“Well?”
“Admiral, I triple checked the math to understand what I am reading. At our maximum speed, in twenty days we should have traveled six hundred and seventy-three lightyears. However, my instruments indicate we have actually traveled one hundred and sixty-eight thousand, three hundred and twenty-nine lightyears. Based upon this, we should complete the crossing to the Andromeda galaxy in another two hundred and seventy-seven days.”
“My God. Less than a year to cover two million five hundred thousand lightyears.”
“Yes. It appears our speculation regarding space/time in regions with no interruptions to disrupt the smoothness of space is correct, and that it has a specific relationship to the speed available for travel.”
“Gabby.”
“Yes, Your Majesty?”
“Well done. Please stop by and see me later.”
“Alright then, since we now know we have a finite yet long journey, I suggest we engage and get moving.”
“Aye, Admiral.”
Later, once the excitement had died down, Gabby and Simon made their way to the cabin where the Empress resided. They did not know what to expect but knocked on the door. Heather opened it. As they entered, they saw the Empress sitting in a chair in the living room.
“Your Majesty, you asked to see us?”
Stephanie laughed, saying, “Please, we are private, and I need a hug from my niece!”
Gabby nearly ran to her and gave/received a big hug.
“You too, Simon, I need a hug from you.”
Once the hugs were over, she said, “I still don’t believe the two of you realize that it is your discoveries that have changed the very universe we are in. Your intellect, spirit of adventure, willingness to try new things; everything you have done has changed the universe. We are traveling to another galaxy because you discovered how to travel at speeds faster than light. I am always in awe of you. Please, whatever you do, don’t change.”
“Thanks, Aunt Stephanie. We thought we might be in trouble when you summoned us.”
“Never. I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for all that you have done and continue to do. Jeffrey and Heather share this as well. Jeffrey would not be able to function on the bridge without you.”
“True, but don’t let it go to your heads!”
They all laughed. Gabby then walked over to Heather and gave her a very long hug. “I am only able to do what I do because I found my mom and she loves me unconditionally.”
“Yes, I do dear, and always will.”
57.055.18
“Dear, Stephanie and Solon seem to be getting along very well, but I think they need a little push.”
“Yes, I agree; but she is very much focused on what happens when we arrive in the Andromeda Galaxy. I am not sure she is up to getting into a romantic relationship right now.”
“I understand, but still; how about if we have them over for dinner?”
“That would be okay. I’ll coordinate with her.”
At point eighteen Stephanie arrived at their quarters.
“Hi, Steph!”
“Hi Heather. Where’s Jeffrey?”
“Oh, you now, in the kitchen cooking away.”
“Really? The Fleet Admiral still finds time to cook?”
They laughed and switched into the conversation about the future they always seemed to talk about. But before they could get too deep into it, he entered the room.
“Hi, Steph, glad you could make it.”
“Well, there isn’t a lot to do until we get there.”
“I know, but still, it is nice to push it all aside for a few minutes.”
At that time the announcement indicated Solon had arrived. Heather welcomed him.
“Hi, Solon, we’re so glad you could join us tonight.”
“Thank you, but I would never pass on a chance to spend some time with all of you, especially Stephanie.”
Stephanie blushed slightly, saying, “Hi, Solon, please, come in.”
“Thank you. Stephanie, there is something I must ask you, and you have said that Heather and Jeffrey are your sister and brother and I could ask anything in front of them. So here goes. I really want to spend more time with you, but you seem skittish of that idea. Is it something I have done?”
Stephanie smiled, and said, “Solon, I want to spend time with you as well. The problem I have, at this moment in time, is that we are traveling to what could be another fight, and I want to avoid distraction, regardless of how wonderful it may be, until this next confrontation is completed.”
“Okay, I understand that.”
“Yes, and that is precisely why we invited the two of you to dinner. It gives you a chance to be together while avoiding any perceptions or generating any distractions for our team.”
Stephanie walked up to Solon, and reached out and held his hands, saying, “I am so glad you are here.” She then leaned in and gave him a quick kiss.
“Alright, then perhaps we can have a drink and some appetizers. Heather, would you do the honors?”
They all chatted and visited for a while until Jeffrey got up and left for the kitchen, and he said, “Dinner’s ready!”
Solon was amazed at the meal. “Jeffrey, this must be one of the best meals I have ever tasted. I did not know you were such a chef!”
“Yes, Jeffrey, one of your many qualities is your ability in the kitchen. I must say, this meal is simply divine.”
“Thank you both. This is one of my favorite meals.”
“How did you manage to get such fresh food for this?”
He smiled, “Well, there are a few perks being the Fleet Admiral. I worked with the chief of stores and he managed to create a special freezer for me that will keep enough beef, chicken, fish and other assorted food fresh for about five years. After that, we will all be served powdered protein and biological generated mash.”
Stephanie raised her glass, “To Fleet Admiral Wilson, a true protector of the Empress’ Palate!”
“Hear, hear!”
“And what is this meal we are sharing tonight?”
“This is one of Jeffrey’s favorite, and mine as well. It is a chicken cordon bleu, and rosemary red potatoes. “
“I have loved this meal now for a long time and just can’t quite seem to find anything that beats it for that home cooked deliciousness, well, aside from that crab stuffed filet. Wait until we have the Crème Brulee’!”
“We have nothing this delicious at home. Thank you, I am honored to share this meal with you.”
“Not to worry, Solon, but these are the types of foods you will have to get used to if you hang out with us.”
“I can do this! A toast!”
“Cheers!”
They continued the meal, allowing Stephanie and Solon to get to know each other better, and providing a space where they could begin to grow a quiet relationship without the fear of causing any distractions from the mission.
57.147.13
“It always amazes me that a battleship can have such wonderful things inside.”
“Well, you are here. There isn’t anything I can think of more wonderful than that.”
Tabitha blushed and kissed him. They were walking through one of the gardens in the battleship. They served more than one purpose. Vegetables were grown here, oxygen created, and the flowers kept spirits up. These new ships were several miles long and while devastating in their firepower, went out of the way to make life for those on board bearable.
“Time seems to go by so fast, even while we are traveling the stars.”
“Yes. It’s amazing to think that in a little over four months we will be in a new galaxy. Who would ever have dreamed something like this could happen?”
“I know. It’s all a dream.”
Landon took her hands and looking into her ey
es, said, “The dream, my dear, is alive in your eyes. You are the most beautiful and wonderful woman I have ever known. I love you.”
“I love you.”
They kissed and then stayed on the bench in the garden for some time, just being together. Finally, he said, “Are you hungry?”
“Yes, actually, I’m starving.”
He laughed, “I think being in love makes a person hungry, because I am too. Let’s go see what’s available.”
They walked hand in hand down the corridor to the restaurant area and found a quiet table in a bistro. They ordered a bottle of cabernet and dinner, then sat looking into each other’s eyes for a while. Once the wine arrived, they raised their glasses and clinked a toast to themselves. Then Landon moved from the seat across from her to the seat more beside her and leaned over and kissed her.
“I do not know why I am so lucky. I mean, only a few years ago I was riding the waves of the sea, Commander of the Navy. Now I find myself crossing the gulf between galaxies with the person I love.”
“I would argue I am the lucky one. I was trapped in a life not of my making, as grandson to the Fleet Admiral and the Archduchess, nephew to the Empress, my life pretty planned out. Then you arrived, and I remember the first time I saw you, your eyes pierced my heart and your smile tore me apart. I knew, then, that I had to find a way to be with you.”
“And now we are traveling together to a possible war in a distant galaxy.”
“Yes, but at least we are traveling together.”
Tabitha leaned over and kissed him, then rested her head on his shoulder. “I pray one day we get past all the fighting and see a day when we can live in peace. Then we can truly enjoy the life we may have.”
“Yes, I agree. But until that day, I want to be by your side.”
“I love you.”
“I love you.”
57.178.17
“Stephanie, would you have dinner with me tonight?”
“Of course. Will anyone be joining us?”
He smiled, “Yes, per protocol, we will have chaperones.”
Stephanie chuckled, “Sounds bad when you say it that way.”
“Well, it’s only for a short while. We should reach the Andromeda Galaxy in a little over three months. Maybe things will change after that.”
“I certainly hope so, but time will tell.”
“As to our chaperones, I invited Heather and Jeffrey to join us, and also Edric, Kare and Helen.”
“Sounds like fun. Who’s cooking?”
“Not me, I can assure you. I am no Jeffrey in the kitchen. No, it is being prepared by the kitchen staff.”
“Well, I know it will be delicious. What time do you want me to arrive?”
“Plan on nineteen.”
“Okay, I will see you then.”
She gave him a quick kiss on the cheek and departed back to her quarters.
Everyone arrived at about the same time. “Welcome, everyone. Your Majesty, thank you for joining us this evening.”
“With this small family get together, please call me Stephanie.”
“Thank you, I wanted to make sure. Alright, before we get to the meal, which will probably not be as good as what you prepare, Jeffrey, I would like to propose a toast.”
“I am certain the meal will be even better than one I prepare but thank you for the compliment.”
“You’re welcome. Now, does everyone have a glass? A toast, to our fearless leader! A lady and a fighter, a lovely woman I am quickly falling in love with. To you, dear.”
Everyone waited to see how Stephanie would react to this public open admission of his love for her. She smiled and walked over to him, and for only the second time in her life, kissed a man square on the lips in front of other people. Everyone cheered! Stephanie smiled a huge grin and shared a momentary look with Heather and Jeffrey. Then she only had eyes for Solon.
“Thank you, Solon. I am also falling in love with you.” Looking around at these friends, she added, “But please, I beg each of you not to mention this to anyone. We still have an army to lead and a possible fight ahead. But I am glad we can be in the open with you, but not yet with others.”
Everyone was happy for them and very supportive. Finally, they went in for dinner.
“Well, Solon, I must say this is fabulous, yet oddly familiar. Who prepared this?”
“Oh, let me bring out the chef.”
Solon got up and went into the kitchen and returned a few minutes later with Chef Stanley and Sierra.
“Oh! No wonder the meal was delicious and familiar! Wonderful job, you two!”
After the evening wound down and everyone left, Stephanie found herself wrapped in Solon’s arms, and they shared a long passionate time together, kissing and just holding each other, before she left for her own quarters.
57.184.11
“Mom, are you and dad free to talk?”
“Yes, dear, of course. Come in.”
“Thanks, mom.”
Simon was in their living room when he arrived. “Hi Landon, how goes it?”
“Wonderful dad. Can we all sit for a few minutes?”
Gabby and Simon sat on the couch and looked at each other and shared a knowing smile.
“I am not sure how to start; but let me say that I think I have found the lady I want to spend the rest of my life with.”
Gabby smiled, saying, “Yes, and that would be?”
He laughed, “You know I am talking about Tabitha.”
Simon chuckled, “Yes, dear son, we know who you are deeply in love with. We are more surprised it has taken you this long, than that you are talking about it now.”
“But dad, how do you know? I mean, how did you know mom was the one?”
“Let me try and put it this way. Your mother, from the first moment I laid eyes on her, has been the center of my universe. I could not breathe without her in my life. I could not function or feel alive without her beside me. She is my morning and evening, my night and day. Simply put, she is everything that has any value to me.”
“Do you feel towards her like your father feels towards me?”
“Yes, I do!”
“Then what are you waiting for? Go ask the girl to marry you.”
He hugged them both, then set off to find the lady of his dreams. He found her doing what he expected, exercising in the gym.
“Hey Tabs, when you are finished, can we talk?”
“Sure Landon. Can you give me fifteen to take a quick shower?”
“I’ll be waiting in the Nebula Lounge.”
“Okay, I’ll be there as soon as I can.”
He left and went to the lounge and took a table in the center of the room. All around were images of the various nebula they had observed in the universe, full of sparkling lights and colors to bring them to life. He ordered a bottle of the finest champagne on the menu, then fingered the ring in his pocket and nervously waited.
Tabitha had felt something a little different in his plan, so instead of putting the old clothes she had back on, she ran like crazy to her quarters, showered and changed into a dress. She chose a deep blue off-shoulder dress and grabbed a pair of shoes and ran to the lounge. She stopped outside and put the shoes on, then waited a moment to slow her heart. Once she calmed, she entered the lounge.
Landon was sitting in the central table and seeing her took his breath away. She was a vision of beauty and grace as she made her way to him. He stood, and when she arrived, he took her hand and gently kissed it, then helped her sit, before taking his own seat.
“My goodness, this is unexpected.”
“It shouldn’t be.”
He was so full of passion he nearly exploded. He stood, then knelt down beside her, and pulling the ring from his pocket, said, “Tabitha, I cannot stand another moment without you. You are the sunris
e in my life, the beauty and wonder of the universe brought down in human form. I love you more than I can ever tell you and want you always. Would you please consider becoming my wife?”
She blushed, but quickly responded, “Yes!”
He stood, and she launched herself into his arms and they shared a deep passionate kiss, before he placed the ring on her finger. Then they poured champagne and toasted to their love.
“I don’t want to wait, my love. Can we get married soon?”
“I think we should get married before we arrive in Andromeda and be the first marriage in the void between galaxies.”
“Yes! Let’s make that happen!”
“I love you so much.”
“Oh God, I love you.”
57.200.19
About two weeks later, plans were made and there was a wedding on the GSS Defiant. Stephanie agreed to preside over the first wedding between galaxies. As a gift to her nephew, she ordered the entire fleet to exit hyperspace, just so there would be marvelous star visualizations for the ceremony.
The ceremony was held in one of the large gardens, which had very big windows that showed the Milky Way and Andromeda galaxies above. The gardeners had gone overboard in creating a dreamlike space with flowers of all types and colors, while the electricians had crafted lights that emphasized the flowers but did not interfere in the visual of the two galaxies in the windows above.
Empress Stephanie the First took her place at the altar. Vice Admiral Sir Landon Wilson-Jackson, Knight of the Realm, escorted his parents down the aisle and then took his spot. His best man, his grandfather, Fleet Admiral Archduke Jeffrey Wilson, followed with Archduchess Heather Wilson, and seated her beside Grand Princess Gabby Wilson-Jackson, Grand Prince Simon Jackson, and Lady Lanica Wilson-Jackson, before taking his place beside Landon. The Maid of Honor, Marchioness Karondellia of Outer Sea, took her place, and the remaining Lords and Ladies took their places. Once they were in place, the music changed, and they all stood for the Bride.
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