Oh, Suzanna, my dearest.

What a pestering thought.

"Mother Elin," Lieutenant Chuji clicks her heels and salutes up towards me. "Today's installment for Lori's show are in order. Awaiting further briefing regarding Daily Security procedures."

I slowly and steadily draw a breath in, standing firmly on the balcony above the 100-some troops below. "At ease, Daughters. Nothing seems too out of the ordinary today. Monitor Lori's performance and metrics as always in addition to standard procedure across the city. Most of today's affairs seem in order, let's keep it that way. Sans any further, glaring issues that may arise later, you are dismissed. I express only the greatest of gratitude for the service from you all." I gently smile.

"Yes, Mother," she salutes again before turning away. I retreat to my chair where FABIAN brings me my tea.

"Mother," the automaton buzzes to me. "Apologies for the delay."

"Worry not, FABIAN. As you know I often prefer to prepare it myself, but perhaps I'm not in my best today," I wield the saucer and cup, and quietly indulge myself with the lavish mixture of mint, anise, and Speckter spice. "Brilliant combination today, my mechanical friend. Color me impressed."

He bows, "Thank you, Mother."

"Don't be silly, I'm not your mother. How dare I take credit from the brilliant minds at EVACorp for creating you."

"Would you prefer 'Madam'?"

"I'm not pestered, just flattered. Address me however you wish, you charming little machine."

"Understood, Madam or Mother. Notify me of any further service you may need."

"Thank you," I sing, smirking in humor. FABIAN humbly rolls away on his belted tracks.

No need to overindulge in the calm before the storm. Always maintain vigilance.

~~

"Your luncheon, Mother," the chef places the plate of Jackal-mignon-stroganoff and chopped spinach, arugula, asparagus, and a bowl of creamed-potato soup before me on the table.

"I would like some water, please," I tip my head to the chef, sweating at her brow.

"On the way, my apologies, Mother," the chef scurries away with her serving tray.

PIPPA has an announcement for me. Nothing out of the ordinary, Lori tearing away at the Jackals as she's intended. Her spirit is admirable; stalwart and unwavering, at least in front of the camera. Sometimes I wonder what's going on behind the hawk's-head-like helmet of hers.

Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.

I Earworm FABIAN. "FABIAN, did the engineers of Lori's helmet include any emotive systems?"

"No, Mother, but I will notify EVA to work on that immediately."

"Lovely. Thanks once again."

A bit of static whizzes about in the Earworm network.

"FABIAN?"

"I do not know what is the disturbance either, Mother."

"Trace it, please. Now is a good time to address it proactively."

"Yes, Mother."

Diogenes jumps onto my lap and yips. "And thus enters this fine gentleman, here to lecture me. Hopefully he won't defecate in the premises lest I say no, correct?" I stroke the standing furs on his head and back. "What a shame your relatives aren't as sensible as you are, and Lori has to put them down, no?"

He opens one eye, glancing, then closes it. "Ah, yes, dear," I chime to him.

~~

The poolwater steams below my chin. I submerge and drift down, to the bottom, and gently spring back, slithering back to the surface. In spite of the upgrades, I could sense the heat, but only as an idea, rather than this fatiguing, caustic entity over one's skin many others describe.

Nerves are such fascinating fibers, are they not? The mind itself is but a construct of the nerve cells beneath it. A shining leader, vitalized by all the electrical and neurochemical conversations below her.

I undo my curls and let my locks flow loose at the surface. Reemerging and slowly unraveling my fingers, my forearm bays open to reveal two FAB-30s at each of my hands, still caked with days-old blood. One stroke at a time with my fingertips, I remove the residue, and make fists to close the blades.

What a lovely night, perhaps I could share the atmosphere. "FABIAN?"

"Yes, Mother."

"I would like some company if you wouldn't mind."

"Any preference for this evening?"

"Surprise me. Nothing too erratic. I've felt lazy today, make but a wild guess and I'll make do. Thank you," I mutter, barely above a whisper, crossing my legs.

"Understood."

I remove myself from the water and start brushing my hair, unable to decide whether to re-tie or not. Perhaps not, it's late in the day.

FABIAN pages me, and I approve him. He enters through the background wall with a trim, lean, brown-haired fellow in his 20s, hair like a tuft of frozen flame above his head, wearing but a robe.

"My," I grin, turning away from my mirror to face FABIAN. "Thank you for the surprise."

"My pleasure, Mother," he bows slightly before turning and rolling away.

I face the young man. "Evening, what is your name?"

"Derek, Mother Elin," he kneels with his head down.

"I appreciate the formality, but..." I slowly step towards him, bending over to lift his chin with a finger. "...you may stand now," smiling down to him.

"Only to be stunned with what I see," he looks up towards me, voice shaking ever-so-slightly with as much courageous anticipation as anxiety.

"Oh, please," I flatteredly smirk. Holding him at his sides, I undo his robe and wrap a leg around his, pulling his face towards my bosom, and inhale in anticipation. "Similar could be said to you."