He didn’t feel the need to talk. Maybe it was his traditional Femeni background. I didn’t care for the implications since we were the same sex. The semi-silence reminded me of my old family. Pa for the longest time was too tired to talk. Becky was my sister, and I didn’t have too much in common with her. Although, now we could both birth children.

Never thought that would happen.

Still, we just enjoyed the silence although I did eventually break it. “What’s the word?”

He paused as the implant translated the idiom.

“It’s all but certain the Emperor will… trade for the technology. He’s requested I attend so his people can verify the claims.” His voice shook. “Me… an old Femeni, advising the Emperor. It’s a new world.”

“He’s a wise man to seek you out.”

He smiled. “You flatter an old man, but thank you.” He turned away from the sunlight, then walked over to me and my baby. Bony, yet non-shaky fingers ran over his back. He leaned down and kissed him on the head. Then he ran his hands playfully through my hair. “I’m off to see Matros.”

I got the message if not hint. Now would be a good time to call Becky.

The sounds of footsteps lessened, and I let out a long breath. I agreed to the test back on Earth. I had my adventures with the Ryba. All very scary and yet, I delayed this. Our Oma didn’t know the entire story, but anyone his age could read people. Although, I suppose from his perspective, that would be reading ‘aliens’.

Still, he’s right.

I had a new family, but I missed my old one. Even Becky, but especially Pa. Per the contract exception, I could either contact Pa or Becky. There were arguments for each. Pa was well… my father and I should be a good son. I think he was still uncomfortable with Volardi technology.

Especially since it cost him a son. Yes, I was still alive, but light years away. It would be months before he’d see me again.

Assuming he wants to. Maybe his Grandson will change his mind?

Becky and I were never good as brother and sister. Hopefully, the recent events would change things. She was still ‘kin’ as they said back home.

Let’s do this.

The metal along the wall of my royal chambers morphed into a wall-sized video monitor. I waited for the Hyperspace connection to connect. Otherwise, with the light years distance, the message wouldn’t reach Earth for hundreds of years.

The video slowly came into focus, and I saw Becky’s round face amid a tress of dark red curls. Her eyes widened when she saw me and my child – her nephew. “Oh Peter… wow. You look great! You both do.”

I waited while she coo’d and made funny faces at my son who laughed in return.