Based on Emotion

The Zeboim Saga

Elly knocked at Kreruain's door. She hadn't heard from him in weeks, and sincerely hoped that he was home. Just three days ago, Miang Haawa, the Prime Minister's wife, proudly made the announcement that a cease-fire with Trewth had been called. The Prime Minister himself, away on a trip to Loveh, could not make the announcement himself. She recalled that Kim looked astonished, at first, but then he lifted his voice in a loud cheer, startling Emeralda. He pumped his fist and stated, "I knew Miang would do it!"

Elly hoped that Kreruain would be called back from the front lines by now. Emeralda was doing well. She was still immature for her appearance, but in a matter of weeks, she had become potty-trained, learned to eat properly, and could understand and speak to basic Zebonese words. She was extremely intelligent, and was a marvelous learner.

As the knock hit the door the third time, Elly held her breath. When the door finally opened, she was staring into the handsome tanned face of General Kreruain.

Without a word, she reached up for him and grabbed him in a tight hug. Kreruain was surprised at this for a moment, but then he relaxed and accepted her enthusiasm.

"I'm so glad you're okay," Elly breathed. "So glad, so glad."

And she was invited inside for tea and biscuits. Kreruain didn't treat her like some sort of object that he wanted to please; he acted as her friend, just like the days of the past. Nothing had changed, despite the way he felt about her.

"Kreruain, I'm back together with Kim. It turns out that... while he was gone, he was creating... out of nanomachines... our daughter."

"Daughter??" Kreruain asked, the biscuit falling out of his mouth.

"He combined our genetic data together and created our daughter, Emeralda. She looks thirteen, but she really acts like an infant... a fast, strong infant at that. But Emmy learns extremely quickly. She can walk, listen to a few words, and she doesn't have to wear diapers anymore."

"Out of nanomachines?? Your daughter?"

"And she's so perfect-looking in every way. Kreruain, you have to meet her! You must!"

Kreruain smiled. "Of course I'd love to," he replied.

"And about..." Elly started. "I'm sorry for refusing you so harshly. And for ignoring you after. You were the one who was sincere with yourself. I wasn't."

"I'll always love you, Elly. But love doesn't have to be romantic or sexual in nature."

"Thank you, Kreruain, oh, thank you. I love you too."

Kreruain grinned from ear to ear, and they hugged each other again, as old friends did.

"I don't believe you have access, sir."

"Of course I do! I am Kim Kasim, the leader of the Government's Nanomachines Project."

"I'm sorry sir, but that project was cancelled yesterday. Your rank no longer has any significance..."

Kim's jaw dropped. "Excuse me, but why wasn't I informed of this earlier..." As he spoke, he heard a soft whispering in the background.

The person on the phone gave a quick order. "Please hold on for a moment." Kim did so, wanting to know what the heck happened to his job.

"Kim."

"Miang!" Kim exclaimed, glad that he was able to get a hold of the person he wanted to speak with. Unfortunately, the initial reason he wanted to call was forgotten as he fired off his new question. "What ever happened with my 'rank' and job?"

"At your request, Kim, I reduced the funding to the Nanomachines Project. We're now installing nanoassemblers and other technologies in civilian hospitals."

"Why the sudden change of heart, Miang?"

"Because I want to apologize for what I said. I don't want you to think I'm some sort of hypocritical, evil witch. The thing about kids, you said? I can't have kids, Kim, just like Elly can't."

Kim was silent.

"But watching you and your determination has taught me something, and it makes me want to change the world for the better." Miang stopped. The Ministry was going to kill her for this one. But, on the other hand, she would also get closer to Kim, the Contact, and manipulate him for her own purposes. Yeah, that was it.

"I'm glad that you did that, even if it means a smaller paycheck for me. I'm glad that you were the one who announced the cease-fire. Did you talk to Haawa about it?"

"Yes, I did. We have a cease-fire, and we cannot test nuclear weapons, step over border-lines, and a bunch of other stuff. I hope it works out. Maybe it'll lead to a peace agreement if everyone plays the cards right."

"Thank you, Miang."

"No, Kim, thank you. I hope we can still be friends. After you walked out of the restaurant in a huff a few weeks back, I was sort of worried."

"Don't be, Miang. By the way, did I tell you, I adopted a child?"

"...You? Adopted a child?" Miang was obviously astonished.

"Yep. Her name is Emeralda, and she has a very unique colour of hair. She's around thirteen, but she acts almost like an infant. I have a feeling that she might have lost her memory in the fighting." Kim had fabricated a tale so that people wouldn't get suspicious about Emeralda and wonder. Elly also followed this tale, and approved it.

"That's.... it's.... wow, con... congratulations."

"Thank you."

"One day, Kim, do you think I could.... you know, see her?"

Kim smiled. "Of course, Miang. One day, Miang, do you think I could go see you?"

Miang gasped slightly. "See... me?"

"Yes, you. Because you're a good person."

"I'd... like that," Miang replied with a breath. "Thank you... Kim." Never did she have anyone be so nice to her. Never did someone offer himself to her like that. She had to shake her head clear her mind because the emotion was so overwhelming. She let her lips curl up into a smile, a soft, relaxed smile.

She almost felt human.