Kishiria Zabi returned to Jion with Char as soon as the wounded Prince
Consort was strong enough to travel. He was installed at one of the
military hospitals in Zum City.
"My instinct is to be here by his side," Kishiria confessed to Sayla as they sat by his hospital bed, "but I'm off to Von Braun for peace negotiations."
"I'll take care of him," Sayla promised. "If I can finally manage one semester without being interrupted by war, I'll be graduating from the University of Side 3 in December. So I'm almost a doctor. You can trust me with him."
"The doctors have told me he won't walk again unassisted," Kishiria said.
"They're wrong," Char sighed from the bed. His eyes were still clouded with painkillers, but his mind was all there. "Sayla? Amuro..."
Sayla took his hand. "Amuro's dead, Char." As ever, whenever she mentioned it, she became teary.
"No...he's with Lalla." Char's eyes closed. "He's happy." He looked at her again. "Who killed him?"
"Commander Gato."
"Losing to him...no disgrace," Char said. "Good pilot."
"Maybe not, but I don't think I'm inclined to forgive him any time soon."
"Char, I have to leave," Kishiria said, standing up. "I need to get ready to go to the moon. I'll kiss Ti-Cas for you."
Char nodded. Kishiria kissed his forehead gently and Char responded with a weak little grope. She smiled at his mischief, kissed him again on the lips, and departed.
Meanwhile, in another part of town, Iserina Estenbach was watching Anavel Gato make dinner. She rested her elbows on the kitchen table and sighed.
"Something wrong?" he asked.
"No. Just appreciating how nice you look in jeans is all."
He grinned at her from over his shoulder.
"AND you can cook. I didn't expect that."
Gato scraped a chopped onion into a saucepan. "I like food. However, I also like having control over it and tailoring it for myself. So I learned to cook. I actually took classes." He added some other ingredients and looked around himself. "Besides, you've got a well-designed kitchen here. It'd be a shame to not use it."
"At least I don't have to worry about you serving me any tofu-and-hijiki casseroles or the like."
"Only if you're bad." He pulled a face. "Only if I'm bad, for that matter. I like meat."
Iserina nodded. "The only thing I ask you not to serve me is venison."
He poured a glass of wine for her. "Why's that?"
"When I was on Earth, during the last months of the war my mobile suit company were hiding out in the Canadian Rockies. We couldn't move because we needed to sneak under tree cover and they were bare. So we camped out in the most godawful place we could think of. After a while food became scarce, so we had to go after rabbits and deer. I became quite the hunter. I'll never forget the first time I had to butcher a whole deer." Iserina shuddered. "Venison and snow. Two things I hope to never see again."
"You don't have to worry about it living here." Gato's eyes roved over the roomy flat. "How can you afford a place like this on a warrant officer's salary, if you don't mind me asking?"
"This flat is part of my royal widow's pension."
"But you and Garma weren't married."
"Kishiria felt I should have it, on compassionate grounds. I lose the pension if I do get married, though."
Gato sipped at his own glass. "If this is a rental, as opposed to something owned by the Crown...two incomes would likely cover it."
Iserina smiled. "All we have to do to keep the place is live together."
Gato shook his head. "I don't do that."
Iserina sat up, playful demeanor gone. "Aren't we discussing this a little prematurely?"
"Why?" Gato checked his watch, returned to the pot, threw some more things in.
"My fiance hasn't even been dead a year."
He sat down again. "I didn't mean we should go to the courthouse today. I was putting it out as a suggestion. You're everything I've ever wanted in a woman, Iserina. You're courageous, you're not only a soldier, you're a veteran, you appreciate mobile suits as much if not more than I do, and you've certainly shown that you care about me. I don't want to treat you cheaply."
"You don't. Just give me until after October 5 before asking again."
"I'll give you as long as you need." Gato kissed her hand and went back to the stove.
#####
Kishiria and her entourage took up residence at the Jion embassy in Von Braun. The new peacetime flag of the kingdom, showing the distinctive Jion symbol in white against a dark-blue background, hung proudly over the entrance.
"Is that a hot tub?" Cima exclaimed in glee, stepping from the guest suite into the courtyard garden. Kishiria followed her out among the grass and small trees and pulled her in by the collar.
"Yes it is, and you're not going into it until we've worked out this treaty." She and Cima walked into the suite's dining room, where Margaret was supervising the setup of office equipment. "The cabinet and I worked out our own demands, so our next step is an attractive presentation."
"The first draft is right here, ma'am." Margaret put copies in front of Kishiria and Cima.
"Excellent. Let's get started."
#####
"Our demands are simple: an immediate ending of hostilities, a recognition of our independence and that all colonial ties to Earth are now severed, and a free access to all Federation markets." Kishiria sat in an armchair at the end of the conference table. Federation President David Rossetti sat at the other. There had originally been a minor fuss from the Federation officers about which end of the table to take. Kishiria's side had mutely given up the seats Rossetti's team coveted, the unspoken message being that they were here to deal, not be petty about non-essentials.
Rossetti and his entourage shifted in their chairs. "We've considered your offer, Queen Kishiria, and there are some shortcomings in your offer. Very simply, it is our opinion that it's one-sided. Is there anything in it for the Earth Federation? Side 3 succeeded in retaking Solomon, but is that enough to mandate a peace treaty which offers us nothing in return?"
Kishiria nodded. "We are prepared to hear your needs."
"We want 20 billion Federation credits for reconstruction on Earth and in the Sides remaining to it."
Kishiria drummed her fingers on the arm of her chair. "All right. If Jion has open access to all Federation markets, we will certainly be able to do that with a payment plan."
"You do realize that a complete lifting of the embargo on Jion fuel is not part of the treaty as we envision it."
Kishiria leaned forward. "Let Us see if We understand you correctly. You want 20 billion from us, while denying us the means by which to raise them?"
"It hardly makes sense for the Federation to simply recycle our own money."
"This is insanity. We don't have 20 billion. If you lift the embargo on Side 3, we will be able to trade our fuel with the other Sides, invest the money, and pay you for damages. We also have other resources for sale which have been embargoed by all but Side 6 and the neutral colonies, such as silk, electronics, and of course industries stemming from the mobile suit and armour projects."
"It would damage the economy of Earth."
"Ah. Once again, it comes down to the needs of the Earth elite and not those of the colonies. How very typical." She stood and the rest of her entourage stood with her. The Jions marched out together with no further comments.
"What do we do now?" asked Cima.
"We wait. They need money, they'll call us back to the negotiating table."
Kishiria was soon proved right. An envoy was sent from Rossetti to the Jion embassy and they reconvened in the morning.
"It's the opinion of the Federation that the embargo should be lifted," said Rossetti.
"Thank you," Kishiria responded graciously.
"We still insist on the 20 billion."
"It is Our considered opinion that paying for the non-military aspects of the reconstruction of Earth will stand as a sign of Our generosity to the people of Earth. As long as we have the means to raise that, we will pay it. Now that we have agreed on a lifting of the embargo, let's continue with our demand for a formal recognition of independence..."
#####
Gato entered the Royal Family's living room, feeling an odd sense of cognitive dissonance. On one hand, he was a privileged visitor to the Zabi's inner sanctum. On the other, it looked like any other living room, with good-quality but very ordinary furniture and a large-screen TV. Char Aznable was in an electric wheelchair in front of the television, dressed in civilian clothes, his injured leg on the footrest. One leg of his pants had been cut off to accommodate his hips-to-toes cast. He turned his head as Gato came in.
"Gato. I'm glad you could come over; I'm going stir crazy in here."
Gato sat down on the couch beside the recliner. "How are you, sir?"
"Bored. Missing Kishiria."
"Are you still in pain?"
"Yes. The worst thing is being helpless though. I can't lift anything over three kilograms until my chest heals, which means playing with Ti-Cas is difficult at best. Plus I have to use this thing to get around because I can't use crutches." He pointed to the wheelchair. "But if I keep talking like this, you're going to have to serve me some cheese with my whine." He looked over at Gato. "You play chess?"
"Of course."
"Great. I've been dying for a game."
A few minutes later they were sitting at the chessboard. "You look like something's on your mind," Char said to him as he considered his next move.
Gato moved a rook, ruining Char's plan. "Slight woman trouble. Nothing to worry about."
"Well, you've come to the right place. What's Iserina doing to make your life a living hell?"
"Putting me in competition with a dead man."
"Ah. You can't measure up to Saint Garma." Char nodded. "I thought that might be a problem when I fixed you two up."
"SIR!"
Char shrugged. "I wanted that Gelgoog. You ended up with both it and the girl at the end. I'd say you came out the winner."
Gato glowered. "Unfair. Well played, but unfair. No, we're enjoying each others' company, but when I think we're starting to get close, Garma's ghost suddenly seems to appear between us. I'd like to tell Iserina that if I wanted to share my bed with a dead man I'd become a necrophile, but somehow I don't think she'd see the humour in it."
"Probably not. I only saw them together once, and the chemistry between them was intense, to say the least. He died for her, you know."
"I didn't know."
"I told him not to let his feelings for a woman cloud his tactical judgement. He didn't listen. End of story."
"I see." Gato looked blank. "I think I'd better tell her it's over, then. It's unfortunate; I thought she might be the one."
Char picked up the phone. "She is. I'm calling her over here."
"Sir, that's entirely unnecessary."
"It is indeed necessary. I'd rather not explain. Hello, Warrant Officer Estenbach? This is General Aznable. Listen, I need to discuss something Gelgoog-related here with you. Let me tell you which palace entrance to use."
After he hung up, Gato said, "Something Gelgoog-related?"
"That was the first thing I could think of. Excuse me for a moment." Char rolled his wheelchair out of the room. A few minutes later he returned with something in his hand. "Here. I was going to give this to Kishiria when she came back to congratulate her on her diplomatic victory, but I'll get her something else."
"Sir..."
"Now are you going to move that bishop or not?"
Iserina appeared in uniform and was taken aback by the civilian clothes facing her. "Gato, I need to speak to the Warrant Officer alone, please," Char said. Gato bowed slightly and left the room.
"This has nothing to do with the Gelgoog, does it?" Iserina asked.
"Sort of. I need to talk about its pilot, not the machine itself." When the door had clicked shut, Char said, "Iserina, when I was on the operating table, I had this strange experience. I found myself in an airport..."
Twenty minutes of flipping the pages of one of Giren Zabi's doctoral dissertations later, Gato was called back into the room. Iserina had been crying. Char was holding her hand.
"Commander Gato, I think there's a question you've been wanting to ask this young lady?"
Gato froze. Char mentally urged him on, knowing that as a non-New Type Gato wouldn't hear him, but hoping that he'd pick up on Char's support on a primitive level. The crossroads of life were always more terrifying than any number of enemy mobile suits.
Gato met the challenge. He went down on one knee and took his sweetheart's hand.
"Iserina, I love you. Please do me the great honour of marrying me."
Iserina blinked those huge green eyes of hers once or twice, then nodded and wrapped her arms around his neck. Char found himself getting teary as they held each other for a few moments, then kissed. Gato opened the box and did his best to slide the star sapphire ring onto her finger. It had been designed for Kishiria's very thin hands, though, and was too small.
"Sorry. I got this ring in a hurry," Gato explained.
"It's all right," she said, sniffling a little. "I don't know what ring size you take either, although I think I'm about to find out!"
Char produced a bottle of wine that Gato opened. Char toasted their happiness and they drank, with the Prince Consort reflecting that he wanted his wife back. Immediately.
#####
With the peace treaty signed and the obligatory state dinner eaten, Kishiria finally told Cima that yes, she could get in the hot tub. The late hours found the queen and her head of intelligence naked and soaking away stress, sipping at glasses of sangria.
"Well, that's a satisfying conclusion," Kishiria said with a grunt of contentment.
"Very. It's been a long and costly journey though. I hope it's over."
"Worried about Delaz?"
"Somewhat. He's going to get angry out there, you know, if he isn't already. We'd better deal with him and quickly or we'll have an insurrection on our hands."
Kishiria nodded. "I've been thinking about that, actually. I'll cross that bridge when we get home, of course. I'll probably give him a desk job with a promotion, lots of goodies, and no power."
"He'll hate that."
"Oh, I know, but you know what they say: keep your friends close and your enemies closer. Speaking of which, here." Kishiria reached over to her bathrobe's pocket and pulled out a keyring. She handed it to Cima.
"What's this?"
Kishiria smiled. "For service above and beyond the call of duty in the War of Independence. The keys to your four-bedroom home in the capitol. It's in Republic Park."
"Kishiria! That's one swanky neighbourhood."
"I know, and you and that six-foot wooden sculpture that's your second in command are no doubt going to drive the property values way, way down."
"I can't help it if I don't consider a party a success unless the police show up." Cima smiled down at the keys in her hand, then glided across the tub to Kishiria, wrapped her arms around the other woman, and kissed her deeply. "Thank you, my lady. Finally, I can go home."
"That was the idea. You deserve a small amount of peace." Kishiria rubbed her nose against Cima's and Cima settled in beside her friend, her head on Kishiria's shoulder.
"I think we'll have it now. I wonder how long before it becomes boring."
"Boring? I don't think so," said Kishiria. "I have a country to run, a baby to raise, and a husband to make miserable."
"Ah, don't give me that. You adore Char."
"Yes. Yes, I do," Kishiria confessed.
Two days later, Kishiria was sitting on their bed with Char. "You look so much better than when I saw you last," she told him.
"A month of separation makes a difference. Another couple of weeks and maybe I'll be able to pick up Ti-Cas and use crutches."
"You were hurt pretty badly. How do the scars look?"
Char unbuttoned his shirt and exposed his chest. Dark red lines crossed back and forth across his torso. "There'll be more on my leg, as well."
Kishiria nodded. "Well, they make you look...oh, I won't lie, Char. They're ugly, but it doesn't matter to me anymore. In January of '79 I would have been upset because I was after you for your looks. Now I'm just glad you're alive. You're beautiful, no matter what."
He sighed. "You don't know how glad I am to hear you say that. I've been afraid that you wouldn't be attracted to me anymore."
"Not a chance of that. Not after all we've been through. Besides, you said I was beautiful when I was skinny with a face like a hawk."
"I meant it."
"So do I." Kishiria put her arms around him carefully. They hugged gently until Kishiria broke away unexpectedly.
"What's wrong?" Char asked.
Kishiria was unzipping her tunic. "The all-night bar is open, and Ti-Cas is calling the waitress," she said with a smile, and went to get their son.
"My instinct is to be here by his side," Kishiria confessed to Sayla as they sat by his hospital bed, "but I'm off to Von Braun for peace negotiations."
"I'll take care of him," Sayla promised. "If I can finally manage one semester without being interrupted by war, I'll be graduating from the University of Side 3 in December. So I'm almost a doctor. You can trust me with him."
"The doctors have told me he won't walk again unassisted," Kishiria said.
"They're wrong," Char sighed from the bed. His eyes were still clouded with painkillers, but his mind was all there. "Sayla? Amuro..."
Sayla took his hand. "Amuro's dead, Char." As ever, whenever she mentioned it, she became teary.
"No...he's with Lalla." Char's eyes closed. "He's happy." He looked at her again. "Who killed him?"
"Commander Gato."
"Losing to him...no disgrace," Char said. "Good pilot."
"Maybe not, but I don't think I'm inclined to forgive him any time soon."
"Char, I have to leave," Kishiria said, standing up. "I need to get ready to go to the moon. I'll kiss Ti-Cas for you."
Char nodded. Kishiria kissed his forehead gently and Char responded with a weak little grope. She smiled at his mischief, kissed him again on the lips, and departed.
Meanwhile, in another part of town, Iserina Estenbach was watching Anavel Gato make dinner. She rested her elbows on the kitchen table and sighed.
"Something wrong?" he asked.
"No. Just appreciating how nice you look in jeans is all."
He grinned at her from over his shoulder.
"AND you can cook. I didn't expect that."
Gato scraped a chopped onion into a saucepan. "I like food. However, I also like having control over it and tailoring it for myself. So I learned to cook. I actually took classes." He added some other ingredients and looked around himself. "Besides, you've got a well-designed kitchen here. It'd be a shame to not use it."
"At least I don't have to worry about you serving me any tofu-and-hijiki casseroles or the like."
"Only if you're bad." He pulled a face. "Only if I'm bad, for that matter. I like meat."
Iserina nodded. "The only thing I ask you not to serve me is venison."
He poured a glass of wine for her. "Why's that?"
"When I was on Earth, during the last months of the war my mobile suit company were hiding out in the Canadian Rockies. We couldn't move because we needed to sneak under tree cover and they were bare. So we camped out in the most godawful place we could think of. After a while food became scarce, so we had to go after rabbits and deer. I became quite the hunter. I'll never forget the first time I had to butcher a whole deer." Iserina shuddered. "Venison and snow. Two things I hope to never see again."
"You don't have to worry about it living here." Gato's eyes roved over the roomy flat. "How can you afford a place like this on a warrant officer's salary, if you don't mind me asking?"
"This flat is part of my royal widow's pension."
"But you and Garma weren't married."
"Kishiria felt I should have it, on compassionate grounds. I lose the pension if I do get married, though."
Gato sipped at his own glass. "If this is a rental, as opposed to something owned by the Crown...two incomes would likely cover it."
Iserina smiled. "All we have to do to keep the place is live together."
Gato shook his head. "I don't do that."
Iserina sat up, playful demeanor gone. "Aren't we discussing this a little prematurely?"
"Why?" Gato checked his watch, returned to the pot, threw some more things in.
"My fiance hasn't even been dead a year."
He sat down again. "I didn't mean we should go to the courthouse today. I was putting it out as a suggestion. You're everything I've ever wanted in a woman, Iserina. You're courageous, you're not only a soldier, you're a veteran, you appreciate mobile suits as much if not more than I do, and you've certainly shown that you care about me. I don't want to treat you cheaply."
"You don't. Just give me until after October 5 before asking again."
"I'll give you as long as you need." Gato kissed her hand and went back to the stove.
#####
Kishiria and her entourage took up residence at the Jion embassy in Von Braun. The new peacetime flag of the kingdom, showing the distinctive Jion symbol in white against a dark-blue background, hung proudly over the entrance.
"Is that a hot tub?" Cima exclaimed in glee, stepping from the guest suite into the courtyard garden. Kishiria followed her out among the grass and small trees and pulled her in by the collar.
"Yes it is, and you're not going into it until we've worked out this treaty." She and Cima walked into the suite's dining room, where Margaret was supervising the setup of office equipment. "The cabinet and I worked out our own demands, so our next step is an attractive presentation."
"The first draft is right here, ma'am." Margaret put copies in front of Kishiria and Cima.
"Excellent. Let's get started."
#####
"Our demands are simple: an immediate ending of hostilities, a recognition of our independence and that all colonial ties to Earth are now severed, and a free access to all Federation markets." Kishiria sat in an armchair at the end of the conference table. Federation President David Rossetti sat at the other. There had originally been a minor fuss from the Federation officers about which end of the table to take. Kishiria's side had mutely given up the seats Rossetti's team coveted, the unspoken message being that they were here to deal, not be petty about non-essentials.
Rossetti and his entourage shifted in their chairs. "We've considered your offer, Queen Kishiria, and there are some shortcomings in your offer. Very simply, it is our opinion that it's one-sided. Is there anything in it for the Earth Federation? Side 3 succeeded in retaking Solomon, but is that enough to mandate a peace treaty which offers us nothing in return?"
Kishiria nodded. "We are prepared to hear your needs."
"We want 20 billion Federation credits for reconstruction on Earth and in the Sides remaining to it."
Kishiria drummed her fingers on the arm of her chair. "All right. If Jion has open access to all Federation markets, we will certainly be able to do that with a payment plan."
"You do realize that a complete lifting of the embargo on Jion fuel is not part of the treaty as we envision it."
Kishiria leaned forward. "Let Us see if We understand you correctly. You want 20 billion from us, while denying us the means by which to raise them?"
"It hardly makes sense for the Federation to simply recycle our own money."
"This is insanity. We don't have 20 billion. If you lift the embargo on Side 3, we will be able to trade our fuel with the other Sides, invest the money, and pay you for damages. We also have other resources for sale which have been embargoed by all but Side 6 and the neutral colonies, such as silk, electronics, and of course industries stemming from the mobile suit and armour projects."
"It would damage the economy of Earth."
"Ah. Once again, it comes down to the needs of the Earth elite and not those of the colonies. How very typical." She stood and the rest of her entourage stood with her. The Jions marched out together with no further comments.
"What do we do now?" asked Cima.
"We wait. They need money, they'll call us back to the negotiating table."
Kishiria was soon proved right. An envoy was sent from Rossetti to the Jion embassy and they reconvened in the morning.
"It's the opinion of the Federation that the embargo should be lifted," said Rossetti.
"Thank you," Kishiria responded graciously.
"We still insist on the 20 billion."
"It is Our considered opinion that paying for the non-military aspects of the reconstruction of Earth will stand as a sign of Our generosity to the people of Earth. As long as we have the means to raise that, we will pay it. Now that we have agreed on a lifting of the embargo, let's continue with our demand for a formal recognition of independence..."
#####
Gato entered the Royal Family's living room, feeling an odd sense of cognitive dissonance. On one hand, he was a privileged visitor to the Zabi's inner sanctum. On the other, it looked like any other living room, with good-quality but very ordinary furniture and a large-screen TV. Char Aznable was in an electric wheelchair in front of the television, dressed in civilian clothes, his injured leg on the footrest. One leg of his pants had been cut off to accommodate his hips-to-toes cast. He turned his head as Gato came in.
"Gato. I'm glad you could come over; I'm going stir crazy in here."
Gato sat down on the couch beside the recliner. "How are you, sir?"
"Bored. Missing Kishiria."
"Are you still in pain?"
"Yes. The worst thing is being helpless though. I can't lift anything over three kilograms until my chest heals, which means playing with Ti-Cas is difficult at best. Plus I have to use this thing to get around because I can't use crutches." He pointed to the wheelchair. "But if I keep talking like this, you're going to have to serve me some cheese with my whine." He looked over at Gato. "You play chess?"
"Of course."
"Great. I've been dying for a game."
A few minutes later they were sitting at the chessboard. "You look like something's on your mind," Char said to him as he considered his next move.
Gato moved a rook, ruining Char's plan. "Slight woman trouble. Nothing to worry about."
"Well, you've come to the right place. What's Iserina doing to make your life a living hell?"
"Putting me in competition with a dead man."
"Ah. You can't measure up to Saint Garma." Char nodded. "I thought that might be a problem when I fixed you two up."
"SIR!"
Char shrugged. "I wanted that Gelgoog. You ended up with both it and the girl at the end. I'd say you came out the winner."
Gato glowered. "Unfair. Well played, but unfair. No, we're enjoying each others' company, but when I think we're starting to get close, Garma's ghost suddenly seems to appear between us. I'd like to tell Iserina that if I wanted to share my bed with a dead man I'd become a necrophile, but somehow I don't think she'd see the humour in it."
"Probably not. I only saw them together once, and the chemistry between them was intense, to say the least. He died for her, you know."
"I didn't know."
"I told him not to let his feelings for a woman cloud his tactical judgement. He didn't listen. End of story."
"I see." Gato looked blank. "I think I'd better tell her it's over, then. It's unfortunate; I thought she might be the one."
Char picked up the phone. "She is. I'm calling her over here."
"Sir, that's entirely unnecessary."
"It is indeed necessary. I'd rather not explain. Hello, Warrant Officer Estenbach? This is General Aznable. Listen, I need to discuss something Gelgoog-related here with you. Let me tell you which palace entrance to use."
After he hung up, Gato said, "Something Gelgoog-related?"
"That was the first thing I could think of. Excuse me for a moment." Char rolled his wheelchair out of the room. A few minutes later he returned with something in his hand. "Here. I was going to give this to Kishiria when she came back to congratulate her on her diplomatic victory, but I'll get her something else."
"Sir..."
"Now are you going to move that bishop or not?"
Iserina appeared in uniform and was taken aback by the civilian clothes facing her. "Gato, I need to speak to the Warrant Officer alone, please," Char said. Gato bowed slightly and left the room.
"This has nothing to do with the Gelgoog, does it?" Iserina asked.
"Sort of. I need to talk about its pilot, not the machine itself." When the door had clicked shut, Char said, "Iserina, when I was on the operating table, I had this strange experience. I found myself in an airport..."
Twenty minutes of flipping the pages of one of Giren Zabi's doctoral dissertations later, Gato was called back into the room. Iserina had been crying. Char was holding her hand.
"Commander Gato, I think there's a question you've been wanting to ask this young lady?"
Gato froze. Char mentally urged him on, knowing that as a non-New Type Gato wouldn't hear him, but hoping that he'd pick up on Char's support on a primitive level. The crossroads of life were always more terrifying than any number of enemy mobile suits.
Gato met the challenge. He went down on one knee and took his sweetheart's hand.
"Iserina, I love you. Please do me the great honour of marrying me."
Iserina blinked those huge green eyes of hers once or twice, then nodded and wrapped her arms around his neck. Char found himself getting teary as they held each other for a few moments, then kissed. Gato opened the box and did his best to slide the star sapphire ring onto her finger. It had been designed for Kishiria's very thin hands, though, and was too small.
"Sorry. I got this ring in a hurry," Gato explained.
"It's all right," she said, sniffling a little. "I don't know what ring size you take either, although I think I'm about to find out!"
Char produced a bottle of wine that Gato opened. Char toasted their happiness and they drank, with the Prince Consort reflecting that he wanted his wife back. Immediately.
#####
With the peace treaty signed and the obligatory state dinner eaten, Kishiria finally told Cima that yes, she could get in the hot tub. The late hours found the queen and her head of intelligence naked and soaking away stress, sipping at glasses of sangria.
"Well, that's a satisfying conclusion," Kishiria said with a grunt of contentment.
"Very. It's been a long and costly journey though. I hope it's over."
"Worried about Delaz?"
"Somewhat. He's going to get angry out there, you know, if he isn't already. We'd better deal with him and quickly or we'll have an insurrection on our hands."
Kishiria nodded. "I've been thinking about that, actually. I'll cross that bridge when we get home, of course. I'll probably give him a desk job with a promotion, lots of goodies, and no power."
"He'll hate that."
"Oh, I know, but you know what they say: keep your friends close and your enemies closer. Speaking of which, here." Kishiria reached over to her bathrobe's pocket and pulled out a keyring. She handed it to Cima.
"What's this?"
Kishiria smiled. "For service above and beyond the call of duty in the War of Independence. The keys to your four-bedroom home in the capitol. It's in Republic Park."
"Kishiria! That's one swanky neighbourhood."
"I know, and you and that six-foot wooden sculpture that's your second in command are no doubt going to drive the property values way, way down."
"I can't help it if I don't consider a party a success unless the police show up." Cima smiled down at the keys in her hand, then glided across the tub to Kishiria, wrapped her arms around the other woman, and kissed her deeply. "Thank you, my lady. Finally, I can go home."
"That was the idea. You deserve a small amount of peace." Kishiria rubbed her nose against Cima's and Cima settled in beside her friend, her head on Kishiria's shoulder.
"I think we'll have it now. I wonder how long before it becomes boring."
"Boring? I don't think so," said Kishiria. "I have a country to run, a baby to raise, and a husband to make miserable."
"Ah, don't give me that. You adore Char."
"Yes. Yes, I do," Kishiria confessed.
Two days later, Kishiria was sitting on their bed with Char. "You look so much better than when I saw you last," she told him.
"A month of separation makes a difference. Another couple of weeks and maybe I'll be able to pick up Ti-Cas and use crutches."
"You were hurt pretty badly. How do the scars look?"
Char unbuttoned his shirt and exposed his chest. Dark red lines crossed back and forth across his torso. "There'll be more on my leg, as well."
Kishiria nodded. "Well, they make you look...oh, I won't lie, Char. They're ugly, but it doesn't matter to me anymore. In January of '79 I would have been upset because I was after you for your looks. Now I'm just glad you're alive. You're beautiful, no matter what."
He sighed. "You don't know how glad I am to hear you say that. I've been afraid that you wouldn't be attracted to me anymore."
"Not a chance of that. Not after all we've been through. Besides, you said I was beautiful when I was skinny with a face like a hawk."
"I meant it."
"So do I." Kishiria put her arms around him carefully. They hugged gently until Kishiria broke away unexpectedly.
"What's wrong?" Char asked.
Kishiria was unzipping her tunic. "The all-night bar is open, and Ti-Cas is calling the waitress," she said with a smile, and went to get their son.