Old World

After their night of bliss at the paradise that they had previously spent the night in, on their way to the Outpost, Ines was feeling very grateful for meeting Saeon and having him as her man. He had done everything within his power to please her in every way. Now, she was dependent upon him. She was now ready to share everything with him. But what about his life and duty in New City? She would not give up her mountain and move there, so, maybe he might be persuaded to stay with her ? Ines was sure that this conversation would be had. They were almost home now and she was getting a little hungry. She would make her homemade soup and cornbread.

Saeon was silent on the way back to their mountain. He was thinking about how well things went back at the outpost. He was also thinking about what was to come. He felt that maybe now, his Nessa was beginning to trust him. When they had been in the oasis she had given herself to him without hesitation. She willingly did everything for him and seemingly loved being with him without calming, or coercion. He wouldn't use his power on her unless absolutely needed. Now he had to think about how he was going make the transition from New City to Nessa's mountain without problems. The president wouldn't be too willing to let him go, easily. He made sure that everything was running smoothly in New City. He would have to plan this carefully. The hardest part about the next step was very close. They were back home, now, and it was time to have the talk. well, maybe dinner and a shower, first.

They had just finished eating dinner, Saeon, his third helping and Ines so happy to be home. The soup and cornbread had been delicious. Now all she wanted was a shower and the bed. But, Saeon said that they needed to talk. Now he was working on a large slice of buttermilk pie. She stood up and began taking hers dishes to the sink. As soon as he finished she would remove his as well and load the dishwasher. As soon as he ate his last forkful, Ines reached for his plate. Saeon reached and grabbed her then pulled her onto his lap. "Nessa, we can talk now," he said rather seriously. "It won't take long." He began, "I sent the wire to New City and I got the reply and instructions to complete my mission. I've got to take the head of Stone and the acid gun to New City within six days from tomorrow and make my report. In order to meet the six day deadline, I've got to leave in the morning. But I promise that I'll go and be back before you know it. Ines, with all the excitement of a rich kid on Christmas, exclaimed, "We're going to have to pack a whole lot more than before." "Nessa, I can't take you with me this time. The trip to the Outpost was nothing compared to going toward New City. You are my world and I know that I would not be able to protect you if you went with me. The truck would more than likely be torched if I stopped to cook or even put gas in it. it's just too risky. My intentions are to take the evidence, resign my post and come back here to you." Saeon was anxious, now. How would she react to the news that she would not be going with him? He would be gone for fourteen days total. "I will go on my bike. They would never attack me, being alone." He added. She got up from his lap. "You will be gone a long time," Ines whined. "What can take you there and get back sooner?" Saeon said jokingly, "Oh, a helicopter, an airplane, a boat." "Can you drive any of those?" Ines asked, hopeful. "Yes, all of them. Why, you wouldn't happen to have one of those lying around somewhere, would you?" Now he looked at her intensely. "Yes," Ines said quickly. "Ok, which one? And where is it , I didn't happen to see one in the warehouse the other day," Saeon questioned. "I have all of them and they are at the airfield and the boats are on the ship yard," Ines was hopeful, now that if he went in one of those he'd be back in about three days or so. Saeon walked over to where she stood and gently grabbed both her arms. "What!? where? No, never mind. Just show me," he looked at her, shocked. Ines walk to the back side of the warehouse and opened a small door that led outside. She the explained that the airfield was behind the large weapon armory.

Now Saeon was amazed. There was every kind of weapon the military had ever made in that armory. and at the airfield were airplanes and helicopters for miles. As they made their way into the hanger, he noticed four V.I.P. helicopters, the kind that the presidents used. One of these would be just what he needed for his trip to New City. "Nessa, If I can take one of these, I can take you with me." Saeon stated. What he had figured to be a two week trip had just turned into two or three days. "You can take any of them," Ines exclaimed excitedly. And can I go and see my children and grandchildren, can I take them some things that they might need? When are we going?" "Calm down Nessa," Saeon reached and pulled her to him. You didn't tell me that you had children. And if they're in New City, of course you can see them. We can sit down tonight and make plans. We don't have to rush, now. Is there anything else that I need to see or know about?" "Yes, there is, There is Old World." Ines said quietly. Saeon sighed heavily. We'll talk about all this tonight while we make plans, Nessa. Let's go back ,now.