Empirical Son FSOG
Chp07 In Babel's Market Square
Sunday: Seattle 10:00am. On the road to L'angolo del parlatore
Amelia-pov
I have decided to make this Babel, a Trekkie only. The parents and Grandma T were not amused, nor willing to abide. Till I stuck them in the great room with my girl: Troupeau de Reines standing watch, with Clark of course. He can hear dad's tax ideas and Dad can hear how well I run my empire. Better them than me again. Tax explanations are migraine inducing tornados in my petite head.
We cruise thru the city headed to Anthony's. At least the lunch will be good. Pulling up, the place looks deserted. Two uniformed cops pass us into the drop off. We alight to still more Military cut security. Did he hire a Platoon out of Fort Lewis. I've never seen this much security, maybe the last Bastille Day in Paris.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Escala 0800 Sunday Anna-pov
Sipping my Victorian Earl Grey blend tea, from that little Post Alley, Perennial Tea Room near Pikes Market; looking out the great room window to the green shadows on the western horizon. Last night was traumatic for everyone. Andrea, Fred, and Welch are on the way up.
About a half hour ago, Jason took Chris downstairs to the lap pool. To race the Grey House champion, an in-house contract lawyer. The former Olympian, should have them racing about an hour or possible two according to Gail. He needs to burn-off the adrenaline load he is stressing on. Hopeful this will work. The Staff, security staff in particularly, wants Christian in full body restraint and showed me pictures from 'Silence of the Lamb' movie. I fear they may be correct. Last night in Grey Manor, it was touch-n-go; I barely could hold Chris sane. Lucky Madsion still has some brain cells left. Sipping my delicious blend, wondering how I precede?
The brief I read yesterday morning about the family was enlightening, but didn't have a good plan of interaction; not with last night's Tellurite intrusion.
As Ray harped a lot about these tribunals. Understand the motives and understand the fears; plan for the worst, hope for the best, and deal with what you get. Andrea and Welch wander in, sitting on the sectional. I move and sit next to them.
"Anna?"
"Sent an email last night to a friend in San Francisco. Her former Fleet Admiral is in town and will mediate the Babel." Fred walks in and looks about and take the single seat opposite me.
"I talked to a friend in Paris. She gave me contact information for Amelia's Captain. I've met him before, at Fleet meetings, conventions in London and Paris. I also checked the HTH files. Amelia is connected thru the Netherland's 'Velvet Scoter systems.' They prototyped: their Cheese making waste reduction system in her mobile creameries. She's also thru our Liverpool company, 'Karl Imhoff & Humphrey Davy Industrial Solutions'. We are prototyping several commercial waste reduction systems, several in her restaurants; their latest in Amelia's Oslo restaurant, is slated to go public in three months for the World Climate conference in Seville. A fifty-five percent reduction in organic waste and forty-three percent reduction in waste water. All total about three billion in profits over the next two years."
"What did the fleet have to say about her, that we didn't already know?"
"The connections to HTH, that she is respected on her own and that 'She' is Christian mini-me. Also arrange a call with her captain at noon local, Monto Blanc; which's he's hiking, is nine hours ahead." Fred laughs
"What?" Andrea indignantly demands
"Despite being gone, Christian imprint on Amelia was pronounced. We need to deal with her as an equal, maybe better than the parents." Welch states coolly.
"Alright, thinking on the problem; I wrote an outline, emailed it about. Ideas?"
"I suggest we have chaperoned, limited public contact. Maybe the State Fair This weekend. Possibly a shopping trip Amelia, Madison, you, and me; maybe Wednesday." Andrea spitballs. "Sounds good, Parents?"
"A friend out near Leavenworth, called this morning. The Grandparents want a met with Andrea, Barney, and me this weekend out at their orchard. I think it would be a good thing." Fred smiles in that Craftsman's 'trust me the trim is perfect for your budget and taste'. If I had my purse, I'd be clutching it and checking my wallet. "OH?"
"The parents are the most dangerous and difficult to Christian. The most vested conflict. We need to move all three, slowly with baby steps. Christian will be most unstable around them." Welch speaks the truth.
"So, we are agreed on the Babel?" I ask. Yes's fill the room. Gail brings me a fresh cup of tea as everyone leaves. I must be flexible in that Chris wants to have some interaction; while not letting him slip into anger and darkness.
"Anna?"
"Let set up for shopping Wednesday, fair Saturday, and sailing Sunday."
"What are your worries?"
"That if left to Christian we would travel the world and never see anything but elegant hotel rooms and soft bouncy beds. He has the drive but lacks the knowledge to court and woo. So, I will have to do that from the shadow and thru minions."
"The bane of every woman in a relationship. I force Jason to read blouse tearers to learn the basics. Otherwise, our dates would consist of sports bars, sports games, and sports TV."
"'Why didn't you tell me there was danger? Why didn't you warn me? Ladies know what to guard against, because they read novels that tell them of these tricks.'" I whisper looking out the window. Does reading really prepare me for today and tomorrow. I'm not sure.
"Anna, how is it your prepared for all this conflict resolution. And don't tell me Publishing bullshit again" Gail smirks at me.
"My mother was more gone then there. From a young age, I was always soothing and fixing conflict about me. Ray will tell you that I'm the negotiator, peacemaker. For several years, second to fifth grade at Fort Bragg; I spent most of my time in the library with the Librarian Mrs. George Wright IV. The first fought in the Civil War. Her widowed Father-in-law, the colonel, thee VIII, was crippled in a helicopter crash in Panama in mid-December 1989 during the invasion. I spent a lot of time with him, he was bed ridden. Reading to him, games, and such. Before the invasion he taught at the war college in Kansa and the Naval college in Monterey, California. Game theory, negotiations tactics and strategies. He spent a lot of time tutoring me, teaching me." I look out the window a wipe a tear; the gentle calm grandfatherly man. With his sad smile and mischievous blue eyes. He gifted me the money to rid my mother from my life. We had hoped to use it for college. But mother and her lawyers stole it, the price of my freedom and a life with Ray.
"You miss him?"
"I miss them all. Sarah died of cancer my High School senior year. Her husband, IV, taught psych-ops at the Special Warfare Center; he died of a heart attack in NATO HQ at Haren, after the 2nd Gulf war. VIII died when I was in fifth grade at Ft. Bragg."
"Mother took me to Texas, then Las Vegas. After her third; Ray took me home to Montesano. She cost me two years, four ribs, six concussions, three near rapes and all the money VIII left me for college. That and Rays saving bought my freedom from her. She's in Georgia outside of Savannah on husband five."
"You still track her?" Gail asks stunned at my confession.
"Never ignore evil enemies that you know about. I forgot that and allowed Madison's parents to stab me in the back and chest. We thought we were safe till after graduation, the Seattle condo. That I bet never existed except to keep Madison in line."
"How are you training Christian for courting and wooing?" Gail changes the topic and we both leave this darkness creeping in behind us.
"Ok! I loaded a couple of Harlequin Romance Books on his laptop. Left the local Atlas Obscura Guide book on his desk." I laugh remembering Madison's face when I handed her the Oregon one. We spent may a weekend cruising the back roads and byways. Enjoying the freedom from her parents and me from collegiate social scene.
"BUZZZ! BUZZZZ!"
The race is over, the guys are headed up.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Amelia-pov
We are escorted to the second-floor dining area. I'm shocked they didn't install metal detectors and full body scanners. The whole restaurant is empty except for us. They wait at a normal table; Christian looks good but distracted. The girl Anna looks ready to fight or hug; bizarrely calm and yet primed. Will have to ask Mad about it later. Putting on the Chef meeting Financiers smile.
"Captain, Commander Amelia."
"Sit, let us dispense with formality. Captain Renaud de Jouvenel speaks highly of his third." Anna says setting the tone and putting me on a back foot.
"Just happened to run him down on Mont Blanc?" She's cornered me, immediately. Must try to regain the high ground. Or at least equal footing.
"Yes, I'm trying to convince your brother next year to go, depending on this babel; maybe a family pack." Anna smiles.
"Hopefully." Ok? She seems willing to move forward and not hold grudges.
"Just so you know; My Commandant at the Directorate knows your Captain. And Grandmother in Paris."
"Madison tells me your hard but fair. Who will lead the discussion?"
"I have begged a neutral party to attend; He should be here any second."
"Attention of Deck!" We all stand looking confused as a short almost porcine looks beach ball body man saunters in. Waving his hands like he is Royality. Who the frigging Hell is He thinking, He is."
"Thomas! Good to see you man. How are the Frenchie's? Amelia? Everyone may I introduce Thomas Eli Jefferson, Ambassador without Portfolio in the Federation, and the United States. Last posting was?" Granpa T crows.
"Trade negotiator with Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN); Which was simpler than the dissolution of the Hong Kong Star base. You're lucky I was in town for this. Captain. Commander. Let us all sit and order some food; It's been a whole hour since I ate."
"The attention on deck?" I ask, a first for me.
"I'm retiring to my watercolors. My nine mixed Frenchie, a ravish hoard of Klingon grandchildren; my four sons have dumped on me. My little wine yard on the scenic shores of Lake Huron. I figured; What the hell, I may never get the chance to saunter into Fleet action again to Honors of Rank."
We order food and the security guard escorts out the waiter.
"I've read the brief Anna. Amelia here, take a quick read." He hands me a tablet. Reading as drinks arrive. Nothing too bad or deal breaking. Christian wants some interaction with his family.
"I propose some limited Chaperoned away missions. With Elliott and Madison leading the first round."
"Why them?" Anna asks, intrigued.
"Madison and you have a history; That I see as the easiest to reconcile. Elliott as Madison fiancée and Christian as yours. This gives cover and set structure in the relationships. I further propose that Flynn or his wife chaperon."
"Its do able, Anna. The guys were close once. I think Ray would work as another chaperon." Madison states, Anna nods.
"Who is Ray?"
"My stepfather." Anna laughs
"Would he not be bias to you and Christian?"
"No. When you meet him; You will see on Anna and my side for sure. On the guy's: Well never. Christian may wear him down to worry on tolerate level, Elliott may make it to suspect level." Madison laughs.
"The guys will hopefully pass the piss and shit when Ray growls at them; quickly." Anna laughs, as Christian and Elliott look confused. I get it; In my beloved Ecrin hills, several fatherly and grandfatherly herders I know. Who's terror glare would cause harasser & assholes to lose their bowels running for their lives.
"You think were exaggerating? I want Videos Anna." Madison looks at quickly frightened Elliott.
"I reserve the right to Veto Ray, once I meet him. But the thought is valid and I'm willing to give him shot."
"I think in two weeks at a restaurant of my choosing the Parents and Grandparents will have just Christian and Anna to dinner; with chaperons." Grandpa T states.
"No, Include Roz and Gwen and yes." Anna barters. She making sure the sides are even.
"Acceptable." Grandpa smirks.
"A time table for integration?" Thomas pipes in. He has barely said anything or direct anything. He is good.
"I see three to six months." Madison states
"I concur; if nothing major blows up." Anna states, I nod.
"As a test of my father; I want him to lead Anna's court case." Christian speaks for the first time.
"Court case?" Thomas asks
"I was assaulted, attempted rape, drugged by my former boss at Seattle Independent Press. He's maybe out of the hospital in time for the trial. The DA was anything but enthusiastic about me."
"Anna, I'm so sorry I wasn't there for you; Like you were there for me." Madison speaks. Rushing around the able to hug her friend. I find myself hugging them both. After a minute we break and retake our seats.
"Christian, I don't see any problem with dad kicking ass and protecting Anna." Elliot speaks.
"He did not give a shit before?"
"You left; It crushed them both. Hell, little brother! It crushed us all. You off having the time of your life. While we" "BANG! BANG! BANG!"
"YOU CANNOT CURE THE PAST. Only use it as warning signs for the future. The things that happened after the separation. An unknown fantasy of what might have been, are not relative to what was. Christian may never talk about the lost years. It is his right, to remember or forget. We are here right now, to decide moving forward. Elliott; I understand your pain and hurt. But that is yours alone to bare and make peace; not to burden on others. Everyone at this table has regrets, pains, scars, and fears. They are equal and private. Now can we move on?"
"Yes, Elliott just like dad and me yesterday. We reached common ground and respect. But the scars and pain are still here in my heart and soul." Turning to Christian "I have a lot of pain and hurts about your leaving and about you. An only time, and interaction will lessen it, possible heal it. But I will never forget it. I hope one day to forgive. But that day is not today."
"Ditto!" Christian tells me. Shit! We are more alike than I believed.
"Anna? Ray loves dogs?" Madison says
"Yes. But we could not afford one."
"Baby, we can make work, if you want one?" Christian coos to her. Where is Madison taking this.
"Amelia breed endangered herding dog. She mentioned under Francos's magic fingers a set of puppies she looking to foster out."
"Franco? Fake Italian, gay from Jersey?" Anna laughs
"Yes?"
"He did my hair and makeup yesterday for the gala."
"Our too. He is so good." Madison laughs.
"What puppies you got brat?" Christian laughs.
"Hovawart, Schapendoes, and Pumi breeding pairs."
"Ok, what and WHAT and Puma?" Elliott smirks at me.
"Hovawart, German farm dog: Hova/farm and wart/watchman. Large dog, black and tan, good family dog." I think Elliott and Madison would work out for that pair.
"Schapendoes, Dutch Sheepdog. Big hair, not much on guarding; intelligent and usually cooperates with owner more than obey. I was thinking a good fit for the parents."
"Pumi. Medium-small sheep dog from Hungary. Acts more like a terrier. The pair coming out is fawn color, rare and not for the faint of heart or will. They are barkers."
"I just googled Pumi. I think Ray would be an excellent fit. Particularly the competitions. Get him out of OUR hair Madison." Anna laughs.
"Money?" Madison states.
"UMMMM? He will not take charity."
"How about I buy the dogs, pay for tack and board, and Ray competes under the Grey House banner. Corporate sponsorship?" Christian smiles for the first time.
"Yes" Both Anna and Madison bark.
"I have eight other rich people, sponsoring breeding pairs in herding trial, agility, dog shows in Europe." This could work.
"Now we just have to find Anna a dog." Madison laughs
"Other than you, Christian." I squeak.
"She punked you, bro!" Elliott laughs
"Says the man-whore of Seattle!" Laughing at him.
"Hey, that was all before Mad here!" Elliott gulps
"An you better keep for only me, dog." Madison laughs.
"Back to the matter at hand; I have a Matronly Estrela Mountain Dog, nine years, in need of loving family for her remaining years. Maybe up to five. Her original family from Vermont was killed by a drunk boat driver on a Maine lake. She has not bonded since. A problem for the breed."
"Have her brought out; we will see if she bonds with us." Christian speaks stroking Anna knuckles. Looking around the Ambassador is gone. "Grandpa?" I ask.
"His work was done. He left closes to half hour ago." I look down and the dessert plate is just crumbs. When did we eat. I see the busboy bin full of dishes. Ok, checking the time; two hours have elapsed. Wow.
"Where do we go from here?"
"One; Send Emails about the dog and when they can arrive. Two: Madison, you, Andrea, Gwen, and I are going shopping Wednesday; the misery I must bear to be your Love slave. [she smirks, pouts to Christian] [love slave, the Dom thing?] Three: Gwen tells me a fair is this weekend. I suggest that be the first couples gathering." Anna laughs
"When do I get time?
"Get a date and We will make triple date." Anna smiles
"Amelia, take the win. Once this shopping with Anna. You will likely never get a repeat. Nor will you want a repeat. An don't tick her off, or the next invite is to book fair or God forbid a book sale. I have not forgiven you, for dragging me to that Portland book fair three years ago. The horror! The horror!" Madison shutters in memories
"Mad?" Elliott asks
"You mentioned Mia shop till you drop cloth buying spree. Picture Little Miss Book Worm over there; time three Mia's shopping. Picture zombie Madison after three days at 12hr a day. Books and authors and sellers: rinse and repeat, and REPEAT! My nightmares for weeks afterwards; we're they extend to a fourth, twelve-hour day just for Anna."
"So, you're saying my dress hunts, are Anna's book hunts, and yours are?"
"Don't snitch or else. Green!" Madison laughs at Anna.
"I know all about Madam's army surplus addiction. The note says something about red vine?" Christian laughs
"Red vine? Mad? Like that where all my stash when!" Elliott looks horrified. "run"
Madison bolt for the door with Elliott chasing her. I laugh with the rest. Gather my stuff. "If was anything other than licorice; They might have made it. What your guys?" Teasing not expecting an answer.
"Chocolate of course. I've had to install a fingerprint lock box in the pantry to save my Layered Mint Chocolate Fudge." Anna laughs as Christian pouts.
"Three different chocolates, mints creams. Sandwiched between triple dark chocolates chip, chocolates crisps cookies! Cookies!" Christian does his Cookie Monster voice with eyes nearly glazed over. I am laughing so hard. I forgot his Chocolate addiction. Grandpa is holding on to me; laughing even harder.
"Don't look so smug grand-daughter. I seem to recall Barbecue has that effect on you?" He whispers.
"My barbecue addiction is a secret; like you're moonshining back beyond the creek. Or that tented old hay wagon overlooking the valley. You know the one, I keep finding UNMENTIONABLES around." I sneer
"You have learned well the tit for tat Padawan. Let us go before we need an Uber to get home. Since you brother and his girl may be working the limo." He smirks.
Walking out we see the limo rocking and rolling down the block. Madison half out the sun roof. Scream Elliott name. OK! Did not need that image of what I know they are doing.
"Miss Grey, Mr. Trevelyan?" To the side; we turn to bruiser security guy from last night.
"Jason Taylor. Your brothers' CPO and head of his personal security. Here is my card with contact information. I have Parker pulling up now to take you back to Grey Manor." He says stone faced and scary.
"Thank you." We get in the SUV and head home. Talking out what was decide and how to tell the parents how things are going to be for the next few weeks.