Duty Calls Chapter 31: Vanquishing the Enemy (Completed)

[Magz from Oz]

Duty Calls - Chapter 11:  Teetering on the Edge

I woke around dawn feeling very much like my old self and the first thing I did was call dad’s cell phone.  After all, even if mum had her phone stolen, dad still had his, why didn’t we think to try this when we first heard that awful news.



Okay, that didn’t work.  My call went straight through to message bank.  No real surprise there, Dad was always on his phone.  Mum once joked that he’d have to have it surgically removed when he retired.  I left a message for him to call us urgently.



I showered and went downstairs to the delightful smell of cooking.  Chris had made French toast for breakfast. 



Over breakfast, I told him that I had called dad’s cell phone and left a message.  Chris said he already left about five.  Hmm... not good.  We speculated about what they could be doing in France that would put them incommunicado for so long and didn’t come up with any answer.

The more we talked, the more I felt that awful anxiety from last night creeping back.  I didn’t want to alarm Chris, so I went out to tend the garden.  Chris’s car pool arrived and off he went to work.  “Good luck with the dunnies,” I called and waved him goodbye.



I worked steadily in the garden and finished around noon.  The Swiftgro stations made fertilising easier, and they watered a wider area than the old sprinklers but the weeds still grow too fast.  I wonder if the weeds are dormant in the winter.  Hopefully, I will have harvested enough plants by then for the weeds to slow to a more manageable level.



I saw to my delight that Chris had installed the outdoor shower I wanted.  Yeah!  After a quick wash, I decided to go over to the Serenity retreat and get a massage.  I’m sure Doctor Jolina would recommend that. 



Well that was a bust, if you want a massage, it’s a bring-your-own masseuse set up.  I went home and left a note on the fridge for Chris and went to the Spa instead.



He met me there.  I asked him about his day.  He said he scored a promotion.  He’s now a Mess Hall Server and his boss, Jack Bunch gave him a book to read to help him get ahead.

“Great news mate!  From cleaning dunnies to spud bashing, you’re really going places.” I enthused.  “What do you think of me training to be a chef?  I don’t fancy being a short order cook at the diner or coffee house, but I don’t know what sort of training the Bistro can offer given the rather ordinary quality of their food.”

Chris replied, “I don’t think the training quality is linked to the food quality.  Perhaps they just have poorer quality produce in the restaurant.  I’m told their best cook is Molly French who has level 7 cooking skill.  Jared Frio is only at level 2, after cooking all those brownies on the toy stove, you’ll be a shoe in, I’m certain.  How about we go and sign you up now?”

“Maybe, can we wait till we hear from mum and dad?” I answered not sure why I was hesitating.

“Well funds are low, because mum had all the money and then building the basement took most of what I had.  The bills on this house are enormous.  I’m not earning enough and we don’t have the St Clair resources anymore for going off to the Spa whenever we want to like we did back in Simfield.  Do you have enough happiness reward points to get the ‘No Bills Ever” reward?” he asked.

“No, I used them up to get the Super Green Thumb,” I replied.  “How about you?”

“No I used mine to get the Fireproof Homestead” he answered.

“Oh good call!  We could sell the produce I have in the fridge?” I suggested. “Or we could catch some more deathfish.  There’s a ton of ways to make money in this town you know.”

“Yeah, I know.  But I’ve already sold most of the produce in the fridge.  So how about we implement a cost neutral plan?” he suggested.

“Come again?” I asked.



“We don’t spend money we haven’t already earned and leave the little bit of money we have left in savings for the bills on this house.  The first one to get enough lifetime happiness points will get the ‘No Bills Ever’ reward. 

“Then maybe I have to get that job at the Bistro after all.  No! Wait! Molly French works there.  She keeps hitting on me and she’d be my boss.  They don’t have any sexual harassment laws in Sunset Valley.  I can’t work there!”

“How about the Diner then?” Chris suggested.

“Yuk and no, Agnes Crumplebottom works there.  She sends me gifts and love letters all the time.  I can’t go there.  ” I grimaced.

“Agnes is alright once you get past the grumpy bit,” Chris said and then winked at me.  “She’s loaded...”

“So why don’t you marry her?” I asked.

“Funny you should say that.  There’s some connection between us that I can’t explain.  It’s like we’ve met in a previous life but no, my interest is elsewhere,” he replied.

“How about you marry your love interest then?  You could score some amazing wedding gifts.” I said.

“Hmm I’m not sure my affections are returned.  Sometimes I think she bats for the other team if you know what I mean,” he said sadly.

“Have you tried dazzling her with your supposedly great kissing ability.  Who could resist Sunset Valley’s most eligible bachelor?” I nudged him.

“What are you talking about?” he said exasperated.

“The lady at the Spa asked all about you.” I replied. “She said the girls in town call you Mr Desirable.  Of course she knew you were my brother.  With faces like these, blind Freddie could see we were brothers.”

“Mr Desirable, oh boy, I hope no watchers overhear that.” Chris said.

“Oh that reminds me, I told Officer Keaton that we were the St Clairs from Simfield.” I said.

“Why on earth would you do that?” he asked taken aback.

“Because she was accusing mum of insurance fraud.  I wanted to set the record straight.  Besides she can’t tell anyone who we are.  That’s a breach of Police confidentiality laws.” I said.



“Brandon, grow up!” he exclaimed. “The laws vary from state to state.  Not all the laws of Simfield apply here in Sunset Valley.  You so fond of quoting laws and regulations, maybe politics is your true calling.”

“Oh my God no!” I exclaimed, “Both Tamara Donner and Tori Kimura work at City Hall.  I can’t work there, besides, I’m not charismatic”.

“No, and you didn’t used to be indecisive or neurotic or a loner either.” He countered angrily, “but you’re turning into those.”

“Am not,” I responded testily.

“Or hot-headed or rebellious.  Brandon I think you need help.”  He said quietly.

“Do not!” I retort crossly.

“Or Childish!  I rest my case.  You’re right.  You can’t work, you wouldn’t last an hour.”  He looked at his watch and changed his outfit.  “I’ve got a formal party at the bosses that I really shouldn’t miss.  How about you go fishing til I get back?”

“I don’t want to go fishing,” I said.  “I think I’ll go to the library.”

“Well read a skill book!  We can use the money selling the reward certificate!” he retorted.

“You’re not my mother!” I shouted back then burst into tears.

Immediately Chris hugged me.  “I’m sorry Brandon,” he said softly, “Forget the party.  I’ll square it with the boss.  Let’s just go home.  I bet I can beat you at chess.”



“Bet you can’t,” I whispered back.

[RaiaDraconis]

Ah brotherly love.

[Magz from Oz]

Duty Calls - Chapter 12:  The Visitor

But when we arrived home, instead of the promised chess game, Chris said, “I just need a quick shower and to make a phone call.  How about you make us some dinner?”

I looked through what was left in the fridge and I saw we still had the ingredients for spaghetti.  I like spaghetti but it doesn’t exactly show off my culinary prowess.  Just as I finished cooking the doorbell rang.  Chris raced down the stair to answer it.  It was Dr Jolina.  Was that his phone call?  I thought he was phoning dad again.

“So nice of you to visit, Jamie,” Chris said inviting her inside, “Would you like to join us for dinner?”

“Thank you, dinner sounds nice” she said.  She grabbed a plate and went outside to eat while enjoying the beautiful vista.   Chris and I grabbed a plate too and followed her out but to my consternation, Chris chose to sit at another table.  I glared at Chris but Dr Jolina beckoned me to sit with her.  Politeness dictates that I should, so I did.  Note to self to rearrange the tables on the rear patio.



“Gee thanks for inviting me for a home cooked meal.  It’s a luxury that I rarely get being on-call at the hospital.  Jamie said. “You’re a fantastic cook.

“Thank you,” I mumbled.

“So Brandon, tell me about growing up with Chris, was he a daredevil as a teen?  I’m sure you must have dragged him out of a lot of scrapes.  What sort of things did he get up to that he’s never going to willingly tell me?” she asked.



We talked a lot about our childhood and growing up in Simfield.  Although her questions were superficially about Chris and I, I’m not that dense that I couldn’t see that was she asking a lot of pointed questions about us, about the elders and especially, about my role in the dynasty.  Then she talked about everyday things like school, gardening and fishing.  I was particularly uncomfortable when she asked me about girls.  She never once asked me how I was feeling.  But I just knew that Chris must have told her that I flipped out again.

Just when I was going to be rude and excuse myself, her beeper went off.  “Sorry guys I’m on call, thanks for dinner, catch you later.” And she was gone.



I went up to Chris and asked him, “What was that all about?”

“I guess there was an emergency at the hospital.” He said being deliberately obtuse.

“Not that!” I said heatedly, “Asking her over for dinner”.

“I thought maybe you’d like to get to know her better.” He said matter-of-factly.



“You set me up with her for a date?  Are you crazy? The women in this place won’t give me a moment’s peace.  I’ve been fending off requests for dates by the ton every day.” I exclaimed.

“Why is that?” he asked.  “You could have your pick of a dozen women who are all reasonably pretty enough but you don’t, you turn them all down.  Why?”

“I’ve been on a couple of dates.” I retorted.

“Yeah? Who?” he asked.

“I dated Emma Hatch twice. Actually that was only one date and one accidental meeting.  I went on a date with Agnes.” I replied.

“Why did you date them in the first place?” he asked.

“Because I was looking for you and I hoped they might have information.  On the second date with Emma she gave me your new name and address but she wouldn’t cough that up without me having to kiss her first.” I replied.

“Was that your first kiss?” Chris asked.

“What? No, you know Gale Evans smacked me with one at the Prom.  You were there, you saw it?” I replied angrily.

“So you’ve been kissed twice in your life and both times not by your initiative?” he asked.

“Where are all these pointless questions leading?” I asked irritated.

“Why aren’t you dating?  You get lots of calls.  If you’re not interested in girls, I’ve seen you getting love letters from Stiles McGraw and Connor Frio?  What about them?” he asked neutrally.

“You’re crazy!  I don’t date because I’m too busy.  Now I’m too worried about mum and dad to be any sort of social butterfly.  So if you’ve finished with twenty questions, I’ve got a garden and bees to attend to.” I snapped back at him.



“I’ll help you with the garden,” he said neutrally.

“Don’t you have a book to read for work?” I asked.



“I did that while you and Jamie were talking,” he replied.  “You do the bees and I’ll weed the garden.”



Somewhat mollified, I accepted his help.  Despite the new Swiftgro Stations, the gardens were still a lot of work.  I was busy cleaning the bee hives when I heard Chris’s phone ring.



I saw him take the call and then hang up, then come over to me. 



He face was excited and he was smiling.  “That was dad!  He and mum will arrive in Sunset Valley in the morning.  Apparently they were stuck in a long tomb exploration and out of touch.  They’ll tell us all about it in the morning.”

I jumped in the air and hugged my brother.  “It’s going to be another long night and I’ll be too excited to sleep,” he said.  “How about we have another sauna?  I’m nearly done here.  Finish up the second hive while I do a quick tidy up around the house and put on the laundry.  I’ll meet you in the sauna.”

“Yeah, that’s fine.” I said.  Did he really think I was so thick that I didn’t see that the sauna treatment was for my benefit not his?  How did mum and dad get stuck in a tomb?  I guess I’ll find out tomorrow but then I remembered reading somewhere that the tombs were littered with the skeletons of trapped explorers so I guess I can thank my lucky stars that mum and dad weren’t added to the list.



As we sat in that sauna making small talk, I tried to be nonchalant for Chris’s sake.  Inside I was doing cartwheels that I don’t think any amount of heat up / cool down therapy was going to help.  I can’t wait for tomorrow.  It’ll be so good to see them and everything can return to normal. 

But then again, for us now, what is normal???

[Magz from Oz]

Duty Calls - Chapter 13:  High Adventure in France

I was on tenterhooks pacing the front hall waiting for mum and dad to arrive.  Chris suggested I blow off some steam by gardening but I didn’t want to be all smelly when they arrived.  He recommended chess instead, but then found I couldn’t concentrate and he won easily.  I must have looked at my watch a couple of dozen times.

Chris said, “Your agitation is annoying.  Why don’t you just go do some gardening?  I’ve some work to do.  You’ll see the taxi arrive and have enough time for a quick shower.



But Chris was wrong, I got so distracted by the garden, the first I knew they were back was when dad stood beside me.  I was sweaty and smelly but he still pulled me a hug.  I was so taken aback.  I don’t recall ever receiving a hug from dad before.



“Good to see you,” I exclaimed, feeling somewhat uncomfortable, “Where’s mum?”

“In the house with Adam,” he replied.

“He goes by the name of Chris now.  Maybe you should call him that.” I said.

“Yes, your mother mentioned that.  Thanks for the heads up.  Shall we go?” he responded.  We went into the house and I was stunned by the beautiful creature that stood before me.  She had on a new outfit and styled her hair differently.  She hugged me tightly and she smelt so wonderful.



“You look fabulous!” I exclaimed.

“Thanks you.  Alastair and I had a brief stopover in Paris at Charles de Gaulle airport so we hit the airport stores.  What do you think, dress by Armani, perfume by Chanel, shoes by Manolo Blahnik and hair by me?  Actually a flight attendant showed me how to do this style.  Do you like it?”

“It suits you,” I said, “I love it.”

“Let’s go into the lounge room so we can talk.” Dad suggested.

When we were seated, Dad began.  “I want to apologise for worrying you two.  When I talked your mother into a mystery vacation, we couldn’t know the trouble or grief it would cause.”



“When that thief stole your mother’s inventory, we were dismayed but not deterred.  Everything stolen was replaceable.  When we got to Champs Les Sims, I found my phone battery was flat.  I put it on to recharge in the bedroom we’d booked at the base camp and we went off sightseeing.”



“We went to the Museum and then to the Nectary and had some fun learning how to make nectar.



We checked out some of the stores at the market place.  We explored a bit of the country side and found a dig site near the Frog Pond and excavated it. 



Then we discovered that someone had smashed one of the giant boulders at the entrance to a tomb called Tuatha’s Garden.  I remembered tales from Grandpa Anthony that he had opened the tomb with Pangu’s Axe and started to explore it but ran out of time. 



We thought it would be fun and we solved the first puzzle easily.  Audrey caught some butterflies and we explored further all the while aware that time was passing quickly.



“It’s my fault, not Alastair’s,” mum interjected.  “He wanted to return to the base camp to get his phone but I thought we should finish the level.  I went ahead and found the floor switch to unlock the next door unaware that I’d triggered a pressure switch that activated a dart trap, trapping myself in a narrow passageway.



I couldn’t get back.  I was scared and Alastair was frantic.”  So I tried to cross, but I got stung by the darts and fell asleep.

“You wouldn’t believe it but a paparazzi photographer showed up just at the wrong time and started taking picture of your mother asleep on the floor.  He thought she was drunk.  I bribed him for the photos, and a couple of sleeping bags and a tent.”  Dad left us in no doubt that his frugal trait was sorely tested by this expenditure.

Mum continued the story.  “Alastair waited on the other side of the dart trap.  He tried deactivating it but he only has a little handiness skill from playing with blocks as a child and the tomb mechanics, although ancient were too well engineered.  Alastair wanted me to attempt to cross it again as he thought a successful attempt would deactivate the trap, but I was too scared.  Eventually I got so tired and scared that I just tried again and it worked!  I jumped across and the dart trap broke!”

“By then we were too tired to make the hike across the countryside in the dark, so we pulled out the sleeping bags Alastair bought from the paparazzi guy and slept in the tomb.  It was creepy.”



In the morning we returned to the base camp.  Alastair’s phone had been taken and there was some strange man sleeping in our room.  We thought we’d have breakfast but all the food we’d bought the day before and put in the fridge was gone too!.  We had a nice risotto at the cafe instead. 



I’d like to learn the recipe for that someday.” Mum said.  “We then arranged with the general store owner, Monsieur Lefebvre to get replacement phones for both of us air freighted from Paris.”

“I wanted to finish that tomb for grandpa Anthony.” Dad continued, “your mother, bless her non adventurous soul, agreed to come with me instead of hanging about the base camp or the market place on her own.”

“Alastair told me we might be able to get some Glowy Flies,” she pouted as she continued the story.  “We didn’t have any more trouble with traps but I didn’t realise the tomb was so long or that there would be a green slimy dive well to explore! Yuk!  By the time we emerged on the island in the middle of the river, it was dark.  Almost pitch black.  We placed the paparazzi’s tent, then found it was only big enough for one person.”

Dad continued the story, “We took turns at sleeping so we could check the island constantly for the Glowy Flies but they didn’t appear.  Audrey was so disappointed by that.  We fished for a while in case the Glowy flies appeared but gave up and returned through the tomb to the entrance near the Frog Pond.”

“By then I was just so over Champs Les Sim and wanted to come home.” Mum continued.  We picked up our new phones from Monsieur Lefebvre and took the next plane out.  It was a commuter plane which connected to the international flight with a stopover in Paris so we decided to hit the airport shops waiting for the connection, hence the new outfit.

“Well, Alastair told me he wanted to take me on a vacation I wouldn’t forget.  He was right.  To my dying day, I won’t forget that trip.” Mum said but she was smiling as she said it.

“One good thing did come from that trip, we did get the chance to really talk on that little island.” dad said, “Audrey and I have decided to remarry.  Without the unnatural constraints of the Immortal Dynasty, I want another chance to be the husband and father that you all deserve.  And Audrey wants more children, so after the wedding, expect some brothers or sisters.”



I congratulated mum.  I could see she was so happy.  She really did still love dad.

“So when’s the wedding?” I asked.

“No time like the present, let’s do it now.  Do you know a nice place, Chris?” Dad asked.



“How about right next door?” he suggested.

“Perfect, let’s get dressed.  Last one back in the hall is a rotten egg!” mum laughed using the old hurry up she used when we were children. 

I went for the shower shaking my head with amazement at the unexpected turn of events.  Showered and changed we were all downstairs in double quick time.  Chris commented that he’d like to have a portrait of mum as she looked so radiant.  I agree.



Next door the wedding was very private with just the four of us.  I’d never seen dad smiling as much as he did. 



After the exchange of rings, he said, “Let’s go have a special lunch to celebrate one of the happiest days of my life.  Then maybe tomorrow, we all have a lot to talk about.”

[RaiaDraconis]

Whew! I'm so glad to see Alistair and Audrey back and safe. What an adventure they had, and I'm glad that Alistair seems to be okay with this whole "breaking the dynasty" thing.

[Magz from Oz]

Duty Calls - Chapter 14: Alastair’s Story – Part 1

We dined at the Bistro after the ceremony and mum commented that the food was not as good as the menu suggested.  When mum went to the ladies room, Chris and I told dad about mum’s phone being found at the wreckage of the Lucky Palms Casino and how we initially believed they were among the dead.  Dad was shocked but urged us not to tell mum about it.  She already felt awful about the holiday and learning about the death of the thief would distress her unnecessarily.



Chris said he couldn’t wait until tomorrow to hear dad’s story but the Bistro wasn’t the appropriate place so we all headed home.  When we arrived home Dad asked if I would cook a nice desert while they changed out of their wedding finery.



I made a key lime pie for desert while mum and dad went upstairs to freshen up.  They took an inordinate amount of time but the pie was cooling nicely when they came downstairs.



After desert was cleared away we went back to the lounge and Dad began his story, “The dynasty is defunct and since it no longer matters, I feel able to tell you all this.  I too, wanted to break ‘The Rules’ and quit the dynasty.  Instead I devised a way to have both, the dynasty intact and my family.”

We looked at him in amazement.  Dad grimaced and continued, “I’d always planned to keep the urns when Audrey and Brandon passed and for years I’ve kept the special opportunity to resurrect the ashes of a loved one, even though keeping that opportunity made it really difficult to get all my black ops completed in time.  I meant to use that opportunity just as soon as the dynasty was completed and I was free to leave that awful house and start a new life.”

This is the first time I’ve heard of dad denigrating the house or the dynasty.  Mum interjected, “It’s not an awful house.  It’s a beautiful house; it’s just not a pleasant home.”

He nodded but continued, “That’s an understatement.  I read all about a place called Union Cove and thought it would be the perfect place for us all to begin again.  I’d hoped I could convince Adam… um Chris, to do the same if he felt the same about his wife and family as I did about mine.

Another first!  I would never have believed that dad thought anybody other than Chris was important to him.

“I wanted Brandon to find Adam, err… Chris, so I could tell him about my plan.  The bluster was all an act, Brandon.”  He said turning to me.  “I’m sorry if I worried you, but I couldn’t tell you over the phone because my phone calls were monitored.”  I was too astonished to utter a syllable.

Then he turned to mum, “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about my plan because I didn’t know if you’d agree with it.  You had such staunch views on the natural order of things and how an Immortal Dynasty was cruel and abnormal.  I just thought I’d implement my plan and beg your forgiveness after I’d resurrected you and Brandon.”

I open my mouth to say something, but dad held up his hand.  “Before you all judge me, let me tell you a story.  My beloved mother, aged up to an elder on the day after I was born.  She obviously bought into the whole dynasty rigmarole and instilled in me the importance of the Dynasty obligations I had to fulfil. 



The weight of those duties never impacted much on me during my childhood.  I was a normal happy child and about as reasonably well adjusted as one could be living in that house.  My teens were another story.”



Dad sighed deeply, his voice thickened as he continued, “The first setback I’d ever endured was the sudden death of my mother on the day after I aged up to a teen.  At only 88 days, her death was a crushing blow to me.  I desperately wanted to resurrect her ghost but was vetoed by all.  My grades nose-dived.  I had severe mood swings and rebelled incessantly, going to the lake and skipping school, not doing my homework, pranking and often out after curfew.  Punishments did not deter me.

My behaviour so disturbed the elders that my father took unpaid leave from the hospital to spent time with me, making sure I went to school and helping me with my homework to get me on the Honour Roll at high school.  I guess I cleaned up my act as I made the Honour Roll and graduated but I was the first non-Valedictorian heir in the family.  As a young adult, I began focusing on maxing out my allotted career as a self-employed sculptor and supermaxing the Skulpting skill.  Sculpting is truly a lot of hard work and maxing the career and skill took a lot of time and effort.



I knew I had a duty to marry and produce the next heir but I was in no hurry.  I knew I could father a child even as an elder.  Moreover, there weren’t many suitable women that complied with The Rules.  Not deterred by any of this, the elders chose a wife for me so at the behest of my family, I went to the park one Saturday afternoon to meet the woman my family choose.  Like my mother, the chosen bride was close to aging up to an elder and for that reason, considered a prize catch for a dynasty wife.

My grandfather made it clear to me that he expected me to be engaged by Monday.  Given that I’m neither Charismatic nor a Hopeless Romantic, I doubted I could woo a woman I was barely acquainted with in the space of one weekend.  I did see the chosen one at the park but I didn’t go to meet her.  I couldn’t!  I was transfixed by the most exquisite girl I had ever seen masterfully playing a pink guitar.



Dad paused for a moment then, with a husky voice continued, “I could not drag myself away.  I was captivated by her smile and her music.  With her blond hair loose and by the style of her dress, I guessed she was young.  When her eyes eventually met mine, I was bewitched by the greenest eyes I’d ever seen.  I wondered if she was a witch because she had certainly cast an enchantment spell on me.  When she took a break from strumming her guitar, I tried my most charming introduction.”



I saw mum smile wistfully probably thinking about her memories of that day.  Dad looked across at her and his face softened.  “To my amazement and delight, she was not a supernatural.  She was a pure bred Sim and while Audrey was still a teen, I hoped that time was still on my side.  After too brief a conversation, she said she was sorry but she had to go.  We said our goodbyes and parted.  I was troubled that I didn’t know where she lived but Simfield is a small place, I was sure to see her again.  In fact I planned to.

I didn’t want to go home to explain to the elders why I wasn’t engaged to their chosen bride.  Instead I went fishing that evening at the lake and slept the night in the fishing hut which had been built by one of the elders.  It was not a particularly comfortable night as the wild horses constantly disturbed my sleep and interrupted blissful dreams of Audrey and our life together.



I awoke early and after a quick shower and breakfast, went straight to the park but she wasn’t there.  I moped around the park, made some phone calls, played chess or fished until by chance I looked across the road and saw her emerge from City Hall in her graduation robe.  My gorgeous Audrey was now an adult!  My heart did somersaults but my palms were so sweaty.

I raced over to City Hall before she left.  I met her elderly father, who was her only living relative.  When Audrey told me of her birthday the previous evening and how much she wished that I had been there, I began wooing her in earnest, first with flowers then gifts.





I persuaded her to go steady.  I couldn’t believe that I didn’t have to ask her to break up with anybody.  I was sure she must have a string of beaus clamouring for her attention.  So before she could change her mind, I proposed.  To my unqualified delight she said yes.

Mum smiled but remained silent through this narration.  “I had never been in love before and I didn’t want to lose the momentum so we went straight to the Diner where I’d pre-arranged for a wedding arch to be erected. 



It was a magical private wedding but we attracted many onlookers, including several cronies of my father’s.  I didn’t care.  With Audrey by my side, I could take on the wrath of all the elders combined.

Being self employed I could easily take a few days off from work for a honeymoon so instead of going home to introduce my bride, I whisked her off to France.





France is extraordinary in the moonlight and we did all the things honeymooners do, we watched the stars and ate in the cafes and went to the Nectary.  And the nights... they were incredible...magical... delightful.  I wanted to stay in France forever.



While we were there, we received news that Audrey’s father had passed away from old age.  Audrey told me she wanted to start a family right away so we decided to return home, but regrettably, not to the congratulations and well wishes of the family, but to criticism and reproach.



Even the waited for announcement didn’t appease them. 



It was then that I seriously wondered if all the sacrifice was worthwhile and I resolved, there and then, to find a way to have my family live a normal life...

[RaiaDraconis]

That was something that I did not expect. You certainly fooled me by the way he talked to Brandon over the phone. Alistair has more substance than i imagined.

I can't wait to read the rest of his story.

[Magz from Oz]

Duty Calls Chapter 15: Alastair’s Story Part II

Pausing to take a deep breath, dad looked pensively at his hands then continued, “It seems no matter what we did, we could not placate the elders who were indignant at my disobedience and furious over Audrey’s extreme youthfulness.  The confrontation with the elders left me raw and battered.”



“My great-great-grandmother particularly criticised my actions, because Audrey would occupy a valuable slot on the panel for at least the next 58 Sim days.  I told them that it didn’t matter, we’d have a son who can take his time about marrying just as I did.”

“I knew we would have a son.  As soon as we’d tried for a baby and I heard the chimes, I had given Audrey apples which she dutifully ate to please me.”



“Audrey assured me she was used to elders but when she told me of the unconditional love and support that she received from her elderly father, I didn’t have the heart to disillusion her.  She hadn’t ever been part of such a dysfunctional family before.  For me, the reverse was true, I had a houseful of family members and no memories of kindness and love from anyone other than my mother.  My father had been focussed on his difficult medical career and logic skill.”

“When we informed them of Audrey’s pregnancy, the rudeness stopped so she could have as pleasant a pregnancy as possible.  The elders agreed that Audrey could play the grand piano provided she could play competently, which she did.  When I realised I was really the only one listening I think I knew then that it was only a temporary truce not a ceasefire.”



“I had had enough after one day and preferring time alone with Audrey, while we still were a twosome, we hiked out to the lake hut.  We treated it like a second honeymoon.  Fortunately, Audrey developed a liking for fishing, so we decided to spend as much time as possible at the lake hut after the baby was born.”





“I knew that Audrey frequently used my favourite fishing radio but since she was a virtuoso, I understood how much music meant to her.  Denied her guitar and now unable to play the grand piano, I indulged her as much as I could within the constraints of the Immortal Dynasty Rules, as at the point in time, I still felt obligated to fulfil my role.  While Audrey fished or went to the library, I continued with my sculpting.”

“When her time was close, Audrey and I spent the entire day in town, at the museum, the park and the library. Later Audrey went to the spa for long soothing massages while I returned to the house to finish a sculpture.”



“Fortunately, labour started while Audrey was at the spa, so I raced over to the hospital for the delivery.”

“Well, to my astonishment we had twin sons,” Dad continued and Mum, Chris and I just looked at the floor.  “Adam…un Chris, the first born would continue the dynasty and Brandon while he could be anything he wanted, couldn’t ever marry the woman he loved and if he had any children, he couldn’t live with them.  Having experienced the joy of a loving marriage and now fatherhood, for the first time in my life, I realised how unreasonable and unfair those rules were to him.”



“The elders were furious about Audrey producing twins.  They argued with me constantly about allowing a second child to take up the last slot for the next 90 days or more since nothing could be done to hasten the death of either Audrey or Brandon.”

“The elders complained that they had to languish around for such a long time before the next heir could be born, as Audrey’s death would allow for the heir to take a wife but not until Brandon’s death could he have a child.  It was too long to wait.  Given that they had to get used to an eternity, I thought 90 days should be a picnic... but I digress.”

“The antipathy directed at Audrey and I was excessive.  So with newborns, Audrey and I once again returned to the lake hut.  I’m not saying it was easy, nor peaceful come to think of it, but it was overwhelmingly less stressful."





"We had our hands full just trying to keep everything together." Dad turned to mum, "Even with your mother's innate common sense and her nurturing trait, those early days were...well, busy.  Are you sure you want to do all this again?"  Mum just smiled, her eyes far away with distant memories.







"Life may have been easier back at the mansion, but it wouldn’t have been anywhere near as pleasant.  Life at the hut had its complications.  We had a lot of visitors to the lake so privacy was an absolute minimum.  Thankfully none of those visitors were my family."

"When you two aged up to toddlers, I still couldn’t bring myself to go back to the mansion.  Audrey urged me to make peace with the family.  She believed family was important, but to me, the only family I needed or wanted was right there at the lake."





"When you boys aged up to children, a decision was needed.  The school bus could not pick you boys up from the lake hut.  I was extremely reluctant to leave the happiest home I had ever known."

"I met with my father and told him that no dynasty was worth all the grief that we had been subjected to and we would only return to the mansion if the elders agreed to leave us alone.  If they wanted me to complete my dynastic obligations, they had no real choice."

"Initially, the elders backed off.  I returned to sculpting and Audrey played the piano or worked in the garden.  We found it increasingly difficult to live in that house, with those bored meddlesome cantankerous elders and gradually, their vindictiveness returned.  When I heard great-great-grandmother refer to Brandon as a spare, within his and my hearing, I finally decided I couldn’t keep up the charade.  Audrey and you boys deserved a better life than the one I dealt to you.”  Dad turned to me and I saw tears in his eyes, “Brandon, I never considered you a spare.  You are my son, I love you but I couldn’t bear that I had imposed this travesty of a life on you.  Every time I saw you and imagined what your adulthood would be like, I was ridden with guilt.  I knew then that I had to find a way to bring you back or quit the dynasty."

"The ‘Oh My Ghost’ opportunity I had been saving meant I had the method to resurrect one but not both of you.  I had to find a way to do both.  I needed answers to questions I couldn’t ask the elders.  I went to the public library and researched books and journals but found little useful information there for my predicament.  I searched on-line and found the most amazing website with a lot of helpful advice for the watchers.  I read many extraordinary stories and learned how to solve my dilemma."



"You see, Ambrosia doesn’t only reset a Sims age, but can also resurrect a ghost Sim.  I had the answer I was looking for and resolved there and then to keep the urns or tombstones, to use the ambrosia to resurrect whichever ghost appeared first and then use the special opportunity to resurrect the other."

Dad sighed deeply, "All I had to do was bide my time..."

[Magz from Oz]

Duty Calls Chapter 16:  Alastair’s Story Part III

“As you know your mother and I aged up while you were teenagers; your mother to an Adult and myself to an Elder.  I finally maxed my career trying to complete my final black op, ‘Your best Work’.  It was by far the most difficult op I had to do.  A masterpiece was still rare even for a Sim who mastered the sculpting skill.  I produced brilliant after brilliant sculpture which sold well, but no masterpiece.  As a self employed sculptor with few other skills, opportunities are very infrequent but I never once considered dropping the ‘Oh My Ghost’ opportunity in case I never got it again.



Eventually I produced an Urn of Franco as a masterpiece sculpture.  It was indeed my best work and I raced over to City Hall to present the sculpture.  Finally I was eligible to be an Immortal. 



Before I went home to eat my ambrosia, I went to the bookstore and bought all the cooking books and the recipe book for Ambrosia.



As I ate my Ambrosia and became the fifth Immortal, I was on a high and confident that I could go the distance and implement my plan or that may have just been the buzz from such a divine meal.  I won’t say that things were good but they were tolerable.  Sometimes more than tolerable,”



“You may recall that when you two first went to high school your mother began a career as an Architectural Designer.  She read somewhere that if cribs and single beds were put in the houses of the townies there would be more children born in the town.  She began this crusade in an effort to repopulate the non supernatural townies so Chris would have a reasonable choice for a future spouse.”  Dad turned to Chris, “You wouldn’t believe the bride the elders chose for you.  She was older than your mother for heaven’s sake!  It was absurd!  But I guess we weren’t the only ones concerned about the lack of suitable spouses!”



“Then you two aged up to young adults and happily your grandfather Arthur was able to join us to celebrate.”





“Audrey and I planned a nice graduation celebration at the lake hut for the four of us, but as you know, immediately after the graduation ceremony, Chris went off supposedly to do errands and just disappeared.  A crony of my grandfather advised us that a young man answering Chris’s description was seen at the Simfield Airport.”

“Initially we thought Chris had gone on a World Adventure trip but I checked the basement and Pangu’s Axe was still in its place, as were the mummy snacks and all the other travel accessories.  When our contacts in all three destinations failed to find him, grandfather Andrew put out feelers across the continent and finally we received word from a journalist here in Sunset Valley that one of the new arrivals may be our missing heir.”

“While I knew at this point that the dynasty attempt was finished, your great-great-grandmother Annette was adamant that if Chris could be persuaded to return, they could fool Metro into believing that he had only been away on a world adventure.  I told them they were delusional as Metro knows all.  It seems that elder Annette appears to be the ring leader, her father and son defer to her in all things dynasty.  I appealed to my father, the family genius to talk some sense into them, but he said he wouldn’t waste his breath trying.  He went to the library for some peace and quiet and just left me there to cope with the chaos.”



Dad paused again to collect his thoughts, “The elders’ bitterness was worse than anything I had ever imagined possible and their dreadful tirades were mainly directed at Audrey and Brandon.  My rebukes to them failed to stem the tide.” Dad choked on his words and I could certainly have done without that particular trip down memory lane.  Again tears stung the back of my eyes.

Pulling himself together, dad continued, “The elders were not prepared to give up.  So to stop them messing up my family any more and to save him from further unpleasantness, I sent Brandon off to Sunset Valley to find Chris.  I did want Chris found but not to bring him home, but simply to find out where he was.



His disappearance deeply upset Audrey.  She was not eating and clearly not her usual self.”  Dad turned to me again, I’m sorry Brandon, your mother’s anxiety deeply troubled me and I guess that translated into unrealistic demands that I put on you.”



“Initially, your mother wanted to go to Sunset Valley to find Chris, but I sent you instead, for you own good.”  Dad looked again at his hands and back at me and said, “I don’t mean this to sound belittling or condescending, but I had serious concerns for your mental health if you’d stayed.  After all that you suffered at the hands of the elders during the years; I wanted you out of that house rather than subject you to what surely would come when Chris did not return.”

“Your mother suggested we relocate to the lake hut or find a place of our own.  But it seemed logical at the time, to keep an eye on what the elders were up to.  If they thought we really were trying to find Chris, I hoped they wouldn’t make things worse.  You know that old saying, “Keep your friends close but your enemies closer”.  I suggested Audrey stay at the lake hut but she insisted on staying with me so she could get the news.  Every night the elders demanded I call you to get updates.  I did want the update so I could keep Audrey informed and allay her fears but I particularly wanted regular contact with you so I could gauge how you were coping.”

“When I couldn’t reach you that night, I became concerned.  But not nearly as distressed as I was when I awoke the following morning and your mother was gone.  The first thing I did was check the house and garden, but she wasn’t anywhere.  Before I hiked out to the lake hut, on a hunch I went down to the lower basement to check the locked room where the skill objects were kept.  Imagine my surprise to see Pangu’s Axe stuck in the destroyed door and the pink guitar missing.  I knew then where your mother had gone.  Before I could make plans to follow, the house erupted into absolute pandemonium.  All the cars were missing from the mansion’s parking lot including great-grandmother’s police cruiser.  I guessed where they were and I secretly applauded Audrey’s impudence and foresight.”

“I told the elders that the dynasty really was finished because I was leaving.  I disposed of the Food Replicator.  Any one of them could get it again with their lifetime reward points but they wouldn’t have the stored ambrosia.  The Dynasty Founder could cook the ambrosia, but someone had to catch a deathfish first and not one of them had a single level of fishing skill.  They could do whatever they wanted but I was never returning to Simfield.  I told them not to look for me.  I never wanted to see any of them again.  Following Audrey’s lead I took my mother’s artworks.”

“I said goodbye to my father, the only elder in the house who hadn’t been hateful or vindictive.  He had continued his career and was, as always, just too busy to involve himself in their plots.  In saying goodbye to him, I saw the first real emotion on his face.  He shook my hand and hugged me goodbye.  He asked me to keep in touch.  I think he did understand but didn’t know how to express his feelings.”



“I realised I was guilty of the same.  I have been an idiot.  All I had ever worked for wasn’t for me or my family, it was for a watcher I’d never met but who talked to me constantly and yelled at me occasionally.  But I guess I prevailed in the end.  For years I wholeheartedly wished for an end of the dynasty before I lost my family forever, but I didn’t have the guts to be the instigator.  I’m thankful that Chris found the courage to do what I couldn’t.  I came to Sunset Valley with the intention to see if you all wanted to be a family again, a nuclear family not a dynasty.  I thought maybe your mother and I would stay until you boys landed on your feet then we’d evaluate our options from there.”

“That all changed the minute I saw you all at Myrtle Cottage.  When I realised that Audrey had taken a Young Again potion, I became confused.  She loathed the unnatural life states and was pleased that she hadn’t been allowed to touch the life fruit to harvest it.  When I saw her again as a young adult, I realised she must have already decided on a new life but I didn’t know at that point whether she wanted that new life to be with me.  I could bear almost anything except learning that she didn’t want me.  I also knew that I couldn’t go on without her.  Audrey had been my rock for so many years.  Any life without her was just not one I wanted to be living. 
You three looked so happy and excited at the little cottage on the beach, I wondered whether I had the right to be there.  I had already put you all through hell and I very nearly turned around and left.”

“Thankfully, your mother took charge of the situation.  After you two left we walked over to the beach.  We strolled along the beach and talked.



She agreed to try again.  I wanted to recapture the fun we had in France on our first honeymoon but this time, we were free to do some of the things we were never allowed to do back then, like learning Nectar Making.  We were having fun until we got stuck in that wretched tomb.  Anyway, let’s not revisit that, you know the rest.”

“So here I sit a mentally and emotionally revitalised man.  The best part is that Audrey and I will have that chance for a normal life.  I’ll have to get my logic skills up or accrue enough points for a Young Again potion for myself but I will do that.  I don’t want people to think I’m Audrey’s father.”  He said grimacing.



“Audrey and I thought we’d look around the different towns until we find one that we’d like to stay in.  I think Union Cove is pretty but Audrey likes the look of the new place, Monte Vista.  We’re going to go there and check it out as soon as you boys are settled.”

“I know it’s a big ask but I want to beg your forgiveness.  I should have had the guts to pull the pin on the whole dynasty thing as soon as I married Audrey.  Marrying your mother was the first sensible thing I’ve ever done in my life.  I just hope it’s not my last.”

“I don’t think anyone realises how hard it is to be the Sim at the sharp end of the dynasty progression.  The closer to the end of the Dynasty, the harder it is on the Sim to stay focused and should that Sim happen to meet the love of their life, it’s nearly impossible.  If by chance, Chris had met a girl as wonderful as your mother, he would be in a bigger mess than I was.  My granddaughter would have been worse off, never being able to marry at all but still having a child to raise, in that house.  My great grandchild would become an elder, without marrying or having children, and have so few skill and career options.  What a waste of a life.”

Dad paused for such a long time, I wondered if he had finished his story.  Just as I was about to say something, he drew a deep breath and continued.  “It would have been easier for me if I had been the dynasty founder.  I would still lose my beloved Audrey but she would have had and a long and fulfilled life.  Both of you boys could have married girls of your choice and had a family, which I can assure you from firsthand experience, is the real answer to life, the universe and everything.  But eventually, some time in the future another heir would face the same dilemmas we did.”

By now night had well and truly fallen.  “Now boys, I’m old and tired.  I haven’t had ambrosia in a long time and age is creeping up on me.  I’ve had an eventful day.  I don’t want supper.  I’m going to bed.  Think about what I’ve said and I will answer any of your questions in the morning.  Goodnight.”



Dad and mum left the room and Chris and I sat there unmoving.  Eventually Chris stood and left the room only saying a terse goodnight.  His voice betrayed the emotions he tried to hide.

I didn’t go to bed.  I went to the garden.  I had a lot to think about.  Could I forgive Dad?  For the life he inadvertently imposed on us.  Yes.  If I could forgive mum, I must forgive dad.



Could I forgive him for the childhood I had?  Well...No... 

[Magz from Oz]

Duty Calls Chapter 17:  Audrey’s Revelation



I was working in the garden finishing what I started this morning before mum and dad arrived home, when I became aware of a light on in the darkened quiet house.  I went inside and found my mother scoffing ice-cream like there’s no tomorrow.  I realised that I too was hungry since we all skipped dinner.  But then it dawned on me what the ice-cream meant.  Cravings!  Already!  Suddenly I wasn’t hungry at all.



“Oh mum,” I sighed sitting down at the table with her, “Is this really what you want?”



“Yes!” she said, surprising me with her vehemence.  “This is all I’ve ever wanted, to have a house full of children, to be a mother.  I’m not cut out for Architectural Design.  My taste is too simple and some people are just too hard to please.  I enjoy music but I’m not ambitious enough to be singer or rock star or even a hit movie composer.  I’m a reasonably good painter and cook but I don’t want careers in either.  I loved being a mother.”  Then she burst into tears.  I handed her my handkerchief and waited for the tears to subside.



“You know what’s cruel?” she asked to which I shook my head. “I always thought I was a good mother.  I thought I had the right to have more than one child.  I felt cheated by the dynasty rules but all I did was cheat Alastair and Chris and you.  Alastair thinks everything’s his fault; but it’s not... it’s...it’s... mine” she wailed.

“Oh mum, it’s not your fault.  How could you think such a thing?”  I said as I tried to calm her down but her sobs only increased in intensity.  I wondered if this was just hormones.

I’d never seen my mother cry so hard or so loudly.  I thought women were supposed to weep daintily.  Not with great racking sobs that shake her body and make you notice just how thin she has become or how inappropriately she’s dressed for this conversation.  Within a minute my handkerchief was soaked.  Maybe I should get her a tea towel.  I half expected dad or Chris to come storming downstairs any minute wondering what I had done to upset mum so badly.



I tried again, “Mum please stop crying like this, it’s not good for the baby.  Does it really matter now who broke up the dynasty?  Dad’s right, it is a waste of a life.  Whoever was instrumental in ending it is to be applauded not accused.”  If she heard what I said she gave no sign of it.

I went to the kitchen and got her a glass of water.  “Here mum, drink this before you dehydrate.  Please calm down, everything you’ve ever done has been out of love.  Love for Chris and me and love for dad.  If you hadn’t been so supportive of him in everything, maybe he would have found that extra bit of courage to pull the pin years ago.  Your love enabled him to tolerate what was intolerable for Chris and me because we don’t have that kind of love yet.  But thanks to whoever caused the dynasty to fail, we’ll now get that opportunity.”

Mum stopped wailing and gradually the sobs abated.  Eventually she looked up at me with those emerald green irises swimming in twin pools of tears, “Do you really believe that?”She asked between hiccups.



“Yes, I do” I said.  I looked into her puffy blotchy face now with a runny nose and took my soggy handkerchief out of her hands to wipe the tears and her face.  “Your love has been the lynch pin for this family.  Dad said he couldn’t go on without you but the truth is; none of us could have survived this long without you being there and loving us all.”



“Oh” she said, playing with the melted ice cream with her spoon.  I wondered if I should get her a straw, the ice cream must be a thick shake by now.  She said nothing for the longest time but the hiccups abated.  “You once asked me if I still loved your father, well I do, more than ever.  He’s really such a gentle soul inside but he hides it well.  I guess he had to either be hard or pretend to be hard, to survive in that household.  He’s never learned how to get in touch with his softer side.  Now that he doesn’t have to spend so much time achieving objectives, he’ll have time to be the man I know he is.”  She scooped up a spoonful and resumed eating the ice cream slurry.  The only sign of the earlier tears, was her still swollen eyes and blotchy face.



She looked at her ice cream, then at me and back to her ice cream about half a dozen times.  I could see she was struggling with whatever it was that was on her mind.  Eventually she said, “Give him a chance, Brandon.  He really did try his best to be a good father, but he had no real role model." 



"Your grandfather Arthur was an absent father being too involved with his work at the hospital.  He could have chosen to retire but he didn’t.  He was far too passive against his elders.  He had the most common sense of any of them but every time an argument broke out between the elders and Alastair, he would just go to work or the library.  He never sided with his own son and that was disappointing and unfair.”



“Well, your great-grandfather Andrew, was no help either.  Being military, he believed that discipline was good for personal development.  You know the military, they yell at people all the time.  I think they learn it in Officer 101.  How he ever became an Astronaut and went into space with his umbilical cord intact is one for the record books."



"Your great-great-great grandfather Anthony, the dynasty founder was too soft on his only child, your great-great grandmother Annette.  Like Arthur, he didn’t retire but a chef doesn’t work long hours anyway.”

“If ever I wrote a fairytale book, I’d cast her as the evil witch.  She doesn’t have the mean-spirited, hot-headed or evil traits but she’s all that and more.  She bosses everybody around.  I think it was a mistake for her to retire from the police force.  She had way too much time on her hands.  She has all the endearing qualities of a rubbish tip and nowhere near as useful.”

Meow, I though.  I’d never heard my mother say such scathing, albeit accurate things about the elders before.  Good to know she can hold her own in a cat fight!  Mum paused again and looked down and frowned.  When she discovered that she’d finished the ice-cream she put the lid back on the empty container.



“I too have read the web site Alastair mentioned.  I wanted to learn about dynasties as they were a new experience for me.  Most dynasty elders are not like yours.  Many enjoy their role as grandparents and great grandparents and are positive role models for future generations.  Alastair was just born into the wrong family.”

 “Alastair is sweet and romantic.  You didn’t know him in France…  Oh Brandon, he’s such a different man when you take him out of the Simfield environment.  He is so awkward and unsure of himself.  It’s kind of cute.  It’s endearing that he’s such a klutz around women.  It doesn’t hurt that he’s so easy on the eyes.” Her eyes twinkled mischievously and she laughed, “Alastair said he couldn’t woo a woman he barely knew in the space of a weekend but he had me at hello.”



“Mum!  Please!” I said surprised at her frankness.



“What!  You think we spent so much time at the public pool just so you boys could learn to swim?  How else did you think I was going to get Alastair into his Speedos just so I could drool over his amazing body?  Why do you think most of the parties in Simfield we received invitations to were swimwear parties?  I’m not the only female who enjoyed seeing your father in his bathing suit."





"All that time wielding a hammer and chisel, or a chainsaw, he was built like Adonis and he didn’t even know it.  He just had to look at me with those Paul Newman blue eyes, and I’d melt.”



“Oh my God!  Mum!  No!” I said shocked to the core.  “Don’t you want to keep some things private?”

“I’m just trying to give you a different perspective on the man I love.  You’re a young adult, Brandon, woohoo is a part of life, deal with it."



Then suddenly she stood.  "And yes, I really, really want to have this baby but excuse me, I think I’m going to be sick!” she said racing off to the bathroom.

I stood there stunned.  My adorable saintly mother talking about my father in this earthy manner was more than I could deal with.  Okay, I guessed that Chris and I weren’t an immaculate conception or adopted, but still, some things are best left to the imagination… or not.  Heavens know, I did not want that mental picture! 

I waited for Mum came out of the bathroom and after what seemed ages, she came out and with minty fresh breath, kissed me goodnight and went up to bed.  Wow hormones, I thought.  Must remember this if I ever get a wife.



But sleep wasn’t what I had planned.  I was going fishing for deathfish.  Dad would need Ambrosia soon if he couldn’t figure out the Young Again potion.  I was not that far away from maxing out the cooking skill. I’d probably reach level 10 cooking before anybody could max out logic and discover the potion.



Anyway, I’d rather brave the ghosts at the graveyard tonight than those in my mind...

[RaiaDraconis]

How exciting to have a baby on the way, yet it is a bit harrowing that it is a race against the clock to get either ambrosia or a young again potion before it's too late for Alistair. That would be just heartbreaking to lose him, especially after coming this far. Then again there is always Oh My Ghost.

A fantastic update! Your writing style is very engaging, and I love the way you convey the characters' emotions.

[Magz from Oz]

How exciting to have a baby on the way, yet it is a bit harrowing that it is a race against the clock to get either ambrosia or a young again potion before it's too late for Alistair. That would be just heartbreaking to lose him, especially after coming this far. Then again there is always Oh My Ghost.

A fantastic update! Your writing style is very engaging, and I love the way you convey the characters' emotions.

Thanks so much for your kind words.  They are the encouragement I need. 

[Magz from Oz]

Duty Calls Chapter 18:  The Unexpected Gift

The ghosts at the graveyard did their best to put me off fishing.  Did they really think they could scare me?  After great-great-grandmother Annette, nothing on or below this earth could be scarier.  I think even a mummy would think twice before attacking her.  While I wasn’t scared by the ghosts, they kept interrupting my fishing.  I only caught two deathfish before I became too tired to continue.  Fishing is a great pastime if you want to be alone with your thoughts, not one you want to do when trying to escape them.



I arrived home with the resolve to talk with Chris and dad to work out a co-ordinated plan on how we were going to progress.  When I put the deathfish in the fridge, I tossed around the idea of grabbing a snack, but quite frankly, I was just too tired.  Instead I went straight to bed and not surprisingly, fell into a deep sleep.



I awoke mid morning to a quiet house.  Chris wouldn’t be at work, it’s a Sunday but he was obviously out.  I didn’t want to knock on mum’s door; I’d hate to think what I may have been interrupting.  After the noise of a dynasty mansion, I still haven’t got used to a quiet house.  It’s a bit unnerving and well, um, empty.  By this time, I was starving so the first thing I did was head for the fridge.  There would be plenty of leftovers, my spaghetti from two days ago, Chris’s French toast, and my key lime pie from yesterday. 



But shock, horror, as I approached the kitchen, the fridge has been replaced.  How on earth did we acquire a Minus One Kelvin Refrigerator?  Dynasty founder Anthony was the only Five-Star Chef I knew who had one and no-one could acquire one overnight.  You can’t even get it by cheating.  It hadn’t been there when I put the away the deathfish in the early hours of this morning.  I called out but nobody was in the house.



I just couldn’t touch the fridge.  I tried to but I just froze.  I willed myself to open the fridge door but I couldn’t!  Instead, it was my turn to be sick.

There’s nothing more wretched than vomiting on an empty stomach.  Would my brain please tell my stomach, there’s nothing there to bring up?  After a hot shower and brushing my teeth I felt almost human.  But so hungry!  Okay I know I have to eat.  Sims do starve to death; frequently, if you believe the newspapers.  I had to eat!  I looked balefully at that fridge, as I walked up to it.  Again I just couldn’t touch it.  Maybe the fridge is a figment of my imagination but the message from my brain to open the door didn’t make it to my hand.  Hunger should override stubbornness, but apparently not for me.  My psyche tells me it’d rather I starve to death than touch that fridge.



Instead, I went into the garden and picked an apple to eat.  Still hungry, I ate another.



I probably should have eaten something a little less acidic but my stomach seemed okay with the apples.  Didn’t I read somewhere that apples were a better ‘pick-me-up’ in the morning than coffee; well I guess that was for people who have a less sensitive stomach than me. 



The puzzle of the refrigerator and my inexplicable reaction to it occupied my thoughts as I worked in the garden, harvesting the new fruits and tending the bees.

Could someone please come home and explain all this to me?  Where was everyone?  Chris should have left a note on the fridge.  Except no-one was allowed to put magnets on Dynasty Founder Anthony’s Minus One Kelvin Refrigerator!



After I finished up in the garden and had another outdoor shower, I walked into the house through the back door just as they all arrived through the front door and Dynasty Founder Anthony was with them!



No!  My stressed brain screamed, this is not starting again!  The acidic apples made their presence known and once again I was racing off to be sick. 

My father was waiting for me outside the bathroom.  Immediately I opened the door, he asked if I was okay.



“Something I ate,” I said.  “Why is he here?” I asked aware that I had a rough edge to my voice.

“Not to make trouble,” dad replied.  “Come see for yourself.  They’re in the lounge room.”

Walking to the lounge room, I broke out in a cold sweat and my feet felt leaden.  My heart was beating like crazy again but my legs felt like I’d just run a marathon.  I felt this great big chasm opening up in front of me.  Little white lights popped in front of my eyes.  I became dizzy and put my hand on dad’s shoulder to steady myself.  My father asked again, “Are you sure you’re okay?  You are as white as a sheet.”



I grabbed the out he provided me like a lifeline, “No dad, actually I’m not okay.  Can I take a raincheck; I think I’ll go lie down for a bit.”



“Sure,” he replied, “Should we call a doctor, you look terrible?”

“No I think a nap will be all I need.” I replied and went upstairs to my room.  I debated whether to get in the bed or just on top of it, when there was a knock on the door.  I opened it to dad holding a plate of leftover toast and a cup of tea.

“I heard your stomach growling as you went up the stairs,” he said, “when did you last eat?”

“I had some apples this morning but they didn’t stay down.” I said ruefully.

“Hmm.  Well, try nibbling on these.  It just might make you feel better.” He said putting the plate down.  “I’ll come back to check on you later.”
I did as dad suggested and nibbled on the toast.  Leftovers never tasted so good and the cup of tea just hit the spot.  Feeling a little less like Grim’s next appointment, I tried to nap but couldn’t.  It wouldn’t have mattered if I tried or not because soon there was another knock on the door.



“Come in”, I called thinking it would be mum.  It was great-great-great-grandfather Anthony instead.  My stomach heaved again.

“Hello Brandon," he said.  “Alastair said you were ill.  I’m sorry to hear that.  I didn’t want to intrude but I have a plane to catch and I just wanted to say goodbye.”

“Why are you here in the first place?” I asked, not even trying to be polite.

“I knew Alastair would need ambrosia soon and I brought the fridge.  I won’t need it anymore and I thought it would be a pity to see the fridge go to waste when I pass.”  He looked at his feet and I didn’t get off the bed.  He sat down and after a minute or so, he cleared his throat.



“Um, look, I’m not very good at apologies, but please accept mine.  Arthur gave us all a piece of his mind when Alastair left and I know Arthur’s right, I should have reined in Annette.  She’s always been opinionated and headstrong.”



Um, you really don’t look well.  There were two deathfish in the fridge so I made two portions of Ambrosia.  Alastair only needs one for now but you should have the other.  It really will make you feel better.”  I continued to stare pointedly at the door.



Still he lingered in the room.  “Um, I’m really sorry for my part in causing you grief.  Annette wasn’t so harsh until Audrey came along.  There wasn’t a man in that house who didn’t envy Alastair his choice of a bride.  The rest of us married women on the verge of elders but Audrey was a breath of fresh air.  But to Annette, Audrey was a threat.  All the other wives caved in to her ruling the house like a queen bee.  Audrey didn’t.  That girl has a smart head on her shoulders.  She really brought out the man in Alastair, didn’t she?” he said ruefully.  Now I looked at him.  He seemed older and shrunken and actually quiet sad.



He stood up and came over to the bed so I felt obliged to stand too.  “Look, I can see you’re quite poorly.  I wish you all the happiness you deserve and keep up the cooking, I think you’ve got the makings of a first rate chef, if you pursue it.”



“Thank you grandfather Anthony, and I forgive you.”  I said feeling somewhat mollified by his genuine remorse.

“Thanks Brandon, it means a lot to me to make my peace before I go.  While I am not exactly looking forward to passing, I’m ready.  After so many lifetimes, there’s not much left that I really want to see or do, but on Audrey’s advice, I’m going back to France and check out that tomb for myself before I pass.”  He hesitated for a while just watching me watching him.  Maybe he was wondering if I would welcome a more physical goodbye but to my relief, he thought the better of it.  Finally with a wave he said, “Good luck and take care” and left my room.

I lay on the bed thinking about what our Dynasty founder said.  With my stomach settled and my stress pacified, my brain actually seemed to be functioning again.  I was relieved that the pressure was off me to cook the Ambrosia for dad in time.  I wouldn’t eat the second ambrosia, just in case.  The Ambrosia would reset dad’s age and that’s give us a few more weeks grace.



I pondered the dilemma of the Young Again potion.  I had some logic from the toddler books and playing chess.  I could probably max the logic before dad could.  But it wasn’t just maxing the skill, it was discovering the potion and that could be problematic in itself.  Would we have enough time?  Maybe I should just concentrate on the cooking and leave Dad or Chris to max the logic skill and discover the potion.  After all, the elders have survived for generations on Ambrosia.

Then I remembered the deathflower.  If dad died, he’d give the flower to Grim and his age would reset again.  The ambrosia Dynasty Founder Anthony made and deathflower combined would give us enough time surely.  Just to be sure, I could search for deathflower seeds.  The Swiftgro Stations will help me identify deathflower seeds, so I don’t waste time planting every §0 value special seed on the hope of getting a deathflower instead of a money tree.  With my plan mapped out, I felt much better.

With my mind finally at ease, I was just settling in for that nap when there was another knock on the door.  What is this Grand Central Station?  “Who is it?” I called out.

“It’s Jamie, Brandon.  Can I come in?” she asked.

Christopher Adam Steel! I fumed to myself, you have a lot to answer for…

[Anna33]

It is fun reading about Chris's past. I did not expect him to be born into a dynasty.

[RaiaDraconis]

If necessary there's always that death flower near the main entrance to the graveyard, near the Clavell family stones.

Interesting development. I wonder if we'll hear from the other grandparents. Good to know that at least the founder is taking things decently well.