Friday, June 28th, 1889 6:00 PM

"Good evening, Sir and Madam," the liveried concierge says with a slight bow as Robert and Louis step into the Explorer Club's atrium. "Commander Wilder is waiting for you in the Red Room at your convenience."

In the week since their return to Syrtis Major, the couple has rested and enjoyed a return to their normal life. They met with Captain Hamish Alexander three times to discuss the smuggling case. The couple's work has done much damage to the smuggling ring, and it is unlikely that they will try such a thing again, in the government's estimation.

Still, the Captain asked Robert and Louis to retain their reserve statuses for at least a few months. He recognized that, due to Louis' pregnancy, they would be unable to continue their field work, but their insight would be valuable. The Captain also told them that he would not contact them for at least two weeks, so they could rest.

Earlier in the day, a messenger arrived at their flat with news that Hawkwing had just docked, and that Commander Meghan Wilder would meet them at the Explorer's Club at six o'clock for dinner.

Robert handed Louis up the stairs and through the doors.  He continued to handle her like delicate china given her condition although the solicitude was undoubtedly frustrating.  He'd settled back into a changed routine, working with the authorities to pursue the tendrils of the smuggling ring as well as re-arranging their apartment in anticipation of their change in status.

"Thank you," Robert bowed in return offering Louis his arm.  He followed the concierge through the opulent but restrained grandeur of the club.  When they arrived at their table he bowed again to Meghan.  "A pleasure to see you again Captain, I trust that your cruise went well."

Megan braces to attention. "Good evening, Commander, Louis."

"Oh, come here," Louis sighs and steps forward to envelop her cousin in a hug. The small dining area is empty except for the three of them, and the waiter appears to help them get seated. After the drinks and food orders are taken care of, Meghan turns to Robert.

"The last week has been quieter than usual," she begins. "The commerce traffic on the canals is unchanged, but there has been less saber-rattling from the rebels. We saw only one Martian aerial ship, and it stayed well away." She grins. "Perhaps you made an impression, Sir."

Robert came to attention as well out of habit even though he was in civilian clothing.  He smiled as Louis enveloped Meghan in a hug although he didn't the same out of respect for Meghan's dignity with a fellow officer at least.  He seated Louis and after a moment of hesitation smiled and offered a seat to Meghan as well.  "We're all part of the family after all it seems."

He listened intently to Meghan asking a few detailed technical questions about the patrol and shipboard activities.  "Well, the German author of the conspiracy was sent packing in disgrace and we took one of their rather important war chiefs as well.  I would imagine they are a bit cowed at least for a few weeks.  If we can buy time for diplomacy or at least reinforcements and preparations for war them I will count it well done."