Following their escape from Pollepel, Lydia joined rebellion efforts against the military government. While not a fighter, she had a talent for figuring out what people want, which had unusual military applications when applied correctly. Maps turned into her new medium, and she could find the best fortifications with an intuitive means. It kept her mostly away from the frontlines, but useful at understanding motivations behind various plans and initiatives.
It was useful being away from the front. The ruling that all evolved people were not to reproduce inspired her more rebellious nature. It didn’t take much coaxing, and she convinced her husband to start a family.
They came in quick succession, all three with more to offer their cause. Each raised to embrace who they are while simultaneously finding means to blend and accept themselves. It was both comfortable and not. She operated as a single mom for most of their early lives, giving them the care of two parents with her beloved Edgar off fighting at the frontline.
Meanwhile, she took to the business of caring for those away from the front, including her children. She couldn’t be persuaded to head to Canada, but instead, felt the need to carve out a home, as broken as the country was. In many respects, life at the carnival prepared them for this kind of existence. It was nomadic; constant moving to promote and maintain the kids’ safety. Yet Lydia still refused to move North. She could help with her map skills, and slowly learned she had other talents as well.
She could keep great secrets, and convince others to tell her things they wouldn’t tell anyone else. And, when someone truly seemed stress, she merely made them a cup of tea and looked at the leaves, giving her some semblance of whatever they required. In many ways, this strange type of therapy brought relief to many; it was healing of a different sort and enabled her to get others to open up.
Despite this talent, things became strained between Lydia and Edgar during the war. Edgar had consistently been away fighting, rescuing, and generally heroing, but it left Lydia in want. She was alone raising three children as a single mother. Following the trials, the strain on their marriage had become obvious, and she made it clear that if he wanted a future with his family, he needed to make them a priority.
When he applied to Yamagato Industries, Lydia was beyond relieved. There would still be much to work through, especially as the children became reacquainted with their father. Shortly thereafter, Lydia applied for work in Human Resources at Yamagato, and found a knack for counseling and assessing employee and potential employee intentions. She was equally useful in contract negotiations, although her new employment begged her to cover the tattoos she’s still so proud of.
