Lives are changed in the wake of God's departure. Stan and his family must come to terms with their new situation.

Silence reigned. No one moved, no one spoke, no one breathed.

Someone screamed.

The noise shattered Stan's paralysis. He looked at himself, his dark reddish-gold skin, thin hairless arms and delicate hands and fingers. Long fingernails, painted silver. His hair brushed his neck when he turned his head. Moving caused breasts to shift on his chest. He had breasts. It was too much to take in.

"What happened?" he squealed. His voice was wrong. Higher. A woman's voice. He tried shouting his question again, louder. "What happened? What did Jack do to me?" It didn't help. Same voice. Panicking, he grabbed Rosa, the Rosa sitting next to him, screaming "What did you do? I have to see my family."

Rosa pushed Stan away. "I can see. Jack cured me. Why does everyone look the same? My skin, what happened? I'm Mexican." She sounded like Stan. Everyone sounded like him.

Stan stood and nearly fell. He was thrown by the weight of his breasts shifting, pulling down as he stood up, and by his shoes forcing him to stand on tip toe. He tried to grab the table and hurt his hands. The table was too high, he'd misjudged it.

Chaos surrounded him as a dozen Rosas experienced the same disorientation. He grabbed his breasts. He felt his breasts with his hands, but he also felt his hands with his breasts. Knowing the result in advance, he still grabbed his crotch. The long skirt he wore got in his way, but he could tell he was missing his manhood.

He wanted to collapse in tears, but couldn't. His family needed him. He had to get home. He had to tell Ellen what had happened. He didn't know what she'd do, he didn't know if they could do anything, but she had to know. He could not let his wife think he'd deserted her. Repeating that like a mantra he forced himself to stop panicking.

"Sit back down," commanded Brother Jose from the front of the room. He pounded the table with a gavel to gain everyone's attention. "Guard the exits. No one leaves. These women are temple property by order of God.

He commanded, "Line up and give your names. We will assign you rooms and duties"

"What do you think you're doing, Brother Jose?" called a female priest. She confronted him directly, "These women are guests, not property." She was a small woman, just a few inches over five feet tall, but her blue eyes were blazing as she spoke.

"This is not the time, Sister Paula," responded Jose. "Lord Jack's order was clear." He was angry, flustered, and ready to fight. This clearly wasn't their first disagreement or confrontation. Neither Stan nor any of the other Rosas were interested in watching.

Determined to get back to his family, Stan went for the door. He nearly tripped in his high heeled shoes, so he slid them off his feet. His long skirt restrained his motion. He had to take smaller steps than he wanted, but he thought removing the skirt might be a bad idea. Walking in general felt wrong; his center of balance was off and his hips moved differently. He kept himself from thinking too much about that. One thing at a time.

"Out of my way," he said to one of his many twins as he pushed his way to the door.

"I can't let you leave, ma'am," said a tall young novice standing in the door. Stan tried to push through, but the boy may as well have been an iron gate for all he moved.

Stan was floored. The boy had called him "ma'am." It was wrong. No matter what Jack had done, he was still Stan Overton, not Rosa Ramos. The young novice towered over him. Stan was small, weak. He felt like he'd lost a foot or more, even if he knew Rosa was only 5 or 6 inches shorter than he used to be.

"I have to see my wife. I have to see my kids. Let me out," Stan yelled. His voice rose as he panicked. It got worse the more he heard himself speak. He could feel tears breaking through.

"Let me through, I have to open my shop." "My mother's sick, let me take care of her." "Just let me out." Other voices, all twins of Stan's, cried out.

"FWEET." A piercing whistle came from the front of the table. The woman, Sister Paula, had her fingers in her mouth to make that screech.
Once she had everyone's attention, she announced, "No one leaves. You will stay, and you will do as instructed. You were all infected with a new parasite from Kansas City. We cannot release you yet. So please cooperate.

"Brother Jose," she gestured at him, "will take your names and any other information needed. When he is satisfied, you will be escorted to your chambers." She sounded like a drill sergeant, Stan thought. Great command voice, he hadn't heard that since leaving the war host over 20 years ago.

It was effective. The clones stopped clamoring and pushing for the door. Sister Paula's command presence and the knowledge that they'd been infected by zombies made a huge difference. They were reluctant, but they gathered around Brother Jose. Stan was the fourth person to give his information.

"You were a man, then?" questioned Jose after Stan gave his name.

"Yes," he answered in his new feminine voice. "And I am married and have two children. Will you let them know? I don't want them to worry." He thought for a second, "At least, not that I'm dead or abandoned them." He was uncomfortably close to crying, but managed to keep his voice clear.

Jose nodded, with a sideways glance at Sister Paula. "We'll inform families." He took their names and wrote them down.

Stan was moved to the side. An elderly monk escorted four of them out of the private quarters, down some hallways, and into a small room with a sink, two bunk beds, and four footlockers.

"These are normally pilgrim's cells, so there's not much in the way of amenities." The old man continued, "We'll be posting guards at either end of the hallway. We'll bring food. I guess the priests will let you know more once they've decided anything." He turned back without waiting for a response.

Stan claimed his bed, taking the bottom bunk before the monk left. It was a habit from his time in the war host. Claim your bunk fast.

There was a small mirror over the sink, but Stan realized he could get a better idea what he looked like by looking at the other women. While he knew Rosa, he hadn't ever studied her too closely. He was a married man after all.

He had dark skin, between olive and red, with black hair that fell past his shoulders. He was about 5'4" but had fairly large breasts. He didn't know how to size them, but they were a little larger than Ellen's. He was in good shape, trimmer stomach and wider hips than he'd had before. His legs and arms were hairless and lacked both the scars and the muscles he had built up over the years. Good looking, but no Barbie doll, for which he was thankful.

"All right," he said quietly, making sure not to scream when he heard his new voice, "Who are all of you? I'm Stan Overton."

"Anna Lopez," said one of them. Stan was floored. He knew he shouldn't be, it was a miracle after all. His daughter's playmate, the thin little orphan girl was suddenly a healthy adult woman. His twin, he reminded himself. She sounded just like him. He reminded himself not to be surprised. Again.

"Jeff Chen," said the next.

"Martin Silasson," said the last.

"So three of us were men," said Stan. "I think that was all of us, right?" He'd concentrated on Jack, not on the other people at the table, but he was pretty sure there were only three men there. He thought there'd been a black man, so that was probably Martin, but he was too embarrassed to ask.

The others agreed that there'd been three men there. Anna had been the only child in the room. It seemed likely they'd been placed together deliberately.

"We're the hard cases, I guess. Anna, just in case you don't remember my name, I'm Maria's father. She's friends with my daughter," Stan explained more generally. "Jeff and I were in a bowling league together. I don't think we've met, though, Martin."

"I'm Martin," said the woman Stan thought was Jeff. There was no way to tell each other apart. "I was a soldier at the outpost. Remote tour, family back in Georgia. Thought it'd be a right easy post at a city. More fool I."

"I can't tell you apart," complained Anna. She opened the footlockers. Two were empty, but one had an abandoned notebook and pen. She ripped off some paper. "Nametags. Like the first day of school."

Stan agreed. He avoided looking at the mirror in case he couldn't pick himself out of the crowd. He was already starting to feel like he wasn't a real person, just a copy. That was worse than being turned into a woman. He wanted to run screaming from the others. Anna's idea would at least help.

"Wait a second," Stan exclaimed. "Paper and pen. We can't leave, but we can write. Maybe the guards can deliver our letters. Jeff, what do you think?"

"I'm all for it," he responded. "You go first, then gimme the pen. Either o' you have anyone?"

Martin also wanted to write, one to his unit, one to go home. Anna didn't have anyone. They wrote their letters, using the footlockers as desks. Stan tried to ignore the fact that they all had the same handwriting.

"Excuse me," Stan called to the old man at the end of the hall. "Could we ask a favor? We wrote some letters to our families. Would you see if the priests can deliver them when they tell our families what happened?"

The guard looked down at Stan and Anna. "Sorry, but I can't leave my post." Anna did her best little girl pout; it was still effective in her adult body. "Look, I'll take the letters. When they come by with your food, I can give it to them, and they can bring it to the priests." He shrugged, "Best I can do."

Stan accepted that and handed over the letters. As they returned to their room, some of the women from other rooms came to see what was going on. When they saw Stan and Anna's nametags, they insisted on making their own. Anna was the center of attention, making nametags for everyone. They all started rummaging through the footlockers in the other rooms to see if they had anything else left behind.

There were guards at each end of the hall, young novices or old monks. The guards raised no objections to the meeting in the hall. Six rooms, three on each side, lined the way. His room had four women, three other rooms had three, and two were empty. There was a rest room at each end, a men's room and a ladies'. Stan reflected that he'd be using the ladies' room now. Or not. There were 12 women and no men in the hall. They'd have to use both bathrooms, so he could hold on to an old habit a little longer.

Novices brought lunch; bread with apple butter and a simple salad. To Stan's delight, the guards handed over the packet of letters. Almost everyone had written some letters, Anna was one of the few exceptions. Stan hadn't been able to say everything he wanted, but he felt much better after sending Ellen and the kids a letter.

A few hours later, Brother Jose stormed into the hall and called everyone out of their rooms. He held the packet of letters in his hand.

"No more of this, understand," he shouted. "You are property. You may not leave the temple. You may not communicate with anyone outside these walls. Do not cross us. You will obey."

He did not wait for a response.

"They're not going to deliver our letters?" exclaimed an open mouthed Stan.

"I bet it's worse'n that," responded Jeff. "I don't think they're telling our families anything. Maybe 'at we're dead. That's why they don't want letters, it says we're still alive."

A woman charged the guard in anger. Without seeing her nametag, it was impossible to say who she was. The old man pushed her and she fell backwards to the ground. He warned, "No more of that. I will hurt you if you try to escape."

"Jessa second," said Martin, ignoring the guard and fallen woman, "What was it as he was saying 'bout us being property?"

"No," stated Jeff. "He's saying we're slaves. I am not a slave. Not t'the temple, not to anyone. C'mere," he pulled in the four of them after searching a bit for Anna.

Once they were all back in their room, with the door shut, he whispered, "I was already thinking about this, now I'm sure. I'm getting out of here. Tonight. Don't care what the priests say. I'm not staying here. I don't think they're really organized yet. Tonight's our best chance."

"I don't trust him," Stan said, speaking of Jose. "I don't think he's going to tell Ellen, tell any of our families, what's really going on. I'm with you Jeff." He had not even started coming to terms with becoming a woman, he wasn't about to accept being a slave too.

"Not me," chimed in Martin. "Still a soldier, at least til someone tells me otherwise," he gestured at his body, looking at his long painted fingernails to indicate he wouldn't be one soon enough. "Now don' worry none. Ain't gonna squeal on you or nothing, but count me outta any escape. We ain't bein' held by the enemy. Give 'em time, I say."

Stan thought about it. He thought about how Ares once treated his 'guests.'

"Martin," he said, "I understand, but I think you're wrong. We're not just being held, we're not allowed to communicate. That's a setup. You're army, right? The oath is still to the Constitution, not to the Church. Yeah, we have to follow the Gods, that's the 29th amendment and all, but we all heard Jack, He didn't say anything about making us slaves. I say we go."

"I'm with him," Anna said, pointing at Stan. "I've been around the temple a lot, they fed me and took care of me. I don't like Brother Jose. He's mean."

Stan was certain he could get them out of the temple if they could reach the boiler room. He'd been down there before, and knew a way into the city sewers. Anna knew the temple layout better than any of the others. She could get them from the pilgrim quarters to the boiler room if they could get past the guards. Jeff was a security guard himself, he swore the guards would relax come night. He was sure he could get them out.

They had a plan.

After everyone was asleep, they put their plan into action. Jeff removed the mirror over the sink and used it to watch the guards. As he predicted, they were barely paying any attention. Both guards were at one end of the hall chatting.

"Temple's not a high target for thieves," Jeff explained in a whisper, "People don't want to mess with God. Guards get lazy, they're not used to watching people who might want to get out."

The plan went off without a hitch. They sneaked past the guards, keeping a wary eye out but seeing no one. Anna led them right to the boiler room.

Stan tried to lift the access plate, only to come to a jarring halt when the plate didn't budge. He pulled as hard as he could, and it barely budged. "Blood and balls," he muttered, "can't move it."

One of the others came over to help, and together they moved the plate aside. Stan had to read the nametag to find out it was Jeff who'd helped him. Stan led the way into the crawlspace. He was much smaller than the last time he'd had to navigate it, which helped. Crawling in a skirt, however, was something he could do without.

They reached the sewers and could stand again. Anna complained about the smell, but they were all committed at this point. After a short walk, they exited the sewer near his old favorite, the Hickory Diner.

"They're open 24 hours, and the morning waitress, Lita, is friendly. She'll help us once we explain what's going on," Stan reassured the others. The lights were on, though the lot was largely empty.

They were an odd sight. Identical triplets in identical outfits, wet and stained with dirt and mud. They all had their shoes off, and were climbing out of a sewer pipe at 3 in the morning. Stan pulled off his nametag and went in the door.

"Lita," he called. She came over looking puzzled. "Can I talk to you for a minute."

"Rosa?" she answered. "I heard... Wait, you have twin sisters? What happened?"

"Lita, I need to talk to you. Please."

She sighed, looked at the two college kids eating, and waved the girls over to a corner. "All right, what's going on?"

"I'm not Rosa. I know this'll sound really strange, but I'm Stan. Stan Overton. Jack, he did this to us and left. We need to see our families to tell them what happened. Lita, we need your help."

Lita opened and shut her mouth a few times and backed up a step or two, "What? What do you want from me?"

Stan understood. He'd feel the same. "A change of clothes. Spare uniforms is fine if you've got 'em. Your phone, we'll call for help."

"All right," she said slowly. "Girls keep spares in the lockers in back. Come here, and look see what fits you all. Come back up when you're done."

"Can't believe we made it," said Jeff. "I shoulda worked for the temple, could've shaped 'em up some. Fifteen years and no breakins. They can't say the same. Really overrated."

They went through the outfits in the lockers while Jeff rambled. They could all use the same clothes, since they were all the same size. They were all getting tired of that.

Stan found a pair of pants that was a touch too large for him, but it felt very nice to put on pants again. They had wide hips, and fastened tighter than he was used to, but at least it wasn't a skirt. Watching the others get dressed excited him. He still got turned on watching women undress, which pleased him. But that now meant tightening nipples, and dampness in the groin. Very strange, off setting. He rationalized that he was learning what his body looked like, then laughed at himself. Even he didn't buy that excuse.

When they were ready they looked like poorly dressed messy waitresses. They all had green collared shirts with the Hickory Diner logo on them and grey slacks. Stan slipped his heels back on. They were the only thing that fit perfectly.

"Poop," yelled Anna when she went back to the front.

Two cops were waiting there with Lita. Stan briefly considered running, but there was no point. He could barely walk in heels, let alone run, and if he took them off he'd be running barefoot. Staring daggers at Lita, who at least looked embarrassed, he surrendered to the police.

"You're gonna have to close up for a bit, Lita," said one of the cops. "We have to take you in too. Got word from the temple. Your customers too."

"What? I didn't do anything. I called you," she protested.

"Orders. We gotta go too. Anyone who's seen them." He indicated the girls with a jerk of his thumb.

Jose and Paula met them at the temple. A third priest was with them, radiating impatience.

"You defy the Word of God. You are church property," ranted Brother Jose. "You will, you must, obey. Brother Nestor, the bracelets."

The third priest said "Give me your hand," to Stan. Stan was frightened. Brother Jose's rants and the police standing stoically behind him made him feel weak and vulnerable. He didn't know how much was the situation, and how much was his new body. Brother Nestor took his tiny hand and tied a small iron chain around it. He did the same to the other two.

"Those," said Jose loudly, "are prison bracelets, a gift from Lord Ares. You cannot remove them. While wearing them, you cannot leave temple grounds. You cannot communicate with anyone outside the temple, by voice, writing, or other means. You cannot attack or try to harm anyone.

"Do you understand?"

They nodded glumly. Sister Paula led them back to their rooms while Brother Jose swore the diner occupants to secrecy.

"That was a stupid move," Paula scolded while they walked. "Brother Jose's opinion on God's command is not official. It's not even widely accepted. I don't agree with him for one. Stunts like that one hurt your cause. Those who don't much care will side with Brother Jose just to make the problems go away."

She continued while Stan, Anna, and Jeff blushed, "And it won't work anyway. Those prison manacles are just one miracle we have. We will catch you if you escape. Don't make us.

"You don't care about yourselves? You're willing to take the risk?" Sister Paula's voice was rising, "Fine. What about the others? Do you want to condemn them too? Don't answer. Think. Now get back to your rooms."

She left. Anna started to say something, Stan held up his hand. "Tomorrow. We'll talk about it tomorrow." He was too tired to admit that Sister Paula was right.

For the next week, all of the transformed women were kept in seclusion. They only saw each other and a small selection of the priests. Sister Paula took charge of Stan's room. She was to teach them about their bodies and how to act like women.

They started with a lot of lectures and embarrassing practice sessions to learn about feminine hygiene. Even Anna found it hard to learn about her body so publicly, but it was far worse for the former men. They argued with and yelled at Sister Paula. She was patient with them, and they eventually went along with her since they did need to learn.

At first Stan thought it was humiliating. For instance, they had lessons on going to the bathroom. He hated to admit it, but he did need to learn to wipe every time, and go from front to back. This was his body now, he reminded himself regularly, and he had to learn how to operate it.

Today's lesson was hair care. They'd had the lectures, and were now in a room Sister Paula had set up for them.

Stan was working on Martin, brushing his deep black hair with a brush. Anna was on the next chair over, with Jeff brushing her hair. They had mirrors in front of them so they could see what they were doing to each other.

They all had on different outfits. When they were first transformed, they all had the same clothing on. At first, the temple gave them all novitiate robes to wear. That left them all looking and dressing identically, and it wore them down quickly. Stan felt like he was somehow less than human, a simple automaton. It only lasted three days, ending when Evelyn attacked a priest who called her Anna. Stan never thought he'd be so grateful to be wearing women's clothing.

The temple claimed Rosa's property and donated her clothing to the transformed women. She had a large wardrobe, but it wasn't enough to clothe twelve women normally. The temple supplemented it, beginning with an emergency supply of bras and panties. Stan and Martin started calling it the 'strategic covering reserve' to general laughter.

While the temple expected the women to share Rosa's clothes, they had other ideas. They universally disliked being confused for each other, they all wanted to stand out. Clothing was one way to do so. Stan wore a yellow headband and claimed all of Rosa's yellow clothing. It wasn't much, he thought it entirely reasonable. He was amazed at just how upset he got when Evelyn wore Rosa's yellow blouse. He nearly assaulted her. He would have if Martin hadn't stopped him. It still freaked him out that he was so attached to some pieces of women's clothing.

He was wearing that blouse today with some pale blue slacks and open toed sandals. Sister Paula promised, or threatened, that they'd need to learn to accessorize soon, but the only jewelry he had on was the prison bracelet he couldn't remove. Except for Martin, they all wore one.

Sister Paula knocked on the wall and coughed impatiently. Stan came out of his reverie. She'd instructed them to talk to each other while working on their hair. Until now, Sister Paula hadn't given much thought to the differences between men's and women's behavior. She hoped to ease her group into feminine behavior, and conversation was part of it.

"So, Martin," Stan asked, taking Paula's cue, "bet you're sorry you didn't come along on the big escape now? Still get the same assignments, but without the fancy jewelry." He held up his arm with the iron band around it, looking at Sister Paula to acknowledge the instructions. She wasn't happy about the topic, but nodded back.

Jeff jumped in from the next chair, "Next time let's pick a route at's not quite so dirty. Anna's finally gonna get the last of the dirt outta my head. Maybe a rooftop escape, 'cept Martin's dress might give some folks an eyeful."

Martin chuckled. It sounded suspiciously like a giggle. "It has been one of the few high points of excitement, I'll give you that. Do you really think it's the best idea to plan our next major caper while our minder looks on?" He made a slight head turn towards Sister Paula. "I think I see why your first plan didn't work."

Stan smiled back, and turned Martin back towards the mirror to resume brushing his hair. Sister Paula smiled ruefully, and said, "Very well, ladies, you may have your privacy. I will be in my office. Keep at your exercises and remember to keep talking to each other." Stan didn't much care for being called a lady, but knew Sister Paula was trying to help.

"Have you heard anything from outside?" Stan asked. "Has the base tried to contact you?" He kept brushing Martin's hair.

"No, nothin'," he replied. "I saw a volunteer cleaning the halls the other day. A novice done rushed her away soon as I saw 'er. I think we're all still a state secret."

"I want so much to get a letter to Ellen," Stan complained. "I miss her terribly. Even more than seeing her again, I need her to know I'm all right." He paused a minute in thought, and stopped brushing Martin's hair, "We lost a boy when Divinitrice came through, and she's never been the same. Fragile about loss." Stan could feel tears welling up as he spoke. He put both hands on Martin's shoulders and leaned forward for support.

Martin did not draw away. He understood Stan's need. "I don't know so much about getting word out to my unit," he said, "It's a kinda embarrassing way to ship out. I'd like to find out how they separated me, make sure my wife gets treated right. I'd be pissed if they wrote me off AWOL."

"That'd be like the military, wouldn't it? OK, that's enough with the brushing out. Let's try some braids, shall we?" Stan started separating and braiding Martin's hair.

"It's not just Ellen," continued Stan, "My boy Luke's going to graduate high school soon. He's been getting in trouble lately, fell in with some bad friends. I was having enough trouble getting him to straighten up while I was there. Can't be a role model for him like this, even if I could see him. I worry about him."

"We just have the one kid," said Martin slowly, "and I miss her every day. Lot younger'n your Luke, sure. She'll be five next month. Soldier's life, I always knew I might not get to see her grow up, but this ain't what I figured on. I feel for you. You did say you had two kids though, right?"

"Yeah," he answered fondly, "My little girl is Maria. She's as sweet as can be. She'll turn 9 in the summer. Ellen was so happy when we had a girl. She's as pretty as can be, she'll be a heartbreaker any day now. It's cruel, maybe, but I was looking forward to scaring her boyfriends and seeing her get mad at me."

Martin tried to turn his head to look at Stan, but Stan held him steady to keep braiding his hair, "Tell me about it. Liza's only 4 and I's already practicing my 'just cleanin' my gun' speech."

"OK, I've got the braid, let's see if I can do the next step." Stan twisted the braid, pulling Martin's hair back. He made a it into a circle and pinned it up. "Turn around, let me see," Stan commanded.

"Probably need to get the braid a bit tighter," Stan critiqued his work, "and it looks pretty severe from the front," as he looked at Martin, "but I guess it could work for a formal situation."

Martin looked in the mirror, "I don't know. I see naughty schoolteacher written all over this. Is it wrong to keep thinking that about yourself?"

"Way too deep," answered Stan, "I don't want to think about it. Why don't you do me now, and then we can go show our work to teacher?"

Sister Paula had been listening in the whole time on a receiver. No matter how they did on the hair care, she was very pleased with their progress. They needed more work, but they were making progress. She just had to get them time.

The following week was less pleasant. They had to deal with their first period. All the transformed women had it at the same time. In retrospect it was obvious, but no one thought of it ahead of time.

The other women assured them that their time of the month was fairly mild in Rosa's body, and traded stories of what their old ones were like. Stan, Martin and Jeff found random stomach cramps frightening, and bleeding from their vagina worrying. Necessary though it was, getting tampon lessons from Sister Paula was humiliating.

When it was over, Stan knew he'd changed. If he could remove the prison bracelet, he'd still send a message to his family, but he no longer expected to return to them. He accepted the temple teaching that he was a new person, he just wasn't sure who that was yet.

They'd continued their lessons with Sister Paula while dealing with their first periods. Stan enjoyed the cooking lessons, he'd been a terrible cook before. The makeup lessons, however, brought him face-to-face, as it were, with his change. It further reinforced the temple's teaching that he was a new person.

That morning a novice informed them that the temple was having a lunch and all the transformed women had to attend. The previous day Sister Paula had cancelled all her training sessions. While Stan was thrilled not to have to struggle with makeup again, he and his friends were very bored. The women in the other rooms had also been free. Everyone knew something was up.

Jeff said, "What do you think is going on? Anyone hear anything? Can't be that we all just finished our, well, you know." He gestured downwards. Stan was glad Jeff started the conversation. They were all thinking about it, but it wasn't easy to say anything.

"No, I doubt that's it," said Stan. "Maybe they're going to let us talk to our families?" he said hopefully.

"Probably not, Stan," piped up Anna. She had become the leader of their group. She'd adapted better than the others to her new body, and had proven to be a very keep observer. She was the only one of them that could always recognize the others. That alone made her popular. She was also much better than the others at figuring out what was going on in the temple. "Have you seen how stressed Sister Paula's been all week? I think they finally decided what to do with us."

"Don't like the sound o'that," said Martin. "She's a friendly lady. If she's stressed out about it all, that don't, eh, that doesn't, sound good for us." Sister Paula had been working with Martin on his diction. He was a good soldier and worked hard at it.

"Maybe," said Anna, "but I don't think so. I think she'd be upset if things were going bad. I think it was a tough decision and argument, and that's why she was stressed. Wait until we see her to guess how bad it'll be."

Stan finished dressing. He had on a pale blue sundress with yellow flowers, pumps, a silver necklace and earrings. They had a makeup kit in their room, but they all decided to do without. None of them had gotten very good at it. Stan curled his hair the way he'd always liked on Ellen. He hoped that if he was a model prisoner he could see his family again. He no longer felt like he was cross dressing when wearing a dress, but wasn't sure if that was good or bad.

The mess hall was not as large as God's private room. It had a raised head table and 5 smaller tables on the floor.

Brother Jose and Sister Paula were at the head table with 3 senior priests. Stan sat with his friends and two other transformed women. They all wore nametags, since even they had trouble telling each other apart. To Stan's disappointment, no town members were present.

Remembering Anna's comments, he studied Sister Paula. She was quiet while Brother Jose spoke genially with the other priests. That was a bad sign, he thought. While she seemed quiet, Sister Paula wasn't broken down. He had to hope for the best.

The meal was better than what they got in their quarters. They had an apple walnut salad followed by barbecued chicken with green beans and tomatoes. Brother Jose stood up as they finished.

"Ladies, I have some fine news for you," he announced, looking pleased with himself. His smile was as broad and genuine as a used car salesman's. "There has been much discussion over the last two weeks of your status, as I'm sure you're all well aware." In fact, they weren't well aware, as the temple did everything they could to hide such discussions from them.

"Lord Jack has gifted you to the temple with orders to take care in your final disposition. We are taking our responsibility for you seriously, and are pleased to announce that we have found a place for the first of you." He gestured at the head table when he said 'we.' Stan noticed that Sister Paula and one of the older priests did not look back. Whatever was coming, Stan was sure it was not a unanimous decision.

"Evelyn Schmidt," Brother Jose paused and stared at them, but couldn't read the nametags from where he stood. Eventually he continued, "Evelyn Schmidt will be moving to Enid, Oklahoma. She will be a nurse and nanny for the children of Father Demetiriou, whose wife was tragically lost two weeks ago.
"The rest of you will begin working in the temple while we try to find a position for you," he continued despite an outcry from the table across from Stan. "It will all be work suitable for acolytes, mostly cleaning, cooking, and serving. One day a week you will work in the orchards. The town has been told that you are gifts to the temple from Jack" He looked meaningfully at Sister Paula.

"You will receive your assignments later this evening." After making this announcement, the head table filed out of the room.

A low buzz of conversation started at the tables. "Why was Evelyn so upset?" Stan asked Anna.

"Not sure," she whispered back, "Probably because she'll be working for a priest, she never liked the temples, you know." Stan hadn't known that. He knew Evelyn was the oldest of the transformed, but that was about it.

"They're getting her out of here as fast as possible," said one of the women from the other rooms, Joyce. "It's punishment. Evelyn managed to get word out about what happened to us. Really threw a bee in Brother Jose's bonnet there, she did."

Stan was shocked. "What? Really?" He hadn't known any of the other women had complaints, let alone that there was an active resistance. His own efforts, telling Lita at the Hickory Diner, hadn't come to anything. Evelyn's had. Good for her.

"Really?" Anna jumped in when it was clear Stan couldn't do more than gape. "I hadn't heard about that. How'd she do it?"

Joyce told Anna the story. Stan was interested but a woman's hand touched his arm. It was not the same dark olive that he and the other transformed all had. It was Sister Paula.

"Help me," she said. She gathered Stan, Martin, and Jeff. "Brother Jose doesn't have nearly the support he thinks he does. I'm not going to go through the theology with you now, but I don't think this is what Jack wants."

"Sister," Jeff interrupted, "we want to know what's going on."

"That's fair enough. I'll try to keep you better informed. You need to know that when you're all causing trouble, Brother Jose's simple solutions become more appealing. They are faster, for certain. You three," after a pause, "and Anna too, are more important than you know. We had a rough start," she pointed at the prison bracelets, "but since then you've been fantastic. That's helped a lot. You give people a reason to wait. I need you to keep trying, you have no idea how important you are for all of you."

It all came together for Stan in an instant. He'd just had a period. He'd seen Evelyn, one of his sisters, made into a nanny for opposing the temple. Now he had Sister Paula's plea. He made a decision, and put his other hand on Sister Paula's and gripped it comfortingly. "I will. I promise," she said from the heart.

"I'm sorry, Mrs. Overton, but there is nothing more I can do."

Larry Elliot had been practicing law in Shawnee for over 50 years. He was a white-haired old man who was very good at projecting an air of geniality. He was using his well-practiced social skills to keep Ellen Overton from panic.

She had bags under her eyes, her clothing was rumpled. and her cheeks were stained with silent tears. He knew she was suffering, and hated that he had to deliver even more bad news.

"But they have to," she protested. "They have to let me see my husband. Don't they?"

"I'm sorry," said Larry kindly, "but no, they don't. The temple has taken a surprisingly hard line here. They are not letting family members see them. They claim Jack's Gifts as church property, and have a divine pronouncement to back it up. I'm afraid they can do what they want."

"He didn't say they were property," screeched Ellen, a line she'd used many times.

"True, He didn't." Larry was patient but firm. "Everyone is clear on that. The temple interprets His wishes that way, though. Now, we both know that the city is allowed to challenge temple interpretations, but they don't do so often, and they have chosen not to this time. Again, Mrs. Overton, I am sorry about this, but neither you nor I are allowed to make such a challenge."

"Please," she begged, "there must be something we can do. The children need their father. The temple can't keep him from them, can they?"

Larry disliked this part of his job. He had to explain to his client that she couldn't get what she wanted. He couldn't do anything, and the city wouldn't. Without the temple's permission, she had no chance of seeing Stan again. Larry wasn't a harsh man by nature, so he tried to say it kindly.

"Mrs. Overton, this is difficult. The temple claims that when God transformed the Gifts, they became new people. Stan Overton died that day as far as the church is concerned. They don't recognize the new person as your husband or as your children's' father, I'm afraid. I've been in contact with the temple Synod, and they hold this position very firmly."

The lawyer looked kindly on Ellen. She closed her eyes in pain, shuddered slightly.

"Mrs. Overton, have you eaten today?"

"Not yet," she answered quietly. "Just made toast for the kids."

Larry called his secretary and asked her to bring in some tea and cookies. It wasn't much, but he could at least help Ellen a little.

"Now," he continued, "while the Church considers Stan deceased, the city considers the Gifts to be the same people they were. They won't pay out any insurance policies. I can continue to work on getting you survivor benefits, and there is some hope, but..."

Ellen interrupted, "I don't want money, I want my husband back."

"Mrs. Overton," Larry interrupted firmly, "not to put too fine a point on it, but even if you got to see her again," he put an emphasis on the word 'her,' "she would no longer be your husband."

She started crying. Larry felt ashamed of himself. In a master stroke of good timing, his secretary arrived with tea, and he was able to take some time serving and comforting Ellen.

Larry decided to change his tack, "Your son graduates next week, right? That should help your family, no?"

It didn't help much, "He's got nothing without his father. Luke needs his father. He's just going to get a city job without Stan's help. Even Maria's having trouble, she's stopped doing her homework and just watches television. We need Stan back, you have to get him back."

Larry felt sorry for the poor woman. He would see if there was anything he could do to get them a settlement from the city or the church, but for now, he escorted her out of his office and went back to other work. He feared Ellen was losing touch with reality.

On a warm Saturday evening, Luke escaped yet another evening of his mother's ranting by going to the skate park. He met his friends Peter and Danny for a smoke.

"It's just wrong, dammit," stated Luke. "There was a war to get rid of slavery, it's not right for the church to bring it back."

Danny took a long drag on his cigarette, "Yeah, and this got nothing to do with the fact that Daddy's one of 'em."

"Stroke off, dickweed" he countered, "It doesn't change nothing. It's still wrong."

It was strange, Luke thought. He sneaked out of his house to get away from his mother's obsession, but as soon as he started talking to his friends, he went to the same place. He and Maria had been left to their own devices the last few weeks. Whenever Mom was around, she only talked about getting Dad back. More often, she was pleading with lawyers, priests, or officials to try to get him back. He didn't want to go down that track, but couldn't stop himself.

"Hey Luke," said Peter after a punch on the arm to get his attention, "I asked around. It's not like he's really a slave. It's like God told the church to look after them and find them a job or position or something. I mean, we could use that too."

"You think he can say no? People have rights, real rights. Dad didn't commit any crimes, but he can't leave the temple. They take charge of his life, don't let him decide. When people are things, when they're tools, they're slaves."

Luke knew Peter was trying to cheer him up. They'd been friends since they were toddlers and though they understood each other's moods, Peter was shocked by his old friend's passion. He'd never seen Luke get this worked up over anything.

"Dude," piped up Danny, "your Dad ain't a him anymore. She's a chick, right? Maybe they'll find somethin' hot for her to do, eh? Get to see old Dad swingin' on a pole, maybe, if they swing it."

Luke jumped up to take a swing at Danny, who was ready for it. Peter saw it coming and held Luke back. Danny had been needling both of them for the last few weeks. "Hold it Luke, it's what he wants."

Still holding Luke, Pete changed the subject. "Speaking of jobs, you guys got anything lined up after graduation?"

Luke went along with it. He didn't have a chance in a fair fight against Danny, and Danny wouldn't fight fair. "Nope. Diner's not hiring, thought that could work out. Probably just go down for a city job."

"Same," grunted Peter. "Still got a shot at a reclamation crew; go outta the city, claim abandoned stuff. They do more testin' than I'd figured though, and don't think I got great odds. Might do it freelance, maybe. Grab a broken down car and fix it up, got pretty good at that."

"Losers." Danny was straightforward. "Get a job. Settle down," he mimicked in a singsong voice. "Not for this guy. I got an in with the Fiery Scorpions," naming one of the more notorious criminal gangs. "Money and women, men, that's where it's at."

"Shya right," scoffed Luke, still mad about the cracks about his father. "You don't know any Scorpions." The tattoo on his arm was in honor of the Scorpions, but he'd never met an actual gang member. He'd really gotten it to annoy his father and shock his teachers.

"Oh yeah, man, I got connections. They'll be givin' me an initiation test, but then I'm set. Set for life."

Luke and Peter pondered this. Luke knew Danny was both ambitious and amoral. He could make that work for him.

"Danny," he said. Peter and Danny paid attention to Luke's sudden change in demeanor, since he'd been ticked off a moment ago. "Wouldn't the Scorpions be more impressed if you took initiative on your own, planned your own caper?"

"You got somethin' in mind?" sneered Danny.

"Yeah, course I do. It'd take real balls of fire to, say, steal from the temple. We can break in and get the slaves out. Free them from the tyrants of the church."

"Hah," Danny laughed in response, "you're still on that free-your-Daddy kick." He paused. "Still, that would impress them. If you got a plan, yeah, I'm in."

"Whoa," cautioned Peter, "Guys, seriously, you're talking about the temple here. Jack was just here. Sorry Luke, but it's true. God protects it."

"Come on Peter," said Luke, "We've been friends since we were kids. How many times has my Dad helped you out? Picked you up? Remember when he got us after the cops nabbed us for tagging the library? He didn't tell your Mom. Help me out here."

Peter was uncomfortable. Luke didn't often call on his loyalty, and he did owe him. "Fine. I'm in. But outside the temple only - lookout or driver, something like that. I'm not going inside."

"Wuss," from Danny.

"No problem at all," smiled Luke. "We can do this."

It was a long night, but Luke felt better now that he was trying to do something.

Luke finished high school and scarcely cared. Like his mother, he was going through the motions of life, applying at City Hall for any open position and pretending to listen to his mother's rants. Each evening he got together with his friends to plan their assault. That was his life.

The day came.

It was past midnight, the small hours of the morning. Warm and cloudless, the crescent moon left the night dark enough to hide them.

They parked several blocks away from the temple and walked quietly until they were within sight of the temple gates.

"Phone check," Peter whispered. The others nodded. Peter dialed the others. Their phones went off, low but audible. "OK, I have you two on speed dial. I see anyone coming, or lights going on inside, I'll buzz you."

Luke nodded. Quietly, he clasped Peter on the shoulder. He was thankful for his friend. Peter disagreed with the plan, but came along to support him.
A stone wall surrounded the temple, but the gates were open. They were only closed when the town was under siege. Luke and Danny dashed from hiding to the sides of the gate, plastering themselves against the wall. They paused dramatically. Luke poked his head around the gate and pulled it back suddenly. With a hand sign he indicated he didn't see anyone.

The main doors were unlocked, but they might be guarded. So they dashed from tree to tree, carefully staying out of sight of anyone watching from inside. Behind each tree or rock they'd carefully peer around before silently signalling to the other than the coast was clear.

They proceeded in this fashion for several minutes before reaching the kitchen door on the side of the building. They'd found out that this door was left unlocked so the staff could prepare breakfast before the priests woke up. The cooks started arriving around 4, so they had 2 hours.

They passed through the empty kitchen and peeked beyond. The hall was empty. The ease of their caper was bothering Luke. No one had stopped them or challenged them. Their elaborate entrance was wasted with no one even looking for them. If the place was this lightly guarded, they had to have other defenses. He was going to mention this to Danny, but his partner was already heading off. In the wrong direction.

"Hsst," whispered Luke urgently. "This way."

Danny turned back briefly, "Don't think so. Scorps ain't interested in chick-Daddy. 'm after bigger game. Luck." He kept going while Luke stared open mouthed.

Good or bad, he was on his own. He was always on his own.

He went to the temple every week, but only knew the public areas. He was pretty sure that the prisoners were in the Pilgrim's wing. He knew the way and started heading there.

He wondered if Danny's departure was good or bad. Being in different places increased the chances of one of them getting caught. If Danny got caught, the distraction might give Luke some extra breathing room to get his Dad out.

He tried to move quickly but quietly, avoided lit areas, and stopped to peer around corners. Hugging the walls while moving was overkill, he decided. He did see one person up and roaming the halls, but Luke just stood still for a while and that person moved on about his business.

The entrance to the pilgrim's quarters was unguarded. He looked in one room, opening the door slowly. It was empty. Two bunk beds and some lockers, but no people.

The next room was full, four women sleeping in the bunk beds. He had to hope one of them was his father. He looked at the women, but of course he couldn't tell them apart. As far as he could tell, they were all Mrs. Ramos.

He thought back to his father's stories and remembered he made a big deal out of picking the bottom bunk. He said it was important. So, if one of these women was his Dad, he could narrow it down to two. He went over and shook one of the women. "Shhh, please." He whispered while waking her.

"Hey, what's going on?" the woman cried as she woke up. Luke's hand on her mouth shut her up, but she struggled.

"It's me, Luke. Dad? Stan?" He felt the woman struggle briefly and then relax.

"Luke?" she asked quietly once Luke released her. "Luke, wow. It's good to see you again." She was excited but whispering, which made her sound very strange. "I'm Anna. Anna Lopez. Suzanna's in the other bunk," she said, pointing across the room.

"Who? I want to see my father, Stan Overton."

"Keep it down," she whispered back, "You're not supposed to be here. And she's Suzanna now. Here." At a gesture from her, Luke backed off. She woke up the woman in the other bunk.

Luke slapped himself, "Guessed wrong, of course." The woman woke up, Anna shushed her, then pointed to Luke.

Her hand flew to her mouth, "Aaah. Luke." She leapt out of bed, ran and jumped at him, putting her arms around his neck to hug him. She quieted quickly, "Luke," in a whisper, "Thank you. How did you get here? Oh, it is so good to see you. I've missed you so much." The two women in the top bunks woke up, complaining.

The woman, his father, sat down on her bed. She patted the mattress next to her to invite Luke over. Anna quieted the others and told them what was going on. Luke was stunned. He couldn't believe this woman was his father. She acted so different. Luke's father didn't hug, he shook hands. He certainly didn't pat the bed to invite someone over. Still, Luke went and sat next to her.

Suzanna put her hand on his arm, "How is everyone? How is... Ellen?"

The tone was right. He hurt. It was him. "She's not doing good, Dad. It's why I'm here, to get you out so you can take care of her. She can't take it."

Suzanna looked down, sadly, "I was afraid of that, but I'd hoped. I'd really hoped. Oh Luke, I'm so sorry." She paused, looked him in the eye and leaned towards him, "How is Maria? And you?"

"Dad," Luke answered impatiently, "we can talk about this later. We've got to get you out."

"No," she answered slowly. "You can't." She held up her arm, pointed to an iron band. Luke noticed, for the first time, that she was wearing a nightgown, with her hair tied up and her nails painted and filed. "It's a prison bracelet. I couldn't leave the temple if I wanted to.

"I do want to leave, but Luke, I couldn't go unless we could get all of us out. And keep us out. The temple has ways to find us." She looked away shyly. "I doubt I could go home anyway. Do you think Ellen would accept me like this? It sure wouldn't help her. I could do it for you and Maria, maybe, but I'm not sending you two into exile while the temple hunts us. Not like this."

Now it was Luke's turn to look away. There was no denying she was a woman. A woman would not reassure his Mother. He shook his head no.

Luke wanted to talk some more, find out what was going on, when they heard guards yelling, "Thief."

Suzanna turned, "Anna, look outside. Luke, are you alone?"

Luke flushed, "No, I came in with a friend. I thought he was going to help me, but he broke off to rob something. I don't know what."

Anna gave an all clear sign. "OK, Luke," said Suzanna, gripping both his arms, "we have a way out. It's a bit dirty," she grinned, "but you can do it. I want your promise. Don't do this again. You need to take care of your mother and your sister, OK?"

Luke promised, and Suzanna leaned in close, hugged him tight, and kissed him on the cheek.

Luke, his father, and another of Jack's Gifts who Luke was pretty sure was Anna, ran down some hallways into the boiler room. They had to dodge some disorganized and sleepy novices. Before he knew it he was crawling out of the temple through the crawlway, trudging through the sewers, and coming up near the Hickory Diner. He looked back longingly at the temple, thinking he'd never see his father again.

Luke dressed up as much as he could for this meeting. He was wearing a button shirt, his best jeans, and dress shoes. He'd gotten to the Hickory Diner early, so he was waiting at one of the tables on the patio when Sister Paula arrived.

"Luke Overton, I assume," she said while reaching out to shake his hand. Sister Paula wore a business suit with a skirt, the broken circle of the church hanging low like a necklace. Her blue eyes shone.

"Yes. Sister Paula, right?" he asked in response.

"I don't know how I do this," Luke said hesitantly. "I'm appealing for temple mercy, I guess. Do I need to do something special?"

"No." Paula replied, understanding that this was a big step for Luke. "There're no rituals, just explain your situation. I already know what happened with your father. Your mother made several appeals to the temple, but I understand that's not what you wanted to talk about. Feel free to tell me about it if you think it's important, though. It's surely better to repeat things I know than to leave out something I don't.

"But before you start, you need to understand that temple mercy has limits. We can intercede with civil authority, but without God's command, we can't override any laws. The only thing we can really do is get you heard."

"Yeah," said Luke, "well, I hope that'll be enough then. It's not my father, it's my sister."

In the month since he tried to rescue his father, Luke had come to accept that he was gone for good. He hadn't seen Danny since that day, and he and Peter never spoke of it. Despite his best efforts, life went on. It had led him to this diner meeting.

"My mother, that's Ellen Overton, had a heart attack. She's in the hospital. You said you know about my father, Stan. He was one of Jack's Gifts from when Jack visited. My mother asked for temple mercy to get him back and tried to go through the city too, but I guess you knew that already. It was eating her up, she stopped sleeping or eating. Anyway, it all got to her and I guess she couldn't take it anymore."

Luke worked hard to keep his voice level and even. Sister Paula seemed sympathetic, with her hands crossed in her lap as she watched him. He wanted to yell and rail at her, but knew that wouldn't help his case, so he controlled himself.

"I got a city job, but all I could get was a twice a week janitor slot. Not much money, especially with Mom in the hospital."

"I see. Go on." Paula knew he was still building up to the real problem. A little encouragement could help.

"With all that going on, I guess my little sister's gotten a bit out of hand. She, Maria, my sister, she got in trouble. Got caught stealing from the deli and got arrested. Now the judge is saying I can't provide for her, and they're going to take her away until Mom gets better. Doctors don't think she will, so that'll be forever. Please help us."

Paula took a sip of water. "I sympathize with you Mr. Overton. Your family has been through some tough times. What do you think the church can do for you?"

"Well, a few years ago, we kept an orphan girl with us for a few months during the holidays. Anna Lopez, her name was. She's also one of Jack's Gifts now, so you can check with her. She was a church foundling. So, I was thinking you could take Maria as a foundling, then let me keep her, so she'd be outside the city's reach." Luke started hesitantly, but his voice gained strength as he went through his plan.

"That's very clever. It really is, but it wouldn't work. When the Church takes a foundling, we are still subject to the city's jurisdiction. That means we have to place them in homes capable of them. City officials check up on them like they do anyone else.

"Now Mr. Overton. Luke. I've looked at your record. You've been in trouble several times. All juvenile crimes. Now a small time city job. You haven't shown any strong attachment to your family in the past. Why is this so important to you?"

Paula wasn't telling him the whole truth. Most of what she knew about Luke came not from his records, but from listening to Suzanna. It was also why she wanted to help the boy if at all possible.

"I made a promise to my father."

That was not what she expected. "Tell me."

Luke thought for a second. Did she know about the break in, or was she fishing for more information? It didn't really matter. If he was going to keep Maria with him, he knew the story he had to go with. It was even true.

"It was the night before Jack changed my Dad. I was in trouble again. My father got me. He'd just fought a wisp, and he said his biggest worry was that if something happened to him, I wouldn't watch out for our family." Luke looked down. "I don't want him to be right."

"Luke, I can't keep your sister safe or with you. If I intercede and tell child services to let you keep her, they'd refuse. It's even possible they'd consider it improper interference, and they might take it out on you.

"But I might be able to do something. I can probably get them to delay action until the fall, if I ask it as a favor. If you can keep her out of trouble and show you can look after her, you might change their minds."

Luke smiled. Hesitant, but genuine.

"Thank you." He had a goal. He couldn't fail.

Sister Paula thought back to her meeting with Luke a few weeks later while editing the Liturgy of Jack. It had been nearly three months since Jack had left Shawnee, and Luke's family problem was just one of the issues He'd left behind for the church to deal with. The liturgy was exposing growing divisions in the clergy. To her discomfort, Paula had become the leader of one of those factions, with Brother Jose her opposite. The Synod, the representatives of the Gods who had visited Shawnee, were content to allow proxies to conduct the battle. Either Paula or Jose would almost certainly join the Synod in Jack's chair.

Sister Paula had yet another revision of the Pillar of Fire miracle. The facts were not in dispute. A zombie from Kansas City had created a new creature, a Vozhd. The creature infected people, but it wasn't clear why or what the infection would do. Jack traced the vozhd to a gas station and destroyed the creature. He also killed five people who were there at the time. Sister Paula had ensured their names were all recorded in the Liturgy a few edits back.

She wanted the Pillar of Fire story to recognize that He killed some only to save many more, that Jack was acting as a protector of mankind. Brother Jose wished to show that the threat from the monsters was growing, and that we must do whatever is needed to defeat them.

The disputed passage read:

"And with the Source of the Plague located, the Lord Jack did waste no time in ending its threat. Though evil hid behind innocence, He would brook no delay in ending it. He did lift the home of the Source into the sky itself, and called forth from Heaven the fire which laid it to waste.

Neither the living nor the dead was permitted to escape, their earthly bodies consumed in their entirety. Then did he allow the frame to return unto the ground, where it would be interred and sealed against the memory of all."

If only He'd spoken, she thought for the umpteenth time, but He said nothing that night. She once claimed He was mourning the loss of innocent lives. She'd been overruled and forbidden from imputing emotions to God without evidence. Paula was a loyal follower, as was Brother Jose, and accepted the rebuke.

She changed the second sentence to:

"The nature of Evil is to hide behind Innocence, yet more would suffer should He not act." That should work, she thought. Jose could let that through, as it would easily allow him to teach that the growing threats required harsh action. It would also permit her to teach that the God was a protector and the temple must stand in for Him as needed. She had cleaner victories elsewhere in the Liturgy. For the Pillar of Fire, she'd have to take what she could.

Her paperwork done for the day, she moved on to other duties. She supervised some of the transformed. She refused to call them Jack's Gifts. Brother Jose had tried to pin the transformed men on her as a punishment, but it was the group she wanted to work with. They needed help, and she was eager to give it.

Her girls were cleaning the kitchen before the cooks arrived for dinner. She listened before going into the room. The kitchen overlooked the orchards, and they were watching the harvest while they cleaned.

"There she goes again, see," said Suzanna. "That's the third time Molly has just happened to brush up against Ed. She's making a play for him."

"Oh I hope not," replied Melissa. The former men had taken new names. Martin had become Melissa. "Ed's been staring at Lisa every chance he gets. You watch, he'll be going over to help her carry her bushel soon as it's full."

The two continued while scrubbing the counters, gossiping about who was seeing whom, who was jealous, and who looked good. Sister Paula was very pleased with their progress. Just listening in, they sounded like normal women.

"Zombie crap," said the third girl, Julia. She used to be Jeff, and was Sister Paula's holdout. Even more than the sex change, the transformed disliked losing their individuality. They used color and clothing to tell each other apart. Suzanna kept a yellow headband on, while Melissa wore her green scarf. Julia insisted on continuing to use her name tag rather than commit to some feminine clothing.

"Who cares who's going out with who?" Julia asked in frustration. "Let's just get the cleaning done already. I want to go run."

When Julia took up running, Paula had hoped it would lead to her getting to know her body better, and maybe adapting. It didn't work. Julia ran so obsessively Paula was sometimes sorry she'd approved it.

"Don't worry, Julia. We won't take too long. We can even join you if you'll let us. But come on, watching and talking at least gives us something to do," soothed Suzanna.

Paula decided she'd listened long enough. "Good afternoon. How're we all doing today?"

"Sister Paula," replied Suzanna smoothly, "Have you heard from Anna? Did she arrive safely?"

"Yes, she did. We heard a few hours ago. I'm sorry, I should have let the three of you know immediately. She got to the temple in Biloxi last night, and should be able to take her novitiate vows within the week. They were excited to get a novice who had been transformed by God. I think she'll do well there."

Paula was pleased with Anna's decision to join the temple. In the fights to dispose of the transformed, that was far and away her biggest victory.

"I'm sure she'll write to you. I'll let her know you asked about her. Melissa, if you wish to write, I'll be happy to send out any letters for you."

Paula could not remove Julia or Suzanna's prison bracelet unless she got permission from the Synod, so neither would be capable of writing to Anna. All of her efforts to get the prison bands removed had come to naught.

"I'll do that," said Melissa, "and thank you." She knew not to offer to include anything from the other girls. They wouldn't be able to, and would just get angry.

"Suzanna," continued Paula, "I like the highlights in your hair. Very nicely done. Well," she laughed a bit, "I like anything that makes it easier to tell you apart."

An awkward moment of silence fell. Sister Paula recognized her mistake. The girls were mirror images of each other, and did not like being reminded of it. Suzanna finally pushed her hair up slightly with her hand and broke the silence.

"I wish I could take the credit for it. Anna did it before she left. I have to learn to do it myself soon. I'm glad you like it, so do I."
Paula talked with them some more before heading on to her other duties. She was pleased. Jack commanded the temple to do good by them, and she believed that helping them adapt furthered God's will.

The last rumbles of an afternoon thunderstorm were fading when Brother Jose got back to the temple. He was wet, dirty, and tired but pleased with himself for a hard day's work. An unexpected truckload of basic supplies came in the morning with no one to offload it. He organized a quick group of men and had to pitch in himself. It left a lot of administrative work for the afternoon. He suspected it would be a long night, but it was worth it.

The latest copy of the Liturgy of Jack was on his desk. It could wait. Sister Paula was winning too many of their disputes of late. The Liturgy was not reflecting Jack's will. Delay was Brother Jose's ally at the moment, to allow time for the winds to shift.

He was in charge of the temple's relief efforts, so he turned to that instead. Ghosts hit in the north, Billings was requesting support. Brother Jose got to work arranging transportation for food and equipment. A long trip was risky, but he'd developed a strong network of contacts over the years. He made sure to offer to take any orphaned children on the return trip. Ever since Divinitrice's Waltz a decade ago he'd worried about the gap in their population. He admitted to himself that he had a soft spot for children, but he didn't want that to get out.

On his wall was a picture of Mexico City before it fell, a sword mounted beneath the picture. He lived there once, was there during the fall. The sword had seen plenty of use on the long trek north. On the march he'd made the decision to join the priesthood. He'd give his life to aid the fight so others wouldn't have to go through the same struggle he did. He'd learned a lot since joining the church, including the most bitter of knowledge.

Mankind was losing.

In a generation, maybe two, they would no longer be able to hold the cities. The survivors might scatter and hide, but they'd have little chance. They'd die quickly. Fifty years. At most.

Back to work. His efforts would add to the cause. His supplies might let Billings hold out that much longer and stave off disaster another day. Too many, even in the priesthood, did not understand the urgency of their task. In the end, God would have to carry the fight, but they had to give Him the fullest measure of support.

He was thinking of the Liturgy again. No, relief work took priority for the moment. He got his concentration back.

"Excuse me, Brother." One of Jack's Gifts was at the door. "Father Francis asked me to bring you some dinner. Can I leave it here?" She was carrying a tray with bread, cheese, half a chicken, and cider.

"Yes, yes," he answered irritably. "Leave it here."

Jose was going to thank her, but she was not wearing a nametag. She had jeans that ended halfway up the calf, a white shirt with flowers on the sleeve, and a yellow bow in her hair. Then he saw she was wearing a prison band. Since they had let the orphan girl take vows in Mississippi, that made this girl one of the men.

"Who are you? Why don't you have a nametag?"

"I'm Suzanna." She pointed to the bow in her hair. "I wear yellow in my hair to set myself apart. Or, like you just did, you can ask."

Sister Paula was working with that group. She was trying to make them more feminine. Brother Jose thought the girl's answer was too aggressive to be feminine, but that was true of Sister Paula also. "Before you go, do you know what Sister Paula wants to do with you? Do you know she's trying to arrange marriages for you?"

He could see it in her face. She didn't know, and wasn't pleased. "She's not the one who made sure we have no say in the matter," the girl retorted before spinning around to leave. He was on the phone before she was out of the room.

Everything was set up within a day, but he had to wait three more days until he had the letters he needed in hand. He asked to meet with Sister Paula and the Synod, at least those deciding the Gifts' fate.

"I have a request from the New Orleans temple for one of Jack's Gifts. A local dance club, the Fallen Rose I believe, will make a substantial donation to relief efforts for one of them. If you look at the financials of the Montana efforts, that amount would enable us to start the Fortress Billings project. I believe we must give this proposal serious consideration."

"No we don't," countered Sister Paula immediately. "The Rose isn't a dance club, it's a brothel. We cannot send any of the women there. There's no doubt that goes against Jack's will."

"A brothel?" exclaimed Jose with practiced innocence. "The priests from New Orleans are quite insistent it is a dance club. I've got," a quick ruffle through the letters, "Father deCalais' statement, for instance."

"Father deCalais?" murmured Father Francisco. The father, representing Baron Samedhi, was Sister Paula's biggest supporter. He was also one of Father deCalais' students, so neatly neutralized. Jose saw Sister Paula realize this.

"Even so," she replied lamely, "why send a girl to a dance club? We can do much better for them."

"Perhaps so," said Jose with mock thoughtfulness. "Dancing girls don't have a high reputation. I believe," he pulled a letter from the Rose, "they think one of Jack's Gifts would raise the status of the other girls there too. We would be doing good for many this way."

"Hardly," said Paula, recovering. "That's a weak rationalization Brother Jose. We need to care for the women, not use them for our own ends. A hope like that isn't worth considering." Father Francisco nodded approvingly, but the other Synod members waited for Jose's reply.

"Only if there is a potential for better, I'd contend. Sister Paula has been putting heroic efforts into readying some of the Gifts for arranged marriages. A valiant effort, but I see one of the former men has been actively resisting." A glance at his notes, like he didn't know this by heart, "Julia, I believe. Very athletic, but actively masculine. She won't become a good wife. As a dancer she may acquire the femininity Sister Paula cannot give her, and will further support both the survivors in Montana and her fellow club members."

"Julia?" Sister Paula was obviously shocked. "No. She couldn't. She just couldn't. She's not ready."

"Is she ready for marriage? For anything you're doing?"

"Not yet, but she will be."

It was over. The argument would last another hour, but from that moment, it was just haggling over details.

Losing Julia to Brother Jose's machinations was a serious blow to Sister Paula, both personally and professionally. It hurt her when dealing with the last two transformed men. Suzanna and Melissa were not as willing to work with her anymore, they didn't trust her. And, she thought, that was with them still thinking the Fallen Rose really was a dance club. Failure could feed on itself. If they started to neglect their lessons, Brother Jose might be able to make similar arrangements for them. He was already working on profitable positions for some of the natural women. His success would then influence his take on Jack's Liturgy.

To cap off a generally miserable week, Paula arrived at Reason and Elliot Law Offices to speak with Larry Elliot. She had dealt with him over the summer, writing official requests from the church to give Luke more time with his sister Maria. She'd gotten an urgent call to deal with the matter one more time.

"Sister Paula, it's always a pleasure to see you, though I wish it could be under better circumstances one of these times."

"As do I. How's Claire?" They spent a few moments talking about his grandchildren. Larry's southern charm was one of his greatest assets and weapons.

"To the matter at hand. School has started, and the city has gotten complaints about Maria Overton's condition. She lost nearly ten pounds over the summer. She's not healthy and her behavior has deteriorated. At this point, I don't think there's anything the temple could do to keep protective services from taking her. I have already informed Mr. Overton of this. You have been involved throughout, so I wanted you to know."

"I've met with Luke several times over the summer. He would be devastated if he lost his sister. He's lost his father and mother right in a row. I am not sure he could stand another loss. It wouldn't be good for Maria either. Luke has changed from, let's face it, a juvenile delinquent to a solid citizen with a job. I want to help the boy make it Larry, and I need your help."

"I agree with you there," Larry responded. "The boy's doing what he can, finally. Might be he started too late, but he has started. He's getting his act together. I don't expect it'll last if he loses the girl either."

He paused, "Maybe you can tell me why you're so involved with this. Not to be snitty, but neither town nor temple will lose much if we're short a janitor. His father I could see. Good plumbers are in short supply, and he did it on his own. Luke, not so much."

"There's no secret. It's for his father. God changed him and gave him to us to take care of. I think that charge extends to those who were touched by His miracle, and I want to take care of the families where I can. They deserve better than they get from us."

"It's very nice of you, I'm sure," said Larry kindly, "but have you thought that it might be better for Maria to be somewhere more stable? Able to provide for her."

"Yes. I've thought about it, but I don't believe it. She needs her family, as much as she can get of it. Speaking of which, have you heard about Ellen? How is she doing?"

"No change. They've taken her off everything but food and water. She might recover, of course, but it'll have to be on her own. I'm surprised you didn't know that already."

Paula laughed regretfully, "If you think civil-temple relations are poor, you should see what we have to deal with from the hospital. Unless it's a family member in there, we'll get nothing from them. Sometimes I think they'd fight God directly, let alone requests."

"I hadn't realized. I feel sorry for the family. At least you can help the father, Stan."

"She's Suzanna now. I had hoped for more time, but I need to talk to you about her. Legal matters." Sister Paula could feel her palms sweating. She thought up this plan two days ago. Larry would be the first test on whether it might work.

"Hold on there, little lady. I thought I called you here to talk about Luke. Do you have some divine power to influence events?" He laughed lightly.

"Just coincidence. No, I've been planning this for a little while. You know the church's position, that Suzanna is a new person, created by Jack from the stuff that once was Stan, but she is not the same person. I understand that this is not the city's position, right?"

Larry was puzzled. He didn't want to answer without knowing where she was going. Giving up, he answered, "That's right. As far as the law is concerned, she is still Stan Overton, though changed in sex and age. I think I could dig up the paperwork for it if you need it.

"She'd," he paused to make sure Sister Paula noted the change in pronouns, "even still own all her old property and be responsible for old debts except that the church declared her property. That triggered inheritance, so Luke gets the house and what little they had saved up. No death benefits, but he didn't have life insurance anyway."

"All right. Now, church and civil laws are generally pretty close, but they can differ, as in this case. Let's say that the church makes a ruling under their law that leads to consequences under civil law. Would the city accept that?"

"I'm sorry Sister, but I haven't the foggiest notion what you're talking about. I'll try to give you an answer, but you've got to give me a question."

Sister Paula explained. Larry went from shock to dismay to delight. Paula felt much better after hammering out a few details.

It was a bright Saturday in the middle of September. Suzanna was wearing a simple white dress while Melissa stood by her side.

"I can't believe I'm doing this," Suzanna complained.

"I'm going to miss you," Melissa answered.

"This is not the way I ever pictured this. If it weren't for Maria , and Luke too I guess, I'd never do this."

Sister Paula knocked. "Suzanna, it's all I could do. Please forgive me."

She took the prison bracelet off Suzanna's wrist.

Suzanna sniffed and turned her head away from Sister Paula.

Wagner's Bridal Chorus filled the air. The doors swung open and Suzanna began her march down the aisle, Melissa right behind her.

At the far end of the aisle, waiting by the altar, was her son, Luke.

Suzanna returns to her home and family in a new role, and they all must figure out how to adapt to the changes.

The wedding was short and simple. Suzanna and Luke kissed awkwardly at the priest's command, and she was Mrs. Overton, married to her son. Rather, she reminded herself, she was married to the man who had been her son back before she was transformed. No matter how she felt, she was not Stan Overton any more. She had Stan's memories, but was not Stan.

For the first time in months she was able to leave the temple, and she was returning to her old home. "It's so great to be back with you two, and finally out of the temple." She wasn't sure what she was feeling, but determined that she would appear upbeat.

Luke shut her down, "And this is all it took?" None of them spoke again during the ride home.

Suzanna felt tears well up when they got to the house. She never thought she'd see it again. The yard was messier than she left it and the fresh coat of paint she'd put on the fence in the spring had weathered, but it was still her home. It wasn't fair. The house should have changed as much as she had. It was, instead, an island of stability.

"Luke," she asked, "could you carry in my things?" She had been allowed to bring some supplies from the temple. A few changes of clothes, some makeup and toiletries. It wasn't much, but it was better than nothing.

"Yeah," he grunted in return.

Their home was a mess. She should have expected it. Ellen did most of the cleaning, neither of the kids was neat, and she had only helped out when Ellen asked her to. With Ellen in the hospital, the house deteriorated. The kitchen was the worst, with a week's worth of dirty dishes piled in the sink.

Maria ran to her room as soon as they were inside, leaving her alone with Luke, her husband.

Luke gave a halfhearted apology for his silence. "I didn't want to do this. It's just weird. But Sister Paula said it was the only way to keep Maria. I'm sorry Dad. I just couldn't let her go."

"She told me the same thing," She wanted to reassure Luke, but didn't know how. She reached out to hug him, but he stepped back. She didn't press it. Kissing him during the wedding was difficult for both of them. Further contact was awkward.

"It's a loophole. The city accepts any marriage the temple performs, and the city still considers me Maria's, well, father. That makes it harder for them to take her away legally. You did the right thing, protecting her."

Luke sagged. "Great. So I'm not a complete failure." Bitterness crept into his voice, "You can keep your old room. I'll stay in mine."

"All right," Suzanna agreed. She picked up her things and brought them into the room she'd shared with Ellen for the last 2 decades. Same room, but different. Larger and emptier. Her old clothes were no longer hers. She pulled an old sundress of Ellen's from the closet and held it against her body, looking at herself in the mirror. The dress was large, Ellen was taller than her. It was too small in the chest. She had larger breasts than her wife. Her former wife.

Suddenly realizing what she was doing, Suzanna put the dress back in the closet. She felt guilty. Ellen had been in the hospital for two months, but these were still her things. Suzanna had no idea what they'd do if Ellen got better, but the prognosis was poor. It only added to her guilt when she thought that was at least one problem they wouldn't have to deal with.

As she was getting closer to breaking down, Maria quietly entered the room. "Are you really Daddy?"

Suzanna looked at her daughter. She used to have to kneel down to talk to her, but Maria was only slightly shorter than her now. The young girl was growing like a reed, while Suzanna, of course, had shrunk. She forced herself to remain calm. Deep breath.

"Yes, Princess, I really am. Sort of. God changed me, so I can't be your father any more, but it's who I was."

"I can't call you Daddy. What should I call you?"

The pain returned. She struggled not to show it, not to even hint at it. She knew her little girl was right. "Call me Suzanna. Sue would be fine too." She tried to get a laugh with, "But not Suzi." It didn't work.

"OK" She nodded and walked back out, leaving Suzanna nonplussed.

She wanted her family to feel normal again. They didn't have a reception like when she'd married Ellen, but she could prepare a good dinner for everyone. She started by cleaning the kitchen. After months doing it at the temple, she knew she'd be able to make at least a basic meal now.
She had to use what Luke and Maria had on hand, so they wound up with pigs in a blanket, peas and carrots cooked in butter, and applesauce. Not much, but she could do better after some shopping.

"Dinner's ready," she called proudly after setting it all out on the dining table.

Maria came to the table and sat down, "Thanks Sue. We haven't had dinner since..."

Luke came too, but looked surly. "Guh," he grunted. He grabbed the plate Suzanna had made him, took it, and went into the family room to watch television.

Suzanna was stunned, but didn't say anything. She never thought this would be easy, but she'd hoped Luke would cooperate. She sat down. Maria looked at her brother, picked up her plate, and went to join him.

Suzanna ate alone.

At night, in her old bed, she cried herself to sleep.

Any hopes she had for a happy homecoming were soon dashed.

Luke avoided her. He worked two days a week, but found reasons to stay outside whenever he could. She tried to engage him one evening, "Glad to see you back. So what were you doing today?"

"Watching the guy who helped me break in to the temple to rescue you get publicly flogged," he sneered.

That was one of their longer conversations. She usually got grunts or stares from him. His rejection hurt her more than she'd ever expected.
Maria was little better. She followed her brother's lead. She would speak to Suzanna, but not enough to ease her pain.

"Hi there Princess. How was school today?"

"Same."

"What did you do?"

"Nothin." By then she'd turned on the television or head back outside.

Suzanna was losing her family even while she was with them. Her loss was worse due to crushing loneliness. She had hated having her duplicates around her, but that was because they made her feel unreal. On the other hand, she'd gotten used to having people around her all the time. Now she didn't, and found she missed it.

It might have been possible to spend time with neighbors, but she gave up on that her very first full day back, when she went grocery shopping.
"It's Jack's Gift."

"Can I get your blessing?"

"Tell Jack to heal my daughter."

People were waiting outside her home. She didn't know how to react. Her first thought had been relief that Luke and Maria were not here to see this, until she realized they had to have seen the crowd when they left earlier. After the initial shock it became annoying. It was frightening by the time she got home. She slammed the door on one of her pursuers' face.

She stayed inside the rest of the day. She could not go meet neighbors with her stalkers outside. She wasn't sure she wanted to either. They didn't know who she was, and she wanted to keep it that way. She was a new person, and it would be too embarrassing if anyone learned who she had been. Of course, there was little danger. She barely knew her neighbors' names. That was Ellen's department.

Each night she sobbed alone in bed. Her children... no, her husband and sister-in-law, didn't want her. She was alone, lonely, a freak. She couldn't go on but didn't know what else she could do.

Each day she cleaned and cooked and tried to avoid looking out the window. She dreaded having to go for groceries or the mail, so she avoided those tasks for days on end.

She didn't recognize the first ray of light when it came. As is so often the case, she would only pinpoint it much later with the benefit of hindsight. She'd made chili one night. Luke and Maria ate by the television as normal. After dinner Luke confronted her. "We can't keep doin' this," he said waving the empty bowl angrily. "We can't afford to eat like this every bloody night. I only work two days a week."

"I've been doing the best I can. This is cheap." She was put off. It was almost the first full sentence Luke had spoken to her since she'd come home with him and it was to accuse her.

"And Mom's in the hospital and the truck's not paid off and there's all the other bills I got." He braced his hands on the table across from Suzanna, his frustration clear.

"What? How bad is it?" She felt hard pressed. Luke spent so much effort avoiding speaking to her, and now this. Fear, frustration, and anger all vied for her attention. Sister Paula's lessons in restraint stood against it, and she held her poise for the moment.

Luke didn't. "You want to see?" He stomped back to his room, came out with a pile of bills and threw them at her. "That's how bad it is. So stop it. Just stop. Just..." His voice broke and he stopped, went back to his room.

"Sue?" asked Maria timidly, "what does he mean? Are you going to leave again?"

"No Princess, I'm not going to leave you again. Ever." She'd make it true.

Maria hadn't run. Suzanna was proud of her. "Gather up those bills for me, let me go through them."

Hours later, after Maria went to bed, she knocked on Luke's door. "We can do this," she told him. "Most of the bills are from the hospital, for... your mother. We can delay most of them, and might get temple coverage if we can convince them her illness was due to Jack's visit."

She paused. Luke opened his door, came silently into the room with her. "You're right. It's not going to be enough. We need to budget more. Your... no, Ellen and I had to do that for years. We can do it too. I can, well, I can help. Get out of the house, get a city job. Bring in a bit more. It all helps."

Sullenly, but at least participating, Luke said, "What about plumbing? You can take the truck back." He would not look her in the eye.

"No, that won't work anymore. Not strong enough."

"There are women plumbers," Luke insisted, still looking away from her.

"I know. But I won't be one of them. This body just doesn't have the strength for it. Some women might be strong enough. I'm not one of them."
"You hated the idea of working for the city. It ain't right I have to make you. It's all wrong. It's my fault."

"Luke, it's not your fault. It's no one's fault. It happened, and we have to deal with it. I'm in this with you, and will do what's needed. You know that."

His shoulders slumped. "So now I'm on the temple's side, using you. Fine. Whatever." He finally looked at her. His eyes watered. He went back to his room.

Suzanna wanted to follow, but didn't know what to say.

She got dressed the next morning in a long yellow skirt with a green and yellow patterned blouse and a wide black belt. She had gotten used to wearing yellow while in the temple to identify herself, and it looked good against her dark skin. She curled her hair and put in a pair of dangling earrings.

She looked herself over in the mirror to confirm there was no sign of Stan Overton there. There was no reason there should be, she had a new body, but she felt better after confirming it. Thus armored, she boldly walked out of the house.

She was let down by the lack of an audience or reaction.

Her stalkers and passers-by had apparently given up. Cheered by her absurd reactions, she walked to the bus stop. No one reacted. On the bus, one person she didn't know called her Rosa. Suzanna shook her head no. She heard an old woman stage whisper "She's one of Jack's Gifts," just before her stop. She scurried off the bus without drawing more attention.

Walking to city hall, she thought about her reaction leaving the house. She was disappointed that her stalkers left her alone. Why?

None of her old friends had come to visit since she came home. They didn't know who she was, of course. She hadn't felt any urge to reconnect with them either. Some part of it was shame, but a bigger part was that she didn't have any good friends. Ellen had friends, she had Ellen and her family. Since the war host, she realized, her twins at the temple were the best friends she had.

She'd changed more than just her skin. Was this part of Rosa, part of being a woman, or part of her given license to be friends again? She didn't know.

At city hall, she stopped thinking about herself and made an appointment to apply for a job. While waiting she picked up a fashion magazine and paged through looking at the women, but now looking for hair and makeup ideas. Or so she tried to tell herself. She was still attracted to beautiful women. Then again, she reasoned, these magazines were made for women, so she wondered just how much natural women were attracted to other women too.

Getting out of the house seemed to spur her to deep thoughts. She'd have to try it more often.

Someone tapped her on the shoulder. "Finally leaving the house then, Mrs. Overton?" came a voice from behind her, with a heavy stress on the 'Mrs.'
She turned to see Brother Jose.

"I'm applying for a job. Not that it's any business of yours," she said coldly.

"Of course it's my business," the priest snarled at her. "God commanded we find something good for you, as Sister Paula reminds us. God's commands don't end because you are no longer on temple grounds. As long as you are in town and I can keep track of you, rest assured that your business is mine."

He loomed over her, staring down, "When our newlywed Gift spends an entire week in her house I'd say it's a sure sign we found her a fine position. Perhaps many positions," he leered. "But then I see your husband leaving the house each day while you remain behind, so perhaps I'm mistaken."
"Our home life is none of your business."

Pointing dramatically at her chest, he spouted "Didn't I just tell you, your business is my business? No matter what Sister Paula says or believes, God gave you to us. You belong to the temple. We may send you out and we may take you back. Don't ever forget it. You are ours for life."

He paused, looked dramatically around the waiting room. "You can leave now. You will find nothing here. I've seen to that."

"What? You can't do that."

"I can and I have. It is the temple's job to find you a good position, and a city welfare position is not it. If Sister Paula was wrong to place you here, you are still our responsibility and we will find you a new home. I have informed the city planners of our position."

"We need this. My son, my husband has had a lot to..."

"Hah," crowed Brother Jose. "He is your son, not your husband. I will break this farce of a marriage and see you sold to benefit God and the temple, Mrs. Overton." Once again, he placed a strong emphasis on the Mrs.

Brother Jose left. The two other applicants stared at her, but looked away whenever she looked back.

After a few minutes, she left. It had turned into a pretty miserable day.

Without a second income, things stayed tense at the Overton's. Brother Jose was successful, assuming that had been his goal. Suzanna drew up a budget and got Luke to acknowledge it. Luke at least recognized her existence, but rarely spoke more than a full sentence.

Suzanna stretched the family meals and tried to learn to sew. Ellen had a sewing machine, but it proved harder than it looked. She could darn socks, at least, and pledged to keep practicing. Every little bit helped.

For her own sanity, she walked into town every day. She wanted to get used to seeing old neighbors in her new body. She was called one of Jack's Gifts far more than she liked, but at least that's all she was called. No one knew who she used to be.

In early October, Suzanna got a call from Maria's school. Maria had been caught skipping class. Suzanna swore out loud after hanging up, covered her mouth in embarrassment, and then laughed at herself. There was no one else home.

She had gotten used to seeing people and saying hello, but a personal meeting was something new. She and Luke were Maria's guardians. She dressed up in grey slacks, a green blouse and scarf, and pumps with a small heel. She put on some makeup, and made sure to bring some with her in her purse. Clothes were her armor, she hoped she could withstand the slings and arrows.

The last time she'd been at the school she was still Stan. She went to see Maria sing in the annual Winter Festival program. This was her first time as Suzanna. She was nervous each time she had to return to someplace she'd been before changing. She calmed her nerves by checking and refreshing her lipstick. It was a surprisingly effective calming technique, only available to women.

Maria was waiting, and the two of them were soon escorted in to see Brenda MacHale, the school counselor.

"Mrs. Overton, Maria," the matronly woman started, "I'm sure you both know why we're here, but I'd like to go over it to start us off. Maria was caught behind the bleachers during her religious history class.

"This is not the first incident we've had with her. Her grades have fallen steeply, she has gotten into two fights, and she has had multiple behavior complaints from her teachers. Now, we understand she lost both of her parents last year, and are prepared to be understanding, but we must deal with these problems."

Suzanna turned. "What's going on, Maria?"

The young girl squirmed in her seat. She looked at everything in the room other than the two adults, then shrugged in the way so well known even to pre-teens, "I dunno. Nothin'."

"I'm very sorry about this, Mrs. MacHale. I will make sure she behaves in the future." Suzanna tried to project calm and authority.

"I'm sorry to say that might not be enough," said the counselor. "Maria has been suffering from all the disruptions in her family life. She would have been removed from her brother's care last year, but for your marriage. If she continues to act out, we might need to remove her from your home, even if only temporarily to let things settle down."

"No," said Maria suddenly, "No, don't take me, everyone will go away. I don't want to leave Luke and Daddy."

Suzanna gasped. She turned to Mrs. MacHale and tried to cover the slip. "Her family is tied to that house. They have pictures and memories everywhere. Please let her stay with us." She was as alarmed by Maria's vehemence as her inadvertent exposure of Suzanna's identity.

Unperturbed, the counselor asked Maria to wait outside, and then returned to her desk to speak more with Suzanna. "I'm pleasantly surprised, Mrs. Overton. After all she's gone through, I thought your arrival was making things worse. It's not unusual. Young girls often feel like they're being replaced when a woman marries into the family. Treating her brother as her father is not a long term solution, but it's healthier than I was expecting."

Confusion, followed by relief. The counselor misheard Maria's outburst. She thought Maria called Luke her father.

Mrs. MacHale continued, "We can work with this. Maria wants and needs parent figures. I know you are one of Jack's Gifts, and the temple..."

"Please," interrupted Suzanna, "Don't call me that. I am not a gift. I am Luke's wife."

"Of course, I didn't mean anything by it. My apologies." Brenda was suddenly on the defensive. This was the time for Suzanna to press her advantage.

"You're right. I've been remiss in caring for Maria. I've been preoccupied with the changes to my own life," she gestured at herself, "and situation. I apologize for that. You have my word I will pay more attention to Maria's school work and behavior." She apologized in order to end the meeting. While saying the words, Suzanna realized that it was the truth. She hadn't paid attention to Maria. She was ashamed of herself.

The counselor had seen parents make promises before, so she didn't expect results. She let Suzanna go with a warning, "I hope we do not have to call you back in the future, but we'll take your promise for now. Best of luck to you."

Suzanna left the room and grabbed Maria's hand, "We'll talk about this again at home," she said firmly.

Brother Jose was waiting for her outside school, "Well, well, now your little girl is in trouble at school. You are still the temple's responsibility, Suzanna. Now I have to go look over Maria's school records to see if the Church must get involved. I do so apologize for the intrusion into your life," he added with no sincerity at all.

Her newfound resolve carried her, "Enjoy yourself. I know how much you like looking," Suzanna said as she walked off with a bump of her hips. She was pleased when Brother Jose got flustered.

On the ride home, Suzanna thought more about her promise. She had been wrapped up in her own problems. Luke and Maria had as much pain as she did. She was part of the problem. She was getting better thinking of herself as Suzanna, but she still thought of Luke and Maria as her children. They weren't. Luke was her husband, and Maria her sister-in-law. She was Maria's guardian, and had to act as a mother to her.

She spent the ride back trying to figure out how.

When they got home, Maria went right for her room. Suzanna stopped her. "Hold on there. We have something to talk about."

"What now?" Maria acted exasperated, but Suzanna knew she was trying to avoid being punished.

"When I came back home, you asked what you should call me, remember?"

Maria nodded, confused.

"Right, you were going to call me Sue. Well, thing is, I never asked what I should call you. I kept calling you Princess. I don't think that's right anymore. What do you want me to call you, Maria?"

The little girl's eyes widened. She thought about it, trying to figure out what was going on. Tentatively, she asked, "Could you maybe call me Tiger? I kinda like it."

Suzanna smiled. "You got it Tiger. Now, go get your homework. We're working on it out here. And we're going to work on it every day for an hour. No going out with your friends until it's done."

"Hey. You tricked me," Maria complained without conviction. She ran to her room but returned a moment later with her books.

They spent an hour reading and reviewing spelling. "Work on that essay now," Suzanna told her, "while I cook dinner. We'll go over it when I get things on the stove."

Maria stuck out her tongue playfully but got out paper and pens and started writing. She seemed happier than she'd been all month.

Dinner was a simple chicken stew, but it took time to cut everything up and get it in the pot. She got back to Maria, looked over what she'd done, and helped her improve it.

Luke came home shortly before dinner. He was mildly surprised to see Maria doing homework. "You're back," greeted Suzanna cheerfully, "How was your day?"

Luke made a quizzical face and grunted "Fine." He went over to the television and sat down.

Suzanna let it go, but when she'd set the table a few moments later, she announced, "Dinner's ready. We're all eating at the table tonight." Maria got up and came over. Luke did not.

"Unh, unh," he said from the sofa, only turning his head, "Not t'night."

Suzanna was prepared. She gestured at Maria to stay where she was. She went to the sofa where Luke was sitting, and sat down next to him. She put her legs up and sat on her knees next to him. She put her arms around Luke's neck and whispered in his ear.

"I can't make you eat dinner with us, but I'm asking you. I'm your wife. We are a family, and I want us to act like one. Please."

She asked, begging. There was more than there seemed in her plea. She couldn't be Stan anymore, and was making sure Luke knew it.

Luke looked at her. She knew what she looked like, a woman with her arms around him, kneeling fetchingly on the sofa next to him. It didn't surprise her at all when he got up and came to the table.

Suzanna called Luke the following afternoon. She asked him to come home and fix a clogged pipe.

"You're kidding, right?" Luke's incredulity carried over the phone. He caught himself and tried to cover, "I can come home and help, sure. No problem. Just, well, you've got a problem with clogged pipes?"

She laughed but sounded sad when she answered, "I turned off the water but can't loosen the pipe. I don't have the strength for it anymore. Think you can help?" She tried to sound casual, but Luke could hear how much that request cost her.

"Of course. Be right there. Don't worry about it." Luke wanted to be nice after their tentative reconciliation last night. He tried not to sound smug or prideful, but was not entirely successful. Suzanna in turn tried not to let it bother her.

She welcomed him home. The kitchen sink was clogged. "Grease?" he asked.

"No, or at least, grease plus something else. I tried snaking it, but couldn't break the clog. Need to pull the pipe, and that's where I got stuck." She looked away.

"No problem. Don't worry. Let me at it. You can walk me through it, right?"

"Let's see what you remember," she answered sharply. Softening, she added, "I'll be here if you have problems."

Luke looked at her a little too long. She started to blush under his gaze. Then he turned away, "Let me get the toolkit, just in case." He carried it in easily, while Suzanna would have trouble lifting it with both hands.

He checked that the water actually was off. Suzanna approved. She knew she'd turned it off, but she also knew better than to ever take the customer's word for what she'd done. Luke saw her nod of approval and smiled in return. It was his turn to feel warm.

He got to work, disconnected the pipe, and got splattered with water and grease. Suzanna laughed despite herself. Luke cycled rapidly through anger, embarrassment, and laughter himself.

"Yeah," he said looking at the pipe, "It's clogged all right, tight. Grease and food. Sorry, but that's probably Maria and my fault. It just took time to build up. Looks like the pipe's dented too, which is why the snake got caught. If we replace it, should get better drainage overall. I got it."
"I'd agree with all that. Thank you."

Luke went back to work. Suzanna heard him humming while stuck under the sink. She stopped herself from laughing, as she'd had the same habit. When he finished he tested that everything was working, made sure there were no leaks, and only then cleaned off his face.

"All done," he said proudly. "Look, Suze, I'm going to head back out, OK? I'd stay here with you a while, really I would. I was helping Peter out though. He got some old cars from a reclamation crew, and he's gonna see if he can get them working again. I was helping him move 'em to his place. I'll be back later."

"Of course, go help Peter."

She was honestly surprised. Luke explained what he was doing and cared what she thought. She hadn't known that he was helping his old friend, or that Peter was trying to start his own career. She surprised Luke in turn by giving him a quick kiss on the cheek before he left.

She was happy. She wondered if she'd have to break something else before Luke got the idea to take up plumbing jobs on his own.

Suzanna got dressed for a lunch meeting a week later. She put on her yellow skirt with a pale green shirt and vest. After some thought, she put on her heels. She still needed practice walking in them, but wanted to make a good impression. It was worth the risk. With silent apologies, she went through Ellen's jewelry to add a bracelet and necklace. She tied back her hair with the same yellow ribbon she used in the temple.

Sister Paula was already waiting for her when she got to the diner.

"I hope I didn't keep you waiting," she said while kissing Paula hello. "It's good to see you again."

"Not at all, I just got here a few minutes ago. You're looking good. I've missed seeing you around the temple."

"We go every week," she said defensively. "That's not what you meant, is it? Sorry, it's been busy. I will try to get up there to see all of you soon." She took off her jacket and placed it with her purse on the chair next to her as she sat down. Paula noted her feminine mannerisms approvingly.
"I'm afraid that I asked to see you so I could ask for help," she said.

Paula smiled, "That's usually the case. What do you need?"

"I need a job, or at least to get Brother Jose off my back. It's pretty tight for us right now. Luke's got his janitor job and he's starting to drum up some plumbing work. He's got a sink repair job today." She smiled proudly. "I want to help more. Brother Jose made sure the city won't hire me. I was hoping you could get him to back off."

Sister Paula looked away, then turned back to face her. "I might be able to help, but I doubt I can get Brother Jose to back off. There's temple politics involved in every decision concerning all of you. I'm sure you know that already. It hasn't stopped. You, specifically, bother Brother Jose. He's got much more support pursuing you than I'd have expected. I wish I knew why.

Changing the subject, how're you doing? Anna's busy in Mississippi, so I don't hear much from her, and Julia, well..." Paula paused, then added, "I liked working with all of you. I'd love to hear how you're doing."

"Like I said, money is tight. Luke wasn't ready to take over when Ellen had her stroke. Some things fell through the cracks. We're putting it all back together, but it's not easy."

"I was sorry to hear she passed away."

"Thanks. We were expecting it, but it hurt. I'll always miss her. So will Luke and Maria."

"So, how are you and Luke doing?"

Sister Paula was Suzanna's mentor at the temple, and honestly cared about her. She was also a priest, and just as honestly devoted to God. She took Jack's commands seriously. Suzanna was sure she'd agree with Brother Jose that the temple's responsibility for her extended for life. In the end, she decided to tell the truth. If nothing else, it would be a pleasant change.

"It wasn't working out well at first. I think we're getting better, but it is slow for both of us. Please don't tell Brother Jose, I know he thinks our marriage is a fraud. It's not. But it's also not really, well, real either. We are getting there, though. Really." She sounded silly, but she was relieved to have said it out loud.

Sister Paula's surprise was obvious. It took a moment before she responded. "I won't tell him. I'm surprised you're telling me."

"You were a harsh taskmaster, but you were always honest with us. You tried to do the best by us you could. I figured I could return the favor."

Paula smiled, "Thank you, I think. What do you mean when you say it's going slow?"

Another pause. This was becoming an awkward conversation. "When I came home, neither of us acted like we were married. I still do it. Look what I just said. I said I was coming home, not getting married. It was tearing us apart. Luke resented me. I was both his father and his wife. That combination sucks. Sure, I did the cooking and housework, but only because I didn't want to go outside. It hurt." Her chest shook with silent sobs.

"So what changed?" Paula asked after giving her a little time.

"Maria. She got in trouble in school. Don't get me wrong, we hold her responsible for what she did and punished her. But I was responsible too. She and Luke couldn't accept the way I was acting. So I could hope for Luke and her to change, or I could change. So I did."

"Good for you. I'm sure it's hard, but it's doing you good. You look absolutely great."

Suzanna smiled. "Now you're just being polite. I'm a mess."

"No really, you do. I'm sure Luke notices too. So tell me," she said with a sly smile, "how does sex compare as a woman?"

"Whoa. Hold on. You're a priest. I can't."

"What? You think I don't know what a wedding means?"

Suzanna looked around warily, then gestured Paula closer to her. They leaned their heads over the table so she could whisper. "I don't know. I'm sorry, and please don't tell Brother Jose. When I came home we started sleeping in different rooms. I've only just started acting like his wife. And I'm scared."

Paula grabbed Suzanna's hand, but held it reassuringly. "Don't worry. Your secret's safe. Sex is part of being married, though. Don't be scared. I wasn't always a priest. Let me assure you that celibacy is a real sacrifice. You will enjoy it."

"I'll try. I promise you that."

Paula gripped her hand harder and smiled warmly. "I'm glad to help. I'm even happier that I think I've found a friend."

Suzanna smiled back.

Sister Paula almost jumped, "Oh my, I'm sorry, I completely forgot. I think I can help with what you came for. Shawnee runs road crews every day. You can't get a city job, but Shawnee contracts out administrative duties to a private company, Primus Call Center. Road crews don't always show up, sometimes they need more people, and they need people to track who showed up, things like that. It's all paperwork and phone calls, and it's early morning work, and it's only a few hours a day, but it is every weekday. I happen to know they need a new caller. Here's a number to reach them."

"I'll call them today. I can't thank you enough."

"Actually, you can. I have a favor to ask too."

"Anything," responded Suzanna.

"It's Melissa. She hasn't been the same since you left. She's the last of the transformed in the temple. I've got a political marriage for her. He's a good man down in Texas. Brother Jose is making a strong case that she's not fit for it. He hasn't cancelled the deal, but if he can set something else up he might. It's not just that. She's depressed, lonely. Could you talk to her?"

"That's a favor? Go talk to a friend? Sorry Sister, but I think I still owe you one after that."

They smiled at each other.

Suzanna was in a great mood the next day when she set off to the temple. She'd spoken with the manager of Primus Call Center, and would be able to start work on Monday. Luke was enthusiastic and gave her a kiss when she announced the news. It was the first time he spontaneously kissed her. Maria eagerly volunteered to start making breakfast since Suzanna would be gone in the mornings. Her family was feeling like a family again.

It was still warm out, so she wore her green and white patterned dress, one of the few dresses she had. She got a brand new yellow headband, figuring that would amuse Melissa, and set off.

It had been over a month since she'd last seen her friend. She was so excited she nearly skipped on her way to the Pilgrim's quarters. Then the first words out of her mouth were, "Dawn's Grace, what have you done to your hair?"

Melissa was wearing a pair of women's blue jeans and a grey turtleneck shirt. Her hair was straight, but tangled and frizzy. She might be Suzanna's twin, but she was a twin who'd hit hard times. Suzanna's heart went out, she hadn't realized just how much she'd missed her friend.

"Oh, I'm sorry," she gasped, covering her mouth with her hand. "It's been so long, and it's so good to see you Mel."

Melissa was stunned. Then she started laughing. "Suzanna, it's good to see you too." She came over to give her friend a hug. They both felt better. "I guess I do look a bit of a mess. Just a bit depressed, I guess."

"Well, we can fix the first bit. Sit down and let me work on your hair. Give me that brush." They did each others' hair regularly when they were learning to be women, so this was like old home week for them both.

Melissa's hair was badly tangled, so they were quiet while Suzanna brushed it out. After wincing a few times, Melissa broke the silence, "How have you been doing? What's it like?"

Suzanna knew what she meant, and also knew what Sister Paula needed her to say. "It's different, but it's not bad. Sister Paula's lessons helped more than I thought. Take clothes for example, dressing up is fun. Before, I used to dress for function, or just to blend in. Now I dress to draw attention. I'll admit it made me nervous at first, but I've gotten to like it when people notice me." She knew Melissa wanted more than that, but Suzanna wanted to start with the easy things.

They spent some time gossipping while Suzanna continued brushing Melissa's hair. They didn't know a lot of people in common, but she could catch her friend up on those few that they did both know. She'd made a point of going out to the base to find out where some of Melissa's friends were now.

They also talked about the temple goings-on, where Melissa had the better knowledge. Of course the fight between Brother Jose and Sister Paula was still going on. Sister Paula had the upper hand, but they both knew Brother Jose could still turn things around, and they'd be right in the middle of it if he did.

They had more fun talking about the people they used to watch in the orchards. The long running love triangle between Ed, Lisa, and Molly had finally resolved. Lisa nabbed Ed. Molly didn't mourn her loss for long, and was now dating Francisco. Melissa had great fun telling the whole story. She proved a particularly nasty mimic. Suzanna had to stop working on her hair to laugh.

When Melissa's hair was brushed out, and Suzanna started braiding it, Melissa went back to serious mode. "Have you heard what Sister Paula has in mind for me? She wants me to get married. I don't know if I can do it. How do you manage?"

She knew that question was coming, but Suzanna wasn't as ready as she thought. She didn't want to lie to Melissa, but she was in the middle of the temple. Sister Paula was her friend, but Brother Jose was not. She had no idea who might be listening, so she had to be cautious.

"It hasn't been easy," she hedged. "I mean, we're acting like women right now. I'm sitting here working on your hair. Believe me, nothing drives home that you're a woman now like being a wife, having a husband."

"How do you? I mean, sex. As a woman." Melissa was agitated, making it hard on Suzanna to continue working on her hair. This wasn't the time for that, so she stopped.

"You were married before, right?"

Melissa nodded.

"Did you and your wife ever play? I mean role play?"

"You want details?" she asked archly.

"Maybe later," Suzanna replied in the same vein. "I's like that. Act like you're playing, only play the wife role. It might be awkward at first, but it gets easier the more you do it. It takes time, but eventually you get into it and it is fun. It's easier if your guy is nice and caring too. Thing is, as you keep playing the role, it gets easier and more real. Keep at it, and soon the role is reality." She smiled suggestively, "There are other benefits that come with it."

Melissa didn't entirely buy it, but she felt better. They went back to working on her hair, gossiping, and just reconnecting. When she was heading home, Suzanna reflected that the advice she gave Melissa was pretty good for her too. Same thing that happened at Maria's school. She might have to listen to herself more often.

On the way home she stopped at Victoria's Secret. For later.

While Suzanna and Luke were more pleasant to each other, they continued sleeping separately. They were both feeling their way into their new roles. Suzanna's morning job helped with the finances, and Luke was getting more plumbing jobs.

Her call center had an annual dinner for their employees. Luke resisted going when Suzanna told him about it. He didn't like dressing up and didn't know anyone there. She pointed out that meeting new people was the way to generate new jobs. He accepted that and agreed to go along. It didn't occur to her until later, but Luke was serious about plumbing and he listened to her advice. She felt better inside when she realized.

Suzanna had a black dress from Rosa's wardrobe. She had never worn it and was surprised at herself that she was looking forward to it. The dress showed a fair amount of cleavage, which she'd avoided until now. The low back prevented her from wearing a bra, but the dress had its own support built in. She'd gotten so used to wearing a bra that she considered this unusual. She had to go through Ellen's jewelry collection again to find something appropriate. A ruby necklace and long earrings completed the outfit. Maria had to help her with her makeup. They worked on it together for almost an hour before they were satisfied. Like Luke, she'd never enjoyed dressing up this much before the change. But then, she thought, she didn't look this good back then.

To her further surprise, she was looking forward to making an impression on Luke as much as her coworkers. She got a gasp from him when she stepped out of the room, but she was just as surprised by him.

"Luke honey, you look fantastic," she exclaimed. He was wearing a grey jacket with a blue tie and dress shoes. He'd gotten a hair cut, and to her amazement, he'd shaved his sideburns.

"So do you Suze, so do you."

"Hey, get a room, you two," Maria broke in as they each admired the other.

That broke the spell. Suzanna straightened Luke's tie, and brushed his shoulders. She wasn't even sure why. Luke opened the door to the truck for her and helped her in. She needed the help, given her heels and dress, so really appreciated the courtesy.

They got to the Ambrosia restaurant in plenty of time. Suzanna introduced Luke to her coworkers. "This is my husband, Luke. He's the handsomest plumber in town, if you need one." By the third time, introducing him as her husband seemed almost natural.

They sat down at a table with a coworker, Carole, her husband, and two couples she didn't know. They talked a bit about work and the town. Carole and Jim had a three year old, and asked if they had any kids of their own.

"None yet," answered Suzanna while Luke looked on flustered. She took Luke's hand as she said, "Luke wants to get his plumbing business on its feet before we have any kids."

"Don't put it off too long, kids are a blessing," she answered back.

"Before Carole gets going any longer on her spiel," interrupted Jim, turning to Luke, "how is the plumbing business? It's pretty gutsy trying to set yourself up that way. Love to hear more."

"There aren't enough plumbers, and a lot of old pipes are breaking down. There's a lot of recycling old parts and patching things. I can replace broken pipes when I have them, but that's not often enough. Regular maintenance helps prevent breakdowns in the first place, so there's plenty to do for people who know enough to hire us." Suzanna was impressed. Luke was selling himself. Confident and relaxed, pushing the idea that he could do the repairs. He'd be drumming up some business tonight.

"Of course, I've got to give Suzanna here a lot of the credit. No way I'd have done this on my own without her behind me."

"Oh come on now," she answered, "of course you would. But thanks." She was flattered, put her arm around him and leaned in to him. It felt good.
After dinner came the speeches. They'd all had a bit to drink, and were willing to listen. They introduced the new employees, including Suzanna. In the process, they mentioned that she was one of the people transformed by Jack.

"I hadn't realized," said Jim when the speeches finished, "you're one of Jack's Gifts."

"Hey," interrupted Luke before Suzanna could say anything, "she's not a thing. She's not a gift."

Jim backed down. "I didn't mean anything, that's just what they're called, right? Really, sorry, I didn't mean any offense."

"None taken then." He looked cautiously at Suzanna, then back to Jim and Carole, "She is a treasure, though."

That brought a laugh from Jim. Carole needled him, "And why don't you have such a silver tongue?" Suzanna just stared at Luke, seeing him anew.

She walked out after dinner on Luke's arm. She was smiling, happy, and expecting a big night with her husband when they got home. Instead, they ran into Brother Jose. He accosted Suzanna angrily.

"You're not fooling anyone. You're not married, you're not sleeping with your son." He spoke angrily but quietly enough not to be overheard. "Sister Paula may have gotten her way with Melissa, but I will show you are a fraud. Just wait. I'll be there when you slip. As for you," he said while pointing at Luke, "Cheating God is heresy, and you'll see what we do to heretics."

Luke pulled her away. The mood was spoiled, and they went to their separate rooms to sleep.

"Wha' happened to your face, man?"

Peter greeted Luke in surprise the day after Suzanna's dinner. Luke had fixed an irrigation system in the morning but his afternoon was free, so he went to help Peter chop up an engine for parts.

"What can I say? Suzanna never liked the sideburns, figured it was time for 'em to go. 'Sides, I'm trying to be a respectable businessman. Gotta look right."

"OK, what happened to my old buddy? Who is this stranger?" Peter smiled as he teased. He grabbed a bottle of cider and threw another to Luke. "Doesn't the tat sort of break the image?"

Luke smiled back. "Yeah. I sorta keep that covered now." Looking down, "Probably have to see about getting it removed when it warms up again."

This time Peter really was surprised. "OK. I could ask. But truth is, I don't really care." They both laughed. "Got lots to do, and I'm glad for the help. Let's finish these and get to it."

"Slavedriver," said Luke in a stage whisper.

They spent an hour in companionable silence. Peter knew his way around cars, even if it was just to break them down.

Peter was right, he knew. He'd shaved his face for Suzanna and it wasn't like him. He'd married her to save his sister and he'd do it again. It meant he's failed in so many ways. He couldn't provide for his sister without help. He was serious back when he called the temple slaveholders, and now he was participating. Every time he saw Suzanna he felt guilty.

"Lift."

Luke came out of his thoughts as he and Peter tugged an old engine out of the car. Peter had a good pulley rigged up, but it took muscle and attention to stop it swinging.

"You got anyone lined up for these yet?" asked Luke.

"No, just got a few more junkers. Figured I'd break 'em down, try to get the better ones working."

"I bet the base would pay for parts you got. Anything doesn't go to getting something running, try selling to them." Luke was still getting used to thinking how to sell and look for opportunities. It was worth sharing with his friend. "Suzanna knows some people over there, can probably give you a name."

Peter was dumbfounded. "Sure. Sounds good. Thanks."

They finished and washed up. Luke was leaving when Peter said, "Hey, I'll check on the base thing. It's OK if I ask your... Suzanna for a contact?"

"Yeah, of course."

"She's good. I don't think I know this woman who's getting my buddy to grow up." Grinning.

Peter was right, of course. Luke had changed, and Suzanna was a big reason for it. He'd stopped feeling like a failure for one thing. No, more than that. He wasn't acting like he had in school. Peter had it again, he'd grown up. Suzanna knew him better than anyone, but he didn't know her nearly as well as he thought. She was a different person now, Luke carefully avoided thinking about who she used to be. She was making her own choices now, and maybe it was time for him to stop feeling guilty about a situation neither of them caused.

He was excited about getting to know her better.

About getting to know his wife better.

For Suzanna, life was getting better. Her part time position combined with Luke's job and his growing plumbing business were slowly getting them back on their feet. She was doing the housework as well as keeping the books, which proved to take more time than she'd once expected. She made sure to clear time to help Maria with her schoolwork each afternoon, and started making friends in the neighborhood. She was leaving her old life behind, and doing it on her terms.

One night after Maria was in bed, she told Luke to make sure to keep Friday evening free. Maria had a band concert at school, and they would attend.

"OK," he responded, "but I didn't even know she played."

Suzanna smiled kindly, "It was a deal we made. I got her an old flute at the pawn shop, and she could play as long as she behaved in school and kept her grades up. She practices a lot, and really likes it."

"How come I never heard her play then?"

"She didn't want you to know, so she practices before you get home. Now be nice to her."

Luke faked a frown, "I don't know. If all the women in my life conspire to keep secrets from me, maybe I should put my foot down and not go."

Playing into it, Suzanna poked him in the chest, "Don't even try it buster. You're going, and you're taking us out for ice cream afterwards." She leaned in and kissed him on the mouth.

He gave up and agreed.

The warm weather fled by Friday, it was cold and windy. Suzanna wore her dress and heels to look nice for Maria and Luke, but then had to cover it up with a winter coat. Luke didn't suffer at all with a jacket over his shirt and tie. Suzanna thought that was completely unfair. However, when she complained about the cold he put his arm around her. She decided she could manage to like cold weather.

The Fall Concert was just what she'd expected. It was a performance for the parents and other children. The fun came from seeing your children on stage. Luke cheered for his sister as Maria haltingly played John Phillip Sousa, John Williams, and other school staples. Suzanna clapped and took delight in Luke's obvious pride and surprise.

After the concert, Luke made Maria cajole him into going for ice cream. "What do you mean, take you out for ice cream? I didn't know anything about it."

"Come on, Suzanna promised we'd go out for ice cream after the concert."

"Well that's between you two. I don't see what that has to do with me, and I'm driving."

Suzanna knew all along Luke would take them, he just had to mess with his sister. It came as a surprise to realize Maria knew it too, and was enjoying the game every bit as much as her brother. Suzanna was closer to them now than she'd ever been before.

It was a cold night for ice cream, but with Luke holding her against the cold, she didn't mind. She had chocolate. It bothered her a bit that she liked chocolate so much since she changed. It felt like a cliche, but it tasted so much better than it used to. Luke got vanilla despite her and Maria teasing him about it, while Maria got her favorite, chocolate peanut butter.

Luke complimented Maria's playing, especially since he'd had no idea she had taken up the flute. Suzanna took the opportunity to praise her hard work, both in music and at school. Maria ate up the compliments, and then launched into a rambling discourse on all the friends she'd made in the band.

They got home late, but everyone was in a good mood. Suzanna told Luke to put Maria in bed. She was old enough to do so on her own, so Luke knew something was up. Suzanna took the time to change into the red baby doll teddy she'd gotten nearly two weeks ago. She walked out of the room, and Luke's eyes grew wide.

"Do you... Do you like it?" she asked shyly.

"You look amazing," he gaped.

She spun coquettishly. Luke hugged her tightly, then picked her up in his arms. Shrinking during her transformation was usually a source of frustration, but not now. Now she was small enough that Luke could hold her.

He carried her into her room. No, she thought. He didn't. He carried her into their room.

Shortly after Thanksgiving, Suzanna met her husband at the Hickory Diner for lunch. He was a plumber full time now, he'd quit working as a janitor two weeks earlier. Suzanna started her job before he was up, so they rarely saw each other in the morning. They met in town for lunch when they could.

"All right, you were right," laughed Luke, "mingling at your party has paid off big. Between the work he's thrown at me and all the references, I should be putting Jim on the payroll. Gotten so much I'm running low on PVC, and if you know anyplace to get copper pipes I'd love to hear it."

"PVC we can manage," Suzanna told him, and let him know who he could contact for that. "Copper's always a problem. Check with the junk dealers regularly, best I got for you on that one. Doesn't Peter get his wrecked cars from some reclamation crews? Ask him who, they might have copper. Let's have him over for dinner some time."

Luke was still learning the trade, and meeting for lunch was a good way for Suzanna to give him tips or training. They were also a way for them to get together during the day. Luke's hand only left hers when it went to her waist or leg. She was little better, though she preferred rubbing her foot along his leg or thigh. They'd gotten closer each day since Maria's concert.

Suzanna moved all of Luke's clothes into their room the day after they first slept together. Luke never said a word about it, just smiled and kissed her. He put his things on the nightstand but otherwise accepted whatever she did. She understood what he meant. The nightstand was his. She should leave it alone, but he wouldn't say so in case she needed to clean. She'd used the same code once.

Once she got started it was hard to stop. She had left the home as it was before her transformation, but no more. She repainted the family room. She added some pictures of their new family, while keeping ones of Luke and Maria as children. Sister Paula helpfully donated some pictures of Rosa as a child. Suzanna put them up after thinking about it.

Luke kept talking while she was lost in thought, and suddenly she pulled away from him. "Say that again," she commanded.

Luke put on his hurt puppy dog face at her sudden withdrawal. "What'd I do?"

"Sorry, honey." Suzanna knew it was important to mollify her husband. "You were saying something important, and you can make it hard to concentrate on what you're saying..."

Luke smiled back. "Well, it was a repair job this morning. The pipe burst from the inside. It was discolored black around the hole, but no blockage or obvious reason for the break. Simple enough patch job, just thought it was odd was all."

Suzanna paled. "Blackwater eel."

Two days later Suzanna's cell phone rang while she was at work. It was Luke, "I found the nest, Suze. I'm going in. Just wanted to tell you I love you first. I'll be fine. Don't worry."

She wanted to yell, to command him to wait. Instead she offered encouragement. "You'd better. Be careful. Good luck, and I love you too." It surprised her how hard it was to say that, to just let him go when she wanted him to come to her and let someone else handle the eel.

Her friend Carole overheard, and when she found out what was going on, got Suzanna to go home. Carole could cover for her. She didn't really want to leave, but she wasn't getting anything done, so she went.

She was angry her house was empty. Maria should be there with her to wait. Or Luke should be home so she didn't have to worry in the first place. She cleaned the breakfast dishes and started dusting the living room.

After drifting from dusting to dishes for the third time, she gave it up and got on the phone. "Hi Melissa, have you got a minute? I need a friend."

"For you? Any time. What's going on?" Over the phone, Melissa's voice didn't sound exactly like Suzanna's, which pleased her.

Suzanna filled her in on Luke's hunt for the Blackwater Eel nest.

"How're you holding up?" Melissa asked after hearing her story.

"Not so well. I want to do something. I was driving myself crazy, so figured I'd talk to a friend instead. Distract me, please. Tell me how you're doing."

"It's not as bad as I feared, you were right about that. Sister Paula found me a good man, I guess. Daniel's a politician, and having a God-touched wife gives him some extra notoriety."

"God-touched. I like that a lot better than Jack's Gift."

"Yeah, he came up with it himself when I bitched at him about it. Seems to be catching on."

"So, working out well all around, then?"

"I know what you're getting at," Melissa replied suggestively. "No, we haven't had sex yet. I haven't told him who I used to be, and probably won't. He thinks I want to get to know him first, since I first met him the day before our wedding. I guess he thinks I'm a traditional girl for making him wait." They both giggled. "We've kissed and played around a bit. I took your advice. It won't be much longer. Oh, and that man is good with his hands."

Suzanna laughed again, "When you get to it, make sure he uses his mouth too. Dawn's saggy tits, if I knew what it felt like I'd have gone down on Ellen every time. Do not pass that up."

"This is going to be one of those conversations, is it? I'll have you know I can match your dirty mind any day, girl."

"Hold on, that's his truck," interrupted Suzanna. "It's Luke. I missed you Melissa, but can I call you back another time?"

She hung up and flew outside. Luke was just opening the door, "It's all right Suze, I got them. Oof."

He wasn't able to finish whatever he was going to say as Suzanna barrelled into him and wrapped him in her arms. After reassuring herself he was there she kissed him deeply, taking his tongue into her mouth and breathing his breath.

"I was worried," she said when she pulled her mouth from his. She stepped back to look at him, seeing the cut on his leg. "What happened to you?" She knelt beside him to look at the bloody bandage he'd wrapped around his leg.

"It's nothing. Pipe burst when I was there, got hit by a shard."

"Back in the truck, my love. Now. I'll drive. You're going to the doctor's."

"Really, it's nothing. I'll put on a clean bandage..."

"Now." Suzanna raised her voice, prepared to yell and scream if she had to. Luke got in the truck.

Suzanna drove faster than she needed to the doctor's office, where they took Luke in quickly once they heard what had happened. Suzanna waited, worrying, for an hour before they called her back.

"He's alright," the doctor announced. "No infection. Don't let him tell you otherwise. It was good you brought him here. Silverstorm infections are always a danger. We want to keep him here for observation for 6 hours, but if there's no other symptoms, you'll have him home for dinner."

Relieved beyond words, Suzanna went in to see Luke lying comfortably in the hospital bed. His leg was tightly bandaged, but nothing worse. "See that Suze, told you I was all right."

She took his hand in hers and held it softly, kissing it and saying, "And I'm very glad of it. I don't want to lose you, love." More saucily, "You know you're a hero now. Luke Eelslayer. Tonight you get the hero's reward. See if I can slay an eel too." She went from kissing his hand to sucking on his fingers.

Luke smiled, content.

The New Year came and went. Snow covered the ground and winds blew outside, but it was warm and cozy inside the Hickory Diner. Suzanna met Paula for lunch.

"Congratulations," Paula started. "Brother Jose has given up on you. He's no longer trying to show your marriage is fake."

"About time. I don't know how much more real he expects it to get. Paula, I know you took a lot of flak over this marriage. You took some of it from me. I'm sorry. You were right. I love Luke, and couldn't be happier."

"I'm thrilled. And thank you, it means a lot to me. You certainly look as happy as I've ever seen you."

"Hey, speaking of congratulations, I hear they're in order for you too. It's Mother Paula now, isn't it?"

She smiled broadly. "It is. I'm on the Synod now as Jack's representative. We've agreed that Julia and Brother Jose's other placements were not proper. I'm working on getting them back, but it's going to take some time. Never ends, does it? So, changing the subject, how were your holidays?"

"My first as Luke's wife. I loved being with my family, but wish we could have had a bigger celebration. It was a pretty tough year."

She paused. Both women looked at each other and broke out in laughter.

"Wow that felt good," said Suzanna finally.

"Did Luke get you anything special?"

"A few things," she answered with a faint smile. "The best were the ones he didn't intend."

"Playing at riddles, now? Come on, spill." Mother Paula was fully drawn in, a girlfriend rather than a counselor.

"I don't know how you'll feel about this one. I'm not sure how I feel about it, but he gave me back, well, me."

Paula said nothing, just peered at her.

"We went to Ellen's grave. We put down flowers, Luke and Maria spoke to her. When they were done, Luke told me to stay and spend some time alone with her. He told me, 'Just come back to me, OK?'"

"I'm not sure I see..."

"I had to stop being Stan before I could love Luke. As a woman, I mean. It was hard. You can tell me I'm a different person all you want, but I felt like the same one. Making myself believe it, well, it took work. It was worth it," she smiled, "but it wasn't easy. I didn't realize how much I missed it until then. I also don't know how I'll... how we'll deal with it. But it means a lot to me. And we will deal with it."

Paula hesitated. "Don't cut yourself off from friends, OK? I'm happy for you. Just concerned too."

"So am I. And it's the help of friends, you and Melissa, that tells me I'll make it through this change too."

They ate their salads and gossiped about the church, townsfolk, and the other transformed women. Paula heard from Anna, while Suzanna kept up with Melissa. They each shared their news. As they finished, Mother Paula turned serious again.

"I have one other big piece of news for you. Brother Jose's pursuit of you always struck me as overkill, and he had support from other members of the temple. I suppose you noticed?"

"Well, yes, obviously."

"There was more to it than just Jack's Liturgy. Your grandfather was involved in opposing the creation of the church. He did more than just oppose it, at one point he instigated a riot. He used the chaos as cover to assassinate two priests."

"I had no idea." Suzanna was honestly surprised. "I knew he wasn't a churchgoer, but didn't know about the rest."

"Well, your whole family has been marked. It's why you, as Stan, were denied entry into college, and why Brother Jose could keep you from a city job. I've lifted that punishment. If she can keep her grades up, we'll raise no objections if Maria applies to college."

"I guess that brings me to Luke's other gift." With a hand on her stomach and a smile the Mona Lisa would envy, Suzanna asked "Will that also apply to our children?"