Aziz and Marianne ate what amounted to cold field rations. Cooking in the house would be unsafe anyway, but the power had been disconnected, so there was no choice. The solar panels had taken irreparable damage and Danielle Allard had been concerned that shorts in the system could start a fire. For the short duration, they made the best of it. But no children and no household chores gave them plenty of time to work.
And work they did. With the schedule for Aziz’s house suddenly pushed forward, there was a huge amount of essential work needed for his house site. Marianne was helping with his work much more now than she’d done before. With the accelerated schedule, he could not have done it all himself, even with his insane work ethic
By bedtime, they were both exhausted. But that first night was still awkward. Marianne knew she wanted to curl up with him. She remembered the feeling this morning, with him holding her as they rode back from the first council meeting, both exhausted from lack of sleep.
She listened to him breathe. He was not asleep either. Finally, she spoke, “I never expected to say this, and Eleanor won’t believe that I did, but I’m glad I hosted you and Rania and not someone else.”
“Thank you. I’m glad you were our host. But we should both try to get to sleep. We both need it.”
“Good night. Sleep well. Sweet dreams.” Why did she say that, she thought to herself. It’s just habit from saying it to the kids. Now it’s a way for her to say she cares about him. She knows what dreams she’s hoping for and sweet is not a good description for them. Go to sleep Marianne, and don’t think that way. She rolled over, closed her eyes one last time as the exhaustion finally won.
It was already daylight when Marianne woke up. She looked over and Aziz was gone. She came out of the barn and saw Aziz kneeling on the ground, under the tree where Rania was buried. She thought about leaving him completely unnoticed, but she decided otherwise. “I’m going into the house to wash up and change. I’ll bring some food out for breakfast.”
“Thank you. I’ll be done here in a few minutes.”
Marianne returned with some bread and cheese. Aziz was filling up the water jug from the tap on the outside of the barn. He came over to sit with her on a grassy spot in front of the barn. The back of the barn was dominated by the view of the carcass of the beast.
As he sat down, Marianne could see the tear streaks on his cheeks. She looked at him sympathetically.
“It’s okay. I say a prayer for her every morning. Then I tell her the news over the last day. I don’t know if I believe she can hear me or not, but it makes me feel better. I missed yesterday, because, well, yesterday happened.”
“I’m glad you’re doing that. I don’t know what I believe for an afterlife, but I think she’d like to know. I think she’s very proud of everything you've accomplished. And I suspect she’s worried about Pierre and Genevieve.” Her voice quivered as she spoke of them.
Now it was Aziz’s turn to look at his compatriot with concern. She replied, “I’m okay, too. I’m worried about them and I miss them, but Eleanor is good for them. I will ride over at lunch to see them. And again at their bedtime like I did last night. And they say your house should be ready next week, so we can make it that long. I definitely don’t want them here until they get that thing out of our backyard.”
Aziz nodded at that. “I’m hoping they’re going to start moving it today. I don’t like seeing it there.” He took a deep breath then said, “I did all the early morning chores while you were still asleep. I was glad you managed to sleep in.”
“Thank you, I think I needed that. I would’ve thought you did, too.”
“I’ll sleep in one day once my house is finished.”
Marianne chuckled.
++++++
They had just finished the rest of the morning chores for Marianne’s farm when several horses approached her house. Marianne recognized one of the riders as Danielle Allard. “It looks like they may be coming to worry about our carcass.”
Marianne waves to Danielle before walking over towards her. “I assume you’re here to work on getting that thing out of my backyard?”
“That’s the hope.”
“What do you need from us?”
“Not much, mostly stay out of the way.”
“Well that should be easy, we’re about to head over to his house site to finish up the prep work. With the accelerated schedule, he has more work to do there than even he can manage alone. I’ll go over to see my kids at lunch.”
Danielle looked at her oddly.
“Well you condemned my house, so they can’t stay here. They're at Eleanor’s, which is a pretty full house right now. Aziz and I are sleeping in the barn.”
Now Danielle gave her a surprised look.
“Separately. Different beds, but we’re in the same stall, so there’s not much privacy. It’s awkward. But it’s better than worrying about the roof falling on your head.”
Danielle laughed. “There are starting to be rumors about you two. You seem very dedicated to each other and no one has seen one of you without the other for over a month.”
“We do respect each other a lot. He works harder than anyone I’ve ever seen. But it’s not like the rumors, I guess.”
Danielle nodded, then said, “I do need your help with one planning piece. As I hope you remember from the meeting, the plan is to drag the carcass on a large sheet of plastic siding all the way to the cliff. We need to figure out a path to get there that is flat and does as little damage to your farm as possible. But we may destroy some crops somewhere along the way.”
Marianne tensed up. Not only did they take her house away, now they’re going to destroy her farm because of this creature?
“I know this isn’t what you wanted to hear,” Danielle said. “I wish we had a better solution. But I was hoping to work with you to find a path that does the least possible damage. I don’t think Aziz has planted any of his land yet, so if we can get it across your land, that may be the easiest path. One possibility would be taking out that tree beside the barn - “
“NO!”
Danielle jumped back, surprised by the sharp outburst.
“Sorry. Rania, Aziz’s late wife, is buried under that tree. Whatever you do, you cannot disturb that. Everything else is negotiable. But getting it to Aziz’s probably is a good idea. What about dragging it around to the front of the house and then up the road. That should be easy to drag on. And out this far, no one cares if you block the road for a day.”
“That’s actually a great idea. I’m not sure why I didn’t think about that. If we take it past his farm, we won’t actually have to take down his fence and rebuild it. And no one is in your house to be disturbed by the carcass going by. We’ll have to be careful getting around your house. It won’t take much of a bump to knock the whole thing down.”
“Please don’t do that — it’s nice having an actual bathroom. Don’t worry, we go in one at a time so we can call for help if it falls on one of us.”
Danielle shook her head. “I can’t imagine having to play Russian Roulette every time you needed the bathroom.”
Marianne chuckled. “Out here on the farm, we don’t use the bathroom every time we need to relieve ourselves. When it’s a ten minute walk each way, you just find a tree to squat behind. Being able to wash would be nice, but I don’t think either of us is eager to take a bath in there right now. Thanks for including me in the planning. And I appreciate you looking out for us by checking out the house. I need to go over and help Aziz now. They’re coming this afternoon to build his foundation and we need to have everything ready by then.”
Since she was going to need the horse to get to Eleanor’s at lunch, Marianne decided to save a few minutes and ride Pascal over to Aziz’s house site.
++++++
When Marianne returned from lunch, things were happening. There were now more than twenty people in her backyard and it looked like ten horses. She walked around to the back of the house. The carcass was now partially on a large sheet of the orange plastic that the houses were made from.
She nodded to Patrice, who appeared to be along for safety reasons, plasma rifle drawn. He smiled as he nodded back.
Danielle came over to talk to her, “It’s going faster than I’d predicted. I think the body is only about half the density of the tentacles, meaning we’re talking more like 54 tonnes than the 87 I had calculated. We should have it well down the road before we lose the light. I imagine you’ll be happy to get it out of your yard.”
“That’s an understatement. Thanks for the update. I’m going over to check on how Aziz’s foundation is coming and see what help he still needs today from me.”
“Good luck.”
Marianne took Pascal into the barn and unsaddled him before walking the half kilometer to Aziz’s house site. Another handful of people were there as well, although not nearly as many as in her own backyard.
She spotted Aziz and headed straight for him. “How are things going?”
“I’m not sure,” he replied. “They aren’t saying much to me. They're pretty focused on the work. But they seem pleased with what is happening.”
Marianne frowned. They should be giving him better updates. The man who looked like the foreman spotted Marianne and walked towards her. “We should have the foundation finished before dark. If everything else works this well, you could be moving into your new house in three or four days.”
You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.
“This will be Aziz’s house,” she said pointedly. “He’ll let me and my children stay with him until my house can be rebuilt some time down the road.”
He frowned, then said, “Yeah, I’m just glad you’ll have a house. And I’d like to shake your hand to thank you for your actions against the beast. You’re a true hero in my book. I’m glad the council finally recognized that.”
She shook his hand, then drew her lips into a grimace before speaking, “I did what I did for my family and for all the citizens of the colony. Every one of them.” She put a special emphasis on those final words.
“Well you two did a good job with the prep for this one,” he said, looking only at Marianne. “This has been an easy build. Thanks for that, too.”
He sighed and went back to managing his crew of three controlling the machine that is building the foundation.
Marianne pulled Aziz a few steps away from the site to talk to him away from the workers. “I’m sorry you have to put up with that. He should’ve been talking to you that whole time. I guess I never realized how bad we can be. Two months ago, I would’ve been right with him, treating you like that. It’s wrong.”
“Thank you for saying that. I know you’ve changed and I appreciate you recognizing where you were.”
“So what do we need to get done for your house right now.”
“I don’t seem to have many more tasks due any time soon. They want me planting crops next week. I won’t get any livestock until I get a barn and that seems to not have been accelerated. So, really, it’s moving in a few days from now then real farming work, just without the goats and chickens you have.”
++++++
Almost immediately after Marianne returned from putting her children to bed at Eleanor’s, Aziz and she decided it was time to go to bed. As they climbed into their separate beds, she thought about Danielle’s report of a rumor about them being in an amorous relationship. She chuckled out loud.
“What’s funny?” Aziz asked.
“Danielle told me that there are rumors in town that we’re romantically involved.”
“Where did those come from?”
“Many people know that we've strongly supported each other in front of the council. And when's the last time you were in town without me? I think the day you and Rania arrived. Which is also the last time I was in town without you. It doesn’t take much imagination to connect the dots in a way they want. Maybe Renee is spreading the story to try to discredit me. Who knows.”
They laid quietly in the dark for a few minutes.
“Marianne? Where did you live on Earth?”
She was surprised by this question. He’d never asked about her life before the colony. “In Saint Loup de Naud, a little town maybe fifty kilometers east of Paris. I’m sure you’ve never heard of it. No one has unless you are from right around there. I grew up on my family farm.”
“Was Andre from there too?”
“Yeah, he lived about a kilometer north of us. We had been close friends since we were about 6. He’s a year older than me. We fell in love as teenagers. We swore our undying love for each other just before he started his stint in the peace brigades. It turned out his time was easy, unlike the stint that Eleanor and I did. As soon as I got out, we got married and came here. We both had older siblings who would get the farms, so we really had no future. It was either come here or leave the safety of Foundation control. How about you and Rania?”
“We lived just outside Lyon, but we moved between places every few years. It was outside Foundation control. There were still roving bands who terrified everyone. They might just steal everything. Or they might rape the women and kill the men. We knew we had little choice. Rania’s parents and my parents came over on the same boat. In the great migration. Or the great invasion, as you call it. Our parents stayed best friends, so Rania and I knew each other before we could talk or walk. Kind of like Pierre and Jean-Luc. Rania was a few months older than me and always understood people. She kept me safe from trouble more times than I can remember. She convinced me that my best option to survive was to work harder than everyone else. It was the only thing I could be valued for. It was an easy decision to come here when the foundation started recruiting in Lyon.”
“Good night, Aziz. I’m glad you came here.”
“Believe it or not, I am too. In many ways, Rania’s month here was one of the happiest months of her life. And even though she knew she was dying, she knew I would be better off than I’d have been if we’d not come. I miss her tremendously, but I was happy for that month. And I’m happy to be staying with you. Even in a barn. Good night. Sleep well.”
“Sweet dreams, Aziz.”
Marianne thought about Aziz. They say crises make a bad basis for long term relationships. But her friendship with Eleanor was forged in the worst of circumstances. Facing death routinely forces a level of honesty with your companions. And you either trust them absolutely or hate them. She doubted anything could shake her bond with Eleanor.
She was starting to feel the same way with Aziz. The trials have been different. Not as constant. But she can feel a strong bond being forged. Would it really turn romantic? She wasn’t sure. But it was certainly feeling appealing at this point. Rania thought it would. Eleanor thought it was. Maybe it will.
++++++
Aziz’s house was springing up quickly down the road from hers. They worked together all day, mostly on her farm, since there was relatively little work he could do on his house. The carcass was out of sight before she went for lunch with her children.
When she came back, she went with Aziz to check on the status. The foreman of the framing crew seemed more willing to accept Aziz as the home owner. But she was still somewhat in awe of Marianne.
The house was fully framed before the crew left. Aziz and Marianne had a quiet dinner before she left to put her children to bed. Eleanor walked her out to Pascal as she was getting ready to return home.
“How are things going with you and Aziz?”
“Good, we are starting to understand each other more.”
“That’s not what I meant, girl. You know that.”
“We haven’t even hugged again. But Danielle Allard told me she’d heard rumors that we’re romantically engaged. I squashed that right away for her. But I guess other people still believe it. I was wondering if Renee has been spreading that to try to make me look bad with some of the colonists. The foreman of the crew that built Aziz’s foundation wouldn’t even talk to him. But he kind of worshipped the ground I walked on. It was weird.”
“You never go to town, so people don’t know what to think of you or you two. Claire is a gossip and spends too much time in town for my taste. They've already missed two task deadlines. I think they’ll get fined for the next one. But she comes back with all sorts of juicy rumors. You’re the favorite of the gossip mill these days. She pulled me aside after you left this afternoon. She tried to warn me that you were dangerous and shouldn’t be allowed around Jean-Luc and Bertand. She asked me ‘Do you know how many people she's killed?’”
Marianne laughed loudly. “What did you say to that?”
“I told her, ‘I killed more than she did, so maybe you want to watch me in the middle of the night!’”
Marianne laughed more. “I’m sure she’s counting the days until they get to move out now.”
“Not so much that she actually does the work she needs to do. From what you’ve said, Rania was more productive up to the day she died than Claire has ever been. And Martin is no Aziz.”
“To think I was jealous of your draw in the hosting.”
On the ride back, Marianne thought about how much her perceptions had changed in the last two months.
++++++
Two days later, Aziz and Marianne spent the night in his house. It lacked many interior walls, working plumbing or a working kitchen yet, but it was already better than sleeping in the barn. Smelled much better if nothing else. Marianne hoped to bring the kids back the next evening, after the construction crews left. The house wouldn’t be finished, but it’d have working plumbing and all its walls.
After a brief discussion, they decided to continue sleeping in the same room for the time being. They both liked their night time chats. And Aziz’s mattress in the corner of the common room had been awkward for everyone.
The work stayed on schedule the next day, which meant the kids rooms were finished and the bathroom was functional, although not the bathtub yet. Marianne decided to reclaim her children. Aziz and Marianne brought the kids’ beds over. While Marianne rode to Eleanor’s later that day, Aziz carried essentials from the old house to the new, requiring multiple trips between the buildings.
When Eleanor and Marianne returned with Pierre and Genevieve, Eleanor came in to check out the new house. All the farm houses had an identical layout — three bedrooms, a bathroom and a large common room including kitchen, dining area and a sitting area. There was an unfinished overhead loft that could be converted to more sleeping quarters if the family was productive enough to need more room. It’s where she had Martin and Claire staying in her farmhouse.
After saying goodnight to the kids in their new rooms, Eleanor stuck her head in the largest bedroom. She burst out laughing as soon as she did. Aziz and Marianne hurried over to see what the commotion was.
“You two sleep in the same bedroom, but in separate beds? Just get over yourselves.” She walked back out the front door. As she rode off, she was still laughing. She called back, “Would you go ahead and just admit it?”
Aziz and Marianne looked at each other. They started laughing, too. They gave each other a hug, their first one since the night of the attack. They held it for a minute, before Aziz said, “We should probably go to bed.”
Marianne broke off the hug and nodded.
The next morning they had the kids up and outside before the work crews arrived. Hopefully, they would get a working kitchen today and everyone would be able to eat a hot meal tonight, Aziz’s first hot meal since the attack.
Mid-morning, Aziz and Marianne had to juggle the kids and their chores for the first time since the attack. Marianne was happy to have them back with her, but also getting a bit frustrated as Aziz tried to care for whichever child was neediest at the moment. The reality was they were both needy after being away for a week.
Late morning, just before Marianne’s temperature got too hot, Eleanor rode up. “Have you looked at your messages today?”
“I can barely watch my kids right now. What did you do to them for the last week?”
“Told them to save it all up for you today!” Eleanor said, laughing. “But you should look at it. Both of you, but especially you, Mar.”
She pulled out her display and pulled up a message. There was an urgent statement from Renee.
To the citizens of Nouveau Gaul Plateau
There is an emerging situation that all citizens of the plateau should be aware of. The ship sent by Die Firma has come out of hyperspace and will begin transferring colonists to what they’re calling Neu Ruhr, approximately 400 kilometers west of here. There will be a meeting of all citizens here next week, for a presentation by the leader of the new colony.
I will attend a meeting the week after of all their citizens to welcome them to our shared planet.
Due to the rapidly changing circumstances, the council has decided to begin the work of the new colonial defense committee immediately. The members of that committee are Patrice Gerard, Antoine LaFleur, Marianne Laurent, Henri Ballard, and Jeannette Marcotte. Eleanor Marceau will serve as first alternate. Jacques Piton will represent the council as an ex-officio member of the committee. We’re calling the first meeting at noon today. Attendance is mandatory for all members, including the alternate.
Renee Desjardins
“Baise-moi!” Marianne shouted. “We have to leave for that in like five minutes! My first day with my kids back!”
“It’s okay, Marianne. I can take care of them while you’re gone,” Aziz said calmly. “They’ll be ready for lunch then their nap soon. Maybe you’ll be back by the time they wake up.”
Eleanor smiled and nodded to Aziz. Marianne crouched down to talk to her children. “Momma has to go to a meeting in town now. I hopefully won’t be gone too long. Uncle Aziz will make you lunch and then settle you in for your nap.”
“Is it okay, Momma?” Pierre asked.
“Yes, Pierre. Everything's fine. The colony was so impressed at how well I can keep you safe, they want me to help keep everyone safe.”
“Because they know I can beat up your Momma, they want me to come, too,” Eleanor added, laughing.
“Not helping, El”, Marianne said sternly. As she spoke, she stood and started saddling Pascal.
“Who’s going to keep us safe while you’re gone?” Pierre asked.
“I’m going to leave my rifle here with Aziz, so he can keep you safe.”
Aziz's eyes widened and he shook his head. But neither child was looking at him and he said nothing either child could hear, so they had no reason to doubt his abilities. Every other adult they knew was trained to use a plasma rifle.
Pascal now saddled, Marianne crouched back down, shifting closer to eye level for the children. “I know it’s been a very exciting day, being home after staying with Aunt Eleanor and having all the people here working on our new house. But I need you to show Uncle Aziz how well you can behave when I’m gone. Can you do that for Momma?”
Pierre and Genevieve listened intently to her then nodded their heads solemnly.
“Mar, we should probably get going now.”
“Just a second.” Marianne stood back up in front of Aziz. They stood looking at each other for a minute before he put his arms around her in a hug. She softly said, “Thank you. For everything.” They held onto each other for a minute, then her instincts took over. She kissed him. Not a friendly peck. A longing invitation to more. He returned the sentiment.
“Ahem,” Eleanor said from behind them, still sitting in her saddle.
Marianne, turned back towards Eleanor and rolled her eyes at her best friend. She mounted Pascal and they rode off as Marianne waved goodbye to the three remaining at home. Both children waved enthusiastically to her. Aziz smiled broadly at her, but she noticed he also had a tear forming in the corner of his eye.
As soon as they were out of earshot, Eleanor said, “Pretty dramatic goodbye. Kissing now, huh? Has it gone further?”
“That was our first kiss. It seemed like the time.”
“You’re acting like we’re being called back into active duty.”
“Are you sure we’re not?”