The Far Pole - Part III: Chinavare's Find, #5

Chapter Twenty-one: Winter Storms.

Friday, November 15 th , 2047

University Center, Ulrich

Random woke on Friday morning with Eileen snuggling against him. Her leg and arm draped over him possessively. He tucked a loose strand of her hair behind her ear and watched her sleep.

He wanted to enjoy her presence. He had been exiled from the room for a good portion of the night while Eileen, Geneive, and Guiana played dress up. Which left he and Miriam sitting out at the table, figuratively twiddling their thumbs and not talking.

For his part, Random didn't really know what he wanted to talk to her about. Miriam, evidently, didn't feel like sharing without a direct inquiry. It made for an awkward silence.

Eventually, Geneive and Guiana exited his quarters loaded down with packages. They collected Miriam and headed off to their quarters. Random rejoined Eileen and they spent the remainder of the evening in their quarters. That led to his happily watching Eileen sleep this morning.

His quiet study of Eileen was disturbed by a knock on the door. After a pause, there was a second knock, Random realized that whomever was knocking on the door, wasn't going away. As confirmation, he heard Captain Thorn's voice saying, Sir, I'm sorry to disturb you but there is someone out here who needs to speak with you.

Random sighed and said, Give me a minute to get sorted and dressed and I will come out and speak with them.

Thorn replied, Yes sir.

Eileen groused, Hey. I was sleeping.

I know Angel and I'm sorry that I woke you, but it looks like my day is starting.

Mine isn't.

Random kissed her on the head, slid out from her grasp and then got out of bed. Eileen sat up and stretched, then shifted to climb out of bed. You don't have to get up Angel. Go back to sleep. You deserve the rest.

Eileen smiled, I don't want to go back to sleep without my bear.

Random stepped over to Eileen's side of the bed, took her hands and gently pulled her to her feet. When she was standing, he pulled her into his arms and kissed her. When they stopped kissing, Eileen put her hands on his shoulders and pushed him away, saying, Go get dressed, you, or we're going to end up back in bed, and we won't be sleeping,

Random smiled and responded, Sounds good to me.

It sounds good to me too, but I don't think your Captain will appreciate the delay.

Killjoy.

Yep. That's me. Off you go.

Random stepped into the bathroom cleaned up as best he could without taking time for a shower. When he stepped back into the room, Eileen had set out one of his work uniforms on the bed. I put that out for you, Randy. I'm going to take a nice leisurely shower before I come out for breakfast.

Random said, Thank you. and refrained from slapping her behind as she stepped by him and into the bathroom.

When Eileen was in the bathroom, he dressed and then exited his quarters to speak with Captain Thorn. After he closed their door behind him, Thorn said, I found this one standing outside Guiana's and Geneive's quarters, crying.

Random looked around quickly before spotting Miss Miriam behind Captain Thorn, seemingly trying to look invisible. He said, Thank you Captain. I'll talk with her.

Thank you sir. I'll leave her with you, and then walked away.

Random studied Miriam for a moment. She would not lift her face and make eye contact. Miss Miriam, look at me. She shuddered and then lifted her face, making eye contact. Random could see the tear tracks and he could sense the emotional distress. He reached his hand out and said, Come.

She took his hand without replying. Random led her to the table, seated her and then sat in the chair next to her. Tell me what this is about, Miss Miriam.

She sniffed and said, I can not stay with Lady Guiana, and Lady Geneive, milord.

Why not?

I cause them to fight, milord.

They had another fight this morning.

Yes, milord.

Are you sure that your presence was the cause?

Yes, milord.

Random put his chin in his palm and said, What am I going to do with you?

I do not know, milord.

Did you get any sleep at all last night?

Maybe an hour.

As much as I hate putting this on her, we need to talk to Eileen.

They both stood up. He took Miriam's hand. Before he started walking, he stood in front of her and put both hands on her shoulders. Once again, she refused to make eye contact. For the second time, he commanded, Miss Miriam, look at me.

Miriam looked up. Random could see the tears pooling again in her eyes. He got the sense that all she wanted to do was run away and cry. Miss Miriam pull yourself together. You're a shinobi. You've been trained to control your emotions

Yes milord, but right now I can not.

This is serious. Seeing you come apart at the seams is the last thing I expected to see.

I am sorry milord. I am not prepared for it either.

Random released her shoulders and took her hand. Before he began walking, he said, Maybe we should wait here for her. I don't think she'd appreciate having someone else in our quarters when she's coming from the shower to get dressed.

Miriam smiled and said, I know I would not appreciate it, milord.

Then let's wait here. He seated Miriam again and then sat next to her, taking her hand.

As they waited, Miriam leaned against his shoulder. Random thought about telling her to sit up, but he didn't because he could feel her emotional distress fading. Instead, he sat there watching her.

Rianna said, What did you do to her, Beloved?

Random replied, I don't think I did anything to her. You've been watching Sweets, why do you have to ask?

Guiana was worried about her so she asked me to keep an eye on her.

Doesn't that make your other task more difficult?

It does.

So, why did you agree to do it?

There was an argument this morning and Guiana said some very unladylike things to Miss Miriam. After Miss Miriam walked out, Guiana came to her senses and realized what she had done.

Bloody hell! What are Guiana and Geneive doing right now?

Guiana says that they are getting dressed, but it sounds to me more like they are playing dress up.

Let Guiana know that I said Miss Miriam is safe for the moment and you don't have to keep an eye on her any longer.

I will, Beloved.

Rianna, do you and I need to have a talk?

Did I do something wrong, Beloved?

No. I'm just worried about you., Sweets

Oh, Beloved. I could kiss you. I am doing as well as can be expected, given the circumstances, but I am willing to drop whatever I am doing anytime you want to have a long talk with me.

So noted. I think we're good for now, Sweets, but I'm glad to hear that. Can you sense either Olvir or Ophelia nearby?

I can always sense Ophelia, Olvir, not so much. At the moment neither of them appear to be close by. Why do you ask?

We need to find something to do about the bonds. Miss Miriam is falling apart at the seems, and Guiana and Geneive seem to be getting less stable.

That is serious. I can tell you that it is affecting me as well, Beloved. After yesterday's experience, could you contact Ophelia and Olvir?

I will contact them, Sweets.

Thank you. Until we speak again.

Until then.

Random concentrated on Ophelia and said, Be-an Ophelia, can we talk?

Ophelia replied, What seems to be the problem, Fe-ar Random?

The effect of the bond seems to be growing very fast.

I was afraid of that. I will speak with my beloved brother and ask him if there is anything that can be done.

Thank you Be-an Ophelia.

You are welcome, Fe-ar Random.

After a while, Eileen stepped out of their quarters, and walked straight to the table. When she arrived, she said, Random, what's all this then? Why is she clinging to you like she’s drowning and you're a life ring?

Guiana, Geneive, and Miriam had another domestic spat this morning. Miriam walked out. Captain Thorn found her crying in the hallway, so the Captain brought her to me.

I get that something's really wrong. I mean, assassins aren't supposed to burst into tears, but that doesn't really explain why she's clinging to you like that.

No, it doesn't, Angel. Allowing her to stay like this seems to be the only way for her to keep her emotions under control.

Miriam said, in a barely audible voice, It is the only place I feel safe.

Eileen looked at Miriam for a moment and said, Randy, you've got to do something about this.

I know, but until we have a better idea of what we're dealing with, anything I do may well blow up in my face.

Eileen sat down next to Miriam. After a few minutes, she took a premoistened cloth from a packet that she carried in her bag and said, Miss Miriam, look at me, sweetie. Miriam turned her head to look at Eileen, with a perplexed expression. Eileen took the cloth and began wiping the tear tracks from Miriam's face, saying, Let's take care of those tear tracks.

Eileen sat back when she finished. Miriam said, Thank you, Lady Eileen. Her voice still barely audible.

Random turned to Eileen and said, If we can't get this fixed, what are we going to do?

I don't know Random, but we going to have to do something. I am not sharing our bed with her.

Ok, but I can't send her back to Guiana and Geneive. That wouldn't be good for any of them.

You can't send her to your mother?

My mother isn't bonded to me in that manner.

Oh, Random. Eileen exhaled audibly and said, What about if we have a twin bed set up at the foot of our bed?

We can try that, but let's wait until I've heard from Ophelia and Olvir before we do anything.

Eileen answered Alright, and then looked towards the hallway. Well, look who's decided to join us this morning.

Random looked down the hall and saw Guiana and Geneive approaching. Both were looking down and appeared to be embarrassed. He said quietly, You've got excellent taste, Angel. Those two clean up really nice.

Thank you Randy. I thought you'd like the look.

I do. Soft, loose, with enough cling to reveal shape, but very tasteful. How'd you get them to wear the heels?

They're only two inch heels, but it still took a lot of arm twisting and practice.

So, that's what took you so long.

You have no idea. They do look chastised.

I think they both realize that their behavior this morning was less than elegant.

Miriam said quietly, They look beautiful.

Random laughed quietly, They're Eloran. They always look beautiful, but the skirt and blouse combinations really work for them.

Eileen sighed and said, He used to talk about me like that.

That's enough of that. I think you always look beautiful, even first thing in the morning without makeup and your hair a mess.

You're my spouse. You have to say that.

Random sighed then said, You know I'd be kissing you senseless if I weren't otherwise occupied.

Eileen laughed and replied, Randy! Not in front of the children.

You win. Let's hear what our girls have to say for themselves.

Miriam said seriously, They are not children, milord.

I know that, but sometimes they act that way.

If they heard your conversation, they would not be pleased.

They could hear everything we've said, if they wanted to, Miss Miriam.

Oh. How could I forgot about that? I am so tired. If I had a blanket, I could probably go to sleep.

Eileen responded, That sounds like a good idea. I can't imagine you've slept much the last few days.

I can not remember the last time I had a good night's sleep, Lady Eileen.

I'll see what we can do about that after breakfast. Just relax for now.

Thank you Lady Eileen.

Miriam closed her eyes and Eileen said quietly to Random, That poor baby. She really needs help.

Moments later, Guiana and Geneive came to the table and took seats opposite Random and Miriam. Guiana said, Miss Miriam, I apologize for my behavior this morning. It was unacceptable.

Miriam looked up and replied quietly, Yes it was, Lady Guiana, but I accept your apology. Please accept my apology for causing trouble between you and your spouse, sounding a little groggy.

Please accept my apology as well Miss Miriam. My behavior this morning was no better than Lady Guiana's.

I accept your apology as well, Lady Geneive. Until we figure out why these bonds are causing such trouble, I think we should not share sleeping quarters.

Random said, I think we can all agree on that.

Guiana said, You have nothing to really apologize for, Miss Miriam, but we will both accept your apology. She turned to Random. Do you like my clothes this morning, Random?

I do Guiana. They look very nice on you.

Geneive cut in, And mine, Fe-ar Random.

And yours, Lady Geneive. You both look lovely.

Thank you Fe-ar Random. Mother would be scandalized.

Why would she be scandalized, Lady Geneive?

You can see my legs and that I have hips and breasts.

I knew you had them before, Lady Geneive.

Yes, but for the most part, our robes do not reveal them.

They reveal more than you might think, Lady Geneive. Random nodded towards Guinaheir, who was coming up the hallway and said, See, her robes may even be more form fitting on top than your blouse, and you can definitely tell she has hips.

You do not like my blouse?

Your blouse looks very pretty on you and yes I like it very much, Lady Geneive. Random turned to Eileen and said quietly, Help.

Eileen raised both hands and shook her head, answering quietly, Sorry Randy, you stepped on that land mine all by yourself. You're on your own.

Rianna said quietly, For a man who has three spouses, you seem to have trouble understanding females.

Random replied, You've noticed that, have you Sweets?

Yes, Beloved. It provides a great deal of amusement.

I'm glad I can keep you entertained.

I am not the only one who finds your difficulties amusing. Goodwoman Ophelia finds them hilarious. Speaking of Goodwoman Ophelia, she has asked me to tell you that she will try to speak with you after your midday meal.

Thank you for the message, Rianna. The exit door swung open and Captain Thorn stepped in, followed by a half dozen soldiers carrying the food trays. "I'll talk to you later. It looks like our breakfast has arrived."

You are always hungry when I want to talk.

Rianna, that's not fair. It's not even true.

Hmmph . . . , Until we speak again.

Until then.

After breakfast, Eileen arranged for a twin bed to be set up at the foot of their bed. She also had a comfortable chair brought in so someone could sit with the person sleeping in the twin bed. While their room was being rearranged, Eileen said, Take her in there and get her into the twin bed. When she's down, get her a pillow, cover her with a blanket, and let her take a nap.

Random looked at Eileen and then down at Miriam and said, Come on you. It's time for a nap. Miriam didn't respond. She held onto his hand and stood when he did. She followed along meekly behind as he entered his quarters.

Inside the quarters, Random guided her to the twin bed and said, Sit and wait please, Miss Miriam. When she sat on the edge of the bed, he quickly located a spare pillow. He set the pillow at the head of the bed and said, Lay down.

Miriam stretched out on the bed and laid her head on the pillow. She was wide eyed and kept those eyes on Random the entire time. It was clear to him that she was apprehensive about what he intended to do.

He pulled a spare blanket out of the armoire, unfolded it, and then covered her with it. When the blanket was in place, he sat in the chair, brushed the side of her face gently with his thumb and said, You'll be safe for now, Miss Miriam. Take a nap. I'll stay right here in the chair while you sleep.

Random watched as the uncertainty in her expression faded. Miriam slowly closed her eyes, and within minutes was sound asleep. She hadn't made a sound the entire time.

Eileen said, How's it going in there?

Random replied, She went out like a light.

Can you stay with her for a while?

Sure. I've got paperwork that needs seeing to.

Don't we all. I have a meeting with a UN Earth representative some time after lunch. Do you think you could sit in on the meeting?

Should be. I don't think there's anything else I'm required to do, but I haven't spoken with Olvir and Ophelia yet.

I'll leave you to it then. Right now, I have to meet with Colonel Elkins. We need to assemble graphics for the conference.

That sounds almost as fun as the paperwork I've been not doing.

Oh yes. Especially since I get to work with Bhadia as well.

I like Bhadia.

That's not surprising. Other than Sarah, Bhadia seems to prefer working with men.

Are you expecting problems from her?

No. Probably just tedious nit picking.

I hate to say this Angel, but better you than me.

Thanks Randy. I'll keep that in mind.

Random opened a secure channel on his telnet and began looking through the papers that required his attention. He started with the authorization for settlement construction requests. He compared the various plans with the development goals drawn up by the Commonwealth for each colony.

Most of the construction requests fell clearly within the Commonwealth's goals. Nearly all of these requests complied with the requirement for green space and native habitat preservation. He approved all of those that met both standards.

For the ones that did not, he annotated them with his reasons for not approving the requests. There were two or three that were so outside the Commonwealth's goals that he marked them as not meeting minimum requirements for consideration. He didn't want to believe that these requests had been drawn up by Commonwealth residents.

When he finished the settlement requests, he began working on the logistics requests for the Commonwealth's residents and for its military. Random was concerned with the Commonwealth's growing need for raw materials. Even with all the conservation measures in place, the need for materials continued to grow with the population, although at a slower pace.

He had expected the military's consumption of fuel to be a burden, and the logistics reports confirmed that expectation. Day to day use, even for an active unit, was doable. However, If there was an engagement lasting more than a few weeks, it would be difficult to keep the military supplied. There were plans in place to increase supply, but as with everything else, these would take time to bring on line.

He signed off on the logistics requests and then was interrupted by Rianna. Random, are you busy?

I'm not working on anything I can't put off until later.

Do you have time for a talk, Beloved?

Is there a problem, Sweets?

I do not like having you answer my questions with a question.

I have some time. What do you wish to talk about?

The scan drained away my energy and left me very weak. I do not wish to feel that way again.

Have you spoken to either Olvir or Ophelia about it?

No, and I do not intend to. I need you to speak to them for me.

Ophelia said she would try to speak with me after our midday meal. I will talk to her about it then.

Thank you, Beloved.

Is there something else you wanted to talk about, Sweets?

Miss Miriam looks so peaceful and vulnerable when she sleeps. Very much in contrast with her shinobi training.

She does, but I don't think we're seeing her at the top of her game, Sweets.

Guiana and Geneive are not at the top of their game either.

No, they're not. What about you?

I do not know. I cannot sense anything wrong, but I do seem to be very emotional and easily distracted.

Something else I need to bring up with Ophelia when she pops in for a talk.

Yes. After a short pause, I know it is wrong, but I am so jealous, Beloved.

Why are you jealous, Sweets?

You put her into bed and tucked her in, then you caressed her face and told her to take a nap.

Should I not have done that?

It was very sweet. I just wish that you had done it with me.

Wouldn't that be kind of hard to do, Sweets?

If you were going to tuck me in and then stay and watch over me, Beloved, I am sure I could find some way to take a nap.

I don't think that my being in the aos for extended periods of time is a good idea.

No. It is not. The aos is already behaving strangely around you.

If I cannot be with you in the aos, perhaps there is a way for you to spend time here with me. I advised Goodwoman Ophelia to ride along in my aura. Could you do that and still be able to do what Olvir tasked you with?

I . . . Um . . . It is possible for me to do that, Beloved, but I am not willing to.

Sounds like you've tried it at least once.

I do not want to talk about it.

Got it. Is there anything you do want to talk about?

Not if you are not coming into the aos to spend time with me.

We already agreed that it wasn't a good idea.

I know that, but how am I supposed to model new clothes for you if you can not see me?

Maybe I can convince Ophelia to make it possible for you to appear in holograph form when you want to.

You can try, Beloved, but I am not even certain I want that ability.

Why not?

I would be tempted to use it. Besides, we would still not be able to touch. There was a pause before Rianna continued, Lady Eileen tells me it is time for lunch.

Why did you hear her and not me?

She knew that we were talking, so she asked me to tell you.

Does everybody think I just ignore them?

No, Beloved, but when you are engaged in something, sometimes it is easier to do it this way. Lady Eileen wanted a reliable way to contact you, but sometimes you get caught up in things. She thinks it has something to do with human males not multitasking.

I really need to talk to that girl about telling stories out of school.

What school?

It's an expression, Sweets.

I guessed that, Beloved. What does it mean?

It means to gossip or to reveal sensitive information.

We are only trying to help you.

Random exhales audibly and then said, I know, but she doesn't need to go into all the details.

Oh. I think I understand. Lady Eileen wants to know if you will be joining her for lunch.

Random looked over at Miriam, who appeared to be sleeping soundly. No. It looks like Miriam is still out cold.

Lady Eileen says that she is going to bring your lunch and the two of you can sit and eat together.

Sounds good to me. Will you be staying with us for lunch?

No, Random. I will allow you and your spouse to have time together for lunch. Until we speak again.

Until then.

Random was starting to drift off when the door opened and Eileen entered carrying a tray. After Eileen set the tray down, Random said, It smells good. What is it?

It is a healthy version of a shepherd's pie. Colonel Elkins says that you have been slacking and have fallen off your exercise routine. We're putting you on a diet and Elkins is arranging training courses for you after lunch each day. Studying with Miss Miriam might well be your first course.

Random opened his mouth to reply and realized that Elkins was right. He said quietly, Yeah. Ok. I'll talk about it with sleeping beauty when she wakes.

Eileen studied Miriam for a minute before saying, She almost looks like she needs a teddy.

Quietly. Try not to wake her.

After Eileen handed him his bowl, she said quietly, Without all the stress and tears, she's very pretty.

Random nodded. She's Eloran. They're all beautiful.

Eileen stuck her tongue out at him and then said, I wonder if she'd let me help her pick out clothes?

I don't think skirts and heels will enhance her shinobi training.

Spoil sport. At the moment, she doesn't need to be shinobi.

Talk to her about it when she wakes up. See what she thinks.

Alright. Will you mind having to be here while we discuss fashion?

I'm sure I could find something to keep myself occupied.

Random's thoughts were interrupted by, Fe-ar Random, have you finished your midday meal?

Random set down his spoon and replied, Close enough, Be-an Ophelia.

Very well. I have spoken with my beloved brother. We both believe that something has been added to the bond you share with Lady Rianna and her cousin, Lady Guiana, but so far, we have been unable to isolate the culprit. Your bond with Lady Miriam is of a totally different design. Goodman Olvir believes that he knows what the major elements of the bond do, but there are some things that have him confused. After my own study and analysis of the bonds, I have to agree with his conclusions.

Does that mean that there is nothing that can be done?

Not entirely, Fe-ar Random. Goodman Olvir and I discussed your ability to see the use of aura energy and aos energy as a weave. We both believe that this ability may be key to developing a solution to your problem, even if it is only temporary. After a short pause, she continued, Why are you not eating your meal, Fe-ar Random?

They've decided that I need to be on a diet, Be-an Ophelia.

This dish is not to your liking?

Yeah. It's not. In any case, what do you and Goodman Olvir need me to do?

You should eat at least some of your meal.

Random huffed, then said, Yes Mother.

I am not your mother, Fe-ar Random.

No, Be-an Ophelia, but you are mothering me.

I am female. What did you expect?

Random put both hands up, palms out. Fine. What is that you want me to do?

Hmmmn . . . Very well. Come to the Library after your evening meal and bring Miss Miriam with you.

That shouldn't be a problem. She seems attached to me, so it's not like I could leave her here. What will I be doing at the Library?

We are going to remodel a classroom setting to make it a laboratory for studying those bonds.

Be-an Ophelia, there is a problem. The scan drained nearly all of Rianna's energy away, leaving her extremely weak. I don't want to put her in that kind of danger again.

Very well. I believe that if we focus on Miss Miriam and Lady Guiana, we can prevent a reoccurence of the effect on Lady Rianna.

Let me talk to Rianna and see if she's willing to take the risk. Can you design a failsafe so that I can exit the class if the effect happens again?

We can, Fe-ar Random. You seem to care a great deal about Lady Rianna.

She is my constant companion, Be-an Ophelia, and she has become part of my family, but you already knew that.

Yes, and I know that Lady Eileen, Lady Sarah, and Lady Carol all seem to have accepted Lady Rianna as part of the family. I just wanted to hear how you phrased it.

Can I ask why?

You can, but I will only tell you that I am gathering information on human behavior.

I may be more Eloran than human.

That does taint the findings that I have gathered.

I assume that you are watching others as well.

Some. Very well. We will see you after your evening meal. Until we speak again, Fe-ar Random.

Until then, Be-an Ophelia.

When Rianna was sure that the conversation with Ophelia was over, she said, I know how important this is and to be honest, I have very little choice. When you enter the classroom, I will be with you. Of course, the classrooms are in the aos, which will allow me to actually appear and interact with you, if I want to.

It will be nice to see you again, but no shenanigans.

Spoilsport.

If you feel the weakness again, let me know so we can get you out of there, Sweets.

I will, Beloved. I will not lie to you, I may act brave, but this is an enemy that I can not fight and I am terrified.

Stay close then.

You can count on that. Until we speak again.

Until then.

When Rianna finished, Eileen said, So what's the plan?

Random answered. Ophelia and Olvir are setting up a classroom as a laboratory for studying the bonds. They want me to bring Miss Miriam to the Library after dinner.

I heard Ophelia say something about using your ability to see things as a weave.

She and Olvir believe that it may be useful in coming up with some kind of fix, even if only a temporary one.

Are you going to need us to do anything?

I don't know, Angel. I kind of wish you could come with me, but I don't know if that is possible, or even advisable.

You have safety concerns?

Lately, it feels that everything we do, brings up a new set of safety concerns.

I know. If I can come with you, I will. Could you promise to keep us in mind before you commit to anything irreversible?

I will talk with Ophelia before we begin, because I'd really like to have your approval before I try to implement some kind of fix.

I would like that, Randy. Since you're not going to finish your meal, are you ready to meet with the UN Earth representative?

It looks like I'm going to have to wake Miriam up. I was hoping to let her sleep until she woke up on her own.

If we let her sleep all day, she'll probably be wide awake all night.

'You make it sound like we're dealing with a little girl."

Sometimes they seem to act like little girls.

I think that may be part of the bonds’ effect.

Maybe, Guiana did seem to become much more like a middle schooler after she was added to Rianna's bond.

She has. Rianna also seems to be coming more emotionally volatile.

I think it's only going to get worse if we can't come up with some kind of fix.

I do too. So, should I wake her up?

She's awake, Randy. She's been waiting for you to tell her to get up.

How long has she been awake?

Since I came in for lunch.

Why didn't I know that?

She likes having you sit with her.

She's been talking with you.

Yes, and you don't have to make it sound like an accusation.

I didn't mean to make it sound like one. I'm just frustrated that I didn't even hear the two of you talking, even though I'm sitting in the same room with you.

Don't panic. Ophelia was worried that you had more than enough to deal with, without having to deal with all those extraneous conversations.

Having her provide screening is probably a good idea. I just wish she'd told me about it first, so that we could work on fine tuning it. Some of those extraneous conversations can be more important than they seem.

A little later, Random, Miriam, and Eileen stepped out into the briefing room. A portion of the table was set up for a meeting. Random sat down. Eileen and Miriam took seats on each side of him. When they were seated, Random said, When are we expecting this representative?

Eileen replied, He should already be here.

Just as Eileen finished, a soldier stepped into the briefing room from outside and said, UN Earth Delegate Albert du Mond is here for the meeting, sir. He wants to know if his aide and his escorts can also be present.

Eileen answered, Tell Delegate du Mond that I specifically said that he may bring one aide. The escorts will have to remain outside.

Yes Ma'am. I'll tell him. The soldier stepped back through the door. He returned a few minutes later, followed by a dandyish gent with a pointed goatee and a waxed