Coeus?

“What is it that all equations have in common? They have a solution.”

-Nig wisdom.

***Sol, Aether***

***Ed***

“That's the third time you sighed. What's wrong?” Sadina asks from my left while clinging to my arm. We are currently on the sofa in Gideon's living room and waiting for the third annual space race to begin.

I put a smile on my face and try to ignore the fact that being without my mask feels really strange. Without the stupid thing everyone sees through me much too easily because I am particularly bad at hiding my emotions. “It's just that I am bored. With Nina around I have a lot of free time. All I got to do recently is office-work and the occasional deployment against an alien species.”

“You are such a bad liar. At least now we know for certain that Gideon is related to you.” Nina interjects from my right side and places a kiss on my cheek. Then she throws her right leg above mine, snuggling up to me entirely too close.

“Hey!” Sadina hisses from my left. “Don't overdo it. We have children here!”

I pale, letting my eyes wander down to Aurelia. The toddler stands in front of the sofa and watches us with interest and wisdom in her eyes. It doesn't match her age. Techno-mages are freaky! Upon noticing my stare she smiles warmly. Totally unlike her father! “Don't mind me. It's not like I am completely clueless on what adults do behind closed doors. I just lack the physical need for now, but according to the books it's an understandable and necessary thing. But that doesn't mean that I am not interested in the interactions between different genders.”

Nina nods and places her head on my shoulder. “See? There is no problem with cuddling. And besides, we promised to share Ed. Right, Down, The, Middle! I didn't cross the border, Sister.” She runs a finger from my forehead, over my nose, and down to my groin.

“We will see about that!” Sadina copies Nina's actions, leaving me intertwined with two beautiful women. It's every man's dream, but somehow it doesn't feel like I have anything to say in this relationship.

Gideon, Hedeon and Arend enter the room, immediately throwing mischievous glances at me. Arend is the first one to reprimand me. “What's this, Ed. We invited you to our man-evening and you show up with a beauty on each arm?”

“I had no choice, they said that they want to accompany me.” I answer to defend myself.

“Yes, we have to make up for several years of unrequited love! How dare you to place a ban of women on a social event!? It's not like you could keep me out anyway.” Nina complains.

“This is about principle.” Hedeon explains. “We sit down and try to talk about men's stuff while trying to ignore the fact that a woman is listening in. And it seems like you two have Ed firmly under your thumbs. So leave him to us and get lost. He won't hook up with one of us even if you don't keep watch.” Hedeon gestures at Nina's and Sadina's round bellies and I feel sweat breaking out on my forehead.

Yeah. That's one of my biggest mistakes ever. How could I have been so dumb to do it with two women at the same time!? But when they both sent me positive signals my brain simply shorted out. First with Sadina whom I chased after for years, regretting my decisions with her. Then that fatal night with Nina, who is Sadina too and yet not. I am still confused about my feelings. I wonder if I will ever stop having a bad conscience about it.

At least they somehow came to an agreement in terms of sharing me with each other... though they made it clear that I lost my vote in this relationship when I created a love triangle.

Sadina sighs and lets go of me. “Fine. Nina, come! Let's give the men a little room. I don't want anyone to see me as a control freak. They can have their fun.”

Nina points at Aurelia who is standing in front of us. “Then what about her? She is a woman too.”

Aurelia's eyebrows rise, but Gideon defends her. “She is just a child, even if she already knows a lot of things.”

Aurelia shakes her head. “No. It's okay, Dad. I don't feel mentally prepared to learn about what men talk about when they are by themselves.” She raises her chubby hands towards Nina. “Grandma, let's have some fun. I heard that there is a circus from Earth visiting the colony. I've never visited a circus.”

“Oh, Dear. Of course we will visit the circus with you. We will take your brother too while we are at it.” Nina lets go of me and picks up Aurelia. Then the two of them leave the room with Sadina on their heels.

When they are gone I take a deep breath and try to relax. Freedom! Even if it is just for a short while.

While Arend is busy with carrying tons of snacks and drinks into the living room Hedeon takes a seat right next to me. “So? How is it to do my daughter? Times two!”

I decide that it is better to stare at the wall where Gideon's private home cinema will display the race. What can an honourable man like me say in a situation like this? Okay, maybe I am not that honourable any more. There simply is no correct answer to this question.

All I can do is stand by my mistake. What's done is done! “Exhausting?”

“I see!” Hedeon answers, but I still avoid his eyes and take one of the drinks which Arend is offering me. “Thank you. So your project is getting really popular, it seems. According to the projections you have almost as many viewers as the yearly tournaments.” Break the ice and draw his attention to something else.

“Yes, indeed. We too were surprised. The first race didn't draw that much attention, but then we teamed up with Paul and persuaded him to sponsor a ship to every big school. The students there are allowed to design the ship themselves and since then our events got more spectators each year. Paul also benefits from it because he can scout talents in advance.

“Yes. Paul, where is he? I thought he will join us?” I ask.

“He will be late. I think Saden wanted a little attention.” Gideon winks at me. “But since we are already talking about female attention, how about adding a third member to your harem? I still have this old copy of Sadina's-”

“That won't be necessary!” I hurriedly interrupt Gideon, already feeling the daggers in my side. Hedeon will kill me. He is a very open minded fellow, but when it comes to his own daughters he draws the line.

Arend sighs and takes his place on the couch. “Let's just watch the race. I heard that one of the teams managed to miniaturize an anti-matter reactor. Their ship is practically just the reactor with the rune circuits to create the necessary propulsion. I am really interested how that concept turns out.”

Gideon starts chuckling. “In one BIG explosion.”

“Then let's be glad that the ships are remote controlled.” I add. “How much do you bet that Gideon is right?”

“I don't bet.” Gideon answers.

“One monthly salary!” Hedeon announces.

“I am in on it! The ship won't explode!” Arend offers.

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