Lsa couldn't believe what she was hearing from her mate.

{Makel, you're kidding right?}

{No, I'm not kidding. So, how about it?}

Lsa looked over at their human friend, Jawan.

{Did you put Makel up to this?}

"Don't look at me! This is all his idea!" the Terran man signed.

{Oh, come on Lsa. Just this one time. Let's try for a son.} Their daughter, Tamla, began to giggle.

{Makel, you HAVE lost your mind.}

Makel just wouldn't drop the issue. Every time he saw a father and son together he would let out a longing sigh. This was beginning to annoy Lsa.

{Ok, Makel, how about we adopt a son?}

{Nah, it just wouldn't be the same.}

{Oh, Mak, you are impossible!} Lsa threw her hands up in frustration.

Makel also began to heap his entawan with romantic gestures and expressions of love to get her in the mood. Lsa saw right through it, thanked him with a hug and kiss, and went about her business. Finally, a desperate Makel went to ask advice from his human friend, Jawan.

"No success, huh, Mak?"

{No, Jay. Seems like the harder I try the more she says no. Lsa's hard headed. I'm dealing with a red head, you know.} Jawan chuckled.

"I think I might have something for you to try. Wait here."

The Terran went into his office and retrieved an object off of his cluttered desk. When he returned to his friend, he was dusting off a small statue made from a dark wood.

"This is an African fertility statue a friend of mine from college gave me. Don't ask me if it works. Adran never saw it until after we found out she was pregnant with Detia."

Makel held the smoothly carved object in his hands.

{It's beautiful. I guess it wouldn't hurt to try it. So, did your friend say how it's supposed to work?}

"He said the woman only has to look at it and within a month or two she should become pregnant."

{I see...I know the perfect spot to put it. I'll put it on the dresser by the mirror. She brushes her hair there every day so I know she'll see it. I just won't tell her what it is.} The Mimian began to grin at his own cleverness.

"Boy, Makel, you sure can be sneaky!"

{Thank you! Now, I just hope this will work.}

Makel came home and saw Lsa walking off the porch to the garden. She had a trowel one hand and a watering can in the other. Good! She always brushes her hair after working in the garden, he thought and went to put his plan in action.

Lsa came back in about an hour latter to find Makel sitting on the couch. {When did you come home?}

He turned around with an impish grin on his face. {Not long ago. Jawan sends a hello.}

Lsa could tell by the look on her entawan's face something was up, but, she was too tired from the garden work to wonder.

{Mak, I'm going to wash up for dinner. Are you going to need help in the kitchen?}

{When have I ever needed help in the kitchen, love?}

{I was just offering. I'm going to shower. I'll be down in about a half hour. And, Mak, I don't know what you're up to but I'm going to find out.}

{Lsa, whatever are you talking about?}

While Makel prepared dinner, the phone rang. He quickly cleaned his hands and answered it. It was Tamla.

{Hi, Pahda. I'm just calling to let you know I'm not coming home for dinner this evening. I'm going to have dinner with Ladia and Juyo.}

{All right, Tam. Thanks for letting me know. See you later and have fun!} Tamla's call was very good news to Makel's ears. {Great. Now it's just you and me, Pretty Lady. It's romance time! I sure hope that statue works.}

After her shower, Lsa sat down to dry and brush her hair. She noticed the little wooden statue sitting by the mirror. She picked it up and began to examine it. She ran her hands over its smooth curves. She found the exaggerated breasts and belly quite interesting.

{Hmmm...I wonder where this came from?} she muttered to herself. {Makel! What is this little statue here?} she called down the steps.

Yes, she saw it! her mate thought to himself. {Oh, that's just a gift Jawan gave to me. Do you like it?}

{It's different, which isn't a bad thing. I love the feel of the wood. For some reason, I can't seem to take my eyes off of it.}

{I'm glad you like it, love.} Makel called back, grinning from ear to ear. So far, his little plan was working.

Soon, Makel had set up a romantic dinner for two. He even set a small pot of passion flower incense in the center of the table. After dimming the lights and lighting some candles, he decided the set up was perfect. Lsa finally came down the steps. She had her still damp hair in one long braid down her back.

{Oh, Mak, what is all this? And where is Tamla?}

{This is all for you, Pretty Lady. And Tamla called saying she'll be having dinner with Ladia and Juyo.}

{Well, everything looks lovely. It smells lovely, too. That's passion flower incense...Mak, what are you up to?}

{Why do I have to be up to something? I just wanted to have a romantic dinner with my entawan. That's all.}

After the two lovers dined, Makel turned on some music.

{Would you care to dance, love?} he asked with an outstretched hand.

{Why I would be delighted,} came Lsa's reply.

Makel began the steps to the Bidi, which is a flirtatious dance. Lsa laughed with delight as her mate twirled her around. She had let her waist length hair down for the dance. Once the song was over, Lsa hugged Makel and kissed him.

{Oh, Mak, that was so much fun! Let's dance some more. But this time, I'll start.}

Lsa set the music disc to another song. It was slow and sensual. She smoothly slid her hands down the sides of her hot pink sundress. When she slowly began to gyrate her hips to the music, Makel realized Lsa was dancing the Biril, the Dance of Seduction.

Wow, that statue's working better than I thought! Lsa's hasn't danced that one for me in cycles! Makel thought.

{Makel, come dance with me,} Lsa beckoned in a very voice and a smile to match.

Makel silently thanked Vasah and his friend Jawan as he went into his entawan's arms.

In the middle of the night, Lsa was awakened by the phone. She saw her love was still asleep so she answered the call.

{Hello? Pijol? What's wrong, dear? What? How long ago? All right, just calm down, dear. Mak and I will be there as quickly as possible. Did you call your doctor? Ok, we'll take you there.}

Lsa shook her mate who woke up with a grunt.

{What is it, Lsa?}

{It's Pijol. Her water broke. Sounded like she was in a panic on the phone. We promised her we would take her to the hospital when the time came, so let's go.}

Makel groaned as they both got up to get dressed.

When they arrived at Lady Pijol's home, she was already on her porch with her overnight bag. She was sitting in a chair holding her belly. Lsa gave her younger friend a hug and kiss to comfort her. She knew it was Pijol's first baby and figured she might be a little scared.

{Come, Pijol. Everything will be all right, honey. Are the contractions close together?}

{About every ten minutes, but they are so strong!} Pijol gasped as pain rippled through her belly and lower back.

Lsa was right by her young friend's side as she travailed in pain. Right before Pijol pushed one last time, she called out the name of her late entawan. Within moments, everyone heard the cries of a newborn.

{It's a girl. And a gorgeous one at that!} the doctor announced. The Doctor laid the tiny baby on her mahda's chest.

{Oh, if only Tilor could see her!} As she held the baby in her arms she began to weep. Lsa hugged her friend.

{I'll be back, Pijol. I'm going to check on Makel. He probably fell asleep in the waiting room.}

Just as Lsa expected, Makel was snoring up a storm on one of the waiting room couches. She shook her head at the sight.

{Goodness, did I wear him out that much last night?} she chuckled to herself. {Makel, wake up, handsome. Pijol's little girl is here.}

{Hnrah? Oh, hi Lsa. What you say? She had the baby?}

{Yes, now wipe the drool off your chin while I go tell Pijol we're heading home. Since you'll be on the military base early tomorrow morning, I'll pick her up.}

{There will be no need for that, Lady Lsa,} a voice came from behind them. The couple looked up to see a well dressed Tch man standing in the middle of the Emergency room. {I will take care of Pijol from here on. I apologize for being late.}

{As you wish, Lord Tkkla. Come, Mak, let's get you back in bed.} Makel answered with a very big yawn. Soon, the Meglouse couple was on their way back to their own home.
 

One day Lady Lsa was teaching a morning dance class. It was obvious she had something on her mind. She was three weeks late and everyone and everything seemed to be working her nerves. Her neighbor and friend, Gafad, was helping out with the dance music.

{Gafad, set up track two. We're going to dance the JuJu today. All right children! Pay attention. Today you'll be learning the JuJu, the farewell dance....} The young woman was cut off by a sharp pain shooting through her temple. It was so severe, for a moment she saw nothing but rainbow colors. She put her hand to her head and fell to her knees. Gafad ran to her side.

{Lady Lsa, are you all right?}

{Ugh...my head. I think Makel might have gotten his wish....}

Somehow, Lsa managed to get through the day. Makel came to pick her up on his way back from the air base. As Lsa gathered up her shoulder bag, Makel noticed she was moving as if she were out of energy.

{Are you all right, love?}

{Oh, I'm just tired and I have a little headache....}

{Oh really?}

{Mak, please don't say what I think you're going to say...}

{You think you might be pregnant?}

{Now didn't I just...?! Makel, take me home, I'm tired!} his entawan snapped.

{Whoo! Touchy today, aren't we?} He put his arm around her shoulders and helped her to their vehicle. Lsa rode home in silence with a sour expression on her face. The fouler her mood got, the more Makel grinned. The last time Lsa acted like this was when she was first pregnant with Tamla.

{Someone's having a baby! Someone's having a baby!} Makel sang, teasing his already irritated mate.

{Makel, do shut up!} Makel just laughed in response.
 

That evening, the Meglouses had a farewell dinner for the Valentines. They were moving to Earth soon so Adran could start her research. Pijol even brought her baby girl, Marana. Makel didn't hesitate to tell everyone that Lsa was pregnant.

{Makel, we don't know yet, so stop telling them that!}

{Oh come on, Lsa, you're showing all the symptoms and you haven't had your cycle in...}

{Makel, please!} Lsa cried, upset that her mate was telling all her personal business.

{Anyway, if it's a boy, Pijol, how would you like to betroth Marana to him?}

{That's sounds like a wonderful idea, Makel.}

Before the friends all sat down for dinner, Adran set Detia in a playpen. Pijol hesitated before setting her daughter in the playpen. After they had dinner, Adran and Jawan opened going away gifts. In the middle of the party, Pijol left early because Lord Tkkla came to pick her up for some odd reason. She looked like she didn't mind leaving.

{Is it me, or is there something going on between Lord Tkkla and Pijol?} Makel wondered aloud.

{Mak, I found it best just to mind my own business in those types of situations.}
 

Only a week or so after the farewell dinner when it was confirmed that Lsa was indeed pregnant. What they young couple didn't know was that there was a surprise in store for them...

About four months latter the Meglouses decided to have a 3-D sonogram done. It was partly to 'keep up with the Jones' or Valentines as the case was. Adran had one performed and recounted how her how amazing it was to see her baby before she was born. For Lsa it was more because she was a bit worried. In only four months time she had grown very large. Makel had been constantly joking that his boy was going to be a giant.

At the hospital the couple met with Lsa's doctor and told her of the strange problems.

{Well,} she began as she set up the equipment.

{Have you considered that you might have more that one fetus in there?}

Lsa looked surprised and Makel's mouth turned up into a sheepish grin.

All eyes were on the computer screen as the picture started to appear. Soon they could easily make out two curled up bodies. The picture progressed and a third came into view. When the entire image was visible everyone counted four babies.

{Well, looks like you'll be the proud parents of quadruplets! Congratulations!}

Lsa jaw dropped and Makel began to giggle nervously.

I'm going to have to give birth to four babies...Lsa thought.

How am I going to afford four new mouths at once...? Makel pondered.

Lsa looked over at her entawan.  {Mak, I get the feeling you have something to do with this.}

{Well, of course I do! I was there when they were conceived!}

{That's not what I mean, silly.} Now Makel was getting even more nervous. If Lsa figured out about the fertility statue, boy would she be upset!

The doctor continued her explanation.

{It looks like it's two sets of twins. See this thin line surrounding this pair of babies? That's the amniotic sac. It's hard to get a look at all their genders, though. It's quite crowded in your womb. But I can tell these two are boys.}

Before the couple left, the doctor gave them a copy of their sonogram on a disc. On the way home, Lsa could tell Makel was nervous. She could understand why. Four new babies would be a lot of responsibility for both of them. Makel was thinking about the statue.

Hmmm...what was it Jawan had told me about that thing? Oh, yes...every woman who looked at it not only got pregnant, but they also had twins. But we're having quads. Oh, Vasah! The mirror! Lsa must have seen a double image!

Lsa saw her mates eyes suddenly get wide as he was thinking silently.

{Makel, what is it? What's wrong?}

{Oh, love, I just have a lot on my mind. We're really going to have to buckle down to prepare for these babies.}

{Your pahda is wealthy. Maybe he could help.}

{I can't go running to Pahda. These babies are our responsibility, not his.}

{Well, I say there's nothing wrong with a bit of help from your family. Perhaps he can set up a fund for their education.}

{Yes, that is a good idea. Hey, what's Pahda's vehicle doing in the driveway?}

As the couple entered the house, they were caught off guard by shouts of {SURPRISE!}. Tamla, Master Quito, Lady Matra, and Lady Dani were all in front of them tossing confetti. Tamla took her mahda's arm and led her to the living room. Lsa was pleasantly surprised by the massive pile of gifts in the center of the room. It was a surprise baby shower.

{So, Mahda how did the sonogram go? Did you get a copy?}

{Well...}

{Oh Lsa, congratulations!} Matra threw her arms around her daughter-in-law. {So is it a boy or a girl?}

{Actually....}

{Come, Lsa! Open all the gifts!} Lady Dani chimed in.

{Will everyone just be quiet for a moment!?} Lsa shouted. Everyone became silent. Lsa pulled out of Matra's grip and quietly sat on the couch. {I think everyone should know that Makel and I are having more than one baby...}

{Oh, twins!} Matra squealed.

{No, QUADRUPLETS!}

Everyone looked at Lsa in shock, then they looked at Makel, who only shrugged his shoulders and looked a bit overwhelmed.

Everyone enjoyed themselves at the party. Makel and Tamla sat beside Lsa and helped her open presents.

{Well, since you're having quadruplets, I'll have to get you plenty of more gifts. Do you know all or their genders?} Master Quito asked.

{The doctor said at least two of them are boys, Pahda. Twin boys that is.}

{So there might be a pair of girls behind them?} Lady Matra inquired. Lsa suddenly got an uncomfortable look on her face. The quads had become active in her womb.

{Feels like they are having a sparring session in there!}

When Makel laid his hand on Lsa belly, he could feel all of the activity. His kissed his mate on the cheek.

{Thanks, love,} he whispered.

{For what?}

{For carrying all theses babies, that's what.}

{Do I have a choice?} Lsa chuckled.

{Let's not even go into that....}

After the shower was over and the presents were packed away, Lsa and Makel prepared to retire for the evening. As Lsa brushed her hair, the little statue caught her eye again. She picked it up and turned to her mate.

{Makel, would you ever lie to me?}

{No, love, of course not! Why do you ask?}

{Tell me, does my being pregnant have something to do with this?}

{Ah...why do you ask that, dear?}

{Makel, you're avoiding the question. Anyway, when I think about it, at the time you brought this statue home you were begging me to have another baby. After the statue showed up, you stopped asking.}

{Well, I figured you were tired of me asking...}

{No, Makel, I know you. You don't give up that easily. So, tell me what kind of statue this is, Makel.}

{It's...it's a...}

{It's a what, Makel.}

{...a fertility statue.}

Lsa silently processed this information. When she began to lick her lips, Makel knew trouble was brewing.

{Well, looks like Jawan's little gift worked a little too well, don't you think? I'm going to have to give him a little call.}

{Ah, Lsa I don't think that's really necessary...}

Lsa gave Makel a look that let him know he had said enough.

Lsa got up from the vanity and headed downstairs to call their good friends, the Valentines. Makel followed silently. He didn't want to further provoke the wrath of his lifemate.

Adran and Jawan were sitting in the living room watching the National Geographic Channel on T.V. The show was the news show, National Geographic Today. This segment concerned the near extinct rabbit. "Early in the twenty-first century mad cow and foot-in-mouth disease made most cow and sheep meat unfit for human consumption. Over time the rabbit became the only meat available..."

"Honey, wasn't there an animal on your planet like the rabbit?" Jawan asked. Adran didn't seem to be paying attention to him or the show.

"Adran?" Jawan asked as he tapped her shoulder.

"Oh! I was thinking about Lsa. I wonder if she really is pregnant."

Jawan smiled. "I'm sure of it."

Then the video phone began to ring.

Jawan ran to answer the call. The caller ID let him know it was the Meglouses. He greeted the caller with a hello and a smile. His smile was quickly wiped away when he saw a furious Lsa on the screen holding the fertility statue.

{Hello, Jawan. I found out found out what this thing is and I'm sending it right back to you! It's nothing but trouble!}

"Lsa, what's going on? What happened?" Seconds later, Makel's face was also on the screen.

{Quadruplets! We're having four babies at once!} Makel then burst out laughing.
 

For the rest of her pregnancy, Lsa was put on bed rest. Makel's mahda, Matra had since moved in to help take care of her daughter-in-law.
 

One day, Makel returned from a recon mission sooner than scheduled. He had been called back for some reason. When he landed, one of his fellow officers was waiting for him.

Sergeant Bani Situ saluted him and he replied in like manner.

{Master Sergeant Meglouse, I have an important message for you. Lady Lsa Meglouse has gone into labor. You have permission to go to the hospital immediately.}

{What? She's having them now? That's a whole month premature! Thanks, Bani....I mean, Sergeant Situ.} Makel saluted once more and hurried to be by his entawan's side.

When Makel arrived at the maternity ward, a nurse was there to greet him and take him to the scrub room.

{This way, Master Meglouse. She's waiting for you with your mahda.} The nurse helped Makel scrub down and put on the scrub garments. He then led the excited expectant father to where his entawan was. Lsa was waiting for him with Matra and her doctor. His mate looked very happy to see him.

Makel held Lsa's left hand and Matra held her right as she beared down and pushed when doctor instructed her to. Lsa was surprisingly quiet. Her face bore an intense expression of concentration. Makel realized she was using the meditation techniques he had taught her before they married.

{Mak, after I do this, don't ask me for anything else,} Lsa grunted.

The first one to be born was a girl, who was followed by three boys. Each one was less than 15 minutes apart. The doctor and the assisting nurses got busy checking each ones vitals signs and documenting their weight and length. In spite of their prematurity, and tiny size, they all were in excellent health.

The next morning, the family prepared to take the quadruplets home. By tradition, they had seven days to give the newborns their official names. Matra made sure to contact Lady Verge to inform her of their birth. Lady Verge was the High Holy Elder of the Temple of the Family. She performed the majority of the naming ceremonies.

Makel had taken that day off to help his entawan and their new babies get settled. Master Quito and Lady Pijol stopped by later that afternoon to see the quads.

{Oh, Lsa, they all are so beautiful! Have you decided on names yet?} Pijol held Marana, who was almost one cycle old, over each of the four basinets. The little baby girl got really excited when they got to the youngest quadruplet.

{Ah, looks like Marana fancies our youngest boy, Lsa.}

{Yes, Lsa, perhaps we should betroth these two to one another. What is his name?}

Lsa came over and gazed down upon the baby boy. He looked like a tiny version of Makel combined with a bit of his japahda, Master Quito. {I'll call him Mikel, "Little Man."}

She then moved to the basinet next to Mikel. His twin brother was next to him. She noticed a pretty curl of red hair resting in the center of his forehead. It was as if he was naturally sporting a pretty boy style. {I'll call him Jodan, "the handsome one."}

The oldest boy was a little bigger than the twin boys. He had brown, wavy hair like his pahda, who was a soldier. {He is Sirobo, "the strong warrior."}

The girl, who was the oldest, had delicate looks that reminded Lsa of a princess from a childhood story. {She is Wufa Mi, "the little princess."}

Once Tamla got home from work, Makel suggested they give the Valentines a call.

{I want them to see all of our beautiful babies.}

Each quad was held by one adult. Master Quito adjusted the camera to the communication station so that everyone could be seen on the screen. Lsa told Quito the number to dial. Adran answered.

{Lsa, Makel it's so good to hear from you! Oh, these must be the quads! Jay, come see the quads, and bring Detia!}

The adults held each baby up to the screen, starting with the oldest, Wufa Mi.

"I see you got your wish times three, Mak!" the Terran man signed. "All the names seem very fitting."

Detia, who was a little over a year old now, had her eyes fixed on the youngest of the quads, Mikel. He too noticed her through his sleepy eyes.

{It looks like Detia likes Mikel.} Adran noted.

{Already one of my son's is attracting the girls. Jay, you should have seen Marana when she saw Mikel.} Makel explained.

{I'm sorry, DeeDee, he's taken.} Lsa said.

Detia looked as if she was going to cry.

{Marana can't have three husbands. Mikel has two brothers you can pick from, Detia.} Tamla added.

Busy could not remotely describe the first year of the quads lives. Lsa and Matra had set up a rigorous feeding schedule. An organization established to help military wives provided them with plenty of diapers and formula. The Meglouse quads had also become little celebrities in Fountain Hill. The were the only set of natural quadruplets born there in over 200 cycles. When the quads were one cycle, Master Quito featured them on his cooking show, "Master Quito's Kitchen." The ratings, which were already high to begin with, skyrocketed. Lsa and Makel were receiving calls from all over the district from parents who wanted to betroth their children to the famous Meglouse quads. The couple was getting weary of all of the attention.

When the quads starting walking, things got even wilder. The quads were usually well behaved,(most of the time) but there were moments when they seemed extremely hyper and out of control.

{Matra, what's going on with these babies? It's like they are possessed!}

{Oh, Lsa, I think they might have inherited their pahda's condition, hyperpyclasia. He was on heavy medication for it until he was about 11 cycles. From then on, smoking peace flower leaves has kept it under control.}

{So that's why Mak does that? Oh, I wish he had told me. Well, it looks like we're going to have to make a doctor’s appointment for the quads.}

After the quad's condition was diagnosed, their pediatrician prescribed the proper medication.

{You know, the pharmacist has tried to improve the taste, but nothing seems to overcome its awful flavor. Good luck getting them to take it.}

Things calmed down in the Meglouse home after that. As long as the quads had their daily dose, they were fine.
 

One day, Makel pulled out the quads' photo/scrap album. It was called "The Book of Firsts." They already had pictures of their first steps and their first words. Their pahda was busy marking off a section for their first Family Festival. Lady Dani and Lady Matra had purchased them all new little outfits to wear. Each set of clothing was very cute, yet comfortable. They even had little hats to protect their heads from the sun.

Lsa had also pulled out Tamla's book of firsts. Sirobo sat in her lap looking at the pictures. Mikel toddled over and pulled the book down so he could see too.

{Look, boys. That's Tam when she was a baby, just like you.}

WuWu had been playing with her stuffed niku when she noticed her Mahda with the boys. She went over to the couch to see what the big attraction was. Lsa was on Tamla's first Family Festival. Tam looked so much like herself at that age WuWu pointed at the photo and asked. {Mah Me?} Lsa giggled forgetting how much her eldest had looked like her little Wufa back then. {No, sweetie, Tam. Padah has your pictures.}

Tamla came into the living room with Jodan under one arm. His face was full of crumbs.

{Guess who found the dirili?} Jodan just smiled and licked his lips.

{Oh no! Did he eat it all, Tam?}

{No, Mahda. It's my fault he got to it. I forgot to put the lock back on the cabinet.} The oldest sister took the chubby toddler back to the kitchen to clean him up.

{There, all done!} Makel held up his finished project. {Lsa which picture to you want to send to Jawan and Adran?}

{The one where they are all together wearing those little shades.}

{Pretty Lady, you read my mind!}

When Tamla turned 20, the quads were about four cycles. The evening before Tam's Eldership ceremony, she modeled her light blue and gold garments. Tamla was going to become a Master Architect. Her four siblings oohed and ahhed and applauded as she practiced walking the path.

{Tamla, you look so pretty!}

{Thanks, WuWu. And thanks Mahda and Pahda for making my garment. It's perfect!}

Tamla's betrothed, Juyo, was also there.

{Wow, I can't wait to see the wedding garments you're going to make for us. Tamla looks great!}

{You should see the outfit Pijol got Marana. It's so adorable. She's going to be the youngest dancer there. Here it is in this catalog.} Lsa brought the book over to Tamla and Juyo. {See, it's the scarlet and gold one right here.}

{Aww, how cute,} Tamla cooed.

{All right, people, enough chit chat. Dinner is served!} Makel called from the doorway. Jodan was the first to hurry to the kitchen. {That boy sure can move when you mention food.}

Not long after becoming Elders, Tamla and Juyo got married. Everything went smoothly except for when Jodan got in trouble for looking up girls' dresses. Lsa was embarrassed and upset by her son's actions, yet Makel found it quite humorous. For the rest of the celebration Lsa kept Jodan by her side.

When the quads turned five, Makel had special plans for his "little soldiers." One afternoon he called them all down to the workout room. The children stood at attention before their pahda.

{All right, soldiers. You're probably wondering why I called you all down here. This part of the house has been off limits for you...until now. I believe it's about time you started your martial arts training.}

{All right! Pahda that is so cool!} Wufa Mi shouted. Ever since she had seen Mahda win a recent martial arts competition, she wanted to learn how to move like that.

{Will Mahda be helping to teach us?} Sirobo asked.

{She'll do some of the teaching, but I'll do most of it.}

{When do we get started?} Mikel inquired.

{Right now.}

The children were excited about their lessons. If they only knew the intensity of the lessons Makel had planned for them.

As the weeks went by the quads underwent the most challenging lessons of their lives. The martial arts, the obstacle courses, all the hard to perfect everything. No matter what all four were determined to make their Pahda and Mahda proud.

Over the first six months of their training, the quads moved up in rank very quickly. Before long, they had their black belts. Makel and Lsa held a little ceremony to present them with their belts.

{Soldiers, I just have to say that I'm so very proud of you. You're dedicated and determined to be the best. Her are your belts, and a little something else.}

Their pahda presented each one with their belt. He also gave each of them a T-shirt with "I KICK ASS!" written on the front.

{Wear them proudly. Just don't wear them to school,} Makel chuckled.
 

The summer of the quads sixth cycle was quite exciting. The Elite Lightning Squadron was putting on an air show at the Family Festival that cycle. Makel would be one of the highly skilled pilots performing, along with Lady Bani Situ. The Lightning Squadron had been putting on air shows for many generations without a hitch. Who knew something would go terribly wrong that day.

An excited crowd gathered at the huge air field to view the spectacular show. The Meglouses made sure to get front row seats. The Situs, including Tamla, were also there next to them. The Rituas were also there. Marana sat next to her betrothed, Mikel. The audience cheered as three of the Elite Lightning Squadron headed toward their fighter planes.

{Look, it's Pahda!} Wufa Mi cheered. All three boys started grinning as Sgt. Bani Situ walked passed. They each had a major crush on the pretty soldier.

As Bani got settled into the cockpit of her plane she suddenly felt a sense of dread. There had only been one other time that she had this happen. It was when she was Milollee. It was right before Azon was shot and Lsa ran away. What was going to happen this time?

The crowd watched in awe as the highly trained pilots performed spectacular air stunts. Everything was going perfectly until they performed a stunt called the Three Point Starburst. As the team executed the movement there was a bright flash from one of the pilot's engines.

{Did you guys see that flash?} Gafad asked.

{Yes, I saw it. What happened?} Lsa gasped in shock as she realized what was happening. Something had gone terribly wrong with Makel's plane. He was going down.

Makel was flying blind. The bright flash had left him without his sight for a few moments. Fortunately he had memorized where all of his controls were. As he made a quick distress call he felt for the eject button. His body was thrust out of the plane just in time as it crashed below him. He managed to release his parachute and land safely on the ground where a medic was waiting for him. He fell to his knees, his vision still extremely blurred. A couple paramedics grabbed him up and removed his parachute.

{Master Meglouse, are you all right?}

{I...I can't see!}

Bani tried to comfort a distraught Lsa in hospital waiting room. {At least he's not dead.} she said as she hugged her dear friend. Lsa knew it could have been worse. Makel could have been killed like Azon, the only other man she really had feelings for. Lsa then noticed that the quads were all pacing around the room. They looked more upset that she did.

{Children, come sit. You're making me very nervous with all that pacing.} Mikel and Wufa Mi slipped underneath each of their mahda's arms and leaned on her chest for comfort. Sirobo and Jodan sat on each side of Sgt. Situ and did the same thing. When Bani hugged them close, Jodan began to smile and Sirobo began to blush. Not much later the doctor came back to talk to Lsa. Sgt. Bani stood up and saluted the doctor, who was a Lieutenant. The two women talked to the doctor while the quads looked on.

{That flash did some extensive damage to his retinas. He has some vision now, but we covered his eyes so more damage wouldn't be done. He's going to have to be blind folded for one week. Only then will we truly know how much damage was done to his eyesight.}

{Are you saying he might end up blind?}

{It's a possibility.}

{By the gods!} If Makel ended up blind, his career as one of the best pilots in the Mua military would be over.

For one week, Makel had to be guided around blindfolded. Makel's mahda Matra and his step mahda, Lady Dani, took care of him during the day. Makel tried to remain his usual cheerful self, but he was worried. If his vision was less than 20/20, or if he ended up blind, he would have to be grounded. All his life he wanted to be a pilot. And the best of the best at that. He had worked hard all those cycles to do just that and succeeded. Now the fate of his career hung in the balance.

A week later the blindfold was removed from Makel's eyes. After his check-up, the moment of truth arrived.

{So, doctor, how's my vision?} Makel thought he did pretty good on the vision test, so he was pretty confident.

{Sgt. Meglouse, I'm afraid you vision is below standard for being a pilot. You're going to have to be grounded. I'm very sorry.}

Grounded? Makel sat, shocked. {No} Makel, thought, {this can't be true. I can't be grounded}

{Are you sure?} he asked the doctor {There must be a mistake}

{There's no mistake, Mr. Meglouse. I'm afraid your eyes are too badly damaged}

{Is there anything that can be done? Surgery? Therapy? Anything}

{I am going to do research, to see if there is anything that can help you, but the hope is not high. Surgery is very chancy, your eyes may be destroyed completely}

Makel slumped over in the chair. His career was over, what would he tell Lsa? the children?
He went out to the waiting room, where Lsa sat.

Lsa looked up at Makel, and the haunted look in his eyes told her all she needed to know. She got up and hugged him, holding him close, feeling the racking sobs he was trying to hold back.

When the quads came home from school the first thing on their mind was to check on their pahda. Lsa caught them before they headed upstairs.

{Pahda's resting now, but he should be up in a little while. Come help me fix dinner.}

{Mahda, is pahda ok?} Mikel asked.

{He's...he'll be fine.} In spite of Lsa's attempt to comfort, the quads got the feeling something was very wrong. Pahda usually greeted them with a big smile when the got home, but he was nowhere in sight. On top of that, Mahda looked kind of sad.

{Mahda, what's wrong? Why do you look so sad?} Jodan asked. Lsa just sighed and headed toward the kitchen. {Come children, let's get dinner ready.} That was another strange thing. They were going to fix dinner instead of Pahda. Things were definitely out of order in the Meglouse house.

Tamla and Juyo showed up for dinner also. They both wanted to see how Makel was doing. After the dinner table was all set, Lsa went upstairs to get Makel. She found him laying on his back staring at the ceiling. His eyes still looked kind of puffy and moist.

{Makel, dinner's ready, love.}

{I'm not hungry, Lsa.}

{Makel, please come eat something. The children are worried and they want to see you.}

{Do you really think they want to see me like this?}

{Mak, you can't stay locked in this room forever. You have to face them sometime.}

{I'm not ready, Lsa. You can go have dinner if you like. I just want to be left alone right now.}

Lsa sighed heavily. She had never seen her love like this since Azon was killed. He had no smile, his voice had an edge to it, and he was calling her by her name instead of Pretty Lady, his pet name for her. She knew without a doubt that Makel was severely depressed.

Lsa was finally able to convince Makel to come downstairs to the dinner table. When he sat at the table, everyone else was staring. He didn't say anything. He just sat there with an empty look on his face. After Lsa prayed the blessing, everyone started to eat. Conversation was minimal. When Makel tasted some of the food on his plate he got an odd expression on his face.

{Who made this?}

{The quads and I made dinner together, Mak.}

{You call this food? Where is the flavor? And this dish is not supposed to be runny like that! I should have never let you amateurs into MY kitchen! Let me show you how it's done.} Mak then got up from the table and headed for the kitchen.

The quads were surprised at their pahda's rudeness, but, Lsa was glad. She here a hint of her Makel come back. Cooking had been a small interest in the past. Now it might just save her entawan.

About 15 minutes later, Makel came out with freshly made dinner. Everyone tasted it and there was definitely a noticeable difference.

{Now you see, that's how it should taste. Next time you make an attempt at cooking, consult me first...please.}

{You're right, Mak, this is really good. I think people would even pay to eat it.} Everyone stopped eating and looked over at Lsa, who was smiling, which was a rare thing.

After dinner, Makel took Lsa aside.

{What are you smiling about Lsa?}

{I have an idea, Mak. And I think it's a very good one.}

{Oh really? Tell me about it love.}

{Makel, have you ever considered cooking professionally?}

{No, not really...}

{Well, why not?}

{I didn't want to seem like I was trying to follow on my pahda's footsteps. Besides, I'd rather be a pilot.}

{But Makel, you cook so well! Maybe you could go into business with Quito.}

{Oh no! We already tried that. We butted heads too much so that idea didn't get us anywhere.}

{Mak, I know you love to cook and you're excellent at it! You might as well make money doing something you enjoy. Besides, it's either that or be on administrative duties in the military. Do you really want to spend the rest of your career filling out paperwork?}

Makel pondered what his entawan was saying. It didn't sound like such a bad idea.

{Tell you what, lover. Give me some time to think about it. If I'm going to make a career out of this then it's going to take some planning.}
 

Makel decided that he would contact Master Quito for advice.

{So, you want to get into the food business, eh son? Tell you what. I'll help you get started out. I have to let the manager of my restaurant in Fountain Hill go. How would you like that position until you can take off on your own?}

{I don't know, Pahda. Last time we tried that we couldn't agree on things much...}

{Mak, I'm too busy to come bother you now. I'll even provide you with an assistant to show you the ins and outs of the business.}

{Who, Pahda?}

{Why your Mahda, of course!} Makel slapped a hand to his forehead. Matra could be even more overbearing than Quito! In the end, he accepted his pahda's offer.

Since Makel would have been making less managing Quito's restaurant than he did as an Elite Pilot, Lsa took a part time job at a book store. The quads even did little odd jobs around the neighborhood to bring in extra money. One evening while Lsa was working at the book store, an old acquaintance stopped by.

{Good evening Lady Lsa.}

{Good evening, Lord Tkkla. Can I help you with something?}

{Not really. I don't have much time to read. I came by to see if I could help you.}

{How so?}

{Well, I hear your dear Makel has been grounded and that your financial situation could use some improvement.}

{Your point, my Lord?}

{My point is there's always a place for you back on Bright Street, Madame Niku,} the crafty drug lord replied with a crooked grin. One of Lsa's eyes began to twitch and she began to suck her bottom lip really hard.

Lsa looked up at lord Tkkla from beneath her eyelashes. He had a smug smile on his face. Anger flared up in Lsa, anger which she ruthlessly quenched. Lord Tkkla could make big trouble for her so easily, she had to handle him carefully.

{I- I thank you for your concern, Lord Tkkla. I simply could not do that to my entawan, or my children. Engaging... in such a profession, I could not remain anonymous for long. When I was found out, my children would be subjected to terrible ridicule at school. I thank you for your kindly offer, but I cannot accept, for their sake}

She looked up at him then, her eyes begging him not to make trouble for her.

{I understand, Niku. If you should ever change your mind...} he let the sentence hang

{Yes} she nodded, {Thank you}

She watched lord Tkkla as he left the bookstore. It was closing time by then, her hands shook as she locked down the store for the evening.

What can I do? she thought to herself. I know I have not seen the last of him, he intends to make trouble for me. Maybe I can talk to Bani, or Gafad.

She worried in silence as she headed home, unsure of what to do.
 

Lsa decided to call Bani and simply tell her she wanted to have her over for a lunch date the next afternoon. She didn't tell her that somewhere along the line she would tell her about Lord Tkkla.

The ladies had a fairly quiet meal out on the porch. Bani had no doubts that something was disturbing her dear friend. After lunch they walked in the garden. It wasn't a well kept as it had been in recent years. The plants weren't an eyesore, but things did look slightly a miss. Lsa looked at them like she had just noticed.

{I have no time for my garden.} Lsa said absently as the two stopped by the small pond towards the back.

{Things will get better, friend.}

Lsa barley heard what Bani had said. She was looking at their reflections on the water's surface. The woman sworn she saw her and her friend's former selves. Her hair up in two ponytails, like a niku and Milollee, her hair longer and both scantly clan in navy blue. Lsa could not keep her encounter hidden any longer.

{Bani,} she started, looking up at Bani, {Lord Tkkla came into the bookshop last night and asked me to return to Bright Street.}

Bani raised an eyebrow over what Lsa said to her.

{That Tkkla can be such a jerk sometimes! He thinks just because he has money coming out of his ears he can say anything he wants! Fortunately he hasn't approached me that way.}

{Why does he always seem to want to pick on me? At least he hasn't told Mak. He's knows about most of my gang activities, but nothing about the brothel.}

{I think he's still pissed with you about leaving. On top of that...oh, Lsa I don't know if I ought to tell you this....}

{What is it, Bani?}

{Around the time you left, he visited the brothel while I was doing a health check. He told me he had plans for you...}

{What sort of plans?}

{He...he wanted to make you either his pitawan or one of his many concubines.}

{What? Oh, hell no!}

{Yes! Why do you think I helped you escape that evening? I mean if you had stayed a day longer, Azon wouldn't have been able to...} Bani caught herself and put her hand over her mouth.

{Bani, what about Azon?}

{Azon told me he planned on proposing to you, Lsa.}

The information Bani gave Lsa brought up all kinds of mixed emotions.

{Azon had told me that he had something special for me, but it had to wait until we got back to Lady Dani. Oh, Bani, it never crossed my mind that he was going to propose.}

{He made me promise not to tell. When Falong came back and told us he had killed Azon, I didn't see the point of telling you later on. I...didn't want to open up old wounds.}

{Oh, Bani, sometimes I miss him so much. And sometimes I feel like he's so near, just beyond my reach. The night we planned our escape he told me I'd always be his Pretty Niku...} Tears welled up in Lsa's eyes.

{Oh, Lsa, I'm sorry! I didn't mean to upset you.}

{That's ok. Thanks for telling me. well, I'd better get ready for Mak and the children. I also have to finish helping Mikel get ready for computer camp next week. He earned enough money to go by helping people with their computers. I'm so proud of him.}

{Yes, he has been helpful. He fixed our holovids projector a few days ago. Gafad even threw in a bonus for his speedy service. Your son is a real computer genius.}

{I hate to admit it, but he takes after his japahda, Hazo. He's extremely intelligent when it comes to math and science. Too bad he's not so brilliant when it comes to other issues.} Some negative thoughts began to surface in her mind. Lsa shook her head as if that would make the thoughts go away.

{Well, Lsa dear, 'm going to head home and let you tend to your family. If you have any more problems with Tkkla, let me know. I know how to put him in his place.}

{Thanks Bani, I appreciate it.}
 

Meanwhile, Lord Tkkla decided to visit the Rituas since he was in town. He was looking forward to seeing Pijol, whom he found very attractive. The only thing he didn't like about visiting the Rituas was Marana. She didn't seem to like him much. Lord Tkkla instructed his driver to be back to pick him up in about an hour. He stepped up on the porch and rang the door chime. Young Marana answered the door. She frowned when she saw who it was.

{What do you want?}

{Rana, is that anyway to speak to royalty? Please, show some respect!}

{I'll show respect when you stop kissing my mahda.}

{Marana, go tell your mahda I'm here.}

{You can't tell me what to do! You're not my pahda!}

Tkkla's patience was wearing thin. He was about to say something really nasty to the little girl when he saw Pijol coming up behind her.

{Tkkla, how good to see you! What brings you here?}

{I just couldn't stay away, Lovely Pijol. Is everything well with you?}

{Yes, everything is fine. Come sit.}

As the couple made their way to the couch, Marana glared at Lord Tkkla, who stuck his tongue out while Pijol wasn't looking.

{Mahda!}

{What is it, Rana?}

{He stuck his tongue out at me!}

{What? Rana, you must be mistaken. Lord Tkkla wouldn't do such a thing, would you my Lord?}

{Oh no, I wouldn't dare insult such a lovely young lady like Marana.}

That just made Marana even angrier. She wished she could kick him in the shin like the did last time.

Marana didn't feel like watching the two grown-ups play kissy face so she asked permission to go visit the Meglouses. Wufa Mi, Sirobo, and Jodan all came to meet with her and walk back to their house. Mikel was still at computer camp.

While the children played in the garden maze, Lsa helped Makel fix dinner. Lsa noticed he looked a bit worn out and he had a slight cough.

{Mak, are you feeling ok?}

{I'm fine. Just had a long day at the restaurant. If I get some rest I should be ok.}

As if the family hadn't had enough bad luck in the past few months, Makel became very ill very suddenly. When their good friend Jawan called one day, Lsa let him know about Makel's condition.

{He lost weight so quickly. Makel never used to get sick. I don't understand why all of this is happening!}

"I sure hope he gets better soon. Is he well enough to talk now? I know last time you said he was out of it."

{Since he got his medication he's doing better. He's eating now, which is a very good sign. I'll see if he's finished with his dinner.}

When Lsa got to their bedroom, Marana was headed back downstairs with Makel's dishes.

{Lady Lsa, he finished it all this time.}

{Good! That means he should be back to himself soon. Makel, Jawan is on the line. Want to talk to him?}

{Sure.} Lsa noticed his voice was a little raspy from the cough, but otherwise he looked much better.

Makel was very happy to hear from his human friend, and Jawan was glad to see him too.

"So, how ya doin', Mak?"

{Ok. Except for one thing}

"What's that?"

{This medication tastes like farndah....or as you would say, like sh**.} The two friends burst out laughing.

"It's that bad, huh? You're looking much better so I doubt you'll be on that nasty stuff much longer. How are the kids?"

{Great! Mikel is still at computer camp. He's doing well and says he's having a great time. He's scheduled to come back in two days.}

The two friends' conversation was cut short when Makel heard a ruckus outside the window.

{Uh, Jay, I'm going to have to call you back.}

Makel stepped outside on the front porch to witness an interesting scene. Tamla and Juyo were apparently having an argument.

{Juyo, why don't you just go away! You're getting your divorce, so what else could you want?}

{I want what belongs to me, that's what! Everything you took with out of that house I paid for, so I want it back, NOW!}

{Juyo, are you crazy?}

{Just shut up and give me my things!}

By this time, Sirobo, Jodan, and Wufa Mi had come from within the house. Bo didn't like the way Juyo was talking to his beloved sister so he decided to take charge of the situation.

{Hey, you can't talk to my sister that way!}

{I can do whatever I want, you little brat!}

{Well I can do this!} Sirobo promptly punched Juyo in an extremely sensitive spot, causing the man to double over in pain. So, Jo and WuWu joined the fray. Juyo finally escaped the trio's attack and made it to his car. Before getting into his car, he pointed his finger at his entawan.

{I'll be back, you lying bitch! Nobody's gonna make a fool of me!} Juyo quickly jumped into his car when he saw the children start to come after him again.
Makel called to his children from the porch. The three young one ran up to him obediently.

{Pahda, did you see it? Bo punched Juyo in the 'nads!}

{Uh, yes. I saw. Tamla, let's have a little talk, shall we?}

Makel put an arm around his oldest daughter's shoulders and escorted her to the couch. The three younger ones followed right behind them.

{Kids, stop being nosey and go help your mahda clean the kitchen.} The children looked very disappointed that they would miss out on some juicy gossip.

{Now, tell me what's going on Tamla.}

{Juyo wants a divorce.}

{Why?}

{Because...he wants children and I can't have any.}

{What? Didn't he know that before you got married?}

{No...I didn't tell him.}

{But Tamla, you've known you couldn't since you were 10 cycles. Why didn't you let him know?}

{Because...he said he wanted to have children so much after we got married and I didn't want to disappoint him and I thought if he knew I couldn't have any he wouldn't want to marry me and...} Tamla's rambling was cut short when she burst into tears.

By this time Lsa had come to see what the matter was. Makel filled her in.

{Oh, Tamla, I really think you should have let him know.}

{Yes, I guess you're right.}

{Did you two ever consider adoption?}

{He wouldn't hear of it. He had his own solution in mind, Mahda.}

{What was it?}

{A pitawan. He wanted to find a pitawan to have children for him. But I don't want to share my Juyo with another woman! That's when he got angry. He said I was being unreasonable, and that if I had been honest with him in the first place we wouldn't have to go through this. From that point on things got even worse. He said he had lost all his trust in me and that our whole marriage was based on lies. My lies to be precise. Then one day he totally humiliated me in front of all my coworkers!} Tamla began to cry again.

{What did he do, Tam?} her pahda asked.

{He...presented me with divorce papers!}

WuWu, Bo, and Jo all came out of the kitchen to comfort their oldest sister.

{Don't worry, Tam. If he ever bothers you again we'll beat the crap outta him!} Sirobo reassured her.

{That won't be necessary, Bo,} Tamla responded with a halfhearted smile. The three children thought Tam looked like she need some love, so they graced her with a group hug. Tamla's smile was genuine this time. {Thanks, guys. I needed that.}

During the process of the divorce, Tamla lived with her best friend, Ladia. It was only a temporary arrangement. Soon, she had her own place.
 

After Mikel returned from computer camp, the quads got together to plan a little surprise for their parents. Their anniversary was coming up and they knew Mahda and Pahda hardly ever got a chance to go out alone.

{So, what should we do for them?} Mikel pondered aloud.

{Maybe Japahda Quito could help us figure something out. Perhaps we can send them on a trip. They haven't been out of town in cycles. I know! Japahda owns a private beach house at Tampur Beach! We could send them there!}

{That's a great idea, WuWu! Let's go call Japahda Quito.} Jodan went to see if their parents were anywhere around. {The coast is clear, WuWu. You can call him now.}

Master Quito thought his grandchildren had a wonderful idea.

{I'll start on making the arrangements now.}

{Don't tell Jamahda Matra. She'll spoil the surprise.}

{I'll be sure to keep that in mind, WuWu,} Quito chuckled.
 

The day of their anniversary, Makel left his assistant manager in charge of the restaurant. He had a little shopping to do for his Pretty Lady. Meanwhile, Lsa made a stop on the way home from the dance studio to pick up Makel's gift.

When Lsa got home, Wufa Mi greeted her at the door.

{Mahda, Pahda said go to the dining room. Your present is there.}

When she got to the dining room she saw a huge bouquet of passion flowers on the table with a note inside of it. A little box was sitting next to the vase of flowers. She opened up the note and read it.

The note read:
 

To my dear Pretty Lady

The past 23 cycles with you have been the best of my life. These gifts are just a small expression of the depths of my love for you. I'd give you the world if I could. I cherish every moment I have spent with you. Every smile, every kiss, every touch. Of all the blessing Vasah have given me you are the greatest (besides the children of course). At this point you should be smiling, so you'd better turn around so I can enjoy the sight.

Lsa turned to see her love leaning against the door frame.

{Happy Anniversary, love.}

Lsa threw her arms around Makel's neck and kissed him.

{Wow! And to think you haven't even opened your gift yet!}

Lsa went back to the table and picked up the little box. She opened it to find a ring with a red stone.

{Oh, Mak, it's gorgeous! But Where would I wear it?}

{Oh, I don't know....to a formal dinner, on a cruise, to bed maybe...} As Lsa began to laugh at his last suggestion, Mikel and Jodan came and grabbed each of their parents by the hand.

{Mahda, Pahda, come find out what we got you for your anniversary!} Mikel shouted as he pulled his pahda towards the couch.

{Children, wait! I haven't even given Pahda his present yet.}

Lsa had Makel's gift sitting on the living room table. {Here you go, love.}

Makel opened his gift and smiled. It was an intricately carved pipe, perfect for smoking peace flower leaves.

{I carved it myself, Mak.}

{Really? I didn't even know you knew how to do that!}

{Well, I carved my own flute, so a pipe wasn't too difficult.}

Makel showed it to the quads so they could admire it too.

{Now can we tell you about our surprise?} Wufa Mi asked impatiently.

{Of course, Wufa,} Makel responded as he sat his younger daughter on his lap.

{Mahda, Pahda, we're sending you on a trip!} Mikel brought over pictures of Master Quito's beach house.

{Hey, that's my pahda's house at Tampur Beach!}

{Yeah, and you're going there for you anniversary so you guys can be by yourselves. Then you can do grown up stuff!} Jodan added with a grin.

{Hmmm...Vasah knows we haven't been doing much of that lately...} Makel mumbled. Lsa nudged him in the side.

{Children, what a wonderful gift! But I have a question? Who's going to take care of you while we're gone?}

{I am, of course!} Lady Matra walked in from another room. The quads all got expressions on their faces that made it clear they were not aware of this.

{Awww...I thought Japahda was going to watch us. Jamahda Matra treats us like a bunch of babies!} Mikel grumbled.

On the day they were to leave for Tampur Beach, Lsa and Makel's family saw them off.

{Goodbye! You make sure to enjoy yourselves!} Matra said with a grin before she pulled her son aside. {Son, make sure you take precautions. The quadruplets were enough of a surprise for all of us.}

{Mahda...}

{I'm serious, Makel. If you need to, you can stop by the drug store on your way there...}

{Mahda, I get the point. We're leaving now,} Makel said through gritted teeth. The two parents kissed their children good bye.

{All right children, you be good!}

{Yes Mahda.} Lsa noticed they all had little impish grins on their faces. As she got in the car she felt sorry for their jamahda. Apparently, they had some plans for the overbearing Matra.

As the couple began their one and a half hour drive, Lsa looked over to her entawan and asked him a question.

{Mak, what was Matra whispering to you before we left?}

{She was telling me to be careful not to get you pregnant.}

{Oh my goodness! She must not know about the operation we both had after the quads were born,} Lsa chuckled

{Apparently not. I'm surprised she didn't know because she's so damned nosey.}

{Mak, you shouldn't speak of your mahda like that!}

{Why not? It's true!} Makel laughed. The couple enjoyed a quiet ride to their destination. They had gotten used to traveling with a car full of boisterous children.

Meanwhile, the quads were beginning to run wild at the house. They had not taken their daily dose of medication that day and they certainly were not going to let their jamahda make them take it. They decided to split up and hide all over the house. When Matra found one quad, another one would run past. When she found Jodan hiding in a linen closet Mikel ran past her and bopped her in the backside with a pillow causing her to fall forward. The two little boys then pushed her into to closet and shut the door.

{Quick, WuWu, get a chair!} Mikel whispered to his sister who had just come out of the master bedroom. She then set her mahda's vanity chair underneath the door knob to the closet. When they could see poor Matra was secure, they knew it was time for them to run amuck! All four quads put their arms about above their heads and shouted {TANTA!}

Matra banged her fist on the door. {Let me out! All four of you have to take your medicine!} She could hear things banging and crashing together mixed with the loud whistles of the quads. Matra hoped the neighbors would hear and come to see what was going on.

Meanwhile, the Situ's, who had promised the Meglouses they would check up on the house occasionally, decided to call over there. After Bani dialed, Wufa Mi answered the phone.

{Hi, WuWu. It's Lady Bani. Is everything ok over there?}

{Everything is great! Bye, Lady Bani!} Wufa Mi shouted. Bani thought the little girl sounded a bit too excited. She could also hear a lot of noise in the background before she hung up.

{Gafad, I think we need to go over there.}

{Why what's going on?}
 

{Sounds like all hell broke loose over there!}

{Uh oh, we'd better go help their poor jamahda.}

Bani and Gafad used the spare key card Makel had given them to enter the house. And what a sight the beheld when they opened the door! The house was a wreck and the quads were running wild. Sgt. Situ stepped into the door and hollered, {Little Soldiers, at attention!} The children froze in their tracks. They then looked over to see their godparents. Bani called them over. Only the boys obeyed. They didn't want to anger the pretty soldier. Soon they were quietly standing before her gazing dreamily up into her pretty visage.

{Come on you guys! We can't let her tell you what to do! Snap out of it!}

{Wufa Mi, come join your brothers, please.} When the little girl heard the voice of her godpahda, she then started getting weak in the knees. Bani had no effect on her, but she did have a huge crush on the hunky musician. Soon all four of them were lined up before the two adults.

{Children, where is Lady Matra?} Bani asked.

{Ummm...she's kind of...locked in a closet,} WuWu replied. Both adults shook their heads. They also noticed that the children were having a very hard time standing still.

{Did you guys take your medicine?} Gafad inquired.

{No...} all four answered sheepishly.

{I'm guessing that you all made this mess right?} The quads then hung their heads in shame. {You know, I could call your parents and tell them what you guys have done....} The quads then looked up at Bani, begging her not to tell. {...but we don't want to ruin their little trip do we? Here's the deal. First, you guys take your medicine. Second, apologize to your jamahda for treating her so badly. Last, you are all going to clean up this house. You either do all that, or we call you parents and ruin their anniversary. So, are you going to do all that I ask?}

{Yes, Lady Bani,} they grumbled.

{Ok, that's what I thought. Gafad, would you please let Lady Matra out of the closet?}

{I'm on it, love.}

Matra heard things get quiet and she also thought she heard the Situ's. They had promised to look in on everybody now and then until Lsa and Makel returned. Finally she heard the chair being removed from the door. She took her sternest stance and prepared to confront her captors.

When the door opened, she saw Gafad.

{Hello, Lady Matra. The quads giving you a bit of trouble?}

{A bit of trouble? Their behavior has been awful since their parents left! And they haven't taken their medication!}

{Don't worry. Bani's taking care of that. Are you all right?}

{I'll be fine once I give my grandchildren a stern talking to.}

{Well, now's your chance. They should be done with their medicine by now. Let's head downstairs.}

When Master Gafad and Lady Matra got downstairs, they found the medicated quads cleaning up the house under Lady Bani's instructions.

{Children, your jamahda is here now. Isn't there something you have to say?}

All four quads walked up to Matra and looked up at her with pitiful expressions. Wufa Mi, being the oldest, acted as spokesperson.

{We're sorry we put you in the closet, Jamahda.}

{Children, where did you pick up that dreadful behavior? I know your parents trained you better than that.}

{It'll never happen again, Jamahda.}

{I certainly hope not! Now, let's finish cleaning up, my darlings! Makel and Lsa will be back sometime tomorrow.}

The children didn't hesitate to get back to work.

Meanwhile, Makel and Lsa were enjoying watching the suns set at Tampur Beach.

{Oh, Mak, isn't the sunset a lovely sight?}

{I wouldn’t know. I'm too busy looking at the beauty before me.} Lsa began to giggle.

{Still a big flirt, I see. Some things never change.} She kissed him on the cheek. {It doesn't seem like 23 cycles has passed, but it has.}

{I still remember the first time I saw you. You were unconscious, but you were still breathtaking.}

{It's a good thing you found me in front of Lady Dani's house.}

{You know, at first I thought you didn't even like me because you wouldn't smile or talk much. Later on I realized you were just down because of what you had just gone through. So, I decided you could use some cheering up.}

{Remember our first kiss back by Quito's swimming pool?}

{How could I ever forget?} Makel hugged his entawan close as the continued to share romantic memories.

The morning of the day they were to return, Makel woke up first. Seeing that his Pretty Lady was still asleep, he kissed her on the shoulder and went into the kitchen to fix some breakfast. While he was preparing the meal, Lsa came up behind him and hugged him about the waist.

{Good morning, Handsome.}

{Morning, Pretty Lady. Did you sleep well?}

{When you finally let me, yes.} Makel grinned at her comment. {You know, I've enjoyed the peace and quiet a lot. But I do miss our babies. I wonder how they are doing?}

{Probably giving Matra a hard time.} Makel's grin got even bigger at that thought, then he began to laugh. Lsa, however didn't think that was funny.

{Makel, I think we'd better head back right after breakfast.}

{Oh, come on, what's the hurry?} Lsa gave him a look that let him know she wasn't in the mood for discussion, but for action. So, after they had their meal the couple packed up and headed back to Fountain Hill.

When the parents arrived at their home, they found all four quads peacefully watching cartoon with their jamahda. Lsa and Makel couldn't believe how quiet they were.

{Little Soldiers, guess who's back?}

{Pahda! Mahda!} The children ran to their parents. {We missed you!}

{Mahda missed her babies, too.}

{Mahda, we're not babies anymore!} Jodan complained.

{Well, you'll always be my babies in my eyes,}she replied as she kissed his forehead.

{Did you enjoy your trip?} Sirobo asked.

{We had a great time, son. Lsa and I might go back again and take you with us next time. Mahda, were they all good Little Soldiers while we were gone?} The children looked back at Matra, hoping she wouldn't tell them about all the trouble they caused.

{Well, they were a little rowdy for a moment, but they calmed down after taking their medication. Overall...they were the sweetest little darlings a jamahda could ever have.} Matra winked at her grandchildren, who smiled back. They were ever so grateful she didn't tell on them. They now had a new found respect for her.

{All right, children. Kiss Jamahda good bye.} The quads didn't hesitate to do just that. Makel and Lsa spent the rest of the day telling their children about their trip and sharing photos. WuWu also wanted to hear about how they met and fell in love. All of they loved the story about the fertility statue. Before they knew it, it was bedtime. Soon, their parents had them all tucked in. Lsa and Makel went to bed themselves afterward. Before long, all was quiet in the Meglouse house. But everyone knew in that house, that was only a temporary thing. Only Vasah knows what kind of trouble that bunch was cooking up in their minds even as they slept....

The End? Are you kidding? This is just the beginning!
 

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