The Years of Jubilee: One Family's Story

Welcome to my latest legacy. After losing my last legacy neighborhood, I decided to try again. This legacy is more in the line of Orike's Pseudo Legacy than Pinstar's challenge, I will not cheat (in the main house) I'm starting out on the large empty lot, etc, however I will not be using points and any time the rules conflict with the story plot, the rules will slip to the wayside a bit. The main emphasis on this legacy is the story. And that said, why don't we begin.

I was sleeping one night rather soundly too, After a long struggle trying to save my legacy neighborhood, and failing, I had started another and put my simself and my husband's in a nice house through in some kids and was pretty happy about that. Deciding I wanted neighbors I had put Professor Butters and Flavius in next door with three of the best kids CAS could give them.

I knew this was going to be a legacy neighborhood, but I hadn't had any ideas yet about who would be the founder or what his or her story would be.

As I slept, a friend walked into the room."Lauri," he whispered quietly so as not to wake up the children in the nursery next to us. However, that wasn't enough to wake this sleeping beauty. If Kento had been home things would have been different, there isn't much he will sleep through.

So he tried again a little louder, "Lauri, wake up."But still I slept not about to be disturbed about my dream of being a card carrying member of the arts and crafts club."Lauri, wake up it's urgent!" He didn't yell, but that sense of urgency in his voice carried through to my unconcious.

"Huh? Jack?" I recognized him of course, Jack and I had been friends for quite a while now."Thank goodness you're awake there's something you should know.""That sounds ominous Jack.""Oh not that, not this time Lauri. Just something has come up and I need your help."

Well that got my attention as I sat up to get out of bed so we could talk. This sounded serious and I wanted to be alert and ready when he told me.

"Okay, Jack, I'm up and awake now, go ahead and tell me what's up.""Thanks, Lauri. I've been sent on a rescue mission. A live one."My eyebrows arched a little at that. This wasn't the type of missions Jack was normally given.""Yes, it isn't often I get this kind of task. But I don't mind. Sometimes it's nice to meet people before they die."

"Yes, for most of us it's easier that way."He groaned, "You had to didn't you.""Sorry, Jack but it was an opening I couldn't let go. But back to your mission. What's the problem that you need my help?

"Well, as I was saying, it's a rescue mission. A couple is about to be executed because of their religious beliefs, they refuse to worship a tyrant and so he's accused them of high treason.""Sounds familiar.""Yes, it does. The problem is, my orders are to rescue them and take them to a safe hiding place. The rescue I can handle, the hiding place is a bit of a sticky point for me."I smiled softly at that, "Jack bring them here. We'll hide them and if need be protect them. I'll ask Professor and some of the other players to help."What else can you tell me about them?""They're not from Earth, but they won't need anything special to live here, the ecosystem they're from is very much like this one. They're engaged, and well, yeah..." He trailed off here almost a little embarrassed.I smiled sympathetically and nodded for him to continue.

"There is one other minor inconvenience.""What's that Jack?""I'm having trouble locating the male. I've found the female but they seem to have separated them.""So you won't be bringing them together?""Exactly.""Well bring the woman now then and we'll reunite them after you find the man.""I just hope this doesn't end up becoming a normal mission for me.""So do I, Jack, so do I. You're in my prayers.""Thank you, Lauri. But i think we need to get started on a lot and house for her don't you think? And recruiting Simselves?

"All right, Jack, Do you have a name for them?""It's extremely long and tricky to pronounce. I'll shorten it a bit for you, the woman will be called Aristide Xenobia, and her husband Mitchel Numantis.""Interesting names, but I've got it. And I've got a lot for them. I'll get started on the simselves now and the house after she gets here.""All right I better go. Thanks again, Lauri.""Any time, Jack."

When Kento came home, I discussed what had happened with him. He would be part of this too and deserved a say in what part he would play. I told him about Jack's visit and everything he had told me. I told him of my plans in case he had any suggestions or objections.

"So you just welcomed a couple of refugees into the same neighborhood as we're raising our children? And offered your protection in case the people that want them dead come looking for them?""Umm, yeah, basically, but remember, I have powers here in SimWorld that I didn't have on Earth. I won't let anything happen to our children.""Will those powers be enough to guarantee that, Lauri?"

"I'm not sure, Kento, I'm not omnipotent, even here, and I can't be everywhere. That's one of the reasons I'm asking other simselves if they will help.""And if they don't?""Then I will just have to do the best I can. But remember, you have powers here as well, and the children too. Between all of us, I think we can keep the family safe. And I'll do everything I can to also keep our new neighbors safe as well. Kento it's the right thing to do. They'll die if we don't help. We can't just turn our backs on them. Protecting our children will come first of course, but I don't think that should exclude helping Aristide and Mitchell.""We should help where we can, yes, as long as we keep the children safe, I have no problem helping them out. I just wanted to make sure you thought this through."

"So, yeah I'll help out.""If those government goons that are after them show up you can use your katanas on them.""Can I have a flamethrower too?""If I can find one to download. I'm not sure where I'd find one.""And a chainsaw too, don't forget the chainsaw."

The rest of the evening was spent cuddling and discussing which weapons of choice I could download. I could sense that Kento was still concerned about the kids, but that I had eased most of his worries. I had a feeling this wasn't the last time we would discuss this, though. And that was alright with me. Kento had a way of seeing things that I overlooked. If there was a gap in any of my plans he would see it and let me know. That's one of the reasons we make such a good team.

The next afternoon, I met with Proffessor Butters at the chapel not far from our houses."Professor, thank you so much for coming," I welcomed her with a hug.

"Of course, Lauri. I think you did a good job with this place by the way.""Well it's not done yet I still have to put the plumbing in the new bathrooms.""I'm sure you'll have it ready soon, but you mentioned something of urgency when you called.""Yes, but not so urgent that I can't ask how the family is first."

"Oh we're just fine. Flavius, truly enjoyed the house, but wonders about when the togas will arrive.""Tell him it won't be long. I'm still looking for some for everyone. But the meshes are giving me a headache."

"He'll survive then. He's enjoying teaching Andrew the ins and out of being a popularity sim. Red hands on the front lawn so you can catch the walkbys.""Of course. Do you think Andrew will be heading to college about the same time as Megumi?" I asked referring to my oldest daughter who was close in age to Professor and Flavius' oldest son Andrew.

"Oh I think so. If not immediately he won't be far behind.""That's great.""I have pictures here, would you like to see?""Of course!""Andrew is just Flavius made over."

"And here's Diana, isn't she pretty.""Very, and such a penetrating gaze, like her mother's.""Thank you."

"And last but not least is little Julian, I think he might have my mouth and perhaps my nose, but it's too soon to tell.""He looks good in that Egyptian outfit though. Are you planning to get some cats?""As soon as things settle down a bit. Cats prefer stability.""True.""Now as much as I love talking about my kids and cats, you brought me here for a reason."

"Yes, I did," I took a deep breath and then launched into my explanation."Jack, the Grim Reaper....""Wait, his name is Jack...Jack the Rea...."I didn't let her finish before I waived my hands. Yeah, but he hates that pun so I just call him Jack. Anyway, he normally just escorts the dead to their final rest wherever that may be, but from time to time he gets sent on other missions. His latest is to rescue a couple from being executed by a tyrannical government. Seems they wouldn't worship the Emperor""We're not talking about Gaius are we?""No, or Domicletian either. They're not even from Earth, but I'm assured they will be able to fit into our environment here."

"So, we're going to have some refugees as neighbors, alien refugees. Sounds exciting.""Yes, but there is something you should know. The government they're fleeing from won't be happy about this. They might pursue them here and try to take them back.""Or conquer us and add us to their empire.""True. So I'm going to use all the powers I have here in SimWorld to keep them and my family safe. I'm sure you will help with your family too, but I was wondering if...?"

"If I would help the refugees as well?""Yes.""I think I can. It wouldn't be right to just leave them defenseless. Besides how often does a knowledge sim get to help out the Reaper in a way that actually helps keep people alive? That alone would make it worth it."

"Thanks, Professor! I appreciate it. Now I need to think of who else to ask."

While Jack and I had been working out our plans, Aristidellanthe alves Numantis durisa Xenobia paced her cell.

A large plate on the floor held her daily food ration. A small stool sat in the corner.

A bale of hay served as a bed.

It's winter again. My birthday in ten days. I was born in winter, and it looks like I'm going to die in winter. Mother would have appreciated the irony of that, but father would just have grunted and said it was part of life and not to get so philosophical about it.

Father, he was always the most practical of all of us. He had to be if he wanted to keep the farm going. But he did love winter. He often took me out to feed the goats it was one of the few chores that were really pressing in the winter, tending the animals. Bales of hay we'd collected in the autumn...bales like I sleep on now. If he were here he'd probably tell me to quit pacing, that I was wearing a rut in the floor.

Winter was when I first came to the ruins of Devturisak, where I met Yeshmanuel's followers and became one myself.

And met Mitchellnikan the following winter.

Darling where are you? What have they done to you? Are you already in Paradise with the Lord? Are you like me waiting to die tomorrow morning? I pray that somehow you can escape that fate, but if you don't, I know you will be bold and faithful to the end.I wish I was so sure about myself.

Aristide sat down and begain to pray and meditate on the scriptures she had memorized. Her prison clothes chaffed at her skin but she bore it with no complaints and focused instead on words of comfort from her god.

Father in the Heavenlies, you alone are god, and that is why I am to die tomorrow, becasue I will not bow to another. Give me the strength and courage to continue to hold to that faith and not to falter tomorrow when they offer me a final chance to deny you and live.

They will ask me if I wish to speak before I am killed, please let the Spirit of Righteousness and Truth speak through me or let me be silent. Do not let my words or my glory be seen but only yours. May others come to you through this. And do not hold my death on the emporer or his men. They have enough on their heads already without my blood. Give me strength Lord, give me strength.

"Aristide Xenobia?"

Her eyes opened in astonishment as a voice said her name, or at least part of it. When she saw who it was that spoke she recoiled in fear."Who...who...what?"

"Don't be afraid. I'm not going to hurt you. My name is Jack.""Jack? Surely that is not all of your name. It is so short.""Where I come from it's pretty common to have a short name."

"What are you?""I'm a being from another world. I usually collect souls as they die and escort them to their final destination.""So I'm to die early and deny the emperor of the sport of killing me himself. Irony again."

"More ironic than that dear, you're not going to die at all. I've been sent to get you out of here.""Sent by whom?""Yeshmanuel himself."Her breath quickened but still she hesitated, "Do you have any proof of this?""None at all I"m afraid. You'll just have to trust me on this."

She thought for a moment on that then nodded, "I will trust you.""Thank you, that makes it much easier. We have much to talk about, and it will all go much smoother if there's at least a little trust.""What about my fiance?"

"That's a bit of a problem, you see I can't find him. I was told to get him but I think someone is hiding him from me.""You've got to save him!""I'm going to try, Aristide, I am! But I can't promise you anything more than I will give it everything I have to find him and bring him back to you. But right now we need to get you out of here and to a safe place I set up."

"All right, thank Yeshmanuel, for sending you.""Indeed, child. But there is much we need to talk about. Things you need to know about SimWorld, and things you must decide on before you get there.""I'm ready, Jack."

And so, a little while later, Aristide Xenobia, dressed in clothes that Jack managed to scrounge up for her, stood in front of her new home. After Jack had explained some things to her she felt ready to face this new life and new world. She knew that the emperor's men might find her and come after her, but she also knew that there were people here that would help her if and when that happened. She also knew she would be able to worship exactly as she felt right.

The sea at the edge of her property was crystal clear and lined with a sparkling strip of sandy beach. It seemed the perfect place to sit and think things out.

"Here I am. Alive and well, thanks to the Father's mercies. Hopefully Mister Jack will rescue Mitchellnikan in time and return him to me. And if the Father should grant us children, one of them will inherit this land. I'm not sure who yet, but the Spirit of Righteousness and Truth will guide me in that decision."

And that is where we leave you. Aristide has a lot of challenges ahead and so does Jack. But she does have me and other simselves on her side. Hopefully that will be enough.