The next day everyone gathered inside the Ash's office to see Trick, Bo and Vex off. Lauren and Maddy were there with Bo and Lauren's four children, along with Dyson, Tamsin, and Kenzi. Bo and Lauren sat together on a nearby couch chatting to one another as they watched everyone play with the children.

"Are you still okay with all of this?" Bo asked Lauren.

"While I still have my positive face on, yes." Lauren responded as Ryan toddled over to Bo and Lauren with raised arms. Bo picked him up and sat him on her lap, which caused Char to toddle over with raised arms so Lauren picked her up and sat her on her lap.

"These two are proving to be inseparable." Lauren said.

"Yeah, noticing that too." Bo replied.

Ethan was being swooped up into the air by Kenzi while MaryAoife just grabbed and tugged at Dyson's beard.

"I just wish I knew how long these introductions at the Presidium will take." Lauren said.

"I intend to make them go as efficiently as possible so I can get back to you." Bo replied.

"I know, but you didn't have to have Kenzi and Tamsin stay over while you're gone. Maddy and I could have managed." Lauren replied.

"Are you kidding? I didn't have to say anything. They just volunteered, and trust me when I tell you there was a line. Besides it was either them or my mother because she was in that line as well."

"You told Mary you would be away?"

"Had to, otherwise, it would be just our luck I would be gone for a long time, and then she would call, and then questions would be asked. Better to head that off at the past." Bo replied.

"Agreed. But you know she will call every day now?" Lauren said.

"And I know you will be able to handle all of that very well." Bo said as she smiled and kissed Lauren on the cheek.

"Uh-huh."

"My Mother loves talking to you anyway." Bo said.

"That is because you leave the coordination of the family visits to me." Lauren replied.

"And you do it exceptionally well." Bo said with a huge grin.

"Uh-huh." Lauren said while bouncing Char on her lap.

As Bo and Lauren talked over on the couch, Dyson, Tamsin, and Kenzi chatted about Julia's case. Dyson had MaryAoife lying on his chest eating her fist, while Ethan was perfectly happy playing around Kenzi and Tamsin's feet.

"You know, you really look amazing with children." Tamsin commented.

"So do you, you know." Dyson replied with a smile.

"Yeah, but you have more patience with them." Tamsin said.

"You do yourself a disservice. I see how you are with these four little ones. You have it in your for sure."

"Oh God! Enough with the love fest already!" Kenzi chimed in. They both smiled.

"So what are you and Julia planning now?" Dyson asked Kenzi.

"Well, and as soon as this little send-off is over Julia plans to conduct an inventory of Engelram's Warehouse. See if he has any records on this artifact or any artifacts similar to the one that was supposedly stolen." Kenzi said.

"I can make that happen for you. I will need to get clearance from The Morrigan first." Tamsin said. Just then Trick and Vex entered the room with bags in hand.

"Showtime people!" Vex announced.

"And hello to you too Vex." Bo said as she got to her feet and handed Ryan off to Maddy.

Ethan toddled up to Vex who bent down and said, "How is my favorite little man, today? Want to see a magic trick?" Ethan just grinned.

Vex reached behind Ethan ear and pulled out a huge sucker shaped in a pacifier, and handed it to him.

"Going take this because this will keep him hopped up all night." Lauren said as she took the treat away.

"That was the idea." Vex replied.

"Thanks." Lauren said as gave Vex a look. Ethan was about to let out a cry when Lauren gave him his actual pacifier.

"How's everything?" Trick asked.

"Good. While you are away we plan to take an inventory of Engelram's Warehouse. See if it provides any more information on all this relic business." Kenzi replied.

"Good." Trick looked at Bo. "Are you ready?"

"Yes." Bo answered. She turned kissed Lauren, then their four children and grabbed her bag.

Trick dropped his bag, went and kissed his great-grandchildren, nodded at everyone, retrieved his bag and then went and stood next to Bo and Vex.

Trick nodded at the assembled group, and then turned around, suddenly three mysterious individuals suddenly appeared out of nowhere. They were dressed in long, light grayish coats that went down to their feet. They were all bald, and almost grayish in skin complexion. They struck Bo as monks.

"Where the heck did you come from?" Kenzi asked incredulous as everyone looked around.

"Your Excellency, you will be greeted inside the Great Atrium." said one of the mysterious individuals who stood in the middle of the three.

"Understood." Trick replied.

"Your bags?" All three mysterious individuals extended their hands out.

Trick readily gave his up readily while Vex and Bo did so with a bit of caution.

"We are ready." Trick said to the mysterious individuals.

They all nodded and then a small vortex opened in from of them. Everybody's eyes went wide as the three mysterious individuals parted and motioned Trick, Bo and Vex through the vortex point. Without hesitation, Trick walked straight into the vortex while Bo and Vex exchanged quick glances and then followed. The three mysterious individuals brought up the rear, and then the transport point closed behind them.

The next thing Trick, Bo and Vex all saw when they stepped out of the transport point was the Great Atrium of the Presidium. Bo and Vex's eyes went wide taking in the hundreds if not thousands of Fae bustled about as they conversed and went about their business.

The ornate and opulent design of the Great Atrium struck Bo as a classical meld Greek, Roman and French architecture. It was brightly lit by both natural light, chandeliers, and other standard lighting scattered about. Bo looked up and thought the Great Atrium's roof seemed a thousand feet high with an intricately decorated dome that topped the center of the Great Atrium. Her eyes went back down as she scanned the area. The Great Atrium seemed to sit in the middle of a square building that had 20 levels bridged together at each level but around the atrium not through it. There were extensive hallways to the left, front, right and rear of Bo, and the hallways seemed to go on and on. Bo could not see an end in any one of them. The scale of the Great Atrium alone was simply beyond her comprehension and her expectations. She and Lauren had recently watched "The Hobbit" and the scale of the Great Atrium reminded her of the scene where they showed the height and vastness of the dwarf mines except above ground, in daylight and palatial.

Trick watched both Bo and Vex as they took in the sight of the Great Atrium and smiled.

"Impressed?" Trick asked. Both Bo and Vex looked at him incredulous.

"This is the Presidium?" Bo asked.

"Only its Atrium. Think of it as the centralized location of the Presidium." Trick replied.

"So there is more?" Vex asked.

"So much, much more." Trick smiled then surveyed the area. It has been a long time, and have forgotten just how grand the Presidium is."

"This is like downtown New York." Vex said.

"Now that would be a decent comparison. But you could stick all of New York City inside the Presidium and still have the room to spare." Trick said.

"Wait, I thought the Presidium was how one referred to its plane of existence?" Bo asked.

"Yes. There is Presidium in general, and then there is Presidium proper. This is Presidium proper, and as you can see an enormous complex of official offices and private residences.

The City of Nahala is the city that abuts Presidium proper. I cannot wait for you to see it. It is beautiful." Trick replied.

"And these people they are all Fae?" Vex asked incredulous.

"Yes." Trick said.

"No humans?" Vexed asked.

"There are humans here, but not even close to the same ratio of Fae as we have on our plane of existence. This is truly a Fae world." Trick replied.

"How many Fae reside on this plane of existence?" Vexed asked.

"Nearly 200 billion." Trick replied

"200 Billion!" Vex exclaimed

"Yes." Trick replied.

"With those numbers, the probability of my kind existing on this plane of existence is…" Vex started.

"That they do exist." Trick finished. Vex looked straight at Trick stupefied.

"Why haven't we been told about this place?!" Vex blurted out in frustration. Trick patted his arm.

"All in good time." Trick assured as he looked at Bo who looked like the enormity of her surroundings were taking hold. Trick went over to Bo and took both her hands

"Take a deep breath." Trick advised. Bo just looked at him.

"Bo, please take a deep breath." Trick asked again. Bo looked at him for a minute and then took a deep breath, and exhaled.

"The Presidium seems overwhelming at first, but over time as you come to know the Presidium it will seem far more manageable." Trick said.

"How the heck is that?!" Vex exclaimed. Trick gave him a stern look.

"Bo, I believe with every inch of my being this is what you were destined for. To reign over the entire Fae realm. You can do this. I have every confidence you can do this. Trust in me to show you the way." Trick said. Bo took in another deep breath, and then nodded her head. Trick released his grip on Bo and turned to Vex.

"Are you okay?"

"I think so." Vex replied a little wobbily.

"I know. It is my fault that you did not know of this place. But that is why I brought you along. To show you that you're not alone. You are not the last Mesmer. At a minimum, I owed that to your father." Trick said.

The mysterious individuals who had traveled with them introduced themselves as the Seneschal, and bowed their heads.

"Nice to meet you." Bo replied with a bow of her head. Vex followed suit.

"Our...transport here, walking through that vortex. Is that some sort of power that Peggy, the travel agent has?" Bo asked.

"Peggy's ability to fold space is a matter of her Fae power, here it is a matter of technology." Trick replied.

"Wow!" Vex said.

At that moment a man in a long dark grey, highly decorative trench coat with high black boots, and a band-like gold emblem that ran from his left shoulder to the middle of his rib cage with an inscription on it in a language Bo did not recognize. The man bowed before Trick.

"Your Excellency, on behalf of the Presidium, welcome back!"

"Thank you for the warm welcome." Trick replied as he returned the bow.

"My name is Edel. I am Regent Saladin's Principal Aide. I am here to escort you to his offices. Do not worry about your bags. The Seneschal will take it from here." Edel motioned for them to follow him.

As they went Bo and Vex eyes were wide the entire time as if they were two children attending Disneyworld for the first time. Trick just smiled as they took it all in, stopping even few times so both Bo and Vex could admire not only the sheer size and the amount of people but also the architectural design.

"Trick, I have never seen a place so grand." Bo said. Trick smiled.

"You know, when Lauren and I went to Paris with my Mom, Maddy and the children we visited Versailles, and I thought Versailles was grand." Bo said.

"You could stick Versailles in one of the offices, and still have room to spare." Trick replied.

"Why is everything so big?"

"There are several reasons, but largely I blame The Regnant." Trick replied

"Why is that?" Vex asked.

"The Regnant has no concept of proportion. It probably comes from living on the Prescotti Homelands. Everything there is so vast." Trick said with a hint of exasperation.

"Like a ranch in Texas." Vex asked.

"Like Texas itself." Trick replied.

"I was kidding." Vex said.

"I was not. Presidium proper was pretty big when I was last here, but then when the current Regnant took over she added on. A proper tour can last two weeks." Trick replied.

That made both Bo and Vex stop in their tracks and look at Trick again. This time Trick went in between them and pushed them along.

Once Trick, Bo and Vex were escorted into the interior of Regent Saladin's offices they were again astounded. His main reception area was like a two-storied palatial building with people bustling about just as much inside his offices as they were inside the Great Atrium. Bo likened the activity to that of the people moving about in the main reception as people did inside the Lourve. Officials moved about, conferred with one another and they went about the business managing the affairs of the Fae State.

"So where exactly is this Regent Saladin's Office?" Bo said to Trick.

"These are his offices. His private office is 10 floors up, but this is the main reception hall." Trick replied.

"All of this belongs just to him?" Vex asked.

"Yes. The Office of the Regent serves as the coordinating body between the Parliament of Fae, the Tetrarch, the Grand Strategum, the Military Orders and Guards. In short, the Regent runs everything." Trick explained.

"If Dyson saw this he would faint." Vex said. Trick and Bo smiled.

Edel led them upstairs and down a long hallway to a second, smaller reception hall. At this point Trick halted their walk for a moment and looked to Bo and Vex.

"My past is going to come out in spades over the next few days. You are going to hear some frank exchanges, and it will not be pretty. No matter what happens, whatever you witness, I need you not to interfere. Remember, I am coming to them for help." Trick said.

"Okay." Bo replied.

Edel led them into Regent Saladin's private office. His private office was expansive, the size of small auditorium and beautifully decorated. It had lots of dark woods. The plants were more like trees in the corners. There were pillars that separated sections of the office, and there was opposing water flows in all four corners of his office. There were parts of his office that reminded Bo of an open-air villa. There were tall windows, and a few side doors. There was a lot to entertain the eyes.

As soon as they entered, Regent Saladin Azanin stood up, rounded his desk and extended his hand to Trick.

"Welcome back to the Presidium, Your Excellency!" Regent Saladin greeted.

"Your Excellency, you do me a great honor, and thank you for taking this meeting." Trick replied as they shook hands.

Regent Saladin was a tall, dark, elegantly handsome man who would cause someone to wager that he hailed from the Arabian peninsula. He had short, dark hair, a medium-length dark beard that went past his throat. He was a lean man, and his countenance was formal, elegant, and disciplined. He wore a long, sharply fashioned black jacket that reached down to his mid-calf. He too wore high black boots, and also band-like gold emblem that ran from his left shoulder to the middle of his rib cage with an inscription on it in a language Bo did not recognize.

"How could I refuse such a request? You have been away too long." Regent Saladin replied. He then looked to both Bo and Vex.

"And these two people I take it are your grand-daughter Isabeau Dennis and Vex, your Security Detail?" Regent Saldin queried.

"Yes, Your Excellency. But we call her Bo." Trick replied.

"Is Beth your middle name then, Ms. Dennis?" Regent Saladin asked Bo.

"Please, call me Bo. It was the name I grew up with, Your Excellency. It became Bo after I left home." Bo replied.

"You were raised by your human parents, Sam and Mary Dennis, in a place called Grimley?" Regent Saladin queried.

"My! You have done your homework." Bo said surprised. Regent Saladin smiled. "Yes, but my father passed away years ago, but my mother still lives in Grimley."

"It is my understanding you, yourself have a family?" Regent Saladin continued. Bo smiled wide.

"Yes, I do. My partner, Lauren and I have four beautiful children, two girls and two boys named Ethan, Charlotte but we call her Char, Ryan and MaryAoife."

"Quite busy." Regent Saladin replied.

"They are quadruplets." Bo smiled as she clarified. Regent Saladin nodded his head and smiled.

"Many blessings to you and your family." Regent Saladin replied.

"Thank you, Your Excellency." Bo replied. Regent Saladin looked over to Vex.

"You were raised on the same plane as Bo I take it?"

"Yes, Your Excellency." Vex answered.

"Your father was General Clust, wasn't he?"

"Yes, Your Excellency." Vex answered surprised.

"You father was a great warrior. Known to a great many including The Regnant herself. My respects to his memory." Regent Saladin said.

"Thank you, Your Excellency for your considerate words." Vex offered a slight bow.

"Shall we sit?" Regent Saladin said as he directed them to three chairs in front of his desk that had a small end table next to each one of them as he rounded back to his expansive leather, high-backed gold trim chair.

The Seneschal entered from a side door with a tray of drinks. They first served Vex with a glass of cognac, Trick, a glass of Irish Whisky, and Bo, a glass red wine.

Bo and Vex looked at each other astonished. Regent Saladin smiled at their reactions.

"The Seneschal serve as the support arm for the Regency and Ruling Family. They are an integral throughout the Presidium in tandem with the Regnant Guard. They are involved in all aspects of Royal life and operate without hindrance. They…have an ability to anticipate one's needs. I trust yours have been duly anticipated?"

"Yes!" Bo and Vex answered in unison.

"Good." Regent Saladin replied.

The group hesitated to drink ahead of Regent Saladin but he raised his hand.

"Please, I do not imbibe."

Trick, Bo and Vex all took a sip of their drinks to wit Regent Saladin nodded.

"Your Excellency, I trust that since you have both Bo and Vex with you I trust we can speak frankly in front of them?" Regent Saladin started.

"Absolutely." Trick confirmed.

"So, Your Excellency, how can we help you?" Regent Saladin asked.

"I request an audience with The Regnant." Trick said.

"To discuss specifically what?"

"Obtaining support and assistance from the Presidium."

"In what form?"

"Intervention and oversight."

"What is the precipitation for all of this?"

"Security."

"Physical security?" Regent Saladin queried.

"Yes."

"Is this an imminent situation?"

"Yes."

"How so?"

"Within our plane of existence, and specifically within our County there have been forces and events that have shaping themselves over the last 15 years which has caused us to…restructure our defenses. However, to ensure sustainment we must seek help from resources greater than what we can provide for ourselves." Trick explained.

"If these issues are imminent, why come to us? The power lies in your veins." Regent Saladin said.

"That avenue is no longer tenable." Trick replied.

Regent Saladin raised one eyebrow. "How so?"

"For every action I write in my own blood, it has spurred unintended consequences that have proved both unpredictable and nearly uncontrollable." Trick replied.

"I see. You have finally recognized you own arrogance. What is it that they call you on your plane? Oh yes, Blood King. If they only knew how so very apt that title suits you." Regent Saladin said evenly. Trick looked at him pained.

"Your Excellency…" Trick started, but Regent Saladin stopped him with a raised hand.

"Your Excellency, you left the Presidium at a time when you could have taken your place amongst the dynastic families on the Tetrarch. Instead, you chose a different path and plane of existence. You demanded we respect your autonomy after the war, and we did. Why should the Presidium intercede now?" Regent Saladin asked.

"Because the future of the Fae on my plane, both Light and Dark Fae, depends on it." Trick answered.

"You forget such distinctions between Fae do not exist here." Regent Saladin said.

"I have not forgotten, but it is important to make the distinction known." Trick answered.

"My responsibility is to protect the Ruling Family and the entire Fae realm. What is so ominous that the futures of all Fae on your plane of existence are at stake?"

"There is a confluence." Trick replied.

"Continue." Regent Saladin said.

"All these signs and events converge on my grand-daughter as the focal point."

"As in their cause?" Regent Saladin asked.

"As to their resolution." Trick replied.

Regent Saladin looked at Bo then back at Trick. "That is quite the statement."

"It is not meant to be an arrogant one. Bo has even been visited by the Nain Rouge on several occasions." Trick replied.

"With regard to her destiny?" Regent Saladin asked.

"Not exactly." Trick replied.

"Meaning?" Regent Saladin pressed.

"Between the Nain Rouge and other events, taken together has had prophetic intentions towards a greater purpose."

"And what greater purpose is that?" Regent Saladin asked.

"That she will be the next Queen." Trick replied.

Regent Saladin said nothing so Trick pressed ahead.

"I believe she is the next Regnant." Trick said. Regent Saladin looked at Bo for a long moment. Bo met his determined gaze, and then Regent Saladin looked back at Trick.

"And that is quite the conclusion."

"I know what I am saying sounds like I am reaching, but I know the signs, and they are there."

"I do not doubt your perspective. You bore witness when The Regnant herself was struck by Destiny. What I question is its validity." Regent Saladin said.

"Your Excellency, I believe with every fiber of my being that Bo is destined to be the next Regnant. I have done everything I can to prepare her for her eventual destiny. What she needs now is an awareness that only the Presidium can provide, on the scale it can provide.

In coming to the Presidium, I hope to address both the security concerns and Bo's future because I believe they are as one." Trick replied.

"I gathered as much. Your Excellency, your proposition will end all life as you understand it on your plane of existence. Do you know what you are truly asking?" Regent Saladin asked.

"Yes, I do." Trick replied.

"And you realize the cost?" Regent Saladin asked.

"Yes, I do." Trick replied.

"Think hard, Your Excellency." Regent Saladin cautioned.

"I have. Long and hard. It is time."

Regent Saladin and Trick looked at one another for a long moment then Regent Saladin said into the air "Agent Chennai."

A side door opened and in walked a striking young woman who looked to be the same age as Bo, and the same height as Bo. She had dark brown skin, straight, raven black hair that reached down to her past her shoulder, dressed in a form-fitting, deep red, leather dress with a short matching jacket, and wore thigh-high boots. Regent Saladin stood up upon her entrance which caused Trick, Bo and Vex to stand up as well.

"This is Agent Nadu Chennai from The Agency within the Grand Strategum. She will be your guide for the rest of the day today while I speak with The Regnant about your request. Both Agent Chennai and the Seneschal will show you to your private chambers, and then Agent Chennai will take it from there. I trust you came prepared? If not, we can have the Seneschal address your needs."

"No need, Your Excellency. We came prepared." Trick replied.

"Good. I will speak with The Regnant today and will apprise you of her decision." Regent Saladin said as he rounded his desk. "In the interim, please enjoy all the hospitality the Presidium has to offer."

"Thank you, Your Excellency." Trick replied.

"Yes, Thank you." Bo said.

"Yes, Thank you as well." Vex added.

"Follow me, please" Agent Chennai said as she led Trick, Bo, and Vex out another one of the side doors with the Seneschal behind them.

Trick, Bo and Vex, followed Agent Chennai down and out the very busy corridors of the Office of the Regency, and into the corridors of the private residences.

"I cannot believe all of these people are Fae. There must be thousands of them." Bo said astounded.

"It is my understanding this is your first visit to the Presidium? Agent Chennai asked Bo.

"Yes."

"Well, it is my job to familiarize you and Mr. Vex…"

"Just Vex." Vex interrupted.

"Thank you. My job to familiarize you and Vex with the Presidium after you have settled into your private chambers."

"They said you are from the Grand Strategum. What does all that entail?" Bo asked.

"Yes, I am an Agent of the Presidium, which means my role is like that of a liaison. I operate between all bodies of government, without interference or hindrance, in the negotiation and resolution of issues between those bodies that cannot be resolved through formal means."

"Wow! Quite the job." Bo said. Agent Chennai smiled.

When they entered the residential part of the Presidium the corridor was at least 100-feet wide and seemed to go on for quite a ways. The ceiling heights were not as high as the Great Atrium, but Bo surmised they were still at least a 250 high. They stopped at a set of ornate double doors that Bo surmised must have been 25 feet in height and 15 feet wide.

"Okay. Wow!" Bo said. Agent Chennai smiled.

"Your Excellency, these are your private chambers. The Seneschal will take you from here." Then she turned and pointed to a set of doors across from Trick's assigned chambers, equally as ornate.

"And Vex, those are your private chambers. The Seneschal will see to your needs."

"Thank you." Trick replied.

"I will return in two hours to collect you for your tour." Agent Chennai said to Vex.

"That would be great." Vex replied.

"Gentlemen." Agent Chennai said as she nodded.

"Ms. Dennis, if you will please follow me."

"Please, just Bo."

"As you wish."

They walked down the same corridor then turned a corner a faced another set of doors of the same height and width as the ones for Trick and Vex's chambers.

"Bo, these are your private chambers." Then the Seneschal stepped forward and opened the double doors, and Bo stepped through followed by Agent Chennai. It was like the entryway of a palace. Bo looked and saw there was a second floor with a large extended balcony. Another group of Seneschal appeared, bowed and greeted Bo and Agent Chennai to wit they both offered a slight bow in return.

"So which room in here is mine?" Bo asked.

"All of it." Agent Chennai answered.

"What?" Bo said like she could not believe her ears. Agent Chennai smiled. Bo looked around again.

"This is a palace." Bo said incredulous. Agent Chennai kept her smile.

"No. Really this is a palace. Even if Lauren and our children were here we wouldn't need anything larger than that room over there. And by the way, what is that room?" Bo asked.

"Your Drawing and Reception Room should you ever entertain guests."

"That room alone is the size of our home now." Bo said. Agent Chennai smiled.

"You know. Lauren and I visited Paris not too long ago and saw the Lourve. This…private chamber is the size of one of those wings. How will I be able to find anything?"

"The Seneschal will help you get settled. I will see you in two hours." And then departed.

Bo watched Agent Chennai leave and then turned around and looked at the Seneschal and gave a nervous smile.

"Well, I am not sure how all this is supposed to go, but please show me around." Bo said.

The tour took a full hour, and that was conducted with model efficiency. Bo could not believe the size of her private chambers. Bo could only imagine what Lauren would think. She asked if that was the standard for all the private residences, and the Seneschal replied for the most part, yes, but some of the Ruling family lived in private Chateau's detached from the actual residence wing of the Presidium. When the Seneschal escorted her to her private bedroom and opened the door it was like yet another private suite of rooms she had windows that lined one wall all with small balconies. Bo walked over to the nearest balcony and peered out to the garden and the lake that was part of her backyard view. She then turned and the Seneschal escorted her to actual bedroom. As they went she saw there were private offices and additional bedrooms.

"Thank you for the tour, but I think I am going to rest a bit." Bo said when they finally came upon her actual bedroom.

"Of course, Milady. We will have lunch brought up for you shortly."

"Wish there was a way to call back to the County. Need to check on things."

"There is Milady. Allow us." Then the Seneschal said into the air "Call Ash Thornwood." The air shimmered in front of Bo and Dyson's image came up.

Bo eyes went wide. "Now that is cool!" Bo exclaimed. The Seneschal nodded.

"Dyson, can you hear me? See me?" Bo nearly shouted.

"Yes, quite clearly." Dyson replied as he smiled at her nearly shouting down the screen.

"How are you seeing me? My image of you is…quite different."

"I can see you on my computer."

Bo turned to the Seneschal. "Can you do that on any computer?"

"Yes, Milady." Bo noticed that as she moved so did Dyson's image.

"I was just checking in."

"Glad to hear. Everyone made it safe I take it?" Dyson asked.

"Yep. You should see this place. Beyond what anyone would ever expect."

"I bet. Keep us posted as to how it is going."

"You as well with the investigation in Engelram's death."

"Will do." Dyson replied.

Then Bo turned to the Seneschal. "How do I shut it off?"

"Say 'End Call' and it will terminate." Bo turned back to Dyson, smiled and said, "End call."

Then she looked at the Seneschal.

"All I have to do is say "Call Lauren'?"

"Yes, Milady. The communications system knows to whom you are specifically referring to."

Bo smiled then said, "Call Lauren."

The air shimmered and Dr. Lauren Lewis's image hovered before Bo.

"Hello Sweetie."

"Bo! Are you back already?"

"No. Still here."

"How are you calling me?"

"Your guess is as good as mine. The technology here is amazing. Far beyond what we have back at the County."

"Judging from the fact you could make this call from another plane of existence I can just imagine."

"So I am just checking in."

"How is everything? Did you have your meeting yet?" Lauren asked.

"Yes. Trick was able to convince Regent Saladin to speak to the Queen about his desire to meet with her."

"When will you all know?"

"The Regent said today. In the interim, Vex and I are being taken on a guided tour of the Presidium. So how were the children after we left."

"All quiet."

"Good. I will call after the days' events are done to say goodnight. Looks like we are staying for the night after all. By the way, you should see the sheer size of the place they gave each of us to stay in."

"Are you in a hallway or conference room or something?"

"No this is only the bedroom. You should see the rest of the place."

"I can only imagine."

"Well, I better let you get back. I will call later tonight. Make sure your laptop is on."

"I will. Love you."

"Love you." Bo said then looked to the Seneschal briefly then said, "End call."

An hour and a half later Agent Chennai returned.

"His Excellency's request for an audience with The Regnant has been granted. The audience will convene in thirty minutes." Agent Chennai said.