Ad Astra 3: In the City of Love
Chapter 1: Journey and Arrival
Yeah, this is just a little Valentine's Day short story I wanna do about Phineas and Isabella having another feet-on-the-ground and simple but meaningful time together. Let's say that Chris and Erica are both currently in the care of their Aunt Candace and Uncle Jeremy, shall we? Okay, let's get this story off the ground. Place: Flynn Household, Danville. Time: summer of 2039.
"Okay, have all the supplies packed?" asked Phineas. "Got 'em" replied Isabella with a smile before climbing into the Archimedes (the Captain's Yacht). They went through a list of the supplies after Phineas asked; Isabella simply said "Phineas…don't stress about it; it's just a quick two-day thing in Paris. Besides, as long as I'm with you, everything's gonna be fine." He instantly relaxed as she kissed his cheek, almost melting in his seat with a mile-wide grin on his face. "Phineas…? Phineas…?" rang a chant in his head before he snapped out of it. "Eh…? Oh…sorry, Izzy, I uh…" She put her finger on his mouth saying "I understand. May we embark…Captain?" giggling afterwards. "Alright, we're off!" he said as he started the craft. It rose up into the sky, ever-upward, ever-steady. In a few minutes, they were in the highest portion of the ionosphere, where they saw Spacedock and a few dry-docks in orbit, beginning the construction of much larger ships than the 80-or-fewer-crewmember ones they had been using for so long. Phineas maneuvered the craft and turned downward towards the European continent.
After some turbulence from upper-level winds, the craft smoothly descended on west Europe, eventually directly towards France. "I'm so glad we didn't use the transporters, huh Izzy?" She smiled back and answered "yes. Yes, I am." In a few minutes, the craft landed at a TerraFleet-designated field. They then carried their bags out before being greeted by Captain Colette Gaillard of the base. "Welcome, Captain Flynn and wife. It is an honor to see you both in person." "Thank you, ma'am. We have a short-term reservation here in Paris, so is it fine to park it here?" he asked with a smile. "Yes, since you have a TerraFleet-registered craft and are yourself an officer and founder. May we help you with anything?" "Just with luggage, ma'am. Our hotel is not far from here." They took a car (all of which now hovered a little above the streets) with their luggage through Paris to find their hotel. They were greeted by the manager in the lobby, who fortunately spoke English.
"Ah, yes, the great man whom I have the honor of serving. Captain Flynn and wife, welcome to Paris and my hotel! Here are your keycards. How goes the management of such…out-of-this world affairs?" Phineas smiled, answering "well. We've already made a number of friends—and a new enemy species." "Well, I just hope they don't have the spine to attack this fine planet itself, those barbarian…agh…I do not know them, but anyone who attacks this planet is an enemy in my book. Ah, enough with that—may you two enjoy your stay here in Paris! Au revoir!" They went via turboshaft (yes, standard elevators were outdated by now) to their floor to find a romantic suite waiting for them, all services and goods free for them as honored guests. "Well, I say we unpack and crash for the afternoon. You wanna walk around later, honey?" asked Isabella. "Sure, Izzy. These beds are sure looking…" he yawned, rubbing his eyes after stretching before continuing "…inviting…man, I'm tired. This time zone shift feels weird already." "It's fine; we have this evening and all of tomorrow to do things together. Let's get into bed, then, I guess." They both smiled and got out of their TerraFleet uniforms and into the bed to rest up until evening came about.
Again, this kind of story is not totally typical of me to write, and I hope that it doesn't turn out as bad as If Summer Only Lasted One Day…I just wanted to have a time between the husband and wife where both just have a calm and danger-free day together to enjoy each other's company and love. Let's see how this turns out then…read on!