Chapter 17: I Do…I think???
Ottawa: The White's Home.
Sid looked out the rear window of the kitchen and saw Heather sitting quietly on the porch; she looked to be lost in thought. He opened the backdoor and made his way outside. Closing the distance between them he spoke, "Penny for your thoughts."
Upon hearing the voice Heather turned her head to see her approaching father, "Hi Dad, just thinking about the wedding."
"Not having second thoughts are we?"
"I dunno Dad, it seems all so… final."
"Final, heh." He laughed, "Dear, it's just the beginning of a whole new world for you."
Her face frowned, "That's what I'm afraid of."
"Oh, what's got to you?"
"What if Hector doesn't like me when we're together 24/7?"
Sid was surprised but not so much so, it was a doubt he had way back when. "Hon, we all have that doubt, we all do small things in our life that may annoy the other in small ways. That's part of the compromise that starts out as a relationship. The first few months of living together are the hardest, you try so hard to be yourself that you become another person. Then slowly you slip back to your old self, doing things out of habit; the things that might upset your mate. That's where the fun begins." He grinned.
"But Dad, look at me; I'm so different from Hector."
"So? How do you think Hector feels? He's marrying outside his species. You're not the only one thinking those thoughts."
"Yeah, I guess."
Sid could see she was feeling better, not quite so nervous now but still unsure, "I have a question, do you consider Hector your friend?"
"Huh?" She gave him a funny look.
"Do you consider him your friend?"
"Yes of course."
"Do you trust him?"
"Trust…"
"By that I mean, would you trust him with your very life, if you had to choose."
"Dad, what kind…?"
He put up his finger to quiet her, "Look into your soul; would you give him that power over you? Could you give him the power to hold your life in his paws."
She was quiet for a minute and thought about it, Hector holding onto my life, my essence. "Yes Daddy, I believe I would."
"Then he is the one for you; the small problems you encounter along the way are minor compared to that friendship and love. If you can call your mate your friend then it will be a good union."
Heather had a slight tear welling up in her eye. "Thanks Dad."
"You know it's going to be difficult giving you away." He raised an eyebrow.
She leaned against him, snuggling close, "I not going anywhere and you're giving me away to a fur I trust with all my being."
"Yeah, he is a wonderful fur, one I'm proud to call my son-in-law."
Heather hugged her father "He loves you too Dad. He won't say it but ever since his parents abandoned them all, he has felt lost. Now with you he finds solace in being a part of our family, he feels happy."
"That's great hun, we're glad to have him."
"He feels at home when he comes here, he told me."
"Hector is right for you. So, only a couple more days and we're off to England."
"Yeah, I can't wait to see everyone."
"Your mother and I are really looking forward to this."
England: Ti's home.
Richard looked at his bride to be. She had spread herself out onto the couch and the big black and white skunk looked quite comfortable lying there sound asleep. The occasional snore escaped her breath which brought a grin to his face. She had been so busy getting everything organized, plane tickets, arrangements where folks would be staying; it was far too much for her in her present condition. She had insisted that she do it though and he didn't argue. Now things had caught up with her.
He also noticed her missing prosthetic arm, she didn't like wearing it at all. She needed to get used to it and practice with it; it wasn't like she could grow a new arm. He didn't like to push but when this was all over he would talk with her about it. Right now he just wanted to be by her side, he couldn't believe that he almost lost her. That was a somber thought but he didn't dwell on it as he turned his thoughts to his new life with Ti.
He got a blanket out of the closet and draped it lightly over Ti's body. She stirred but didn't awaken. She was beautiful, a gentle giant who was so full of life. The things she had to endure, it just wasn't fair. He wished he had the power to ease her pain; in some ways he guessed he did in the love he felt for her but he wasn't sure if that was enough.
They had begun slowly moving Richard's things into Ti's home. It was what he wanted, it was to be a subtle change to allow both of them to adjust to living together. Now near the end, he felt at home. His apartment was now up for rent as he was going to let the lease expire next month. He spent most of his time here now, although there were a few things still back at his place.
There was one battle that still was being fought; his parents. He drew a heavy sigh and remembered the day he showed them Ti's picture. The argument and language that followed hurt him deeply, "abomination, freak, druggie, steroid monster…," there were more insults but he didn't care, he defended Ti and told them they had better back off. Since then relations had been tense.
Ti even apologized to him after he told her what happened. Rich was shocked; he couldn't believe his ears. He told her she had nothing to be sorry for, it was his parents being moronic. They wouldn't even meet her and that annoyed him to no end. Ti said that she could live with not being in his parent's good books if he could. That wasn't right, it just wasn't.
He had to make this right some way and he was going to see to it his parents acted with civility toward his bride to be. He gave Ti a light kiss on the cheek and she murmured something; he smiled and got his coat. Then he headed out into the famous London fog to catch the Underground to his parent's flat, it was time to hack this out.
Tarra Orbiting Space Station.
Kira, Afain and Lyja awaited the Emperors presence. To Afain it seemed like eternity; eventually she needed to relieve herself. She excused herself and proceeded to the nearest facility. Cleo followed her, "Are you well? My sensors say nothing is out of the ordinary; your heart beat is a bit elevated."
"That's to be expected Cleo, I have a full bladder, I'm pregnant and what we are about to propose to the Emperor is considered unheard of. I'm not expecting that she will give us the go ahead."
"It is against the odds that this creature is still alive after all."
"Yes but that is only part of the reason. I and the others feel that it is worth the attempt. We can always return, nothing will change for us."
"You do realize a type alpha research vessel will have to be used and there are none available at the moment. Its sensors are the most advanced and that's what you would need to find any trace."
"Yes, that's what I'm worried about. If none are available, then our chances of getting this assignment are sunk." She washed her paws and promptly dried them. "Now if my stomach would settle I'd be better off."
"Just try and relax, if you present your arguments in a precise manner I'm sure the Emperor will listen."
"Thanks Cleo, you are being very supportive." She tapped the sphere's side as she left the room.
She rejoined the group and still the Emperor had not arrived. She had Cleo show her the latest news reports from Tarra to pass the time. Soon the Emperor arrived; she apologized for being late. She had been delayed by a meeting with the Argosian ambassador.
"Now we can get down to business, Minister Garan has informed me that you have encountered something very interesting in the records of the old world ship."
"Yes Your Majesty," Kira answered, "we have discovered a breach in the code of nature."
"Oh, this is interesting. Has one of those who have been recently awakened committed this act?"
"It was unknown to them, it was a result of trying to keep within the code."
"Very interesting, go on Kira."
Kira explained the situation and what their possible solution to the problem was. The Emperor was impressed although not too concerned that one creature's life was affected, the scientist tried to do her best to save it. Although in the end it seemed it turned out to be a failure. To go all that way for that one being was somewhat outrageous.
"I'm sorry Kira, Afain, Lyja but the fate of one creature is of small concern now. It is in all probability dead. To travel all that way is a waste of our resources. I cannot grant your request."
Afain was disappointed but not entirely shocked that their plan was cast aside but she had another angle, which might sway her decision, and she spoke once again. "What if they stole our technology?"
"Pardon?"
"Let's forget about the creature for an instant, what if other creatures found our pod and derived technology from it. The ramifications could be devastating; they could make weapons that could destroy themselves. We would be responsible for the extinction of an entire race of beings. The technology in those pods could even be used to derive our ability to use faster than light travel and we could unwittingly unleash a savage race upon the Empire. We need to recover that pod so they never discover it."
This put a different perspective on things. "Cleo, extrapolate, could sufficient technology be derived from the pods construction?" The Emperor asked.
It was an easy answer, "If the pod was reverse engineered almost any type technology could be derived from it. Weaponry is a given for almost any race. The quantum suspension of the pod is a smaller version of a jump drive correlater so it is indeed possible to gain sufficient knowledge to build a jump drive very quickly."
The Emperor sat back thinking, "I will agree this new situation has influenced my decision. You have permission and the support of the empire for your mission, what do you need?"
"A type alpha research vessel, but I'm afraid there are none available."
"Cleo, to me." The small sphere came near. "Terminal mode, I need you to access some files for me." Cleo became a terminal and they all watched as the Emperor searched for a vessel using classified channels unavailable to anyone other than the Emperor.
It took some time but finally the Emperor stopped and Cleo became a sphere again. "There is a ship on its way here now, or soon will be. It is a new ship, just recently finished and a type alpha-four research vessel. This will be its shakedown voyage."
Afain spoke up, suitably impressed with the granting of a new alpha-four, "Thank you Your Majesty, at the first sign of problems we will return."
The Emperor grinned, "You won't need to. This ship has quite the armaments; it should be able to defend you quite well from almost any thing."
They all looked at each other, "Sounds like quite the ship," Kira said, "I've never heard of the alpha -four."
"Yes, it is impressive and armed to the teeth. Now is there anything else…?" The Emperor raised an eyebrow.
"No, I don't think so Your Majesty," Afain replied.
"Good, you two are keeping me on my toes with all this action. I'm just hoping there are no more surprises." The Emperor awaited an answer.
"I'm hoping that as well," Afain said as her nerves frazzled.
The Conrad's Home: Early evening.
Richard just walked into his parent's flat not bothering to knock. As he entered, he announced his arrival.
"Mom, Dad?" He called out.
"In the kitchen," came his mother's voice.
He walked in and found both of them eating. "Hi Mom, Dad." He gave his mother a light kiss on her cheek.
"Have you had dinner?" his mother asked.
"No, I haven't."
"Then sit your arse down then, there's enough for you as well."
"OK," Richard sat.
"So, what brings you around besides filling your pie hole?" asked his father. Seems Richard had a habit of showing up just around dinnertime most nights.
"It's time we had a talk." His tone told them he was serious.
"If this is about that girl friend of yours I…" His mother barked.
"Yes it is Mum and you're going to sit and listen." This was a sore point and he just poked it.
"Rich we had this out." His dad interjected.
"No Dad, we just got mad at each other and called each other names. It wasn't a discussion, it was lunacy." Richard's mom put down a plate with some meat and potato's in front of Richard.
"Richard, what do you want us to say?"
"That you'll at least listen to me." He looked at them both with determination.
"I guess but I…"
"Good, now listen, I've been avoiding talking to both of you because I've been angry and upset. Your acceptance of Ti meant a lot to me and you crushed that. You don't know this but I almost lost her the other night."
They both blinked. "What?" Richard's mother said in surprise.
"Ti got very ill very quickly and I almost lost her." His mother held her muzzle in shock.
"We didn't…"
"I know, I should have told you but you didn't listen to me the last time I brought up Ti's name; so how was this going to be much different?"
"Son, we don't want anyone to die, especially someone you care so much for. How is she now?"
"Not great, she lost her arm and has been depressed ever since. The wedding plans are keeping her mind occupied."
It became quiet, real quiet, real fast. Richard didn't like that, "Something went wrong and they had to amputate her right arm."
"I knew it Richard, it's those drugs she took to make her that big." His mother said.
Rich gave his mother an evil look and she quickly shut up, "I think you should know the truth about Ti, she told me not to tell you but I don't think you'll ever understand her unless I do. So, mother sit; this is going to take a few minutes."
Tarra: Outer Fringe Space Port.
They all looked out of the view port at the ship docked nearby, it was a beautiful ship indeed. Fresh out of the shipyard and it had Lyja drooling knowing the technology involved in making it.
"I bet it has cloaking technology," Lyja spoke up.
"I don't doubt it, from what the Emperor said this is a new and improved vessel. Lets not break it ok Lyja."
"Only a little, Kira." Lyja grinned.
Afain smiled knowing full well that she was joking; then she pondered a moment then thought "she better not break it."
They boarded the craft and settled in, the captain greeted them and explained the workings of this new ship. Although the ship was designed to support a staff of hundreds, the ship had a bare minimum crew currently. Kira and the captain spoke for a long time explaining the course they were about to take. Tolare had volunteered to come, much to Afain's surprise. Guess she wanted a bit of an adventure too.
Cleo and Lyja studied the sensor readings of the old ship as they traversed from one sector of normal space to Kalen space. Nothing really seemed to change but there was a difference, nothing that really would affect them at the moment. The big difference would be in their return.
Cleo could not predict how much time would elapse in their own section of space as they traveled through Kalen space; it was anyone's guess at this point. It would take one week for them to travel to the coordinates on their side, then to pass into Kalen space and onto this strange planet.
It was one of 9 planets circling a giant star. It was the 3rd planet nearest that star, that they were interested in. Beyond that they were going to have some major scanning to do of the planet, it was sure to have changed over time. It was a good possibility that the pod was now buried underground. They could scan for that but it was going to take time.
This ship had multiple sensor arrays to scan for most anything. It pleased Lyja since she was interested in how things worked, to Afain it was a thing. She only hoped that it helped them in deciphering the mystery of the creature.
The Conrad's Home: Early evening.
They sat there absorbing what their son had told them but it seemed so…, "Richard you can't believe that story, its inconceivable." His mother said.
"Oh I thought you might say that, so I brought proof." He threw out some photos. "These are Ti's sisters and as you can see they all look the same."
They took each in hand and passed them off to each other, each one brought more disbelief. His mother couldn't understand this.
"Ti said that she couldn't risk too many people knowing, she said I could eventually tell you at some point in our life but now wasn't the right time. The creature that made them has many agents out there. I argued about that but I feel that you will keep this in confidence now that you believe. I think Ti was wrong not to let me tell you, I'm sure she'll not be too happy with me but if this changes your thoughts about her at all, it will be worth it."
"Richard you said this creature attacked Ti once and she defeated it." his dad said.
"Yes, it is dead but it had a very powerful organization; she feared for herself and others. Leaving you out of the circle was your protection. Since you didn't like her it was a given not to tell you anymore. I'm sorry Mom, Dad but your accepting Ti means more to me than you know, I had to take this risk and explain."
"We understand Rich, love is a very powerful emotion. Having your parents against you isn't a pleasant situation. We will not speak of it that can be said for sure." They both nodded. "Is Ti's illness related to the fight she had with that creature?"
"Yes, it was her previous injuries that had come back to haunt her. The doctors feel that she may have been poisoned in some way, slowly. They are at a loss to explain how or why."
Richard's parents looked at each other, it was his father that spoke first. "Its seems we have judged Ti without properly knowing all the facts. Seems we were blinded by our love for you. We only wanted the best for you and well … Ti didn't seem to fit that mold."
"Ti doesn't fit any mold Dad." He grinned.
His mother smiled, "It would seem so, bring her by tomorrow if she is willing. It's time we got to meet her and chat her up."
Richard just looked at them, "Dad? You ok with this?"
"Rich, we are not perfect; seems we made the blunder of the century. I'm ok with this, now you see if that fiancée of yours wants to see us. After what we have done, it might be a tough sell. We'll take it as slow as she wants and bide by her decision. Let her make the call, we'll follow what she wants."
"Ok, I don't know what she'll say but you are coming to the wedding." He looked sternly at them.
"Yes Richard we will be there, if that's where we meet then so be it. We'll be on our best behavior."
Rich reached out his paw and his mother took it, seems some patches had been put in place; he only hoped they held.
Kalen Space Expanse.
The view screen showed the multi coloured expanse for as far as the eye could see. They were all awed at its magnificence. The captain took a short break to come back and talk with them.
"Took us awhile but we are finally here." The Captain said.
"It is beautiful." Afain replied.
"Yes the expanse is a beautiful and potentially dangerous place."
"Dangerous?"
"You don't want to stay in the expanse too long, it eventually confuses the guidance systems and you can go way off course."
"Oh, we won't be doing that will we?"
"No, actually it seems that the original crew took a very short route through the expanse as we will, it shouldn't take more than an hour. I'd like to advise you though we may encounter some turbulence in the expanse. It moves and shifts and we will along with it. Don't be alarmed, it happens. Just like wind, it's a natural occurrence."
"It seems you have traveled through the expanse before."
"Yes, many times, mostly for asteroids."
"Don't we have those?"
"Oh yes, plenty but the ones in Kalen space have some unique metals, not found in abundance here."
"Oh, that is interesting. Did you find the time lapse strange?"
"You get use to it, you have to gauge how long you were gone. Although it was never constant, it varied for each trip across. Never by a large amount but a few hours here and there.
"Ah I see, thank you for the warning captain."
"You're welcome Historian #1 Afain."
The trip through the expanse was nothing like calm, the ship tossed and lurched many times violently. Afain' at the first sign strapped herself in; she was taking no chances. It finally stopped and a voice came over the intercom.
"We are through, sorry bout the bumpy ride, seems today things were a bit chaotic, which it can be. We will be remaining here for a bit just to do a major system check before proceeding any further. Feel free to put the scanners to use, as this is about the point where your ship entered into Kalen space."
The Captain's voice stopped and Afain stood, the monitor looked the same as it had a few moments ago. Somehow she was disappointed, she had thought; she guessed, that Kalen space would be radically different but it wasn't. Funny; she thought they were the only passengers on this craft, one built for hundreds, it felt strange. She looked deeply into the monitor and sighed, somewhere out there was a creature in need of help. She only hoped they weren't too late.