Jon's eyes fluttered open as the shuttle shook from turbulence. Deatra was sitting next to him and Nefeit was in the seat in front of him talking quietly with Sam. Jon looked out the small window next to his seat and gasped.
Rolling hills covered by trees with copper colored leaves shimmered in the sunlight as they swayed in the wind. Strange multi-hued birds took flight as the shuttle past close over the forest. A light blue-grey mist covered the air above the trees enhancing the effect even more as the light reflected off it.
"Beautiful, isn't it?" Deatra said as she squeezed his hand.
Jon nodded as he spoke, "Its breath taking. I've never seen anything like it."
"I told you Euthara was a very beautiful planet. We have a rich culture and try to live in harmony with the planet only taking what we need. For every tree cut down another is planted in its place. Hunting is limited to an amount based on the growth of that animal," Deatra said. "At one time cities covered the planet and the forests were little more than reserves. We almost destroyed our eco system and the planet started dying as a result of our actions. When we moved on to become a space faring race and started mining the uninhabitable planets in this solar system laws were passed to protect the wild life. All industries were moved off planet as well as any operation deemed harmful to the planet and its inhabitants. Much of the population that worked in the operations moved off planet were also house off planet. Then the military started building space vessels and that took away more population. With many of the cities empty, or nearly so, they were torn down and the local wild life was allowed to take the land back. Now there are only four main cities on the planet. They were built on coastal regions to help limit damage to the planet and are allowed to grow only so much per year to house the population as it grows. In the last few years there has been no growth as the birth rate has been below the death rate and the population is actually shrinking."
"It is much the same on my home planet right now. Someday we might get wise like your people did," Jon said. He was still watching out the window.
Your people will," Deatra said. "You're the first step in that. The ability to be space faring has a lot to do with how you treat the planet you live on and see the destruction being caused."
"One can only hope," Jon said.
The shuttle passed over an open plain and a herd of deer like animals with six legs began to run. Their coats were a deep green and shimmer as the herd ran for cover. Their antlers were silver and reflected the sunlight. The grass was a golden brown color as it swayed in a breeze.
"What are those?" Jon said.
Deatra leaned over and looked out the small window. "Those are Anclasi they're hunted for their antlers and meat. The meat is some of the best on the planet. It's considered a delicacy by some of the tribes since hunting them has been restricted. Their numbers have been slowly shrinking like all life on Euthara. They used to fill the plains and they were the main meat source on the planet."
Jon quickly connected the problems of the Eutharan people with the animals. "So, the population shrinkage wasn't just happening to the people it was happening to everything on the planet," Jon said.
"Not everything," Deatra said. "Plant life has bloomed and because of that plants have replaced most of our diet."
"Strange," Jon said.
"We've been searching for the cause," Deatra said.
Jon turned from the window and looked at Deatra. She seemed to glow with happiness and excitement. Jon smiled at her as he rubbed her cheek. "Being home suits you," Jon said. "You're glowing with excitement."
"Thanks," Deatra said. "I'm just really happy to have you here and for you to see my home planet. We're about to pass over the northern most city, our capital."
"What was it called?" Jon said as he tried to remember. "Wait I remember Paskame, right?"
"Correct," Deatra said as she smiled happily. "You remember what it means in Eutharan?"
"City of Kings," Jon said. "It's named that because every ruler has maintained a residence in the city during their reign."
Jon watched as a small, almost flat, fighter took up position next to the shuttle. They would be escorted from one side of the city to the other. A preplanned route was uploaded to the shuttle when they entered the cities air space. Any deviation from that flight plan and the shuttle would be shot down no matter who was onboard if the course wasn't corrected instantly. It was for the safety of the royal family and upper class citizens. Not everyone was happy with how things were going on Euthara.
The city was massive in size buildings of all shapes and sizes covered the land. A massive wall surrounded the city on all sides all the way up to the edge of water. The buildings sparked in the sunlight made of some type of crystal substance that had veins of gold and silver running through it. It was beautiful and almost pleasing to the eyes as the hues cast by the buildings shifted as the shuttle flew over the city.
"That is the Royal Palace," Deatra said as she pointed out a tall building.
The Palace was situated on two square miles of land and had four spires that reached for the sky. The spires looked as if someone had taken the top and twisted them slightly as they rose from the ground. It was the only building that was made of the crystal substance that had an amber hue to it.
"The amber Crystal is a very rare type of crystal we use in building," Deatra said. "It takes years to grow it and cultivate it correctly. The clear crystal only took months to grow and cultivate."
"It's grown?" Jon said.
"Oh yes," Deatra said. "It's a natural product from our planet made by a large insect a kin to what you would call a wasp. They build their nests from it and once it sets it's as strong as our hardest metal. We make almost everything from it, excluding our ships. For some reason space breaks the substance down in months. We call it Ixantrau, named after the large insect that creates it the Ixantrax."
"Large insects like wasps," Jon said. "Must be very dangerous to produce and cultivate."
Deatra shook her head as she spoke, "They're quite docile and most of the tribes cultivate and sell the substance to the cities, a few tribes trade for items they need. There are four tribes I know of that do patch work when needed and bring the insects with them for onsite repairs. The largest of the Ixantrax are used as mounts, they're the ones who produce the amber Ixantrau, very rare strain of the species and I know of only one tribe that has them."
"Very interesting," Jon said as he watched the city pass below. The streets were almost devoid of life. "With a city this size and the Royal Palace here I would have expect the city to be full of life."
Deatra sighed as she sat back and turned her head to look at Jon. She paused a brief moment before speaking, "The city, as well as every other city and even some of the villages, have about one eighth the population it used to. My people are dying out and we have no idea why."
"Our people," Jon said as he squeezed her hand. "The animals too, yet the plants aren't they're prospering. It has to be connected and I promise you I'll find out why and then if I can do anything I will."
"I know," Deatra said. She laid her head on his shoulder. "I just hope it isn't too late."
I just hope what is affecting the planet and people here doesn't affect us while we're here Jon thought as he looked back out the window.
"Jon you might want to come up here," Terri's voice said from the cockpit.
Jon kissed Deatra on the forehead as he stood up. "Be right back," he said.
Deatra nodded and smiled at him.
Jon made his way and climbed up into the cockpit. Terri was seated in the pilot's chair and a Drovasian was seating in the co-pilot's chair. He nodded his head at the young female Drovasian as he entered.
"My Lord," she said as she returned the greeting, bowing as far as she could.
"No need for all that ... Uh ... I'm sorry I don't' know your name," Jon said
"I'm Ifata," Ifata said. "I'm one of the personal guards assigned to you and your family."
"Great more guards just what I need," Jon said under his breath.
But it was loud enough for Ifata to hear and she frowned slightly.
Terri smiled as she reached over and patted Ifata's arm. "Don't worry he's always that way. You'll get used to it soon enough. He thinks one guard is too many," Terri said as she smiled. "He has yet to meet his Ga'sahde guards." Terri gave Ifata a sly wink and smile.
Jon groaned as he spoke, "Yeah, yeah, so what's up?"
"Oh," Terri said as she got serious again. "The escorts are demanding we change course and it's off our planned flight path. So, I don't know what we should do."
"Did you check with control?" Jon said.
"Yup, and they say to follow the fighters orders," Terri said.
"So, what's the problem?" Jon said.
"First, our flight plan hasn't been changed and that alone causes problems based on their rules for flight over the city," Terri said. "Second, they want us to land at the Royal Palace as supposedly the King wants to see you."
"Hrm," Jon said as he looked out at one of the fighters.
"Mainly the first is what bothers me the most," Terri said as she looked back at her brother. Ifata even gave a slight nod as if she agreed.
"You can speak Ifata, you'll find out I like input from everyone and if something is on your mind say it," Jon said.
"I think Matriarch," Ifata said.
"Terri," Terri said. "I told you there was no need to be formal when you're around me."
"Sorry," Ifata said as she blushed slightly. "I agree with Terri, it smells like a trap. If we change course without a change in our flight plan then they have the right to shoot us down without explanation."
"I thought as much," Jon said. "But, do you really think the King and Queen would shoot their own daughter out of the sky?"
"No," Deatra said from behind Jon. "But, if someone else in the military is calling the shots and does it before word is passed to my parents. Then we might very well be shot down and there would be no repercussions from it as we deviated from our flight plan."
Jon turned and faced Deatra and gave her a half grin.
"Uh, oh," Deatra said.
"What?" Terri said.
"He did it again," Deatra said.
"Did what?" Ifata said.
"His half grin?" Terri said.
"Yeah, you know the one," Deatra said.
"Half grin?" Ifata said. She was confused as to what the women were speaking about.
"Oh, come on it's not that bad and I didn't give you the half grin," Jon said.
"Oh, yes you did," Deatra said. "I know that grin anywhere."
"I did not," Jon said. "I was just smiling at you as I didn't realize you were there."
"Right," Terri said.
"Um, what am I missing?" Ifata said. "Is there something I should know?"
"No," Jon said. But, both girls over rode him with a double yes as he spoke. Jon rolled his eyes as if he was ready to give up.
"The eye roll!" Deatra said.
"Oh shit," Terri said. She had a huge grin on her face.
Ifata looked like she was ready to die as she was trying to figure out what was going on.
"If he ever gives you this little sly grin it means he's thinking of doing something that will rub someone the wrong way," Deatra said. "He kind of has a way of going against the grain."
"That's putting it mildly," Terri said as she grinned at Jon.
"Could you two stop," Jon said. "We have pressing matters and poor Ifata is about to pass out from fright."
Deatra stepped around Jon and patted Ifata on the shoulder. "Don't worry his hair brained schemes; usually they come off without a hitch and for some reason no matter how deep he digs the hole he always manages to get out."
"Hair brained schemes?" Jon said. "When have I ever had a hair brained scheme in my life?"
Both Deatra and Terri stared at him as he spoke.
"What?" Jon said. "Name one, I dare you."
"Well," Terri said. "There was that time at school when you decided to..."
"Erm, I mean after we left earth," Jon said, cutting Terri off.
"Oh, well in that case," Deatra said. "There was the time when you decided to engage two Invaru ships with Atlantis even though she wasn't done with her shakedown cruise and only had a quarter of the crew she needed."
"That wasn't a scheme," Jon said triumphantly. "That was spur of the moment thinking."
"Still it was hair brained," Terri said.
"I see what you two mean," Ifata said quietly. "I'm going to have to be a bit more on guard than I thought."
"Then there was the time..." Deatra said.
"You know what," Jon said as he interrupted Deatra. "Never mind, I realize now that no man will win when he's involved in a hen pecking party."
Terri laughed as Ifata and Deatra stared at Jon wondering what he was talking about.
"I'll explain it later girls," Terri said when she saw their confusion.
"You do that," Jon said as he stuck his tongue out at Terri.
"A bit childish too," Ifata said.
"You have no idea," Deatra said giggling.
"Live it up while you can," Jon said as he tried to act hurt. A smile on his face gave away his true feelings to the three women around him.
"You know I love you," Deatra said as she gave him a hug.
"Sure ya do," Jon said as he returned the embrace.
The sound of the coms going off filled the air. 'ADF shuttle, this is fighter escort leader you're directed to change course and land at the Royal Palace, ' a male voice said.
Jon reached over and snatched a free headset off the wall behind Terri and put it on his head.
"Fighter escort, this is Captain Hunter-C'loth," Jon said. "Sorry, but we can't comply with that order. I'm ordering you to continue your escort of us over the city on our planned route." It was then that Jon looked out at the fighter and realized it was made of the same crystal substance as the buildings. The fighter just had a coat of paint covering most of the crystal which made him over look it before.
'I'm sorry Sir, but I have orders to escort you and your party to the Royal Palace. Your course is being updated, ' the voice said.
"Jon tapped the side of his headset as he looked out the window at the fighter. "I'm sorry you're garbled and I can hardly understand you. Did you say stay on our current course?" Jon said.
'No Sir, you're to change course to the Palace, ' the voice said. 'I repeat, you're to change course to the Palace. Do you understand?'
"Roger that, stay on course," Jon said. "We'll do, thank you for your assistance." Jon pulled the headset off before he could hear a reply as he shut down the communications system and started waving his arms as if there was something in the air.
The pilot started pointing at the shuttle and making motions. Terri looked over and shrugged as though she didn't understand what he was trying to say. But, she knew perfectly well what he was saying.
"You know you're playing with fire," Deatra said.
"There's something going on here and I plan on finding out what," Jon said. He slammed his hand down on the ship to ship communications back up and called the Atlantis.
"Jon to Commander Taldage," Jon said.
"Yes Sir?" Carla said.
"Carla, I want you to send a communication to Eutharan Planetary Control and tell them we have had a communication failure and you lost contact with us," Jon said. "That we're working on the problem now and it should be back up soon."
"Sir?" Carla said.
"Long story, I'll explain it later," Jon said.
"As you wish Sir," Carla said. "Get me EPC on the line..." The communication went offline as Carla was speaking.
"That should take care of that," Jon said. "How long do we have until we cross the edge of the city?"
"Another two minutes," Terri said.
"Four more Eutharan fighters have intercepted us," Ifata said.
"This is getting dangerous," Terri said. "Someone out there means business."
"Two of the fighters are locking on to the shuttle as well as a few of the ground batteries," Ifata said.
"They wouldn't," Deatra said.
"Oh, I think they would," Jon said.
"Not with the current leaders we have on board," Deatra said. "It would be a political disaster and suicide for my people."
"Our people," Jon said. "And whoever it is isn't thinking about that. They're trying to think of how to get rid of any threat they see all at once. How better than to shoot down a shuttle carrying all the leaders that could be a threat to whatever they think they're protecting?"
"My people would destroy this world if anything happened to you or me," Nefeit said from behind them all. Everyone turned to look back at her. "I'm sorry, but I couldn't help over hearing what was going on."
Jon nodded as he spoke, "Maybe that's what they want."
"Well if they're going to do something they will need to do it soon," Terri said. "We'll be out of the city limits in less than a minute."
"They're waiting for confirmation," Deatra said. "They know who's on board and they want to make sure of their orders."
"Bring the shields online," Jon said.
"The shuttle has shields?" Deatra said.
"Of course," Jon said as he smiled. "It was something Brad and Mike did a while back when we had a lull on the station. Between those two and engineering crew they have put together they figured out how to miniaturize the shield emitters enough to fit on the shuttles and fighters."
"The fighters too?" Deatra said in an amazed voice. "No one has figured out how to do that yet. The project was something scrapped years ago due to the power requirements."
"Oh yeah," Jon said. "The fighters have shields too. Brad and Mike figured out how to reduce the power requirements while they increased the power output that the plants in the fighters and shuttles. The new designs for the power plants from the Buranis combined with some tweaks of our own increased the power output by almost thirty percent."
"Amazing," Nefeit said.
"All the fighters and shuttles on Atlantis as well as the ship itself have had new power cores installed," Jon said. "The fighters and shuttles are all being upgraded. But, that will take time to complete and it's being done on ship and at the station."
"I would have to say that was a well kept secret," Deatra said.
"I have a few more," Jon said. "Just so you know we're not trying to keep anyone out of the loop. We're just being cautious with our developments. It' makes plugging leaks easier as I'm sure we have more than one spy and at least one saboteur."
A small beep followed by a flash in the center of the cockpit made everyone turn to look at the small central table. Tatiana and another unknown Buranis female flashed into existence as holograms.
Tatiana spoke first, "Captain Hunter, the Titan has arrived and all repairs are complete.
The Buranis spoke next, "Captain Hunter, I'm known as Zadra, it's an honor to finally meet you. My counterpart Tatiana has spoken highly of you and the ADF. I would like to thank you for awakening me. The Scythe is at ninety five percent repair status and we're making our way towards the space dock to complete repairs and deliver personnel."
"Thank you," Jon said. "Nice to meet you Zadra, I'm happy the awakening went well for you. Both of you please contact Atlantis so you can get up to speed."
The AIs spoke at the same time, "We're already in contact with Atlantis."
"Good, who is in command of your respective vessels?" Jon said.
"Captain Gilas," Tatiana said.
"Captain Vaes," Zadra said.
"Would you please have them both report to me at Deatra's retreat," Jon said. "Tell them to bring extra men and equipment if they don't mind."
"I'm sorry," Tatiana said. "Captain Gilas is being ordered to report to the Royal Palace as soon as possible. I can have second in command Lieed fill your request."
"I don't think I know him," Jon said, then nodded. "Do so please. Then pass on to Captain Gilas to join us at the retreat at his earliest convenience. That will be all, have a good day both of you."
Again as one the spoke, "Thank you Sir." They both faded from view.
"More surprises," Deatra said.
"What?" Jon said.
"The Buranis AI," Deatra said. "I wasn't expecting that."
"I did say we were going to turn all the AI's back on," Jon said. "The Scythe's AI database was intact from what I understand. She needed a few repairs and a new core upgrade, which was installed during the repairs. At least that what I'm guessing as she wasn't active at the Ga'sahde home system."
"If you didn't know then how come you weren't surprised?" Deatra said as she nudged him.
"Because, after the last few months, nothing anyone does around me surprises me," Jon said. "I was expecting the Buranis AI, I just didn't know when. The Earth's Revenge has also had her AI turned on, or will have shortly. Although, she will need a complete rewrite and systems overhaul. That's why I'm guessing she's not here. I would think that Carex and the station crew is taking advantage of the Ga'sahde cover to do some of the back logged things they haven't been able to do."
"They are," Terri said. "With the Flagship and her escorts there to protect them they don't have to worry about dry docking a ship."
"I'm sorry to break up this conversation," Ifata said. "But, we have more pressing concerns." She indicated the fighters they all started slowing down to take up attack positions behind the shuttle.
"I don't think they will be much of a problem," Jon said.
As Jon spoke eight of Atlantis' fighters dropped in from the cloud cover and took up formation around the shuttle. Jon reached up and flipped the com back on so they could communicate with the pilots if needed.
'Escort Leader, ' a male voice said. 'This is Gold Leader, Atlantis Special Escort Group Alpha. I'm ordering you to stand down as we now have escort of the shuttle.'
'Gold Leader, this is Escort Leader, ' a male voice said. 'You have no jurisdiction and even though you have authorized flight plan. I'm ordering you to leave this air space at once.'
'Negative Escort Leader, ' Gold Leader said. 'Your rank doesn't exceed mine and I am giving you a direct order to return your flight group to base. I'm transmitting my authorization codes now.'
There was a few seconds of silence as Jon guessed the Escort was checking the authorization codes. 'I'm sorry Sir, but I have my orders, ' Escort Leader said.
'Listen here Captain, ' Gold Leader said. 'I'm giving you new orders and unless your orders come from a Royal Guard with rank higher than Captain you will listen to me. I'm personal escort for the Princess Deatra and he bond mate and as such I have ruling authority here. Do as you're told or I'll have you up on charges if you survive the fight. Do I make myself clear?'
"We've just passed the city's outer marker," Terri said.
'I, uh, ' Escort Leader said as he stumbled on words.
'It doesn't matter anymore, ' Gold Leader said. 'You're out of your jurisdiction as we've just passed the city's outer markers. You can return to base, oh and I'll be filing a report on this incident with the Royal Court.'
Without another word the Escorts peeled off and headed back towards the city. Jon knew they had won this round and just barely. He had planned for something of this nature, though he expected a straight out attack instead of something like this. Now he had to sit back and wait for the next attempt, if this was an attempt and not an honest mistake.
'Gold Leader to shuttle Alpha One, we'll be your escorts for the remainder of the trip, ' Gold Leader said.
"Roger that Gold Leader, you have the lead," Terri replied.
Jon turned back to the back of the shuttle and started climbing down as he spoke, "See, not all my ideas are hair brained." He was beaming with pride at the fact he had enough foresight to set up this little escort. He had set up a signal with Carla that if he called he would need the escort, no matter what reason he called. It had worked perfectly as the escort was following the shuttle in sub orbital trajectory waiting on the word that they were needed.
Deatra rolled her eyes as she stepped down to the lower platform and spoke, "You're right you had a good plan set up. But, wasn't it Atlantis and Mark that came up with the safety patrol idea and you just refined it?"
Jon's smile faded as he spoke, "Do you have to always knock the wind from my sails?"
"Oh, I give credit where credit is due," Deatra said. She flashed him a big smile. "You did have the better way of executing the idea. I just don't want you head to explode before we get officially married is all."
"Yeah, yeah," Jon said as he made like he was hurt.
"Besides the doorways in the retreat aren't that big and if you head swelled any larger I don't know if you would be able to get through," Deatra said.
Sam giggled as she spoke, "That's funny."
Jon turned on her and made claw like hands and flexed them as he spoke, "Hush you or your punishment will be severe."
Sam put up her hands in defense and made like she was scared.
Deatra wrapped her hands around Jon from behind and leaned into his ear as she spoke, "You know I always think you do a great job and that is one of the reasons bond or not I would love you so much it hurt."
"I know," Jon said as he dropped his hands and rubbed her arms. "But, you do a much better job at ribbing me when Terri is involved."
"I heard that," Terri yelled down from the cockpit. "Don't worry your big head about it there will be plenty of time for that later."
Jon moaned as Deatra laughed and kissed him on the back of the neck. Nefeit had just stepped down and her eyes locked on the two of them. Jon saw something in her face almost as if she was sad. She gave them both a slight nod and smile as she took her seat next to Sam.
"You know you're going to have to talk to her," Deatra said to Jon as they resumed their seating arrangements.
"Who?" Jon said.
"Nefeit dummy," Deatra said.
"Um, why?" Jon said.
Deatra stared at Jon as if he had just grown another head. "You really have no clue about women do you?" Deatra said.
"I don't understand what you're talking about. I haven't had time to talk to her," Jon said. "We've only known each other about four days."
"And you have been avoiding her," Deatra said.
"I have not," Jon said.
"Don't you think she's beautiful?" Deatra said.
"Yeah, not as beautiful as you though," Jon said.
"I'm not vein," Deatra said. "I'm old enough and sure enough of myself to realize there and woman much more pleasing than I. You don't have to butter me up or say something to make me feel better."
"No really, you're the most beautiful woman I have ever seen," Jon said. "I have seen women of comparable beauty but there something about you that makes them pale in comparison."
"The bond," Deatra said. "It has that effect. Once Nefeit's bond is established fully you will think the same thing of her. Then there will be no distinction between us and you will love us both equally."
"I don't know about that," Jon said.
"It will happen," Deatra said. "That is why I said you need to talk to her. To get to know her before it kicks in fully. She is one of your wives now and even my sister and heir to the Eutharan Crown. You have been avoiding her."
"No, I haven't," Jon said. "I just haven't had time to sit down with her."
"You have been making excuses to check on thing that you never took the time to check on before," Deatra said.
"No I haven't, I've been doing what I normally do," Jon said.
"Like, eating lunch in the galley with the duty crew?" Deatra said.
"I've seen the need to make myself more available to the crew and that is one of the ways to get to know them," Jon said.
"Oh, I agree," Deatra said.
"So, what's the problem with it then?" Jon said.
"Have you ever invited us to eat with you so that we get to know the crew too?" Deatra said. "You used to eat lunch with Sam and me every day. How do you think that makes us feel when you stopped doing it?"
"Oh," Jon said. He looked a little sheepish. "I never thought it made that much of a difference to anyone."
Deatra gave him a hard stare as she spoke, "You never thought it made a difference to Sam or me that the person we love doesn't come around like he used to anymore?"
"That's not what I meant," Jon said.
"It might not be what you meant but that's what you said," Deatra said. She crossed her arms.
"Come on you know what I meant," Jon said. "I didn't think me missing lunch would have that big of an impact, I'm sorry."
"What about your inspection rounds? They last until the wee hours of the night cycle," Deatra said.
Most ships in the ADF ran on cycles, morning, afternoon and night. They were used to simulate life on a planet and help people keep track of time. The night cycles had all main lighting in halls turned down to simulate darkness while morning cycles had a medium lighting. It was something Jon picked up off the people on the Titan. He had even instituted it in the station. Gilas told him it helped keep people sane on long voyages. That before such a routine was in place personnel exhibited all kinds of different signs of mental breakdowns after two months in space.
Atriums were another side effect used to help crew moral and mental health. It was something that Jon didn't understand at first. But, once Gilas said they helped create fresh air for the ship as well as allow people to unwind after a day's work. Jon made it a priority for all atriums to be restored and functional. He even ordered a section set aside in each atrium for planting so that the ship would have fresh produce. It was an idea Gilas liked and instituted on his own ship.
"I have to make those rounds," Jon said.
"You never did before Nefeit was around," Deatra said. "You relied on the heads of the various departments to file reports. Since she has arrived you have doubled your work and are doing things you know you don't need to do."
Jon deflated as he thought about it. He had been spending more time away from his family and friends. "You really think I'm avoiding her?" Jon said as he looked up to where she was seats chatting with Sam.
"Maybe not on purpose," Deatra said. "But, deep down you're avoiding having to deal with her."
"I didn't want another wife," Jon said. "I was happy with you."
"You saved her life," Deatra said.
"Yes, at an inconvenience to mine," Jon said. "I don't really want or need her around."
"And it shows," Deatra said. "She knows this is how you feel and she's has done everything to keep her distance."
"You think she knows?" Jon said. "I didn't mean to hurt her or upset her."
"Of course she knows," Deatra said as she tapped the side of her head. "I don't think you have upset her as this was kind of what she expected. But, I know you have hurt her by accepting her and then rejecting her. It's not something her people are used to."
"I didn't know that," Jon said. "I really don't know if I can love her the way she deserves."
"You will, you don't have a choice," Deatra said. "You accepted her and the bond recognized that and because in your heart you were being true it established a link to her."
"I accepted her to save her life," Jon said.
"And a small part of you loves her," Deatra said. "Some part of you recognized her as a soul mate and someone important to you. She also loves you and she has from the moment she laid eyes on you. That is why it hurts her so to be avoided."
"You know this how?" Jon said.
"My attachment to her is stronger than yours right now," Deatra said. "I can feel what she is feeling and if you tried you might feel it too. All I'm asking you to do is try to get to know her and see where it goes from there. She deserves at least that much from you. It will make it easier as the bond tightens its grip on you both."
"One of the reason I so love you is you are a very wise person," Jon said. "You're like the part of me that helps me realize what I need to do when I'm not doing it."
"That will always be my job," Deatra said. "It's what a Queen does for her King."
"I'll make changes to my schedule and we will all spend some time together," Jon said.
"Good," Deatra said. She leaned over and kissed him and then laid her head on his shoulder.
The shuttle landed on the small landing field, the fighters settling to the ground around it. Jon stood up and took Deatra's hand and stepped up next to Nefeit. He reached down and took her hand and entwined his fingers in hers as the side hatch cycled open. Unseen to Jon a small silver tear fell from one of Nefeit's eyes as her heart swelled.
Jon stepped through the doorway and was confronted by a red faced Gilas. He was pacing heavily as he waited for Jon to emerge.
Gilas looked up as Jon took the first step off the shuttle as almost screamed, "The King stripped me of my rank and took my ship!"
"So it begins," Jon muttered.