“No. It’s just for decoration. Before the Great Impact on Earth, fountains like this could be found everywhere. We wanted to re-create some of the common things as best we could here. I miss living on Earth. The soil was so rich; it was much easier to grow produce and many different flowers there.”
“I never saw the Earth that way; I lived underground my whole life, up until I went to Orionis. It feels strange to me to be outside in this heat and sunshine, but I love it!”
“It’s the way that it’s supposed to be Ava.” Rowan gave her a reassuring smile as they walked down towards another store and entered it.
The boutique, called “Lotus Blossom” seemed to have much more to offer than the previous one. The sales attendant pleasantly showed the women to the back of the store where the formal gowns were kept. The population on Kyanos was small in comparison to the stations so most of the stores only kept a few fancy dresses for the occasional wedding or celebration, at least, this is what the saleswoman said.
“What kind of dress are you looking for, what is the occasion?” The saleswoman asked Ava.
Ava smiled. “Well, I’m not really sure, but it’s for a fun night out.”
“Would you like something long or shorter?”
Ava, used to wearing longer attire, felt more comfortable wearing something that didn’t rise above her knees just yet. “Longer please.”
The saleslady showed them to some of the evening gowns, mostly of thin, flowing sheer material in various colors.
“How about this one Ava?” Rowan pulled out a bright red long gown that had thin straps above the bodice, which was a darker red that faded out to shades of orange and then yellow flowing at the bottom. “You’d definitely have his attention.”
“I’m not sure that’s me, it kind of looks like a flame,” Ava laughed as she continued her search. She sifted through the racks and came to a simple long strapless black gown. It had a sheer fitted bodice with ruching which opened into a long flowing skirt with a saucy yet tasteful slit up to the mid thigh on one side. “Can I try this one on?” Ava asked the saleswoman, who happily showed her to a dressing room. Ava slid into the gown easily; it seemed to be the perfect size for her and stepped out to the trio of mirrors to show Rowan.
“What do you think?” Ava walked over to the mirrors to take a look.
“It’s beautiful Ava, very elegant,” Rowan complimented.
“Seems to be a bit long though,” Ava bent down to look at the hem.
“Try these on,” Rowan said with a smile as she handed Ava a pair of black strappy tall heels.
The shoes definitely made a difference, however, Ava was not used to walking or balancing in tall heels. “I’m petite, trust me, I wear heels all the time. You will catch on quickly. I’ll bet if you practice today you’ll have no trouble tomorrow.”
“Okay. I think this is it.” Ava glanced at herself one more time before heading back to the dressing room to change back into her previous outfit. After purchasing the dress, a small evening bag, and the shoes the two women walked back out to Rowan’s courier.
“What are you going to do with your hair?” Rowan asked.
“I’m not sure, what do you think? Should I wear it up or down?”
“It’s going to be hot tomorrow, I’d wear it up. Do you have any jewelry?”
Ava touched her earrings and the gold locket around her neck, “Just these,” she said.
“Hmm, I have the perfect things to compliment this dress. Let’s go back to my house and we can practice with your hair and I’ll loan you some jewelry.” Rowan fired up the small vehicle and the two women were off.
Wesley spent another long day working with the engineers on the Principia and arrived home after Ava went to bed and was out the door before she rose on Saturday morning. When Ava made her way downstairs to make breakfast, the light on her PCD blinked, indicating he had left her a message. It read “Good morning Ava, I hope you are looking forward to this evening. I’ll be home at six to pick you up. Love you, W.”
Despite not having much to do, the day passed quickly for Ava. She took Rowan’s advice and practiced walking around in her new high heeled shoes as she explored the contents of the library upstairs. She decided to fit in a quick workout at Wesley’s gym to burn off some of her borrowed excess energy and showered to prepare to start getting ready a little after four. No matter how she tried with her hair, she could not get her elegant bun as perfect Rowan had made it. After several attempts she decided to go with it, although it looked softer and slightly more relaxed that what she originally had in mind. Ava applied her makeup and slipped into her new dress and shoes. Finally she put on Rowan’s sparkling diamond earrings and matching necklace. She paused before the mirror to examine herself one last time and felt pleased with what she saw. This would never be possible for me on Earth, or on Orionis, she thought. Ava grabbed her small black evening purse and walked out of the bedroom in time to hear the door open. She stopped in her tracks when she saw Wesley paused at the bottom of the stairs looking up on her, smiling widely.
Ava had no idea what to expect, given what little information he had divulged to her about the evening but she could not have expected this. She had never seen him dressed so formally in a black suit, holding a bouquet of beautiful red roses. She could feel his elevated energy enveloping her as she carefully descended the stairs. He embraced her and they kissed softly a few times before he pulled back and handed her the roses.
“These are beautiful! I’ve never had more than one or two at a time, there has to be at least two dozen of them here.” She raised them to her nose and inhaled deeply. “Thank you Wesley.”
“You’re welcome. You look so beautiful this evening Ava.”
“Thank you. You too, you look so very handsome tonight,” she half whispered unable to take her eyes off of him. “Where did you get ready at?”
“Rowan and Justin’s place. It’s on the way here.”
Ava nodded. “Let me put the flowers in a vase.” He followed her into the kitchen while she settled the flowers and then he took her hand.
“I hope you are hungry,” he hinted cheerfully.
“Where are we going?”
“You’ll see.” He led her out to the waiting courier. They headed back towards town to the commerce district by the lake front. They pulled into the underground parking of the commerce building and to the passageway leading to the lifts. There weren’t many people in the lobby as they approached the lift. Ava wondered what they were doing at such a deserted building. Once inside the lift Wesley pressed the button to the top level, which Ava discovered was actually a restaurant called “Astrea” which Wesley explained to her meant “star.”
They stepped into the beautiful, dimly lit restaurant and Ava excitedly looked around. It had a small, intimate feel and three sides of the wall were made of windows to look out on the beautiful large lake and the city. The suns weren’t setting yet, but the intensity had mellowed, giving the town and water a coppery sheen, which Ava felt was beautiful. All of the tables were vacant and there were fresh flowers and candles lit everywhere.
“How come the place is empty?” Ava asked, wondering why nobody else was dining at this hour.
“I wanted to spend some time alone with you, so I booked it,” he said it innocently like it was the simplest thing.
“You reserved the whole restaurant . . . for me?” Ava flushed, astonished at such a thought.
“Come, let’s get you settled,” he suggested as a Maitre D showed them to their spacious table next to the windowed wall overlooking the lake. They ordered drinks and relaxed for a few minutes. A small string quartet appeared and began playing elegant music much to Ava’s surprise. Wesley gently took her hand and they danced slowly in a clearing where some of the tables had been removed previously. Ava had to admit, Wesley seemed to be a natural when it came to dancing and she felt slow and clumsy in her heels. However, she had no fear of falling or tripping because she knew he would catch
her and steady her if it happened.
“This is like a fairytale,” Ava mentioned as they sat down to eat the first course. “You are the most thoughtful person I have ever met. I love you so much.” She blushed shyly as she said the words.
“I would do anything for you Ava, . . . anything,” he said slowly leaning in for a kiss.
As the end of dinner came Ava wondered if he had something else planned. It was only a little after eight. “Are we going home?” Ava asked as they left the restaurant.
“Not yet. I have another surprise for you.” He winked at her.
“Another one?” She wondered what it could be.
He led her back to the courier and they sped off toward the docks near the lake. He parked near the dock leading to a large boat, which later Ava learned, was called a yacht. “Is this yours?” She exclaimed. Ava had never been on a boat before. They no-longer existed on Earth or on any of the space stations. There simply wasn’t enough water for them.
“Technically yes, but I share it with my family,” he said smiling, meaning the crew members.
Ava looked at the boards on the dock, and while the dock seemed to be in impeccable condition, she worried about getting her heels trapped in the cracks. Wesley, sensing her apprehension, gently lifted her up in his arms. “Let me give you a lift,” he said quickly as he carried her up to the boarding ramp. Once inside he set her down and then powered up the massive vessel and raised up the anchor.
“Are we going out very far?” Ava asked, feeling a little apprehensive. She still didn’t know how to swim yet.
“Not too far, just far enough to watch the suns begin to set on the shoreline,” he mentioned casually as they pulled away from the dock.
“This is amazing,” Ava said as she stood next to him with her arms wrapped around his waist while he steered the ship around and then dropped the anchor.
“Let’s go to the upper deck and enjoy the breeze,” he suggested. They quickly stopped in the small kitchen where he collected a bottle of champagne and two glasses. He guided Ava to one of the cushioned chairs on the top deck next to a small table and opened the champagne. He handed her a glass.
“What shall we toast to?” Ava asked.
“Let’s toast to our life together. May it be a long, happy, and healthy one,” he raised his glass.
“I will toast to that,” Ava raised her glass and clinked it with his and then took a sip. She set the glass down and enjoyed the peaceful breeze and the gentle rocking of the yacht, so unlike space travel. Wesley seemed unusually quiet, she thought as she noticed he seemed to be studying her. She got up, wandered over to the railing and leaned on it. He followed her and wrapped his arms around her, kissing her gently on the cheek.
“Ava, are you happy here on Kyanos?” He asked softly.
“Yes, I am very happy. I would never have imagined I could be this happy.”
He put his hands gently on her shoulders and turned her to face him. “Do you think you can accept me as I am, as an Asterion?” His eyes cautiously searched hers.
“Yes, I can . . . I have. I love you Wesley.” She tilted her face up to his lips and kissed him. After a few moments he slowly pulled back from her. She gasped as he knelt down in front her, taking her hands in his. She could feel the energy flowing between them; it had never been more potent.
“Ava, I love you more than anything in this universe. There will never be anyone else for me. I know our life and our love will never be perfect, but I promise you this; I will always be here for you and I will always love you with my whole heart no matter what happens over time. Would you please do me the honor of becoming my wife?” His large soft brown eyes were locked on hers.
Ava’s eyes became moist with tears. Tears of joy, tears of uncertainty, tears of love. She took a few deep breaths, squeezed his hands and smiled. “Yes. I will!”
He immediately rose up and embraced her, lifting her up and twirling her around, kissing her passionately. Then they fell into happy laughter. After a few minutes more of speaking excitedly to each other they paused, embracing each other, sitting down to watch the suns beginning to set. Afterwards Ava wrapped her arms around his neck, kissing him passionately. He lovingly caressed her back, shoulders, and waist. His warm hand travelled down to her hip and then to her leg, touching her thigh where it peeked through the sexy slit in her dress. He broke free from her, breathing heavily, and took her hand, leading her to the cabin below the main deck.
Chapter 10: Strategy
Ava had been asleep for hours when the Andromeda returned to Kyanos uneventfully late Sunday night. Wesley read the message on his PCD prior to joining Ava in the bed. He did not wish to disturb her as she was to begin her first day at work at the Kyanos Central Hospital outpatient clinics with Dr. Sullivan in the morning. The brief message from Naomi did not alarm him, however it did concern him.
“We need to meet in the morning. We have new information to discuss.”
The courier and driver Wesley hired to take Ava to and from work arrived on time at 7:30 in the morning. He would have happily done it himself, however, with the demands of the Principia, he could not pretend to know how early or late his days were going to be and Ava did not yet officially know how to drive. As soon as we get rid of Kaden, Wesley thought, I’ll have more time to spend with her to teach her. Ava finished her cup of coffee, kissed her fiancée, grabbed her purse with her PCD, and turned towards the door.
“Good luck,” Wesley called as she left, giving her a confident grin.
“Thanks!” Ava waived as the door closed after her.
Wesley spent an hour with the Principia at the hangar with Andre, Rowan, and the engineers before his meeting with the crew.
“Congratulations!” Rowan gave Wesley a hearty hug. “So that’s what you were up to for your big night out on Saturday. Was Ava surprised?”
“I think so. She seemed pleased,” Wesley gave Rowan and Justin a big smile.
“There’s so much to do! Did the two of you pick a date? A location? Anything yet?” Rowan loved weddings and did not conceal her excitement.
Wesley laughed heartily. “One thing at a time Rowan. No, we haven’t decided anything yet. I want to hear the report from Justin and Naomi. Ava and I have plenty of time to get married, after this business with Kaden is taken care of once and for all.”
“Let us hope that is sooner rather than later,” Andre nodded, agreeing with his friend.
Completing another brief successful test flight, Wesley and the others convened in the den at his home after ten in the morning to discuss what the others have discovered in their first trip back to the known galaxy after they rescued Ava from Capri. As the crew re-united, there were more hugs and congratulation wishes as they learned of Ava and Wesley’s engagement.
“I can’t wait to help Ava plan the wedding!” Naomi beamed.
“I helped Ava find her dress for Saturday. You can get in line behind me,” Rowan sarcastically joked with her friend. The two women broke out into a gale of laughter, joined by Mia.
“Ladies, I’m sure Ava will be happy to have all of your help. But for now, we need to get back to business and discuss what needs to be discussed before she gets home,” Wesley said seriously.
“Right then,” Justin began. “After we landed on Antares we immediately started running launch and docking records of the stations. After some difficulty, we did manage to locate the whereabouts of the Draconis on Sceptrum,” he spoke matter-of-factly.
“You located Kaden’s starship?” Wesley raised his eyebrows, showing his astonishment. Kaden usually kept a low profile.
“It had been conveniently re-named, but yes. We knew it was him by the specifications that were listed on the craft.” Justin said quietly.
“Then what are we waiting for, let’s get ready and take care of him out there before he has a chance to come over here,” Wesley spoke excitedly.
“That’s what we were thinking also. So we immediately left Antares for Sceptrum to
see if we could blast his ship right out of the hangar there. However, when we got there, he was gone.”
“Gone?” Wesley couldn’t believe it.
“It’s like he knew we were coming or something. The records indicated he had been docked there for some time. He departed right before we arrived. I assume that Kaden and his crew had been repairing the ship after our last battle,” Justin reported. Wesley could sense his frustration.
“We looked at the deportation logs kept by the ITO,” Naomi continued. “Wesley, do you remember who else likes to hide out on Sceptrum?” She asked carefully, uncertain of how Wesley would react when he heard the news. Wesley looked from Naomi to Justin, and back to Naomi.
“Who?”
“Draves.” Naomi’s voice was barely above a whisper.
“Draves? That psychotic mess of an Asterion? I’m surprised he’s still alive, I would have thought he would have killed himself by now. You know how deranged he’s become over the years.” Wesley wasn’t sure what Naomi was getting at.
“The records indicated that he boarded Kaden’s starship,” she said softly.
“No.” Wesley’s eyes widened as he suddenly realized what was going on, he immediately put the puzzle pieces in order. He paced around the room shaking his head, wondering how Kaden could be so desperate as to ask for help from someone like Draves, whom nobody could trust.
“Well Kaden was never exactly very smart,” Ash added, trying to soften the terrible implications of the news.
“We can only assume that Kaden has enlisted Draves’ help in his fight against us so that he can have an advantage. We know that Draves does not have to be very close to another Asterion to hear thoughts. He could be in a nearby starship and know what we are thinking. There’s really no telling what he can do,” Andre added.
The Solar Flare Page 9
