XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Chapter 42 – Talking to Himself

Legate the Third sat at the bar of Genie's flat. A black ski jacket hung on the back of the chair he sat in. Gloves and a stocking cap sat next to him.

Genie handed him a warm cup of tea with a smile. "I've never met anyone who loves snow as much as you do."

"And the socks you had Tony get for me, are amazing. I'm toasty warm."

She smiled and sat next to him with her own cuppa. "And I spoke with Sammy."

"Having a good time in New York?"

She seemed relieved. "He seems, so happy. If this girl breaks his heart, I'm going to break her arm."

Legate laughed under his breath. "Genie the Quauthin." He mocked her high pitched voice, "Don't you dare hurt my brother! I'll make you beg for mercy!"

She looked back at him and shook her head. "I don't sound like that."

"You never broke Denise's arm."

"Oh. But, how I wanted to." She insisted. "But, this one is different. He's completely….head over heels with her. Did you know they had slept together that first night?"

Legate blew his tea. "Lucky guy!"

"She didn't know who he even was-"

"Well, that's good news. A point in her favor."

"I don't see why you say that." She grumbled.

"Are you determined, not to like this girl?"

"I like her!"

"Then, what's with this….hostility?"

Genie sighed. "Ugh. I don't want to talk about it."

He sipped his tea and mumbled. "At the moment."

She looked back at him. "I had an interesting chat with Papa this morning."

Legate sighed, "He told me that he wanted to see me, but then got busy with something at Torchwood. He knows about me breaking that man's jaw, doesn't he?"

"Yes."

"Did he mention, paneling me?"

Genie shook her head. "You're not going to be paneled. I asked. But, he knows about me and you."

"How does he know?"

"He guessed it."

Legate closed his eyes and groaned. "Oh, what fresh hell awaits me at the hands of Primus Lewis?"

Genie giggled and rubbed his thigh. "He said he was happy. But, he wants us to tell Dad."

Legate looked back at her. "He's not…."

"He was really alright. He said that he was in no place to punish anyone for something like this."

Legate pointed at her, "That's true. But, I wasn't going to use it as a defense."

"Why would he say that? What did he do?"

Legate rose his eyebrows and sipped his tea. "You would never believe it."

"You forget who you are talking to."

He sat down his tea and smiled. "Well, you didn't hear it from me, but for starters….Lewis nearly was kicked out of the Academy for sleeping with one of his instructor's wives."

Genie shook her head. "You believe that?"

"Because it's true. Everyone at the Academy still talks about it. Luce and Lartius are the only reason no one knows who it is who did it."

She shook her head in surprise. "Papa wouldn't do that."

"Your Papa, met Arles' Mum. They slept together for months without him even knowing her name. I'm telling you. Arles had to get it from someplace."

Genie shook her head. "Ugh. I don't want to think about that nutter. Where is Arles?"

"I checked on him just before I came in here. He's in his flat, watching telly."

"And he's staying there?"

"He said he was cooking a cake? I don't know. Smelled good in there."

She giggled, "He's the master at slipping out. But this about my Papa. Someone has convinced you of complete madness."

"And there were twins from Pusniotov. He got sick from that. So, while he was still infected, he found them again-"

She sighed, "This is not the same man!"

"It is! And the woman from…ummm…Poymia. She stole his clothes and he had to transport back to the ship, nude. Sam returned, wearing them!"

She giggled, "That's the maddest thing I've never heard."

"Believe me. I know things that are even worse about him. But, I won't tell you those things."

She smiled back at him, "Why not?"

He grinned and winked at her, "He knows too many things about me."

She laughed and leaned over to kiss his lips just as someone knocked at the flat's door.

Legate laughed back at her as he walked, in his sock feet, to answer the door. Legate the Second stood there. "Is it a good time?"

"Sure. Come in." Legate the Third insisted.

The two Legates walked back into the kitchen together. Genie smiled at them both. "Legate and Legate! It's nice to see you."

Legate the Second smiled. "Hi Genie. Ummm. I need to talk to…"

"Yourself?" Genie teased.

Legate the Second laughed under his breath. "Seems that way. Do you mind?"

She stood up and smiled, "Certainly, not. I have some calls to return." She put her hand on Legate the Third's forearm and kissed his cheek. "I'll be in my office. I still believe you are mad."

"It's the truth!" Legate the Third beamed at her.

She started to walk to the door. "Legate, make yourself at home."

Legate the Second opened the fridge and took out a bottle of beer. "Cheers."

"Chiron is down there. You'll be fine." Legate the Third called to her.

She walked out of the flat and closed the door.

Legate the Third sat down the tea. "Hand me one. I just found out that Lewis knows about me and Genie."

Legate the Second chuckled and handed him a bottle of beer. "I've not seen Lewis today. Something at Torchwood?"

Legate the Third nodded and drank half of his beer in two swallows. "Yeah, some Jayzuno Cruiser racing?"

Legate the Second laughed, "I could have beaten that."

Legate the Third clanged beer bottles with the other Legate. "Oh, easy! I don't know why it was such a problem."

Legate the Second thought, "The after burner?"

"I don't know. Maybe."

"Huh. Interesting."

Legate the Third sat down his beer. "So, what brings you over? I'm surprised you aren't with John and Rose."

"Yeah, I told John I needed to remain here. I needed to have a think."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah." He said and sipped his beer. "But, before I get into that, can you hear Poltious?"

Legate the Third listened in his head. "No."

"When was the last time you heard from him?"

"It's been several days. He was leaving Caihiri. But, that doesn't mean anything. If he's far away-"

"Yeah, I know. It's just this….with Tony Tyler and the Vesuos."

"Oh, I get that. Huh. But, that is odd." Legate said and rubbed his chin. "Have you tried to contact the ship?"

"Yeah. I didn't get anything."

"Well, give it a bit. If they have gone deep, the signal has to have time to reach them."

"I did ask Gobbo to keep an ear out."

"Where is he?"

"That space station that they are building."

"Oh. I had forgotten about that. Yeah. Good idea."

"John wouldn't be any help. Plentitude is going away from where they were headed."

Legate the Third sighed. "Let's give a bit before we get upset. Lenox says he's not able to hear him, either."

Legate the Second nodded and sipped his beer. "Okay. Well…there's that."

"What have you had to have a think about?"

Legate the Second leaned back against the cabinet and crossed his legs. "John says that we're not the same person."

"No. It's rather…..."

"Disappointing." Legate the Second insisted.

"Why disappointing?"

"Well, this will sound….completely mad I'm sure. But, I've always been Legate. The brother of Lenox. Grandson to Lartius. Even if I wouldn't admit it to anyone else, I'm sure you would agree that you have also felt that you, in some way, had to live up to other people's expectations of what that meant."

Legate the Third considered. "Yes. I agree."

"You, being with Genie, doesn't mean that I will be with her."

"Well, that's true. But, it also could give one…hope?"

He shook his head. "It's strange now. Being with her. I know she's a child, but….I also see her as this woman."

"What are you saying?"

"I've made the decision to leave."

"What? You can't do that!"

"It's….just too….I can't describe it. Seeing you, and this Genie. Then, little Genie comes and throws her arms around me. We go out for our ice cream dates. It's completely innocence, of course. But, it just makes me feel…."

"Damn. I suppose it would." Legate the Third realized.

"You've been around the younger version."

"I don't feel that way with her. But, I'm used to this Genie. Little Genie, is….like a different person. I can't explain it. I don't even see her as my Genie. She's just this….cheeky, little girl."

"I'm probably just, over thinking it." He shrugged his shoulders. "I don't want to put myself in a position that will hurt Genie, or you. That's why I feel it would be best to go."

"You already love her now."

He sighed. "She's a child. But, she's an adult. I care about Genie, my Genie deeply and know this will be hard for her. But….."

"I understand. I'll be here for her."

He swallowed the lump in his throat. "Thank you. One day, we'll be able to tell her. I hope she'll forgive me."

Legate the Third nodded, "She's such an understanding person. She'll see your reasons why."

"Having you here, I wanted to talk to you about Kaitos."

"You're thinking of returning?"

He sat down his beer. "I've decided that where I'm probably most needed. The governor, who took over there, isn't in the best of health. It's only a matter of time."

"Lartius will be all over your case to be the heir if you do that."

Legate the Second nodded his head. "I know. I've already spoken to him and Lenox and told them I'll be the heir. They are both thrilled. That surprised me of Lenox."

"Yeah, he wants to remain on Photoria. That settlement, and those children."

"It's so important. I'm only beginning to see it now. But, the plans he has are simply amazing."

"It will be. Trust me."

"So, the stability of the Quauhtin people will remain. Lartius believes we are a dying race, and I refuse to accept that. Lovell wouldn't."

"Well, that's Lewis and Lance's grandfather. Not ours."

"Still, a King. And he made a good point. I've been reading some of his….ummm….daily notes?"

"Yes. I know what you are referring to. I've read them, too."

"He says in one, 'I look forward to the day when the Quauthin will be more than the stars in the sky. Than the jewels of the crown. That will be the true, Royal Prize of the Quauhtin.' Think of how many lives that could be saved with more Quauthin."

"You're absolutely right." Legate the Third smiled proudly.

"And so I agree with Lartius, that you will remain here, with your Genie to spot and train possible Quauthin."

Legate smiled, "It's my pleasure."

"And, I'll take another name. I've not decided what yet. But, it will make this entire thing easier."

"That's not necessary. The entire galaxy knows you as the heir. If it's needed, I'll become known by something else."

He nodded, "Thank you for that. But, for now, remain Legate. Young Genie will not accept you as anyone else."

"I can't believe this." He smiled, "Legate the Second. King of the Quauhtin people."

"Yeah. Another Legate. Let's hope I can live up to the name."

Legate the Third laughed under his breath. "Always something to live up to."

Legate the Second sipped the remainder of his beer. "So, if I'm leaving…there are several things I'll leave behind. You're welcome to them."

"Just leave them. Come back and use them."

Legate the Second shook his head. "I'll just borrow them from you if I need them. It's alright. I'll take anything I really want."

Legate nodded. "I'm just…..in shock about this. Relief, if I'm honest."

"I'll admit, that I am, too. I think it's for the best. No one could have ever foreseen this happening. But, now that it has, I believe this would be the best use of our lives. You remain, be with our Genies. I'll go serve the kingdom. That's off your head."

Legate the Third smiled, "I'm always your servant-"

"Oh, shit. It begins."

"What until I tell Sam and Arles." He insisted.

Legate the Second laughed and pulled another beer from the fridge for them both.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Later that evening, Karen and Samuel sat on the sofa watching telly. The lamp beside of them illuminated the large room. The Top Gear episode with Tony, the Doctor, little Genie and young Tony Tyler played.

Karen had taken off her shoes and jacket, but still wore her dress and stockings. Samuel had taken off the jacket to his suit and loosened his tie. His shoes sat under the short table that sat in front of them.

Karen sipped a glass of wine as she laughed at the madness. "Are they really like this?"

Samuel, with his arm wrapped around her, kissed her head. "Worse. Are you warm enough?"

"Yes, and I'm so full from dinner that I think I might pop." She told him.

"Oh, wow. Me too. Too much…what the chef call it?"

"You are the one that speaks French. He could have served us dog and I won't have known the difference."

"Phhh…."

After seeing The Lion King on Broadway, he had taken her to an elegant, French seafood restaurant. Both Adriano and Timon had joined them. They had all laughed so much that Samuel's sides still felt the work-out of it. Karen had even talked him into trying some wine that he actually had liked.

She laughed and handed him her glass of wine. "Try this. Just sip it."

He sipped it and shivered. "Ugh. It's….how are you drinking that?"

She smiled, "That's always the first taste. Try it again."

"I don't want to." He told her.

She kissed his lips, "Please? Just once more?"

"Trying to get me drunk so you can take advantage of me?"

"You don't need to be drunk for that."

"That's true." He sipped it again. He closed his eyes and shook his head. "Nope. Don't like it."

"We should have asked what that was at the restaurant. You liked that one." She took it back from him just as the interview started.

"So, we have Tony Stark." The host said.

The crowd clapped as he waved.

"And, Doctor Johnathon Smith."

The crowd cheered again as he laughed with Tony.

"And….for the first time ever, Peter Tyler!"

The crowd cheered as Pete Tyler ran out to join them on the sofa. Both Tony and the Doctor looked surprised to see him. They all shook hands and sat down.

The host began, "We're so pleased to have you all here, but especially Director Tyler-"

"Call me Pete." He smiled.

"Because you don't do interviews." The host pointed out.

Pete sat back and smiled, "My granddaughter told me it would be a good idea. Besides you're not the press where they twist your words around so much."

The host nodded his head and smiled. "Your granddaughter, Genie?"

Pete nodded, "Yes. I was just back there with her."

"She was on the track with us."

"Genie, is always in the middle of everything we do." The Doctor insisted.

Tony agreed. "Yep. That's her. Usually telling us how we're doing it wrong."

They all laughed.

Karen asked, "Do you do interviews?"

"No way." Samuel insisted.

She smiled at him. "Why not?"

"I like to be….mysterious." He teased.

She giggled at him.

The host continued, "So, Tony."

"Yes."

"You brought the prototype Bugatti Chiron to drive on the track."

He smiled, "And it was fast. John and I had a great time doing that."

Karen smiled as she realized, "That was the car you drove the other night."

Samuel kissed the side of her head.

The host continued, "I don't want to 'out' you…."

"Oh boy." Tony groaned.

"But, you own a car company."

Pete and the Doctor looked surprised back at him. Tony nodded, "I do. But, I would prefer it not mentioned which one."

"Am I right in saying this is one that….."

Tony bit his lip and became serious. "Everyone knows my parents died in a car accident. The day after the funeral, I purchased the company that made the car. I wanted to know what happened, and why. Over the years, that company has not only produced the safest cars, but has given that knowledge, freely, to all car makers in the world."

"To prevent another such tragedy." The host added.

Tony nodded, "Absolutely. If it takes me looking at stuff, and putting the brakes on certain things helps to bring someone else's parents home, it's worth every penny."

The audience clapped.

The Doctor and Pete looked impressed back at him.

Tony added, "Not to mention I get first dibs at anything they make."

"And you have a lot of cars."

"Yeah, some will never pass to be road legal. They just use too much gas. The original Bugatti Chiron would drain its gas tank within nine minutes if you drove it, flat out."

"How often have you done that?"

He laughed, "Twice. It's true."

The host laughed. "And Doctor Smith."

"Yes."

"Am I right in saying you don't own a car?"

"Well, I own a really old roadster. Pete gave it to me last year. But, I don't drive it."

Tony pointed at himself and Pete. "That's the reason he is always borrowing mine or Pete's cars."

Pete laughed. "Yes. And doesn't bother to refill the petrol."

"He does that to you, too?"

The Doctor held his hands out. "I do, too!"

The host asked, "So, I have to ask you this Tony."

"Go."

"Your favorite car?"

He thought, "Oh, that's a difficult question. Ummm…. I really can't decide."

"You Pete?" The host asked.

He laughed, "Jacks has a Porsche Cayenne, that she loves. But rarely drives it. We usually take a limo if we have to go someplace. It's just easier with all of the bodyguards and such."

"Yeah." The host insisted. "You arrived here with a frightening football team."

The camera panned back to some of the Quauthin. They stood to the side, all with their arms crossed and smiling.

"So, another question for Doctor Smith."

"Yes?"

"Married to Rose Tyler?"

He rose his eyebrows, "Yeah?"

"Well, just….how the hell did that happen?"

He laughed, "What? Are you saying I'm not worthy?"

The host laughed.

Tony looked back at him, "I would say that."

"Oh, shut up." He teased.

"No. It's just been a hell of a year for you. Married, adopted a daughter, and then that terrible explosion."

"Yeah." He nodded his head and became serious. "I nearly lost Rose and our son in that. I'm lucky to still have them both."

"Your son, he's…"

"7 months old? I think that's right."

"You look really well rested to have a baby in the house."

"Well, we have two. Our bodyguard also has an infant. He's five weeks."

"Two babies?" The host asked in surprise.

Karen smiled, "Arles."

The Doctor smiled. "Yes. But, we have a lot of help. The body guards live with us, and Jackie Tyler is always there. Spoiling them."

The host asked Pete, "And you love being grandfather."

"Best job I've ever had." Pete smiled proudly. "My Tony has someone to play with-"

"And fight with." The Doctor insisted.

"Well, that's just with you." Pete laughed.

The host asked Tony, "And being around all of this family, hasn't made you start thinking you might want one?"

"What? Why would it? They are insane." Tony insisted.

Pete grinned, "He fits right in."

Tony laughed. "The magazines are always trying to put me and Pepper together."

"She is lovely." The host insisted.

"I agree." Tony said as he sat back and crossed his arms. "Whoever ends up with her, will be the luckiest man in the world. She's smart. She's beautiful. She's perfectly capable to doing anything she will ever dream of. She's simply, amazing. The entire package."

Karen smiled and looked back at Samuel. He had fallen asleep sitting up. She guided his head down to her lap and ran her fingers through his hair. She felt the familiar tingle begin in her fingers and travel up her arm. She smiled as she looked down at her ring. Her stomach tingled as she remembered him writing the reminder to himself to propose to her in six months.

She sipped her wine and continued to watch the interview. Samuel's phone rang quietly next to her. She picked it up and saw that it was Arles calling. Samuel didn't move from his slumber.

She answered the phone and Arles' form filled the screen. "Oh, hey Karen!"

She tapped her lips and smiled, "Samuel is sleeping. Do you need him…"

"Oh, nah. It's not that important. You can tell him that I have Papa's bet on Legate and Genie."

She laughed quietly. "So, he knows."

"He knows. And he isn't going to kill Legate. So, I'm pleased." He laughed. "Didn't want to plan a funeral instead of a wedding."

She giggled. "I'll tell him."

Arles nodded, "How long as he been out?"

"Not long. We were watching Top Gear-"

"Oh, that's right. Dad and Tony were supposed to be on that tonight. Ah, I'll catch it later."

She continued to run her fingers through Samuel's hair. "It's interesting."

"Wondering if they are really like that?"

"Wondering what the hell I've got myself into."

Arles laughed. "Believe me. It will be alright. Congratulations on getting that grant."

The other events of the day had made her forget about it. She smiled, "Thank you."

"Well, I won't keep you. Just know, that's normal for him."

"What? Falling asleep while watching television?"

"Yes. Sitting upright, get him still, and he's out. Always happens."

She grinned. "Good to know."

"Will you be at Tony's tomorrow?"

"Yes. We're going to the Expo."

"Cool! I'll be there, too. I imagine you need a friendly face, well, besides my brother's."

She giggled. "Okay. Do you need me to have him call you later?"

"Nah. If he asks, tell him that I cooked his favorite." He teased. "Battenberg cake!"

"Did you really?"

"Do you know what that is?"

"It's my favorite type of cake. My Mom made it for a cooking class she took, and I love it. I ask her for that, or chocolate chip cookies, all of the time."

He smiled, "Chocolate chip cookies. Who doesn't like those? Well, except Genie. But, she's strange."

Karen giggled. "It would be a boring world if everyone liked the same things."

"That's true. Alright. I need to go. I'm expected someplace. Good night."

She told him good night and ended the call.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Samuel was cold. He looked around and found himself unable to see. He hurt everywhere and became frightened. Had he been taken? He pulled his arm only to feel it was chained to something.

"Are you finally awake, Sleeping Beauty?" A familiar voice asked.

Samuel's chest ached. He coughed and realized his mouth was dry. "Where are we?"

A light flashed and Samuel found himself on a beach. He stood watching the sun set with his arms crossed. He felt someone walk up behind him and saw Karen. She wore a simple sundress and looked beautiful as she smiled up at him. "Are you feeling better?"

He cleared his throat to keep from coughing and nodded.

She took his hand in hers. "We'll walk a bit, but I tell me when you need a break. Alright?"

He smiled at her. "I'm fine, Karen."

The light flashed again and Samuel was standing in front of Arles.

"What? Are you serious?" Arles asked as his face spread into a wide smile.

Samuel felt as though his heart would burst with happiness. "You're my One, I wanted you to know before anyone else. Well, Karen knows."

"Well, I would hope so!" Arles insisted and began to dance in goofy way.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Samuel woke up to find his head in Karen's lap. She had moved to sit sideways so that she could lay her head on the back of the sofa. The television still played quietly.

He sat up and rubbed his face. It was 3:56 in the morning. He took the remote and turned off the telly. Then turned to Karen and smiled when he saw she was asleep.

"Karen." He whispered.

She continued to sleep.

He smiled as he sat sideways in front of her. She was so peaceful as she slept. He laid his arm on the back of the sofa and caressed her cheek. The familiar tingle began as soon as he touched her skin. Not wanting to wake her, he propped his head up with his hand, and watched her sleep. If there was any doubt in his mind if he loved her, it was gone. His heart swelled seeing her. Knowing she had made herself uncomfortable just so he could sleep. Not wanting to disturb him.

He touched her cheek again and whispered, "Did my heart love before I met you?"

She continued to sleep. He stood up and turned off the lamp. Then, he returned to the sofa and kissed her cheek.

He told her softly, "Karen. You're safe. I'm going to pick you up."

She inhaled slowly. "Samuel?"

He reached down and took her in his arms. She wrapped her arms around his neck and he carried her to their bed. As he laid her down gently, he sat beside of her. "Can I help you get more comfortable?"

Her eyes were closed, but she sat up and pointed at her dress. "Can you help me out of this?"

"Sure, Baby." He told her as he unzipped the dress and laid it on a chair. He turned and she had already taken off her bra. She pulled the duvet over herself and handed it to him.

He chuckled, "Right. Want a shirt? Anything?"

She lay back on the pillows and stretched. She still hadn't opened her eyes. He wondered if she was even awake. "Yes. A shirt."

He grinned, "Yes, ma'am. A shirt. I'll get you one of mine."

He looked in his suitcase and pulled out a soft, blue t-shirt. He sat on the side of the bed and pulled it on her. She lay back and seemed to return to her slumber. He sat and watched her sleep, the bedroom illuminated by the night lights of New York City.

XXXXXXXXXXXXX