Chapter 10: I have a call for you

Many years ago our founder, Adam Slade, arrived in Sunset Valley with a dream of creating a long-lasting legacy, and family dynasty that would be renowned across the three cities. Now his son, Brandon Slade and his wife, Qiana, are quietly continuing Adam's work in establishing the Slade name and equipping their children Cleo and Carl to continue the legacy.


In this chapter telephone calls herald excitement for Brandon and Cleo  ...

For Brandon and Qiana, life was good.  Qiana was still busy offering style advice and consultations to fashion-conscious residents across the town.

Though now, as a well established 'style guru' and earning good money from each job, Qiana was able to limit her case load to just a handful of clients each week. This meant she could now take more 'me time', and enjoy the simple things in life, like the abundant flora and fauna that thrived in the town’s open spaces.

Being more of a ‘home worker’, it was often Brandon who spent more time with their new son, Carl. Not that he minded this at all.

He looked forward to those breaks in his day where he would leave his workbench and play with Carl. He really loved fatherhood, and Carl was such a responsive child, always eager to learn new things or simply have fun with his dad.

As for Cleo, it seemed that her life was getting more exciting, more opportunities were opening up and her social circle ever expanding.

So, on her eighteenth birthday, even though a relatively modest affair held at home, there were many good friends there to help her celebrate.

When she thought back to her last big birthday, just before she started secondary school, so much had changed for her. But not everything … she still loved hanging out with good looking boys, and her school had plenty!

Sadly, though, not Thomas Easley, her very first crush. He had suddenly disappeared from school a few months after she started, in fact his whole family had left Sunset valley and no one knew why. Or, at least, no one was telling her what had happened.

Not one to mope, Cleo soon found plenty of other cute boys to amuse her during break times. Lads like Jake Miguel and Nickolas Bartlett who always seemed to be having a laugh – even if her mother couldn’t understand why their parents let them out “dressed like that!” But, hey, what does mum know about 'cool' these days?

Cleo was also delighted to see Garett Fisk at her party. Although he went to an out-of-town school he was their usual baby-sitter for Carl so Cleo would often see him briefly when she came home from school or sometimes when her folks went out at the week-end. Garett was hot, so it was going to make plenty of girls at school pretty jealous that he had come to her party.

Of course, he wasn’t as hot as Pascal but seeing as he couldn’t make it, Cleo was going to make the most of the attention she got from Garett, Jake, Miguel and the other boys who were there.

As the party progressed, and the celebratory cake was brought out, Brandon and Qiana, couldn’t have been prouder of the fine young woman that their little girl was turning into. She had a daredevil streak but tempered with her ability to make quick and accurate judgements they knew that she would be brave enough to face any challenge that would come her way.

The last few guests were leaving the party as Cleo’s phone rang. It was Pascal. “Joyeux anniversaire ma chérie, happy birthday!”

Her day was complete, everyone she loved was sharing this milestone day with her, even her lovely boyfriend, from all those miles away.

Somehow, Cleo reaching adulthood spurred the rest of the family into making significant changes in their lives.

Now that she had left school and would soon have to find a job, Cleo was keen to look more 'adult'.

So, with Qiana’s expert help she got a whole new wardrobe of exciting clothes and a fashionable new haircut.

So pleased was she with the results that she insisted that it was time for a whole family portrait – something they had, somehow, never done before. They had to admit, they were a good looking family!

After many years of great fun, and sometimes frustration, of working with the greatest designers, and the most unfashionable clients, it was time to step aside and let a new generation take the lead. So, after one last job, styling her own daughter, Qiana decided that it was time to retire from the salon.

With Cleo soon to start a career and young Carl now going off to school, her kids were growing up, and she felt the time was right, that she should concentrate on what made her happy.

In this, she was similar to her father-in-law, Adam.  Qiana loved growing things, so retiring meant she could devote more time to the garden that Adam had created when he first moved to Sunset Valley.

Carl was just starting primary school and was really taking to it, though his parents often felt that the school perhaps wasn’t as challenging as it could be.

Carl loved learning, particularly puzzles and computational challenges.

When he was at home he would often be found sat quietly in a corner reading, or playing chess with his father.

Brandon would normally win these games, but it wasn't always easy,

Carl had a good eye for the unconventional move that would test all his father's strategic skills.

Brandon’s lifestyle was not so dramatically changed. As a self-employed inventor and occasional contributor to the Landgraab Institute his days were pretty much his own anyway.

What he did find, however, was that he was spending a lot of time with Carl, probably even more than he did with Cleo when she was this age.

He was delighted that Carl so loved reading, and testing his intellectual abilities but he made sure that it wasn’t "all work and no play" for his young son.

Whether it was the latest race game on the computer or playing catch on the lawn Carl always gave his all.

Cleo was going to take her time in deciding on a career path, she’d had several conversations with the careers guidance team at school as well as her mother and father all of whom had said that there was no rush. Better to get it right first time than waste years in a job she hated.

The other thing was that she wanted was to spend more time with Pascal, and a full-time job would get in the way of that!

With a phone call at least once a week, and as much as they loved talking and sharing stories, both Pascal and Cleo knew that if the relationship was to develop they would need to spend quality time together.

It was towards the end of one conversation, when Pascal casually said, "Oh, and I have something else to tell you, ma chérie, I am coming to Sunset Valley in three weeks, we will have a whole week-end together!"

She could barely contain her excitement, rushing back down to the breakfast table to tell her dad that Pascal was coming, and to make sure that he could stay with them. Brandon agreed it would be good to have Pascal stay, indeed he was looking forward to seeing him again - he would be sure to arrange a good fishing trip for them both.

"Uh-huh, no way!" Cleo protested, "Pascal is coming to see me, he is not going to want to waste time sticking yucky worms on hooks!". "Well," Brandon smiled back, "let’s wait and see shall we?"

"Hmm, yeah, right." Cleo was pretty sure her dad was just joking but, whatever, she wasn't going to let him steal Pascal away from her for even a second. She had waited long enough to see him again.

The days ticked by, Cleo did her best to research job opportunities, but more often than not she would drift into dreaming about seeing Pascal. Even when she was pounding the treadmill for all it was worth she would lose focus on what she was doing – it was a wonder that she didn’t hurt herself!

But the days did turn into weeks and that Friday came round and there was Pascal, standing in their garden.

They  hugged, and kissed, and held hands and just enjoying being able to reach out, touch and embrace the other.  "If only this could be my job," thought Cleo, "to spend my days gazing into those eyes ..."

Just like the last time Pascal had visited the Valley, the two of them could talk for hours without noticing the time passing.

On this occasion, however, Cleo had a special treat for her boyfriend, and they needed to be in town by mid-day.

She had arranged the local cinema to put on a special screening of the latest Alexandre Simas film, part of which was actually filmed in Champs Les Sims!

As Cleo and Pascal were at the cinema, Brandon who was in town to put some of his latest gadgets in for sale at the Swap 'N' Sell, received an unexpected phone call from the Landgraab Insitute.

"Mr Slade, this is Jackson Livsey, director of Cybergenetics at the LIS."

"We have been very impressed by your recent work both in building fundamental electronic devices and biological research.  We have a job for you."

"We have reason to believe that an unauthorised  cybergenetic organism is responsible for a drop in local fish populations in North Africa."

"You, Mr Slade, are uniquely qualified to find, identify and, if necessary, capture this organism."

"Mr Slade, you are not to inform anyone of this conversation. If you accept this assignment, and I sincerely hope that you do, please go directly to the airport and check in for the next flight to Al Simhara.

Brandon had heard of Doctor Livsey, from his colleagues at the Institute, he was a man with an impeccable reputation for ethical science and if he was asking for help, Brandon had no hesitation in agreeing.

So, with a quick call to his wife to explain that he would be away 'on business' for a few days, Brandon set off ...

Chapter 11: Hunt for the Organism

Chapter 9: A Tale of Two Boys

Many years have passed since our founder, Adam Slade, arrived in Sunset Valley with a dream of creating a long-lasting legacy, and family dynasty that would be renowned across the three cities. He, and his wife River, have since passed away and their only son, Brandon Slade, now holds the future of this vision in his hands.  Recently married to Qiana Ragland, and proud father of Cleo, he is confident that the Slade dynasty is very much on track.

In this chapter two new characters arrive to take the spotlight away from Brandon  ...

When he wasn’t building widgets and gadgets, Brandon still loved hunting out gems and insects around the town. It meant he got to enjoy the natural beauty of his home town and it was also a nice little earner!

On one trip to the Landgraab Institute to sell his latest collection of exotic insects he bumped into Elliot Saint James, son of Noelle, who he had met in France. Apparently Elliot was in Sunset Valley on an educational exchange trip with his school, something they had only started this term. He told Brandon how much he loved seeing another country and how much he was learning.

Brandon was enthused by this unexpected meeting and planned on checking with the headmaster at the Community School about foreign trip opportunities for Cleo.

Remembering how ‘difficult’ their relationship had been before Cleo was born, Qiana and Brandon were determined to be really prepared for their second baby.

Whenever they could they would get to the library to read all the latest books on raising children and being good parents. They knew they had been successful with Cleo, she was doing really well after all, but there was always something new to learn and who knew what challenges this child might present?

Of course, it was not all work and reading. A new bistro had opened recently on the bayside and it had become a favourite place to chill for many of the Valley’s residents. After a long session at the library it was an ideal place to relax and catch up with old friends like Sam Sekemoto.

However, the weeks quickly turned into months, and eventually Brandon and Qiana found themselves at the hospital again.

The nervous anticipation and excitement was there, as before, but this time they felt ready, much more prepared and confident that they could handle whatever the next few hours might bring.

As part of the preparation for their second child, Brandon and Qiana had spent some time deciding on a suitable name. As a result of the dedication of Brandon’s father and mother, Adam and River, as well as their own efforts, they were now very comfortably off but, by the standards of their neighbours on Summer Hill, they still lived quite simply and felt a simple name would be perfect for their new child.

So, when after several anxious hours, a beautiful baby boy was delivered, they had a name that reflected both the simple virtues they lived by and also a strength of character, they would call him Carl.

Despite the lengthy delivery, Qiana was soon ready to return home and introduce Carl to Cleo. So, as soon as the doctors were happy that all was well, Qiana, Brandon, and Carl were in a taxi back home.

They got home late at night and went straight to bed but Brandon was surprised when Qiana wanted to sleep in the new nursery room with baby Carl.

She had no doubts that she was a good mother to Cleo, but felt that she needed to stay close to the new baby for that little bit longer, to truly establish a mother–child bond. After all, she argued, sons always have a very special relationship with their mothers and she had sensed that he didn’t want to be alone so soon.

Brandon knew there was no arguing with her. Even if she didn’t get the good night’s sleep she clearly needed, she would be happier to have their new baby with her.


One very useful bonus of already having one child is that Cleo was now of an age where she was not only keen but also capable of helping with the new baby.

It certainly took some pressure off Brandon and Qiana and Cleo loved snuggling, changing and feeding her little brother.


With Cleo helping out with Carl, it meant that Brandon and Qiana were still able to find time to attend to the house. Like taking care of the appliances – who needs extended warranties when you could spend a little time upgrading your equipment to make it ‘unbreakable’!




Of course, Qiana still loved to cook, she wasn’t quite the kitchen master that River had been, but her homemade treats went down very well at their friends’ parties.

And so, naturally, Qiana did most of the catering for the party they organised to celebrate the birth of Carl. They decided to hold it in a new venue, The Junction, that had opened in the centre of town. Loosely themed as an traditional English pub, it had the wonderfully sociable atmosphere of a good pub, with the benefit of a good space to chill or even dance …

It was great catching up with all their friends and family. Everyone loved Carl, of course, and Cleo was turning into a charming and confident young woman, more than able to handle these large social gatherings.

It was at this party that Qiana’s brother, Federico introduced his new girlfriend. A lovely woman by the name of … Qiana, Qiana McCauley! He had been upset at being left on his own in their house when his sister moved in with Brandon, but finding another Qiana did seem a little … well … odd.


A few weeks after the party at The Junction, Cleo brought home a parental consent form. The French exchange trip had gone so well that the school was organising a short trip to Champs Les Sims for some of their students and, despite being a little younger than most of those invited, her tutors suggested that Cleo would really benefit from the trip.

Her parents were more than happy to let Cleo go, but made sure she knew that it was an educational visit, learning how different people lived and practicing a foreign language, not just a holiday!

To her credit, Cleo made a real effort to improve her French and learn some of the local customs, the departure date couldn’t come quickly enough for her!



They arrived in Champs Les Sims quite late in the day so after getting their bags off the coach and registering at the hotel, the school group was allocated space in two dorm rooms. This was the first time that many of them, Cleo included, had shared a bedroom with so many other people but the excitement of their foreign adventure dispelled any nervousness. As tired as they were from the long journey, they chatted long into the night about what they might do tomorrow, and how friendly the local boys might be!

The following day started with an introduction to the small town they were staying in and the allocation of project assignments. Cleo’s main task was to interview some of the residents and write a report on the social life of the town. Cleo loved talking to people, so was excited about the task, she hoped her French was up to the job!



Before they all set off on their assignments Cleo’s group visited the nearby Nectary for a tour and demonstration of how the various different grapes were turned into Nectar. She remembered her parents telling her how beautiful this place was, they were not wrong! At the end of the tour they all enjoyed a small sample of Nectar as they planned how they would set about completing their projects.

Back in the centre of town Cleo got straight down to talking to as many of the locals as she could find. She was delighted to discover how friendly most of them were and how keen they were to talk about their little town.



For example there was Gérard Fournier who told her of the popular open-air theatre productions that were held throughout the summer and attracted many famous actors from across the country.

It had been quite a day, the tour of the Nectary and meeting all those great people, Cleo was really enjoying being somewhere so different to her home in Sunset Valley, and having that little extra freedom from her normal chores. However, that freedom didn’t extend to cooking! She couldn’t rely on her mother for meals now, Cleo had to take a turn in cooking the group’s meals. Rather unexpectedly, she found that she enjoyed it!


The following day, Cleo was back in the marketplace getting to know more of the locals including Jean-Luc Pivert who was working as a tour guide for one of Champs Les Sims most enthusiastic visitors, Salim Elaraby.

They enthralled Cleo with tales of the history of the town, from the earliest settlements to the charming country town that she saw today.

After the hubbub of the morning market subsided, Cleo relaxed at one of the cafés, watching the world go by at a gentle pace quite unlike that of Sunset Valley.

Suddenly the peace of the market square was disturbed by an influx of boisterous high-schoolers fresh from their day’s lessons.

Among this new crowd Cleo noticed one boy in particular. One very cute boy! With her best French, albeit with a Valley accent, she set about charming him, quickly discovering that his name was Pascal Morel.



There must have been something in the air, for they spent hours just chatting away as if they had known each other for years. They seemed to have so much in common ...

Cleo was so charmed by Pascal’s easy, friendly, manner and felt that they had a real connection. Unfortunately she was to learn that she suffered from the same over-eagerness that bedevilled her father when he was young.



Having really enjoyed spending time with Pascal, as they were about to part company, Cleo went to kiss her new friend, but Pascal was not ready for that intimacy. Realising the shocked and embarrassed look on Cleo's face, he did his best to reassure her that he was not offended or upset but Cleo couldn’t help but feel really awkward and went back to the dorm feeling that she had messed up and would never see Pascal again.


It was only short visit, a couple of days, and before they knew it, the school party was on their way back to Sunset Valley and ,unfortunately Cleo did not have a chance to see Pascal before they left, so was still feeling embarrassed by his rejection of the kiss. Other than that though it had been a great trip, she had met so many lovely people in this delightful small town, and hoped she would be able to visit again soon.


Back at home Cleo was buzzing about the trip and couldn’t wait to tell her parents about all the things she had seen and done, and the people she had met, including Pascal. She was shy of mentioning quite how much she liked him, feeling she had made a fool of herself but Brandon and Qiana knew the signs and soon worked out what had happened.



This was something they both recognised, it was becoming something of a Slade family trait, falling in love quickly and making a move just that little bit too soon. Qiana told her that Brandon had been the same when they had first started seeing each other, but he hadn’t run away when she first turned him down and now ... well now they were a very happy family.

“Cleo, if you really like this boy, and if he’s as nice as you think he is, then just stay in touch with him. Let him know that you still want to be friends. If you are meant to be anything more than friends, then the friendship will evolve naturally, it doesn’t need to be rushed.”

So, a few days later, the household phone bills started to increase as Cleo began calling Pascal regularly. Comparing what they were learning in schools, gossiping about their friends and family, what clothes and gadgets they had bought … all the things that teens spend hours talking about!

While Qiana had her new boy to occupy her time, Brandon and Qiana were spending a lot of time with their new boy, Carl. After Cleo, they pretty much knew the routine – walking, talking, potty!

But teaching a child new things was always a joy, the satisfaction when they achieve something is one of the best feelings in the world.




One ‘novelty’ they had now, which wasn’t available when Cleo was a toddler was a SimiMagic Food Processor which meant they could give Carl an early taste of many of the exciting meals that Qiana created. It was certainly better than the processed synthetic nutrient cocktails that they and Cleo had to endure!


It was a day like any other, Carl was in the nursery teaching a variety of blocks how to fit into irregularly shaped holes, Cleo was at school, Qiana on a consultation in town, and Brandon was putting the finishing touches to a new Static Tester widget when there was a knock at the door …

“Hello, Mr Slade? My name is Pascal, I met Cleo in Champs Les Sims …”



Pascal explained that his father was in Sunset Valley to attend a planning meeting at the council offices and, with it being term break, he had let Pascal join him so that he could visit Cleo. Brandon explained that Cleo was still in school but he was welcome to wait for her and, if he liked, they could spend some time getting acquainted.


So, in the couple of hours before Cleo got back from school, Brandon had a good opportunity to get to know Pascal; how he liked to spend his free time, what his plans were, basically if he might be good enough for his precious daughter, heir to the Slade Legacy.

Equally Pascal got to learn more about Cleo’s family, that they weren’t quite as “boring” as Cleo had made out in their phone conversations!

As it was a particularly warm day, and they were in one of the valley’s most scenic spots, Brandon took young Pascal out for a spot of fishing in the local pond. A fairly accomplished angler, Brandon managed to capture a couple of good specimens but poor Pascal had no luck at all.

Even so, he thought it was a skill he would like to master and made copious notes when Brandon offered a few tips on identifying fish and the different types of bait that would help catch them.

The afternoon wore on and, before they knew it, the school bus pulled up and there was Cleo.

Beaming the biggest smile imaginable she rushed over to hug him, bombarding Pascal with questions. “Oh. My. God! Pascal, what are doing here? It’s so good to see you. Why didn’t you tell me you were coming? How long are you here for? I can’t believe it!” 

They quickly fell straight into the easy conversation that had been the hallmark of their first meeting and which they had continued on their frequent telephone exchanges. Pascal explained that it really was just a flying visit with his father but he had insisted on coming just to see her again.

Hopefully his father would start doing more business in the valley so that he could come more often or, maybe, she would be able to visit Champs Les Sims again …

Ignoring the fact that she hadn’t eaten since lunchtime, that she had homework to do, Cleo was going to make the most of this brief visit, hardly noticing the sun going down, they just talked. And talked, and talked.

Eventually it was time for Pascal to leave, they had an early flight booked and his father wanted to make sure they got a good night’s sleep. Reluctant to let him go, Cleo held his hand, telling him how much she had loved seeing him again and that they definitely must meet again soon.

"Of course," Pascal agreed, smiling warmly, "and next time we will go on a proper date." Cleo could hardly believe her ears! He said 'date', like boyfriend and girlfriend.  On a date!

She moved in closer to him, he didn’t move away this time as she gently kissed his lips. Pascal moved back slightly, smiled again and returned the kiss.

Then, with a gentle stroke of her blushed cheek, Pascal said farewell, "Bonsoir ma chérie, until next time."


Chapter 10: I have a call for you