by Randal Sloan
He looked straight into the VR system. “That is a very good thing. You will have all the rights of membership, but will be protected until you are able to gain your footing.”
He smiled at Jarra. “Now, my dear Jarra, I believe we have some rewards to hand out.”
What followed was a series of rewards to be granted, not for heroism during the small war they had just suffered, for that would have left the Oidhche feeling at odds with everyone else, but instead civic awards for all those that had worked together over the past week to bring about a better New Earth.
It was the perfect ending for the celebration.
Once more Jarra stood at her station aboard Katarina. They had said their goodbyes, for some harder to do than for others, but none really wanted to take their leave just yet. Despite their hard work, Jarra and her team had grown fond of the planet and its people. Galen and Jenn’s developing relationship had become exactly what she was expecting; Gabo and Sara had been able to spend enough time together outside of work that everyone knew for sure that they were an item too.
The arrival of the Dauntless and her squadron in response to Master Sergeant Gibbon’s call for help brought resources to the planet that were desperately needed, and Jarra had unashamedly put them to use. It had also given Sasha and her cousin Prince John time to spend together, something they’d not had much opportunity to do before.
Jarra and Jason had even managed a little time off on the beach, something she couldn’t have thought she would ever do. But they had needed the time alone and she enjoyed the beautiful scenery as well. There was just something about a beach of white sand and ocean waves of crystal water that was amazing galaxy-wide, especially for those who were in love.
It hadn’t just been about young love; others had formed strong friendships. Krissy and Sara had been a given; the two hackers each recognizing herself in the other and their friendship based on mutual respect. Jarra knew they would be staying in touch with each other even across the galaxy and she still shuddered to think about what they could do together.
Other friendships had been a surprise at first, but in afterthought they made sense. Kaeden and Rae had been one. Jarra had recalled her conversation with Kaeden only those few days earlier, and this friendship was at least partly the result of that. The two alien monks had discovered their beliefs had much in common and although their abilities to serve those causes had carried them in different directions, the things they had in common were more than their differences. Of course, Jarra had been counting on those similarities and had used them to help her complete her mission, so she shouldn’t have been surprised at all.
So none of them were quite ready to leave, but they all knew it was time. Duty called, something they all were quite familiar with. Next stop was the Galactic Capital.
Jarra glanced at Galen, who was looking rather sad at his parting from Jenn. “Course laid in?” she asked quietly.
“Yes,” he answered. “I’ve plotted a ‘fast’ course, although not quite as fast as our last one.”
He gave her a smile. “It should be fast enough that Sara will still win the pool, something I’d never have lived down if I’d done something to interfere.”
Jarra was glad to see his smile. She knew his long distance relationship with Jenn was going to be hard, but she believed it would survive. She was pretty sure she knew where he would be spending all of his shore leaves.
“Good. You probably do want to keep collecting your pay, something that could become doubtful if you managed to get on her bad side.”
She smiled at Jason. “I’m also glad for our sakes. We do have a rather important announcement to make, not to mention a new mission to plan.”
She looked around at her team. “I don’t know what else we have to face or the dangers we have yet to overcome, but I believe strongly that someday we’ll all return here to stay. This planet that’s somehow weaved itself into our hearts will someday be our home!”
Jarra said no more, but to those on her team her words had the sound of such absolute certainty that they all believed it in their hearts.
Until we return! echoed across their thoughts which for the moment had become as one. The future would hold what it held.
Epilogue
Unable to avoid the Imperial Ball his nephew had persuaded him to attend in his place, the Emperor of the Galactic Empire was forced to spend hours getting ready with all the pomp and glamor the Emperor was required to show his people. If he’d been able to look in a mirror, he’d have laughed at himself and demanded they change everything. Wisely, the ones in charge of his dressing area didn’t provide such a device.
Instead he was marched straight into the ballroom with no opportunity to escape. He was forced to accept the knee bowing and pledge to service from those he would least be willing to turn his back on for fear of the proverbial knife in the back, or perhaps a literal one too.
Still he endured. He made the obligatory remarks to start off the dinner for the evening. He did smile when he saw the course of Corisca prime rib his little Jarra often joked about. Now that would be worth it. As soon as she got back, he’d have to make arrangements for a dinner in her honor. That would be a dinner he would be happy to attend.
After the dinner, he was forced to face a seemingly unending line of gentlemen introducing their daughters or other relatives. Most of the girls he would have placed in the bimbo category and the others he placed in the knife in the back group.
Just as he’d begun to despair of having to see even one more bimbo who thought she would be able to steal his eye and rush into his arms, James had one of his generals come forward to replace the pair before him. He remembered the man quite well. A good soldier but not someone he would ever consider to be one he would call a friend. There was just something about him a little too dark and a little too ambitious.
“General Montgomery,” his AI supplied, “and Ariyana Montgomery.”
“Let me introduce you to my niece,” the general said as he offered his hand to the Emperor. Then he quietly ushered her forward to stand in front of him.
Now this one was different. James found himself entirely unable to resist the sparkle in her eyes.
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