Celestial Love (20 page)

“
They would have realized we were using it sooner or later and then they would have grown concerned.  It is usually considered rude to use the link in public, especially in such an obvious setting,” Kalea explained.

“
Well that’s one thing we won’t have to worry about on Saxionias,” Bryan said as he smiled at her across the table.  “No one there knows anything about it and so we can use it freely.  It might prove to be quite useful.”

“We really should d
iscuss things,” Kalea said as she rose from her chair.

“Where would you suggest?” Bryan asked as he stood and slid in his chair.

“The garden,” Kalea answered with a smile.

Together they made their way back to the garden and wandered around for some time before Kalea was ready to begin.  “Bryan do you think your
father and the Noble Assembly of Saxionias will agree to the plan you mentioned earlier?”

“You mean our arriving together but later than originally planned for the delegation?  Yes, I think they will.” Bryan answered.

“If you could set that plan in motion, I would be grateful.  It will ease some of the pressure and give me more time to prepare,” Kalea said, and then stopped to smell a rather beautiful bloom.

“What concerns you the most about going to
Saxionias?” Bryan asked.

Kalea was quiet as she gave the question some serious thought.  “I
do have a few concerns,” she began.  “I want to do my best as the leader of my teams.  I truly need to be involved in the evaluation process so that I can make fully informed decisions and recommendations.  I’m concerned that this will cause…difficulties.

“I am also concerned about our relationship.  We have not really had a chance to become more than acquaintances in
the four days we’ve been married. I have no idea how either of us will react to the challenges that await us.  Not just the long hours of work but also the high probability that I will inadvertently cause friction simply by being myself and the added pressure that will place on you.”  Sighing she started walking again and then continued.

“Then, there is the simple fact that I have no idea what will be expected of me by your family and peers.  Or how any of them will react to my need to return here at least once a quarter to attend the Royal Council meetings that can easily last up to a week.”

Turning away from the flowers she met his eyes and concluded with, “I guess the sheer number of unknown variables is simply unnerving.”

“I must admit,” Bryan answered as he reached out and captured her hand in his.  “I had only thought of a few of the things you mentioned.  This just reinforces my determination to give us the extra time - and I will.  No
w let’s start at the beginning.

“As for you leading the teams
, I’m afraid that is a valid concern.  I have no idea how my family or others will react.  I do know that they will probably only think of you as “The Royal” that is accompanying the teams and not their true leader.  Only time will change their minds and even then I don’t know how they will react.

“However, I do know what I will do.  I’ll work in whatever way I can to help you do what you need to do.  I’ve seen you in action and have no doubt that you can lead these teams.  I also have no doubt that your teams will know you’re in charge.”  Bryan smiled and then continued as he led her in what he hoped was the general direction of the Rose Arbor.

“As for the expectations of my family and peers…I think you will need to have your maid pack several lovely gowns for you to wear.  We will most likely be attending many balls, banquets and parties so that you can be introduced to all the ‘important’ people.  This will include visits to all of our space stations as most of these people do not live on Saxionias at all.  Even the Royal families only visit Saxionias occasionally because of the pollution.”

“Oh, but I must stay on the planet to conduct the evaluations,” Kalea said with concern, so surprised she stopped walking.

“I understand that and we of course have appropriate accommodations on the surface.  It’s just that we will probably be logging a lot of time in the shuttles in an effort to please as many people as possible,” Bryan explained.  “This alone may help ease the ‘difficulties’ as you called them, for there will definitely be many. 

“
I’m not sure how much of our culture you understand, but for the last century or so our entire social structure has shifted back to a male dominated hierarchy.  The reasons why were never really clear to me, as I am told the series of events that lead to this drastic change are classified.  Because of this structure, the women pursue activities in areas such as art, music, decorating and homemaking.  They don’t enter the working world or have any leadership positions outside the home.

“A few have made efforts to gain power and position but they never get far.  Most are very abrasive and lacking in
discernment.”  Bryan explained and then fell silent.

Kalea realized that he hadn’t addressed her concern regarding their relationship
specifically but didn’t feel that she should bring it up again.  Seeing the Rose Arbor off to their left she took the next turn and headed toward it.

Glad he’d guessed right about the Rose Arbor,
Bryan tried to come up with some answer that he could honestly give regarding her concerns for their relationship.  He knew it would be easy to tell her that everything would be fine and wonderful, but his conscience wouldn’t let him.  He wanted to be truthful, but even to himself he was having trouble admitting that he still, on some levels, resented having to give up all he’d thought his life would be for the sake of this treaty.  At times like this when they walked together in the garden it was easy to enjoy her company and the thrill of the link but then reality came crashing in.  Working with Leo and the others reminded him that once this project was complete he had no idea what his life would be like.  On Estar Beta he had no authority.  He had no purpose other than to be the husband of the future queen and that just wasn’t enough and he wasn’t sure what to do about it.

“Would you like to sit here a while?” Kalea asked.

“Sure,” Bryan answered still somewhat distracted by his thoughts. 

“This has always been one of my special places,” Kalea said as she plucked a bloom and held it to her nose for a moment.  “As a child I was not allowed off the grounds alone so the garden became my haven.  Even in the rain I would simply dash in here and wait out the storm before I would go inside.”

Bryan smiled at the thought.  “I can understand why.  This is an amazing garden.  And I have to admit I can think of no better way to end an evening than sitting out here sharing this place with you.”

Smiling, Kalea let the quiet stretch and turned her thoughts to prayer.  After a few minutes Bryan started asking questions about the various plants growing within sight of the Rose Arbor and they both let the cares of the day fade with the glories of the sunset.

10

The sudden beeping of his AVID ended Bryan’s morning devotions.  He flicked his wrist with force to answer.  “Yes?”

“Please, forgive the interruption Y
our Highness but I need to speak with you immediately,” Gregory requested

“Who is this?” Bryan asked knowing it wasn’t Leo.

“My apologies, Your Highness.  This is Gregory and I humbly beg your pardon but I feel the information is urgent and classified.”  Gregory mentally kicked himself for forgetting such a basic part of protocol.

“
Where are you?” Bryan asked still a bit frustrated at the interruption.

“In the shuttle bay,
Your Highness, aboard your shuttle,” Bryan instantly became concerned but tried to suppress it just as quickly because of the link.

“I’m on my way.”  Bryan
replied before he tried to contact Kalea via the link.

‘Kalea, I won’t be able to meet you for breakfast.  Gregory needs me on an urgent matter.’  Bryan explained hoping to avoid too many questions before he knew exactly what he was dealing with.

‘I’m disappointed but I understand.  Do you want me to wait for you?  Or perhaps I could have breakfast sent to your meeting room?’ Kalea offered.

‘Thank you but I don’t think I’ll have time to eat it right now.  I’ll see if Leo or Edward can find me something later,’ Bryan said as he rode the lift to the main floor and then took the tunnel to the shuttle bay.

‘It must be important,’ Kalea said.  ‘If I can be of any assistance just let me know.’

For several minutes
Kalea simply “listened” to the emotions Bryan was feeling.  Then, convinced that whatever was happening was significant, she went in search of her father.

~

“What is it?” Bryan asked as he entered the shuttle, finding not only Gregory but Leo, Nathan and several others of his top staff members.

“Gregory has identified two of the unknown chemicals
from the SC-17 explosion,” Nathan answered.  “They are both from Saxionias and they are highly explosive, and one is very hard to come by.”

The implications were clear.  Either
Saxionias had participated in the destruction of SC-17 or someone was trying to make it look that way.

“Have you shared this information?” Bryan asked, although he was certain of the answer.

“No,” Gregory, Leo and Nathan all said at once.

Bryan nodded and took a moment to co
nsider their options.  Forcing himself to stay calm and think, he realized that there were two things that had to happen.  First, he had to prove that the Saxionias government had nothing to do with the attack and second, he had to prove to King Douglas and the Royal Council that he and his team could be trusted.  The question was how?

“Gregory, does Prince Randolph know that you identified the chemicals?” Bryan asked.

“No, Your Highness.  I told him I had a greater database available on the shuttle and that I was going to use it in an effort to identify the chemicals.  I discovered the answer that I suspected here and have not returned,” Gregory replied.

“I was to meet Princess Kalea for breakfast; I had to change those plans
so they will know we have discovered something.  What else can you tell me regarding the chemicals?  Could either of them have been purchased from any other source? I mean an illegal source?” Bryan asked.

Nathan
answered, since he had already asked Gregory the same questions. “Nitroplast 7 can be obtained illegally.  As for the other chemical, I am not sure.  I have already checked our secure database with all the information we had as of our departure.  About two and a half months ago a small shipment of Nitroplast 7 was stolen enroute to a security training facility on the 4
th
moon of the Saxionias Delta space station colony.  The investigation is ongoing but as of our departure no arrests have been made or suspects identified.”

Seamlessly Gregory took over when Nathan took a breath. 
“The second chemical was simply a high grade fuel that we are experimenting with to increase the range of our transport shuttles.  This is the one that I am most surprised to discover as it has only had two trials and was found to be highly unstable in both.”

“Yes,” Nathan cut in pointedly ignoring Gregory.
  “I was under the impression that it was being taken back to the research lab for further studies and testing.  Our secure database has no reports of any of it missing so that may work to our benefit, as it limits the number of individuals that have had access to it.”

“All right,” Bryan interrupted before Nat
han or Gregory could continue.  “I need the names of all individuals with access to both chemicals and an update to the secure database.  Leo, I will be sending a secure transmission to my father regarding the change in plans here because of the SC-17 situation.  Their Environmental Restoration teams will not be arriving as scheduled.  Next week, I will be traveling with Princess Kalea and we will be making several stops along the way, but should arrive at the same time as her teams, a week before Mother’s birthday.  This will give us time to receive all the secure database updates and any other information that we need so we can get some answers. 

“
Now, tell me what about other sources, outside of Saxionias, where someone could find Nitroplast 7?”

“Very limited, your Highness,” Nat
han continued.  “It is available illegally.  However, it is primarily used in military operations and therefore only a few mercenaries throughout the galaxy really know about it.  If it was terrorists, they would probably be more inclined to use other explosives that are much more readily available.”

“W
ould these other explosives been detected by the security systems on SC-17?” Bryan asked.

“I’m not sure
Your Highness. I am not privy to what their systems can detect,” Nathan answered.

“That might be the answer,” Bryan said as he sat down on the nearest chair.  “Whoever did this may not have known exactly what the security systems could detect and therefore chose to use explosives that were completely or almost completely
unknown?”

After a few moments of silence Bryan continued, “I am going to meet with King Douglas, Prince Randolph and Princess Kalea and inform them that we have been able to identify the Nitroplast 7.  I will then give them the information regarding the theft and pledge our complete support in discovering those responsible.”

One look at those around him and Bryan knew they were both shocked and concerned.  “Princess Kalea knows we discovered something.  By sharing this much of the information I hope to foster a spirit of trust while we work to discover exactly who did this and how.”

“Gregory, you
continue to work with Prince Randolph in any way you can but you will NOT tell him about the experimental fuel.  Continue to study it, but don’t in any way reveal that you know what it is or where it came from.  Do you understand?” Bryan asked just to make sure he was clear.

“Yes
, Your Highness,” Gregory replied adding a bow for emphasis.

“Very good.  Now
, we need to convey to every member of our teams the extreme importance of being completely honest and forthright in our every dealing with the people of Estar Beta.  I don’t want anything other than this hidden from them.  When the time comes, it will be hard enough to maintain their trust; we don’t need any other reasons for them to doubt us or our sincerity in this alliance.”  Bryan carefully studied each individual before him.  One by one they all nodded their agreement.  Waiting an extra moment for emphasis, Bryan then turned and left the shuttle.

“Nathan
, you’re with me.” Bryan said over his shoulder.  He didn’t bother looking back, he knew Nathan was following.

Together they made their way
back to the palace and then went directly to King Douglas’ office.  Henry, the king's assistant, opened the door to the king's office when he saw them coming.  Bryan glanced at Nathan with an ‘I told you so’ look and then led the way.

Once inside Bryan was surprised to find not on
ly King Douglas, Kalea and Randolph but also Gilbert and two others he didn’t recognize.  Both were dressed in high quality clothing and seemed comfortable in the presence of King Douglas.  Not sure what this meant he simply gave a slight nod and moved to stand in front of the one remaining seat.  Nathan took his place directly behind Bryan and waited.

“Crown Prince Alexandros,” King Douglas began and Bryan did not miss the significance of
the use of his full title.  “May I introduce to you King Charles Williams and Queen Larraine Hatchins - the other members of our Royal Council?  I believe you know everyone else.”

Bryan nodded but didn’t say anything as he was unfamiliar with the proper protocol.  King Douglas continued. “Crown Prince Alexandros
, we understand that your assistant Gregory had some important news for you.  Why don’t you fill us in on his discovery?”

Silently, Bryan
praised the Holy Spirit that he had made the decision to share at least some of the information.  “Your Majesty and Royal Council members, Princess Kalea and Princes Randolph and Gilbert, I do indeed have news.  Unfortunately it is sensitive, as I will explain.  You see, Gregory was able to identify one of the unknown chemicals as Nitroplast 7, an explosive that is commonly used by our military forces.  With what information we have available to us at this time, we know that a small shipment was reported stolen a little over two months ago.  We will be sending a request for updated information, but as of our departure from Saxionias there were no leads as to the identities of the thieves.”

Having shared all the information he
intended to, Bryan waited to see their reactions.  He was tempted to use the link to communicate with Kalea but remembering what she said about doing that in public, he simply waited.  For several moments no one spoke.  The tension seemed to build from Bryan’s perspective but he wasn’t sure if it was their reaction or his.  Finally, Princess Kalea asked a very blunt question.

“Was your government trying to kill me?”

“No!” Bryan declared without even the slightest doubt.  “When I left Saxionias each of the royal families conveyed their gratitude that we had been able to form this alliance.  You must understand that we truly need this alliance; or, I would not have come.”

Kalea nodded and though she didn’t say anything over the link she did share her feelings of confidence in his reply.  “Then who do you think would have done this and why would they have used an explosive that would be linked directly to your military?”

“I don’t know, but I have a few theories as to why they might have used Nitroplast 7.  I suspect that whoever did this was trying to blame my government, knowing that the source of the explosive would be determined.  I also think that perhaps the security system at SC-17 was not able to detect this explosive and therefore it might have been chosen simply for that reason.”

“Either theory seems sound,” King Charles Williams
commented but didn’t add any more to the conversation.

“Or perhaps both,” Queen Larraine Ha
tchins added and then continued, “We suspected from the beginning that a small faction here on Estar Beta was involved.  My sources tell me that several members of that faction are currently missing.  If they were involved they may have chosen this explosive to implicate Saxionias.”

Several people nodded at that theory and then silence filled the room.  Finally Princess Kalea spoke.  “I feel that we do not have enough evidence right now to drastically alter any of our plans.  Crown Prince Alexandros and I are planning to contact
Saxionias and ask for a delay in our arrival of two or three weeks.  That will give us more time to determine which, if either, of these theories is correct.  If no further evidence is found, we shall continue with our alliance and leave it in the hands of the Holy One and Prince Randolph’s investigation team.”

“I thought you were planning to leave in a week?” Prince Randolph asked.

“Technically, yes, the plan is to take this coming week to get everything prepared and then spend the following two weeks visiting two of our space ports followed by two of Saxionias’s space stations before arriving at Saxionias.  The Environmental Restoration teams would then have that additional time here to prepare,” Kalea explained.

“So just you and Crown Prince Alexandros will be visiting the space ports?” Prince Gilbert asked with some skepticism.

“Just us, both our security details and anyone else Father feels needs to come along,” Kalea replied with a bit of sarcasm.  No one commented but both Randolph and Gilbert got the message. 

“I feel that given the circumstances…” King Douglas began as he stood and walked around the group to stand beside his daughter while making eye contact with Bryan.  “
Saxionias will agree to the delay.  I also think that since Linda will not be accompanying you, another lady’s maid or a personal assistant should be found.”

Responding to her father’s slightly raised eyebrow, Kalea replied
, “Yes, I will ask Linda to help me find someone.”  Of course she already knew it was not her choice but there was no reason for everyone else to know.