Chapter One Hundred and Forty-One: Home from Work (Patreon)

Anne was watching the TV when I teleported home.

“How was school?” I yawned.

“Same old, same old. How was work?”

“Tiring. I could sleep for a week and it’s only Tuesday.”

Paul grinned at me. “Most jobs feel like that. Welcome to the world of work, young man.”

“There’s just too much to do, and the rest of them don’t really understand how I have to go about it. And of course, I can’t tell them.”

“That too describes most jobs. Make sure you get enough sleep.”

“I’m more worried that the aliens will attack again and we won’t be prepared.”

“It’s been three months since London and there haven't been any more raids. Some would call that good news.”

“They would be wrong, Dad. The force the Hierarchy threw at us might seem terrifying, but it’s small potatoes considering the scale of the conflict. Next time it could be fifty Carnotaurs.”

“And next time the world will be better prepared. Besides, even Fortress Skyguard hasn’t had a major alien probe since London. Isn’t that what Colonel Fraser told you last week?”

“Fraser also said that the aliens would probably be changing their tactics considering this defeat. So we’ve got to expect something worse.”

“Are you doing everything you can to prepare? Is everybody else?”

“I guess so.”

“Then there’s no point in worrying, is there? Sit back and relax for a bit.”

I kicked off my boots and slumped into the sofa.

“Andrew, I didn’t mean that literally. Please pick up your shoes.”

I grinned, then Levitated the boots into the shoerack. Paul rolled his eyes. “We’ll have to settle for that, I suppose.”

“Can’t blame me for practicing with my powers.”

“No, I blame myself for not raising you right. Anne, put those wrappers away please, and no, Andrew will not help you with them.”

Anne smirked as the wrappers rose into the air. “Nanobots can lift stuff too, Dad.”

"Powers aren't a substitute for hard work and diligence, young lady. Try not to let it get messy next time. Can your nanobots do the dishes?”

"Not yet…."

"Then by all means, please do them the old-fashioned way."

“How’s the election bid going?” I asked, before Paul could think of errands for me.

“Slowly, but there’s some support lined up. The Association is coming around to the idea that Gordy Peaks may not be the best choice to continue as president.”

“Dad had another date with the lovely Miss Carter.”

“Again, we are not dating. It was just two friends getting together for dinner.”

“I think she likes you, Dad. You should ask her out.”

“Go hassle Andrew about his love life instead of me.”

I shot Paul a betrayed look. The man shrugged nonchalantly.

“Well, bro? Are you and Agni going out again?”

“This weekend. I’m taking her dancing.”

“Skill workout and date night in one, huh?”

“Why do you assume I do everything for the skills?”

“Not everything, but you are a bit obsessive about raising them. Hey, I’m not saying it’s bad. You want to take her out to a nice place in London?”

“I don’t have British ID papers as Andrew, and Agni’s fake ID is at least six years old. We’d have to go out as Belessar and Agni, which tends to draw too much attention.”

“The press still giving you trouble?”

“A bit more worried about the Pakistani reactionaries.”

Anne winced.

After the breakup of Pakistan, a lot of Duraid’s former supporters had fled abroad, avoiding Altaf Peerzada’s crackdown. Unfortunately, one of the top destinations for asylum had been the UK. The net result was that there were several hundred people in London who wanted Agni dead.

Even the Armykiller could be taken by surprise, after all.

“So are you two now officially a couple?” Paul asked.

“Sort of,” I replied. “We haven’t really talked about it.”

“Do you like spending time with her?”

“Yes, but we’re still ….”

“Trying to work out your feelings for each other?”

“It’s complicated.”

“Relationships usually are. Don’t worry, it’ll eventually sort itself out. Be open to new experiences.”

“Ugh, Dad, I really didn’t need to hear that.”

“What… that’s not what I meant, Anne. Getting into a relationship for the first time can be awkward and confusing. You have to work it out….” Paul sighed. “Never mind.”

“You okay? You stopped giving advice.”

“I remembered how it was when Hilary and I started going out. Advice won’t help. Just follow your heart.”