Vilantia Prime, Apartments of the A'Gulus Commons

Lodora glanced around, looking at the drones. "Apologies but I will need to return to the Ministry of Communication to have this gone over for the evening broadcast tonight." She then made her exit graciously, leaving the remaining adults to look at each other for a few moments before Gryzzk exhaled.

"Thank you for your time, Callioe."

The older woman fixed her eyes on Gryzzk and Kiole. "You will stay for dinner." It was not an inquiry.

"We...we hadn't made plans to impose upon you." Gryzzk stood.

Callioe snorted softly. "You bring food and don't stay to enjoy what's made from it? Silly Freelord."

Gryzzk paused and bowed to the inevitable. "I would only ask that you let me help."

"You are a Lead Servant turned mercenary, and along the way you became a Freelord. All of this and you learned to cook?" There was a slight sniff of amusement. "No, Freelord - you have other tasks that require your attention. Unless you intend to give one of your sworn to another who may only see her as a prize."

Gryzzk exhaled as he finally understood the wisdom. "I will...need to study some things to remember."

Kiole rose, giving a soft nuzzle to Gryzzk as she made her way to the kitchen. Carinda left for a moment and returned with a worn book, Lordly Behavior - written by the Eleventh Lord A'Shanyu.

"We turned the pages of this every night as Mother would tell us stories."

"Really?"

"Of course. Father said even if we couldn't read the gods would reward us for trying." Carinda left for the kitchen where Kiole was rummaging and commenting about similarities between this kitchen and the one she grew up in.

Gryzzk began reading through the book, memories flooding back as he read the words in a much younger voice. But this time he had to read them and not simply accept the truths written. It was not easy.

His reading was disturbed by a soft cry and Gro'zel running toward him at the speed only a child could achieve.

"Papaaaa..." Gro'zel flung herself heedlessly into Gryzzk's lap. "They...they started arguing and I tried to settle it and they said I wasn't s'posed to say things and I told them I was a Lieutenant Junior Grade Morale Officer and I could say it and they said it didn't mean anything!" She snuffled into his shoulder for a moment.

There was a moment while Gryzzk had to mentally adjust from the problems of a Lord dealing with commoners afflicted by the desire of choice (give them an impossible choice and then make it for them, thereby showing superior wisdom) to the problems of his daughter (mean playmates.) He shifted to set the book carefully on the low table and lifted Gro'zel high in the air. "Little Button, you are special because you are you. Not because of the duties you perform on the ship. Now come, let's see what your new friends have to say about this."

Gryzzk walked back with Gro'zel, where the argument was ongoing but different. There were two boys and a pair of girls discussing something of high import, the picture-matching game they were playing forgotten. Collectively, they still hadn't fully shed their baby-fur, but from the scent they seemed to belong to a similar clan.

"It's not him, Lords don't visit us. They visit other Lords." One boy was calm, stating the obvious fact.

His partner shook his head. "Yahbut this isn't a Lord. He's a Freelord."

"What's the difference then?"

There was a pause. "He's free?"

"Free from what?"

"...I unno."

Gryzzk held his daughter's hand as he cleared his throat. "If I may?"

The children looked at Gryzzk and collectively gasped before one spoke. "...you're him. From the holo."

From the expression on the calm boy's face, there was some doubt. "Can't be him. Freelord Gryzzk is taller than a Terran. Walks in space without a helmet, and throws fire from his hands. Your hands aren't burnt."

"Well, if I'm not Gryzzk, then who am I? You heard Grandmother and Lodora call me Gryzzk." There was a slight pause. "And I am Gryzzk, and I'd like to know who I'm talking to. It's much more pleasant when there's a name to place to a scent, right?"

The first boy paused for a moment in surprise. "Oh. I'm Falioe."

"So Falioe, why is there unhappiness here?"

"Well, well Gro'zel said something she's not s'posed to say!"

"And what was that?"

"That..." Falioe lowered his voice to a whisper, "that Greatlord Aa'Lafione is a dum-dum." The other children looked around similarly and nodded their agreement.

"Well, that was unkind of her. Greatlords are due a measure of respect because they're Greatlords and they carry great responsibility. But you should hear someone out if they say something. Even if that something seems silly. So. Gro'zel, why is Greatlord Aa'Lafione a dum-dum?"

Gro'zel looked at her father as if he'd gone mad. "He challenged you, Papa."

"That alone doesn't make him a dum-dum."

"Well...cause...cause Lomeia and Sergeant Reilly smell like you and Mama and Mama Kiole." There was a pause. "When you're not arguing 'bout stuffs. And he's mad about that and that makes him a dum-dum."

Gryzzk settled on the floor. "Well..Lomeia is his daughter. And I think he loves his daughter very much. But he wants his daughter to marry someone he wants her to marry, and I think that Lomeia should be able to make her own choices in things."

Falioe spoke again, surety in his voice. "But he's her father and he's a Greatlord. He should know better than her what's good for her."

"And most times you would be correct. The Clan Way provides many good things. But at the same time Lomeia is grown, and there are some choices she should be able to make."

Confusion seemed to reign in the child's mind. "Then...if a Greatlord doesn't make everyone's choices, what good is he?"

"Well, there are many choices that only a Greatlord should make. But to make everyone's choices can be a bit much and lead to bad choices."

"So what choices should we make?"

"Well, right now? What to wear. Who your friends are. Whether or not I'm worthy of being called a Freelord."

"But how do I know that?"

"Those are the things that take time." Gryzzk leaned back. "Being a Freelord was a bad thing a long time ago, because those Freelords were bad people who led other bad people. But now it seems that being a Freelord could be a good thing."

This thought seemed weighty. Finally Falioe nodded. "I think you're Gryzzk. But I dunno if you're a Freelord."

"That's fair. So, what were you playing?"

The children were more than happy to show Gryzzk the game and explain the rules, and then Gro'zel was able to rejoin after a time. During this, Gryzzk kept turning his mind to the challenge that was upcoming. Finally Kiole poked her head in.

You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

"Children - and husband - come along, it's time to eat. We have other guests as well."

It was odd as Gryzzk came back to the now-cramped living room - the lowtable had been raised up, with a second table for the children. Gro'zel started for the adult table before pausing and seeming to remember that she was in fact a child. The main difference was that the adults had a better view of the holo as they dished out bowls of broken grains with chicken. The holo was currently swiveling from a light entertainment to the news of the day.

The latest heavily debated matter was a law proposing that the clans deemed most responsible for the Three-Day-War be levied a special tax in order to make up for budgetary shortfalls as a result of the war. The debate was vigorous but inconclusive. Finally the holo switched to Lodora. Despite being cleaned up and made ready for the holo, she seemed somehow exhausted.

"We have two very special interviews today - both Greatlord Aa'Lafione and Freelord Gryzzk agreed to sit down with us and talk about the challenge between the two, scheduled to take place in two days."

Gryzzk's spoon felt heavy in his hand as Lodora continued. "First, the words of the Greatlord, as approved by the Ministry of Culture."

The interview with the Greatlord was somehow intimidating. Every question seemed calculated to show Gryzzk as a kidnapper of sorts with the Terrans as a dark and mysterious thing that needed to be removed from Vilantian soil as quickly as possible. For the Greatlord's part, his answers cast him as a bulwark of certainty that protected against the drunken brigands of the Freelord's command - during this, an amateur video was shown of Gryzzk and the bridge squad during their brawl outside of the Grand Warrior. The commentator noted dryly that the Grand Warrior was a noted den of iniquity, and so it seemed fitting that the Legion had found their level there.

Gryzzk rubbed his head as Kiole clenched her fist in anger before pointing her stump at the holo. "You were defending me. They all were. You actions were honorable."

Gryzzk sighed heavily. "But Vilantia doesn't know that."

The image cut back to Lodora, who's scent was modulated as she spoke. "The Ministry of Culture has refused to release my interview with Freelord Gryzzk." She took a breath. "But the Ministry of Communication has reviewed it and found it proper despite the Ministry of Culture's objection. It is unedited, save for a portion where we changed locations."

The holo cut to Lodora and Gryzzk as they toured the ship, had lunch, and then cut to the home of Callioe as she spoke about Cartre - it was a bit emotive, and when it concluded there was silence around the tables for a long time. The holo itself cut from the news early, citing 'technical difficulties' before broadcasting a loop of Vilantians enjoying themselves serenely - it was a loop that Gryzzk recognized as the Ministry of Communication's normal stop-gap for uncomfortable moments.

The seal of silence was broken by Falioe at the children's table. "...wow."

Gryzzk looked down at his now-empty bowl, a new worry creeping into his mind. "Lodora may...may not be safe."

Callioe scrunched her face, emotions conflicting. "My words were not wrong."

Gryzzk reached over to take her hand. "They were not. But they were words unheard by many. Words that some would rather not hear."

"It may be some time before we see each other again."

"I know. But if you or yours have need, I beg you to not stand on pride and tell your need to Carinda. I would have her mind untroubled by anything save that which I trouble her with."

There was a wry smile on the old woman's face. "The gods may wish to trouble her nonetheless."

"Then the gods will have to ask my permission."

Callioe chuckled softly. "Freelord, I do believe the gods would ask. Now shoo - everyone please, an old woman needs her rest."

As everyone bundled out and streamed out to their respective homes, Kiole leaned into Gryzzk as he was taking slow measured breaths. "Twilight Warrior, I know this has been a troubling day, and there is a part of you that wishes to set duty aside and return to the Grand Warrior or wherever the rest of your squad has chosen to make camp this evening and find yourself a palatable drink or seven. But tomorrow we return to your former home to meet with the judges and Greatlord Aa'Lafione's second. Perhaps tonight is best spent considering what you will offer in return for a retraction of the challenge and preparing for a ridiculous bartering."

Gryzzk cursed softly. "I know. But...so many things. Part of me wishes it were tomorrow."

"I suppose asking the gods to move the clock forward is out of line. So until they do, we will be preparing for your challenge."

Gro'zel took both of their hands as they walked toward the localpad to call a shuttle. "Me and Rosie'll make sure you're safe."

As the shuttle descended, Gryzzk saw with some concern that Hoban was in the primary seat. Gro'zel was unconcerned - enthusiastic even - as she saw who was driving, and wriggled around in her safety harness.

The ride up to the ship was Hoban-typical; more concerned with speed and flair than any concern for the passenger's desire to not utilize the motion-sickness bags stowed under the seat. As they docked, Gryzzk gave a slightly sour look toward the flight deck.

"Captain, are you capable of flying a shuttle in a way that make me not regret several life choices?"

"Yeeeup. Best ship-driver in the 7th right here."

"You may prove that at any time, Captain." Gryzzk straightened his tunic and exited.

Gryzzk and Kiole entered the commander's cabin after putting Gro'zel to bed, finding the contents of his planter shifted slightly. It didn't take much to see that tiny sprigs of green were coming from all four of the sections, which brought a bit of a smile to Gryzzk's face as he sat in his chair and started pulling up the reading material of the evening. He thought back to the interview for a few moments before tapping his tablet and replaying Greatlord Aa'Lafione's interview.

Then he watched it again, tilting his head.

"I think I have something." Gryzzk began tapping notes into his tablet.

Kiole moved to look over his shoulder, placing a cup of tea at his elbow. "Which is?" She'd changed, raiding his wardrobe for one of his older football shirts that was a bit large on her.

"He keeps referencing specific sections of Lordly Behavior - the ones regarding choices. I believe the foundation of his argument is that I am not a Royal, a Greatlord, or a Lord. Which makes me a commoner, and as a commoner, I'm unfit to make choices for a Greatlady."

"But you didn't make any choices for her."

"Precisely. I did make choices with respect to marriage, but not his daughter's relationship, wherever that may go."

"Which may devolve into a question of what you are allowed to decide."

"Clan matters." Gryzzk shrugged.

"Of course. But where is the justification?"

Gryzzk began a search of the book on his tablet and blinked. "Here. Within the book itself." Gryzzk caught himself. "I don't remember this part..." he tapped his tablet.

"Tucker's Tusslin' Tavern where your head's gonna hurt one way or another, Fisticuss talking."

"Chief, this is Major Gryzzk - I'd opened a channel to Rosie, is she perhaps listening in?" Gryzzk checked his tablet to ensure that yes he'd opened a channel to the XO.

Rosie's voice came on. "Course I am you jumped-up labradoodle. You said you wanted a book and you were gonna read it - you got the book and now you're talking to me, did Kiole fuck you stupid again?" There was a sigh. "You were just getting smart..."

"No, I have a question regarding what appears to be an inconsistency - the copy you provided has additional chapters that were not present in my youth."

Rosie seemed to be a touch peevish as she replied. "Fuckifiknow, did you read Lordly Behavior For Fuckin' Morons as a child and internalize it too much? You asked for a copy, you got a copy, what's the problem?"

"Rosie where did you get this?" Gryzzk contemplated what he might have interrupted and decided that was not a line of inquiry he wanted to pursue.

"Ministry of Science, Archaeology and Ancient History division - it was the earliest copy they had."

Gryzzk leaned back in his chair heavily. "Rosie could you possibly get a more recent copy so I can cross-reference what Greatlord Aa'Lafione might have to hand?"

"On your tablet - filed under 'R' for 'Complete Bullshit'."

"Rosie, I would deeply prefer if you didn't refer to one of the seminal works of my people as," Gryzzk paused before forcing the next words out, "complete bullshit."

"Oh the original's fine. Just that over time some folks have decided to edit it. I'll let you connect the dots. Sorry, Freelord - but if makes you feel better, the one you learned is the same one your friend the Greatlord is going to be using to make all his points."

"Thank you Rosie, I have reading to do."

"You're welcome. Oh by the way the latest and greatest fanfic is out. 'Midnight on Moncilat', an epic tale by someone with absolutely no regard for decency, biology, or physics. It ends with half the planet calling you sir, and the other half calling you Papa."

Gryzzk exhaled as he pursued what he didn't want to. "What did I do to deserve that knowledge?"

"Chief Tucker is making adjustments to the R-space singularity conduit. Should save us on average about one-point-twenty-one gigawatts per day in R-space, which he's going to divert to another project. You interrupted that."

"Apologies to Chief Tucker. Gryzzk out."

The remainder of the evening was...comfortable. Gryzzk decided that Kiole did look quite nice wearing his shirts, and that it wasn't too bad of an idea to have a night in.

It was in fact a very good idea.

Ship's morning didn't quite coincide with morning at the Ah'nuriel manse, but it was close. U'wekrupp was the cook on duty for breakfast, and Gryzzk didn't feel it necessary to mention that he could detect Yomios' scent clinging in a possibly indecent manner. On the one hand, it was odd. On the other hand, odd was the bright and shiny normal. After breakfast he spent a short time considering what to wear, finally deciding on a deep purple vest and jacket with matching pants to go with his Stetson hat and spurs. While wasn't a strictly formal occasion, he was certainly not showing up in sportswear and sandals. He did ask Rosie to keep in touch if anything pressing occurred. New fan-fiction was specifically excluded from being categorized as pressing.

The shuttle trip down was handled by Miroka, who managed to approach and land at the Ah'nuriel localpad almost perfectly - it made Hoban pout a bit, but as soon as the passengers disembarked they left to go to the local groundcar track to kill a few hours.

Gryzzk gave both Kiole and Gro'zel a soft nuzzle. "Please. Enjoy the gardens. Today is likely going to be unpleasant."

Kiole brushed his face. "I will make the rest of the day as pleasant as possible."

There was a soft smile to her in return. "You will."

They parted, with Gro'zel leading Kiole to secret hiding spots that had been passed down from one generation of children to the next for centuries while Gryzzk went to the door to read the minuscule plaque that noted Gryzzk's residence here at one time.

Lady Ah'nuriel and Pafreet were both there to greet him at the door - pleased to see him but something seemed off.

"The Greatlord has sent only his second to these negotiations."

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