“Yet, you’ve done political maneuvering of your own,” Premier Rivera said.
“We want to help people,” Lydia said.
“The announcement by Alexander Wykes and the interview with Donna Lester wasn’t political maneuvering,” Premier Rivera asked.
“We didn’t know about Alexander,” Lydia said. “We don’t want to run the country. We want to help people.”
“Your mate is sweet and naïve,” Premier Rivera said. “Does she know you had ulterior motives for coming here?”
“She knows I came for her, not because I was interested in helping a backward world,” he said. “She changed my intentions. Her experiences have made me want to help the individuals.”
“But not the government,” Premier Rivera said
“The government does not appear to need or want my help,” Mycos said.
Premier Rivera laughed. “I like you,” she said. “Let’s put aside the politics and discuss the real issues.”
“What do you see as the real issues,” Mycos said.
“The insult and assault of your mate,” Premier Rivera said. “The incorporation of your technology into our world, and the meeting of your real needs, not those you told us.”
“You forgot one very important one,” Lydia said.
“Which is,” Premier Rivera said.
“Helping the people,” Lydia said. “Particularly the poor and disenfranchised.”
Premier Rivera gave Lydia an assessing stare and said, “I see what you mean, Lord Mycos.”
“What are you doing about Senator Weatherton,” Mycos asked.
“Already women are coming out about his behavior,” Colonel Brown said. “We’ve seen this happen in the past. This will likely snowball into a crisis for him, forcing him to resign.”
“He’ll get a censure from the Senate but the reality is it means little,” Premier Rivera said.
“He will walk away,” Mycos said.
“No,” Colonel Brown said. “We believe an investigation will reveal illegal activity, not only assault but others.”
“With a man like him, losing face or stature is tantamount to death,” Premier Rivera said.
“When will this investigation begin,” Mycos said.
“There are already rumblings,” Colonel Brown said. “Have you seen the news this morning?”
“No, we were busy,” Mycos said.
“There’s enough coming out to damn him,” Colonel Brown said.
“Later today, I’ll announce I’m removing him from the committee who’s negotiating with you,” Premier Rivera said. “I’ll put Morgan Richardson in his place. She has a reputation for being squeaky clean.”
“Donovan and Weatherton are close,” Colonel Brown said. “They will find a way to strike back at you.”
“Colonel Brown and an elite squad of soldiers will be, with your permission, assigned to your location,” Premier Rivera said.
“Our compound will not,” Mycos said.
“No, they will maintain security in the area around your compound. No one will know they’re there,” Premier Rivera said. “Weatherton has unsavory and powerful friends.”
“We will tighten our security,” Mycos said.
“Colonel Brown will consult and advise,” Premier Rivera said.
“Will his people train with our men,” Lydia asked.
“Is this an option,” Colonel Brown asked surprised but eager to see how the Hylatians fight.
“It might be,” Mycos said. “We will not provide weapons.”
“We understand the reasons,” Premier Rivera said. “I realize you aren’t getting the punishment put down in your decrees but will his loss of status and power satisfy you and your council?”
“I am learning to compromise,” Mycos said squeezing Lydia’s hand.
“Compromise is good,” Premier Rivera said. “Senator Richardson will be in touch within the next day or so. I hope we can move forward.”
Chapter 6
“She wants to meet you,” Mycos said as he stood next to Lydia.
“What if she doesn’t like me,” Lydia asked.
“She will,” Mycos said. As she started to object again, he pulled her close, kissed away her worry. “Trust me.”
“I do,” Lydia said. “Does she speak my language or will I need to speak Hylatian?”
“I will be here for most of it,” Mycos said.
“What do you mean most,” Lydia said panic setting in again.
“There are high council discussions I am not allowed to participate in,” Mycos said. The twinkle in his eyes told her he was amused by her bafflement over her membership in the council.
“I’m … Mycos, I don’t know anything,” Lydia said.
“You have already completed most of our programming,” Mycos said.
“The general ones,” Lydia said.
“You realize you have caught up in a very short period of time,” he said.
“Yes, I’ve learned your language though you still laugh at how I say some of the words,” Lydia said.
“It is charming,” he said. “Il amo.”
“Il amo,” she said back telling him she loved him in his language. “Why are you laughing?”
“Because our women say it harsher with more demand. You say it with a different tone, a caress,” he said. “Every time you do, I want to hold you close and have some private time.”
“Are we doing this as a family,” Nic asked standing in the doorway smirking at the couple. “Or are you two busy with your private time.”
“As a family,” Mycos said keeping his arm around Lydia while turning to include the other girls. “We will do the family, then you and me, and then you.”
“All right,” Lydia said. Hannah came to stand in front of her. Abby raced to have Mycos scoop her up. Gregor joined them and made the connection with the holo projector giving them the illusion they stood in Mycos’ home.
“Is this your home,” Heidi asked.
“Yes,” he said. “This is the foyer where we greet guests.”
“Connection made,” Gregor said. Scowling, he watched as the rest of the girls walked in. Dani and Rachel hugged him as they walked by.
“Mycos,” Mylana said. “Are these your girls?” The holo shifted until they appeared to be in a sitting room with deep comfortable furniture all in muted colors.
“Yes, mama,” Mycos said. He hugged Abby tight. “This is Abby, she turned seven recently. Abby this is your Avia Mylana.”
Abby hid her face but peeked out at Mylana. “You are beautiful,” Mylana said. “You can call me Avia or grandmother in your language.”
“Gregor’s uncla,” Abby said liking Avia’s smile. “You can be Avia.”
Mylana said, “I am proud to have such a beautiful and from what Mycos tells me intelligent neptem.”
“That means granddaughter,” she looked to Mycos for confirmation.
“It does,” he said.
Mylana spoke to each of the girls. When it came to Nic, she said, “You are learning to fight?”
“What of it,” Nic said. Lydia nudged her. “Yes, ma’am, I am. We all are.”
“Do you feel you will need to fight to protect your sisters,” Mylana said assessing the young woman.
“It’s better to be prepared,” Nic said.
“Very wise,” Mylana said.
“I’m not calling you granny,” Nic said defiantly.
Mylana laughed, “Is this what grandmother relates to?”
“Sometimes,” Nic said.
“You could try Mylana,” Mylana said. “Do you prefer Nic or Nicole?”
“Nic will do,” Nic said. “You’re not so bad. You mess with Lydia, we’re all gonna be pissed at you.”
“I will do my best not to… mess with her,” Mylana said pausing slightly over the last of the phrase.
“I’ll check on the monsters,” Nic said. She squeezed Lydia’s hand as she left them.
“Mycos, I see why you love them,” Myla
na said. “I wish you were here so I could get to know all of them.”
“Lydia feels we have more to do here,” Mycos said.
“Do you,” Mylana said.
“Yes, ma’am,” Lydia said.
“You must follow your instincts,” Mylana said.
“We have news,” Mycos said.
“Happy news I hope,” Mylana said.
“Some,” Mycos said. “Sally and Gregor are expecting a child.”
“Oh! What wonderful news,” Mylana said.
“Several of the men are seeing, seriously seeing, their mates,” Lydia said.
“It takes longer than our traditional seven days,” Mylana said frowning slightly.
“It does,” Lydia said. “Women need time to get to know the men before they make a commitment.”
“It is perhaps a better way of making the connection,” Mylana said. “The first year for our mates can be difficult. With only seven days, it takes us longer to settle into being a mate.”
“What happens when the mates are recognized but one is too young,” Lydia asked.
“You are worried about Nic,” Mylana asked.
“Yes, and Heidi,” Lydia said.
“If the female is too young, the male mate moves to the female’s family home to allow him contact,” Mylana said. “The male must be circumspect.”
“Like Mycos was with me,” Lydia said.
“It came as a shock to me he could be so patient,” Mylana said. “He has never been patient.”
“He was,” Lydia said holding his hand.
“Mycos, I hear the girls using words in our language,” Mylana said.
“They are becoming quite fluent,” Mycos said.
“He laughs at the way I pronounce some things,” Lydia said bumping hips with him.
“I told you,” Mycos said giving her a quick kiss.
“We want to know as much as possible about your home world,” Lydia said. “It will be home.”
“A better home than I think you have had in a long time,” Mylana said. “Mycos, how are you handling your primal urges about the man who touched your mate?”
Mycos growled, curling his lip. Lydia moved into his arms, kissed him. “Fine as long as I’m in his arms,” she said. “The lawyers are after the senator now.”
“After Lydia did the interview, many women came out with similar accusations,” Mycos said. “He is facing charges with the humans.”
“We got a gag order put on him,” Lydia said.
“Gag order,” Mylana asked.
“It means he cannot talk about us,” Mycos said. “We, Hylatians, have issued a decree as you requested.”
“If he sets foot in our territory, including our embassy on earth, he will face the charges in our courts,” Mylana said.
“It keeps him away,” Lydia said. “At least for now.”
“You do not think we’ve seen the last of him,” Mylana asked.
“He has powerful people backing him,” Lydia said.
“You have powerful people backing you,” Mylana said.
“Is this my cue,” Mycos asked.
“Yes,” Mylana said. “Salvu est filius.” She touched her heart as did Mycos as she bid him to be safe son, a traditional farewell. Lydia watched him walk out, nervous to be alone with his mother.
“I’m trying to learn as much as possible every day,” Lydia said.
“I believe you have made great progress,” Mylana said. “The council has agreed to have both of us sit in during the meetings. We speak in our own language.”
“I’m getting better,” Lydia said.
“There are members of the council who are not happy with a Lady from another world,” Mylana said. “I do not say this to upset you but more to warn you.”
“I understand but I can’t have much influence, I’m one of thirteen,” Lydia said. “There are twelve other families who all have a seat at the council.”
“There are,” Mylana said. “I will notify you when the next meeting is. They are unhappy with the human’s response to your assault.”
“We are as well,” Lydia said. “I think we have to let this play out a little.”
“How are negotiations going,” Mylana asked.
“Better than before,” Lydia said.
“How about the homeless shelter,” Mylana asked.
“We have several who want to occupy,” Lydia said. “The building is near the school. Some of the legal maneuvering has been complicated and tiresome.”
“But these people have no home,” Mylana said confused by the delays.
“No, they don’t but there’s kids involved,” Lydia said. “The kids would rather be on the street than in the system. Because we’re providing shelter, they’re trying to require us to turn over the minors.”
“Which will then have the minors staying away from the shelter,” Mylana said. “Defeating the purpose of the shelter in the first place.”
“It’s frustrating because we want to help and the government puts up roadblocks,” Lydia said.
“I am sure you will find a solution,” Mylana said. “Since Mycos is not hovering, I want to welcome you to the family. You will one day be head of the family. I believe you are a perfect fit for this task. I look forward to getting to know you and your sisters.”
“Thank you,” Lydia said. She felt welcomed and part of a family. “I look forward to knowing you better.”
Mylana held her hand to her heart as she had with Mycos.
***
“You have a lovely home,” Morgan Richardson said as she and her husband Eldred settled into the small sitting room with Lydia and Mycos. She looked at the pale blue walls which gave the room an airy feel. The furniture, deep and comfortable, circled around a fireplace which held a wood fire. She noted the cameras in every room as well as the small robots moving around.
“Thank you,” Lydia said. “We spend a lot of time in this room.”
“I want to visit the hospital to see the technology in person,” Morgan said.
“I’m sure we can set up something with Alexander or Trinity,” Lydia said.
“You will join me,” Morgan said.
“No,” Mycos said firmly before Lydia answered. “She will not.”
“Because of the area,” Morgan asked.
“Because she was locked in a death ward there,” Mycos said. Lydia squeezed his hand, leaned into him. “She will not return there.”
“Does he control you,” Morgan asked.
“No, but he dealt with my difficulties the last time we were there,” Lydia said. Mycos raised her hand to his lips and kissed it. “He’s protective. I’d prefer not to return there.”
“Will you accompany me to the school and the shelter,” Morgan asked nodding understanding.
“Of course,” Lydia said. “If you want to see the medical technology, Justinian is available to demonstrate.”
“I’d prefer a human doctor,” Morgan said.
“Alexander and Trinity are joining us for dinner,” Mycos said.
“You use this technology,” Eldred asked.
“Yes, it saved my life,” Lydia said. A scream echoed down the hall followed by laughter.
Lydia closed her eyes. “Excuse me a moment,” she said rising to go to the door. Abby and Hannah raced into the room laughing and out of breath.
“What are you doing,” Lydia asked trying not to scold.
“Playing tag,” Abby said smiling but seeing the others in the room, she launched herself at Lydia hiding in the deep blue skirt of her dress and gripping her around her legs.
“We forgot,” Hannah said quietly trying to hide behind Lydia.
“Are these two of your sisters,” Morgan asked.
Lydia turned, picked up Abby so she didn’t trip over her. “These are the two younger ones,” she said. “Abby and Hannah.” She indicated each one as she introduced them.
Aniton arrived at the door. “Lady Lydia, forgive me. We are playing tag,” he said with a grin.
“It’s all right,” Lydia said. “Who’s it?”
“He is,” Hannah said scooting away so he couldn’t tag her.
“Poor strategy to race to a room with only one exit,” Mycos said rising to take Abby from Lydia. Abby refused to look at the strangers in the room even as Mycos rocked with her. In his own language, he said, “No worries, little one. Laughter is always welcome.”
Abby kissed his cheek and smiled.
“This is Morgan and Eldred,” Mycos said. “Can you say hello?”
Abby hid her face, pressing her cheek against his. He felt her tremble but she turned her head, looked at them, whispered, “Hi.”
“Hello,” Eldred said. “Do you enjoy playing tag?”
“I’m staying,” Abby said looking for reassurance from Mycos.
“No one will take you, ceann bragge,” Mycos said.
“Aniton will count to five,” Lydia said. “So you can get a head start on your game.”
“Ten,” Abby said. “He’s got long legs.”
“Seems reasonable,” Eldred said grinning at Abby’s bargaining.
“All right, ten,” Lydia said. She hugged Hannah to her. “You can best him, I’m sure.”
“Yes, we can,” Hannah said.
“Do not run into places without a way to get out,” Mycos said kissing Abby on the cheek before setting her next to Hannah. The two held hands, swinging them slightly.
“No cheating,” Abby said as she went to the door.
“Of course not,” Aniton said hiding his grin. “I will get you fair and square.”
Hannah and Abby bolted away from the room, giggling and squealing.
“Thank you,” Lydia said patting him on the chest.
“It is my pleasure,” he said. He walked away calling out his count in Hylatian.
“You have six sisters,” Morgan asked.
“Yes,” Mycos said. “Nic and Heidi are in combat training.”
“Combat,” Eldred asked his eyebrows rising.
“Self-defense,” Lydia said. “They call it combat.”
“Dani and Rachel are studying,” Mycos said. “They were working through some science experiments.”
“Using your programs,” Morgan said.
“Yes, they’ve helped all of us get up to speed,” Lydia said.
“Because you lived on the street and didn’t go to school,” Morgan said. “Are the programs too advanced for them?”
Seven Sisters Page 19
