by Juli Blood
“Ah, but you have. Oh, you haven’t solved the crime but you have determined that whoever breached the system had to have some type of physical contact with the shuttle. So, have whoever is in charge of Douglas’ security review the surveillance footage from the shuttle bay - for the past year if necessary - and see if they can find anyone without proper authorization making any type of physical contact with Kalea’s shuttle. In the meantime, you can modify or create new programs for this ship and make security around it as tight as possible so it doesn’t happen again.”
Several seconds passed before Gilbert slowly started to nod his head. Turning again to the ship, he studied her fine lines and sheer size. Unlike Kalea’s personal shuttle that comfortably seated four this ship was designed to carry a crew of nearly 100 and was fully capable of defending itself. It even had 5 small shuttle craft in its launch bay in addition to its 25 fighters. They were small, but fast. The biggest problem he had was finding secure locations where this ship could dock.
“I see your point Uncle Evan. I needed a new perspective; and now I need sleep.” Turning to his uncle he said, “Rose is not really happy with me right now. How about you come back with me and work some of your charm on her while I get some rest. When I wake up, I will make peace with her and start fresh. Please?”
“Sure, I would love to see Rose again and enjoy some of her delicious cooking,” Evan said as he watched Gilbert activate the ship's basic security system and then the hangers. Just before they cleared the hanger doorway, Gilbert pulled a little ball from his pocket, pushed a panel of it in, and set it on the floor just inside the door. Once it was placed he cleared the doorway and the door closed. “What was that last little number?” Evan couldn’t help but ask.
“A fully independent motion sensor I developed earlier this year. I only made 4 prototypes but with everything going on I forgot to get Randy and Kalea’s opinion on them. I always check with them first and then show them to Father. It’s saved me a few embarrassing moments over the years,” Gilbert chucked as he remembered a few of his less-than-successful ideas.
“So, why is Rose upset with you?” Evan asked to divert any questions about why he was interested in the new invention.
“Oh, we had to leave Estar Beta so quickly she didn’t get to say good bye to anyone, and we ended up leaving almost everything behind. She didn’t mind that though because she thought we were going home, only to find out we were coming here and that we needed to stay silent until Kalea and Bryan arrive,” Gilbert explained.
“Bryan? Who’s Bryan?” Evan asked. He had been out of the area for almost half a year and was only now catching up on all his correspondence.
“Crown Prince Bryan Alexandros is Kalea’s husband, and was the leader of the Saxionias delegation on Estar Beta until it was discovered that a new experimental fuel that Saxionias is in the process of developing was used to increase the effectiveness of the Nitroplast 7 used to destroy SC-17. Now he is trying to ensure that the agreement he sacrificed his crown and freedom for doesn’t fall apart,” Gilbert explained.
“Could he be the one trying to sabotage Kalea’s shuttle?” Evan asked wondering how badly he might want his crown back.
“He didn’t,” Gilbert said. “He and Kalea were able to link. She’s been paying attention and she feels that he is being sincere. It’s hard to argue with her on that one.”
Stopping outside the door to the Royal Suite, Gilbert waited for the scan that verified his identity and opened the door. “Rose Dear, I’m back and I found Uncle Evan while I was out. I brought him back for dinner. I hope you don’t mind?”
Rose had come from the seating area off to the right and at seeing Gilbert’s Uncle, quickly schooled her expression. “Why, Uncle Evan, what a pleasant surprise! I hadn’t heard that you were back from your sabbatical yet.”
“Sabbatical my foot,” Evan declared as he moved forward for a quick hug. “I quit, but Nadia refused my letter of resignation. What does a man have to do?”
“When it comes to my mother there isn’t much you can do to change her mind,” Gilbert said as he gave Rose a quick hug followed by a kiss on the cheek. “I need to rest a bit, Dear. Would you mind spending some time with Uncle Evan? I seem to be getting a headache.”
“Of course, I would love to spend time with Uncle Evan. You rest and I will call you when dinner is ready,” Rose answered knowing exactly why he had brought Evan home.
Gilbert kissed her again, and then with a wave passed into the other room and closed the door.
“He’s using you, you know,” Rose said as she turned back to Evan.
“Yes, but he warned me first,” and they both chuckled.
~
Dinner with Jasmine last night had been pleasant but it was easy to tell that she was tired and not really comfortable. Kalea hoped that she would adjust quickly and secretly wondered if she would relax more fully after they were gone.
As she lay in bed Kalea realized that this was the first morning since her wedding day when she didn’t have to rush off somewhere. It almost felt like Holy Day instead of just another 5th day.
Thinking through her options for today Kalea was equally pleased that everything was in readiness so she could spend the day as she pleased. Reaching over she reduced the privacy tint from the windows and smiled at the clear skies.
“I need to get outside.” Kalea admitted to herself and jumped out of bed and quickly dressed for a run. Within ten minutes she was warming up in the garden and then she and Danielson took the path out toward the forest.
‘Kalea, I can’t tell exactly what you’re feeling, what’s going on?’ Bryan asked via the link as he woke and realized something was different. He didn’t think she was upset the feelings were more pleasant than that but they were different somehow too.
‘I’m running.’ Kalea answered simply.
‘Since you don’t seem worried I’m going to guess you’re running for exercise.’ Bryan replied wondering if Kalea could feel his smile.
‘Yes. I needed to get outside and with all that’s been going on lately I’m out of my normal routine. Plus, with all the reports I’ve read about Saxionias, I realized this might be my last run outside until I return home.’ Kalea explained, glad that she could carry on a conversation without disrupting her breathing.
‘True, although Saxionias does have excellent workout facilities. Though I admit they are nothing compared to the open air here.’ Bryan said, stretching before he got up to get dressed. ‘Kalea, do we have anyone expecting us for a while?’
‘Nothing is planned. Not that that seems to matter lately.’ Kalea answered as she started back up the long hill from the forest to the palace.
‘Then I’m going to follow your example. I’ve been indulging in so many wonderful foods but I haven’t been maintaining my workout schedule either. Mind if I join you?’ Bryan asked.
‘I wouldn’t mind at all, but I’m almost done. I’m just finishing my five mile run. If you’d like to join me for breakfast on the balcony you could join me for strength training after.’
‘Do you do that indoors or out?’ Bryan asked.
‘I can do both but today I’m planning on out.’ Kalea answered as she reached the garden and began to walk as part of her cool down routine.
‘Anything is better than nothing. When will breakfast be ready?’ Bryan asked.
Kalea checked her AVID and smiled. ‘Fifteen minutes but I must admit I’m tempted to delay it.’
‘Why?’ Bryan asked as he pulled on a workout shirt.
‘I’m hot and sweaty and not looking my best. I can’t shower and get ready fast enough,’ Kalea admitted.
Bryan stopped putting on his shoes and sat up straight. ‘Kalea, Jasmine said something yesterday in the garden that I had never considered before. She said it must be wonderful to be respected for who you are instead of how you look. I understand about wanting to feel fresh and clean but please don’t worry that I will think less of you if you aren’t perfe
ctly put together every time we meet.’
The emotions behind the words made Kalea pause in her cool down routine. Was that what was really worrying her? ‘All right Bryan, at some point we are going to have to be comfortable with each other no matter what. I guess of all the ‘imperfect’ ways you could see me this isn’t the worst. I’ll see you on the balcony in just a few minutes.’
‘I won’t even comb my hair so we’ll both be a bit of a mess.’ Bryan teased and Kalea laughed as she finished her stretches.
~
Kalea smiled as she walked onto the balcony and found Bryan with his hair in disarray and dressed to workout. Bryan turned and said, “No fair. You said you were a mess. You look wonderful.”
They both laughed as Bryan tried to finger comb his hair. Kalea was suspicious that he had purposely made it worse just to make her feel better.
Walking over to the buffet Kalea picked up a plate and began to make selections. “Technically, I said I was hot and sweaty, which is still true. You just assumed that I would look a mess.”
Bryan smiled and joined her at the buffet. “True, but it made you laugh.”
“That it did.” Kalea agreed as she moved over to the table and took a seat. She waited for him to join her and then offered her hand. Bryan accepted it and quickly said the blessing.
“I’ve noticed you seem to always say the same prayer at meals. Is this a common custom, or simply a habit?” Kalea asked.
Bryan thought about it for a moment and realized that it was probably more habit than anything else. “I’m sorry to say it is mostly habit.”
Kalea shrugged but didn’t comment further as they ate. Silently Bryan apologized to God for developing a habit instead of being sincere.
“So where did you go running this morning?” Bryan asked as he got up for seconds.
“The forest trail,” Kalea answered. “Don’t worry, Danielson was with me.” She added as she felt his concern.
“You’ll have to show me some time,” Bryan said as he returned. “I’ve never been on a forest trail before.”
It didn’t take them long to finish breakfast and then Kalea lead Bryan down to the lower level of the palace where the workout rooms were located.
“I thought we’d be outside?” Bryan questioned.
“We will but we need the equipment first,” Kalea explained as she quickly gathered up various things that Bryan didn’t recognize. Putting them in a tote she led him back to the lift and then out to the garden.
She sorted the equipment and then together they used each piece and Kalea showed him how it worked. By the time they were done Bryan was pleasantly sore and seriously impressed with his new wife.
“Now we’re off to the showers.” Kalea said as she pointed to the equipment while looking at Danielson and at his nod walked away.
“Do you often make him put things away for you?” Bryan asked thinking this might have been the first time he’d seen her do something like that.
“Not often,” Kalea answered but didn’t elaborate.
~
Linda arrived just after Kalea stepped from the shower. She wasn’t sure how Linda did that but she wasn’t going to ask.
“You have a message from Queen Nadia.” Linda said after Kalea took her place at the table.
“Oh, thank you.” Kalea said as she put on her AVID and then checked the message.
‘Bryan, did you get the message about the garden party?’ Kalea asked as Linda dried and combed her hair.
‘No. What garden party?’ Bryan answered. He’d indulged in a long soak in a hot bath before so he was still shaving.
‘Apparently there is to be a garden party this afternoon for us and about 150 guests. I guess Mother talked Alexis out of a formal event.’ Kalea explained.
‘Does that disappoint you?’ Bryan asked.
‘No, I’m just trying to decide what to wear.’ Kalea answered.
‘I’m sure you’ll find something appropriate. After I’m ready I’ll go find Jasmine and let her know.’ Bryan said and when Kalea didn’t answer he just shrugged and finished getting ready.
~
Bryan looked across the sea of people filling the palace garden and was simply amazed. Ladies in dresses and hats, gentlemen in slacks and short sleeved shirts with collars roamed the paths and clustered together to talk.
‘Stay close, I don’t want to lose you in this crowd.’ Kalea said over the link and was surprised when Bryan lifted her hand and tucked it into the crook of his elbow.
“Shall we?” He said with a smile and together they waded in.
Jasmine stayed close too, but as the afternoon wore on she ventured farther and farther from their side. Finally the announcement that dinner was ready brought the crowd into the palace and to the main dining hall.
Several long tables filled the center with smaller round tables clustered on either side. Secretly hoping for a smaller table Bryan didn’t seem the least surprised when they were led to the head of the center tables.
King Douglas and Queen Nadia, Queen Larraine, and King Charles were there with their spouses. Randolph and Alexis sat across from Bryan and Kalea since Gilbert and Rose were at Space Port 5. Looking around, Bryan found Jasmine being led to a seat beside Alexis.
The conversation was lively and the food delicious but Bryan doubted he would remember even one new name of all the people he’d been introduced to. Nor was he surprised when King Charles leaned over and said softly. “Your flight leaves at 2:00 a.m. Your security detail will come to escort you to the transport.”
18
Normally, the trip to Space Port 5 would have taken about seven hours, but Father's decision to disguise their true identity, posing them as a freighter, and traveling hours in the wrong direction, added an additional 34 hours to their trip! They had been traveling for over two, very long, days!
Gilbert didn’t even know they were coming so she hoped he had rested on Holy Day because it was almost 1nd day and she wanted an update. She also wanted to get off this ship and move.
Kalea’s frustration mounted when she had to wait to disembark until the area was secured. It wouldn’t have been so bad except it took twice as long as normal because no one had been expecting them. Bryan was no help as he was still sleeping and she decided to be kind and not wake him until they could actually get off the ship.
“It’s secure, Princess Kalea.”
“Finally! Sorry, Danielson, I know it wasn’t your fault. I just need off this freighter,” Kalea said as she started for the door. “Oh, I need to wake Bryan,” she mumbled to herself as she turned and headed to his berth.
“Bryan,” Kalea called. “Wake up Bryan, we’ve arrived.”
A growl sounded from the other side of the door.
‘Bryan, it’s me,’ Kalea said via the link. ‘We can finally get off this ship.’ Bad mood adding to her own she said, ‘Listen, I can barely handle my own frustration right now so I’m leaving. When you get yourself together you can join me on the space port.’
Turning, Kalea was almost to the ship’s door when Bryan said via the link, ‘Sorry, I think I must have felt your frustration even in my sleep. I admit to being grumpy when awakened but it isn’t usually this bad. I’m right behind you.’
“I know.” Kalea answered aloud without turning around.
“Are you angry with me?” Bryan whispered after they were out of the shuttle.
“No, I’m just sick of being in that freighter and really needing to stretch,” Kalea explained without slowing her pace or taking her eyes from her path.
‘It got to you didn’t it?’ Bryan asked over the link. Kalea stopped, took a deep breath and then started walking again this time a little slower, but not much.
They kept walking until they reached the largest common area on the space port. Filled with plants, flowers, small trees and a few small waterfalls, it was a garden in space. Finding an empty bench in a well-designed nook, Kalea sat and took several long, deep breaths.
&nbs
p; Finally looking Bryan in the eye, she answered via the link, ‘Yes. I think it was a combination of the longer than expected trip here and the Moon Station 4 incident. Either way nearly three days in a freight transport ship was just too much.’
‘Is this area helping?’ he asked taking a moment to really look around.
‘Yes. I’m just so frustrated with myself for letting it get to me. I thought I had conquered this, and now it’s back,’ she admitted while studying a nearby flower.
‘Actually,’ Bryan replied. ‘I think you have conquered it. Everyone on that ship was getting edgy because of the delay and unusual traveling conditions. There were none of the usual comforts. I’m actually amazed everyone handled it so well. I know that if it hadn’t been for our talks, I would have probably gone a little crazy.’
‘I’m sure the history of Estar Beta was riveting,’ Kalea said sarcastically.
‘Well, admittedly that was just the first day. Earlier today since it was Holy Day we had several wonderful discussions. It was also nice when you had everyone sharing stories of life on Estar Beta. You have to admit you were doing fine until this evening.’ At her nod he continued. ‘Admittedly, I would have liked to talk about other things, but you didn’t seem to want to delve into anything personal so I didn’t push.’
‘I didn’t want to overwhelm you with my stress and frustration. It took all of my concentration to keep my emotions from flowing to you. I knew that if I used the link at all you would be flooded with my emotional battle,’ Kalea admitted.
‘Maybe I could have helped? It worked before,’ he said.
‘Perhaps, but this was more than just my temper. Besides, it’s not like we’ve had a lot of “normal” time to get to know one another. Everything has been crazy since the wedding and I’d like you to learn about some of my strengths before you know all of my weaknesses,’ Kalea added a small self-deprecating smile as she shifted her attention back to Bryan.
‘Oh, I don’t know. I think I’ve seen quite a few strengths already. After all, this is a two way street. You will be exposed to my strengths and my struggles just as completely. Wow! That is a really eye-opening realization. Sometimes I forget all the implications and benefits of this link and just get caught up in the fun of it.’
