Flash by Modesitt Jr. L. E

Author:Modesitt Jr., L. E. [Modesitt Jr., L. E.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Speculative Fiction, Fantasy, Political Fiction, Political Campaigns, Fiction, Science Fiction, Advertising, General
ISBN: 9780765349927
Google: lW1Gc8mZQ_wC
Amazon: 0765349922
Publisher: Tor
Published: 2004-09-01T06:00:00+00:00

chapter 55

The remainder of Tuesday was a rush, and then some. As-nart got back to me by ten o'clock and sent me the forms and custody agreement. It was the kind that I had to agree to as well, but there was nothing in it that was particularly onerous. I could even live with the provision that I was expected to take the children to the Unity Church "regularly." I was to live in the house, in loco parenti, and to provide separate accounting for any business expenses, but my "reasonable" personal expenses were to be covered by the rather extensive trust fund. I was to be free to marry or take a permanent companion, but multiple short-term liaisons were not in the interests of the children, and, for those reasons, the living expenses of any companion were not to come from the trust fund until either I married or until the relationship had lasted monogamously for over one year.

Asnart thought that was very liberal of Dierk and Aliora. I didn't comment. Aliora had always wanted me to find someone and to be happy with whoever she was. The particular wording of the clause was another confirmation of that. Aliora had wanted to give me as much leeway as legally possible. After consulting with Deidre and Rousel, we agreed that I would move in with the children on Friday, and all eight of us would spend time on Christmas Eve and Christmas day together.

Both Rousel and Deidre seemed relieved that I was back, and neither asked questions. Just from their reactions, I could see that I was going to have my hands full.

Then I linked Reya. She was in, and promptly dumped another assignment on me. Methroy was out, as was Bruce Fuller. There was no reason to contact Tan Uy-Smythe or Eric Wong, and Miguel Elisar's message had just stated that Vorhees and Rees and Prius had reached a settlement, and that the legal action had been dropped. He also indicated that Prius had sent a payment for ten hours for my willingness to testify.

I snorted. I'd take the credits, but they were nothing compared to what it could have cost me. Then, I frowned.

Paula . . . Central Four?

Yes, Dr. deVrai.

Do I need to pay someone for the medical care?

I got a definite sense of a laugh. That is not necessary. In fact, that would make matters very difficult. Central Four has a budget for cydroid medical care. There has been some question in the past that it has not been utilized. The increased usage will make everyone happier.

Because they want to know that cydroids aren't invulnerable?

That is the most probable surmise.

And no one even looks into your medical facilities?

Why should they? No one cares about cydroids operated by an intelligence system. Or the quality of medical care they receive.

The tone was level, but there was a bitterness behind it, and I didn't think I was projecting my own feelings. I'll be happier when we get the equipment. I paused.

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