"You're so kind when getting Ilona and her mother out of trouble with the authorities. We're quite concerned about that."
"It's nothing, Your Majesty." Paul Bates replied. "Sorry that we can't keep them here on ORCA. If they stayed, there would be more people who are around and look after Neri."
Diane agreed:
"Indeed, I remember how Neri was happy when finding out Mera and Kal."
It was a cool evening with a clear sky and glittering stars. While Neri, Jason, Mera, Brett, Cass, and Ilona were in the Queen's tent, making use of the last few minutes before Mera had to return to the Ocean Planet, the parents walked by the beach. They had become closer after all. Due to his position, Paul couldn't support Shalamorn publicly, but via Dianne and the boys, he often discreetly gave her valuable advice.
"Don't be sorry, my friends. The crime of espionage is a really big matter in any war and on any planet. You tried your best, I know it." The Queen stopped and looked at Diana and her ex-husband. "We understand and appreciate all your efforts."
Dianne smiled, patting the Queen's arm. Queen Shalamorn continued:
"Ilona and her mother will work for our embassy in the North, which is very helpful because they are familiar with the cultures of both planets. They will regularly visit my daughter, keep her updated, and help her to learn about our culture gradually. So... I'm quite sure that the girls won't miss any opportunity to meet."
"That sounds good." Paul Bates said excitedly, rubbing his hands. "See, this is the first time, the embassy of another planet is located on Earth, and right here in Australia. That's a big step."
"Yes. Our people have high expectations for this relationship, and the embassy has a great responsibility. There is something you need to know, I have officially instructed my people that, your family, Dr. Selth, and Cass are always welcomed to our embassy. Your ID cards are going to come soon. And if you need any help or any scientific information for your research, especially in the oceanic field, our scientists will gladly do anything they can."
Dianne and Paul Bates looked at each other in surprise. Any scientist will pay anything to get that privilege. But ... Politics and engineering science, two vital areas of any country. It's of course not easy for outsiders to get involved. And scientific and technical achievements, sometimes are paid in blood.
The Queen gestured with a raised hand when Dianne and Paul intended to object.
"As scientists, as leaders, you must be aware of how important security is. But you are not only friends of my family, but also friends of my people, my planet. You protected Neri, offer her a family, found Mera in the sea of people, helped fulfill my husband's mission, brought life to our planet. " Shalamorn choked with emotion. This is a rare moment of weakness of the Queen from a distant Planet, Dianne noticed. " You have also helped me these days, with peaceful love and a carefree, precious friendship. Nothing can compare with it. Please, my friends, at least let us do something little for you."
"It is really our honor, your Majesty. Neri is like my daughter. I saw her growing up from a little girl who was bewildered by the world, to a mature girl who deals with the whole world. It's such a long time, I'm getting old."
Paul Bates turn toward the Queen:
"You know what? You complained that you became old-fashioned after all. But someone here wants to behold as a prisoner like you, in a special environment, just for being ageless as the sun."
They laughed refreshingly. Through intense events, Dianne had almost forgiven the suffering he has caused her. At this moment, she was at peace with him, as two friends, two comrades in a battleship, next to their family and friends.
As if remembering something, Dianne asked seriously:
"Neri stuff is top secret but, it is revealed to a lot of people. There might be still some risks, although they committed to non-disclosure. You're sure you don't want to leave her some soldiers?"
"Yes. But we don't leave her alone either. She still is protected in some ways, with our security system, you know. They are kinds of brainwave sensors to detect the killing intent, moving sensors to detect suspicious behavior ... and something like that. They will cover a 10km radius from the island and scan every 5 seconds."
"Sounds like Fire Detector's high version on ORCA." Dianne chimed humorously.
"Oh yes, exactly! The embassy will check their report and if anything happens, or Neri calls, the super speed rescue warship will reach here within 10 minutes. So, I think everything will be alright."
Then Shalamorn's voice was suddenly gentle.
"And the core reasons are, I know you'll protect Neri better than any of our military units. My daughter was always safe with you, and she will. I also respect Neri's privacy and hope not to stir up her daily life, at least not so much, before she has to assume her responsibility on our planet."
Her last sentence dropped a low note into the conversation. They were quiet in a while, listening to the sound of waves crashing, pursuing their own thoughts. Next to the vastness of the universe, and also the fate, how small the human is.
"No worries, my friend. We'll take care of her, always!"
Two hours later, leaving lots of hugs, promise, and emotional tears, five spaceships took off, carrying the Royal Family and the entire army of Ocean Planet.
Those who remained stood still for a long time, looking at the night sky, where five blue light spots passed like meteor lights. The moonlight was silvering on the sea surface and two crystal-clear tears rolled down Neri's cheeks, but she was smiling. She finally had a family, a family of her own. Not that they're leaving her, they are just coming home.