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[desertpowered]

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[desertpowered]

I follow a similar rule. People who are kind to me have that kindness returned. For all our faults, my mother and I ensured the safety of our birth world.

[Caladan was precious to Paul and his family, so he did his best to ensure that its waters remained untainted by blood. He wished to honor his father as well. It’s one of the few things he can say he did that he’s proud of.

He takes a sip of his own drink.]

I saw Chani in dreams long before I met her in real life and we fell in love. I recognized her on sight because of those visions. So perhaps that was preordained in a fashion as well, though I am unsure how much of the prophecies around me were false, how many true, and how many true despite being created as false.

[sisterimperator]

[ Sister Imperator nodded. ]

Dreaming of someone you'd never met before and falling in love with them - I'd say that's destiny, if I were a romantic, or simply claircognizance, if I were to be spiritual. Either way, it was not chance.

That's the question, isn't it?

[ She had room for one more slice of pizza, so she picked one up and nibbled at the edge thoughtfully. She hadn't - and never would - mention the words "fell in love at first sight" to describe what had happened that night between her and Nihil. But it was the truth. ]

I hadn't known about him whatsoever. When we locked eyes, it was then that it all came to me.

[desertpowered]

[Paul listens, thinking.]

Thing is, aside from Chani I'm not a particularly romantic person. I'm quite cynical. But my love for her survived both of our deaths and lives on here. I think the Sisters appreciate it. Who knows? We may find a way to be together again, even if it's not the same us as before.

I don't know what to hope for.

[The specter of ghola use hovered over Paul, and he wouldn't be surprised if someone recreated him in the future for their own purposes, good or bad. Not a good idea - Paul had responded badly to efforts to control him - but that never stopped people before. Instead he digs into his pizza. With Sister finished, the rest is his.]

I knew who she was when I met her. It was the death of our first child that enraged me into accepting who I was destined to become.

[sisterimperator]

The Sisters of Sin appreciate a good fuck, but many of them also enjoy a good romance. Life for us is about living it to the fullest and there's something about the bodice ripper or Jane Austen sort of fairy tale romance that can make anyone see the springtime of the world.

[ However, Sister Imperator was rolling her eyes at this. She was too pragmatic to agree, but it was not without its own version of truth for her. ]

It's certainly not impossible to reunite with her.

My condolences. [ If something had happened to Copia - Sister Imperator would truly descend into villainy, losing whatever humanity was left of her. ]

[desertpowered]

I certainly do appreciate a good fuck. Haven't had one in nine years, you know. But my loyalty to Chani is stronger than that. I've enjoyed their company in other ways, though. Telling them stories, playing games. I've learned the rules to some fascinating board games. Perhaps I might even start a book club.

[After everything Paul should know better than to hope, and yet...]

I believe the same thing. Somehow, somewhere, we could meet again.

His name was Leto, after my father. He was murdered by the men of the Emperor I usurped. A price was paid in blood, from the deserving and undeserving alike. [A moment of seriousness, and then Paul takes a delicate bite out of a pizza slice.]

[sisterimperator]

[ She'd say that sex could be a purely physical experience with none of the emotional hang ups, and while that was true, it had become a lie for her. Once she was married to Papa Nihil, she could no longer bring herself indulge in what she'd used to before they'd met. It was a self-imposed discipline, just as Paul's was. ]

They enjoy the company. The Sisters aren't restricted to the Ministry - as long as they do their duties, they can go out and mingle, unlike some nuns of other religions. But it still isn't everyday that one meets someone from another planet.

[ A wry smile. ]

Go ahead and start the book club. I'm sure you'll all enjoy.

[ Sister finished her own slice, then patted her growing belly. ] It is the price we exact for our children and their future.

[desertpowered]

[It isn't impossible that Paul could fall in love again, but it would have to be with a very specific kind of person and after some time. Being his partner hopefully wouldn't carry the same danger as it had for Chani, but Paul doesn't want to take the risk lightly. Chani had faced more dangers than anyone should have as Paul's concubine.]

As for me, I travel, but it's getting rarer. I might just settle down here now there are reasons for me to stay. I'm rather happy here. It's...a feeling I missed. Having friends, even. I was afraid of making friends since my last friends turned into worshippers.

[He gives a flicker of a smile.]

I didn't get to know any of my children as well as I would have liked. [He pats his own belly.] You know, I think I've put on some weight as well.

[sisterimperator]

Putting on weight is something to celebrate for both of us.

[ She lifted her glass of lemonade up in a toast. ]

Cheers.

[desertpowered]

You know, you’re right. Let’s see if I can finish this pizza and my record.

[Paul raises his own glass, smiling.]

To babies, both of the real and of the pizza variety.