Fran cleans these chapters up, and 2browneyes, Michele, Judyblue and Gabby read them!


BPOV

An uncontainable gasp leaves my lips as soon as Demetri speaks. My hand immediately reaches for Edward and grasps his arm tightly. The muscles beneath my fingers are hard as a rock, his whole body taut and still before me.

"What does that mean, Demetri," my mate asks, his voice is deadly calm but reeks of authority.

Demetri's face screws up in a pained expression before he bows it once more and speaks to the floor. "He is dead, sir."

The room has gone completely still. Not even a breath can be heard passing through lips as we all try to assimilate the words that were just spoken. My fingers tighten onto my mate as if to anchor myself to him.

Death is a part of life. On Tesla, beings died of old age and were sent into the void. However, we are no longer on Tesla, we are on Alterna, and our leader did not turn old and die. His death is unexpected and unprecedented. He has been ripped from our lives with no forethought whatsoever. This death is different.

"What happened?" I finally draw a breath and ask.

Edward turns to me then, as if just remembering I am there, and holds my face in his large, warm palms. "It is okay, beautiful. I will handle it."

He immediately stiffens his shoulder and moves to stand in front of me, as if to shield me from the ugliness. "Let us take this conversation elsewhere."

But as he moves to take a step, I grasp him again. "No!" He freezes in his spot and pierces me with his eyes. Eyes that are suddenly cold. "I want to hear this," I insist, keeping my tone firm so that he will know I have no intention of backing down. "I must hear this!"

My impassioned plea must work because his stance softens, and he allows his eyes to pan across the room. "Rose, Em—"

"Say nothing more, sir," Emmett says right immediately. "Rose and I will wait in the hall for further instruction."

Edward gives them a thankful nod, but adds, "Do not speak of what you just heard."

"Our lips are sealed, sir." Emmett places his palm upon Rose's back and waits while she darkens the glass lining the hallway. Then he very carefully guides her from the room, both with forlorn expressions on their faces.

Once the doors have closed, I sit up and pull my coverings closer to my body so I may see everyone clearer. Edward notices and steps back to my side, lacing our fingers together. "Are you sure, Bella? You just woke up an—"

I place my finger gently over his lips. "We are a team, and this is our first big test. Of course, I am sure."

He closes his eyes and absorbs my words before reopening them and facing the men who are still bowed before him. "Please, rise." Although he uttered the word please, it is not a request.

Very carefully, as if afraid of some form of retribution, they each rise to their feet, but their eyes remain cast upon the floor. "Look at me," Edward barks, his patience wearing thin under the weight of the information he is not receiving.

It is Demetri who steps forward. "Sir, I take full responsibility."

Edward breathes deeply, his cheeks puffing out. "I am not concerned with responsibility, Demetri! I wish you to relay what happened!"

"Yes, sir," he responds briskly.

But before he can speak, my mate's whole body stiffens. "Was it Peter? Is he at fault?"

Demetri ponders that for a second before answering. "Not directly, sir. We actually dispersed him an additional fifty miles further than the previous scouting site."

Edward takes a deep breath and nods, his frame softening slightly. "Very well. Continue, please."

"Once we reached the scouting area from our last mission, we located the creatures using our recognition software, but there was a problem with the area. You see, they were down the bank of a large ravine." He peers at the floor again, seemingly picturing something unsavory due to his deep breaths. "Captain insisted that he the one who must retrieve them." He quickly looks up, shaking his head. "I tried everything I could think of to convince him to allow Felix or myself to journey down there, but he refused. He is my captain, and his word is law, so I had no other choice than to allow it."

Instead of looking down again, he squares his shoulders. "As he was gathering the specimens, the warning alarm went off. It wa—"

"Wait," Edward says, holding up his hand. "Exactly how did he repel down there in the first place? And what do you mean warning alarm?"

"Forgive me, sir." Demetri bows his head in apology for failing to give a more detailed account. "The solarcoptors are equipped with electronic jet packs. They are charged by the suns just as the coptor and are ready for use in order to reach difficult destinations." He brings his hand up and rubs it over his neck, his face turning red. "We actually used them on our previous mission as a rehearsal. It made sense to us that they would need a trial run, so we each set off and explored different areas via the jet pack, even though they were not required."

Edward purses his lips and holds his hand up once more. "The mission Peter attended?"

Demetri nods, his eyes falling but picking back up quickly. "Yes, sir. As I said, I take full responsibility."

Rubbing his chin in thought, Edward looks at nothing for a moment before meeting Demetri's eyes again. "I can clearly see the need to assure untested equipment is in proper functioning order, so I do not fault you for that call. But now I have to ask myself, is this how Peter was able to smuggle an unknown specimen into our community?"

"I cannot think of any other reasoning, sir. It was my lack of oversight that allowed his treacherous behavior." Demetri drops to his knees before my mate. "Punish me as you will."

My compassionate, caring leader drops down before his subject and places a firm hand upon his shoulder. "Demetri," he says lowly. "The person responsible for Peter's behavior has already been punished, swiftly and effectively I might add. You cannot bear the burden of his crimes. But I will need you to finish telling me of my father's demise." Edward's voice catches on the final words as if it is just settling within himself.

I reach my arm out to offer him the comfort I can—my touch—and he relaxes visibly, standing and stepping closer to my side, seeking my hand to grip tightly in his own.

Demetri holds his head high and meets our eyes, remaining in his lowered position. With a deep breath, he relays, "As I said, he used a jet pack, and the warning alarm had started to sound. I radioed for him to begin his ascent immediately, but he had only trapped one specimen; therefore, he refused my pleas. I was in the process of attaching my jet pack to retrieve him personally when he finally sent a call of triumph and began his rise. I returned to the cliff's edge and watched as he came closer, but when he got near the top, his pack began to sputter. You see, the suns had already disappeared over the horizon, and its charge was low. He was almost within our grasp, but being the fearless leader he was, he pushed the container with the creatures into my reaching hand instead of gripping it himself. The jet pack died, and he careened down as I screamed after him."

My eyes fall closed involuntarily, the scene playing out behind my lids. When I am able to meet Demetri's eyes once again, I quietly ask, "Where is his body?"

His brows draw together in the center of his head as if he does not understand my query. "Pardon?"

"Where is his body?" I ask again, but this time, the slight panic is evident in my tone.

"Forgive me, ma'am, but it is not customary to retain dead bodies," he replies as if my inquiry is out of place. And maybe in another life it would be, but not this life. Not the one where my mate is now the leader of our people.

"I care not whether it is customary. How do you even know that he was dead? He could be out there gravely injured instead, and no one is even looking!" My voice is getting higher and higher as each new thought passes through my lips.

Edward's grip on my hand tightens and he turns to face me. "Bella, calm down," he shushes me quietly. "You have delivered valid concerns. Let us get the answers, shall we?" His thumbs caress my cheeks softly to soothe the hysteria flowing through me. Underneath his gentle touch, I am able to allow my breathing to even out, and finally, I give him a small nod.

After one more concerned glance over my face, he returns his gaze to the men. "My mate has asked intelligent questions." His brow rises high as he awaits an answer.

It is Felix who clears his throat and finally speaks. "That is my fault, Commander."

Edward holds his hand up. "I believe you should be addressing your Commandessa." His free hand waves in my direction, and my eyes go wide at the implication.

"Edward," I breathe, stunned at his complete candor on a subject we have only discussed in such an abstract term as the word team. No words suggesting such a title would be bestowed upon me have ever escaped his lips.

He shakes his head once, definitively. "No, Bella. This is what you are now, and our people should be informed."

My breath leaves me in a wondrous gust of total appreciation. My mate has assured me that when it is his turn to lead, we will do it together. Never did either of us imagine it would be as swift or unexpected as this current situation, but I am awed by his immediate inclusion, especially so soon into his reign.

Both Demetri and Felix's eyes widen imperceptibly, but as I scan to Jasper, I notice the slight lift of his lip as he consents to the decree with a small bow of his head. "Commandessa."

Felix recovers by taking a deep breath. "Forgive me, Commandessa, I was not made aware that you would carry such a title."

A small, unexpected giggle escapes. "There is nothing to forgive, Felix. Even I was not aware. Please, continue." I wave my hand for him to finish speaking.

He tilts his head slightly in acknowledgment and continues, "Since it is not customary for us to"—he pauses unsure of the words he is seeking—"retain the bodies of our dead, I argued in favor of simply checking his vitality. Which, we did," he rushes to say. "We used the solorcoptor to travel as far into the ravine as was safe, and scanned his vital signs." His head bows, eye on the floor once again. "There were no signs of life."

I suck in a gust of air at this new information and feel Edward's comfort flow into me through our connection. "Although it has not previously been our custom, we are now on our permanent home. On Alterna, in many cases, our past traditions will no longer apply, and this is one such instance. I wish his body to be recovered."

Edward's brows furrow along with the other men present. "Bella, are you sure this is necessary?"

I nod immediately. "Yes, there is no other way," I say resolutely. "He must be honored for who he was to our people."

No one speaks for a few moments. Edward is lost in his own thoughts, and the other men are awaiting his word. My new title will take some getting used to, it seems.

Finally, my mate snaps his head to the men. "You have your orders. Recover Captain's body."

When no one makes a move to comply, he barks, "Now!"

"How would you wish us to accomplish such an undertaking, sir?" Demetri asks quietly, his face one of confusion.

Edward tilts his head, processing the question. "The solorcoptor is equipped to make the return trip, is it not?" At Demetri's nod, Edward continues, "Then that should be sufficient to recover his body. Have Dr. Hale accompany you and Felix on this mission."

"But, sir," Felix says and hesitates once he sees the sharp look my mate has directed his way. "Dr. Hale is um, well, he is not expedition material, sir."

Edward actually smirks at this information. "Well, then it is time he learns. A doctor needs to be present to confirm my father's passing … on site."

"Perhaps someone el—"

"Dr. Hale will accompany you on this mission, and it is final," Edward snaps and lifts an imposing brow, daring anyone to refute him. "Now that we have that settled. JAKE," Edward calls. He appears at once. "I would like everyone informed that I will be making a speech via their electronic devices in thirty minutes."

"Yes, sir." He disappears as swiftly as he entered.

"Once I have notified our people, Demetri, you may collect Dr. Hale while Felix readies the solarcoptor. Any questions?" When no one speaks, Edward says, "You are dismissed. And Jasper?"

"Commander," he replies, uncertainty coloring his tone.

Edward leaves my side and approaches him, placing a firm hand upon his shoulder. "Please rise." Once Jasper is before him, he says, "I know this is a difficult request, but I must make it. I do not wish for you to share this tragedy with Alice. Instead, I would appreciate it if you would seek her out, and together, join my mother and be of comfort to them both when my speech airs. Can you do this?"

Jasper is already nodding before my mate has even finished his question. "Of course, Commander. I will not fail you."

"I am sure you will not. Now go, find my family and gather them together," Edward instructs and leads him toward the darkened doors. He leans his head out once they are opened and motions for Rose and Emmett to rejoin us.

As soon as they are inside, Emmett drops to his knees before my mate. "Commander, I am at your service."

"Rise, Emmett, although I appreciate your declaration, it is not necessary. You have always treated me as your leader." He switches his attention to Rose. "Could you please see to my mate expediently? I have an announcement to make very soon, and I need her at my side."

Instead of a response, Rose immediately goes to her desk and retrieves the vacuum she had readied before Demetri, Felix and Jasper interrupted us. Coming over to me, she slips it on my finger and presses a button. A slight tugging sensation occurs while my blood rises to the surface and transfers into the small machine.

"There we are." She smiles widely. "All done. How are you feeling, Bella?" she asks before moving away.

Other than the sadness that has settled within me from our earlier news, I actually feel perfectly fine. I shrug. "Same as always."

She nods along as I speak. "The antidote has done its job then."

"Can we get Bella some appropriate attire?" Edward asks, coming to join us. "How long will the tests take?"

Rose holds up her hand. "The tests will take but minutes, Edward. Also, I have had her spacesuit laundered and pressed. Allow me to get this started, and I will grab it for her." She holds up the suction device before moving off to her workspace along the back wall.

"Are you sure you feel fine, Bella?" he asks, moving next to me and caressing his thumb down my cheek.

I place my hand on my chest and say, "I am a little sad in here, Edward, but otherwise, I feel as fit as ever."

His brows furrow. "My father's passing has made you sad?"

"Of course it has," I say with urgency. "His death is unexpected, and he was my leader. How can I not be sad? Does it not affect you?"

"I am not sure," he admits, his shoulders slumping. "It is not our way to be sad, and so much has been laid upon my feet by this sudden disaster that I have not had time to consider my feelings."

I palm his cheek and pull his face closer to me. "I understand, and I love you. Please, do not be afraid to let yourself feel."

He props himself on the edge of my bed and leans closer into my touch, pressing our heads together. "I must be strong for our people," he admits, shakily. "They are going to need to see me stand steadfast and prepared to lead. But, Bella," he says, licking his lips and leaning even closer, so close that his breath is caressing my lips. "How can I be sad when this day has brought my mate back to my side?"

As soon as these words pass his lips, he pushes them forth, and they connect with mine. The urgency in them is undeniable as he licks my lower lip, seeking entrance. I open to him, and his taste fill my senses, it is strong and heady as it surges through me, taking over my whole being. I meet him stroke for stroke as we both sate a thirst that has been building for days.

A throat clears, and we separate reluctantly. "I have Bella's clothes, and we only have fifteen minutes before you must make your speech, Edward," Rose says, looking uncomfortable yet standing firm.

"Yes, of course," Edward says, rising to his feet. He takes the clothing items she is offering and cuts his eyes to Emmett. "Could you give us a moment of privacy?"

"No," I say before Emmett has a chance to move. Edward turns to me with an incredulous look upon his face. I start shaking my head, a small smile tipping up at the corner of my lips. "I can go to the lavatory." I begin to lower my sheet with the intention of standing, but Edward is quick to stop my movements.

"I will assist you, mate." He wraps the material closer to my body and moves to help me rise from the bed. His eyes watch me intently as I stand on my feet. "Good?"

I pause to take inventory and find that I feel completely normal with no residual weakness whatsoever. "More than good," I say, giving Edward a winning smile. "I feel completely normal."

Even with my assurances, he stays close by my side and leads me into the lavatory, leaning against the wall so as to leave me room to change. "Thank you, Edward, but I am sure I am fine."

"We will allow Rose to be the judge of that. Until she gives the all clear, I will not leave your side," he insists in a tone that leaves no room for argument. Then he snorts. "Probably not even afterward." He allows his body to slide down the wall and pulls me to him, his head buried into my stomach. "I almost lost you, Bella." His voice is low and gravelly as he makes the almost silent declaration.

I stroke his hair tenderly in a motion meant to stir the hum and soothe his battered existence. "I am here, love. I am here," I assure him in a quiet but firm voice. "I will never leave your side again."

His watery eyes meet mine then, and the pain that shoots through my chest is almost unbearable. "Can you assure me of that? Can you possibly know, with complete certainty, I will never again have to fear your loss?"

My eyes fall closed under the weight of his stare. I take a deep breath, and when I reopen them, I drop down before him, gripping his cheeks between my palms. "What I do know is that my leader has probably torn this community and the majestic tree apart seeking poisonous creatures. I am confident in his ability to protect me now that we know of the dangers that lie around us."

"You do not even know of the deceit. I am sorry, Bella," he says dejectedly. "Another failure of mine."

Just then, there is a knock on the door. "Five minutes," Rose calls and then she adds, "Bella's results are ready, too."

Edward stands and pulls me with him, pushing his lips to mine with urgency. "There is much I need to share with you, but it will have to wait. Get dressed, quickly."

He steps back and watches as I disrobe and don my spacesuit. When I am dressed, he takes my hand, and together we exit the lavatory.

JAKE is already awaiting our arrival. "JAKE," I say, happy to see my Character once again.

"Isabella, I am pleased you are well." He tilts his head and turns to my mate. "Sir."

"One moment." He holds a finger up in JAKE's direction and turns to Rose with a lifted brow. "Well?"

Rose's smile is beaming as she looks between us. "Everything is perfectly normal. It is as if she were never bitten. She will need to eat lightly until she can stomach anything heavier, but otherwise, she is free to go."

Edward releases a huge breath and turns to encase me in his strong arms. I can feel the relief flowing through his limbs as he holds me. As he pulls back, he places a feather-light kiss upon my cheek and whispers, "I love you, Bella."

Taking my hand, he turns us to JAKE and pulls me close to his side. "We are ready."

"In ten, nine, eight … " JAKE starts the count as Edward prepares to deliver the news of Captain's unexpected passing. "… two … one …"

"It is with a heavy heart that I stand before you … "


Finally got to hear from Bella again!

See you next week :)