Celestial Love

by Juli Blood

“The complete security detail teams for Crown Prince Bryan and yourself have also been briefed and are currently working on some integration and cross-training exercises. We hope to have a seamless, combined security detail in place before we reach Saxionias. I feel confident that each detail member is competent and loyal. We feel that there is no need to add additional members to our combined security force at this time. Together, we can cover all aspects of security both on the ship and on Saxionias, unless you have other plans?” Franklin questioned, raising his right brow.

  “I have no suggestions at this time,” Kalea replied. “I just don’t want the details to be too thin when I have to travel with the Environmental Restoration teams.”

  “We have considered that and feel that we will be able to provide sufficient protection,” Franklin replied.

  At Kalea’s nod, Gilbert turned to Benjamin and he began. “Princess Kalea, I am pleased to report that we have been able to complete the security systems. Originally, we thought it would take another two or three days to reach this point, but the Lord is blessing. We would like to run a few drills, but in truth, we finished it early this morning. If all continues to go well, we feel that you could launch on Monday, I mean Second Day.”

  Kalea smiled at his stumble but more so at his news. “Have you heard anything back from King Alexandros?

  “No, Your Highness, not yet,” Benjamin answered. “To be honest, I am not surprised. I would suspect that the communication system between Estar Beta and Saxionias has been compromised. Perhaps he has chosen to deal directly with your Environmental Restoration teams on Saxionias. King Alexandros might not wish to risk further communication at this time.”

  “Does Nathan have access to communications with us yet?” Kalea asked the group in general, as she wasn’t sure who would know.

  “Yes,” Gilbert answered. “The communication system that Crown Prince Bryan requested has been established and tested. However, Nathan has not yet sent a message.”

  Sensing something in his tone Kalea simply arched a brow in question. Surprisingly, Benjamin answered, “Nate hasn’t been feeling well because of his treatments. He doesn’t want to worry Crown Prince Bryan and so he asked that we just test out the system a few times until he has something to report.”

  A pause that took nearly a minute followed as Kalea tried to decide what to do. “Benjamin, is Nathan angry at Bryan?”

  Amazed by her insight Benjamin replied, “I think he was a bit insulted by the interrogation. He understands the reasoning behind it, but…”

  “Very well. I will prepare a message for him and I would like you to send it. If he replies directly to me then make sure it is delivered when I am alone; otherwise, whenever is fine.” Kalea then turned to Gilbert and said, “If you could give me just a moment?”

  Activating her AVID Kalea quickly prepared her message.

  “Nathan, I understand that although you realize the reason behind Prince Bryan’s decision you might still feel betrayed. I hope you can forgive us, for it was indeed necessary. Prince Bryan trusts you with his life. Now I can too, and I appreciate that more than you may realize.” Adding her signature and symbol, she secured it and transferred it to Benjamin.

  Smiling, she turned back to Gilbert. “I’m ready now.”

  Gilbert pushed speculation about the message to Nathan aside and focused on the meeting. “We have rewritten all the ASRS code and updated it with several new security points located within Saxionias territory. These security points are fully manned and fully without the authorization of the Saxionias government. Should their location be discovered they will signal their departure and it will deactivate them from your ASRS. Hopefully, this won’t happen, and Benjamin is confident that their discovery is unlikely.”

  Taking a small piece of folded paper from his pocket, Gilbert slid it across the table toward her but did not release it. “Here is your override code. Please memorize it and then properly dispose of the note. I have one for Bryan as well but I will give it to him personally. Please do not use it lightly - it only works once. After you use it, the system resets and I have to get you a new code. When I say “I,” I mean literally, me personally; no one else knows how this part of the system works.”

  At his look Kalea realized just how important this was to him. She also knew just how much time and energy he’d poured into this system to make it as secure and effective as possible. “I’ll be good.”

  Gilbert didn’t relax as she had hoped but he did release the slip of paper.

  “Excellent. After the orientation meeting for this afternoon, we can see about those drills.”

  Quickly the meeting broke up and Kalea turned back to work on her speech for the orientation meeting. She had a rough draft listing all her main points but suddenly realized that something very important was missing.

  “Gilbert,” Kalea called into her AVID. “What is the name of this ship?”

  “What?” Gilbert answered somewhat distractedly.

  “This ship we are working so hard on…what is its name?” Kalea slowly emphasized the last four words to get his attention.

  “It doesn’t have one,” Gilbert answered with a shrug that she could clearly hear in his tone.

  “Didn’t Father commission this ship with a tentative name or something?” Kalea tried again.

  “I don’t know, and to be honest, we don’t have time to ask him before the meeting. Just pick something. Father will understand. Oh, but don’t make it some um... I mean try to think of a name that will truly represent this ship's position in the fleet.” Gilbert fumbled as he tried to make his point without offending his sister.

  “Gilbert, the last time I named a ship, I was six. Do you really think I would name this ship something as childish as Dancing Dolphin?” Kalea couldn’t believe him.

  “Sorry,” Gilbert replied and then quickly signed off. He had tests to run. No need to risk sticking his foot in his mouth again.

  Kalea’s frustration with the situation increased as she checked the time.

  ‘Anything I can help with?’ Bryan asked over the link as he watched the doctor's assistant pack up again.

  ‘How are you feeling?’ Kalea asked instead of answering.

  ‘Great. The cleansing treatment works great and best of all, I can breathe a lot easier. So, what is bothering you?’ Bryan asked again.

  ‘It’s almost silly actually. Well, except, it isn’t. You see this ship hasn’t been christened - I mean named and it has to be named before we can launch. Father either hasn’t decided on a name or he forgot that he hadn’t shared it with anyone. I have my speech prepared for the assembly, but I don’t have a name for the ship. I don’t even have time to send and receive a message from Father to ask him.’ Kalea wanted to hit something and she knew Bryan could tell.

  Deciding to be diplomatic first, Bryan asked, ‘What did Gilbert suggest?’

  ‘That I name it myself. Father will understand but I still feel uncomfortable because this was to be his ship not mine,’ Kalea admitted.

  ‘Well, it seems Gilbert has the most logical solution unless you think you can postpone the address until after you’ve communicated with your father,’ Bryan replied.

  ‘No, that would cause an unacceptable delay that we can’t afford. The meeting must take place today so we can finalize all the small but important details that need to be completed before we are able to launch.’ Kalea’s frustration wasn’t subsiding so Bryan took a different tack.

  ‘So, what do you think your Father might have named the ship if he had?’ Bryan asked.

  ‘I’m not sure, and the more I’ve worked on the ship these past few days I’ve started to wonder if he really designed this ship for…well this sounds strange, but for himself. I’m wondering if maybe he had a different plan.’

  ‘You mean you think he designed this ship with you in mind?’ Bryan asked with a touch of a smile that they could both feel.

  ‘Does that sound as selfish as I think it does?’ Kalea a
sked.

  ‘No, because I think you’re probably right. It wouldn’t be the first time a parent in authority has provided some significant gift or gesture to acknowledge the coming change in their relationship.’

  ‘Well, whether I’m right or not it would seem that the task of naming this ship has fallen to me. The problem is, I can’t think of a single name that would be appropriate.’

  ‘Are there any famous leaders that you feel would be honored to have a ship named after them?’ Bryan asked.

  ‘No, only ships that specialize in research or exploration are named that way. Remember, violence is considered a last resort on my world and it would be more of a dishonor to name a Command Ship after a leader, famous or otherwise,’ Kalea answered, thinking of a few professors that she wouldn’t mind dishonoring just to see their reactions.

  ‘I feel those thoughts,’ Bryan teased, and after another moment of mirth, continued, ‘so famous leaders are out.’ Taking a deep breath he decided to try a suggestion. ‘What do you think about a name that comes from Saxionias?’

  ‘What do you mean?’ Kalea asked intrigued.

  ‘Nothing that would lead one to question loyalty or anything, but a historical name that has a double meaning,’ Bryan clarified.

  ‘What do you mean a double meaning? What name are you suggesting?’ Kalea asked, her stress level ratcheting up a notch as she noticed the time.

  ‘Peacemaker. It was a weapon used by law enforcement in our ancient past,’ Bryan explained. ‘Our visit to the holographic target range reminded me of it.’

  ‘Interesting.’ Kalea pondered the implications and meanings when translated but then replied, ‘Unfortunately, it doesn’t translate well. In our language it would be something like Bringer of Peace and only the Holy One can truly do that. I suppose we could name it Peacemaker in Saxionias and explain that the translation means Coming Peace or Peace Comes.’ Kalea said as she worked through different options.

  ‘Would it be accepted by your Father and the Royal Council, it being a Saxionias word?’ Bryan asked.

  ‘I think if I explain it to them it might. I don’t really have the time to do that though, so I will need to pray and think on this for what little time I have left. I’ll see you at the meeting, Bryan, and thanks for helping and listening,’ Kalea said. Bryan echoed her good bye and then made his way to the meeting.

  ~

  “Welcome, everyone, to the Peacemaker. Yes, the name is Saxionias in origin but it is the perfect name for our ship because it means Coming Peace. Peace is obtained in many ways today and sometimes choices are limited and the use of force is necessary. Our current mission will bring peace through the sharing of skills and technology. Soon we will launch Peacemaker and make our way to Saxionias where an excellent Environmental Restoration Team has already begun work to determine the most efficient and effective ways to restore life and health to the planet. This effort will bring a state of peace that is desperately needed on Saxionias.”

  Kalea paused to look over the crowd making eye contact with many before she continued. “All of you are aware of the destruction of SC-17. That act of terror was followed by other incidents that have forced us to change some of the arrangements and plans we had originally intended regarding our work with Saxionias. However, it has not changed our mission. Each of you was chosen because of your specific skills and loyalties. So was I. We will arrive on Peacemaker and we will strive to solve the mystery of these acts of terror and destruction, for they have not just happened on Estar Beta. Together we will work with the people of Saxionias until we discover the truth and, as always, The Truth, in all His glory, will set us free.

  “Each of you has been given a schematic of the ship and assigned quarters. Your various copies have some blank areas; those are either secure or empty. You needn’t worry about which, as you all have duties that should keep you adequately occupied. If you do have questions however, please feel free to contact Franklin, our head of security, or your immediate supervisor. This mission will succeed but it will do so faster with your cooperation.

  “Thank you, and may the Holy One richly bless you and all your loved ones.” Kalea turned and left the area before anyone had a chance to question her. Needing a little time alone and some food, she quickly made her way back to her suite and was pleasantly surprised to find the mid-day meal ready and waiting. ‘Thank you.’

  ‘You’re welcome. I’ll be there soon but please start without me. I just ran into your Uncle. I’ll see if he can join us,’ Bryan answered.

  ‘I’ll stay as long as I can,’ Kalea replied filling her plate. Her hunger wouldn’t wait.

  ~

  After a brisk workout to jumpstart her brain after such a delicious and interesting mid-day meal, Kalea was ready to tackle the last project before they could launch. Later, just as she closed the file on the last report, a tentative step behind her and a rather poorly cleared throat, caused her to turn, a crewman hovered in the open doorway to the bridge.

  “Forgive me Your Highness, but why would this case of bio identification sensors be stored in the ship’s galley?”

  “What?” Kalea asked knowing such a high security item shouldn’t be anywhere near the galley.

  “I found this case…” he said as pointed to the case beside him, “in the galley among the cookware. I was unable to identify it by an exterior label and when I tried to open the box it signaled on-board security. They are outside but kindly gave me the opportunity to inquire as to why it was where it was.”

  Kalea, seeing he was very nervous, asked, “Where is your identification?” Surprised at the effort it took to sound calm.

  Flushing with embarrassment, he quickly pulled it from his pocket and handed it to her. Scanning the badge she saw he was Eugene Jade, the ship’s chef. His record was clean and a quick check of the most recent security log showed that he was telling the truth.

  “Eugene. Thank you for finding the sensors. I did not instruct anyone to put them in the galley. Security and I will determine why they were placed there. You may leave, but if you find anything else in your galley that shouldn’t be there, please inform security before you move it or try to open it,” Kalea instructed and then nodded as he bowed and left.

  “Franklin,” Kalea called into her AVID, “Have you determined why the bio identification sensors were in the galley?”

  “Almost, Your Highness,” Franklin answered. He knew she would see through his delay tactic of sending in the chef but he had desperately wanted to have answers when she asked. He also knew that her monitor would notify her of the situation within seconds of the chef’s entrance. “We know who and when but we are still working on why.”

  “You realize that even if these were not tampered with they have to be replaced. We can’t risk using them since they were unsecured,” Kalea pointed out.

  “Yes, Your Highness, I understand. We will have answers for you before the evening meal,” Franklin answered praying he could keep that promise.

  Checking the time Kalea replied, “Very well. I think I’ll leave early. Find me when you have the report, and Franklin, I hope you don’t try that delay tactic on Gilbert. He has a very short tolerance when it comes to security issues.”

  “Yes, Your Highness, and no, Your Highness, Prince Gilbert was made aware of the situation at the same time I was. He immediately sent a request for more sensors to Estar Beta and is planning the destruction of these compromised ones,” Franklin answered, leaving out all the unique methods of punishment that Gilbert mentioned for the individual responsible for this mistake.

  “Contact me when you have answers,” Kalea said ending the conversation as she left. Curious as to how Bryan was feeling after his final treatment.

  23

  “You’ve got to be joking.” Franklin stared at the young crew member in disbelief.

  “No sir. I’m sorry, I was in a hurry and I thought they would be fine there while I cleaned up and went to the assembly. I planned to get them and finish
putting them away afterward. Honest, I didn’t think anyone would find them so they would be perfectly safe. Besides, everyone on ship has already been identified and is safe.”

  “Did you know that the box you were to deliver to the security office was a secure item?” Franklin asked.

  “Sure, that’s why I hid it.”

  “Do you realize that since the item was left unattended for any length of time that it has to be destroyed and a replacement must be sent from Estar Beta?” Franklin asked.

  “No, I didn’t, but are you sure? I mean no one but me and the chef touched it.”

  “How can we verify that since it was left UNATTENDED?”

  “I don’t know. I thought those boxes were secured and would sound an alarm if they were messed with. The alarm didn’t sound so it’s fine. Right?”

  “No, the alarm did sound and no, it’s not fine,” Franklin answered. “You will be returning to Estar Beta on the next available shuttle. I’m sure other duties can be found for you there.”

  “Hey, no. I mean, come on, it was just a mistake. You said the sensors could be replaced. Why do I have to go home? I mean this is my first mission and it’s going to really stink to be sent home because of such a small mistake,” he begged while trying to sound as if he wasn’t.

  “You have two hours to gather your things and go through the exiting process. I suggest you start immediately,” Franklin replied and then left before he said something he would regret.

  As he closed the door to the interview room he found Gilbert waiting. “How did he pass a competency test?” Gilbert asked in disgust and walked away. Just as he was about to turn the corner he called back over his shoulder, “Franklin, send him in the automated freighter. No need for him to have to explain his return to a curious crew.”

  Franklin nodded to the empty hallway and then went to make the arrangements. ‘Stupidity should be against the law,’ he thought as he made his way to his office. The small space wasn’t much, but it did increase his cabin size a little. As he prepared his report and made arrangements, his AVID buzzed.