After the Second Fall

While the explanation was simple, John couldn't find fault in the reasoning. Even so, he was still upset. "And the rest?"

"Well," Lilith started, looking down and away for the first time, "what happened between us wasn't actually planned. I mean, it wasn't an accident, obviously," she looked up to him with the corner of her mouth turning up, "and I was getting tired of you not making a move toward me, regardless of how many times I hinted at it."

"Seriously?" John didn't realize it, but his mouth was partially open and he had all but stopped breathing.

Lilith shrugged. "I'm used to getting what I want, and I want you.

"Listen, John: when you started to stand up to go help Pip, I had to stop you. If you'd have gone down there, the impact of Pip's performance, not to make a bad pun, would not have been as significant. Plus," and here Lilith paused, "I was afraid you'd get hurt. I know you're big and strong and can hold your own, but nobody can fight so many armed men. Nobody but Pip, and that's the whole point. What I needed for this program to work was Pip to show how much better he is at, well, everything. When those ten-or-whatever guys jumped him, with knives, and he beat the hell out of them anyway... I simply couldn't have scripted something more effective.

"So when you stood up, which was incredibly sexy, by the way, I made a snap decision to get what I wanted and what I needed at the same time. I really didn't intend to make you feel manipulated, but I realized that I might have fucked up as I was trying to fall asleep last night. I don't know if it shows, but I didn't really sleep: maybe just dozed a bit, because I couldn't stop thinking about how badly this morning's meeting might go."

John looked at her appraisingly, then looked off into space. As the moments dragged on, Lilith found herself fidgeting. "John?"

Coming back to himself, he smiled for the first time since waking up. "I think you look amazing this morning." When Lilith smiled, a combination of relief and joy, John picked her up in his arms and brought her face up level with his. With her legs dangling above the floor, Lilith wrapped them around his waist and looked deeply into his eyes, hesitating for several breaths before closing the distance for their first kiss.

Some time later, Pip coughed loudly from inside the office, breaking the pair out of their hyper focused state. Resting his forehead against hers, John whispered, "so was this the second act?"

Lilith bit her bottom lip and shook her head. "Only the intermission. The second act starts as soon as I can wrap up business this afternoon. Should we go talk with Pip?"

John took a deep breath and nodded, then set Lilith down. "Damn kids, no patience at all." Just then, the quarter bell rang. "Okay, so maybe a little patience," John admitted.

Entering the office, they found Pip sitting quietly. Lilith settled herself behind her desk while John chose to stand by the door. "Sorry for the delay, Pip..." Lilith started, but he just shrugged it off. "Well, then," she replied smiling, "first thing's first: how are you feeling? Going to be okay?"

"Sure," Pip answered confidently. "One of the knife cuts went pretty deep, but didn't get past my rib, so a few stitches fixed it up. That will keep me on rest for a few days, but the bruises aren't too deep, so I'll be at near full speed when Doc releases me for regular activities."

"Good: Doc told me you would be fine, but I thought I'd get it straight from you as well." Lilith took a breath, considering where she wanted to start the actual business part of their meeting. "Pip, I heard what you told John in the hall, and you are more or less correct in your assumptions about why I put you in such a position as you were in yesterday. I don't know if you watched the news last night?" Pip shook his head. "Well, you were all over it, in multiple angles thanks to my crews covering the game -"

"Match."

Lilith blinked. "Excuse me?"

"It's called a match, not a game. I don't know why, but that is what they told me."

"Oh, okay. So, anyway, the match was all over the news. It was the lead story, and included interviews with players from all four teams, fans that were in the stands, as well as people from the group that organizes the games - I mean matches.

"They even expect a statement from the Meister's Office today."

"Is that bad?"

Lilith shook her head. "Not really. For all intents and purposes, the Complex is independent from the city, at least in terms of how we conduct our business. I do expect some sort of ban on having Adams compete in civil games in the future, but that isn't unexpected." John raised his eyebrows in a questioning manner, to which Lilith shrugged. "Think about it, John. Pip's the youngest, smallest Adam in the program, and in a single match eight men died. What if our washouts all want to play? There wouldn't be any way for others to compete."

"Okay," acquiesced John. "That does make sense. You two might not know this, but Ballsport itself was intended for everyday people to play, as a way to let off stress, or maybe take out aggression in a... semi-constructive way."

"So does that mean the men that were killed, or badly injured last night, won't be able to meet their responsibilities?" asked Pip.

"Yes, unfortunately that is probably the case," replied John. "Some of the teams are sponsored, which means a benefactor, or maybe one or two local companies, will provide a type of insurance to pay out to guys who can't work, but it's typically pretty limited. The carnage from last night was, at least as far as I know, unprecedented; I don't have a clue what the two second quarter clubs will do to take care of widowed women and their families."

"Do we have the resources to help?"

Lilith smiled broadly. "Actually, Pip, this is along the lines of what I was thinking. And what's more, it's a necessary part of building you back up in the public eye."

Pip nodded slowly, considering. "Makes sense. What would that look like?"

"I have some ideas," replied Lilith, "but I was hoping the two of you could also make some suggestions."

"Well, Rosie comes to mind," suggested John, which caused Pip to involuntarily stiffen. "Don't worry, Pip - I didn't mean Rosie personally, but more like Rosie as a case study. She's done so well here, coming from a desperate situation. Second quarter families aren't likely to be so hard off, at least in the short term, but I know a lot of people live hand to mouth in the city, so it probably won't be long until at least some of them have exhausted whatever personal favors they might be able to call in. I can check around and see if there are openings within the Complex. I don't think it should be that hard to find places for six or eight women, if they want to go to work, that is."

"Good start," said Lilith, "although I'm not sure that's big enough, and it wouldn't pack the public relations punch we want. What else?"

"Money?" asked Pip.

Lilith shook her head. "No, that will look like we're trying to buy off the families, as if we did something wrong."

"What about taking care of bills for a period. Maybe a year? This would give the families time to get on their feet again."

Nodding her head, Lilith smiled. "Good suggestion, Pip, and closer to where my mind was at."

With the coming of a sudden epiphany John's head snapped up. "We treat them like the men killed were pool Adams," he said directly to Lilith. "That's your plan, isn't it." Her smile broadened and she sat back in her chair, lacing her fingers in her lap and looking smug. "I like it, Lilith, but how does Pip take credit for it?"

"Wait," interjected Pip. "I don't know what happens when a pool Adam dies.

John and Lilith started to explain at once and then stopped simultaneously, at which point she beckoned him to continue. "Well, it doesn't happen with all of the pool Adams, but if one of them has a, uh, significant other, the Complex makes certain provisions to take care of that person. So, for example, when my father was killed, my mother was provided with a lifetime pension and I was guaranteed a place in the Complex school system until graduation, the same as if my father was still alive. The idea is that it doesn't make sense to punish Adams' families if they are killed doing what they're supposed to do. This gives some piece of mind to the Adams so they can focus on their daily business."

"So if I get myself killed, Rosie and Maggie will be looked after for the rest of their lives?"

"Yes, Rosie --

"Wait, Rosie and Maggie? Maggie from the PET department?" Pip nodded. "When did she get involved?"

"Not long after I met Rosie. They're best friends."

John harrumphed, looking to Lilith, who for her part just gave him an 'I told you so' smirk. "Well, you would have to be official --"

"Already done."

"Really? In a month? You and Rosie are already registered as a couple?"

"Uh huh," confirmed Pip, "and Maggie. She's technically Rosie's Second, but I don't see her that way. The two of them are different, but equal to me. I don't know if that really makes sense now that I said it out loud, but in my head it's clear."

John shook his head and sat down in the chair next to Pip. "Sure, why not? When are you going for a Third?" quipped John.

"Never," replied Pip with a smile. "I can't handle either of them individually, and when they're together they're unstoppable. I'd like to say that I usually put up a valiant effort to hold my own, but I'm usually outmaneuvered before they even start talking."

Lilith leaned forward, looking like the cat that ate the canary. "Pip, you may not realize it, but what you just said is brilliant."

Pip cocked his head in an, 'oh yeah?' gesture, clearly not understanding Lilith's unexpected statement.

"I was thinking that we could have you go to the families without publicizing it, and explain our offer to each of them. You're charismatic when you want to be, and I think the presence you carry yourself with will be enough to impress the families, especially if there are kids involved." Pip gave her another questioning look, so she answered the unspoken question. "It doesn't really make sense, but I have a feeling they'll see in you everything they want their kids to be, and will hope for success through association." Pip considered briefly and then nodded. "Anyway, if we go the low key route, word will still get around without it seeming like we're trying to cover something up; after all, people want to share good news. Or maybe they will just want to brag. Either way, it will serve our purposes.

"The inspired part is that we can add your ladies to the mix. When you show up with two beautiful young women who are utterly enthralled with you, the widows, moms, aunts - whoever - will ooh and ahh all over you. Really. It's stereotypical, sure, but women - and men, for that matter - love a good romance story. Even better, think about how a down on her luck, desperate girl from the Fourth Quarter became a successful member of the Complex, falling in love with an actual Adam. And then you add in Maggie, who has more curves than any woman has right to, and the guys will all be dreaming of living your life."

"I've gotta tell you, Lilith, that smile of yours is a bit on the evil side," said John, mostly joking.

Lilith rubbed her hands together theatrically. "I've only just begun. But seriously, this is really good stuff, and better than what I came up with on my own. Pip, please talk with the girls and see if they're on-board. Given that they're both in the PET department, I would think selling them on providing comfort to grieving families would be easy. The rub may come in putting their names and faces out in the public. Please let me know by tomorrow; while you're talking it through, I'll be setting up appointments over the next two or three days. We need to move fast so that public sentiment doesn't turn hostile. I'll also call the Meister's Office and give them a hint that we'll be taking care of affected families. Alright, that's it --"

"Actually," cut in Pip, "there is one part of the plan that I need to amend. I won't do it for the man I killed from the Third Quarter West team. I won't be part of rewarding cowardice."

"You mean because he wouldn't fight you?" asked Lilith.

Pip shook his head. "No, because the entire team watched me get jumped, and just stood there."

Lilith sat back and steepled her fingers, staring at nothing while she contemplated possible consequences. "Actually, you make a very good point that I hadn't considered. I'll only set up appointments with the Second Quarter families. If the guy in red had a family, they'll eventually reach out to us to try to get a handout, at which point we can issue a public statement explaining the situation.

"Out of curiosity, though, don't you hold a grudge against the darker blue team that jumped you?"

"Not really," answered Pip. "I see it more as a desperation move to protect their status. As I understand the situation, the men in the arena risk a lot for a game that doesn't really matter, at least so far as improving their lives is concerned. Even so, the matches they play are what they live for, figuratively speaking, and I took that away. I can at least respect them standing up for themselves, even if their approach turned out to be misguided."

"Oh, that's good, Pip, really good," replied Lilith, her semi-evil smile returning. "That is exactly what we'll say when we issue our statement: the Complex respects men and women that fight for what they believe in, regardless of the costs, but will not tolerate cowardice in any of its forms."

John shook his head, amused at the interplay between the two. "When the two of you get going, it's a bit scary. It's like you had this whole thing planned out."

"That's not such a bad thing, is it? But really, it's just a matter of adapting to the situation. Pip's got great instincts, even if they're still raw, so all you and I really need to do is put him in situations where he can succeed.

"Speaking of which, I'll have the family information in a few bells, and will forward it on, along with a visit schedule. All good?"

John and Pip nodded their agreement, and stood to leave.

"John, can I speak with you for just a moment longer?" asked Lilith.

"Sure. Pip, I'll be right out," said John, not actually turning around to look at Pip. Pip rolled his eyes, stepped through the door and kept walking, deciding he didn't need an escort back to his room. After all, no knowing how long this 'moment' might take.

When they had parted, John and Lilith agreed to meet at nineteen bells for dinner at a restaurant outside the Complex: better to be at least somewhat discreet. Now half past, John strode purposefully, trying to catch time that was already gone. Arriving at the designated rendezvous, he scanned the outdoor tables for Lilith, and when he didn't see her, stepped inside quickly to repeat the process.

Unsuccessful, his posture changed dramatically, shoulders falling forward and head backward in disappointment. Taking a deep breath, he turned and stepped back outside, having no interest in eating alone. To his great relief and delight, he spotted Lilith hurrying down the street toward the restaurant. Now smiling, he walked to meet her.

Upon seeing him, Lilith slowed her pace and stopped, leaning over and putting her hands on her knees, breathing hard. As he approached, she looked up and smiled. "You have some long damn legs, John." She paused for a breath. "I chased you all the way from the Complex, but couldn't catch up."

John laughed softly. "I'm sorry. I was worried I would miss you, so I was hustling. Are you okay?"

"Sure," she replied, standing up, "but let's sit down. My clothes, and especially my shoes, are more for show than for anything practical."

Looking down, John saw that Lilith was wearing formal black leather shoes that completely enclosed her feet. They didn't look specifically uncomfortable, so John was curious about Lilith's comment. He gestured her over to the nearest open table, and when she had seated herself, he pointed at her shoe and made a 'gimme' motion. Lilith rolled her eyes and complied.

The shoes were cleverly designed, adding almost a full hand span of height without appearing to do so. Lilith's toe would be only a bit above ground level while her heel was significantly elevated, but this wasn't apparent without looking closely.

"You chose to wear these?"

Lilith nodded. "Every day. I had a cobbler in town design them based on some old pictures I found."

"I don't even understand how you can walk in those things. I would be constantly afraid of breaking my ankle."

Lilith smiled and shrugged. "It wasn't so bad once I got used to it. The real challenge is moving quickly, or on uneven surfaces. Or on slick surfaces. Or bumpy ones," she finished, her voice trailing off. "But," she started again with enthusiasm, "within the complex, they work really well."

"Okay, but why bother?" Lilith gave him a reproachful look and he quickly rephrased his statement. "What I mean to say is that they're nice looking shoes, and you look good in them, but wouldn't you be happier with more comfortable ones?"

Lilith made a contemplative face, deciding on how best to answer the question. "Do you remember you told me that you didn't really fit in while growing up? Like you were just different?" John nodded. "That's how I feel every day at the Complex."

"Really? Why? You do a great job, and you definitely hold your own."

"Because I'm a woman. And because I'm literally half your size. Maybe, on a good day, a third of Pip's size."

"So what? The Executive Director is a woman, and nobody's as big as the Adams."

"But John, you don't understand because you're the biggest guy in every room. I'm not. In fact, I'm more than two standard deviations below the statistical norm: small even for a woman. When I wear these shoes, I'm on the short side, rather than actually being short. It shouldn't matter, but it does."

John shook his head. "I understand what you're saying, but I don't really buy it. When you're only half as tall as an Adam, how is a few fingers of height going to make a difference?"

Lilith gave John another look, this one telling him he was about to find out. "Stand up." John pushed back his chair and stood. Lilith reached down and removed her other shoe. "Ready?" John gave her a skeptical smirk and nodded. Lilith rose and stepped up next to him.

John's smirk disappeared. "Woah, you're like, much shorter without the shoes. As in noticeably smaller."

Lilith sat back down, not relishing her victory. She turned and looked to the side, eyes watering.

"Hey, Lilith, what's wrong?" She shook her head, but John persisted. "I'm sorry. I really didn't mean to offend you. You were right that there's a difference, but I'm still having trouble seeing why that's so important."

Lilith shook her head again and sniffed, still not looking at him. "Is it because you're scared of somebody at the complex? Tell me who it is and I'll make them sorry," said John, popping his knuckles and then his back, as if limbering for a fight. Lilith snorted, despite herself.

"No, you goof," she said, briefly looking at him before once again turning away.

"I know," he said softly, "I was just trying to make you laugh." John was thoughtful for a few moments.

"You want to be taken seriously, but you already are, which means this is a carryover from before you became director. Hmm... but you were old Johnson's hand-picked successor for several cycles. Before that you were... something in Logistics, I think, and maybe Procurement before that? So, it had to be --

"Wait, have you been wearing shoes like these for more than twenty years?"