Celestial Love (15 page)

“Yes,” Kalea answered and then added.  “May I have some air?”

Sighing, her father released her enough to take a deep breath and then he led her back to the sofa so they could talk.  Dr. Wingate quickly scanned her again and checked his readings with those of the automated facility.  All was normal so he moved on to the crew and left Crown Prince Bryan to Erickson knowing his scans showed the Prince was fine.

“You’re not mad?” King Douglas asked once Dr. Wingate stepped away.

“Not anymore,” Kalea answered.  “At first I was furious and if it had been possible, I would have overridden the system and stayed to coordinate everything that needs to be done.  But Bryan helped me calm down and trust the Holy One to handle everything; even though he did it without really saying so.  We used the time to get to know each other better and that helped shift my focus.”

“Now, however,” she continued.
“I want to know what is going on and I want an override code for this program.”

Trying not to laugh
, her father decided to stay with the somewhat safer of the two topics and focused on the destruction of SC-17.  “Current reports indicate that there were injuries but so far none reported dead, except the terrorists.”

“Randolph
is heading up the Ecological response team and Gilbert is coordinating our efforts to put names and faces to the terrorists as quickly as possible.  Randolph was scheduled to leave for a short visit with Alexis’ family on First Day, but he decided to stay and help.  This could complicate things with Saxionias but I’m sure they will understand.

“Your Mother wants you home NOW and to be honest so does Edward.”  King Douglas finished with a grin.

Kalea took a breath and then summarized, “So, at the moment, Randy has command of the site and recovery efforts.  With that under control…” Kalea looked her Father in the eye with a look that she was sure would convey her seriousness, “I want that override code, I'm not kidding!  I want it and I want it before Holy Day.” 

Stifling a sigh
, King Douglas replied, “That is going to be very difficult and I'm not sure it's even possible.  We will check with Gilbert when we get home.  Now, I have talked with Leo and Dr. Wingate and they agree that you and Bryan should return with us and Franklin and the others will bring your shuttle home.  Alright?”

Knowing that she would not give up
, King Douglas was thrilled when all she did was nod and then stand.  What shocked him was when Crown Prince Bryan came over and said, “Good decision.  Hello, Your Majesty.  Shall we go?”

“After you,” King Douglas replied after Edward translated.

Everyone made their way to their respective shuttles and headed back to the palace.  Princess Kalea stayed in the cockpit for several minutes to get her bearings and then returned to the lush comfort of the cabin.  Decorated in cream and navy blue the cabin was larger than either of the other shuttles Bryan had seen on Estar Beta.  Comfortable reclining chairs sat in rows of two along one side while a bench seat and long narrow table lined the other wall.  He didn’t know it yet but the first seat in each row could rotate to face the table.

“At least you picked a good location for Delta Point, but I must admit I hope I never h
ave to visit any other 'Points',” Kalea sank down into a comfortable chair and closed her eyes.  She was suddenly very tired.

'Are you alright?' Bryan asked via the link
from his place on her left.

'Yes, I'm just suddenly tired,' Kalea answered.

'When was the last time you slept?' Bryan asked.

'R
eally slept?  Our wedding night,' Kalea answered and he could feel and see her smile. 

'That was the night before last.
  You have a right to be tired.'  Bryan reached out and gently took her hand in his as he turned to Edward and asked, “How long until we arrive at the Palace?”

“I would estimate another four
hours, Your Highness,” Edward answered.

'Would you like to go lay down?' Bryan asked Kalea as he caressed her hand.

'Yeah, that might be a good idea,' Kalea answered and yawned at the same time.

Bryan looked at Edward and he answered the unspoken question, “Follow me to the sleeping quarters.”

Without even asking, Bryan simply scooped Kalea up in his arms and followed Edward.  Not even slowing his stride at her surprised yelp.  Jackson, who had insisted on remaining with the Princess, came through the door from the crew quarters just in time to see Prince Bryan carry her through the other door.

“I could have walked,”
Kalea whispered as she laid her head on his shoulder.

“
I know but this seemed like more fun.” Bryan replied softly.  Giving her a sassy grin he walked through the door Edward held open and gently placed her on the bed.  “I will be in the cabin if you need me,” Bryan said as he settled a light blanket over her shoulder.  “You’re beautiful even when you’re exhausted, did you know that?”  He whispered in her ear.

“You must be tired too,”
Kalea replied as she snuggled down into the covers and gave him a sleepy smile.

'Good
night.'  Bryan tried to whisper the thought as he backed out of the room.  Edward was in the hall and they returned to the cabin together.

Bryan sank into the comfort of a nearby chair and leaned his head back.  He was tired but he didn't want to sleep until they reached the palace.  Just as he was about to fade despite his resolve
, he heard King Douglas address Edward.

“
The King would like to speak with you,” Edward said as he moved to the chair beside Bryan.

Sitting up straight Bryan smiled and nodded.  King Douglas began
, “Thank you for joining Kalea during this crisis.  When the Automated Security Response System (ASRS) activated, it signaled the palace and my heart stopped.  I had no idea why it had been activated and I knew that Kalea was not going to like being forced to a secure location.  She has never liked being forced to do anything.  If she didn't have such a close relationship with the Holy One, I fear she would have had a very rebellious youth.  As it is she can be very stubborn, but it is usually in someone else's defense.”

Bryan noted the touch of pride in the
king’s voice and when Edward finished the translation he realized why.  The king continued.

“When
Dr. Wingate made that comment about the room not being destroyed, he was only slightly kidding.  You see, when Kalea was 12 years old she accidentally got trapped in an escape pod. No one could find her. It took us four hours to search the entire station and locate her.  When we did, we found that she had systematically taken apart the interior of the pod, to find the override controls to open the door.  She would have been successful except she was unable to break the security code. She was looking for a way to bypass the codes when we found her.  We never were able to fully repair that pod.  She had simply done too much damage.”  King Douglas didn't hide the trace of pride in his beloved daughter.

“Thanks to Kalea we have made vast improvements in escape pod construction.  Gilbert even designed the Security Point Locations with her in mind.”  This time an actual grin slipped out as he remembered the conversation Gilbert had with the design committee.  Gilbert had insisted that the access panel be located in the ceiling of the room far away from any
accessible furniture.

“Well,
Your Majesty,” Bryan began, “I can tell you that she wasn't pleased with the situation.  At first I feared my being there might add to her distress but then I simply worked to distract her while getting to know her.  I learned quite a bit and I think she did as well.  However, I would like to recommend that the ASRS be installed in all appropriate shuttles immediately.  Kalea mentioned that hers was the “experimental” ship but since the system worked perfectly I think the added security would be beneficial for all.”

Edward finished translating for Bryan and then relayed the
king’s answer.  “Actually, all the shuttles have the ASRS system installed.  Kalea’s was the first, but we tested the system extensively before we installed it.  The other shuttles were upgraded within the month.  Kalea just didn’t notice, because she was focused on choosing a husband at the time.”  King Douglas smiled as he finished and held it until Edward finished.

“Excellent.  I also have a few suggestions about our schedules that we should discuss
. But first I must talk with my staff and catch up on what was accomplished in my absence. I would like to discuss my ideas with both you and Princess Kalea,” Bryan said and waited for Edward to translate.

King Douglas nodded and said, “After you hav
e both rested; perhaps tomorrow?  We won't arrive now till after dark so sometime around the mid-day meal if that works for you?”

“Thank you.  That should be just fine,” Bryan replied and then looked over to Leo and Erickson sitting near the cockpit.  “If you will excuse me
, perhaps I can use this time to consult with my staff.”

At King Douglas' nod Bryan stood and moved over to sit across from Leo and Erickson.  “Leo, I need to
and update,” Bryan said as he withdrew a data pad from the deep side pocket of his trousers, while wishing he knew how to work the AVID better.

“Several of the meetings were canceled due to the situation at SC-17
, but our overall plan was approved and we started the evaluation of their current defense structure.  Prince Gilbert met with us and was able to give the defense team a good briefing on each space station um...port and its defense capabilities as well as an overview of the planet’s defenses.  Unfortunately, just when we were about to discuss specific systems in more detail the alert sounded and Prince Gilbert rushed off.

“Edward was kind enough to return to the meeting and inform us of the situation.  Unfortunately
, I still have only a limited understanding of why a group of terrorists would destroy an underwater facility and what exactly they mean by an Ecological Restoration team.  Obviously the environment around the explosion site was seriously damaged but given time it should recover.”  Leo sounded miffed.

“Leo, you need to understand that the reason they have such an amazingly healthy planet is because they take these things seriously.  They realized long ago that everything in nature works togeth
er.  A problem in one area can easily affect something in another, if not dealt with.  The reason that we are here is to learn these things from them.  Seeing them in action will be to our benefit.

“If our ancestors had understood more fully how integrated natural resources were
, we never would have needed to live the way we do now.  Our air is toxic and our natural resources are gone.  If it hadn't been for space stations and intergalactic trade we would have all died out centuries ago,” Bryan calmly explained.  Seeing Leo’s acquiescence, he continued.

“Now, have you worked out any type of evaluation schedule or divi
ded up the staff into teams?” Bryan asked trying to refocus Leo on the task at hand.

“Based on the meeting with Prince Gilbert, I was able to make a list of sites that need to be evaluated.  Here on the planet I think we will need six teams of two if
we want to finish in time for you to return to Saxionias for your mother's birthday celebration.  That will leave us with three teams of three for evaluating all the space stations.  They should be finished around the same time.  I have the report ready for you but it’s at the palace.”  Leo answered, not thrilled with the delays that were going to cause them to rush.

“Obviously, you are planning to accomp
any one of the evaluation teams,” Bryan replied.  “Do you want to join one of the teams here on the planet or those assigned to the space stations?”

“That will be up to you, Your Highness,” Leo answered.

“After I review your report, I’ll let you know.  How are the teams going to communicate with their escorts?  Have the electronic translators been upgraded?” Bryan asked as he finished making a note about something else entirely.

“Yes
, the translators are up to 90% accuracy as far as we can tell and they put special emphasis on military terminology because of the evaluations,” Leo said as he showed the updated wrist translator to Bryan indicating the new buttons and the larger video screen in the center.

“Excellent.
I assume that mine is at the palace?” Bryan asked.

“Yes,
Your Highness,” Leo replied.  Bryan nodded and spent some time jotting notes and reviewing other information he had stored on the data pad.  After a few minutes he rose and stepped away but then stopped and turned back.  “Did you have anything else for me?” he asked.  Both men shook their heads and Bryan moved to the bench so he could work at the table.  Getting comfortable, he started working on a revision of his schedule and a report for his father.

The shuttle banked as it prepared to dock just as he finished his report.  Standing
, he stretched and headed to wake Princess Kalea.  As he was about to knock on her door - it opened and there she stood.  Her slacks and blouse wrinkled, her hair mused and a drowsy smile on her face, he thought she was gorgeous.

“We're landing,”
he said as if she didn't know.