Note: This story was dynamically reformatted for online reading convenience. Mg* ped 1st cons rom inc preg anal oral mc ScFi Author: YAWN - Yet Another Writing Newbie. Copyright 2010-2011 YAWN Electronic distribution permission granted to asstr.org. Permission for any other use must be obtained by contacting the author via asstr.org. If you can't tell this is fiction from the copyright date and the story dates, you're either not old enough or not smart enough to be reading it. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Friday, 28 August 2015 07:05 Ring! Ring! "This is Wilson." "Colonel, there's an 'Eyes Only' message for you from the Survival Building near Dover, England." "Thanks, I'll get it via the secure terminal here." SECURE TERMINAL READY ID: GWilson PASSWORD: ************** ACCEPTED Thumbprint scan: ACCEPTED 'To: Colonel Wilson, Durham Survival Building From: Captain Lloyd Ames, Dover Survival Building Subject: Frank Bradley Wilson Mr. Wilson is in ICU here. He was shot while rescuing some children from a group that attempted to enter our facility using the children as shields. The surgeons here won't attempt to remove the bullets in his brain, but two of the children insist that they be allowed to "heal" him.' We've not encountered a medical person among the girls here, but it's only logical that the alien ship had someone. There's only one answer to that request. 'To: Captain Lloyd Ames, Dover Survival Building From: Colonel Wilson, Durham Survival Building Subject: Frank Bradley Wilson You will allow the children to treat Mr. Wilson NOW. That is an order. Report any change in his status immediately.' END SESSION SESSION ENDED I'll break this news to Lily in stages. First that he's alive but was injured protecting other children and that I'm waiting to hear from the hospital. If the girls there are successful, I'll have good news for her later. If not, she's had a little preparation for losing him. "Did you set the alarm clock, Daddy?" "No, Honey. That was the phone. Lily's father is in the hospital in the Survival Building in Dover, England. He was injured while rescuing some children." "Will he be OK?" "I don't know yet. The doctors there didn't think they could remove the bullets, but two girls said they could heal him." "Some of us are doctors?" "Would you take a doctor along if you were going on a very long trip with unknown dangers along the way?" "Yes - but there wouldn't be very many of them. Is that why we haven't found one here?" "Maybe. Maybe we have one but she's too young to show what her powers are. There are some toddlers and babies here." "Could I 'read' them and see what their skills are?" "I think you should try that on some older kids who know what you're trying to do. If they say it doesn't hurt and isn't scary, then you could try the younger kids." "You're smart, Daddy." "I know. It rubs off on me from my smart daughters." "You're silly." "I also get that from my daughters." "Get what from us, Poppy?" "Being silly." "No, you're the silly one." "But only when I'm with you." "That's true, Poppy." "Then I must get it from you." "Tickle him, Molly!" "I got his foot!" "And I have two left feet in my right hand and my left hand is free to tickle them." "Stop, I gotta go pee!" "Me too!" "Then go." "Papa, what's all the yelling?" "Molly and Sarah were trying to tickle my feet, but I tickled their feet instead - and then they had to go pee." "Me, too. We need another bathroom." "We'll be moving to a larger apartment later today. When everyone is awake and has had breakfast, you'll all be gathering your clothes and things to carry them down to #19." "You're moving and you didn't wake me? I knew you no one would want me! Wah! Boo-hoo!" "Lily, we didn't wake you because we haven't started breakfast yet. You had a long day yesterday so we let you sleep." "You're not gonna leave me?" "No, we won't leave you. Come here and sit in my lap." "Did you hear anything about my Dad?" "Yes. He's in the hospital in the Survival Building near Dover, England." "In the hospital? What happened? Will he be OK? When can I see him? How will I get there? What ..." +Pasta. +%What? "Slow down and I'll explain. He was hurt while rescuing some children there. He's in Intensive Care and some special doctors are taking care of him. They will let us know when his condition changes." "When his condition changes? Does that mean he could get worse?" "Yes, but it also means that he could get better." "If he dies, I won't have anyone! Can you be my new Dad?" "Let's see how he does before I take over as your father. How about you calling me Uncle George until we know that you need a new Dad?" "You really think he'll get better?" "Lily, he has better doctors than you can imagine." "OK, Uncle George. I know how much the other girls love and trust you so I'll do what you say." "Thank you. Time for breakfast. Anyone who doesn't want eggs, turkey bacon, and biscuits?" "No pancakes?" "Not today, Lily. Knowing the other girls, I know how much you love them, but Molly and Sarah are on a special diet for pregnant girls and they can only have a couple of pancakes a few times a week. It's unfair for us to have plates piled high with pancakes when they can't have any." "Pregnant? But they're only six! Daddy said at least 9 or 10." "The doctors thought it would be 9 or 10, but some of the genetic changes have been more dramatic than they expected. Sarah is carrying one baby; Molly is caring twins." +Pasta. Don't "yell". "How did you know I was gonna yell?" "The look on your face." "Then you could be my new Dad - he could read me like that." Ring! Ring! "Wilson." "Colonel. An Eyes Only message for you from Dover." "I'll take it here." SECURE TERMINAL READY ID: GWilson PASSWORD: ************** ACCEPTED Thumbprint scan: ACCEPTED 'To: Colonel Wilson, Durham Survival Building From: Captain Lloyd Ames, Dover Survival Building Subject: Frank Bradley Wilson Mr. Wilson is conscious, but doesn't remember much of the day he was shot. The girls removed both bullets from his brain. A CAT scan shows no residual damage. How did they do that?? He wants to see his daughter Molly. Do you know where she is?' 'To: Captain Lloyd Ames, Dover Survival Building From: Colonel Wilson, Durham Survival Building Subject: Frank Bradley Wilson Molly is staying with my daughters. You obviously did not view the "Origins" presentation today. Do so now. That's an order. I think you'll find your answer there.' END SESSION SESSION ENDED Ring! Ring! "This is Mason." "Ed, this is George. Our new Molly's father is alive and in the hospital at the Dover Survival Building. Can you change the adoption papers for her to guardianship and can you set up a video link to the hospital there?" "I'll get the judge to create the new documentation. He'll want the father's name and permission from him. The video setup will take about an hour." "The father is Frank Bradley Wilson. Ask the judge to come when the video link is up. He can get first-hand permission." "Will do, George." "Thanks, Ed. See you in an hour." "Lily, your Dad will be OK. He's awake and asking about you." "Can I see him?" "I'm having up a video link to his hospital room set up now. You'll be able to see and talk to him after breakfast. I see the request in your mind - no, we can't fly you there or him here, at least not yet. We don't have any aircraft with engines that can survive volcanic ash, so there are no flights anywhere." "Can I stay with you until I can go there or he can come here?" "Did my other daughters allow you to sleep with me last night?" "I must be in the best family in the world!" "I don't know that we're the best, but Molly, Sarah, and Rose keep telling me that." "I love you, Uncle George. If I can't be with my Dad, I'll stay with you forever!" "If you're all finished with breakfast, go brush your teeth and get dressed. The video link to Lily's father should be in place by now" """OK.""" "How do they do that, Uncle George?" "I think they may be reading each other's minds subconsciously. It usually happens when they're excited or scared. They're almost as excited as you are about you talking with your father." "If they love me that much, then I am in the best family in the world!" "Then all the girls in the best family need to get dressed so you can go with Lily." """We're done.""" "They did it again." "I told you they were excited about this." "George, girls. The link to Dover is set up in Studio 3. Studio 4 is also in use. Sheila is just finishing up some levitation lessons for a group in France - they want to add some very graceful moves to their ballet." "Levitation could certainly allow long jumps and soft landings. It's good to see the arts are also benefiting from some of their unique skills." "Frank, I'm Colonel Wilson, the commander of the Survival Buildings. I have someone who wants very much to speak to you." "Hi, Dad." "Hi, Lily. Are you OK?" "I am now. I thought I would be all alone when Grandma and Grandpa died, but Uncle George and his daughters were there and took me home with them. I thought I had lost you, but Uncle George found you." "Yes, he found me. From what I understand, he also got the proper medical people in to treat me. 'Uncle George'?" "When I thought you might be dead, I asked him if I could be his fourth daughter and he could be my new Dad, but he said to call him Uncle George until we found out about you." "Why did you want to be another of his daughters?" "Because they're all me! This is Molly. This is Sarah. This is Rose." "I see why you wanted to be with them - they are all you. Colonel Wilson could you explain how my Molly is identical to your triplets?" "First of all, they're not triplets. Molly is my niece: Molly Wilson from California. Sarah is a distant cousin: Molly Wilson from North Carolina. Rose is also a distant cousin: Molly Wilson from Virginia." "What?" "I've been through that level of disbelief myself. It seems that there are a lot of Wilson descendants and most of them have a daughter named Molly. We think that might be related to the wife of the first Wilson in the line being named Molly, but it's a long story. You can get the details when you feel up to it. Would you and Lily like some private time?" "It's never private when I'm with this family, Dad. They told me that we can do mind stuff over the TV, but they all do mind stuff too - they even do hugs with their minds." "Then I think you're in a very good place until we can be together again." "I wanted to fly to be with you but planes can't fly in the ash." "You two go ahead, Frank. We'll give you what privacy we can." "Uncle George?" "Hi, Sheila. I thought you were giving 'flying' lessons?" "We finished for today. The new Molly was asking about flying to her Daddy. I know the engines on planes don't work now, but could we fly a plane with our minds? I can be pilot and navigator - I just need more people to lift and move the plane." "That's a good suggestion, Sheila. I know Beth can move a lot more than my girls can. There are a couple of small planes on one of the military supply floors. I'll have one brought up to the big garage area. Molly, call Captain McGregor and tell him what we want to do. We need Jane and Beth to be our 'flyers'. Sarah can be security, with Jane as her backup. Molly, you'll will be here for communication with Sarah." "But I wanna go with ..." "No, Molly, for several reasons. The plane only seats four people. We know that radio communications aren't completely reliable so we need someone who can provide 'mind' communications. You're too far along in your pregnancy to be that far away from Dr. Chambers." "OK, Daddy, I understand." "Uncle George, my Dad wants to talk to you." "OK, Lily." "Yes, Frank?" "Thank you for taking care of my Molly. I had no idea that the commander was that involved with the day-to-day operations of the Survival Buildings." "You're welcome - but remember that my girls would never let me ignore anyone they thought might be 'family'. Don't get your Molly's hopes up, but we may have found a way to get her to you." "How?" "Have you seen the 'Origins' presentation?" "When I asked about the children who seemed to be taking care of me, they told me to watch it. Are those things real? Even the girls 'flying' around?" "Yes, it's all real. One of the 'flying' girls has suggested that they 'fly' a small plane with their minds to get Lily to you. We'll have them try some short flights to see if it's feasible." "Are you from another planet? No, wait - the presentation was about us being descended from aliens from another galaxy. I'm still having a hard time believing this." "How about a live demonstration? Molly, Sarah. I need you to demonstrate levitation for Lily's father." ""OK."" "They really are doing it!" "Yes, they are. Back down very gently, girls. Remember there are no mats in here." "I'll keep quiet until you tell me the results, Colonel. I can't believe you'd let a bunch of little girls go that distance without any protection." ""We're protected."" "How?" "Poppy, can you show him?" "Yes, Sarah." "Frank, ask for the Durham front gate video footage from 27 August. Watch the driver of the dozer closest to the gate. I think you'll see that the girls are able to protect themselves." "OK, I'll watch it." "You need to rest, Frank. I'll turn off the video link now. It can be activated again when either you or Lily request it." "Daddy, can Sheila and the others really 'fly' a plane to England?" "I think it may be possible. First we'll try some short 'flights'. They'll need breathing gear because of the ash in the air. Since they can lift the plane vertically, they won't need a runway to take off or land. For a long trip, they'll need food, water, warm clothing, some source of heat - if the engine isn't running they won't have any heat and it gets cold as you get higher - and probably a porta-potty." "Will it take a long time to get there?" "I'm not sure how long it will take, Molly. Commercial flights were 11 or 12 hours, but the jets flew faster than our small plane is designed for. We need to do some planning. We also need to talk to Alice Green. She appears to be an engineer/builder of spacecraft and she might have an idea for a vehicle other than a plane and that vehicle might be able to go faster than a jet." "What if they use the plane and they need to sleep?" "With Jane and Beth as 'flyers', one could sleep while the other was awake, but two 'flyers' can probably go faster than one. We only have one pilot/navigator; I'm not sure how to keep the plane on course if Sheila is asleep. I think it's time to ask Dr. Chambers if there's a 'stay awake' medication for kids." "Like you used driving in the G-O-O-D?" "Correct, smart girl." "Would they stay awake over and back?" "No, Honey, they would stay there for a day and catch up on sleep before they started back." "Uncle George, is there really some medicine that can keep us awake all day and all night?" "There's some for adults, Sheila. It's good for up to 48 hours, but then you must stop and catch up on sleep. I don't know if there's an equivalent medication for kids." "Would my Mom know?" "She either knows the answer or knows who to ask." "I'm meeting her at her office. I'll ask her today." "Thank you, Sheila." "Maybe I did too much flying - I think I'm gonna throw up." "Restroom right in front of you, Sheila. I'll come with you." "UURP! UURP! UURP! My mouth burns!" "Here's some water. Swish around in your mouth, then spit it out. Now do it again." "My throat still burns." "Gargle some water and spit it out." Grgl. Grgl. "My tummy is still moving." "I think you need to see your mother in her official capacity." "You think I'm pregnant?" "Molly and Sarah had the same symptoms." "Will you carry me?" "Yes. Molly, Sarah, Rose, Lily. Sheila just threw up so I'm taking her to see her mother." "Can we come?" "Yes, you may. Just don't get in Dr. Chambers' way while she's checking Sheila." "OK, Daddy. We'll stay in the front office." "Get the door for me?" "Got it, Poppy." "Thank you. Sarah." "Which floor, Uncle George?" "The school floor, Lily. That's floor 5." "Willa, you have another patient." "Sheila?" "We were in the video studio. She said something about 'flying too much', then threw up. It might be motion sickness, but we both know there could be another cause." "Right. Bring her back to exam room 2. Sheila, are your breasts tender?" "Just a little." "Then you get what Molly called the 'freezer thing'. I'll use the ultrasound to see whether you're pregnant." "Pregnant?" "You did ask Uncle George to make a baby in you." "Yes, but pregnant on the first try?" "In the new world of genetically altered girls, that seems to be normal. Yes, you're pregnant. It seems that the pregnancies now reveal themselves in the first 48 hours or so. It's a little girl." "You have another daughter, Uncle George!" "So I do. Do you think your mother might like to claim this one? She could be a lot of help to a new mother." "Would you, Mommy?" "Since your Uncle George has three other babies arriving soon, I think he could use another parent in the mix. What do we tell your sister about her parents when she's old enough to ask that question, Sheila?" "She'll have to know a lot about how things work now before she can understand that I'm her mother, won't she? If we tell her to call you Mommy, she'll be very confused when we try to explain how things really are." "You have about 4 months to think up an answer. You can try out ideas on me or your Uncle George." "Four months seems like a long time - but this is a hard question." "Take this anti-nausea pill and you'll feel better in a few minutes. Here are your bottles of anti-nausea pills and pre-natal vitamins. Anti-nausea at bedtime; vitamin after breakfast. This is your copy of the pregnant girl foods list." "Molly, did you say something about special dishes your Daddy made up from the list?" "Yes. He uses the mix and match list on the back of the chart to make some stuff that tastes good." "Can you teach me, Uncle George?" "Of course, Sheila. But I think your mother can probably do the same thing," "George, from Sheila's reports you're a much better cook than I am - and you already have experience cooking for two pregnant girls. Do you have room for another girl at mealtime?" """Yes!""" "I didn't ask you girls - I was pretty sure of your answer. George is the only one who knows whether he can manage food for another pregnant girl - and her probably wanting to spend the night so she'll be there for breakfast." "Can I?" """Can she?""" "We are moving to larger quarters - a 4 bedroom, 3 bath unit. There will be room for one more to sleep, but she'll have to work with the other girls to create a new sleep rotation." "Sleep rotation?" "Two girls sleep with me one night, the other two on the next night. That works for 4 girls, but trying to share me equally among 5 girls will be more complicated." "Unless each girl has her own night and we draw straws to see who sleeps with you each night of the weekend." "Good idea, Molly, but can the 5 of you handle the chance of the Friday night girl drawing Saturday and Sunday night?" "It won't work that way. If you get Saturday night, you don't get to draw for Sunday night." "What do the rest of you think of that idea? Sarah?" "OK with me." "Rose?" "OK with me." "Lily?" "OK with me and when you can fly me to England you'll be back to two and two." "Sheila?" "OK with me." "Since it was Molly's idea, I'll that as her approval. Today is Friday. Sheila has plans for tomorrow, so we won't start the new schedule until Monday evening. If anyone changes her mind before then, tell me so we can all get together to discuss this again." "George, you're amazing! You really plan to try this?" "For a week or two. Things may work out well or they may all decide that they want our current arrangement." "But won't I be left out, Uncle George?" "You wouldn't be part of the sleep rotation, Sheila, but you could spend the night and have your meals with us." "But sleeping with you is the best part!" "The other girls are willing to try it, but we don't know how well you all will get along if you're together all day, every day. Molly, Sarah, and Rose don't have anyone else. Lily has her Dad, but he's in England and we can't yet get her there. You have your Mom - I know, it's not the same, but you do have a parent." "OK, Uncle George. I understand. We need to find a way to get Lily to her Dad." "Yes, we do. I want you to find Alice Green and talk with her about how spacecraft are made and if it's possible to build a small, fast craft that can travel through the ash clouds." "Where is she?" "She's with her father, Sam Green. Do you know how to find people in the building directory?" "Yes." "Then you find Alice. If it's possible to build a flying craft, the two of you come talk to me about the supplies you need." "I'll find her when I get back to our quarters." "Thank you." "George, did you just assign the task of designing a spacecraft to a couple of little girls?" "Yes, Willa, but these are very knowledgeable little girls. I expect to have a rough design within a couple of days and a prototype within a week - assuming I can provide them with the materials they need." "You really think so?" "I've seen the other things they can do when their unique abilities are brought to bear on a problem. There's no reason this should be any different." "Uncle George?" "Yes, Lily?" "Did you just say that I might get to see my Dad in a week or so?" "If the materials needed to build the craft are available. That's still a very big 'if'." "OK. I didn't want to get my Dad's hopes up, so I won't tell him what you're doing." "Very good, smart girl. Girls, lunch will be served in the cafeteria starting in about 10 minutes. Rose and Lily can eat anything they have but Molly and Sarah must stay within their food guidelines. If the cafeteria doesn't have appropriate food for them, we'll go back to quarters and I'll fix something for them." "George, could you also take Sheila? I can't leave the office now and we don't have all the appropriate foods in our quarters." "Sure thing, Willa. Come with us, Sheila." "Daddy, I don't see anything that matches our food list." "You're right, Honey. There's a lot of comfort food, but not enough other things for our pregnant girls to make a meal of." "You're not eating with us today, Colonel?" "No, Dr. Zhing. Today's selections look very good, but they don't match the requirements of a pregnant girl's diet." "I'm so sorry. We should have thought about that, since it's one of the reasons we're here. Do you have a copy of the list?" "I have one." "Thank you, Sheila. This is the list, Dr. Zhing." "Please wait will I speak with Su Ling - she can be very creative at times." "Sit down, girls. We'll see what Su Ling can create." "Really quick, Poppy?" "Dr. Zhing thinks so, Sarah." "Colonel, I'm Su Ling. I apologize for not realizing how quickly the girls would start getting pregnant. If you can wait about 10 minutes, we'll steam some vegetables and make a more healthy sauce for the chicken and rice. We can make a dessert with apples and cheese while you eat." "Thank you, but that seems much work for very few people. I can take them back to our quarters and cook for them there." "You will not. Lunch for everyone is my job and I insist on doing it right. Besides, I need something to tease my always-has-things-perfect brother about." "Thank you, Su Ling. We'll wait." "Her brother, Papa?" "Dr. Zhing is Su Ling's brother, Rose, and he always seems to be in control of whatever situation he's in. I think Su Ling is enjoying his discomfort." "Most of the kids I knew at school were always looking for something to tease their brothers and sisters about. Do grown-up brothers and sisters still do that?" "You just heard it from Su Ling." "Colonel, have your girls try this." "They're not all mine." +Cupcake! +:What? +The father of the babies is 'family private'. +:Sorry, Papa. "I'm Molly; this is Sarah; this is Rose. Colonel Wilson adopted all of us because we didn't have anyone else. This is Lily; she's staying with us because her Daddy is in England. This is Sheila; she's our cousin and she stays with us sometimes." "I'm pleased to meet you. I'm the 'Aunt Sue' of Aunt Sue's Fried Chicken and Biscuits restaurant. I'd be pleased if you would call me Aunt Sue and tell me of foods you especially like." """Chicken enchiladas!""" "And the snake dish that tastes like them." "And the egg stuff Dr. Zhing brought us." "With your international food choices, I can prepare a number of things in a way that is good for you - they'll taste so good other people will ask for them, too." "This is good, Papa. Tastes like peanuts." "That's peanut soup from Thailand, Rose. Molly and Sarah also liked it the first time they tried it." "It's all good, Uncle George. Can you tell me what these things are?" "Sheila, the cook knows more about these dishes than I do. Su Ling?" "This is steamed brown rice with ginger and cinnamon. This is Scarborough Fair Chicken." "Scarborough Fair Chicken?" "There's song titled 'Scarborough Fair' that has a refrain of 'Parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme'. Those are the spices I used." "I never heard the song, but the chicken is yummy!" "Colonel, how would you translate 'yummy'?" "Somewhere between 'very good' and 'excellent'." "Then this will be on our regular menu. It's easier to prepare than some of the other chicken dishes and we can make a 'Good for you but we bet you want more' menu with the things appropriate for the pregnant girls. They will know that these are foods that fit their list, but it won't advertise that they are pregnant. I think most of them want to choose when and to whom they reveal that." "You're right, Su Ling. Thank you for being so understanding." "No, Colonel. Thank you and your daughters for saving my life and the lives of my brother and niece. Having food appropriate for them is just a small way of saying thank you." "They seem to have inhaled this meal. Maybe next time they can take long enough to enjoy their food." "They have a little longer to work on enjoyment. Dessert is on its way out." "This is really good!" "Su Ling, I think you have a winner here." "It's my niece's favorite dessert." "I think you've replaced me as their favorite cook - but that's a good thing. They can gather as many kids together as they want and I won't have to cook all the meals." "Then it's a win-win, Colonel. I'm always pleased to have happy eaters." "Girls, tell Su Ling thank you." """Thank you!""" "Thank you!" "Thank you!" "How do they do the simultaneous speaking?" "We're not sure, but the longer they are together, the more it happens. I wonder if they read each others' minds subconsciously?" "You have an interesting life, Colonel. One day fighting off armed attackers; another day finding lunch for a special group of little girls. You appear to move from challenge to challenge as easily as you might change your hat. I see why you're in charge." "Yes, it is interesting. Girls, time to go back to quarters. Sheila has some research to do and I have a challenge for Molly and Sarah. If Rose and Lily want to participate, that's OK too." """What challenge?""" +Wait 'til we're back in quarters. It's classified. """What?""" +Wait. "OK, Daddy. What's the big secret?" "If we're to send Lily to England by some of our 'flyers', we need communication for thousands of miles. I've asked the Molly Wilson in Oregon to 'listen' for Molly and Sarah starting in about an hour. She has a terminal there so I'll know what she's thinking and what she 'hears'. Don't look so surprised, Sheila. We have four girls named 'Molly Wilson' right here. We think there's some family knowledge that gets passed from generation to generation in the Wilson family - the first boy in each family is named George and the first girl is named Molly. Our original 'starman' ancestor took the name George and he married a Molly. We think the name George is in memory of the first George and Molly is in honor of the brave girl who married an alien." "Uncle George, why don't other people give us a complete answer like that?" "Maybe because they don't understand how smart you are and how much you can understand, Lily." "Where will we be for testing, Poppy?" "A place you haven't been before - level 61. That's a long way down into the ground. If you can communicate from there, then communicating from here to a craft flying over the Atlantic Ocean should be no problem." "I didn't know we had that many floors! The elevator only goes to 22." "The buttons for the other floors are behind the panels with key locks on them. When the population grows enough to fill the first 22 floors, we'll remove the panels as needed to make the buttons for the other floors visible. My key fits all those locks, so we can go directly to the bottom floor." "Is it a long ride, Papa?" "Normally it would be, but my key also has an override mode that can set the elevator to its highest speed. It's like the parachute drop at Six Flags." "Can we play on the elevator, Poppy?" "You know better than that. You get one ride down and one ride back up." "You're no fun, Uncle George." "Your other choice is to stay on this floor with Beth and Jane." """I'll take one ride!""" "Grab a jacket. The unused floors are not heated so they will be the temperature of the ground at that level - about 12C. Can one of you tell me what the Fahrenheit equivalent is?" "53?" "Very good, Molly." "Where did she learn that, Poppy?" "From a book she read. But you'll all be learning things like that in school. Why would you need to know how the different temperature scales compare?" "Because we might work with people who use both?" "Because we might read a cookbook that uses either one?" "Good answers, smart girls. My key is in the highest lock, so I can uncover the button for floor 61. Hold tight to one of the rails. Why are there 3 rails?" "So short and tall people can have a place to hold on?" "Very good." "Is school with you gonna be like this, Uncle George? Where you have us do things and ask us questions that make us think?" "Yes, Lily. As much as possible school will involve 'mind stretchers' - things that I think you can do, but only if you work hard." "This wasn't hard, it was fun!" "I hope you still find this kind of work 'fun' on Monday. Ready? I'll count to 3. 1. 2. 3." Whoosh! "My feet left the floor!" "My tummy is in my mouth!" "This really is a parachute ride!" "We're almost there, so the elevator will start slowing down to make a soft stop at floor 61." "Going up that fast won't be fun, will it? We'll be squashed to the floor!" "That's right, Honey, so we'll start back up slowly and the elevator will speed up more gently. I don't plan to 'squash' any of my girls." "You're silly, Poppy." "Yes, I get it from my daughters. We've arrived. Out of the elevator and turn right. There's an office we can heat and the terminal I'll use is in there." "Daddy, what are we 'sending' to the other Molly?" "You can 'send' your name and your location. You're Molly Wilson in the Durham Survival Building. Sarah, you're Sarah Wilson - let's not confuse the other Molly by having two girls with the same name." "OK, Daddy." "OK, Poppy." "Rose, Lily. If you want to try, wait until I tell Molly and Sarah to take a break. Remember to use your current names - having 4 people named 'Molly Wilson' would be even more difficult for the Molly in Oregon." "OK." "OK." SECURE TERMINAL READY ID: GWilson PASSWORD: ************** ACCEPTED Thumbprint scan: ACCEPTED INTERACTIVE MODE GWilson, Durham Survival Building: Have you 'heard' from either girl here? Molly Wilson, Oregon Survival Building: Are there two girls named Molly? I hear a strong Molly, a strong Sarah, and a much weaker Molly. GWilson, Durham Survival Building: There are two named Molly, but one goes by Sarah because having two girls named Molly in the same family would be confusing. It seems you have 'heard' a background mental process. There are two more here who want to try. Two minutes. "Molly, Sarah. She heard both of you - and she heard Sarah's 'Molly' faintly in the background. You can stop for a few minutes. Rose, Lily. You try sending your name and location." GWilson, Durham Survival Building: Do you hear anything now? Molly Wilson, Oregon Survival Building: A strong Rose, a strong Lily, and two faint Molly's. GWilson, Durham Survival Building: They are both named Molly but are using Rose and Lily because having four girls named Molly would be even more confusing. Molly Wilson, Oregon Survival Building: It's already confusing. How did four girls named Molly Wilson wind up together? GWilson, Durham Survival Building: Wait two minutes, then think that question to the first Molly. We'll see if you can do two way communication. "Rose, Lily. She heard you - and she heard two faint Molly's in the background. You can stop sending now. As hard as you girls have tried to be your 'other' name, you've been 'Molly' as long as you can remember and you still send out that identification. Our distant Molly is going to try to ask some questions. I want all of you to listen, but only answer if she calls your name. Remember that 'Molly' is my first Molly." +$Molly at Durham. Can you hear me? +This is Molly at Durham. You sound the same as when my sister is next to me. +$Can anyone else there hear me? +.I can. I'm Sarah. +:I can. I'm Rose. +%I can. I'm Lily. +I can. I'm Colonel Wilson. +$Explain the four Molly's to me? +Molly is my niece, whom I adopted when her parents were killed in car accidents. Sarah is a girl we rescued here. She had no family. Molly insisted on her being part of our family so I adopted her. Rose is also a girl we rescued. She had no family and again Molly insisted that she be part of our family so I adopted her. Lily is staying with us because her father is in England and we can't yet get her to him. Sarah, Rose and Lily are all named Molly, but are using the other names because having four girls named Molly in the same family would be very confusing for me. +$It's a lot easier 'talking' this way because I can 'see' who's talking. You're the Colonel Wilson who taught us the mind hug, aren't you? +Yes. Thank you for helping us with this test, Molly in Oregon. We're trying to plan a way to get Lily to her father and will need communications for the trip there and back. Now we know it can be done. +$Are other people working on that project? When I 'listen' hard, I hear a Sheila and an Alice, but Alice is very faint. +Sheila is a cousin to these girls. Communications with family members is easier and works farther than with other people. You can hear Alice because you are a Wilson and our family excels in communications. Alice can't hear you because she's not family. I don't know how far people in other families can communicate. There's an Alice Green in the Oregon building. Talk with her about long distance communications. If she can 'talk' to her family at a distance, we can do this same test between your Alice Green and our Alice Green. Meanwhile, this is 'family private'. Other people do not know how much the Wilson family can hear. +$I understand. All the kids here know that I can hear them if they 'yell' but I haven't said anything about hearing them when they're not trying to talk to me. +Very good, smart girl. +$My Daddy calls me 'smart girl' too. Are we family? +Remember that we both have an ancestor named 'starman'. When we get back to our quarters, I'll have my Molly start the family tree program and try to contact you. The two of you can see how we're related. +$OK. +We're going back now. Molly should be trying to contact you in about 10 minutes. You go pee before then. +$How did you know I need to pee? +I can 'feel' what's going on with my girls. I think you may be very close family. +$I'll be listening for Molly. "OK, girls, back to the elevator." "That was weird, Poppy, but it was kinda fun to 'talk' to someone that far away." "Did the terminal help us 'talk' to the other Molly, Daddy? I know we can do things over the phone and TV." "No, Molly. I turned the terminal off when I asked you all to listen for the other Molly. All the communication was between minds." "But it's like being in the same room, Uncle George." "I know, Lily. There are a lot of things we don't know or understand about the mental powers we inherited from the aliens. Today we learned a little more." "I learned a lot, Papa! Not only can we 'talk' but we can identify someone by their mind and they can see if we use more than one name - and you could 'feel' that she needed to pee! That's like you do with us, but she's a long way from here." "Yes, Rose it is a long way to Oregon - about 2800 miles. When the other Molly gets her Alice Green to try to talk to our Alice Green, we'll learn some more. We may be the only family that can communicate this far and we might be the only family that can hear other families this far away. It's also possible that other families can 'talk' just as far within the family but can't do long distances with other families. Hold on, we're going back up." "That wasn't a very big push, Daddy. I thought you said it could squash us." "It could but I didn't start up at full speed. The elevator did its normal gentle start and acceleration so we're now going up just as fast as we came down - but it's a lot easier for the riders to manage." "Papa's right, Molly. Look how fast the numbers are changing!" "WOW!" "OK, girls, hold on again because we're slowing down. I'll slow it a little faster than normal." "My feet are off the floor again!" "We really were going fast!" "We're stopped. The access panel is back in place and this is just another elevator." "But we know the key to use to run it fast!" "Sorry, Sarah, but the control panel is keyed to my fingerprint. Your finger on button 61 would get you to floor 61, but the trip would take several minutes." "You're taking care of us again, aren't you, Papa?" "Yes, Rose. I must be sure that the 'fun' things can't hurt you." "I like being part of this family!" "Back to our quarters. Molly, start the family tree program and 'call' the other Molly. Other girls - do you want to plan supper or do you want to go to the daddy-daughter dinner and dance tonight?" "A party? Why?" "Because we don't have many celebrations here and we need to do some fun things." "Are you gonna take Sheila?" "No. Bill Jackson is her 'date' tonight." "Will we all get special time with you when we get back?" "No. We can do the usual two girls with me or you can choose to draw straws for just one of you to have me all to herself. For that, you must all agree. If not, it's either the usual two or I sleep by myself." "He'd do that?" "Yes, Lily. Daddy will send us all to bed without any snuggle or anything. I think Lily should get him all to herself tonight. She had to share him with me last night and I know they didn't do much." "Sarah?" "I think so too, Poppy." "Rose?" "Me too, Papa." "How do you feel about that Lily?" "You'd all do that for me? Even let him make a baby in me?" """Yes.""" "Wah! Boo-hoo!" "What's wrong, Lily?" "Uncle George, I'm so happy! I never knew I'd find people who love me this much. Will you really make a baby in me?" "I'll promise to see if you're big enough to make a baby. If so I'll try. No promise on being successful." "I'm in the best family in the world!" "All of you need to shower. I'll take you one at a time and wash you quickly. Sorry, no fun stuff - just getting you clean in time to get to the party. Dr. Zhing, Dr. Trang, and Su Ling are the chefs tonight so I know there will be foods you can eat and some of it you will love. Choose a dressy dress. Other than Molly, your dresses are interchangeable. No makeup. I want my pretty little girls to be pretty 'little' girls." "Daddy, isn't that the uniform you wore for the award ceremony?" "Yes, Honey." "You're so handsome in it!" "Glad you approve. I can't hold four hands unless you can walk in step and not step on each others' feet." """"We can do it!"""" All four of them together that time. Maybe the distance 'exercise' earlier makes them better able to work closely. +.It does. "Lovely ladies, may I have a date with all of you?" """"You're silly, but we want a date with you anyway."""" This should be an interesting evening. At least I don't have to keep the secret any longer. "Keep what secret?" "You'll know in a few minutes." "I wanna know now!" +Teapot. +.Yes, Poppy. "Who decorated the room, Daddy?" "Jane and Lacey. You weren't involved because you were doing other things." "Why is everyone over there, Uncle George?" "Why don't you go look, Lily?" "Hi, Lily." "DADDY! How did you get here? Why didn't they tell me? I thought I was gonna fly to you? Why..." +Pasta! +%What? "It's a long story. Your Dad can tell you all about it later." "George, I think you better tell it. I'm here, but I'm still not sure that I believe how I got here." "Lily, first I'll give you some background. When the US Space Shuttle program ended in 2011, there was still a need for an International Space Station. Russia, China, India, and Korea funded the refurbishing of the ISS to create the International Space Station II or ISS II. To ensure the ISS II crew would not be stranded if the rockets could not reach them, the changes included an excape pod for each person on the ISS. When Yellowstone erupted, the ISS II crew left via their escape pods. One of those pods landed near the Dover site. Once the girls learned what they could do with their minds at long distances, it was only a small step to get Beth to try long distance levitation and Sheila to try long distance piloting. The escape pod near the Dover site provided a vehicle that could safely carry one person at very high speeds. Our Molly in Oregon could stay in touch with your Dad as he rode in the escape pod, so while you girls were looking up family tree info, getting showers, choosing dresses, and fixing each others' hair, your Dad was on his way here very fast." "We really surprised her, didn't we, Daddy?" "Yes, you certainly did." "Dad, I told them they were the best family in the world and now I know it!" "I have to agree with you, Lily." "I think I promised some girls a party tonight. Dinner and some dancing. Would you ladies join me for a meal?" """Yes!""" "Colonel, if you and your ladies would follow me?" "Thank you, Dr. Zhing." "We're at the big table, Daddy. And there's Beth and Sheila and Jane and Lacey - and a TV?" "This table is for the guests of honor, starting with Lily and her Dad, but it includes everyone who had a part in the project. The TV also has a camera on it. It's for our Molly in Oregon to be seen and heard and for her to see and hear us." "You said dancing? Where will we get music?" "Colonel Mason plays the violin. Captain McGregor plays the guitar. Bill Jackson plays piano. Sam Green plays drums. If they don't know a song someone wants, we have a huge library of recorded music. I think there will be plenty of music." "What are these foods, Papa?" "Su Ling has done her magic on a number of things that you girls can eat. I don't see anyone refusing them, so I think you'll like them also." "Who gets to dance with you first, Daddy?" "I think I'll let you draw straws for that. But the very first dance is for Lily and her Dad. No one else will take the floor until they have a dance of their own." "Do they have a special song?" "Yes. Our Oregon Molly talked with Lily's Dad while he travelled and she learned a number of things that were used in the decorations and the choices of music." +Hi, distant Molly. +$Hi, Mr. Wilson. We really did it! +Yes, you did. You girls are capable of some very big things. When school starts Monday, I have some big projects for you to think about. +$But I'm not in your school. +You can be part of the day if you join us by TV. +$Really? But will my teacher here know what I'm doing? Will I get a grade on it here? +Yes to all your questions. There may be some other girls who attend our school part of the day. I know there is a lot of interest at the Dover Survival Building. They didn't believe what we were doing was possible, but now they want to learn about everything. +$But isn't it night in England when it's day here? +Yes, so they'll be spending part of their evening with us and you'll be spending part of your morning with us. +$I see Lily and her Dad are on the dance floor. What kind of music for them? +Because he's still recovering from his injuries, something slow. "Can we dance too, Poppy?" "Not yet, Sarah. Everyone will wait until Lily and her Dad finish and give them a round of applause. Whoever draws the short straw can dance with me." "Which one is shortest?" "Rose has it." "They finished." "Applause, girls." "Papa, I don't know how to dance." "That's OK, Rose. You stand on my feet and you'll seem to float with the music." "You're silly but I feel so loved!" "Who's next" "Me, Poppy. I don't know how to do couples dancing." "You stand on my feet as Rose did." "I look like I'm really dancing!" "Your turn, Molly." "Is this one gonna be slow?" "Yes." "Can you hold me?" "OK." "I love you so much, Daddy. You do so much for other people, like getting Lily's Dad here for her." "I love you, too, Honey. You do understand that there's another reason for proving that you girls could lift and pilot a ship and stay in touch with it?" "I know. We're gonna build a spaceship, but first you have to show everyone that it can be done. You want to get us to a new planet that isn't falling apart." "That's right, smart girl. I want us to live on a planet that has clean air and water, and doesn't move unexpectedly - no faults, no volcanoes." "That was a short dance!" "No, Honey, that was a long conversation." "You're right, Daddy. I'm tired. Is it time to go home?" "I think so." "Uncle George! Uncle George!" "Yes, Lily?" "Thank you for bringing my Dad to me!" "There were other people who did a lot more than I did, Lily." "I've already thanked everyone else, but I have to thank you for making it possible. You believed in a bunch of kids and let them try something no one else would have. I love being in this family!" "We love having you." "I love being in this family, too, George. I don't know if I'll ever figure out how they did what they did, but I'm glad you trusted these kids and allowed them to help." "I think you'll understand - you have a smart girl to help you." "A lot smarter than I ever dreamed - and with abilities out of a Sci-Fi movie. I know, we're descended from aliens and are living our own Sci-Fi movie." "That's as good a description as anyone has been able to come up with, Frank. Just wait until you experience the exciting events in next week's sequel." "I don't know whether I can manage any more excitement." "You'll feel better tomorrow. I think it's time for our little party-goers to turn in. I see a couple that are already asleep. If I hurry, I'll only have one to carry." "Who sleeps with you tonight, Poppy?" "Since you and Rose missed your turn last night, tonight should be yours. I'll get Molly undressed and maybe awake long enough to brush her teeth. You two get ready for bed." ""OK, bur can we do other stuff?"" "If you don't fall asleep before I get in bed. It's late, so I won't wake you if you're asleep. Tomorrow will be a busy day. Do you remember that we're moving to larger quarters?" "Can we each have a room?" "With some conditions. You need to allow space for a baby bed in your room if you want to have your own room. If you want to have a nursery with all the babies in it and if Sheila is here we'll have 4 people spread over two bedrooms, so someone will have to share a room each night. If you choose twin beds in the rooms, then you won't be sharing a bed, just the room. As your babies grow inside you, you may be more comfortable sleeping on a bed where you can sleep in whatever position is most comfortable. That comfortable position may not allow space for another person, even in a big bed." "OK. Can we talk about it tomorrow when Molly is awake?" "Yes, Sweetie. I want all of you to think about how the rooms should be configured when there are 4 more little girls here." "If Molly had two baby beds in her room, there wouldn't be any space left for her stuff, would there?" "That depends on the size of the room. We'll explore the new quarters and you can measure the rooms in the morning. Then we'll plan for who should be where. After you girls work that out, we'll move. I've asked some of the other people to help us with the furnishings we have here. How you girls decide to split up the rooms will determine which pieces we take and what new pieces we'll need from Housing Supplies." "I'm too tired to think about that now, Poppy. Kiss me goodnight?" Smooch. "Me. too, Papa." Smooch. Down and asleep in 20 seconds. It's been a long and busy day for them - but very productive. They feel good about getting Lily and her Dad back together and maybe somewhat happy that there's one less girl they have to share me with. Ian said Beth went to sleep immediately after their first dance. She did do the most 'work' today - lifting and moving that capsule for a couple of hours - but she was radiant tonight when she saw Lily with her Dad; Beth knew she had done something very few others could do and she was the first to try it. I'm very pleased with all the girls. They did long distance planning, coordination, piloting, TK, and communication - except for long distance medical treatment, just about everything needed to 'fly' a group of ships into space. Did I once say we would 'talk about space travel in 10 years'? The kids will be designing working ships as soon as school starts. Was it only 20 days that this roller coaster ride started? I think I told Molly to do something tomorr....