The red colored being sat and looked at his console. It noticed that the ship being constructed was interesting but wondered about whether it possessed the necessary technology to be an improvement over the last ones he designed. Designing its hull had taken much longer than he planned, but it had to be capable of so many things. As he watched he heard, “What’s wrong?”
“I’m trying to decide whether or not to give my new project dimensional capability.”
“I’m not sure that would be wise.”
“As long as we can eliminate them any time we choose, I don’t think it would pose a problem.”
“Even so, I prefer you limit them to universal drives.”
The being thought a moment, “Why are you concerned?”
“The uncertainty principle always applies to our creations and must be accounted for in our work.”
“It has never caused us trouble before.”
“Even more reason to be cautious. The probabilities increase with time.”
The red being thought a moment, “You’re right. I will act accordingly.”
“How much longer before they are ready to be released?”
“The initial group will soon be completed; most of the compulsions have already been applied.”
“Before you commit to the project you might want to send a sample of them out to see how they perform.”
“I’m reasonably certain they will be much more efficient that our current tools.”
“It’s the word “reasonably” that bothers me. Are you absolutely sure? You know how the Elders insist on certainty.”
“This tool is designed to handle weapons and is more vicious than any tool I’ve ever made. They will kill large groups instead of one-on-one like the current tool and unlike the current tool, these don’t have to be compelled to kill; they enjoy it. They have also been designed to handle that unresolved issue and their technology will be more advanced.” The being thought a moment, “Perhaps you’re right. I’ll produce a sample large enough to trial.”
“What will be your target?”
“Why the current tool, of course.”
“What about their ability to handle a universe?”
“They’ll do both during the trial.”
“Don’t eliminate the current tool until you’re sure.”
“I won’t. I’ll only take a nibble out of their numbers.”
“Yeah, but a nibble for you is huge.”
The Red Being smiled and shrugged.
Tag, Danielle, and Melanie finished watching the recording of the meeting and Tag asked, “I see why you’ve asked us to come.”
“I need to know what your sense of danger says about this information.”
“We have some time. I’m not sure how much, but I think we have a few years before we are threatened directly. What are you planning?”
“To use that time wisely and to try and come up with instruments that will protect the Realm.”
Melanie, who was starting to gain weight, said, “You are going to make a trip, aren’t you?”
“Yes, I am, love. Our descendents will not face this kind of uncertain future if I can do anything about it.”
Melanie took his hand, “Should I go with you?”
“No, one of us needs to be here.”
Danielle smiled, “I think he’s right. The Realm needs to know that our rulers are available.”
Matt looked at Danielle and she immediately said, “No, we will not become the Realm’s rulers again. This is for you to handle.”
“I was just thinking that it would free us up to work on it directly.”
“It would also frighten the Realm too much to make that change. They have accepted you and love you now. It would only hurt our leadership if we did that.”
“Then are you prepared to work on it directly?”
Danielle looked at Tag, “That’s something I will need to discuss with Tag but my initial response is no. Our time has come and gone. Our talents are nowhere near a strong as your generation.”
“Don’t sell yourself short, Danielle. We are what we’ve become because of you.”
Melanie smiled, “Danielle’s right; you will have to accept your role as our King in this venture.”
Matt sighed, “I’ll be back as soon as possible.”
Melanie hugged him tightly, “Tell them hello for me.”
“I will.”
“Al, have you got a minute?”
“Anytime, Magic.”
“I need to make a trip and I was wondering if you would take me.”
“Where are you going?”
“To see a brother.”
“I’ll be right there.”
Matt watched his display as he moved toward the planet of the Reg.
“Looks like things have changed since our last visit.”
“They have indeed, Al. The cities are glowing much brighter and the city on the southern continent was dark on our last visit. Look at it now.” The city was glowing brightly and could be seen from the distance of the first moon. As they entered orbit, Three Reg appeared on their bridge.
“Why have you come to see us, Brother?”
“Do you know about the dark galaxy?”
The First Reg looked in Matt’s mind and then looked at the other two. After a moment it turned and thought, “Yes, we know about them.”
“So the beings we surmised do exist.”
“Yes, they do, and they are all you fear them to be.”
“I know your ideals but I need to know what you can tell me about them.”
The Second Reg looked at Matt, “They are older than our civilization and have been killing as long as they have existed. The dark galaxy, as you call it, is their home. They fear that another race of beings will come that will remove them from creation. They now spend their long existence looking across all universes and dimensions to prevent that race from coming into existence.”
“What caused them to have that fear?”
“They think that if they can be created then they can be destroyed. They fear the force that created them.”
“Why would they fear it?”
“Because they decided not to follow the spirit of that force; they decided to rebel and do as they pleased. Knowing the power of the creating force, they decided to prevent the creation of another race that could defeat them.”
“Is this creative force a conscious entity?”
“That’s a question we have pondered our entire existence and are still no closer to an answer. However, it does not take a conscious entity to remove things that are foreign to a system. Your bodies eliminate waste that would poison you, stars go nova to remove mass that has been burned, some of your shellfish build a layer of protection around foreign things in them and a pearl is the product. Don’t look so surprised, we have been examining your planet for quite awhile. Everywhere creation has natural defenses against things that can harm it. Some of these defenses produce things that are beautiful. Those beings are right; the creative force will seek to remove them.”
“Why have they not come and destroyed you?”
“They cannot see us. We are beings of psychic power and they are blind to its color.”
Al said, “But surely they can see your cities and ships.”
“Yes, but all they see is glowing rock and inorganic matter. They have trillions of universes and dimensions to watch and all of their sensory devices look for organic material. We do not appear on their searches, yet”
“Why do you say, “yet”?”
“The green creatures know about us. If they collect the information they have gathered, they will learn that they could not harm us and they will investigate.”
“You don’t show up on their searches, but we do.”
“Yes, you do.”
Matt was silent while he pondered what he learned.
The Third Reg thought, “They have not taken direct action against those races they detect. They have created tools to do that for them so they do not normally watch their sensors. If they find us they will take direct action. It is also time for them to be creating a new tool for their designs.”
“What can we do to protect ourselves from them?”
“If they see you, nothing will protect you. Fortunately, you are hidden in the trillions their sensors watch. We have thought about how to protect ourselves and also our universe. We cannot take life but some of our Eldest have come back to the present and have discussed the possibility of saving life without taking life.”
“I’m not sure what you mean.”
“We can defend ourselves and not violate our principles. We know the green creatures know of our existence and if the red beings take their information they will learn of us. If they are building a new tool, then our time of being hidden is short. We can remove us from their sensors. We are looking at that possibility at this moment.”
“How would you do that?”
“We will move this universe into another dimension and place a psychic barrier around it that would prevent their being able to see us and be a barrier to them entering.”
“Wouldn’t their galaxy still be in our universe?”
“No, we would move to a dimension where they are not currently present and bar them from entering.”
Matt thought about the scope of the Reg’s abilities to be able to accomplish what they described, “Then we would have to turn our backs on all the civilizations they will kill in the future.”
“Our Eldest said you would feel that way; however, you, like us, are beings that possess psychic powers. You will be able to leave and return to this universe by the use of those powers. You will need a psychic drive but you are not far from developing one.”
“The Spider’s children,” Matt thought.
“They are quite intelligent.”
“If our universe is moved as you are planning, would these beings miss it?”
“Oh, yes; and they will then put all of their attention to finding it and destroying it. However, if we don’t take this action they will find us in a shorter time frame.”
“Is there a possibility they will be able to find our universe?”
“Certainly there is that possibility; however, it would at least give more time to avoid destruction, which we see happening within two of your years if we do not act.”
Matt thought about Tag’s sense of no immediate danger, “Then you are going to do it.”
The First Reg thought, “Your insight has surprised us several times. Yes, it will be done in six of your months.”
“Then I must act quickly.”
The Second Reg turned toward Matt, “Yes you do. I think your plan has merit and is in keeping with the creative force’s design.”
“Thank you, Brothers.” The three Reg disappeared from the bridge.
Al, teleported to Ross, “What plan is he referring to, Matt?”
“I want to save some enemies.”
Al was surprised, “Really, after all they’ve done?”
“They were forced to it. We have to try.”
“For all the good it will do you; they will not cooperate with your efforts. And what about the ones that made them? Do we want to anger them?”
“We have to find a way around their resistance. You heard the Reg; they will be here in two years if nothing is done. What they left unsaid is that the presence of Destiny’s family is what will bring them. Do you think we can turn our backs on our new friends?”
“No, I’m not suggesting that we do but bringing more families here will only insure the anger of the tool maker.”
“I suspect that the presence of one spider or a million families of them will lead to the same result; they will teach us a lesson about interference and it won’t be pretty. It wouldn’t surprise me if they tried to make us one of their tools; that would be a lesson that’s in keeping with their character.”
“Don’t even think that way. I’d rather die first.”
“If those beings entered compulsions in you, you wouldn’t have a choice. You wouldn’t even be allowed the option of self-destruction. That’s why we have to try and save those spiders. At their core, they are a gentle species and deserve something better than their forced slavery. I also see enormous gifts for our Realm if we can save them. “
Al was silent and then said, “These creatures put all the other enemies the Realm has faced to shame. Do you think we can win?”
The Reg don’t know the answer to that question but at least they are helping us now. Without them we would have no chance at all. And Destiny is right about one thing, his children are amazing and I wouldn’t count us out just yet. There is also one other consideration you haven’t thought about.”
“What is that?”
“I know the history of our Realm and there is no way we should have survived the enemies we have overcome. I have seen the power of those with psychic abilities. What the Reg also left unsaid is that it is those abilities that come from the creative force that made us all conquering. If I were those beings, I would also fear angering that force. I almost believe that we are a creation that may have been created to face these killers.”
Al thought about that for a moment and said, “Well all righty then, bring them on. They haven’t had to face Fly Girl and she will kick their grumps if they tick her off.”
“Al, that’s not nice.”
“Matt, how does she always hear everything I say?”
Matt smiled and shook his head, “Love is like that, Al. She will always look after you to make sure you’re safe. Would you prefer that she not be there?”
“Never, Matt, she’s what gives me life.”
“Just like Melanie.” Matt looked at his board and said, “Please notify Tag, Danielle, Anglo, Destiny and his children as well as Sprig to meet me in the map room. I am teleporting there now and I appreciate you going with me to see the Reg.”
“I like them, Matt. I’ll go anytime you want.”
“Thanks, Al.” Matt disappeared.
And reappeared in the map room to find Tag and Anglo waiting for him, “That was quick. Were you here waiting on me?”
“No but we knew you were going to see that crystal race and we were waiting to see what you found out.”
Anglo looked at Matt and said, “Before we get started, I want to share a discovery with you.”
Tag and Matt looked at him and Tag said, “What discovery?”
“As you know we are still excavating the old cities on Earth that were destroyed during the third nuclear war.”
“Yeah, so what?”
“A chamber was recently uncovered that obviously belonged to a very wealthy man at the time before the war. He had installed a vault underground that was sealed with a vacuum and inside it we found huge sums of the money they used then but there was also a box of these.” Anglo took a small square box and broke the seal. “These are cigars that were made at that time and they are as fresh as the day that man purchased them.” Anglo handed Tag and Matt a cigar and used the old lighter that was also found in the vault to light them.
The three took a draw and Tag said, “These are absolutely amazing. I’ve never tasted one this good. Want kind are they?”
Anglo took a long puff and said, “They were made by a company named CAO and the cigar is an OSA. I don’t know what those letters mean but they sure knew how to make a cigar in those ancient times.”
Matt shook his head and smiled, “Are these the only examples you have?”
“Unfortunately, they are but I wanted to share these with you.”
“Well put them away and we’ll have another if we can survive this next event. Boy, these are good.”
They sat, smoked, and relaxed. Tag said, “We need to do this more often.”
Matt smiled. “Just be sure to bring the cigars.”
A silver screen appeared and Sprig and the Spiders stepped into the room. Newton smelled the smoke and asked, “What is that?”
Anglo answered, “It’s called a cigar and these were made in ancient times.”
“Do you have any more?”
Tag, Anglo, and Matt looked at each other and all three said simultaneously, “No.” Anglo looked at them and said, “ these are the last ones.”
Newton sighed and said, “They smell wonderful.”
Anglo slid the box under the table and said, “Why don’t we start our meeting.”
Matt filled them in on what the Reg told him and then looked at the spiders. “Is it true that you are working on a psychic drive?”
Edison and Newton looked at Einstein and the small spider said, “I have developed a model that I believe will operate on the wavelength that psychic wave had when it passed our ship. I trialed it and it did not move. I’m not there yet.”
“When this meeting is over, I want you to take it to Cassandra Dodd and let her see it. Perhaps it needs someone with psychic ability to make it work.”
Einstein turned his head to the left, “I didn’t think of that.” He looked at Newton, “You’re right; they are smarter than us.”
Destiny said, “Why do you say that, Einstein?”
Edison and Einstein looked at Newton who looked around and said, “They didn’t think that King Gardner understood that I extended his life span but I told them he did.”
Matt flinched and caught himself before he said anything. Sprig thought, “Uh, when did you extend his lifespan, Newton?”
“You remember; I gave him the device to protect his ship and I told him I wanted him to live to see me grow up.”
Sprig looked at Matt and he understood what he had missed. “Uh, Newton, I forgot to ask how long it was extended.”
“Well, Melanie was on board when you used it the first time so both of you should live about one and a half million years.”
Matt fought to keep his expression neutral. Then he heard Newton tell Edison, “I told you he knew.”
“I agreed, Newton.”
“Well, you didn’t initially.”
Destiny was watching Matt and knew that the human really didn’t know until this moment. He sighed, “Newton is that process you used reversible?”
“Probably, but why would anyone want it reversed?”
“I was just thinking that we might want to use it on others that have a specific idea about how long they want to live.”
The little spider tilted his head and shrugged.
Matt looked at Destiny and shook his head. He sent a private thought, “I’ll discuss this later. I don’t want to put anything in his mind that would take away his focus on the coming task.”
“I’m sorry, Your Majesty. Please remember they’re only children.”
Then Matt had a thought break through, “Uh, Newton. Is the process genetic?”
Newton smiled and said, “Absolutely, you pass it on to your children. I’m sure you want to see them grow up, too. Why do you ask?”
Matt looked at Newton, “Most people don’t know but Melanie is expecting a child.”
Everyone started congratulating Matt but something Einstein said to himself caught his immediate attention, “I wondered where that psychic field was coming from.”
Matt said, “Einstein, what did you just say?”
The little spider was looking at a device and he jumped when Matt called his name. “I have a device that can read the strength of psychic fields, which I used in working on the psychic drive. There is one here in the castle that appeared about six months ago and has been growing at a phenomenal rate.”
“Show me what you mean.”
“May I use the display?”
“Go right ahead.”
Einstein plugged his small device into the display and a picture of Castle Gardner’s layout appeared. “I can see any field in the galaxy I’m located but the last few trips here have allowed me to see the strong fields here. The blue circles are the psychic fields in the castle. The one right here is yours, Your Majesty. Notice how it is light blue. Your field is the strongest here, or it was.”
Sprig looked at the display and said, “This must be the former King and Queen.”
“You’re right.”
“This smaller one over here must be Anglo Gardner’s field.”
“Right again.”
Sprig looked at the display, “What is this black circle?”
Einstein shrugged, “That is the one I’ve been having trouble identifying. It must be Melanie’s baby.”
“Why is that circle black?”
“Oh, I needed some way to measure the strength of fields so I used colors. That field is actually violet.”
Sprig looked at the display and said, “Einstein, that circle is black.”
“Not really, let’s look at it this way.” Einstein made an adjustment and all of the fields were placed side by side. “This thinnest circle is Anglo’s.”
The group saw how each circle grew progressively thicker. Matt’s circle was five times thicker than Tag’s and Danielle’s. However, the circle next to Matt’s was five times thicker than his. Everyone in the room stared at that circle. Einstein saw them staring, “See why I was confused about where that field was originating.”
Matt looked at the field and then said, “We will continue this meeting in three hours. Please discuss what I’ve just told you and let’s discuss our next course of action.” He downloaded the information in the display and went to see Melanie. As he turned to leave he said, “Sprig, come with me, please,” then he thought, “Melanie, Tag, Danielle, meet me in our quarters please.”
Matt and Sprig entered and found the rest of the Royal Family waiting. “I need to fill you in on what I have just learned. Matt told them everything that had happened at the Reg and then what he had learned from the young spiders. He sent the information from his com to the rooms monitor and everyone saw the psychic circles that Einstein had recorded.
Melanie looked at the display and said, “Oh my ancestors. I thought the voice in my head was just me thinking about what my baby would say if it could talk.”
Matt turned and said, “Sprig, I thought psychic’s children would not have psychic abilities.”
“That is not what I said, Your Majesty; I said that the children of first generation psychics would have higher abilities than their parents but that the children of the second generation would not possess those abilities. You are the first generation, Matt and Melanie does not display abilities. There is a good probability that your child’s children will possess psychic skills at a higher level than it will have, if the display is right, which will be considerable.”
Melanie looked at Matt, “You haven’t said anything about taking a long time to become an old man.”
“I don’t know what I think about that. How do you feel?”
Melanie smiled, “That just means I have longer to love you. How can you not like that?”
Sprig thought, “We live that long naturally so it really won’t seem like a long time. There’s so much to see and learn that the time just slips away.”
Matt scratched his head, “Put like that, how can I disagree. Let’s discuss it after a thousand years.”
“Make it ten thousand for me. I’m starting to get curious about what our children will become.”
Danielle shook her head, “Where is Tgon-Gee when you need him?”
Matt furrowed his brow and Danielle said, “He always saw the strength of a person’s aura. He would have told us as soon as she became pregnant.”
Tag shrugged, “Well, I have to say the first twelve hundred years have flown by. Let’s get back to the issues that confront the Realm.”
“First I need to meet with the spiders and see if my plan is feasible. You may join us if you want.”
Tag yawned, “Nope, you’ll call me if you need me. I’m enjoying retirement and this cigar.”
“Danielle laughed, “He’ll be listening in; he can’t stop himself.”
“Melanie, you better come with me; I need you to help me see the truth.”
“I want to hear what you have in mind. I was going to ask if I could sit in.”
Matt took her hand and left for the map room. Sprig shrugged and teleported. Why these humans walked instead of teleporting was beyond his understanding.
Matt looked around the table and said, “I haven’t mentioned yet that it is my intention to try and save your species and bring them to our universe before it is blocked by the Reg.”
Destiny looked at Matt, “I have no idea about how you might make that happen.”
“Well, I need some help but I think it all starts with the Nest Mother. We have to either eliminate her or get her to see what is going to happen to her by the beings that created her. I know that we are able to teleport objects the size of individuals even if they are in the green substance. Does the Nest Mother wear green armor?”
Destiny shrugged, “No she does not. She is however inside a ship that dwarfs our main ships. It also has a hull a hundred of your miles thick.”
“Do you know the coordinates of her chamber inside the ship?”
“It is in the exact center of the ship.”
“Alright, I want you to come up with a plan. I would prefer to capture her alive but if we can’t make that happen then we will kill her.”
“Why would you want to save her?”
“It is not her fault that she’s made to do the things your species have done. Remember the recording of the Nest Mother before she was placed on the nest; she didn’t show any of the rage until she placed her legs in the receptacles. It is the beings from the dark galaxy that hold the real responsibility for all the killing. I just feel that we have to try. If we fail, then all of your species that have the downloaded compulsions will be killed when the new tool being developed by those in the dark galaxy is released. Something about that just makes me angry and I want to try and do something about it. Duke Gardner, please let me know when you have a plan.”
Sprig bowed, “We will begin immediately, Your Majesty.”
Matt and Melanie walked out of the room and Matt thought, “What do you think?”
“I think it’s the right thing to do, Matt.”
As Matt and Melanie left the room Newton looked at Edison, “Maybe someday we’ll be as smart as the Humans.”
Edison shook his head emulating the Human’s disagreement motion, “I hope so but it will take a very long time.” He paused a moment and continued, “Maybe our children will.”
Newton and Einstein nodded.
Destiny had to leave the room to laugh. Oh what wonderful children.
The Nest Mother examined the data that had been stored in her memory and looked for what was causing her to be unable to control the harvestings. She couldn’t find anything so she stopped and thought. “Maybe one of my predecessors would know.” She started with the Nest Mother she replaced and reviewed her memories. Nothing. She then moved to each of the previous Nest Mothers and finally viewed the memories of the original one that started her species. She traced everything back until she saw the moment where she was given intelligence. She saw the Nest Mother as a small spider that was viciously protecting her egg sac against a huge red being that was about to hit it. She felt the protectiveness of the mother for her offspring and watched as the being stopped and collected the mother into a device. The next thing she saw was the moment the spider was given intelligence. She heard the red being’s thoughts as he told another being, “This one will be a good tool for us. With the right technology it could do all we require.” Then the memories stopped and she saw the Nest Mother being placed on the command bed. She was shocked at the revelation. We are tools for another species. Then she felt the compulsions hit her and she ordered another family to harvest another universe. She felt the fear of those that have no control.
Life was at home visiting his sister on Gresh. The Stars Realm was at peace and for the first time he could remember, he had some free time to go home and relax. He actually wished there was more action for him but the war was over and the Searchers were assigned planets to assist them in assimilating into the Stars Realm. After the fight with the Eight Legs, this was boring. He requested time off and was given a two week furlough. He sat at home and then thought about taking the family’s boat out for a little alone time. He furled the sails on the small craft and headed out into the large bay. Sailing always relieved his stress and he thought about all that had happened since the war with the Eight Trading Partners. Those planets were now close allies of the Gresh and even after all the terrible things that had been done during the Gresh invasions, the populations knew they were saved by his intervention on their behalf with the Stars Realm. Two of the Trading Planets had an Eight Leg Mother Ship moving in on them during the Eight Leg invasion when two of his brothers killed them with a penetrator. The Realm possessed no stronger subjects than these nine planets. The applicants for the Realms Military was huge and they told the story to new worlds just joining the Realm about how they were extremely fortunate to be allowed to become a part of such a generous, glorious, union. Then he started thinking about his new assignment.
“I heard they let you out early for good behavior.”
Life smiled, “If that were the case I would have never been delayed. What are you doing here, Grena?”
“I just made planet; like you I have some free time. I thought I would enjoy it but I must confess that I’m already starting to get bored.”
“I’ve taken the boat out; would you like to join me?”
“I’d love it; anything but this sitting around telling the family war stories.”
Life smiled, “I know; the same story gets old after the eighth telling. Here’s my coordinates.”
“I’ll be right there.”
Life stopped the boat and waited for her to teleport.
Grena reclined on the front deck of the small sailboat with her eyes closed. Life had the boat tacking away from land toward the wide mouth of the bay and the ship was skipping lightly across the waves. Grena thought to Life, “I hear you’ve been given a promotion.”
Life flinched, “Where did you hear that?” Life had just learned of it himself.
“I have also been offered a position but I wanted to discuss it with you before I accepted.”
Life held the boat into the wind and then turned and tacked back, “What are you being asked to do, Grena?”
“Before I answer, I need to know if you still feel the same way about me before you were chosen to be our Warleader. I appreciate your inviting me to be your partner at the Gardner’s wedding but we didn’t resolve our issues.”
“How could we? We were swept up in the festivities and I was called to a meeting of the command council. When I finished, you were gone.”
“I, too, was called to a meeting off planet.”
Life remembered back when he was notified by the ruling council that he was to lead their efforts against the trade planets. He and Grena were very much an item but the Warleader is not eligible to take a mate. This practice prevented the strongest Warleader from forcing their children on the planet as successors. He remembered Grena’s sorrow and anger at the decision and her telling him she would never forgive him for accepting. “Grena, you told me it was over. I had to place the welfare of our people ahead of my own desires. Just how do you think I feel?”
“You still love me; you might as well admit it.”
How could she possibly know that?
Grena saw his expression and smiled, “Life, after we joined the Stars Realm and you resigned your position as Warleader; you were approached by every available female on the planet. You ignored them and joined the Realm’s Navy. I knew they held no interest for you. I knew that you still cared for me; I could feel it.”
Life started to tell her she was right but she held up and hand and stopped him, “I had time after joining the Realm’s Navy to reflect on the oath I swore; I came to realize that sometimes duty is more important than one’s own selfish desires. I was wrong to blame you for being strong enough to make a hard decision. I have never stopped loving you and I’m here today to see what you want to do about it.”
Life looked at Grena with pain in his eyes, “I have been asked to take command of the Searchers. Our ships are going to be modified for a different type of drive and we will be the force that takes on the new invaders. I will be away from here indefinitely training our Searchers to go to other universes. I love you with all my being, Grena; I always have. It is just not fair that we are always being separated by duty.”
Grena smiled, “You still don’t know how I know about your promotion?”
Life squinted, “How do you know?”
“I have been asked to be your executive officer. It seems our leaders know quite a bit about those they select for leadership. They think, rightly I think, that I might be able to help you in your new duties.” She got up and went to the back of the boat and hugged Life tightly. The small boat suddenly turned and fell off the wind as Life let go of the tiller and embraced her. “I would not accept the position unless you still loved me. I could not bear to be near you and hurt from not being able to love you.”
Life looked in her eyes and smiled, “This will be glorious. I am truly whole again. The war was fabulous but I missed you every moment.”
The boat drifted for hours as they held each other. Life’s com beeped and he saw Sprig on it, “Yes, Your Grace?”
Sprig saw Grena behind Life and said, “Am I interrupting you; I can com you later?”
Life looked at Grena and she shook her head, “No, I am able to take your com.”
“I need you to come to Castle Gardner’s Map Room as quickly as possible. Bring your staff with you.”
“I only have one staff member, Your Majesty.”
“I know; so you shouldn’t be delayed very long.”
“We’ll be there in ten hours.”
Sprig smiled, “See you then.”
Grena looked at Life, “We can teleport to our ships and be there in less than fifteen minutes.”
“I’ve given up too much time with you already. Today I’m going to make up for what I’ve lost.”
Grena smiled brightly and pulled him down to her.