Well, here it is, the final chapter of The Impericipent. I thought I'd never get here. I want to thank each and every one of my readers, and especially everyone that reviewed, you can't know how much it means to me that you've stuck with the story this long! I know I don't deserve it sometimes, but thank you. As it is, I would of course like some final feedback. It can only help me! I hope you enjoyed the story. Also, the poem at the bottom is not mine, it belongs to Thomas Hardy. Enjoy and thanks again!

The Impercipient

Chapter 12: Rest shall we

The next few days were spent establishing a new government that would treat all of the citizens with equal respect. The slaves were all treated for their wounds, most of which were minor. The revolt had come as a surprise to those of the Taher guard. Soon, the entire population of Taher was integrated together and all were on their way to a better life. The planet was added to the charter of the New Commonwealth and justice was finally seeing light on the dark surface.

Elena had been asked to take the position of one of the officials of the planet, but she had turned it down for a lesser posting. She did not feel that she was qualified for the job and she did not want it. She would much rather be helping others that were wounded.

Soon the day had come for the crew of the Andromeda to return to space. They had done all they could for the planet and there were other places that they had to be.

Elena found herself outside on that last night, staring at the stars. There was a slight chill in the air, but she did not notice it. She limped slightly as she made her way to a remote balcony; Pastin had twisted her ankle earlier, and Elena had hardly thought twice about her actions. Her mid-section was still tender as well, though Trance had done much to heal her. She sighed and leaned back against the railing so she could stare further up.

"Looking at anything in particular?" Elena smiled at Rhade's voice, but did not look at him, continuing to gaze upward.

She shrugged. "Not really I guess. I rarely was able to look at the stars since I've been here. When I could I would look at them and wonder if my home was still out there, maybe with my brother still alive. Maybe they found a way to stabilize the planet. Or maybe they left and found another home. Maybe one day I'll find out."

Rhade smiled. "Maybe." After a brief hesitation, he said, "Elena, I want you to come with me."

Elena did not look down at him, but kept her eyes upon the stars for several long moments. Then she sighed and looked at him. She studied him, wishing she could think of a decent way to say what she needed to.

"Telemachus, I would love to. But my life is here now. These people need me here." She shook her head. "And I think that I need them as well. They've given me a home when I though that mine was destroyed. It was a hard place to live, but I can help make this place wonderful now. I don't belong in space on a starship. I belong here. I can't leave them now."

Rhade nodded sadly. Somehow he knew that she was going to say something along those lines. "I understand. I just hope that I will see you again."

Elena smiled. "Of course we'll see each other again. Especially if you come and visit me as I want. I'm sorry Telemachus. You've helped to give me a life. You gave me hope to start living again. But I need to stay here."

"I know," admitted Rhade. He hugged Elena to him. "I know. I will come back though. I don't think I could stand to have us go our separate ways for all time."

Elena chuckled and leaned into him, wishing things could be different, but knowing that they couldn't. Above them, several stars flickered dolefully, as if they knew something that the others didn't.

-I-I-I-

The Impercipient by Thomas Hardy (1840 - 1928)

That from this bright believing band
And outcast I should be,
That faiths by which my comrades stand
Seem fantasies to me,
And mirage-mists their Shining Land,
Is a strange destiny.

Why thus my should should be consigned
To infelicity,
Why always I must feel as blind
To sights my brethren see,
Why joys they've found I cannot find,
Abides a mystery.

Since heart of mine knows not that ease
Which they know; since it be
That He who breathes All's Well to these
Breathes no All's Well to me,
My lack might move their sympathies
And Christian charity!

I am like a gazer who should mark
An inland company
Standing upfingered, with "Hark! hark!
The glorious distant sea!"
And feel, "Alas, 'tis but yon dark
And wind-swept pine to me!"

Yet I would bear my shortcomings
With meet tranquility,
But for the charge tat blessed things
I'd liefer not have be.
O, doth a bird deprived of wings
Go earth-bound wilfully!

Enough. As yet disquiet clings
About us. Rest shall we.

-I-I-I-

Quick note: I actually have two different versions of the poem, one in a book I have and another I found on the Internet. For all purposes, I used the Internet version as some of the titles worked better than my printed copy. There was only the difference of several words. Still, just in case you find something different, that is the explanation.