Breakfast With Dad - Chapter #83

NOTE TO READERS: This is just a friendly reminder to inform you that the subject matter I am writing about is NOT Andromeda Canon. According to Andromeda Canon, Tyr's entire Pride was killed off, so he never got to see his parents grow old, nor experienced family life the way he is doing in FREE ENTERPRISE.

So, again I have gone off the Reservation. However, this is a “Crossover”, and they do tend to do that. I hope you are enjoying reading the story as much as I am writing it.



Free Enterprise   - Breakfast With Dad  -  Chapter #83


“What, happened to your bone blades, Dad?” Tyr asked after taking a sip of Chai. He had finally figured out what his father was missing. Barbarossa had been wearing long sleeved garb, and not the kind which had been specially tailored to accommodate bone blades.

“My doctor, Victoria and I decided it would be best to have them removed.” Barbarossa replied, as he speared a sausage link with his fork.

This was a standard practice among Nietzscheans when the bone blades became damaged ( cracked or split ), or in Barbarossa's case, too elderly. It was a precaution against one severely injuring oneself or others unwittingly. After all, they were weapons. . . . . .

“I see.” Tyr replied. It was the Nietzschean equivalent of taking guns away from someone who could no longer use them responsibly.

“At least he still has a healthy appetite.” Tyr thought and smiled as he watched his father eagerly dip his toast into the poached egg yoke, take a bite, and savor it. On the floor, Snowball delicately ate tuna from her dish.

His smile faded while he observed the cat and recalled what Tamara had said about her.


* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

“I bet you any amount of latinum that she's a Harbinger Cat, Tyr.” she declared.

“What in the universe is a Harbinger Cat?” Tyr asked.

“Back in 20th Century Earth there were institutions called Nursing Homes. They were places where people put their elderly when they became too sick for the family to care for them.” Tamara replied.

Tyr had frowned in distaste at such an idea. Nietzscheans highly respected and cared for their elderly. The idea of separating the elderly from their family was utterly abhorrent and detestable to him.

“Nursing Homes became little more than warehouses for the elderly. Often family members forgot their elderly family members, once they were placed. Some only visiting occasionally during holidays. This often left the patients to suffer loneliness and depression along with substandard care, abuse and neglect. Some institutions sought to solve the loneliness problem by bringing in pets.” Tamara continued.

“Pets? You mean cats and dogs?” Tyr asked.

“Yes. They were officially classified as Therapy Animals. Some were brought to visit the nursing home on a regular basis by volunteers. It was found that the often lonely residents found comfort in playing with a dog or stoking a cat.” Tamara replied. “Some institutions experimented with keeping a cat or dog or two on the premises.” she continued.

“Did that help?” Tyr asked.

“Yes it did, but, they also discovered something very strange. In certain cases a cat or dog would attach themselves to a particular resident and would not leave their side. A few days later said resident would die. Even though the resident would be healthy and alert, the cat or dog would know they were going to die soon. And of course the staff recognized what was happening and that's where the name Harbinger Cat or Dog comes from. They predict death.” Tamara said.

“But Victoria said the doctors gave Barbarossa three to six months. . . . .” Tyr replied.

“Babe. Ask Barbarossa how did he get Snowball. If she wasn't given to him, when did she show up? If he says a few weeks or days ago. . . . . . . .” Tamara said. She didn't have to complete the statement. It was like a hammer blow to Tyr's gut. She merely enclosed her Nietzschean husband in a hug and held him as he cried.


* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

“Dad? Was Snowball a gift?” Tyr asked, after he had cleaned up the breakfast dishes. Snowball had finished her meal and was now grooming herself. He couldn't help but smile, because she reminded him of a miniature version of Khan when HE did that. Or vise versa . . . . . .

“Oh no. A few weeks ago, I was in the garden and she just showed up. She hasn't left me since. What a faithful creature she is.” Barbarossa replied, as he stroked her. Snowball had finished grooming and was now back in his lap soaking up his attention and purring.

“Divine have mercy. Tamara was right.” Tyr thought as he sighed.

“Tyr. Are you alright? To quote our cousins, you look as if you've seen a ghost.” Barbarossa said.

“Indeed I have.” Tyr thought.

“Dad. How would you feel about going out to attend a concert or play?” he asked. Skillfully and swiftly changing the subject.

“I would love to, but I'm no longer that mobile.” Barbarossa replied. He was right on that point. The problem was in getting him up to walk and sitting down. Once he started walking everything was okay.

“I believe Doctor Kori will have something which will assist you.” Tyr replied.

“Not an anti-grav chair. I don't need one of those as long as I can walk! I refuse to use it!” Barbarossa insisted stridently. His stubbornness rearing it's ugly head. Tyr recognized his father was winding up to start one of his tirades.

“Father, please.” Tyr stated as he stared directly into his father's eyes. The two glowered at each other for approximately two minutes. Barbarossa was the first to give quarter and chuckle.

“Out of all of my sons, you are the only one who dared to do that to me.” Barbarossa said.

“You probably scared them all off! Divine knows you scared the whatsis out of me when I was a child.” Tyr thought.

“It is only done out of respect and love, Father.” Tyr replied.

“I understand."" Barbarossa sighed. "I will use the dratted thing only because I want to get out of the compound for a few hours and enjoy an event or two like I used to.” he continued.

“Excellent. Then I will make the arrangements. How does tonight sound?” Tyr responded.

“Fine with me.” Barbarossa replied as his eyes lit up. “Bye the way, Thank You, Tyr.” he continued as a tear slid down his cheek.

“You are welcome, Father.” Tyr replied, as he leaned forward and kissed Barbarossa on the forehead



Dedicated to Nursing Home Therapy Animals