Chapter 30: Family

Chapter 30: Family

The automatic doors opened with a slight, barely audible hiss as they slid into the walls on either side of the doorframe, allowing two people to step through before gliding closed once more. The first was a man in a bulky, bland, and strangely featureless space suit. The second was a girl with coiling raven locks, eyes that swirled with the un-light of the abyss beyond reality, and a childish grin upon her pale lips. All around them was a vast yet orderly network of conveyor belts that carried products in various stages of completion to and from dozens of precisely calibrated manufacturing machines. The air rumbled with buzzing and clanging noises that seemed to carry a rhythm of their own. It was a song of industry and efficiency, a chorus most pleasing to the otherworldly entity of order.

And this is the third-stage assembly room, Joe pointed out. Its where I take the alloy plates, high-density superconductors, and micro-servos from the upper floors and have them put together into thruster frames. I wind up with a lot of shavings and other byproducts that I just funnel over through there and back into the smelting plant I showed you earlier to get the most of the raw materials.

Maggie nodded vigorously as she followed along with his explanations. She normally wasnt a big fan of virtual simulations since they were very surface-level. After all, could it truly be called a faithful reproduction of reality if it didnt feature accurate atomic structures of various types of matter? Absolutely not, at least by the Observers impossibly high standards. However, there was something strangely satisfying in the way this game called Astral Engineers did things. It wasnt trying to emulate the real world, but rather presented an intentionally simplified and idealized version of it. Machinery didnt break down, fuel and materials were always delivered on schedule, and there were never faults or defects in the manufactured items.

Rather than a simulation, it was more accurate to call this virtual reality an elaborate play - a work of art that used the game as a stage and its mechanics as actors. What made this piece extra special was that Joe had made it specifically for Maggie. The man had poured hundreds of hours into it over the course of several weeks, struggling to master the titles systems and production lines despite their intricacies and complexities. He put in all that effort for no reason or recompense other than seeing the girl he loved smile. He was certainly getting his moneys worth on that front, so to speak. The wondrous smile plastered on her lips hadnt faded since he began the grand tour, and Joe himself bore a dumb grin of his own under his helmets opaque visor. His smile couldnt be seen, though it could definitely be heard.

So, yeah, he rounded off his explanation. After thats done, the thrusters are taken down to the final assembly line where the shuttles are put together. What do you think?

Maggie responded by throwing her arms around him and planting a huge wet smack on his visor.

I love it. You really did an incredible job.

Ah. Ahah, Joe laughed nervously, not sure how to take the compliment.

The girl had omitted for a mentally stunted human from the end of her otherwise honest assessment as she judged that would be an insult to all the effort and care he had poured into it. He had even gone out of his way to create something that produced spacecraft, a subject Maggie had shown a vested interest in. The girl was a bit sceptical at first since he insisted on keeping this as a secret until it was finished, even going so far as to make her promise she wouldnt peek. Having her curiosity build up for so long only made the big reveal all the more satisfying, which was in itself a rather unexpected turn of events. It turned the whole affair into a bit of a learning experience since it was the first time the Observer had ever anticipated something this much.

Well, Im glad you liked it. Ill send you a copy so feel free to just hop in here and watch the assembly line churn whenever you need to relax, okay?

I shall endeavor to do so. Thank you again, she planted another kiss on his helmet. Can we actually fly the vessels produced here?

Uh I dont think so, no. Its not a flight sim.

Oh, disappointment flashed across her face.

But they have the same model in Underwater Yoga Blaster, we can take a joy ride there if you want, he offered.

No, thats alright. Let us simply remain here and soak in the fruits of your labor.

If you insist.

The couple then proceeded to virtually cuddle underneath the chorus of industry. Normally such interactions were rather unsatisfying, but Joe was dating what was essentially a techno-wizard. He wasnt sure how or what Maggie had done, but he could clearly feel her warm-yet-cool touch on his skin even though she was pressing against his virtual space suit. Even those kisses were frighteningly close to the real deal. However, Joe didnt dwell on the details and simply enjoyed the moment that seemed to drag on for hours.

*Ring-ring*

The impromptu cuddling session inevitably drew to a close when the ringing of the couples actual doorbell was relayed into the digital world.

Jeeves, can you check who that is? Joe asked aloud.

At once, sir.

The couple remained firmly on the digital factory floor while their auto-butler carried out his meet and greet protocols.

Sir, you have a visitor, one Margaret Mulligan. Shall I let her in?

Bugger, Joe mumbled. I forgot mum was visiting today.

Maggie looked up at him and raised an eyebrow quizzically.

What? he shrugged. She told me like, two weeks ago. A lot of stuff happened since, okay?

You misunderstand. I am not questioning your forgetfulness. I am merely curious as to what sort of human would have produced you.

Oh. That sounds kinda mean.

I did not intend it as such.

I know, just saying. Anyway, lets go greet her before she gets mad.

Joe and Maggie emerged from their mutual VR pod within moments. The apartment had several of these so the two of them no longer needed to share, but neither of them saw that as a reason to stop. The man stretched lazily as he walked over to the front door with his cosmic sweetheart following close behind. Jeeves was hovering in the hallway, patiently awaiting a response to his question of whether he should let the guest in.

Jeeves, do I look presentable? Joe inquired, overriding the standby.

Not in the slightest, sir. Youre dressed in your pajamas, your hairs a mess, and you have some dark smudges around your mouth.

Huh?

The guy looked at himself in the mirror. The clothes and hair were one thing, but the stains on his face worried him somewhat. He had no idea what they were or how theyd gotten there. They certainly werent there when he brushed his teeth this morning, and hed been in the pod ever since. His bewilderment lasted until he caught a glimpse of Maggies smirking reflection. More specifically, of the black lipstick she had been wearing for the past few days at Joes request.

It now suddenly made sense why those virtual kisses felt so real.

Napkin, sir? Jeeves offered.

Please.

The raunchy evidence was quickly wiped away without a trace. Whether the ease of cleaning was due to the excellent space-age fabric of the napkin or the mind-boggling amount of research and development that went into that lipstick, Joe could not say. Nor did he even ponder the matter. The stain was gone, which made him look good enough to greet his own mother. Yes, he was still wearing his PJs and had terrible bed-head, but he didnt see either of these as issues. Despite Jeeves earlier comment, such a look was a sign of success, not slovenliness. Very few people had real beds to sleep in, after all.

Or at least that was the explanation Joe planned to give his mum if she questioned why he and Maggie were still in their sleepwear even though it was already noon.

Opening the door revealed a relatively unremarkable middle-aged woman. She had short brown hair just like her sons, which was styled in a neat bob cut that made one think the next words out of her mouth would be a demand to see a manager. Her face said otherwise, however. She had soft, round eyes, deep laugh lines around her lips, and a somewhat large nose hovering over a pleasant smile. Her frame was short and thin, wrapped in a casual pink blouse and a pair of RetroStyle jeans. All in all, there was absolutely no doubt that this was indeed Joes biological mother. The two looked so alike they could easily pass for siblings if not for the age gap.

Joe! she beamed. So good to see you, my boy!

Margaret stepped forward and hugged her son tightly, pulling his face down a bit so she could plant a wet smack on his cheek.

Hey, mum, he wiped his face with his sleeve. Sorry I didnt answer sooner, I was showing Maggie some stuff in my VR pod.

Oh my, look at you! All grown up and sharing a pod with a girl! To be honest I was starting to worry Id never see the day.

Yeah, same here.

The two Mulligans shared a light chuckle before the mother moved on to the subject matter of her visit.

So, you must be Maggie.

Uh, mum, please dont call her that, Joe butted in.

What? Why not? Thats her name, isnt it?

Well, no. Thats like, my name for her, and it gets weird if someone else uses it.

Oh, pish-posh! What are you, five?

It is fine, the girl interjected. If she wishes to address me as such, then I will allow it.

Though she normally got a bit ticked off whenever non-Joe individuals referred to her as Maggie rather than Mags, she didnt feel like that with his mother. The two were not only as closely related as they could get, but also so alike that it almost felt natural. Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, the Observers humanity had matured to the stage where it understood how unreasonable it was to get upset over peoples misuse of names. It was like getting mad at the sun for rising every morning.

It is good to finally meet you, Margaret Mulligan, Maggie offered a handshake.

And you as well, dearie, the woman graciously accepted it. Though what what is that?

She squinted hard, having caught a glimpse of something wriggling within the girls ever-folding locks.

It is merely my pet, AzgodKalar the Calm. Come out and say hello, wont you?

The orb python gently slithered out from behind Maggies neck and onto her shoulder. It then gave Margaret what was indisputably a wave with the tip of its tail before retreating back to its favorite resting spot, much to the guests astonishment.

My word! the woman gasped. You know, Im not a huge fan of snakes, but that is the politest slithery bugger Ive ever seen.

I have been very thorough in my training of AzgodKalar, the girl proudly declared.

Indeed you have. Now if only you could whip this lazy pillock into shape, the mother shot her son a sharp glare.

Hey! he protested.

Margaret stared at him with a face of utter disbelief, tears welling up in her eyes and a hand on her gaping mouth. Seeing her like that made Joe instantly regret saying what he did, but words spoken aloud could not be taken back.

Look, I didnt mean that, he tried to anyway. I was just expecting a nice chat over tea and bikkies, not being told that my dads been a convicted criminal for all my life. This is just its too much.

His apology didnt help. His mother was already sobbing quietly into a napkin. Joe sat next to her and did everything he could to comfort her. Meanwhile Maggie remained as she usually was, calmly and quietly observing the interaction. Thankfully the mother-son duo were able to work things out fairly quickly. Joe was never one to hold a grudge, and Margaret seemed strangely relieved and refreshed to have gotten that weight of her chest.

Im so sorry, Joe. I really am, she said once shed calmed down. We didnt know what else to say to you when you were just a little boy, and by the time you were old enough to understand

Its okay, mum. I get it, he reassured her. I dont like it, but I get it.

Just dont think badly of your father. Hes stuck in a bad spot and we tried to make the most of it.

I will try.

Joe was conflicted. On one hand, he was relieved that his father wasnt some gambling workaholic that thought his pride was more important than his family. However, finding out he was responsible for some huge accident didnt exactly paint him in a positive light, either.

Im ever so sorry for dragging you into our personal affairs like this, my dear, Margaret turned to Maggie.

It is no bother. Joes affairs are important to me as my own, she calmly replied.

Oh! Such a sensible girl! Ive no idea what my fool of a boy did to wind up with you, but please be patient with him.

The man wouldve normally spoken up for himself at this point, but he was still processing the news.

That need not be your concern, Maggie reassured her. If anything, it is your son who has been most patient with me.

Thats sweet of you to say, dearie.

Say, Maggie? Joe had an idea. Cant you, like, help my dad out?

What in the world are you on about? Margaret questioned her boy.

Maggies got some connections with a few government types. Maybe she can pull some strings, get his sentence lessened or something.

I can you?! the mother got her hopes up.

Unfortunately I must disappoint. Such matters are beyond the scope of my contract with the Third British Empire.

Ah. Yes, of course

Even if that wasnt the case, the girl added, it is my understanding that the man is serving a sentence for crimes he was found justly guilty of. It would be against my principles to intervene in such a manner.

Is he actually responsible, though? Joe looked to his mom. Didnt the corporations just use him as a scapegoat to save themselves legal trouble and stuff?

I wish that was the case. Both the courts and your father felt that the incident was primarily his fault. I dont remember all the details anymore, but he cut a lot of corners he really shouldnt have, and it came back to bite him in the arse.

The married couple had already come to grips with the reality that Barry wasnt just a fall guy, and did indeed deserve the sentence handed down to him. He never meant for anyone to get hurt as a result of his shortcuts, of course, but intent did not absolve negligence.

Well, in any event, I feel it might be best for me to leave and come back another time, Margaret rose from her seat. Again, I feel terrible for bringing all this baggage with me on my first visit, and I hope youll have me again.

Of course, mum, Joe reassured her.

Any time, Maggie beamed. Just please, notify me as well so that I might better prepare next time.

What, you mean Joe didnt tell you I was coming?

He had forgotten about your visit until you were at our doorstep.

Margaret sighed knowingly.

I thought something was up when you two answered the door in those pajamas. I just figured it was some newfangled fashion statement, but I shouldve known Joe was behind it. It boggles the mind where he gets his forgetfulness from, because its certainly not from me or Barry.

Oh, come on. Whats the big deal? Its not like youve never spaced out on a casual meeting, the man argued.

Excuse me? I am your mother. I would like to think Im important enough to remember! Also, Im not the one who didnt show up to class for a week because he forgot summer vacation ended.

It was that one time! And whats wrong with pajamas?!

Theyre sleepwear for sleeping in, not for greeting visitors, she firmly stated the obvious. Oh, but lets not sour this any further. It was really good to see you in person, my boy, and Im glad we finally had that talk.

Yeah, me too.

The parent and child hugged it out once more, a bit tighter than before.

And it was lovely to meet you, Maggie. Please dont hesitate to contact me should something happen.

Come on, mum

Now, now. I may not be some big-brained ambassador with her own palace, but Ive been around long enough to learn a thing or two about how the world works.

I will make sure to seek your wisdom should I require it, the girl politely accepted.

Please do. Cheers, then.

With that, Joe and Maggie waved Margaret off as Jeeves escorted her to the front door.

Oh, and one last thing, she said just before ducking out of sight. Im pretty sure my old wedding dress will fit you nicely, so dont hesitate to borrow it when the time comes.

And then she was gone before Joe could even attempt to interject. Then again, it wasnt as if he hadnt given marriage at least a fleeting thought. It was still far too early for that, but it was definitely in the realm of things he really ought to get around to handling eventually. Speaking of which, there was another matter within that repository of procrastination. One that the days events had bumped up to the front of the queue.

Maggie, I have a favor to ask you.

Speak it, and I shall strive to complete it to the full extent of my abilities.

Woah there, he raised his hands. Lets dial it down a notch. I just need some help overcoming my fear of space flight, preferably without any brain-wavy stuff. Think you can do that?

I would be delighted to, though why the sudden change of heart?

He had been quite adamant about never again leaving Butterpond-4 during the couples return trip from Lancaster-3. Not that Maggie was going to complain about this sudden influx of courage and determination, but she was quite curious where it came from.

Well I think dad owes me a lot of answers, and since he cant visit me, Im going to visit him.

Maggies smile and eyes widened in pleased astonishment. She had heard that familial ties were powerful motivators, but this was the first time shed seen it firsthand. Her usual, more controlled demeanor returned almost immediately, after which she sat back down on the sofa.

I comprehend. Then set your head upon my lap and we shall begin immediately.

Uh I did specifically request no brain-wavy stuff, didnt I?

You certainly did.

So why should I put my head on your lap?

Because I owe you thirty six minutes of pampering for that wonderful gift you showed me earlier.

Okay but how does that relate to my phobia?

It is a debt that must be settled before any additional favors can be dispensed.

You know you couldve just asked if you felt like cuddling some more.

Id like to cuddle some more.

Joe couldnt help but shake his head prior to resting it upon Maggies thighs.

For being such an invasive busybody and self-proclaimed truth-seeker, the girl was surprisingly prone to hiding her own desires behind technicalities.