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He arrives in an electric carriage, the device silently drawing power from the city's invisible power grid, its greased wheels not disturbing a single cobblestone on the quiet and peaceful street. It stops by itself near the curb, the door sliding open, the air conditioned interior revealing your father, <span class="mu-s">Frank Murdoc</span>, the mayor of Panopolis. Along with his aide, the two arrive alone with no security detail or body guard or paparazzi of anykind. To you, this is normal.
<span class="mu-g">”Welcome home, Father.”</span> You say. Your father nods his head, but does not smile. He never smiles any more. Athena squeezes your arm with her talons again, as if to remind you of what you've talked about before.
<span class="mu-i">You know he still loves you- even if he can't show it anymore.</span>
“Thank you for meeting me here, Son. And the other children of the neighborhood, a nice surprise.” He would name them by their parents titles; The Treasurer's Boy, the Health & Safety Minister's Girl. But you don't blame him for that. He is, after all, a very busy man.
<span class="mu-g">”Everyone was excited for your return, Father. It would be nice to have you back home for a time, but I know you have responsibilities beyond family.”</span>
“That is correct. Your maturity shows beyond your age, my son.” You wince.
<span class="mu-g">”T-Thank you, Father.”</span>
“How goes your classes? I'm sure your mother and the nanny are keeping you on track.”
<span class="mu-g">”Of course, Father. I will show you my marks when we get back.”</span>
“And your companion. Athena! Have you been a good owl?”
“Of course, Mister Murdoc.” She bows her head. Sapiens are only supposed to speak when spoken to first; this rule holds true especially on level 2.
<span class="mu-g">”...Father, you've never told me about your companion. You had one as a boy too, right?”</span>
“I did.” He said, implacably. “-But it was just another force to shape me into the man I am today. As Athena is to you. Of all the lessons I wish to impart upon you, my son, this is the most important one. We are all, in the end, what we are shaped to be.”
<span class="mu-g">”Of course; Father.”</span> You say, trying as hard as you can to smile.
