by Juli Blood
“I wasn’t raised that way. I was separated from my brother at 16 and was never with Jasmine at all. Usually I was with my father or one of his aides. We did fun things together just the two of us until I left home for my formal education. That was about it.”
“I’m sorry,” Kalea said, saddened by what sounded to her like a very structured, strict and lonely childhood. “We have a saying that says 'If a man is good to his mother he will be good to his wife.' I’m just trying to get to know you and understand how you think, but we don’t have common reference points on so many things that I’m not sure how to go about it.”
“I guess it will just take time,” Bryan acknowledged, again wondering what his life would be like when the agreement was fulfilled and he was simply the husband of the queen. She had said he would be a member of the Advisory Board but they both knew he would not be king.
“Look at the sunset,” Kalea said in wonder. Tonight the clouds were thin and wispy above the horizon. Never did she tire of the Holy One’s handy work. As the sun sank, the cloud's colors changed and as the final pinkish purple faded to black, she sighed.
“It’s amazing isn’t it? Yet the Holy One makes it different every evening.” Kalea whispered so as not to disturb the moment.
“Now I know what glorious means,” Bryan said as he cupped their clasped hands together with his free hand and gave her hand a gentle caress.
A moment later a light blinked on Kalea’s AVID and she said, “The evening meal is ready.”
~
Breakfast the next morning was in the main dining room so that everyone could discuss their progress. Randolph was pleased to report that he discovered a case of bio identification sensors that had been ordered for SC-17 and incorrectly shipped to SC-1 and then to a storage facility in a nearby village because no one knew what to do with them since the explosion. Randolph had sent two men to collect them last evening and they had just returned.
“If everything goes smoothly, I will have them installed in two hours. It will then take another hour to put all the new bio data in and then all the Environmental Restoration teams and their equipment will be ready for departure.”
“Excellent!” King Douglas said from the head of the table before taking another bite of eggs and focusing his attention on King Charles Williams.
“We have verified the identity of each member of the Environmental Restoration teams and their support personnel including the pilots and others traveling with them to Saxionias. This verification was done using newly collected bio samples and comparing them to actual hard copy information that was on file in the med lab. Although I was unaware that such hard copies were even in existence prior to yesterday.”
King Douglas nodded and then turned to Queen Larraine Hatchins. She had overseen the interrogation of Benjamin Kellman and had some interesting news to share. “It seems Mr. Kellman is indeed capable of breaching our security.” Giving a dramatic pause that she was well known for, she then continued, “However, he did not. We feel confident in his abilities and his loyalties which are very strong in relation to Crown Prince Bryan and he is supportive of the agreement between our worlds, however he feels Crown Prince Bryan would have made an excellent king of Saxionias and he is concerned regarding the long term effects this marriage will have there. He also thinks that Princess Kalea is stunning and he hopes she and Bryan have a wonderful marriage.”
Smiles circled the table and Kalea was trying hard not to blush while she waited for more. Queen Larraine continued, “After he had rested we explained the situation regarding Princess Kalea’s shuttle and our concerns regarding the others. He quickly set to work and hasn’t stopped. His last report, just before dawn, said he might have found out how they got into the system but, if he is right, it will be hard to eradicate the problem. He actually made an interesting suggestion that we simply build new systems for each ship from completely new materials and replace all the old equipment to make sure the problem is eradicated. He then suggested helping to write the new code in order to speed up the process.”
“Hmm,” King Douglas didn’t say anything else or look at anyone else for a few minutes as he considered this suggestion. Finally, he looked up and directed his gaze at Bryan and then slowly encompassed the entire table. “Prince Gilbert agrees with Mr. Kellman and has set things in motion to completely rebuild from new materials all the ships' systems just in case there is code hiding in a non-essential program that could re-infect the new equipment when it is installed. However, I am concerned about the time involved, so I have confiscated several transport vessels from merchants here on Estar Beta. They are currently being loaded with supplies of food and water for the Environmental Restoration teams and will travel with them to Saxionias. Two other smaller transports are also being called into service, one of which will transport Princess Kalea and Crown Prince Bryan to Space Port 5.”
Looking back at Bryan he asked, “Would you put your life in the hands of Benjamin Kellman?”
Bryan didn’t even hesitate, “Yes Sir. I actually have on several occasions. He has never failed me.”
“Very well. He will accompany you both to Space Port 5 to assist Prince Gilbert in his efforts. No one is to know when or how you will be leaving until you are gone. Also, Benjamin is not to know that he is accompanying you until the very last minute. Any questions?” King Douglas asked the table at large.
“Yes,” Kalea said. “King Charles, how soon do you think you will have all of my new staff and security detail confirmed?”
Smiling King Charles answered. “We have already begun and expect to be done by night fall.”
Kalea nodded and then turned to Queen Larraine. “Are you also overseeing the stocking of the supply vessels for the Environmental Restoration teams?”
“Yes. We started on that after we finished with Mr. Kellman last evening. Was there something specific you needed that isn’t already on the supplies list?” Queen Larraine asked.
“If you have the room I would like to double the amount of fresh fruit and vegetable storage units and add a unit of seeds and a half unit of soil. I’m not sure why, but I feel very strongly about this and if there is room extra hazmat suits and protective gear of that nature,” Kalea said with a far off look in her eyes that others recognized but which confused Bryan a bit.
“The vessels that we will be using are larger than those originally allocated for this purpose. All of those supplies will easily fit. If any other items come to you, just let me know as soon as possible,” Queen Larraine answered.
“Father, has Dr. Wingate reported to you on Nathan’s progress thus far?” Kalea asked.
“Yes. I was going to mention it later but he is doing very well and responding to treatment,” King Douglas said.
“I believe Dr. Wingate said it would be just under two weeks to complete his treatments. That will give us some time in case I think of something else that we might need.” Kalea said with a smile to Queen Larraine.
“Actually another option has been decided on,” King Douglas answered and when King Charles and Queen Larraine nodded, Kalea realized she would have to wait to find out what they were referring to. Kalea let it pass.
General conversation and comments on the food concluded the meal and soon everyone was off to complete some aspect of their tasks.
“Princess Kalea, I just received word that Princess Jasmine will be arriving shortly.” Edward said softly from behind her shoulder.
“I assume all the necessary arrangements have been made?” Kalea asked.
“Yes, Your Highness. We are prepared. I just thought you should be aware.” Edward answered.
“Thank you. Let me know when her shuttle is landing.” Kalea instructed with a smile. Edward bowed and slipped away as quietly as he had appeared.
Moments later King Douglas rose from the table and they simply followed him to his office. Knowing that only there would he inform them of the latest decisions the Royal Council had made.
Henry s
aw them coming and held open the door as all three passed. He was just going to close the door when Prince Randolph arrived to join them.
“Please, have a seat,” King Douglas said as he watched Henry close the door and then pressed the button on his desk. “Due to the many recent developments regarding our agreement with Saxionias, the Royal Council has voted to change the method with which Saxionias fulfills their obligation. The original plan was for the Saxionias delegation to tour our space ports and planetary defense structures and make recommendations and supply additional weapons, surveillance equipment and overall defense training.” Kalea and Randolph nodded. Bryan simply waited.
“With our security encryption already breached, we have decided to use a different tactic. All of the Saxionias delegation, except for Bryan and Benjamin, who will be off world shortly, will be moved according to their area of expertise to one of three military bases here on Estar Beta. There, they will train our forces regarding equipment and weapons. Access to our current systems will not be granted and placement of new equipment and weapons will be at our discretion.
“Nathan will still be in command of all the Saxionias delegation and he will travel from base to base to assist as needed. Bryan, we would appreciate your help in informing your staff of this, as Nathan is currently resting from this morning’s treatment. We would like you to simply contact each team that is currently deployed and have them report to the appropriate base. I know this was not what you planned, but we hope that it will be a step in the right direction without increasing the risk to Estar Beta as a whole.” King Douglas concluded and then waited for Bryan’s response.
“To be completely truthful Sir, I originally planned to work with your government in such a way. Your original willingness to go so far beyond this amazed me. We can certainly accommodate you on this issue but there will be some things that can’t be done without more information.” Pausing for a moment Bryan decided to pose a possible solution to the saboteur problem.
“Might I make a suggestion?” At King Douglas’s nod he continued. “Since we do not as yet know who breached your security, perhaps you could randomly rotate my staff around the three locations and interrogate them all one at a time until you find a suspect or prove them all loyal. I know that may sound strange, but since your method of interrogation is painless and effective I will approve the use of it on my staff. After all, as you mentioned at breakfast, my life is also on the line.”
“Very well,” King Douglas agreed and would have asked Randolph a question but noticed that Bryan seemed to have more to say. “Is there something else?”
“Yes. If Dr. Wingate feels that Nathan is up to it, I would like him to be one of the first interrogated. Then I want him brought up to speed on the entire plan and given a means by which to communicate with Kalea and me that bypasses my government completely.” He felt like a traitor but he knew it had to be done.
“That isn’t necessary...” King Douglas said but then continued before anyone could comment. “…but it is appreciated. You are far wiser than many.”
Bryan didn’t answer. He just hoped that Nate and Benjamin would forgive him. He would have volunteered himself but knew the link was all the proof they would ever need. Suddenly he felt a bit exposed and uncomfortable but didn’t let it show outwardly.
Kalea, unsure exactly what Bryan was thinking, couldn’t help but sense his feelings. She wanted to talk to him but felt he needed some privacy and so she held back.
“After you have contacted your staff and Nathan regarding these changes, you will be leaving Estar Beta. The specific details of your departure, including its time and allocated personnel will remain on a “need to know” basis. Kalea your security detail, led by Franklin, will be joining you, as will three members of Bryan’s detail and Benjamin. All other staffing will be sent separately. We will add bio identification systems to the transport you will be using. Gilbert is already working on including this same feature in the new security system he is working on.
“I realize this might not give you a lot of time to visit with your sister, Bryan, but it seems your father is quite anxious to have you return. I’m hoping the arrival of the Environmental Restoration teams on 6th day will ease his anxiety,” King Douglas explained.
“Oh, and Bryan do you wish to take Leo along or would he be more useful to you here?” King Douglas asked.
“Truthfully, Leo does not like to be my personal assistant. He may be able to assist Nathan or I could just send him back to Saxionias with my shuttle and say that he is to prepare for our arrival. However, he should be interrogated first and then, if possible, perhaps you could help him forget that he was.” Bryan gave a small smile and then continued.
“If I might ask, what was Leo’s position prior to being your assistant?” Randolph asked.
“Oh, he was my assistant, just not my personal assistant. He prefers office work,” Bryan said with a smile. Everyone laughed at that and then Kalea suggested they go prepare for Princess Jasmine’s arrival. Within the hour Kalea and Bryan were waiting in the same gray tunnels that Bryan first saw upon his arrival. Bryan had just enough time to contact his teams with the change in their orders before she arrived. He was also thankful that Henry had provided the information regarding the three military bases and which teams were needed where.
Just then the doors opened and out came two security guards followed immediately by Jasmine and her two personal attendants. As the last attendant cleared the doorway a third guard exited and closed the door behind him.
“Welcome, Princess Jasmine,” Kalea greeted using her always improving language skills. “I am Princess Kalea, and I would like to officially welcome you to Estar Beta.”
“Thank you for your kind greeting,” Jasmine replied as she stepped forward and gave a brief curtsy.
Using the link Kalea asked, ‘Where are the rest of her security detail and staff?’
‘This is all that was provided,’ Bryan answered before speaking aloud to his sister. “It is good to see you again Princess Jasmine. I am sure you will find your stay here a wonderful experience. However, due to security and health concerns you will need to follow us to the Med Lab for a brief examination and then you will be shown to your quarters.”
Jasmine barely had time to nod her head when Bryan turned and began leading the way. Kalea stayed at his side but wasn’t sure how to react to their very formal treatment of each other.
Arriving at the Med Lab, Princess Jasmine simply stood at the window and stared at the garden. Her staff had a difficult time not doing the same. Med techs quickly ran their tests and took DNA samples in an effort to verify each person’s identity. Then after the necessary immunizations, everyone was dismissed.
As they left the Med Lab, Princess Jasmine ventured a question to her brother. “Crown Prince Bryan?”
Stopping, Bryan turned to face her on the path through the garden and raised an eyebrow signaling her to continue.
“Is this all real?” Jasmine asked with a sweep of her hand at the lovely garden and the lush forest beyond.
Smiling, Bryan answered, “Yes, Jasmine, it is all very real.”
Everyone heard her sigh of pleasure as they resumed their walk to the palace. Once inside they showed Princess Jasmine and her staff to a large suite on the third floor a bit down the hall from their own. The suite had adequate accommodations for Jasmine and her attendants and Bryan had summoned two of his own security detail to guide Jasmine’s to their quarters.
Jasmine’s suite looked out over the garden and Kalea realized it couldn’t have been more perfect for the girl. Surprised that she thought of Jasmine as a girl when they were nearly the same age, she realized it must be a reaction to Jasmine’s response to nature. Even now Jasmine stood at the windows looking out at it.
“While your attendants settle in why don’t we take a walk in the garden, Jasmine?” Bryan suggested and watched as Jasmine was out the door in a heartbeat. “She’s really fascinated by the garden it seems
.”
“So it would appear,” Kalea answered as she and Bryan followed Jasmine back outside.
They walked out toward the rose arbor before Bryan addressed Jasmine again. “Jasmine I am not sure what Father told you regarding your presence on Estar Beta?”
“Oh, you know Father. He sent a message to be prepared to leave for Estar Beta as soon as possible and the length of stay was indefinite. Mother had a fit and learned that there was some type of trouble and that another Royal was needed to show our continued commitment to the agreement or project or something.” Jasmine answered without taking her eyes off the rose she was studying.
“The trouble includes the destruction of an underwater city that is showing evidence of Saxionias terrorists. Do you realize what this means?” Bryan asked.
Finally looking up from the flower Jasmine gave in to a temptation she had fought for a very long time. “Yes, I understand Bryan. I’m not stupid and I resent the implication.”
Bryan was surprised by his sister’s outburst but didn’t let it show. Feeling Kalea’s smile and her efforts to hold back a laugh were nearly his undoing. Shooting a glance in her direction, he focused back on his sister. “Nate is undergoing treatment. He was attacked by a man impersonating a member of my staff. It will be two weeks before he is fully recovered. When he is, he will be taking charge of our delegation here on Estar Beta. I’m not really sure what, if any, duties you will have but I’m sure Queen Nadia and Princess Alexis will help you settle in and find your place.”
“Actually,” Kalea interrupted. “My mother is going to be hosting a banquet soon for the Ministry of Education; I’m sure she and Alexis could use your assistance. Also, it will be a wonderful opportunity for you to learn more about our culture and perhaps take advantage of your time here on Estar Beta.”
Jasmine nodded and Bryan seemed to relax a little at the suggestion. Kalea knew that between her mother and Alexis, Jasmine would have a wonderful stay.
“It will be nice getting to know you as well,” Jasmine said to Kalea with a smile.
