Apparently the ambassadors hadn’t thought about Karon or the three of us, to any great extent, while they were busy making plans.
Kikess took out his com. Ruen looked at him and asked, “Are you going to call Karon? How can you do that?”
“Their technicians modified my com, along with Ambassador Goul’s.”
We all listened to Aron explain the situation to Karon, in case he had concerns. Apparently he had already been notified by Ambassador Goul and did have questions. He beamed into our living room a few minutes later.
“Karon, welcome. Please sit,” my Dad said, offering him the last seat on the sofa.
Though his face revealed nothing, he seemed anxious as he accepted the beverage I fetched for him, and then cleared his throat before speaking. “Your announcement is unsettling,” he finally said to my Dad.
“We understand your concerns, but with more inhabitable worlds being found, it is necessary to have open communications and an established rapport between all three of our known planets. There is currently talk of inviting the Aran-Basi to also send an ambassador to Earth,” said Dad.
“An interesting idea, but my immediate task is our new settlement. As you can probably imagine, we will not be welcomed by everyone on Basili.” Karon looked around the room. “I had thought we would have some continuity as we made our transition from the Sacred Trust to Basili.”
“You will have continuity as you will be dealing directly with Basilian Ambassador Barain Goul,” said Dad. “I feel he understands your needs quite well and will be making arrangements to speak again with you as soon as he is able to secure not only space for your people and for enough money to fund the building of communities for all of you.”
“Are we to be segregated then?”
“Oh, no. We merely thought it would be more comfortable for you to begin your lives on Basili grouped together for support rather than have your communities spread out all over the planet.”
“Your transition into our society will take some time and some give and take on both sides,” Aron added, “but I am sure Ambassador Goul will do anything he can to accommodate and expedite your needs, as will I.”
“I am grateful to all of you for your efforts in aiding us,” said Karon. “While I would like the Ambassadors here to remain on Basili, I have given the situation some thought and would like Ruen, Nara, and young Tata to stay on Basili. They would be a great help in our adjustment, particularly with our children. The three of them have shown remarkable resilience when coping with adversity, and much common sense. These traits will be in high demand as we learn to live on this planet and nurture our relationship to the Arandi and the people of Earth.”
The room burst into conversation between young and old, the ambassadors turning quickly into parents objecting to a separation from their children. Even Eonus and Ilandus had words.
“Silence,” Aron finally said. His voice carried, and he was used to getting the attention of others. When all was quiet he looked to Karon “You have introduced an interesting proposal, Karon. However, it’s going to produce many conversation threads and arguments, I fear. You must give us time to come to grips with your request. If nothing else, I will call you in the morning—although a complete resolution may not be available by then.”
Satisfied with the assurances he’d been able to secure, Karon left shortly in the sparkle of glittering molecules as his transporter sent him back to his ship.
Chapter 33
“Karon’s proposal is out of the question,” said Dad. “We cannot leave our children here while we head off to Earth. They must accompany us.”
My cheeks were warm; I definitely had a mad coming on. I stood up. “In the first place, we’re not children. Even Ruen is not a child; she is a young adult. As such, we will make our own decisions.” Looking from face to face, I said, “Eonus, Ruen, and I will adjourn to my room for a discussion. I’m not saying we will make a decision tonight, but we need our space to discuss this. Perhaps we should all meet here tomorrow morning for breakfast.”
With that, the three of us left the living room and went directly to my room. The silence behind us unnerved me. I’d expected loud protests and more.
“Who wants to start?” I asked, closing the door behind us and sprawling on my bed.
“I will,” said Ruen as she plopped down on one of the two stools in my room. Eonus took the other. “I think this is an excellent opportunity,” she said. “It would be like being mini-ambassadors. We get to learn about another world and help them adjust to ours—although we should have much in common. And we can continue with our school work. Coping should be easy for you and Eonus. After all the adjustments you made coming here, as aliens yourselves, you will be good for the Aran-Basi children.”
Ruen had an excellent point. I hadn’t thought about how much we’d changed. Some days weren’t that easy, though. “Eonus? What do you think?” I asked.
“Agree Ruen.”
“But how do you feel about staying here versus going to Earth?”
“Will miss Mother. Place here…with you.”
“We will have my father here,” said Ruen. “And you two will have me. We are like a family.” She grinned like the Cheshire Cat and bounced off her stool onto my bed, where she bounced a few more times, jostling a smile out of me.
Ruen was obviously fishing for another hug, so I gave her one. It wasn’t a chore.
“Yes, we are a family, little sister,” I said. “And I like the idea of helping these people. None of them have been outside the bulkheads of the Sacred Trust. I can’t imagine what it would feel like to leave the confines of their homes for the first time. And we won’t be that far from Earth, or even Arandis,” I said, looking at Eonus. “With our need for diplomatic ties, I’m sure the frequency of spaceflights will increase.”
I looked at Ruen. “How is your mother going to handle going off to Earth without you?”
“Are you kidding? She’s all eyes for your father.” She blushed and smiled at the same time. “Besides, she lives for diplomatic service. I’ve always been closer to my father because of that.”
“Eonus, what about Ilandus? Will she be upset if you stayed here on Basili?” I asked.
“Independent. Make own calls.”
“Yes, I know, but that’s not exactly what I asked.”
He grinned. “Mother happy for decision. She see much good I do here. Perhaps become ambassador like her.”
With a little nudging, Eonus was becoming quite talkative. He might make a good ambassador, after all.
“Okay then, we agree. We would like to stay on Basili to help the Aran-Basi integrate with their descendants.”
My mind went blank. I had more to say, but the day had been long. And stressful. “I don’t know about you guys, but I’m beat.” I sighed and laid back on my bed and closed my eyes.
“Talk to Nara,” Eonus told Ruen.
“Okay, I get the hint. I’m no longer wanted in here. I’ll just go out there—and what is it you say, Nara?—schmooze with the old folks,” she joked as she got off the bed and headed toward the door. “I will see you guys at breakfast,” she said, giving us a knowing glance, as she left.
“Walk,” said Eonus.
I tipped my head up and looked at him. “You want me to get out of bed and go for a walk?”
“Yes. Walk in park.”
I thought about it for a minute and then got off the bed. “You better make this worth my while, buster.”
Eonus didn’t have a clue what I meant, and I wasn’t sure I did either.
“We’re going for a walk!” I called out to Dad on the way out. He was in the living room with the rest of our parents.
“Mother, later!”
Like me, Eonus had raised his voice, so unlike him. I must be rubbing off on him, I thought. And not for the better, which might not bode well for his mother letting him remain with me on Basili. However, Ilandus nodded gracefully and smiled at us, while Dad just stared at us. I notice
d, though, he held Raen’s hand. Their secret was out and no longer a surprise to any of us.
Speaking of hands, Eonus took mine and held it the entire length of our walk to the park. We sat down on a bench and stared at the river bed.
“Nara,” said Eonus, which forced me to look at his face. His voice held a strange lilt.
“What is it, Eonus?”
“You, me—couple?”
“Yes, we’re a couple. You make me happy, Eonus. I’m glad we’ll both be staying here—together.” He hadn’t let go of my one hand, so I touched his face with my other one.
“Couple forever,” he said.
Couple forever? I couldn’t believe what I’d heard—at least my interpretation of it. “Do you want to be with me forever? Do you want to be my life partner?” I hoped my words had meaning to him. “Is that what you’re saying?”
“Yes.” Eonus put his other hand on my face and stared into my eyes. “One and only. Always. Marry me?”
“Oh, yes, yes, Eonus. I will marry you…in a heartbeat.”
He didn’t take his eyes off mine as he bent to kiss me. It wasn’t like any other kiss he’d ever given me. Most of his kisses had been little pecks on the lips. Sweet but barely there. This one however was long and intense, and it sent little electric shocks zinging to the tips of my toes.
When he finally broke the kiss, it was all I could do to open my eyes. I stared up at him, utterly speechless.
“Time,” he said. “Tell parents.”
I nodded, feeling ready to burst. I wanted to tell the whole world how happy I was. The problem was, I couldn’t say a word.
A half hour later, we walked back to our apartment building and took the elevator up to my apartment. Aron had left, but Dad, Ilandus, and Raen were in the kitchen.
“Dad, could all of you come out here for a minute, please. Eonus and I have an announcement to make.”
Before I had a chance to say another word, Ilandus rushed out of the kitchen and took the two of us in her embrace. “Welcome to family, Nara,” she said, with a smile before pecking me on the cheek. Apparently, she knew her son well.
Then Raen came out of the kitchen and said, “Congratulations you two. You make a fine couple.”
Dad emerged next, his mouth open as he looked from Ilandus to me and then to Eonus. And then he cleared his throat. “So what’s the big announcement, children?”
I shook my head. “Dad, Eonus and I are getting married. You’re going to have a son-in-law.”
Dad’s eyes widened, and I thought he was going to pass out.
Fathers! They were all alike when it came to their little girls.
Chapter 34
Ilandus looked at Dad and Eonus, and then smiled at me. “Much planning.”
However, I knew Dad and Eonus had no idea what needed to happen so Eonus and I could be wed. And for that matter, neither did I!
Ilandus came to our rescue. “Tomorrow, plan,” she said. “Tonight, Nara joins Eonus in privacy.”
Afraid a heart attack was in Dad’s imminent future, I pulled him aside. “Dad, I’m an adult. Eonus and I have long-term feelings for each other. You’re well aware of that now. Spending a night together is not such a big deal. It’s apparently part of their accepted ritual.”
He didn’t look at Raen, or anyone else, for that matter. “I understand. I’m happy for you, daughter.” We hugged and then, loudly, he said, “Let’s all reconvene here tomorrow morning for breakfast. We’ll have much to discuss.”
I whispered in his ear, “Dad, you’re a sweetheart.” I gathered up a few things from my bedroom and followed Eonus up to his.
Breakfast in our apartment the next morning was hard to describe. Many humorous glances and giggles came our way. Apparently, Ruen had heard about Eonus and me spending the night together. But that was Ruen for you—sometimes maturity didn’t come easy for her.
Her father tried to keep a straight face, but only minimally succeeded. “So when are you two getting coupled? I need to plan my schedule. I must be in attendance; considering all we have been through together.”
After Ilandus questioned Eonus and me about what we wanted for our wedding ceremony, and everyone else at breakfast had gotten into the act with suggestions, a plan of attack was formed. Not only did our wedding need to be planned; it needed to be held before the ambassadors’ spaceship left tomorrow evening.
Finally, Ilandus issued orders—she called them tasks—to everyone, and we all hopped to it. The first item on my agenda was to get gowns for myself and my bridesmaid, Ruen. The ambassador took us to a nearby store, and the three of us found appropriate wedding wear.
Dad had been sent off to coax Ambassador Goul to officiate at our coupling, and Ilandus had whispered some instructions in her son’s ear.
Ilandus arranged for our ceremony to take place at the park we’d frequented so often—my place of peace. She’d also organized food and drink for a small reception to take place at the park immediately afterwards.
By the time all that had been accomplished, Ruen and I were exhausted. But Eonus and I had one more task—we needed to write our wedding vows.
We chose to write them separately, and then get them edited by our respective parents. I suggested to Eonus we spend the rest of the evening apart, but with our own parent. Dad and Ilandus would be gone in only a day, and it seemed only fair to spend some time alone with them. Eonus agreed and kissed me goodnight before leaving with his mother. Ruen had left earlier with Raen. It was the first time I had seen my Dad kiss her. Both Ruen and I smiled at each other.
My evening after that passed in a blur.
“You shouldn’t see Eonus this morning after breakfast,” said Ruen.
“But Ruen, I—”
“Yes, yes, I know you have seen everything there is to see but, I also know this is your tradition, so just honor it, okay? And, besides, there are still a few things you need to do as the bride.”
Ruen could always make me laugh. “Like what?”
“Your top priority is to get some gifts. They only need be a token of your affection. Something for Naru, Ilandus, Dad, Ambassador Barain, and me.”
That’s right; Aron Kikess had agreed to be Eonus’ best man.
“Okay, let’s get to it,” I said. We wandered around Basik for a couple of hours. I wouldn’t have been able to come up with appropriate gifts without Ruen’s help.
Then Ilandus helped us don our gowns. Ruen’s was a bright, frilly mass of yellow that bared her shoulders, but I’d chosen a more sedate white gown that plunged in a lacy vee at the neckline to almost my waist. With it just baring the inside curves of my breasts, it was the most daring part of my gown. The skirt was a simple A-line in shiny satin from waist to toe. A huge bow rested just below my waist on the slope of my bottom. It made me look…older, and I loved it. I hoped Eonus would too.
Dad had arranged vehicles to take us to the park. I guessed you could call them open-air touring cars—that was the closest description I could come up with.
Finally, we were all in position.
Ambassador Goul sported a huge grin, as he stood before Eonus and me. And, much to my surprise, Karon stood beside him.
“I represent the people of Basili,” said Ambassador Goul, “and Karon represents our ancestors.”
Karon bowed to us and smiled. “It pleases me to be here today to see you off on your lives together.”
“Eonus and Nara, we are privileged you asked us to help you start your life together. Eonus, please proceed,” said the ambassador.
My husband-to-be unfolded a sheet of paper and began to read.
“Nara Scotia, chosen one:
True friend, companion, lover, partner.
Student, teacher, leader.
“Kind, patient, forgiving.
Generous, honest, loyal.
“In health and sickness.
“In sorrow and success.
“Always and forever…together.”
Eonus touched my forehea
d with his hand.
Tears streamed down my face, but Ruen wiped them away.
Then it was my turn to recite my vows.
“Eonus Tata, I believe in you,
In the person you will grow to be
And in the couple we will be together.
With my whole heart,
I take you as my husband,
Acknowledging and accepting
Your faults and strengths, as you do mine.
I promise to be faithful and supportive
And to always make our family’s
Love and happiness my priority.
I will be yours in plenty and in want,
In sickness and in health,
In failure and in triumph.
I will dream with you,
Celebrate with you, and walk beside you
Through whatever our lives may bring.
You are my love and my life,
Today and always.”
Ruen wiped my cheeks again, and then her own.
Eonus took my hands in his and put his forehead against mine, our smiles filled with happiness.
“We have just one more thing to do. Eonus and Nara, if you please…,” said Ambassador Goul.
Eonus looked panic-stricken, until Aron slipped something into his hand.
My partner lifted my left hand and snapped a binding band around my wrist. The jewelry was adorned with small blue stones that I’d picked out myself. Ruen then gave me a matching bracelet with stones all in black and white to fasten on Elonus’ wrist.
Once that was completed, Ambassador Goul continued, “With these bands, I now pronounce you, Eonus and Nara, coupled for life.”
I couldn’t contain myself any longer; I jumped into Eonus’ arms and we kissed for what seemed like forever.
The End
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
I have been reading science fiction since about the age of eleven when I discovered “Miss Pickerell Goes to Mars” by Ellen MacGregor.
The years passed by while I had careers as a computer programmer, music teacher, insurance office administrator, and logistics coordinator for an international freight company.
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