Luci had promised her mother that she’d have lunch with her to report on her assignment as a guide to the Earth-alien. They met at their favorite restaurant, Bri Seh Be, which sat on the top floor of the Galaxy Building in downtown Shisk. It was right in the center of Shisk and had a great view of the city in all directions. When she saw her mother enter the restaurant she waved.
“Sorry, I’m late,” Doren said as she sat down. “I missed the subtram and had to hail a sky cab. You know how long that takes.”
“Sure. Don’t worry about it. I’ve been enjoying the view while I waited.”
“Yes. It is a great vantage point. You know before the eruptions, when the skies were clear, you could see Mt. Soni off to the northwest.”
Luci gazed over in that direction but there was nothing to see but grey skies.
“That must have been wonderful. I hope some day before I die we will be able to see the mountains by day and stars by night.”
Doren sighed. “Wouldn’t that be wonderful?”
Luci nodded.
“So, tell me about your guest. Don’t keep me waiting. Is he handsome?”
“Yes, and intelligent as well,” Lucinda beamed. “He’s everything I hoped for.”
“And he’s in good health?”
She nodded. “Yes. I reviewed his physical exam carefully and he appears to be in perfect health—his sperm count is unbelievable.”
“Wow. So, it’s really going to happen?”
“Yes, you’re going to be a grandmother. I’m sure of it.”
“I’m so excited! But are you sure he will consent to the conception?”
“Oh, yes. You should see the way he looks at me.”
“He’s infatuated?”
“Extremely and I think he’s a virgin.”
The both laughed. “Seriously?”
“Yes. Apparently in America sex is frowned upon before marriage. The population there is exploding so their priorities are different.”
“That’s right. I’ve heard that too.”
“So, when will you do it?”
“Soon. I begin ovulation tomorrow.”
“Oh, that’s fortunate timing.”
“I think God has willed it.”
Doren smiled warmly. “So, tell me all about him. I want to know everything.”
While they ate their lunch Luci filled her mother in on everything that had happened since she’d met Peter. They talked about how their life would change with a new baby and how Luci would be the envy of all her friends. When lunch was over Luci took the subtram back to their compartment and on the way she wondered how Peter would react when he found out he had conceived a child. She thought about telling him her intentions before she seduced him, but decided against it fearing he’d refuse her.