Page 130 of Tamiko and the Two Janitors
But what if Joe’s concerns bore fruit? What if the Office ofIngress wanted her to do her part and contribute to future generations ofreavers? And what if they didn’t want her genetic material mingling with acrosser’s?
Questions, possibilities, consequences, and countermeasureswhirled through her mind. She was already drafting an agenda to spring on Cyrilwhen Grandad lunged for the remote and unmuted the television, which was tunedin to his usual dinnertime gameshow.
“ … interrupt this broadcast for a special announcement,”intoned an announcer. “Again, we interrupt this broadcast for a specialannouncement.”
A few seconds passed, and the cameras switched to a familiarpanel of newscasters. The banner on the screen held the logo for theMiyabe-Starmark courtship.
“Thought so,” muttered Grandad. “They’ve been dragging theirfeet over setting a date.”
“Exciting news from Keishi, Japan, where Spokesperson HisokaTwineshaft and Spokesperson Suuzu Farroost have called a press conference. Oddsare, this is the long-anticipated announcement of the next kiss, isn’t thatright?”
“Undoubtedly,” agreed the second newscaster, folding herhands over her notes. “Speculations have been all over the calendar, withsuggested dates ranging from American Thanksgiving to the upcoming SixthAnniversary of the Emergence. Reaver Hinman, can you give us some idea of whatdates might be considered auspicious from the Rivven perspective?”
“There are several annual festivals observed by theAmaranthine, the most prominent of which is certainly Dichotomy Day, which ismarked twice a year—during the winter solstice and the summer solstice. Theworddichotomycomes from the Greek and literally means ‘split in two,’which applies neatly since it is both the shortest and longest day of the year,depending on your locale.”
The first newscaster nodded in an interested way. “DoKimiko’s previous choices give us any hints? Let’s bring up the graphic.”
His partner chimed in. “The most recent was Kimiko’s seventhkiss, which coincided with the announcement of two new positions on theAmaranthine Council, expanding their number to seven.”
“While that’s true,” interjected Reaver Hinman, “Kimiko saidthat the day was chosen to mark a much more personal milestone. She wanted tocelebrate becoming an aunt for the first time.”
A photograph filled the screen, showing Eloquence holding abundle while Kimiko cooed over her older sister’s first child.
The woman conceded, “Kimiko may have her own reasons forchoosing the dates and times, but the Five—now the Seven—are certainly makingthe most of these events.”
“Pardon me,” interrupted the first newscaster. “But we haveword that Spokesperson Twineshaft is ready to begin. Let’s take you live toKeishi.”
Once again, the cameras cut to a different location. Tamiimmediately recognized the twin dragon statues at the foot of the stairs toKikusawa Shrine, the setting for all the pageantry of the Miyabe-Starmarkcourtship.
Hisoka Twineshaft stood before a small lectern, whichbristled with microphones. He wore an understated gray suit, and he was smilingat someone off to one side. The camera panned, revealing the presence of HarmoniousStarmark, Tenna Silverprong, and Suuzu Farroost. Not the full rank of councilmembers, but a decent show of support.
Everyone was relaxed and smiling, as if standing before theworld was no big deal.
Tami found herself leaning forward as Hisoka Twineshaft liftedhis hands, calling for quiet.
A few last flashbulbs popped, and the Spokesperson addressedhimself to the camera. “Greetings, one and all. I’m pleased to address youtoday in my role as Eloquence Starmark’s go-between.”
“Those eyes, though,” murmured Mom.
Grandad snorted. He was more a fan of the famed Starmarkcopper. Tami had to wonder if he’d ever met any Starmarks while he was a boy inWardenclave.
Poised and personable, Hisoka went on in measured tones. “Iknow you are all eager for Kimiko Miyabe’s courtship to progress. I can assureyou that Eloquence, who may rightly claim an even greater share ofanticipation, awaits his suitor’s call. Suuzu?”
With a gracious nod, Suuzu Farroost, spokesperson for thephoenix clans and avian representative, stepped forward to speak. “Welcome andpeace. It is my pleasure to serve as Kimiko Miyabe’s go-between. Her pursuit ofEloquence Starmark continues. She will claim another kiss from her intended.”
Shouts, whistles, and applause resounded. The couple wasclearly as popular in Kimiko’s hometown as they were around the world. Tami wasamused to see that Harmonious Starmark, Kimiko’s future father-in-law,contributed a piercing wolf whistle.
Suuzu waited in bemused silence for the din to subsidebefore announcing, “Kimiko has chosen Valentine’s Day.”
A buzz of excitement rippled through the crowd. Mom laughed,and Dad forked over five bucks. Grandad’s smile was the doting sort.
Once quiet was again restored, Suuzu concluded, “The world willmeet once more in the courtyard of Kikusawa Shrine under the branches of Kusunokion February 14 for Kimiko’s eighth kiss.”
Tami was early for her evening rendezvous with Ash, buthe was ready and waiting. And impatient, if his swoop, scoop, and leap into theloft were anything to go by. And also happy. Several minutes later, she addedaffectionate to her list.
He eased back, letting her catch her breath, and softly said,“Thank you. For the ring.”
“I had help. Joe made it.”
