Three days later, Papa came home.

“Stef?” he called, as he came through the front door. “Why didn’t you answer your phone? Stef?” He stopped and squinted at the figures standing in the dim light of the foyer.

“Oh Papa!” the Hans-droid said. “I’m so glad you’re home!”

“We’ve really missed you!” the Gretta-droid said, advancing on him.

“W-What?” Jakob stuttered. “Command override! Halt!” He backed up against the wall and the droids came up on either side of him and firmly grasped his arms, beaming identically idiotic smiles.

“Welcome home, Papa,” Gretta said, switching the lights on. Hans was at her side, a stunner pistol trained on his father. “Now, I’m sure you’re tired from your long trip. We just have a little paperwork for you to take care of, and then—well, it’s a surprise. I know how much you love surprises, Papa.” Jakob just stared at her as if he couldn’t comprehend how his daughter could be in two places at once.

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Hans set the flitter down in the clearing with a bump. There was a whimper from the back seat.

“Hush now, Papa,” Gretta said, leaning back to remove his blindfold. “You’re home.” The twins got out of the flitter and opened the back doors for their doppelgangers who dragged Jakob out after them. Hans began unloading boxes of food printer stock from the back of the flitter while Gretta kept a laser pistol handy, in case Grandmother decided to go back on their deal. As the two droids approached the front door with their weakly protesting burden, the front door of the house swung open.

“Welcome!” a sweet voice said. “Welcome to your new home! We’re going to have such fun together!”