Chapter 5.4 of The Absolutely Crazy Matriarchy

1. Welcome to Chapter 5.4 of the Absolutely Crazy Matriarchy! If you haven't read any of the other chapters, you probably should. We begin this chapter in the war room of the newly constructed Simself Headquarters, Veronaville Division, where the Simselves have just received some fairly bad news...

2. "Ladies and gentlemen, we have a problem."

3. "Mew?" "And cats, too," Lark conceded. "Mew." "You're such a softy, Lark," Remus said. "I'm not being softhearted. The little bugger would shred me if I left her out." "True." Remus aimed a glare at Fire's cat Vanilla, who was already building a reputation for using Simselves as scratching posts.

4. "Go on, Lark. What's going on?" Cee was as confused as the rest of them. "Yeah. Why the big group meeting?" "Meow?"

5. Lark waited patiently for silence so she could drop her bombshell with maximum effect. "RealFire has gone missing. I haven't been able to contact her for four days." Lucy shrugged. "That's not news, Lark. She does that." "Not without SimFire being unable to get ahold of her. This is serious." Fire looked vaguely uncomfortable, but said nothing. Gaara also looked concerned. "I've tried hacking into her computer network. It's got some sort of firewall across it - I can't get in."

6. "So," Lark cut in crisply, "we have to mount a search. Cee, Jeremy and Spike can go to the Legacy lot and check with the Chandlers. Lucy and I will search as many community lots as we can. Gaara..." "I'll go to Takemizu Village and speak to the Wise Old Man. He's my tech support." Lark stared at him, then kept talking. "Right. And SimFire..." I'll try and contact her with my usual means again, sighed Fire.

7. Everyone gaped at Fire. Except Gaara. "Great. I don't get my free holiday." What? asked Fire. What are you all staring at me like that for? "You're... you're doing the voice, Fire." What voice? "RealFire's voice." That's not possible.

8. "It is. I've heard of it happening before." "Indeed. It's not common, I know that, but I have seen some examples." Such as? "Well," Cee pondered momentarily. "Fuzzy Spork's OWBC has something similar. I thought it only happened in legacies..." Legacies what, Cee? "Legacies... with a fourth wall." Fire chuckled hollowly. We never had a fourth wall, Cee. "It seems we do now."

9. Spike waited patiently until the rabble died down again. "Right. Search is off. But we do need to find out the source of this fourth wall thing. Gaara, you can go to Take-whatsu Village and have a head to head with Floaty Wise Guy. Take Cee with you." "Why me?" asked Cee. "You've experience with this sort of thing. Me and the others will hit the computers here and try and track this beastie to where it started." "I'm going too," Lark said stubbornly. "Fine. Go ahead." Do you want me to keep up trying to find RealFire? "Couldn't hurt, pet. Now. To the SimselfMobile!" "The what?" "Never mind."

10. Fire waved her friends away with an internal sigh. She'd known instantly when RealFire had lost contact with the Simselves. The intangible link between them had been cut off about five days ago. Now all that was left was a vague, uncomfortable feeling of unreality... and the occasional, faint impressions of RealFire's emotions as she tried desperately to contact the Sim world. Fire felt bad for not telling her friends sooner, but she'd been so busy trying to find answers that it had slipped her mind. Now she had to rely on others to do so for her.

11. "Not working, luv?" Spike looked up from his computer briefly as his wife walked over and sat at the vacant computer in the war room. Nope, Fire sighed. She quickly accessed the mainframe that powered the Chandler household, and tried to ingore the paradoxical nature of her task. The fabric of reality was malleable here. "Ah, well. We'll keep looking then." I'm fairly superfluous here, Fire murmured. You guys can keep looking; I'll work with the Chandlers for awhile. Spike looked concerned, but didn't question her.

12. Corinna looked up at her childhood home with relief. She'd been away for four long years. There was no denying that it had been fun, but she hadn't seen her mother or her grandmother for a long time. She's always been a bit of a homebody; all right, she loved going out to nightclubs and dancing the night away, but having somewhere permanent she could rest her head was something she'd missed.

13. "Corinna! I'm so glad you're home!" Bella had had the fright of her life when Temperance had called and told her that Rin had died. She'd gotten better, of course, after Tempe had done some smooth talking with Death, but the fact that she'd nearly lost her youngest daughter was scary. "Mum! It's great to be back. Have you kept my room the same for me?" "A mess?" "Muuum!" "I haven't changed a thing, honey. Now you need to go to the clothes shop. You look like some magician's assistant who keeps getting sawed in half."

14. Rin did just that, picking out some clothes that were a little wild, a little dark, and completely perfect. While she was there she had her hair cut into a sassy angled cut that framed her pixie-like face. She also made a conquest. "I really dig chicks in leather." The guy wasn't her normal type, but she had a LTW to fulfil, and he was cute. In a big-nosed way. She wrote her number on his arm.

15. When she left the shop, she felt good. Better than she'd felt since she'd died. She had new clothes, a new haircut, and the chance to make a name for herself in the family. A little unsteady on the stilletto heeled boots, she tottered back home.

16. While her mother started her official family portrait, Rin surfed the net for jobs. "Here's one, Mum - I could be a Concert Pianist." "You can't even play Chopsticks, honey." "Fine. Architectural Partner?" "Have you progressed beyond stick figures yet?" "...no. How about this... a Real Time Strategizer?" "Is that even a real job?" "It's basically playing games for money." "You'll be perfect!"

17. Job secured, Rin padded up to her new bedroom (which used to be Bella's) and dialled a number into her cell phone. Carl would be very pleased to go on a date...

18. One thing hadn't changed in four years, even after she'd died - Rin still loved the art of seduction. She enjoyed men; enjoyed the romance and the flowers and the quiet nights out at fancy restaurants. Albeit with stalky waitresses. "Are you sure there's nothing else I can get you?" The waitress aimed a suggestive wink at Rin. "For crying out loud. Just because I'm a Romance Sim doesn't mean I jump anything with a pulse."

19. The next day was Bella's birthday. She hadn't been much looking forward to it. Then Ryker had pointed out that, grey hair or no, he'd still love her. With her family surrounding her (except Temperance, who was in Belladonna Cove or somewhere like that, and Matt, who was on his honeymoon with Karen) she took a deep breath and blew out the candles.

20. Being an elder wasn't fun. She creaked. Her back ached from the pent-up years of racing after small children. Her hair was an unflattering shade of grey-white. But the sight of Ryker still made her heart sing. She could live with everything else as long as that remained.

21. The awful pink outfit that she'd transitioned into hadn't really been Bella's style. She chose an putfit not unlike what she'd worn to college. It made her feel a little younger, and made her remember her happy, carefree days with Ryker before she'd left him behind.

22. Beka also had age on her mind. Her magic had allowed her to forsee her own death. She'd come to terms with it years ago, and had slowly started preparing for the day she left. On her last day, she invited Damion over. Even after so many years both together and apart, she still loved him deeply.

23. "Love you, Damion. Don't mourn me for too long." "How could I not?" "You have to keep going, love. For Bella and Zoey as much as for me." "I never stopped loving you, Beka. Ever." She kissed him one last time, and had to hope that it would be enough.

24. "Mum, I'm going to miss you so much." "I know, Bella. I know. I'll never be too far away, though." "How can you know I'm ready for this, Mum? Ready to be the head of the family?" "Because I know you, honey. You can and will do this. I love you." Tears filled Bella's eyes. "Love you too, Mum."

25. "Rin honey, I have every faith in you. I know you'll do me proud." Rin smiled wryly. "Finding a father for the kids won't be hard, huh?" "Don't be cheeky." Beka smiled at her youngest granddaughter, now grown tall. "Love you, grandmama." "Love you too, Rinnie." The sound of her childhood nickname made Rin cry.

26. However prepared they were, the shock of Beka's passing was still felt when Death came for her. MISS REBAKAH CHANDLER, AGE 80?

27. "That's me. I suppose I'm meant to go with you now?" THAT IS CORRECT, MISS CHANDLER. HERE, HAVE A TIKI DRINK. "You give out tiki drinks?" INDEED. THEY ARE QUITE POPULAR. "It does look quite nice..." Beka took the drink and simply faded away.

28. When all you want to do is rock But you don't want to bear the shock no more When it's just swell that fills your eyes Belated feelings that you have denied

29. When every wolf is at your door Just like a hundred times before But you don't want to leave the end

30. You were amazing And we did amazing things And I wouldn't change it 'Cause we were amazing things

31. Rebuilding bridges in your mind Your eagerness now is on the line The plastic mountain at your feet Divided streets now as you look to find a seat

32. When every wolf is at your door Just like a hundred times before But you don't want to leave the end

33. You were amazing And we did amazing things And I wouldn't change it 'Cause we were amazing things

34. No I really didn't want that push today No I really didn't want to end this way And the things that seem to bind us Are the things we put behind us on this day

35. You were amazing And we did amazing things

36. And I wouldn't change it 'Cause we were amazing things Amazing - Alex Lloyd

37. Rebakah Holly Chandler Age: 80 Children: Bella and Zoey Chandler Grandchildren: Matthew, Temperance and Corinna Chandler; Andrew Rayson LTW: Become Head of SCIA (achieved) Rebakah was the first Sim that has ever had a natural three-bolt relationship in my game. She wasn't afraid to kick a little alien butt. I'm very sad to see her go.

38. Though Bella knew that her mother was at peace, she couldn't help but feel the gravity of the event. Beka was gone. Forever. The stoic protectress of the Chandler family was gone.

39. Corinna was devastated. Beka had been such a rock since her childhood. But the legacy waited for none, and Rin had a job to do.

40. So she went on dates...

41. And dates...

42. And dates...

43. And dates. Some were charismatic; some were funny. Some were downright sleazy. Every one of them brought her closer to her goal.

44. Beka did not stay in her grave for long. Two nights after her death, she returned to visit her daughter. "Hello there, Bella! How are things?" "Mother? Agh! You're dead!" "Yes, hence the reason why I am see-through and glowy." "Um. Okay then." "Where is Corinna?" "On a date." "Excellent, I knew she'd do us proud. Heard any lullabies yet?" "Mother!" "I know, I know. All in good time, eh?"

45. Beka wasn't far off. Corinna brought home her 20th man that night; her wish was fulfilled and she was on top of the world. Now she could start having children. She did, after all, have 20 men to choose from as fathers.

46. She chose her first love as her first father. Calvin didn't know why she'd called him after all this time... He just thought he was in for a little fun. He wasn't wrong.

47. As Rin drifted off to sleep after their WooHoo session, she could have sworn she'd heard a haunting little tune, like the lullaby that Bella had used to sing to her as she slept.

48. The next morning she felt awful.

49. When her belly expanded, she understood finally that her venture had been successful - she was pregnant with her first child. She briefly wondered why she hadn't heard from Fire.

50. "Rin, honey, this is wonderful! A little heir-to-be!" "Don't be too disappointed if he's a boy, Mum. I'm planning on having as many as I can." Rin was actually enjoying being pregnant, despite her Romance Sim tendencies. "I'm not too worried about what he or she turns out to be. You're young; you have plenty of time for more babies."

51. Rin's pregnancy flew by. She ate well, and watched in wonder as her baby grew inside her.

52. She was brushing her teeth when the sudden stab of pain hit her. "Muuuuuuuum! Baby!"

53. Bella raced into the bathroom just as Rin twirled out her first child - a little black-haired son she called Justin Calvin. She thought he was beautiful.

54. Rin was a caring mother, always alert to the needs of her son. She had fallen in love with him, an even deeper love than that she had felt for any of her various men. Even though he could never be her heir, she adored him.

55. But she had a Legacy to continue. She invited her next potential, Dawson, over for a little late-night fun. Once again, she was rewarded with a little lullaby as she fell asleep.

56. This pregnancy was progressing much the same as the first had. She simply had to tell someone of her joy. Tempe was off somewhere in the challenge Fire had shanghaied her into; Jackie refused any contact with the family after Matt married Karen. Matt was on holiday with Karen at Three Lakes. That left Vanessa.

57. "Nessa? Want to come over for breakfast? I've got some news for you." "I'd be delighted, Rin. I'll be just a moment!"

58. "Nessa!" "Rin!" "How's college?" "Just the same. I'll tell you when we get inside. Where's your mother, by the way?" "Oh, she's gone out shopping. She'll be home shortly."

59. "So the cow mascot's still annoying us at the Greek House, but I'm pretty sure Gladys will have fixed that soon. Carl's been asking about you, have you called him since your last date?" "No, I'm not exactly after a serious relationship. I am a Romance Sim, anyway." "Cool, that's what I told him. How are you feeling, by the way? Tired? Nauseous? Woozy?"

60. "Uh, a little tired and sick... but that's related to my news, how did you know?"

61. "Oh, because I've drugged your pancakes. My Commander wants a word or two with you." "What? Are you drunk... or something... Vanessa?" "No, just following orders. And loving it, by the way. I never liked you, Rin, I was just using you and Matt to destroy your family." "No... you wouldn't... Vanessa..." "Oh, I would, Rin dear. By the way, the name's Veronica. Veronica Chandler-Smith, daughter of Stella Chandler. Nighty night." "No..."

62. The drug overwhelmed Rin's already depleted system, and she soon slumped over into her pancakes, unconscious. Veronica giggled. The Commander would be so pleased with her for this - she'd finally gotten something right.

63. She spoke aloud, knowing the mini-mike attached to her earring would pick up her every word. "Commander, this is Agent Smith. Operation Shop and Drop is a success. Repeat, Operation Shop and Drop is a success. The package is ready for collection. Agent Smith out." She ate a last moutful of pancake, then hauled Rin outside to wait for the helicopter.

64. Bella arrived home a short time afterwards. She thought she could hear the faint sound of a helicopter, but since the house was near the airport, this was hardly surprising. "Rin? I'm home!"

65. "Corinna? Rin, where are you?" There was no reply. There were fresh pancakes in the kitchen that had barely been touched. One of the chairs had been knocked askew. Bella didn't stop to think - she ran upstairs to the nursery.

66. "Oh, I'm so glad you're okay, little man." Bella held little Justin with relief, but her worry about her daughter didn't abate one bit. "Where's your mother, Justin?"

67. Bella put Justin back in his crib, satisfied that he was okay. Then she picked up the phone and called a number she knew very well... "Hello, Simself HQ? Who is this? Gaara? Oh, thank goodness. Look, I've just come home and Rin's missing and she hasn't left a note but she left Justin behind and I think she's been abducted! Please help!"

68. Later, somewhere in Bluewater Village... Rin lay unconscious, sprawled on a compacted dirt floor. Light from a single, naked, flickering bulb played across her prone form.

69. Slowly, she came around. There was a foul taste in her mouth, and her head ached like a rotten tooth. "Where am I?" The room was tiny, with rock walls, a single bed, a cracked toilet and shower, and very little else.

70. "A cell in my lair, Corinna darling." Rin looked up to find the source of the crackling voice. A large loudspeaker protruded from the rocky wall of the tiny cell. "Who are you?" "I am the Commander. You, however, may address me a Fury, seeing as you are now my guest... or perhaps prisoner would be a more accurate term."

71. "Why are you doing this?" Corinna wailed. She was sore, sick, and worried about her baby. And Justin. And Bella. She was trapped.

72. "Oh, don't despair, Corinna sweetie. You won't be down there for too long." "What do you mean?"

73. "You won't be there for too long because you and those brats you're carrying- it's twins, by the way, congratulations - are going to be dead soon! Isn't that fabulous?" The speaker on Commander Fury's end crackled furiously with Rin's sobs of terror. "Okay, buh-bye now!" Fury switched the speaker off with a look of savage glee. The bait was in place... now to wait for the fish to show up.

74. Rin hauled herself onto the small bed, miserable with worry. The baby (well, babies, if Fury was to be trusted) kicked at her gently. She rested her hands on her abdomen. "It's okay, sweeties. We'll get out of this. Fire will save us. I hope." That's the end of Chapter 5.4. Oooh, cliffhanger! Hope you can wait until 5.5! -------->

75. Here's a couple of outtakes for your entertainment! "Yay! Bed!"

76. Yeah, just scare the crap out of my pregnant heir, Susan. It's not like I need her alive or anything.

77. Lesson One of Legacy Photo Taking - Do not zoom in too much. It does not make for good pictures. You really need to brush your teeth, Bella. Thanks for reading!