The Stars Have Eyes Chapter 30: Family

The automatic doors opened with a slight, barely audible hiss as they slid into the walls on either side of the doorfra, 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 seed 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 fras. I wind up with a lot of shavings and other byproducts that I just funnel over through there and back into the slting 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 sothing strangely satisfying in the way this ga 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 ga as a stage and its chanics 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 helts 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 complint.

The girl had omitted for a ntally stunted human from the end of her otherwise honest assessnt 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 sothing 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 ti the Observer had ever anticipated sothing 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 helt. Can we actually fly the vessels produced here?

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

Oh, disappointnt flashed across her face.

But they have the sa 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 mont that seed 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 et 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 like, two weeks ago. A lot of stuff happened since, okay?

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

Oh. That sounds kinda an.

I did not intend it as such.

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

Joe and Maggie erged from their mutual VR pod within monts. The apartnt 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 ss, and you have so 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 sowhat. 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 bewildernt 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 developnt 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 comnt, 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 sowhat large nose hovering over a pleasant smile. Her fra 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 bead. 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 so 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, sa 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 na, isnt it?

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

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

It is fine, the girl interjected. If she wishes to address 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 nas. It was like getting mad at the sun for rising every morning.

It is good to finally et 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 sothing wriggling within the girls ever-folding locks.

It is rely my pet, AzgodKalar the Calm. Co 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 astonishnt.

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.

I am working on it, Maggie declared.

You are? both Mulligans exclaid.

Indeed. Progress is slow, but it is showing results.

She rolled up one of Joes sleeves to reveal his arm had gained a fair amount of bulk, most of it muscle. The man felt a bit embarrassed having montarily forgotten he had indeed been working on his constitution ever since his girl got shot. As for Margaret, she didnt say anything but her face showed she was even more impressed than when she saw the snake wave at her just now. It was as if her twenty-year-old boy was finally becoming a man right before her eyes.

Can we just get inside? Joe suggested. Its kind of chilly out here.

Indeed. Jeeves?

Yes, Madam?

Prepare tea for our guest as soon as possible.

Right away, Madam.

Maggie and the Mulligan family followed the hovering automaton through the hallway and into the sitting room. Margaret quietly gawked and squealed at the simple yet stylish decor and furniture like a little girl at an amusent park. Even though Joe had sent her pictures of it, she had half-expected he was pulling her leg when he said hed moved into his new girlfriends swanky apartnt. Finding out it was all real was a bit overwhelming, to say the least. anwhile AJ had heard the commotion and, having telepathically requested and obtained the necessary permissions from Maggie, sneaked out of the apartnt without the guest noticing. It was perhaps not the best use of her commando training, but she had a hunch that she really didnt want to stick around for this.

My word! Margaret exclaid as she sat on the sofa. This place is like a palace! Are you a princess or sothing?

Not in the slightest, the girl denied.

Then how in the blazes could you afford this kind of place? Youre not one of them hacker types I hear about on the news, I hope!

Maggies first impulse was to confirm that, technically, yes, she was one of them hacker types. Thankfully she instantly realized this might cause a significant misunderstanding and avoided doing so.

This residence was bestowed upon by the british governnt in order to better facilitate my capacity as an ambassador.

Oh! Of course, silly . Joe did say sothing like that. Youre also a scientist, right?

Indeed.

My, how absolutely noble. You know, Joe wanted to be a scientist when he was a boy.

Muuum!

Did he now? Maggies curiosity was piqued.

Oh, yes! He used to go on and on about how he wanted to invent a biscuit beam.

Is that a device that creates biscuits or one that weaponizes them in beam form?

Ugh he groaned, unable to resist Maggies probing gaze. It was supposed to turn my howork into biscuits.

The girl couldnt help but smile at how utterly useless yet monuntally groundbreaking such an invention would be.

See? My boys mind works in mysterious ways, it does.

On that we can agree.

Both of them ant that in the best of ways, though Joe wasnt too happy about them harping on and on about his intelligence.

Sadly he didnt have the aptitude for science and whatnot, Margarets tone grew more serious. It wasnt easy seeing him graduate with an Unemployable evaluation. His dad took it the hardest, though. Broke his heart, it did.

The mother flashed the son a stern, almost accusatory glare, to which he reacted with a furrowed brow.

Mum, for the last ti, over ninety percent of kids these days are Unemployable.

It wasnt so much that the populace was overwhelmingly stupid, but rather that the requirents to find a full-ti job were exceedingly high. Potential hires werent just competing among themselves, but also against computers and robots. Only the cream of the crop managed to even get a chance at actual employnt, and even then it was usually in the service industry.

I know, sweetie, but no parent wants to be told their child isnt special, the woman said with a sigh.

What is Joes father like? Maggie changed the subject to one that had caught her interest.

Oh, hes the sweetest man Ive ever t, though he certainly doesnt look it.

Margaret yanked on the thin chain around her neck, pulling a small circular locket from under her blouse. She pressed a button on the side, causing it to project a high-resolution holographic portrait of her husband. He had a huge smile, clean-shaven head, slightly dark skin, and shoulders so thick they put the existence of his neck into question. He looked like the kind of guy that was perfectly capable of suplexing a bear. Also, his na was apparently Barry, if the little signature in the corner of the photo was any indication.

He works in deep space mining, you see, she revealed. Places where they cant rely on drones because of radio interference and whatnot, so they have to send out people in power-suits. Its a very dangerous job, exhausting, too. Keeps him occupied most of the year, it does. He still tries to do his part as a father, even dread about starting one of those father-son enterprises. Sadly Joe was born with my petite fra and wasnt cut out for the hard life of a deep space miner.

Yeah, big tragedy that was, the son rolled his eyes. Ive no idea how dad does it, and I dont want to know.

You show your father so respect, boy! He helped bring you into this world! Margaret scolded him.

Ugh

I am confused, Maggie ignored the interaction. Does employnt not typically co with significant financial gain that would trickle down to ones imdiate family? I ask because neither you nor Joe are above average in terms of monetary resources.

It was a question that made the mother hang her head low while her son crossed his arms. It was clearly a bit of a sore topic, especially for Margaret, but Joe had far fewer reservations about it.

He has a gambling problem, he spilled the beans. Every poundington he earns he blows on cards, dice, slots, and Queenie knows what else.

It helps with his stress, Margaret defended him. Besides, its not like he needs to send us anything. This isnt so frontier colony where people have to worry about safety, food, or shelter.

No, mum, I know. Its just that, we only see him two weeks out of the year, and we have nothing to show for it other than a fancy locket. You had to raise all by yourself. That just isnt right.

I know, Joe, she sighed. I wished he was around more, too, and I know for a fact he feels the sa way.

So why doesnt he quit?

Margaret looked at the girl as if she had just suggested that they assassinate the Queen.

Dont be absurd! Do you know how difficult it is to land even a mining job?! the mother raised her voice.

Actually, Maggie has a point, Joe backed her up. If dad loses any money he earns to cope with the stress of his job or whatever, then whats the point of him working there in the first place? Why doesnt he just co live here in Dave-156 like the two of us?

Hes well Margarets eyes swam as if looking for a way out. Hes just really prideful. And thorough. Work ethic and all that. Wont leave unless hes fired or retired. That sort of thing.

Margaret Mulligan, the girl spoke coldly. We both know that is not true.

How dare you accuse of lying! she was outraged.

Mum. Maggies never wrong. Tell whats really going on, Joe demanded to know.

The woman clearly wasnt used to dealing with the more forceful and assertive person her son had beco in recent months. While part of her was proud that hed finally found so balls, she was less thrilled about being pressured like that. The swirling abyss of Maggies unblinking glare certainly made it even more difficult to keep up the charade now that it had been ousted.

Alright, fine. You were bound to find out sooner or later, the woman relented. Barry isnt doing the deep space mining thing by choice. Not anymore. He was actually going to quit when you were born, was looking forward to it ever since I got pregnant. But, well, there was a huge accident, a lot of people got hurt, millions of poundingtons were lost, bla got thrown around and your dad caught the worst of it.

What do you an?

He was convicted, Joe. Fifteen counts of gross negligence. The reason hes not sending money ho is because he was sentenced to thirty years of hard labor.

I I dont understand the color drained from the sons face. What about his two weeks off a year?

Ho visit privileges for good behavior.

And the gambling thing?

He insisted we tell you that. Didnt want you growing up thinking he was a criminal.

So instead I grew up thinking he was a deadbeat?! he raised his voice. How is that any better?!

At least you didnt worry about him! she snapped back. Do you have any idea how many sleepless nights I spent terrified at what so other inmate might do to him?! And those corporate pricks! The way they work him might as well be slavery!

How can I know any of that when you never told !? And now I hate you even more for keeping that from too!

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 an 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. anwhile 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 seed strangely relieved and refreshed to have gotten that weight of her chest.

Im so sorry, Joe. I really am, she said once shed cald down. We didnt know what else to say to you when you were just a little boy, and by the ti 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 so gambling workaholic that thought his pride was more important than his family. However, finding out he was responsible for so 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 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 .

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 so connections with a few governnt types. Maybe she can pull so strings, get his sentence lessened or sothing.

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 cris 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 rember all the details anymore, but he cut a lot of corners he really shouldnt have, and it ca back to bite him in the arse.

The married couple had already co to grips with the reality that Barry wasnt just a fall guy, and did indeed deserve the sentence handed down to him. He never ant 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 to leave and co back another ti, Margaret rose from her seat. Again, I feel terrible for bringing all this baggage with on my first visit, and I hope youll have again.

Of course, mum, Joe reassured her.

Any ti, Maggie bead. Just please, notify as well so that I might better prepare next ti.

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

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

Margaret sighed knowingly.

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

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

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

It was that one ti! 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, too.

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

And it was lovely to et you, Maggie. Please dont hesitate to contact should sothing happen.

Co on, mum

Now, now. I may not be so 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 ti cos.

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 so 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 ca from.

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

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

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

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 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 so more.

Id like to cuddle so more.

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

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