Here is a ‘short’ summary of the last published chapter (blocks of text aplenty). A point-form plan for my next (long overdue) chapter will be posted later.
Goddess v2.0, set in 2016, chapter 3:
Dov woke up seated on the floor of Krista’s bedroom, in Karen’s villa, doubled up against Krista’s bed, to find Krista asleep next to him and Freyja in the bed. Dov learns Freyja did not sleep last night (she was calm but not tired), and Polanski (Krista’s mum) had helped them into the room. Dov suggests a plan for the morning only to be interrupted by Freyja’s gurgling tummy. Krista volunteers to teach Freyja about toilets if Dov stays with them (backup).
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While waiting outside the girl’s toilet he meets and talks with Polanski, bearing a bathrobe for Freyja (a replacement for Dov’s Army tracksuit / Freyja’s current pyjamas). Dov notes that although he had the least comfortable position in the room he slept better than the last few months in Brisbane, and that Freyja had the best spot but she didn’t sleep. Polanski comments there was a similar situation during the car ride home (from Tel Aviv to Be’er Sheva); Freyja watched the desert scene pass their snoring Dov’s window in silence. Polanski trades the bathrobe for Dov’s tracksuit with Krista, and discovers an eye-watering aroma drifting out from the door. Dov suggests Freyja’s digestive system is still developing or waking up, and having trouble processing last night’s dinner (she ate five hamburgers). A remorseful Freyja emerges and apologies for harming her friends (making a bad smell). Dov assures Freyja he had done and experienced worse,* and she relaxes. Polanski asks to speak with Krista in private, and suggests Dov and Freyja visit Hannah’s (Karen’s daughter) room to find some casual clothes for her.
*One of Dov’s war stories to be told later.
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Once hidden in an old study, and out of their guests’ hearing range, Polanski tells Krista that Karen had picked a special bedroom for Dov to use but they need Krista’s permission. After a few hints Krista realises Karen had chosen Gur’s room (Gur was Krista’s older very close brother, and while serving with the IDF Paratroopers Gur was killed in the 2014 Gaza war). Krista agrees to let Dov have the room on one condition; he is never told who lived there before. Krista then asks who should bathe Freyja, her or Dov. Polanski asks Krista to wash Freyja as, like her bedsheet/sundress, the girl is probably coated in sea-salt and in need of clinical cleaning (a task they should not ask of Dov, for now). Krista again agrees they should give Dov a break, and perhaps if Krista can make bathing a game Freyja won’t be scared of the water (and, more importantly, stay calm and not crush Krista).
Oh, Polanski also states that Freyja is to stay in Krista’s room, with a new bed being moved in the next day. Krista suggests Freyja keeps the bedsheet, and maybe Dov’s tracksuit, to help her rest while away from Dov. Polanski notes Freyja’s bedsheet is made from Australian cotton lined with Merino wool. Dr Lander, Freyja’s creator, predicted Dov would stay in Israel and nurture / mentor Freyja.
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Dov emerges from his shower to find Polanski waiting for him. Polanski states that the girls are still in the women’s bathroom, enthralled by bathing and playing, so Dov has a while to wait. Dov ponders if Krista is safe with Freyja (she does not know how to control her strength, or not get spooked by new experiences), but Polanski informs Dov if he is relaxed and confident Freyja will be too. Karen interrupts their conversation and welcomes Dov into her home. Dov thanks Karen for her generosity, and Karen hopes Freyja proves an exceptional asset. Polanski smirks that Freyja’s assets are exceptional. The trio set off to show Dov his new room, and Karen offers to answer any of Dov’s questions during the journey. Dov asks what will happen to his apartment in Brisbane while he stays in Israel, and discovers Karen’s friends in the Mossad have packed his belongings and the boxes should arrive at the villa in a few days. Dov then asks how he should avoid upsetting Karen’s mercenaries (he and Freyja are unannounced house guests), and how he should cover the damages to Hannah’s car (Freyja broke a laminated Perspex window). Karen assures Dov not to worry about either issue, and offers him an envelope “a small gift for agreeing to stay” with the suggestion Dov treats himself to an Alpina saloon “like Hannah’s or better”. The bewildered Dov’s final question is about Freyja’s IDs. The trio settle on yesterday, fourteen years ago, being listed as Freyja’s birthday and Be’er Sheva her city of birth. They then arrive at Dov’s new room, place his pack on the bed, and Polanski’s phone announces the girls’ presence in the kitchen.
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Karen paces into the villa kitchen, with Dov and Polanski close behind, and finds two immaculate young girls standing before the teak dining table. Karen greets the girls and claims she now understands what all the fuss is about. Krista adds, while rubbing her sides, Freyja is both pretty and strong. Karen notes Freyja’s familiar clothing choice (identical to Dov’s…Collared shirt, jeans, hiking boots…except Freyja’s borrowed clothes are tailored), and her beautiful perfume. Freyja claims that, on Krista’s advice, she should smell nice to create a good memory for her friends. Polanski directs Krista to their lunch, residing in the fridge, and reminds Krista to serve their new friends first. Krista and Freyja sit either side of Dov, with Karen and Polanski seated opposite them, and their lunch is revealed to be chilled borscht, with mounds of sliced challah, and black tea (Krista’s favourite meal). Freyja is hesitant to eat, fearing bad experiences, but Dov assures Freyja she knows what to expect, and do, and her friends will always help if needed. Freyja comments she is never alone (During their walk on the beach the previous night, Dov claimed: Freyja is different from everyone in the world, but she is never alone) and begins to eat, mimicking Dov’s actions. Karen applauds Freyja’s considerable enthusiasm and appetite (as Freyja devours her meal with increasing vigour), and formally welcomes their new housemates with a toast. Karen then asks Dov about his plans with Freyja. Dov states his first goals are to help Freyja tame and use the countless words in her mind (Freyja has a vast vocabulary in multiple languages, and no idea of how to use it) along with her strength, help to build Freyja’s confidence and agility. Krista adds this will also save her ribs as bathing with Freyja was like trying to wash a skittish Orca. Dov concludes his plan is simple in theory but practice will be different. Karen claims Dov is lucky Krista can help as she is an expert with challenges (very good at creating them). Polanski adds their villa has many places for Freyja to study and train, including combat and marksmanship. Karen tells the perplexed Freyja Dov can teach her to be a Commando, to protect herself and her friends, if that is okay with her. Freyja attempts to agree but she is interrupted by Krista’s deep rumbling yawn. Freyja then falls victim to a table-trembling yawn, and apologies for her bad manners. Dov calms Freyja, stating she experienced much with no sleep and now she should rest. Karen states the trio should retire early as there is a busy week ahead. Dov asks how they should darken the rooms (nightfall is several hours away), and Karen replies that all the windows have armoured shutters (Karen: “close the shutters and midnight arrives early”). Krista asks if Freyja can sleep in Dov’s bed beside him for the night, to ensure they are comfortable and able to rest. Dov, doubtful of Krista’s intentions, relays the question to Freyja who responds with a smile and nod. Karen then orders everyone to their rooms for an early night.
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…I’m really bad at typing summaries…
