future!" "Isn't that what you wished to happen, M'lady?" she asked in confusion. "Morgan, the future of this planet is but twenty-two months from ending in her time and I have no record of her assignment to Reilly Re