She smiled, and said, “I would love to do that. I enjoy the adventure of travel on these starships, but they are nothing compared to sitting in front of a fire having a conversation about life with someone you,” she paused, “someone you really like.”
“Then let us take some time away from all else and enjoy this time together.”
56.213.09
The next day, they had a delicious breakfast, and then made their way back to the King’s flagship.
“Your Majesty, I must thank you so very much for allowing me to spend time with Marchioness Tabitha. She took me sailing in a ship on the ocean and it was one of the most exhilarating experiences I have ever had.”
“You are welcome, Admiral.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty. I did not realize that so much pleasure could be had by enjoying the simple things of life, being so caught up in the complexity of managing galaxy-wide enforcement of the rules provided by the Empress. I will let it be known that you are much closer to the real truth of what life is all about than we seem to experience at home.”
“I take that as a positive, Vice-Admiral Wilson-Jackson.”
“Yes, Your Majesty, you should.”
“Have you had any further thoughts about the Outer Sea System?”
“Yes, Your Majesty. After coordination with the Archduke, I was directed to inform you that the Empire claims the Outer Sea and all its contents.”
“Is there no room for negotiation in your charter?”
“None I am able to provide, Your Majesty. However, I will contact Fleet Admiral Wilson and have a conversation about any possibility. It may take a few days, but I will let you know as soon as I get word.”
“Very well. Please let me know as soon as you can.”
Landon stood and bowed slightly to Solon, and said, “Of course, Your Majesty. May I ask a favor of Your Majesty?”
Solon did not know what to expect, but perhaps this would help in the negotiation he still hoped to have. He said, “Well, that depends on the favor, but please, ask away.”
“Thank you. Would it be permissible to ask if Marchioness Tabitha could join me on a quick foray to some of the other stars in your system? I would learn more about what is involved and could show her the changes in technology we have experienced since your ships were built.”
Solon looked at Tabitha, and said, “Tabitha, would you choose to go on this journey? You are under no obligation.”
She replied, “Of course, Your Majesty. I would find it interesting to see the newest technology of a starship and would be honored to participate in this journey.”
“Very well, your favor is granted. But bring her back safely!”
Landon bowed again, “Of course, Your Majesty.”
He walked with Tabitha to his shuttle, and they discussed the situation.
“Tabitha, I hope I did not put you in a bind with the King by asking for this, but I would truly love to spend more time with you and didn’t know how else to make it happen.”
She smiled, and said, “Landon, it is fine. I am very glad you asked, because I also wanted to spend more time with you.”
“Excellent. Also, I do not believe the Empire will negotiate on the possession of these planets, but I will try. You must convince King Solon of this.”
“Landon, the King will never yield. He is King after all and must do what he believes is right for his people.”
“I understand. I pray we find a way through this without anyone getting hurt.”
When they arrived on his ship, he directed several ships to continue to explore the system and left three ships in place. Then they departed to see the remainder of Outer Sea, and he put in a call to his grandfather.
56.217.13
Edric and Kare arrived at the outpost of Buzz Town, a bleak looking place on the planet Hericulon.
“This is a far cry from our world.”
“Yes, it is. The people seem ragged, worn-out and depressed.”
“I wonder if this is what the Empire does to people?”
“I don’t know, but I think we are going to have to do something about our clothes, so we blend in.”
“I wonder what they use for currency?”
“Let’s go in here and find out.”
They went into what looked like a general store, since it had a wide variety of items to select from. Kare walked up to the counter to speak with the girl working there.
“Good Afternoon. What do you use for currency here?”
The girl looked at her, rolled her eyes, and said, “We use the jhetas, of course. Everyone uses the jhetas, it is the only currency in the galaxy.”
“Oh, sorry, we did not know.”
“Obviously. Where are you from?”
“A planet in the outer arm and apparently, the past.”
“Yeah, well those rags you are wearing don’t fit here, or anywhere I would think. But I will buy them from you, they could be good costume rentals.”
“How much?”
“I’ll give you twenty jhetas for your clothes and give you some better rags to wear.”
“Forty.”
“Thirty, final offer.”
“Done. Also, where can we get food?”
“Across the street at Melricks. Not pretty, but good grub.”
“Thanks.”
As they left the store in some old but different clothes, Edric said, “We will need more than thirty jhetas.”
“I know, but let’s get some food first.”
Melricks was clean, it was not classy by any stretch. Still, they had eaten in worse conditions at home. They took a booth by the window and watched the various people walking around.
“What can I get you?”
Kare looked at this rather greasy looking short fat man, he was obviously the proprietor. She said, “We don’t know and don’t have much money.”
“New in town?”
“Yes.”
“Passing through or staying?”
“Passing through. We’re looking for independent traders or some people who are rebelling against the Empire.”
“Shhhhh.” He sat down and looking around to see if anyone could hear, said quietly, “Don’t talk like that out loud, you never know who is listening.” He looked around again and saw that they were in a very quiet side of the diner. He added, “Why would you want to find those people?”
Edric whispered, “Because we are new to this whole Empire thing, having only recently discovered it, and we desire to keep the Empire away from us. We come from a planet covered almost wholly in water, and we know it is a valuable commodity. We are willing to trade water for protection.”
“Hah! Well, you will have no luck. The current Empire is too strong for rebellion. Oh, there are a few who try, but they never win. As far as trading your water for protection, you won’t find any takers. The Empire will simply take your water.”
“That seems unfair.”
“Oh, they will pay you a fair amount for it, but they’ll take it none the less.” He saw how dejected they seemed, and said, “I tell you what. I’ll give you a meal on the house and a few names of people you can ask, but trust me, they won’t help if it involves the Empire.”
“Thank you.”
56.218.23
Helen was alone. She had departed for the capital planet, Meladeran. She didn’t know what to expect. She was not sure she would be welcomed or arrested. The journey would last for weeks. She decided to read and exercise.
She realized it was pointless to wear more than underwear, as there was no one else around, so she went into the closet space and hung up her clothes, then went into the bathroom and evaluated herself with a critical eye. She thought her stomach looked a little too loose – need to work on those abs; her legs were smooth and sturdy, but they lacked strength; and her arms and s
houlders lacked definition. She had time, so she hit the gym with a vengeance.
She began her day with a large glass of water, then breakfast. Next, she hit the gym, legs first, pushing them hard to gain muscle. She had a snack and then worked shoulders and arms. From there she had a solid lunch and waited about an hour afterwards to work abs and back, followed by serious cardio. After this she took her shower – one of the things about this new technology she just loved – and then had supper.
The exercise took seven hours a day, eating took two. That left her plenty of time to read. She had journals and some information on the Empire she had brought along to try and understand. Her plan was to be in the best physical shape possible and be knowledgeable of the Empire by the time she arrived.
She wondered what was happening at home. Solon had told them to implement their plan after fifteen warships had appeared. That wasn’t very many ships, but she was certain that current technology was superior to what she and Outer Sea were using. She hoped it was not too late nor all in vain for her journey to the Empire.
She also thought about Kare and Edric on a journey to find help. Even if they did, would it be enough or in time to be useful? It would be one thing to get help before the Empire found them, but now, would anyone even try?
She hoped her mission would be successful, but how do you get in to see an Emperor? She went to sleep each night dreaming of ways to get inside a palace, but truly, she didn’t even know what the Imperial Palace looked like. Oh well, she would find out soon enough.
56.220.18
Tabitha was amazed at the differences between the technology of this cruiser and the ships of Outer Sea. “You must have been very surprised when you saw how antiquated our ships were.”
“Yes, I was. I actually thought how brave you were to have discovered this technology and embraced it, since it was complicated and unknown, and completely changed your world.”
She smiled, and said, “Yes, it is all those things and more besides. But Solon is determined that we learn it, so we can grow into the people he wants us to be. He also believes it will help us repel the Empire.”
“I wish there was a way to show him the Empire. I don’t think it is what he envisions it to be.”
“Maybe not, but he has read the journals from the original settlers here and it painted a fairly bleak picture of greed, power madness, and harm.”
“That was from a time long before the current Empire. But let’s not talk about politics, not today. I want to show you something.”
She smiled, and said, “Oh? What might that be?”
“Come, let me show you.”
They went to his cabin, and he led her over to the window display in his cabin, a very large view, of the planet below. It was a beautiful.
“Wow, just look at that.”
“Yes, it is lovely.” He paused for a moment, then took her hand and looked into her eyes, saying, “Tabitha, we have only known each other a very short time, and I know we appear to be on opposing sides in this dispute between Outer Sea and the Empire, but…”
She reached up and placed her fingers on his lips, saying, “Dearest Landon, I know what you are trying to say, because I feel it too. But until this is resolved we cannot embrace what may be, it could end up being too hard. If my King commands I fight you, I will. If your Empress commands you fight me, you will. Let’s wait and see what happens to our lives first.”
He smiled, and said, “Wow. Beautiful, courageous and wise. I don’t know what I have done to deserve even this much of you, but I am thankful.”
Tabitha blushed, saying, “I believe we are both blessed.”
He leaned in slowly, and gently for a kiss. She stood there and slowly, she yielded to the desire she felt, and leaned in to participate in this first, soft, gentle kiss. They stayed there for a while, enjoying each other’s company, but knowing it must end soon.
Finally, Landon said, “I believe we know our hearts, but now we must return to your King and see where the future goes.”
“Yes, I agree to both thoughts.”
He led her through the corridors to her stateroom, and with a short kiss, said goodnight. Then he returned to the bridge and directed all ships to return to Pelapatia. Lastly, he went to his cabin and called his grandfather, as there were things he needed to say.
56.221.15
In talking with his captains, Landon was informed there were about forty planets with water, but only about five planets with people living on them. That was more than enough to fill the needs of the central planets. He called his grandfather and reported this vast resource, and they agreed that for now, there was no option but to claim the water and send tankers to begin retrieving it. He would need to inform the King.
The next day they returned from their journey having seen other planets in the system and shown Tabitha the newer technology. As they were walking to the shuttle, he felt he needed to tell Tabitha something. “Tabitha, there is one thing I have not yet told you.”
“Yes? And what would that be?”
“When I called my grandfather, I was actually calling the Fleet Admiral of the entire galactic Star Fleet.”
“Why would you tell me you were calling your grandfather?”
“Because my grandfather is the Fleet Admiral.”
She was shocked. “Really? You managed to leave that out?”
“Yes, and that is not all. He is the brother to my great aunt, the Empress.”
Tabitha was even more shocked, but surprisingly, she was not angry. Instead, she began to laugh. “Oh my God! Landon, how could you keep this secret from me? What is it like? What is the Imperial Palace like? Does this mean there may be hope to avoid this war?”
He smiled, and said, “Slow down! I can’t wait to take you there, but for now, I just don’t know what can be done. My grandfather knows all that I could tell him about Outer Sea, and he is thinking about what to do. But he said that in the meantime, we have no choice but to move the interests of the Empire forward. That is what I must tell King Solon today.”
“Oh, so while there may be hope, it isn’t here yet.”
“Yes. I only ask you to not hate me for doing what I have to do, while hoping for a different solution.”
“Landon, I couldn’t hate you. I may hate the Empire if it causes harm to my people, but never you.”
The shuttle ride did not take long, and he was brought into the presence of the King.
“Good Afternoon and welcome back.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
Looking at Tabitha, Solon said, “I trust you learned a few things about their newer technology while on this journey?”
“Yes, Sire. It is very different from what we have and much more advanced.”
“I see. Then we will need to purchase newer equipment. But that is not the issue for today. Tell me, Admiral Wilson-Jackson, what is the final word from the Empire?”
“Your Majesty, while there may be discussions ongoing in the palace regarding the fate of Outer Sea, the Empire does reinstate its claim to the Outer Sea system. The Imperial Navy will arrive soon with water tankers to take possession of the planets and begin actions to transfer water to the galactic center.”
Solon was outraged and angry at this turn of events. “Over my dead body! Outer Sea is and will remain free. I believe your time here is done, please leave.”
Landon bowed again. “Yes, Your Majesty.”
Solon left his flagship and returned to Castle Immoria, his home. He told Tabitha to direct all the captains of the fleet to join them for a meeting the next day. He took Tabitha with him.
He hadn’t spoken since they left the ship. It was only when he entered the great hall of his castle that he spoke.
“Tabitha, we haven’t had a lot of time together, as you were the Commander of the Fleet under Edric during the war. However, over th
e past year I have come to trust you, especially your intuition, completely. So, tell me, what do you sense in our current situation?”
“Your Majesty…”
He stopped her. “No, Tabitha. We are alone, please call me Solon. I want to have an informal conversation about our lives and what may happen to them soon.”
“As you wish, Solon. Honestly, I am in a quandary. You may not know it, but I did spend time with Landon, the Vice-Admiral, and he is such a genuine and decent person. I only recently discovered he is the great nephew of the Empress, and his grandfather is none other than the Fleet Admiral of the entire Imperial Fleet.”
“Really? You mean we were that close to the ones who actually possess power?”
“Yes. He told me he talked with his grandfather and told him all that he had learned. He said that the Fleet Admiral would speak with the Empress, but for now, he had no choice but to enforce the Empire’s desire to acquire the water we possess. I really think something more will happen, I just don’t know when.”
“Alright, well, that is good information, but we still must prepare for the worst-case scenario. Tabitha, I will not surrender our people or our property to an Empire that takes first and discusses the results after the fact. It is for this reason we need to discuss whatever strategy we can come up with. We have seen how they appear with their starships. Is there a way we could deploy our ships, so we could take advantage of their initial appearance?”
“I don’t know, Solon. Their equipment is so much more advanced than ours. I don’t know what all of their capability is. But I would suggest we discuss how we can divide our fleet into teams, and have these teams be prepared to act in unison to support an overall attack strategy.”
“Thank you, Tabitha. I will step back and allow you to lead the discussion tomorrow and help us create a strategy that may save us, if only for a while.”
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