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Chapter 49 – Andromeda
The Doctor walked into the Control Room unnoticed by Poltious. He slowly sat down in a chair in the back. "Feels like we're in the system."
Poltious jumped. "Damn you. You're as bad as Lance to slip up on people."
He laughed, "Sorry."
"I tried to ring you, but your room was on Do Not Disturb."
"Oh!" He said. "Friday, take my room off Do Not Disturb."
"Certainly, Boob Man." Friday replied.
The Doctor closed his eyes. "Oh man. That's embarrassing."
Poltious laughed, "I'm not going to ask."
"I'm not going to tell." He insisted.
Ashena walked into the room with Logan. She smiled at them as they stood up. "Please. Sit down. I wanted to see it as soon as we could."
Poltious smiled, "It is beautiful. We're not too far now."
He slowed down the ship as they went around a huge green planet. A few large meteoroids with what looked to be drilling platforms on them and then the lovely white and blue planet glowed directly in front of them.
Ashena smiled, "Welcome to Andromeda. It is lovely isn't it?"
Logan kissed her hand, "Welcome home, Ashena."
She smiled back at him. She looked over to the Doctor. "John. You, your family and crew are all expected to stay with us in the royal palace. My mechanics will make the repairs to your ship during your stay."
The Doctor bowed his head. "That is most kind Ashena. Thank you."
She pointed to the large space port to the side, "Just over there, Poltious."
A voice came over the speaker. "Greetings to the Princess Ashena and the crew of the Asclepius. Welcome to Andromeda. Please see instructions for docking which are being sent to you now."
Poltious looked at the control panel were he sat and held down a button, "Message received, thank you."
Ashena nodded. "John. We'll meet you on the surface shortly."
He smiled, "As soon as I meet with the Dock Master. Yes, ma'am."
Logan and Ashena left the bridge.
Poltious smiled as he flew the ship into the place they had requested. "Nice parking."
The Doctor smiled. "Do you see any reason to worry about this?"
He shook his head. "I'm not Lewis, but no. Maybe we should see how you feel once we get to the surface. Would you prefer I stayed and looked after the repairs?"
"Nah. I believe everything is alright. Clagl wasn't assassinated. He was beloved of his people. But, keep your guard up."
"A Quauhtin is never off duty. Indeed. You want to run a bet on when we will leave?"
He smiled, "Legate is already on that one. You want in?"
"Hell yeah!"
He laughed. "I'm going to help Rose get the children to the surface. They are going to love this."
Poltious nodded his head as he powered down the ship. "Right. The Dock Master will be over in ten minutes to meet you."
"And you. I want you there."
"Right."
The Doctor walked out of the room. Tony stood in the hallway. "Cool. So we're here?"
"Walk with me. Slowly."
Tony looked at him funny. "Feeling alright?"
"I'm a little. Numb. Sore. Don't ask."
Tony laughed, "I won't."
The Doctor stopped walking and put his hands on his hips. "Tony. I can't walk all the way back there and then meet with this Dock Master. Could you please go help Rose with the children, and take them to the transporter room? I'll meet you in there."
He laughed, "She's done a number on you, hasn't she? Lucky ass man." He continued to laugh as he walked down the hall.
The Doctor shook his head. "Idiot."
He turned and got on the lift. He walked slowly and arrived in the transporter room. He leaned on the control panel and exhaled. "Oh, that was so worth it." He mumbled to himself. He heard the door open and stood up as straight as he could as he watched Ashena, Logan and Legate walk in.
"Not taking anything?" He asked them.
Ashena smiled, "We're just anxious to get down to the surface. My mother has sent up the coordinates to where she is. Do you mind?"
He shook his head, "I'd be happy to send you down. I'll send the rest shortly."
They stood on the platform. After he pressed a few buttons, they disappeared. He exhaled slowly. A voice spoke, "Captain of the Asclepius."
"I'm here." He said.
"The Dock Master is ready to come aboard."
The Doctor saw the panel display some numbers. He pressed a few buttons and the Dock Master appeared on the platform. A short woman that came to the Doctor's chest stood before him. She was very grandmotherly. She had short, white hair and wore a white uniform with tall white boots. She quickly walked to him and took his hand. "Captain, sir."
He smiled, "Welcome aboard, ma'am. Please. I'm called Doctor Johnathon Smith. You are welcome to call me Doctor Smith, or John."
She smiled, "I am Dock Master Calisto. I'm here to access the damage, see if there is anything you would like us to improve and welcome you to our world. Queen Oen has instructed me to treat you and your crew as if you were members of the royal family. If at anytime you dissatisfied, please let me or another member of our crew know. You will be assigned a Royal Staff Coordinator once you reach the planet below. Please let them know of anything you might need."
He smiled, "Thank you, Dock Master. It is lovely to be here."
Rose holding Sam in her arms walked in with Licis, Tony and Genie. Calisto turned and smiled at them. "Welcome to Andromeda. We are so pleased you are here. I'm Dock Master Calisto."
Genie smiled up at her and took Tony's hand. "Your hair is so pretty."
She knelt down and smiled at Genie. "I was going to say the same about yours."
Genie smiled, "Thank you."
Calisto stood up, "Such a lovely child."
Tony asked, "Licis said your world was covered in snow. Are we dressed enough to be warm?"
She smiled, "That is an excellent question, I'm sorry…."
He smiled, "Tony."
She looked confused, "I've never heard that name before. What a unique name. Ton?"
He laughed, "Tony. John, I love this."
The Doctor laughed.
Calisto laughed, "I apologize. Tony. Yes. You are dressed appropriately. You will transport directly into the palace. Queen Oen is waiting for you. Anything you need will be provided. Do not hesitate to ask Royal Staff Coordinator for anything."
Licis pat Tony on the back. "It's alright. John, I'll take them down."
The Doctor smiled. He knelt down to Genie. "I'll be down with you in just a few minutes. Stay with Mum and help her with Sam. Alright?"
She nodded her head. "Okay, Daddy."
He kissed her cheek quickly. He stood up and Rose walked in front of him. "Don't be long."
He smiled, "I won't. You're going to love it there. It's beautiful." He kissed her lips quickly. She smiled back at him as she stepped on the platform with the others. He walked over to the Control Panel and pressed a few buttons. They disappeared.
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Rose, Licis, Tony, Genie, and baby Sam appeared in a large room with white wooden walls, white and lavender ornate furniture, and white lace drapes. The large ceilings had windows that ran all the way to the ceiling. They could see they were up very high in the palace. Outside, it snowed. They could see snow capped mountains in the distance.
Queen Oen smiled and walked to them. "Welcome. I'm so pleased you have come. I'm Queen Oen. Please, call me Oen."
Rose smiled, "Ma'am. I'm Rose."
She clapped her hands together. "John's wife! Yes."
Ashena walked back in the room. "Oh! Wonderful! You are here! Mother. This is Rose, Tony, Genie and little Samuel."
Oen smiled at Sam. Then spotted Licis. "Licis. My dear friend. Welcome back home."
He walked to her and bowed his head. "Thank you, ma'am."
She held up her hand, "I'm insisting we shall not speak of the King or the Prince until the Feast. We all mourn in our own ways."
Licis nodded his head. "Yes, ma'am."
The Queen knelt down to Genie. "It is wonderful to meet you."
"Why does your hair glow?"
Tony picked up Genie and held her. He whispered, "That's probably not something to ask a Queen, Gene."
Queen Oen laughed, "It is alright. I'm used to children. Our Quauhtin have four that live with us that are around your age. And to answer your question, my hair glows because I'm Queen. Tomorrow, when Ashena becomes Queen, her hair will begin to glow. It's our custom."
Genie smiled at her. "That's really neat."
Ashena held her hair out. "I will have to have some work done to my hair to return it to its natural state. Rose. I have a full day planned for us. If you would like to join me."
Rose smiled, "That would be wonderful."
The Queen clapped her hands together. "Indeed. Ashena has been very busy. The Feast will begin tomorrow afternoon as the first sun sets. Today, we are to get you all settled in the palace, get you fed, and rested. I'm sure you are all exhausted after the search."
A short, middle aged man walked in the room. He wore a white uniform and bowed to them. "Your majesty. Welcome home. And welcome to you all. I am your Royal Staff Coordinator Talus. You may call me Talus if you like. Please, allow me to show you to your rooms and get you settled."
Ashena walked with them as they left the room.
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The Doctor walked down the large hallway of the palace with Poltious, Lance and the Royal Staff Coordinator Talus. The walls were white on one side and on the other was a large window that overlooked a canyon. The castle could be seen as it wrapped around the inside of the canyon. It snowed heavily outside. The Doctor yawned. "This weather makes me tired."
Poltious laughed, "I'm amazed you are awake. You probably need a long nap."
"Hell, I'm fine." He waved them off.
Lance smiled, "You're walking better. What did you do?"
Poltious nodded his head. "I'm noticing that, too. Something up with your back?"
"I don't want to talk about it." He insisted.
Lance snapped, "Then you know what that's about."
Poltious laughed, "Lucky man. Damn."
The Doctor smiled as he shook his head. "You guys are terrible."
They arrived at the end of the hall and were met with six doors.
Talus turned to them. "Doctor Smith. Your suite with your family is here on the right. Your friend with the strange name-"
Lance laughed, "Tony!"
"That's it. He's beside of you. While you sirs are welcome to take the other rooms in this corner."
Lance laughed with the other men.
Talus pointed at Lance. "I'm sorry, sir. May I ask? You look so familiar to me. Have I met you before?"
The Doctor smiled, "You know his brother. Licis."
Talus' eyes opened in surprise. "Oh wow! Really? I didn't know Licis had a brother."
Lance rolled his eyes. "We don't talk about it."
"Are you also a Quauhtin?"
Lance nodded his head. "I am. So, are John and Poltious."
Talus looked surprised, "Excuse me, I thought you were a Princeps?"
The Doctor nodded his head, "I am. I'm also a Primus with the Prime Guard of Terra. Lance and Poltious are some of my best guys."
Talus covered his mouth. "I'm sorry. I've never met a Primus in my life. I've now met two in the last ten minutes."
Lance laughed, "Summus is friendly. Don't worry too much about him."
Poltious teased Talus, "Well, most of the time."
Lance looked back at Poltious. "Yeah. Most of the time."
The Doctor chuckled, "I'm going to check on the family. Don't frighten the locals." He knocked on the door and opened it.
He walked into a large, elegant room. The walls were bright white with gold around the windows. The floors were carpeted light blue and there was a large sofa that wrapped around the sunken floor. The sofa seemed to be made of white leather with fur blankets tossed across the back. The view was breathtaking through the wall of floor to ceiling windows. The room overlooked the deep canyon and snow covered mountains could be seen in the distance. A white table, with eight chairs, sat to the side of the entry way. It contained trays of odd fruits and sandwiches.
The Doctor grit his teeth. "Ah. Logan's allergy to carrots. He needs to be warned about this."
Genie saw him and ran to meet him. "Daddy! This is like an ice castle!" He took her hand and walked with her to the sofa. They sat down together and he closed his eyes.
"Hang on, sweetheart. I'm trying to keep Logan out of trouble."
She sat on his lap with her arms wrapped around his neck. She watched as he held her and seemed to be thinking very hard for a few moments. He kept his eyes closed and slowly inched his head closer to her face. He suddenly kissed her as he bent over and playfully bit her cheek. She laughed loudly.
He sat back up and laughed at her. "Where's Mum?"
"She's in the bedroom. The lady brought a cot in for Sam. It looks strange."
"It does? What does it look like?"
"A teardrop. It's made of cloth."
"Huh. Have you seen your bedroom, yet?"
She smiled, "No. Can we go see it?"
"Where is it? There?" He pointed to the right.
She smiled, "Yes."
He took her hand and walked with her into the room. Four small canopy beds made of thin, white iron sat in the room. Each bed had purple blankets on it. "This is perfect for you, Genie. You can pick whichever one you like."
She covered her mouth and giggled. "I love this."
"Hello?" a voice called.
The Doctor and Genie walked back into the sitting room. Licis stood in the doorway. "I was curious if Genie wanted to go meet the other children. They are curious about you."
She looked up at the Doctor. "May I?"
He knelt down in front of her. "Sure. If you need me, just let me know."
She smiled. "I'll be alright, Daddy." She kissed his cheek.
She skipped to Licis and took his hand. The Doctor turned and walked into the bedroom to the left. Rose sat in a chair, rocking Sam. A young hand maiden was making a list. "I'll get to work on this immediately, ma'am." She bowed as she left the room.
Rose smiled at the Doctor. "This is beautiful."
The room was similar to Genie's. The one large canopy bed had purple blankets on it. The cot they had provided was circular, made of white cloth and had a tail that rose in the air.
The Doctor looked at it and Rose could feel his annoyance. "That looks like sperm. I'm not laying my son in that."
Rose laughed, "I knew you were doing to say that. Shall we just bring down the cot from the ship?"
He walked over and collapsed on the bed. "That's my plan. Let me know what else you want from there."
"Bottles for sure. He's already had both of the ones I brought."
He laughed, "He's growing for sure. Eating all of the time."
Rose smiled at Sam, "The hand maiden is getting him some clothes that fit better."
He rubbed his face, "That's good. I'll get some nappies for him, too. He would probably be more comfortable in a larger size of those. You think?"
She smiled, "Probably. How are you feeling? You seem to be walking better." She teased.
He chuckled, "The guys are onto us. I'm the subject of so much envy. You don't even know."
Rose laughed as she held Sam.
"Summus is meeting with Queen Oen. It seems that he will become the Primus of the Royal Guard of the Andromedaens."
Rose laughed proudly, "You lot and your grand titles."
"You like my grand title."
"I don't even know where to start with your title. Doctor."
He pointed at her as he sat up, "That's my best title."
"Husband."
"That's my favorite title."
She smiled, "Father."
He smiled back at her. "My proudest title."
She smiled as she looked back down at Sam.
"Do you want me to take him? Give you some time to yourself?"
She shook her head. "Ashena will be by to pick me up in a bit. We're going to get our hair done and I have no idea what else."
He nodded his head. "Ditching me for another woman."
She smiled, "I'm English. A Royal has told me to join her. I'm not arguing with that. I do what Royalty tells me."
He pointed at her. "Always a good policy."
"Is Genie expected to attend this feast? I've not explained to her that Clagl died."
He shook his head, "Nah. They will have childcare for her and the other children. They aren't expected to be there. It's more of an adult party. It's like a….. State Dinner. Yeah, that's the closest thing to it."
"Have you been to one of these?"
He nodded his head. "Yes. In the other Dimension. I went to…." He sighed, "I went to Ashena's Feast. It was a hell of a party. Her son did it right."
She looked surprised, "Wow. I didn't realize you knew her in the other Dimension."
He shook his head. "No. I knew of her. I had met her son a few times. He was a hell of a chess player. Fantastic pilot. I never knew his father. But, I don't think it was Logan. I never asked him."
"What did he look like?" Rose asked.
"He was fit. Very strong. Very athletic. He would have made a hell of a footballer. He had a tattoo of a…. huh. Now that's interesting."
"Of a what?"
He ran his hand through his hair. "He had a tattoo of guitar on his shoulder. Just like the one that Legate plays. Huh. He played a guitar that looked just like it."
"Don't think Legate is fooling around, do you?"
"Nah. Legate wouldn't do that. I see him teaching Logan how to play, maybe giving him the guitar. Huh. How the hell did they meet if I wasn't there? That's odd."
She smiled, "Some things are just meant to happen. Isn't that what you are always saying?"
"You said that was a belief. Not reality."
She rolled her eyes, "That discussion will require so much more time than I'm willing to give to it at the moment."
"You don't want to talk to me?"
"I don't want to talk about that." She smiled.
He nodded his head. "I can accept that answer. What do you need from the ship, besides nappies and bottles? Oh, and a cot that doesn't look like a sperm?"
She smiled at him. "Would you please bring down my make-up bag and lip gloss?"
He nodded, "Certainly. I'll take Sam back up with me. He needs his elephant if we have any hope of him sleeping down here."
"Do you think he can feel the planet move? As you do?"
He shook his head. "I don't know. Maybe."
She smiled, "What does it feel like here?"
He thought for a bit. "Slow. Big and slow. The Earth is smaller than Andromeda, and spins a lot faster. This is like…I don't know. Riding in an old car."
Rose laughed, "You are mad. How fast does the Earth spin?"
He smiled, "It goes around once, every 24 hours. How do you not know that?"
She rolled her eyes. "You know what I mean."
He smiled like a loon at his cheek. "Depends on where you are standing how fast it is. At the poles, the Earth hardly spins at all, but as you travel towards the equator, the rotational speed picks up. The rotational speed of the Earth at the equator is about 1,038 miles per hour. The atmosphere at the equator is also slightly thicker due to rotation, and you weigh slightly less. At mid-latitudes, the speed of the Earth's rotation decreases to 700 to 900 miles per hour. When I'm in London, it's not much different than when I'm in New York or Washington. It feels almost the same. When we're at home, on the island. It's a bit faster. Not much. Feels the same when I'm in California. But, it's lower down on the Earth. Closer to the equator. When you were pregnant, I had to go to Colombia. Some strange lights that turned out to be atmospheric disturbance with some chemicals they were using there. It was right on the equator and nearly made me motion sick. Lewis told me I had Sympathy Sickness with my pregnant wife."
She smiled, "You probably hadn't eaten much. I remember you weren't sleeping then, either. That probably caused that."
He nodded his head. "Maybe."
Ashena's voice called from the sitting room. "Rose?"
Rose smiled, "We're in here."
Ashena quietly walked into their bedroom. She smiled, "Excuse me. John, may I borrow Rose for a few hours?"
He smiled, "Of course. As long as you promise to take good care of her."
She laughed, "Just as she has taken such good care of me. I was curious, would you like to join us for dinner, or shall I make reservations for you so you may go on a date? I could ask the Royal Staff Coordinator Talus to handle everything for you. Even arrange for a babysitter for your children. They will be quiet safe. Lance and Licis could oversee everything."
The Doctor looked back at Rose. "Would you like to go on a date?"
Rose smiled at him, "Ashena, you are currently my best friend in the universe."
Ashena giggled, "Then it is settled. You two so rarely get to go out just on your own."
The Doctor smiled at her. "Thank you, Ashena. Should we call you something different after the Feast tomorrow?"
She shook her head. "My father was Clagl. He preferred his closest friends to call him that. I'm going to adopt that as well. Please, treat me as you did him."
"Alright. If that ever needs to change, just tell us."
She smiled, "I will, John."
He snapped, "Oh, Logan. He's allergic to carrots and celery on Terra. Here, he needs to be careful of…." He thought for a moment. "Kedrien and nablurn. Zasmiunides are probably not the best idea either."
Ashena nodded her head. "I'll have to make a note of that. Is it alright if I have them?"
"Not if you plan to kiss him. To Logan, these things act as a poison. He carries medicine for it, but that's only going to get him to help. It's not a cure."
Ashena nodded her head. "Zasmiunides is one of my favorites, but I'll do anything to keep Logan safe. I don't have to have it. I'll ask the chefs to speak to you about it. Thank you, John."
Rose stood up, kissed Sam's head and handed him to the Doctor.
"He's going back to the ship to get some things. Can he bring anything for you?"
Ashena smiled, "No. Thank you. We left in such a hurry, that I didn't really bring that much. There are some things I'd like from the island next time you come."
The Doctor smiled, "Timon is on his way here now with your things. You are always welcome back to the island. You might find you need a holiday from time to time. Your flat is always yours."
She smiled, "As this room is always yours. Please use it. I hope to see you all often."
Rose leaned over and kissed the Doctor quickly on the lips. "I'll see you tonight."
He smiled like a loon. "For a date. I'm looking forward to it."
She smiled back at Ashena. "Shall we?"
Ashena put her arm in Rose's. "Indeed. Oh, John. Legate wanted to get his guitar. He might want to go up to the ship with you."
He nodded his head. "Right."
Ashena asked Rose as they walked away. "Is your room alright?"
"This is lovely. I feel like I'm in an ice palace."
The Doctor smiled as he heard them chatting as they left. He looked back down at Sam. "I'm glad your Mum has a friend. She's so happy."
Sam coo'ed at him.
"Your sister is having good time. I think she's made some friends."
Sam laughed.
The Doctor looked back at the white cot. "So, this cot. Son, Daddy isn't going to make you sleep in that." He shook his head. "Oh no. It's not even happening. No way."
Sam laughed at him.
"We'll go get you some nappies, your elephant and some bottles. How does that sound?"
Sam licked his lips.
The Doctor smiled as he stood up and walked out of the room carrying Sam. "Well, the sooner we go, the sooner we can come back. Allons-y."
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