March 1st, 1996

"It still feels weird to have security following us around," Gloria admitted as she hugged her parents hello in their living room in Central.

"I feel the same way," Cal admitted as he smiled at his daughter, hugging her back tightly. He had insisted on being upright for welcome hugs. "They've got security on every one of us who was known to be involved with not just the negotiations, but who was widely known to have been involved in the western front in Drachma." Given his name had been all over the news, he had not been all that surprised when Tore called and told him they were getting security as well.

"Even the State Alchemists?" Alexei asked curiously.

"The ones with families," Cal nodded. The idea that he couldn't defend himself was ridiculous. If he and Alyse were attacked, he would use every alchemical attack in his arsenal to protect them. Yet having assigned security meant he did have backup, and someone more mobile. If they attacked when he wasn't in his chair, he had a major speed disadvantage. "Though Tore said Ted didn't complain at all, because when he's working, that means there's someone keeping an eye on Anika and the boys. After your adventure, I think they find it reassuring."

"Oh, I'm not complaining," Gloria assured him as they all went to sit down. "At least, not yet. It might make doing anything besides being here or at Headquarters covering the Summit weird. I had hoped to do a little shopping at some point, with Mom."

"I'm sure we can make arrangements," Alyse assured her, and then smiled at her son-in-law. "It's not as if we wouldn't have Alexei for protection."

"What about me?" Cal asked, feigning offense as he lowered himself back into his chair.

"Oh, you're welcome to come along, too." Alyse assured him. "But somehow I don't think clothing and baby supplies are things you want to sit around and watch while we shop for."

Maybe not, but if they were going to take precautions, Cal wasn't going to leave any potential enemies any openings until they were ruled out as possible targets. Still, Cal would grin and bear just about anything for his wife and daughter. "Depends on what you're trying on," he grinned lasciviously as his wife.

Alyse gave him a knowing, if curious look. "And for what reason would I need to be trying anything on?"

"Find something hot, and I'll tell Tore I agree to go to this dinner they're having that the Drachmans want me to show up to." Cal hadn't been all that enthusiastic about—or expected any—invitations to any of the Summit activities. He'd been effectively not-involved since he went over that cliff. He could think of nothing that would ever get him to cross that border again. So, he had not been surprised that there were no invitations to any of the large, formal engagements with all of the diplomats and officers that were mostly all being held on Headquarters grounds for security purposes. Other than parties the various Embassies were hosting.

Apparently, the Drachman Embassy had extended an invitation to him and Alyse, and a handful of others who had been critically involved in the war, as a thank you. Cal wasn't sure he even knew any of the Drachmans at the Embassy now, and the idea of going to a formal party hadn't been all that appealing, but he knew Alyse wanted to go, and he had been sitting on a reply for a couple of days.

"Oh, that would be great!" Gloria surprised him by responding before Alyse could. "Alexei and I are covering the event. In fact, we're covering a couple of them."

"You are?" Cal looked at his daughter, startled.

"Well, the Drachman one was a no-brainer, and very easy to get approval for," Gloria pointed out, smiling. "Besides, those are the only events out of all this that will be interesting to readers for Alexei's regular publisher. After all, it's a culture magazine. So, we're not just covering the hard news on this one."

"Any more surprises for me today?" Cal asked.

"Not that I'm aware of," Alexei replied, though he was looking at Gloria as if he wasn't sure.

Gloria shook her head. "No. I think that's everything. I'll make sure to let you know our itinerary for the next few days later."

Cal looked back at his wife.

Alyse smiled, and nodded. "Well, if that's how you feel about the event, I think I can find something suitable." She sounded like it was of little matter, but her eyes glittered with pleasure. They really didn't get out much, and Alyse had always thrived on events, even if she wasn't the one planning them.

Cal was, thankfully, fairly confident that one of the suits in his closet would fit. He had no intention of being dragged into trying on new clothes. He would go, and take Alyse, and smile, and not gripe, and try and enjoy the evening, because it would make his wife happy. His only regret, was that he still couldn't move well enough, or stand long enough, to properly dance with her for long, and while he had both his regular chair, and the one that had been specially reinforced for rugby, neither of them were great for dancing.

Maybe, just maybe, he could manage a short, simple waltz. He hoped that was a night he was feeling up to it.

March 3rd, 1996

Another night, another formal dinner, another date with Charisa, of sorts. Tore was only a little more relaxed about this one, and only because he was fairly confident that they wouldn't be running into Raul Valentino again. Tore had double-checked the updated guest list and confirmed that he wasn't there. He had apparently only gotten into the Cretan party due to being friends with one of the diplomatic envoys, but not any of the ones Charisa had spoken with a few nights before.

Not that Charisa didn't have a particular mission tonight as well, but her work tonight was different. Tore had only learned, upon hearing everything Charisa had learned at the Cretan dinner, that she had gathered information not just on what the Cretans were supposed to do, and why, but each one's individual feelings on the issues, and anything they might have in common with the Drachman envoys.

So, tonight was about continuing to make connections between the two groups, and hopefully get the negotiators from Creta to realize that what they were asking for was not only too harsh, but often unnecessary. It wasn't as if the President had the authority to fire them. Negotiations were improving slowly, since Charisa had a better idea of which arguments to use to convince the Cretans to move in the right directions, but given that a large portion of the resistance specifically focused on disagreements on policies including the G.R.I.D. getting them getting along on a more personal level was her next step.

Tonight, she had chosen a different outfit, though Tore found her no less stunning. She had opted for one of her gowns in a deep green silk, trimmed in bands of velvet. The green was so dark it was only a few shades lighter than black, though it shimmered brighter where it caught the light. It had long sleeves, but a barely off-the-shoulder neckline that cut straight across. She wore a garnet-and-emerald necklace that had once belonged to her mother—a gift from General Breda—that was particularly special.

Tore was just glad that no one ever seemed to expect a General to show up in anything other than uniform to formal events. He could show up dressed just the same to everything, and no one would say a word so long as his uniform was clean and pressed.

Of course, tonight promised to be a little more fun. At least, it did if Tore had anything to say about it. He had been surprised, but pleased, to see that not only were Gloria and Alexei on the guest list, but that somehow Alyse had talked Cal into confirming as well. Tore was certain that, as far as Cal had come in the years since the last war, he hadn't been to anything formal.

Did his friend even own a regular suit?

Of course, Tore found out almost as soon as they arrived, because Cal and his family all arrived in a car together from his house. Even retired, the military had been willing to send an official car for the added safety.

Tore hoped no one was offended if the Amestrian women were more beautiful than anyone else's, because Gloria and Alyse both showed up looking dressed to break hearts. Or they would, if they weren't with their very possessive—and beloved—husbands.

Alexei's dark gray suit was paired with a patterned gray-and-purple tie that matched Gloria's deep purple gown. The dress was simple, though the cut was designed so it fell loose and flowy from the bust to the floor. It was not a style he thought she usually wore, but then, she hardly looked pregnant in it either, unless you knew how she normally looked, which Tore supposed was the point. They were guests, but they were also here working, and Gloria had—so he had heard—made it clear that she really didn't want to be spoiled, or waste her time with people asking about her baby, or offering unsolicited advice.

Cal did, it seem, own at least one suit. Though Tore should not have been at all surprised that it was almost military blue, just darker. Alyse could have matched Charisa, nearly, though her dress was a lighter, softer sage color. With an empire waist, and a halter neck, it wasn't too dissimilar in cut from his favorite dress Charisa wore in blue, though this one the top was patterned in a green-on-green lace with hints of gold.

Tore had never seen the dress before but then, he hadn't seen them out in quite a while, so perhaps it was new. At least, as far as he could tell. He wasn't good at remembering anyone's wardrobe really except his wife's. Still, Alyse had been fashionably attending events, whether she was running them or not, for decades.

Tore grinned as he bowed over Alyse's hand. "You look stunning tonight, both of you. Are you sure you're not sisters instead of mother and daughter?"

Alyse laughed, but she looked pleased.

"Stop flirting with my wife, Shock."

"I'm not flirting. Merely making an observation about a friend." Tore turned to his friend who, for the moment, was standing under his own power, though he had a cane with him. "Unless you're going to tell me your wife looks anything less than exquisite."

Cal shook his head. "Of course not, because she does. That doesn't mean you get to go around showing me up."

"I'm not sure how I'm doing that, since I assume you've already complimented her before getting this far." Tore grinned.

"Oh, he has," Alyse assured him, though she was clearly amused. "Come on now, let's go in and enjoy ourselves." She took Cal's arm. "I happen to know there's quite a few people inside who have wanted to thank you personally for the help you gave in the war, for a long time."

For a moment, Cal looked uncomfortable, but he nodded. "All right, let's do this."

It was pride, and nothing else, that had pushed Cal to show up walking under his own power. He wasn't sure how long he would last this evening, but he could manage that much at least. That, and hopefully a short dance with his wife later. In between, he expected he would spend a lot of time sitting, but sitting in the provided chairs would be more dignified than using his wheelchair the entire night. It was here. Their driver had made sure it was tucked away in the cloak room with other coats and personal belongings people had brought, should it be needed.

Only his acknowledgement that he would never even make it down the hallway in such a large building without support had made him bring the cane. Alyse draped gracefully on his arm, looking as if she was just there because she wanted to be close to him, but having her at his side always helped him keep his balance, even though he didn't need to lean on her noticeably. He could stand tall, and almost pretend the cane was an affectation of style, rather than a necessity. Besides, with Alyse looking stunning beside him, who would look at a retired General anyway?

The dress was new. So was Gloria's, and Cal had to admit he was impressed by the ability of women in his family to find clothes that were elegant, tasteful, yet incredibly flattering of them, no matter what. Alyse's dress somehow gave the illusion of a chest, even though he knew it wasn't stuffed with anything. She looked as good as the first time he had danced with her.

The Drachman ambassadors—the team consisted of one senior and one junior diplomat from each of the four new states—were greeting guests at the door personally, in the Drachman tradition.

It was the first time Cal had met any of them. Not a single face was familiar from his time on the front last time. That or, after everything that had happened to him, he had forgotten them. He hoped, if he had, the lapse in memory would be forgiven, all things considered.

Otilia Gheata, the senior diplomat from Meteli, the Western state where he had fought, clasped his hand warmly. She was an elegant, middle-aged woman. "It is an honor to meet you at last, General Fischer. My husband has told me much about your work. He was a soldier who volunteered to fight under Mihalov, though he's retired now. He'll be so jealous that I've gotten to speak with you."

Cal returned the handshake with a similar firm warmth, and managed a smile. "Please, no need to be so formal. I'm retired. Cal is fine. I take it your husband isn't with you on this trip?"

Otilia shook her head, and chuckled. "No. He's at home. When he retired from the military, he decided to pursue another life-long passion and opened a bakery. I can't say it will be immensely successful, but we're not losing money, and he's enjoying himself."

The rest of the introductions were in much the same vein, if some less personal. Still, Cal was relived that none of them gushed, or apologized, or asked any personal questions about his health. They just said how much they appreciated his efforts on their behalf, and how far he had gone to protect his own people, while preserving Drachman lives.

He only hoped his former colleagues were as kind. By the time they made it into the formal reception areas, he could see that there were at least two dozen current or retired Amestrian officers—besides himself and Tore—in attendance. Several of whom he had not seen since he had left on that fateful mission. After all, he had never been back in to Headquarters. He had never wanted to face them then, not in the state he'd been in after nearly drowning, spending weeks in a coma, and paralyzed.

Sara and Franz were not present tonight, though Cal spotted Ted and Anika in the crowd. It made sense that they would be there, particularly as Anika was the only member of the Marskaya family present. New government or no, they were still an old and respected family, and her father was now one of the highest authorities in it. She moved through the room on Ted's arm—Ted was in uniform, like most of the officers—in a silver-and-white shimmering dress that, paired with her champagne white-gold hair, made her look like a winter spirit.

"Oh, look, it's the Jemisons!" Alyse's face lit up as she spotted a couple across the room. "You remember them, don't you?"

Cal looked where she was pointing, noting the handsome, dark-skinned couple. "You did their wedding, didn't you?" Of course, that was often a safe bet if he had no idea who people were, but he did remember that one. Andrew Jemison was retired now, like he was, but he had once been a diplomat assigned to Drachma, back before the invasion.

"You just guessed, didn't you?" Alyse smiled at him.

"It was a high probability." Cal grinned. "Yes, I know the Jemisons. Shall we go say, hello?"

"I'd like that." Alyse beamed at him, as they made their way slowly through the growing crowd. Cal didn't mind, it meant no one noticed that was as fast as he could move.

Nearly there, his wife paused, and a brief flash of concern crossed Alyse's face.

Cal didn't have to ask why. He just sighed heavily inside. The Jemisons were standing next to the drinks table, which stocked—among the usual coffees, teas, and light wines—a selection of Drachma's best. He could see the Marskaya logo on several bottles. "'Lyse… I promised you a dance tonight, and I came here determined to walk in—and out again—under my own power. Trust me, okay?" He had no intentions of drinking overmuch. The last thing he wanted was to embarrass himself in public.

Alyse nodded slowly, then schooled herself back to a calm expression. "I do. Just… be careful."

"I will," he promised. There was no point in objecting, or being offended, which he wasn't anyway. Alyse worried because she cared, and she worried because her concerns were—however much he hated to admit it—justified. He brought her hand up to his lips, and kissed it. "I wouldn't miss our dance for anything."

Like every man in the room, Ted was certain he had the most beautiful companion of the night. Anika radiated elegance and charm, and an ethereal beauty he was sure he would never tire of. He had not expected to be invited to many of these official functions during the Summit, if any, given he was spending most of his time as part of the security force, but Anika being who she was, he hadn't been all that surprised to find they were invited to this one. It was also one of the very rare chances he got to see her in something other than comfortable around-the-house wear or her work clothes. Since she worked with large wild animals, those were even more utilitarian and functional than the others.

Now she looked like a mythical creature out of Drachman faerie tales; an ice princess, except that he knew that she was anything but cold.

At the moment, he was standing and listening while she chatted with one of the diplomats about her pleasure at how well the negotiations for the return of animals to the zoo in Petrayevka was going. Drachma had offered Amestris' zoo a tidy sum for them. Not a 'buying back' but in thanks for how much had been spent on their care over the past four years. While many animals were being returned, in several cases it was the offspring of older animals going instead. That included the fact that Myrda, Anika's beloved tiger, was staying in central. Two of her female offspring would be going to Petrayevka. There was a new young male already there now, who would make a good prospective mate for whichever one ended up getting along with him best.

Eventually, Ted managed to pull her away after dinner to the dance floor. While they had attended parties in Drachma, it was nice to have her in his arms again, here at home as well. While he had never been a fan of dressing up, he was beginning to think they should do this more often. For all her down-to-earth everyday practicality, she made a stunning socialite.

Only when they were both hot from dancing did they step out onto one of the balcony porches to catch some air.

"This is so lovely." Anika smiled as she leaned against his shoulder, looking out at the moon. "It reminds me of Petrayevka."

"Me too," Ted agreed. Since she'd mentioned it, he supposed this was as good a time to ask as any. "Have you… given any further thought over whether you want to move back? Now that they've made the deal with the zoo, I mean."

Anika shook her head, then turned, and pressed against his chest. "Not right now. As much as I loved being back, and seeing my family, and all of the work they have put into restoring everything I loved… I couldn't do that to the boys. Not while they're young, certainly. They're still having bad dreams about what happened on the way home and… this is our home. I know you could get transferred to Petrayevka, but the work you're needed for is here. I get along well at the zoo here, where I can do work that I love. We have a nice home, and things are… well, they are complicated right now, but we wouldn't be safer in Drachma. The nature of our lives is that there is sometimes danger. This feels like the better place to be." She stepped back a little, and then smiled up at him coyly. "I was also thinking that… this would be the best place to remain until our family is complete."

Ted blinked. Was she saying what he thought she was saying? "Are you…"

"No." Anika shook her head, and chuckled. "Most definitely not. But, I've been thinking that, before too long, I might like one more, whether we have a daughter or not."

Ted refused to attempt to figure out why his very sensible, career-oriented wife, who somehow managed to balance her work, his work, and their little boys, wanted another baby. It was beyond him. "Not that I am, in any way opposed to this plan, but it seems a bit of a sudden change of heart, my love. You seemed pretty determined that we might be done after Eurion was born."

"I didn't say it needed to happen this moment," Anika pointed out, looking mildly annoyed.

"That's good, because this would be a very public place to start." Ted flashed a lascivious smile designed to get the reaction he expected, which was a light slap on the arm. "Seriously, though. I'm okay with that, if that's what you want. Just tell me when you're ready, and I'll be more than happy to do my part." Even if it meant resigning himself to most of another year celibate after. Purposefully trying for their second son had been nothing but pleasure on his part, though it had taken barely any longer than their accidental conception of the first. The second time had taken only two months. With his luck, when they did try again, it would happen just as quickly. There was a reason they were normally incredibly careful.

Anika smiled. "Oh, I know you will. Trust me. You'll know."