Matt, Al, and Stem were watched the feed coming from the second planet the invaders attacked. Matt commed General Durk who had assumed command of all armed forces until a new commander could be selected to replace him. “Are the ships in place, General?”
“Yes Your Grace, we have five Searcher class ships waiting for them to depart this system. They will jump in and hit the mother ship when it clears the jump limit.”
“Make sure they jump away fast.”
“They have already programmed their jumps.”
“Thank you, General.”
Matt turned back to the feed and watched the large troop carriers descend toward the planet. As he watched, something troubled him and he couldn’t quite determine what it was. It was like a bug flying around your head; you’d swat at it and after a moment it would reappear.
“Want to talk about it?”
“Al, I don’t know what to talk about. Something about this attack is bothering me.”
“I can see that. Ever thought about asking for help?”
“Who?”
“Let me see if I can remember the exact words, “The Royal Family has the most powerful psychics in this universe.”“
Matt snickered and Stem said, “Boy, you are dramatic.”
“No he’s not Stem.”
“I’m not,” Al said.
“No, I think you have a good idea. Matt thought, “Pardon me Your Majesty but do you have a moment?”
“I do, Matt but from this moment on you will call me and my wife by our first names. Agreed?”
“Yes Your Majes…, I mean, yes Tag.”
“What do you need?”
“I’m having a nagging feeling about the attack we’ve planned on the Eight Legs when they leave the system they are currently attacking. Something just doesn’t feel right.”
Tag remained silent for a moment and then said, “You should call off the attack.”
“Why?”
“Let me help you learn how to use one of your talents.”
“By all means.”
“I want you to clear your mind and get a clear sense of how much immediate danger you sense to the Realm at this moment; got it?”
Matt closed his eyes and replied, “Yes I do.”
“Now I want you to think about making the planned attack and sense if that level of danger changes.”
Matt thought about it and said, “No, no change.”
“Now think about canceling the attack.”
“Holy Groad.”
“Ah, you can feel it can’t you?”
Stem thought, “What do you feel?”
“The danger level dropped appreciably.”
“What else did you sense?”
“If we don’t attack, the main invasion may be delayed.”
“Matt, that’s what I sense when I look at it both ways. I’m not sure why that is but it appears that it won’t happen as quickly as we thought.”
“Tag, I think we need to try and figure out why that is. Al, cancel the attack.”
“Fleet command has been notified, Magic.”
“Danielle, got a minute?”
“Always time for you, love; oh hi, Matt; what are you two up to?”
“We’re trying to find the truth in a situation and you are the best at that. Matt, tell Danielle what you’ve discovered?”
As Matt explained to Danielle, Al thought to Tag, “Your Majesty, may Stem and I participate in this discussion?”
“Of course you may provided you also abide by the rules of first names only in private conversations. I recognize that in public forums titles are necessary but not among friends.”
“Then Tag and Danielle it is.”
“I see my husband has taught you how to use one of your talents.”
“Yes he has and I’m very appreciative.”
“Then let me walk you through how I would go about trying to understand this situation.”
“We’re all ears,” Al said.
“Danielle chuckled, “Oh, so you’re the computer I’ve heard so much about.”
“You’re making me blush.”
“Danielle laughed, “Well, we’ll talk later; I do want to get to know you. But first, you have determined that if we attack the Eight Legs as they leave this system they will follow up this first ship with the full invasion within two months. Is that correct?”
“Yes.”
“Has either one of you looked to see if that follow up comes after any attack or just this one.”
“Go ahead, Matt,” Tag said.
Matt closed his eyes and after a moment opened them, “No, it’s only this attack that causes the invasion to come earlier.”
“Alright, so now we have to ask two questions; what would cause them to delay their invasion and what would cause them to invade earlier. Which question feels like the right one to answer,” Danielle asked?
Matt and Tag both said in unison, “The second.”
Danielle laughed again and said, “Then it must be the second if you two are in agreement. Now ask yourself this, what would make us invade ahead of a planed timetable if we were planning an attack?”
Stem thought, “If there was a danger to our forces or something was discovered that we wanted very much.”
“Does everyone else agree?”
No one said anything. “Silence means agreement,” Danielle said, “because you can’t think of another reason at this moment. So let’s follow the path these conclusions lead us. Why is this system so critical as to cause them to move their invasion plans up? What do we know about this system?”
Matt said, “I was surprised they invaded this system.”
“Why is that, Matt,” Danielle asked?
“Because according to our maps of this galaxy, there are other civilizations much larger and more advanced than the one they attacked; this one doesn’t even have space travel. That civilization, however, seems to be fighting among themselves constantly.”
“So we can say that this particular planet will not possess anything that would represent a threat to the invaders.”
“That’s how I see it, Danielle.”
“Then we have to see why they chose this particular planet to invade. If we understand that then we can find what we’re missing. What do you think the invaders might be looking for that they want very much?”
Stem thought, “Probably a highly advanced civilization to consume.”
“So how does invading this backward civilization give them what they seek?”
“I have one more piece of information that relates to this discussion.”
“What is that, Al”
“I have been looking at the map of that galaxy and the planet they are invading is the closest inhabited planet to the last one they consumed.”
Matt said, “You already knew, didn’t you Danielle?”
“Yes, but I wanted you to go through the process yourself to learn how to do it in the future. You haven’t had as much practice as I have.”
“What’s the reason,” Tag asked?
“They are baiting us to attack them.”
Stem thought, “How do you arrive at that conclusion?”
“Three of their warriors just disappeared while they were attacking the first planet. They must assume that if their disappearance was caused by an advanced life form then that life form must be located close to the site of the attack. If they attack another planet close by and they are attacked by a civilization that has jump capability, then they will connect the two events together. That will cause an immediate response from the main fleet. If they are not attacked then they are left with the possibility that the disappearances are not connected with an advanced life form but something else. They may decide to attack another planet close by just to make sure but if nothing happens then they will not perceive any danger to their invasion.”
“That’s how I see it, Matt.”
“I have sensed something else since we began this little discussion, Danielle.”
“What is that?”
“I believe that it was my killing the three Eight Leg warriors that caused the main fleet to invade just two months after the first ship arrived. Now I sense if we do not attack them in this galaxy then I can no longer determine when the main fleet will arrive. That must mean they will be delayed which will give us more time to just face one of their mother ships instead of millions.”
Danielle thought, “I hope they don’t remain in this particular galaxy until they remove all life.”
“They won’t, Danielle. The duties of a scout are to look at as much of the area to be invaded as possible. They won’t spend much time in any one galaxy unless they uncover a very, highly advanced civilization.”
“I hope you’re right, Stem. Is there anything else?”
“No, thank you, Danielle and Tag, for helping me.”
“Anytime.”
“Hey, Stem.”
“Yes, Al.”
“Did you notice that she wants to get to know me better; it’s too bad you weren’t noticed.”
“I’ve been talking with Danielle for more than three hundred years, you big baby.”
“You’re just jealous. I’m more fascinating than you.”
“Matt, are they always like this?”
Matt sighed, “Yes, Danielle, I’m afraid they are.”
“OOPs,” Al said, “I thought she was gone.”
“They must like each other very much to work so hard to have the last word.”
“Don’t tell him,” both Stem and Al thought together.
Danielle laughed, “Oh, I don’t think I have to now; bye all.”
Tag looked at Danielle, “What do you think?”
“I think that they have found family on that ship. Three that are so different but so much alike; Matt needs them to heal.”
“Do you think he will ever know love again?”
“Some never know love like he’s experienced. Only fate can determine if he is to love again. I just don’t know.”
“He deserves it.”
“If any one does, he does but that doesn’t mean he will.”
“I know.”
The Ship’s Male watched the harvest of the planet and kept his attention focused on the sensors. He deliberately had numerous small ships scattered around the planet in an effort to see if one of them would also disappear. Nothing happened. At the conclusion of the harvest the Sensor Male said, “Your orders?”
“Move outside the sun’s influence to the star drive band.”
“Should I recall the ships?”
“No, have them follow us.”
The huge fleet of ships arrived at the jump limit and stopped and waited. After a measure, the Ship’s Male keyed his transmitter. “Why have you contacted me?”
“Supreme Male, I have a situation that I need to discuss with you.”
“Download your data.”
The Ship’s Male felt the pointed probe that entered his abdomen. Once it was in his information center he transmitted all that had happened since his arrival in this universe. The Supreme Leader digested what he had received and said, “No others have disappeared?”
“No.”
“What are your plans?”
“I’m almost convinced that whatever caused their disappearance must have been some kind of natural phenomena. I have not seen any life source that indicates above average development. I will continue to harvest this area to see if I can generate an attack but it would put me behind schedule.”
The family’s Supreme Male thought about the disappearances and almost called for the main invasion. He turned his attention to his family and saw that they were still digesting. He decided, “Continue with your schedule. If anymore disappearances happen I must be notified immediately.”
“I will do as you order.”
The probe was removed from the Ship’s Male and he turned to the Sensor Male, “Recall all ships. Is there anything else in this galaxy that we should investigate?”
The Sensor Male thought about his three missing brothers but did not see any civilization that warranted attention. “I do not see anything different from the two we just ate.”
“Find another galaxy and our next meal.”
“We will move in half a measure, First Fang.”
The members of Aladdin watched as the mother ship stopped at the jump limit with all of its ships still outside. “They’re waiting for an attack,” Al said.
They continued to watch and after an hour the ships began entering the huge green ship. “Now we see if they will invade soon.”
“How do you see that?”
“Stem, If they attack another close planet then they are convinced that the three missing warriors were killed. If they leave to a more distant planet then they just don’t have a clue and don’t know what to attribute it.”
The ships were finally all on board and the green ship disappeared. “This just in, they jumped to another galaxy,” Al reported.
“Thanks, Al, it looks like we have been given a reprieve. Please inform General Durk to begin executing his attacks.”
“You don’t think doing it this quickly would make them think about what happened here?”
“No Stem, it would actually make them more convinced that it was not caused by a life form. Distance is the great divider. The fact that something different happened in this new galaxy they enter will convince them the there is no cause for alarm.”
The four ships waited until the green ship moved from the planet it had just destroyed and cleared the jump limit then jumped in and fired their weapons. They then jumped away as thousands of ships erupted from the mother ship.
“Have them followed.”
“Issuing instructions,” the Sensor Male watched the four ships as they jumped away. He followed one through three jumps but lost it when it jumped to a distance galaxy that had several galaxies between them that blocked his vision.
“We have lost them.”
“How?”
“They jumped at least six times to distant galaxies faster than our ship’s systems could follow so we lost the jump track. They jumped to galaxies that had other galaxies between them and our ship which blocked our vision.”
The Ship’s Male wasn’t surprised that they were attacked. It usually happened much earlier. “What did you see in their weapons?”
“The beam weapons were quite strong compared to most of those we’ve encountered; however, nothing significantly different.”
“Well, if we are attacked in the future we will ignore the attackers unless they use some kind of weapon that is different.”
“You do not want us to send ships to give chase?”
“To what end? Those ships are nothing superior to what we’ve seen. If we chase them every time they attack we will have to do what we’re doing right now; wait for our ships to return before we can travel. That will put us behind schedule.”
The Sensor Male raised two legs indicating a shrug. The Ship’s Male was probably right; any measures lost chasing four ships would be better spent consuming the billions on a planet. Besides, we’ve seen it all before; they fire their weapons and run. They would eventually be found and consumed when the family arrived. We better use this time to feed before everything was gone. The last harvest was a disaster. The Ship’s Male was wise to ignore the attacks. The Sensor Male hoped he was as wise when he was given a ship. There was so much left to learn before that happened.
Matt watched the feed and saw eight Searchers jump in and fire on the green ship as it moved to the jump limit after destroying another civilization. The Stars Realm ships had learned that if they timed their jumps right that they could jump in and fire just before the Invader reached the jump limit and jump away before the green ships could give chase. “That was smart of General Durk to hit them before they reached the jump limit. They can’t chase us.”
“Al, tell me you don’t really believe that.”
“Just checking to see if you saw it.”
“They are ignoring us. We could hit them anywhere and they would go about their plans giving us no notice just like the Reg when the Eight Legs invade them. We are insignificant to them.”
“Matt, it’s frustrating. Nothing affects them. We’ve fired everything we can think of and nothing gets through their armor. If there is something that will kill them, it is certainly well hidden.”
“Stem, I am also beginning to sense that the main invasion will happen within the next year. I just know it exists. It’s like a mental block; once we break through it we will wonder why we didn’t see it all along.”
“You’re probably right. I just wish we would find it. Seeing all these planets die is getting to me.”
“You and me both.”
“Matt, General Durk has just requested permission to visit.”
“Send him the ok.”
Matt continued to watch the feed. At least the invaders had not found a member planet or the probe that had been following them. Matt looked up and saw the silver field just as General Durk and another person appeared on Aladdin’s bridge. General Durk and a woman bowed as General Durk said, “Thank you for allowing us to see you, Your Grace.”
“Any time, General; what brings you here?”
“We have selected the person to assume your previous position as Vice Admiral and wanted you to interview her.”
Matt looked at the Searcher Durk had brought with him and was not impressed with what he saw. She was dressed in an engineer’s coveralls that were baggy and wore a floppy hat with a Ross emblem on it. It was clear she had no pride in her appearance. She also didn’t appear to be impressed with where she was. “Why don’t you introduce us, General?”
“Prince Gardner, this is Searcher Melanie Guadalupe Grace. The command team has chosen her to assume command of our forces.”
Matt looked at her and wondered what in the universe possessed the team to choose her. Her uniform was two sizes too big, her hair looked like sprigs of grass hanging out from her hat, and her boots were not shined. “Searcher Grace, were you not given time to prepare for this meeting?”
She raised her eyebrows and said, “Am I going to take a test or something. I thought I was coming to answer your questions.”
Matt immediately felt his temper rise, “Is this the uniform you are supposed to wear for someone in your position?”
“I’m not in it yet and yes this is the uniform I wear to carry out my duties.”
Melanie heard a voice in her mind, “Searcher, you might want to back off a little and assume a little humility.”
“Who are you,” she thought?
“Just call me, Al. I don’t think you understand who you’re dealing with.”
“Nor does he?”
“Don’t say I didn’t try to warn you.”
“General Durk, just why have you chosen her for command. She obviously has no respect for the service or the realm she serves.”
General Durk said, “I didn’t select her.”
That’s when Melanie exploded. “Just who are you to stand there and pass judgment on my commitment. I am directly descended from one of the colonists that were disintegrated by the Cainth lasers on Ross. One of my Great Grand Mothers got to watch as her husband and son were vaporized that day. Another of my Great Grand Parents was on Admiral Smith’s ship when he was killed by the Algeans. The Captors killed another on Wes McAnn’s ship. You have no idea of what the word sacrifice means. My family’s history has been written with the sacrifices they’ve made to ensure this Realm survives. You do not have the right to question my loyalty and commitment to the Stars Realm and you obviously have no idea what true loyalty looks like.” She paused and then said, “Your Grace.”
Matt felt his temper rise to a level that felt good; he wanted to straighten this smart mouth Searcher out.
Suddenly a silver field appeared and Sprig, Twig, and Anglo Gardner appeared on the deck. Melanie saw them and suddenly grew nervous. She had thought that this interview to make her the Vice Admiral over the Realm’s fleet was just a joke. Now she didn’t know what to think. Then she heard in her mind, “I told you to back off. Now you have risked your future doing that which you desire most.”
“What is that?”
“Why, protecting the Realm. You’re yelling at the one the King and Queen have decreed that his decisions will be followed without question. He could kick you out of the service and take away your ship.”
Melanie felt terror. She looked at the young man in front of her and suddenly realized that she in was way over her head. “I’ve made a huge mistake, haven’t I?”
“Why did you act like this?”
“I don’t know. I thought that this office they’re supposedly giving was some kind of huge foul up. I’ve never done anything that would justify promoting me to that title. I just didn’t take it seriously. Besides, I am not one that fits in easily.”
“Well you better be considering your next words carefully.”
Mat listened to the young woman’s outrage and started to kick her out of the service until he played back what she said. At that point the other three visitors arrived just as Melanie finished her tirade and he turned his attention to them and away from the angry Searcher. “I wasn’t expecting any more guests.”
“We were watching your interview and we determined that we should be here,” Sprig thought.
Matt looked at the now silent Searcher and then said, “Why did you select Searcher Grace to fill the position as Vice Admiral?”
“Because she is going to be working closely with you for the foreseeable future and in order to be effective she would need that level of rank. She will assist you in getting your orders followed.”
Matt immediately forgot about the Searcher in front of him and said, “I have not decided to work closely with anyone and I believe that no one can make that decision but me. I do not desire nor need anyone to assist me. I consider this issue closed.”
Melanie stood there wishing she could just find a hole and crawl in it. She had angered the prince and she was going to pay for it. If she lost her position in the navy her life would be over. She thought, “Please, can you help me.”
The Prince suddenly turned and said, “Al, are you talking with her?”
“Darn it, you caught me again.”
Melanie said in a shaking voiced, “Who is Al?”
The Prince turned on her and said, “He’s my ships computer.”
Melanie looked like she had been hit with a stunner. “That’s not possible; whoever was talking with me was telepathic.”
“The world is full of surprises, Searcher. You should have listened to me. Ole Al has great wisdom.”
“What did you say to her, Al?”
“I told her to back off.”
“Why?”
“Because you’re so tight that if someone placed a lump of coal in your arm pit you would have a diamond is less than ten minutes.”
Matt had an expression of anger for a moment and then burst out laughing. He laughed so hard it hurt. Al said, “I didn’t think it was that funny.”
Matt said between laughs, “I’m just confused why you said arm pit. Somewhere else would have fit better.”
“Probably, but we have a lady present. Watch your manners.”
Matt pulled himself together and looked at the young woman who was obviously nervous. “Searcher, why did you come to this meeting wearing what you have on?”
“I was told by Central Command that I was scheduled to attend a meeting where I was to be promoted to Vice Admiral over all our military forces. I asked them if they were sure they were contacting the right person and they told me to just get ready. I didn’t take the communication seriously. They had obviously made a mistake and they would contact the one they really wanted to go, so I just continued preparing for the next attack on the mother ship.”
Matt flinched and looked more closely at her, “Searcher, do you command an Alpha?”
“Yes, I do.”
“And you were part of the plan to attack the Eight Leg Mother ship?”
“I’ve already attacked it ten times, Your Grace, for all the good it’s done.”
Matt looked at Melanie for a long moment and then said, “I apologize for questioning your loyalty and commitment to the Stars Realm. I understand your anger and would feel the same if mine was questioned by someone in higher authority. I don’t think I would have said quite what you did because I do like serving in the Navy, however, Al is right; I found myself about to take some of my frustrations out on you and that would not be appropriate. Having said that, Searcher, the next time you show up out of uniform I will drum you right out of that Alpha and have you clean latrines on some of our defender class ships. Is that clear?”
Melanie bowed and said, Yes, Your Grace, but may I humbly request one thing.”
“What is that?”
“I will wear the uniform and follow the protocols set forth for a searcher’s appearance; I only ask that I be allowed to wear my hat.”
Matt looked at the floppy hat with the Ross symbol on it and asked, “What’s so special about that hat?”
“My family’s Grand Father that was killed on Ross by the Cainth was wearing it when he died. We have passed it down from generation to generation and now it is my turn to carry it into the future.”
Matt looked at the young woman in front of him and suddenly knew the strength of her commitment. He felt shame at having questioned it, “Searcher, by Royal Decree, you may wear that hat whenever you choose. Al, send that order to Fleet Command and get a copy printed that Searcher Grace may keep with her in the event that someone is stupid enough to question her right to wear it.”
“Done and done. Can you see now young lady that you should listen to me in the future?”
Melanie looked at Matt and asked, “Is he really your computer? And is he always like this?”
“What do you mean like this? You better be glad I saved you from the wrath of the Prince. It was my intervention that saved you.”
Melanie looked at Matt with wonder on her face. “Yes, Searcher, he is always like this but he is right. I caught him communicating with you and he showed me how I was going to take some of my frustrations out on you. So you do owe him.”
“Thank you, Your Grace. It’s about time I was appreciated for my good deeds.”
The four other visitors listened to the two go back and forth and started to relax. Melanie even thought she might get out alive. Melanie then said, “May I ask a question?”
Matt looked at her and said, “Go ahead.”
“How is it possible for a computer to be telepathic?”
Matt looked at her and said, “You are actually more curious about that than saving your hide.”
Melanie thought a minute and said, “I think I am. He doesn’t sound mechanical at all.”
“You got that right, Lady,” Al quipped.
“Now you back off, Al,” Matt thought. Matt looked at Sprig and said, “I cannot work with anyone at this point in my life and I certainly cannot open my mind to anyone else. I am just not up to the task. Give me one good reason why I should agree to work closely with her.”
“She is the occupant of the second chair.”
Matt froze. Even Al was speechless. Melanie tilted her head and said, “I’m what?”
Anglo moved forward and looked Matt in the eye, “I know it’s too soon since Angel died but you must start working with her and open your mind to her.”
Matt hung his head and said, “I can’t.”
Twig said, “You must.”
Matt looked at them and said firmly, “I can’t.”
Melanie had heard about the death of Angel Dodd and she knew that the Prince was her lover. She could see his anguish and pain. “He should not be forced to accept this,” she said.
Matt looked up at her.
Sprig thought, “Searcher Grace, he must agree.”
“Then I will not agree. I cannot be forced into this.”
Durk said, “You will if you intend to remain in the Realm’s Navy.”
Matt looked at Durk and said, “I believe that I am the one who will make that decision, General.”
Durk bowed and said, “Yes, Your Grace.”
Twig thought to Matt, “You must find a way to do it.”
“Why is it so important to do it now?”
Melanie asked, “Do what? What are you talking about?”
Anglo Gardner looked at Melanie and said, “All will be explained at the right time. Hold your questions for now.”
Melanie looked at the Baron and said, “Yes, Your Grace.”
Twig thought, “We have traced the links in the ship and have determined that the two chairs are linked with huge connections. We believe that to wait until you take your places in them to form a mental link could be disastrous for both of you.”
Matt was shaking his head, “I’m sorry, I just can’t do it.”
Melanie looked at Matt and said, “It would be a betrayal, wouldn’t it?”
Matt looked up sharply at her, stared for a long moment, and then said, “Yes.”
“May I suggest something, Your Grace?”
“What.”
“What if roles were reversed? What if you died and left Angel behind. Will you consider just writing her a letter saying what you would want her to know if that had happened; I think it might help you.”
“Why is that?”
Melanie cocked her head to the right and said, “Because you have forgotten how much she loved you and it would help you remember.”
Matt hung his head and stood there saying nothing. “Alright, everyone, the Prince needs some time. We will contact you soon and let you know what his decision will be,” Al announced.
Melanie looked over at the control panel and then turned to Durk and said, “I for one wish to respect his privacy. Will you please take me back to my ship?”
Anglo looked at her and said, “He will take you back to your ship, however, you will not participate in any attacks from this moment on without my direct consent.” Melanie tried hard not to show her disappointment at missing the next attack.
Sprig looked at Twig and thought, “General, if you don’t mind, I would like to take the Searcher to another ship first. I will then take her to her ship.”
“As you wish, Elder,” General Durk responded and he then disappeared from the bridge.
Sprig and Twig moved to each side of Melanie and they disappeared. Anglo walked to Matt and placed his hand on Matt’s shoulder, “Write the letter, Cousin. Angel see’s your suffering.” Anglo stepped back and pushed his wrist unit and disappeared.
Matt was left alone on the bridge and could not get his lost love’s face out of his mind. “Magic, write the letter,” Al said.
Matt moved to his chair and sat down and thought about all that had happened. He remained still for more than four hours and Al remained silent while he meditated.
Matt activated his display on the chair arm and cleared the screen. He thought;
“Dear Angel,
I am so sorry I’ve left you alone. I know how much you hurt and I am hurt even more for causing you to suffer so much. I have loved you for so long and now I’m not going to be there to hold you and care for you at the times you most need me. Seeing you in such pain hurts my soul so deeply. I didn’t plan for this to happen and if I knew it was coming I would have told you every day how much you meant to me and would have shown you the depth of my love in every remaining moment.”
Matt felt his tears falling but the next lines seemed to write themselves:
“I want you to find happiness, Angel. I will suffer as long as you endure the pain. You must find happiness in what life you have remaining. Only remember the happy moments we shared feeling our love for each other and let the pain go. I know you will always love me and you have to know that I want you to find peace and happiness again. I will be in misery if you live your life in sorrow. I cannot rest until you let me go and only remember what happiness I have given you. Love me, Angel, and live.”
“You know that’s exactly how she would want it, Magic?”
Matt jerked his head up. “She is as much a part of me as the ship I find myself in and, like you, I miss her so much.”
“Fly Girl, I miss her so much that there are moments I want to die.”
“Would you want her to feel the same way if you were the one that died?”
Matt took a shaking deep breath and said, “No.”
“Neither would she, Magic.”
“How do we go on, Fly Girl?”
“One day at a time taking one step after another until we only feel the joy she brought us. Choosing to live is the only way we can best honor who she was and I know I must do it for her.”
“What are you going to do now?”
“I am going to make friends with that Searcher that just visited you. She is absolutely ga ga over Al. I suspect I will bring a new level of excitement for her.”
“Can you link to her mind after Angel?”
“I need to link to her mind to bring me back into the world of the living. You know that I would have eventually lost Angel anyway.”
“Why?”
“Because I would live longer, Magic, and I know that she would insist that my life after her be the best it could be. Do you think she would wish less for you?”
Matt hung his head and thought about what she said.
“Thank you for coming, Fly Girl”
“Al, I was as lost as he is until I read his letter. He helped me see what I couldn’t see. I know what I must do now.”
“Fly Girl, I love you.”
“I know, Al; and I love you as well. I have felt you during my reconstruction and it was your love that kept me from giving up.”
‘I wish you were going to be on the new ship with us.”
“Fly Girl sighed, “I will always be near you, Al, never forget that.”
“I won’t.”
“Good.”
Matt continued to sit in his chair and stare at the display.