Author: Pat Gibson

Wedding preparations… “Mama, do I have to wear this long robe? I can barely walk!” Sarita tried to walk across the room in the garment traditionally worn by Refugio women for weddings. “Even in Utopia, women wear skirts for special occasions.” Rita knew most Utopia women rarely wore anything except the one-piece coveralls reminiscent of…

A meeting is called and fails…     “The emergency meeting of the Council of Houses will come to order.” Francos was annoyed. Emiliano Pesch had invoked an ancient rule to call this meeting less than a full day after the announcement of the betrothal. Romerie Malfe had somehow regained his position with the family and…

Refugio, a wedding to plan, a dispute to settle…     Joachim Pesch had presented himself at the Residency by midmorning. “My family objects to this arrangement.” Emiliano had insisted he demand the family be included in the consultation for the marriage contract. Francos decided to include Rita in the meeting. Joachim was shaken that this…

An announcement is noticed…     “What is the news, mi mano?” Darion Smoot joined his brother Philipe at the first meal.     Philipe was engrossed in his reader. “What? Oh, you have not read it yet. The Overlord announced his son is betrothed to a woman of Pesch, but one that grew up in Utopia…

Ser Pesch is not pleased…     “How can this be?” Emiliano screamed at his nephew, Chim Pesch. “How can my sister be living at the Residence? How can my stupid youngest brother be there too? Who is this woman they claim will be wife to that brain damaged fool, Megal Morales?”     “Ser, I only…

Repairing a stumble, finding a friend…     Megal made his way to the harem in the morning and asked if he could speak to Sarita.     His father’s elderly cousin who served as the harem steward was obviously upset. “Why do you even consult me, Megal? Why does Ser Francos even keep me on? Just…

Port, quick trip…     Blackie’s arrival in Port was greeted with cheers. The trade goods were quickly unloaded, and Jill was ecstatic.     “Get those littles ready, Lisa Beth, we got meat to feed them!” Jill called to the head of the nursery. Jill and Doc Gupta had been worried because there was not enough…

Stay or go home? “Mandy,” Blackie asked, “are you going to sail back with us, or stay here?” He was not sure they needed a full-time representative, but Tony had suggested it. Mandy was hesitant, mainly because of the sea voyage and her physical reaction to it. Mandy was not really looking forward to any…

    Refugio, a thwarted plan, a return from the dead… Emiliano Pesch yelled at Basilo, the worker he used as a spy in the Residence. “What do you mean my sister Rita is at the Residence? She is dead. Has been for years,”     “I assure you, Ser Pesch, not only is Sera Rita there,…

First meeting, secrets revealed…     The women were deep in conversation with Sarita when Marta saw Megal and Serept at the door. She located Sarita in the group. “Sarita, please join me in my office.” Sarita handed her spindle and supplies to Bella and crossed the stone pavement to join the older woman.     “I…