PRI 3 Snippet 6

 

Chapter 5

 

Duluth

 

Eugene smiled to Zara as she looked a bit forlorn. “You can come back for a visit sometime,” he teased.

She shook her head instantly.

He cocked his head and then snorted. “Should I smuggle up some more of your imp buddies then?”

She looked up and then shrugged.

He snorted and reached out and pulled her into his arms for an embrace. “I know it's tough up here,” he murmured.

“Yeah,” she said quietly as she squeezed him back. “I love some stuff about it but it's hard to be away from the family.”

“I know. We miss you too,” he said. Deidra had wanted to come but with the kids she just couldn't travel long distances. The risk was too great in too many ways.

“Well, the good news is we're improving tech every day. Who knows? Maybe in a year or so we'll have a jet!”

She blinked and looked up at him.

“It would get us here or you home in hours,” he explained.

“Oh.”

He smiled and squeezed her again. “I think you'd be amazed at how much the capital and even other areas have changed. You might not recognize it if you stay away too long.”

“I want to come. It's just … every time I think I can carve out the time something else crops up that demands my instant attention. It's maddening.”

He nodded. He had come up to give her a little support as she rammed through a handful of articles and laws through parliament. Now that it was done, he was set to return. He was supposed to get back just in time for the tour of industry that was to kick off for several weeks.

“So, I'll tell your sister that you haven't found anyone yet. She'll fend off the old biddies who are trying to pawn you off on some old dominus or another …”

Zara scowled and poked him.

“ …Oof!” He chuckled. “I said she'd do it!”

“Yeah, I know. She better not be taking candidates,” Zara growled.

He chuckled. “I doubt your sister would do that.”

Zara gave him a long look. “Okay, so, she's not that far removed from your people and traditions,” he said with a shrug. “Sue and Wanda wouldn't stand for it. She'd also take your tastes into account.”

Zara sniffed.

“Of course, if you've got a hunk in mind that's reluctant, I'm sure your sister can …,” he oofed again with a chuckle as she poked him again.

He snorted but noted the audience and waved to them. Some waved back.

“See you in a couple of months?”

“Yes. And bring more pictures of my niece and nephew,” Zara grumbled. “Video too,” she added.

“Will do. In time, they might make this trip too, who knows what the future will bring?” he asked with a smile.

She blinked and then shrugged again.

He waved to the group and then motioned for the three teenagers to get into the plane. They eagerly leapt forward and nearly knocked each other over trying to get in. “Easy,” he laughed as they finally sorted themselves out. Each had a light luggage bag with them.

Each of the boys were recent graduates of the abbreviated classes Zara had set up with her educational minister. She had started a small college, but there wasn't much call for it due to the lack of properly educated students. That was slowly beginning to change though.

The trio were exchange students in the medicus program. They each had scholarships to learn their craft. They had to spend several annus, local years in the medical service to their country to work off the scholarships and loans though, but each were eager to do so since private practice was still a growing thing.

“If the weather holds, I'll be back before winter. If not, I'll see you next spring. Okay?”

“Okay,” Zara said. She felt him embrace her again and then let go. “I'll behave.”

“That'll be the day,” he said as she pretended to smack him into the aircraft.

She stepped back and then walked away to get clear of the aircraft. Her outfit fluttered in the wind as the props started up and the aircraft's door closed. The craft taxied away and then lined up for the runway. It revved its engines and took off as the audience waved and cheered.

Once the aircraft had pulled up and away, Zara turned and nodded to her staff and security detail. “Time to get back to work,” she said with a small smile. Her people nodded.

^^^^^^

Eugene watched out the small porthole window as the aircraft climbed and turned away. When he couldn't see the small figures anymore, he turned to look at his companions.

His two bodyguards were seated nearby. Both looked comfortable. Bret looked ready to take a nap, no surprise there.

Two of the three passengers were agog at the sights through the window, chattering eagerly. The third had a death grip on the armrests of his chair, and there was a slight tinge smell of urine. Eugene grimaced but just nodded.

“Obviously, this is your first time flying,” he said, pitching his voice to the group. The duo turned to him. “Bathroom in the back.” he indicated the back of the plane. “Make sure you remain in your seat and have your seatbelt on even if you are asleep. We might hit some turbulence, and it's not fun to be bounced around the cabin.”

The duo nodded and looked to their companion. One bit his lip, clearly amused.

“Fear of heights and flying is natural,” Eugene said. “I survived a plane crash when I wasn't much younger than you three are. Just don't move around too much and follow orders and hopefully we'll be fine.”

The trio nodded. The terrified lad was a bit choppy.

“Blankets are in the overhead. I suggest you enjoy the sights or take a nap,” he nodded to Bret who was lying back in his seat and looked ready to start snoring at any minute. He even had a small pillow and blanket out. The lads snorted.

Eugene smiled and then looked out the window again.

^^^^^^