Luci was in a good mood when she returned home to her mate at week’s end. Her assignment only allowed her one day off for each eight-day week. Since she worked around the clock she got eight full days off after each assignment. Sola was happy to see her. They embraced.
“So, you’re finally home. I can’t believe it.”
She shrugged. “You knew I wouldn’t be home until today.”
“I know, but I was hoping your guest would have things to do and you would have time to come home at least for a little while.”
“No. I barely had time to have lunch with my mother. She’s so excited about the baby.”
Sola frowned. “Is that really going to happen?”
“It already has.”
“Hmm. Well, you might not get pregnant. It’s not so easy, you know.”
“Oh, but I will. His sperm count is very high and the doctor’s say my eggs are fertile.”
“So, when will you know?”
“Peter is being assigned to his new job next week so that will end my duty. I’ll go to the doctor then.”
“So, you’re going to be with him another week?” Sola asked seeming annoyed.
“Of course. Until I know I’m pregnant I have no choice.”
“Hmm. I’m not anxious for you to give birth to his baby.”
“What? Why not?”
“Because it will change everything. You’ll be spending every minute with the baby and have no time for us.”
“No. We’ll raise the child together. It will be fun and very rewarding.”
“I guess,” Sola said without enthusiasm.
“You know. I had quite an experience this week.”
“How is that?”
“You’ve heard about the Prophecy, right?”
Sola nodded. “Right. Someone from Earth is supposed to come and save us from a ruthless dictator.”
“Right.”
“But the problem with the Prophecy is that there is no ruthless dictator,” Sola noted.
“True, but many believe if Videl Lai becomes Chancellor that he and his party will suspend the Supreme Mandate and abolish the World Assembly.”
“That’s pure speculation. It will never happen.”
“Maybe, but if it does then the Prophecy will have meaning.”
“Okay. So what?”
“Well, my guest, Peter Turner, may be the Liberator mentioned in the Prophecy.”
Solo’s eyes widened. “What? Why would you say such a thing?”
“Because others have said it and a rhutz has befriended him.”
“A rhutz?”
“Yes. We named him Rhin.”
Solo frowned. “You stay away from that beast. He could kill you in a tik.”
“Rhin is a she and she’s very gentle to Peter and me.”
“What fool thinks Peter is the Liberator?”
“The mutant leader, Threebeard.”
“You’ve met Threebeard?”
“Yes. The subtram broke down and we were forced to seek help at the Mighty Jolly Tavern. Threebeard was there and he is certain Peter is the Liberator.”
Sola just stared at Luci in disbelief. Finally he shook his head and spat,“I don’t believe in the Prophecy and I hope you aren’t pregnant. I don’t want any Earth-aliens’ child in my house!”
Luci gasped in shock. “What? You don’t want a child?”
“I want a child, but not Peter Turner’s child. Whether he is the Liberator or not, as long as people think he is we will never have a day’s peace.”
Luci shook her head. “You’re wrong. It will be wonderful. You’ll see.”
Sola shrugged and left the room shaking his head.