CHAPTER SIX
31, December 2453, Two Moons Street, Karolain City. 10:00 hours.
Kate Beckett walked into the little jewelry shop where she'd bought her earrings.
The same jeweler came out to meet her.
"Good morning, my lady. I am so pleased to see you again.
"Good morning."
"I failed to introduce myself, last time. I am Wansor of Karolain."
"And I'm Kate Beckett of Fleet."
"How may I help you, Kate Beckett?"
"I am looking for a small but special gift for a very special friend."
"For a young man?"
"No, a woman, you may have heard of her, Julia Caldwell."
"Heard of her? She's one of the most famous artists in the galaxy! She is a jewel, a star! I have just the thing for her."
Wansor went into the back and came out with a velvet covered box. He opened the box. Inside was an eight-pointed star or nova on a platinum chain. It was Sapphire blue and glowed with an inner fire
. "This is carved from a stone called living sapphire. It's not really a sapphire and it's not really alive but it glows when it is near a living being and glows brighter when in contact with the skin."
"It's exquisite. I'll buy it."
"It's 200 credits. I am discounting it as my own tribute to such beauty. I have been to her gallery. I was enthralled for hours."
"Now can I interest you in something for your young man?"
Kate smiled, a little sadly. "I don't have one."
"What? How is it that a lady as lovely as you have no beau?"
"Wansor, I have had boyfriends, but not the one special man. I know that if I do find him, He will be THE man. I somehow know that there will be only one man for me, my whole life through. I can only give my heart once."
A strange look passed over Wansor's face. "Please give me your hands" They joined hands.
Wansor closed his eyes.
"Kate Beckett, I can't tell you how I know this but I know it to be true. Before the new- year turns again, you will find your life- long love. Your life will be long and he will give you four beautiful children.
"When he learns of your love, he too will love only you. His life, too will be long, though he walks the roads of danger."
"Who is he?"
"I do not know; I do know that he is as handsome as you are beautiful. He is brave and strong yet he is also kind and loving.
A shaken Kate paid him and left.
Kate was still shaken when she arrived at Julia's.
"Kate, what's wrong?"
"I don't know if anything is, maybe everything's going to be right but I just had a very strange, unnerving experience."
"Tell me about it."
Kate related the experience
. "Kate, do you trust me?"
"Yes, why?"
"We both know that psychic phenomena exist, as you call part of it, the fey. I can tell you this much. Wansor is right. You will find him. I can assure you of that. It will be a close thing and will require a leap of faith on your part. But you will succeed."
"Do you know who he is?"
"I am fairly certain but I cannot tell you. For it to work, you must discover it on your own. So, must he."
"You sound so sure of it; how can you be?
"You've seen my art, most of the time, unless it's a specific commission, I don't plan it.
It comes from intuition and inspiration. Besides, God doesn't waste genes like yours.
You are meant to be a wife and mother as well as a brilliant doctor."
Kate hugged Julia. "Thank you, Julie. Oh, this is for you, a friendship gift."
Julia opened it. "This is beautiful! I don't think I've ever seen anything like it."
"Put it on." Julia did and as soon as it touched her skin, it glowed brightly."
"Oh my, what an effect, thank you Kate."
"You're Welcome. Now I'd better get going,
I have a lot to do before the New Year's Eve party at the officer's club. Will you attend?"
"Briefly, Jason has to make his manners, then we have to appear at the Embassy party and finally at the Imperial party."
"Do you think Rick will come to the party at the club?"
"I doubt it; he's pulled his disappearing act again!"
"What do you mean by that?"
"Unless you catch him by surprise, he'll skip any party that he can."
31, December 2453. Officer's Club, Sector Base, Karolain City. 23:00 hours.
Kate sat nursing an Irish Mist. Lanie came over.
"What's the matter, Kate? You don't look like you're having fun."
"I don't know, Lanie. My whole family is here. I should be enjoying myself but for some reason I'm a little sad and I can't quite figure out why."
"Missing somebody, maybe?"
"No, that can't be it. As I said, my whole family is here. So, are you? You're my best friend."
Marlene came over. "Why aren't you dancing, Kate? Several young men have asked you."
"I don't feel like dancing, Aunt Marlene. I don't know why. Maybe I have some bug or just a case of the blahs, it happens."
Marlene went to where Alex was standing. "I know what's bothering her, even if she doesn't, she's missing young Major Castle. I think that she's falling for him but is fighting it."
"I hate to tell you this Marlene, but that alert was just a ruse. He wanted out and he got out."
"Did you really think I didn't realize that, how long have we been married?"
"Where did he go?"
"We don't know."
"What's wrong with him? She's such a special girl and he's hurting her when he should be making her happy."
"In his defense, I doubt if he realizes it, since you're pretty sure that even she doesn't."
A few minutes later, General Frasier saw Del and Lairlene near the bar. He walked over.
"Captain Kevan, Ms. DoRanian Good evening and happy new year."
"Happy new year, Sir."
"Captain, may I have a moment of your time, will you excuse us for a moment, Ms. DoRanian?"
They stepped away and the General said;
"That was a slick little operation you and Castle pulled the other night. I'm not taking any official notice of it, but I'm not happy with either one of you at the moment. You disappointed a couple of ladies."
"Yes Sir. I didn't stop to think about it. And I'm sorry. You're not the only one who's unhappy with us. Julia Caldwell already gave me a piece of her mind, as did my cousin."
"The Emperor?"
"Yes Sir. He wanted Major Castle to come to the Imperial New Year's Eve party."
"Do you know where the Major is?"
"No Sir. He was at my beach house until this morning but he's not there now."
"Okay, go back to your lady. You got away with it, this time. Don't try it again."
"What was that about, Del?"
"Nothing much, just a little escapade I helped Rick with."
"Another one of your practical jokes that didn't turn out the way you thought it would? "
"No, Rick just wanted out of a visit to the General's family."
"So, you helped him?"
"Not completely, just shortened it."
"Del, how could you be so mean?"
"Mean? I wasn't being mean I was just helping Rick."
"Yes, you were! Can't you selfish hard headed men see anything that isn't pointed out to you? Like a woman who wanted his company?"
"That's none of my business! You're the only woman whose feelings I care about."
"If it's none of your business, mind your own! Rick can get out of his own fixes!"
02, January 2454 Bachelor Officer's Quarters, Imperial Guards base, 09:00 Hours
Just back from a leisurely breakfast at the open mess, Rick Castle decided to work
on his messages. The message light on his recorder was flashing the angry red of several priority messages.
He called up the first message.
"Rick, it's Julia, call me when you get back."
The second and third were invitations to New Year's Eve parties. The fourth was
Julia again, an exasperated Julia.
. "Damn its Rick, it's 08:00 on the second. If you don't call me by noon, you over grown brat, I'm coming over in person. You'll regret that! Rick laughed at that. All Julia could really do is chew him out.
The final message was: "Major Castle, this is Captain Estrada, General Frasier's aide.
The General wants to see you, in his office, 15:00 hours, sharp."
A few minutes later, the door com signaled. Rick turned on the video. An Imperial courier stood there. "Are you Major Rick Castle, Fleet Marine Corps?"
"I am he."
"This is for you, sir. Please sign for it." He handed Rick an old-fashioned envelope, then extended a tablet. Rick signed and the courier left.
Rick opened the envelope and extracted a heavy vellum sheet. It read:
Major Richard Castle, Fleet Marine Corps. Your presence is requested and required at a special ceremony, At the Imperial Palace, 03 January 2454, 20:00 hours. Required uniform is Evening Mess, full decorations. No excuses are desired or will be accepted.
By Order of His Imperial Majesty, Halnor Kevan. Emperor of Alpha Centauri.
Special ceremony, what the hell is this all about? Rick thought. Rick called Del.
"What the hell is your cousin up to, this time?" Rick asked.
"What do you mean?"
"I just got a requested and required for tomorrow evening, signed by the Emperor."
"I don't know but I just got the same thing. Hal doesn't tell me everything, you know."
Rick made several other calls. Unable to find out anything, he finally gave up and went to the officer's club for lunch.
After lunch, he returned to his quarters, showered, shaved and changed into service dress.
02, January 2454. Sector Headquarters, General Frasier's office, 15:00 hours.
"Major Castle reporting as ordered, Sir."
General Frasier had a very stern look on his face when he ordered:
"Take a seat, Major. I know that I'm interrupting your leave but I think that it's necessary. You do know that I'm annoyed with you, at the moment, don't you?"
Rick sighed and said;
"Yes Sir, I assumed that you would be."
"You're not as slick as you thought you were."
"I didn't expect to fool you Sir."
"You didn't fool Commodore Beckett, either."
Unusual for him, Rick voice took on a defensive tone.
"I can't see why he would care I'm not a friend of his."
Frasier showed some exasperation.
"Don't try to plead ignorance with me Major, we both know you're smarter than that.
"He cares for the same reason that I do, you worried Kate."
Rick said, clearly expressing a large measure of doubt,
"I Worried Kate? With all due respect Sir, that's ridiculous. She has no reason to worry about me."
"Is it really, Major? Then what about worrying my wife?"
"It's the same story, Sir. Mrs. Frasier has no reason to worry about me. Your wife has you, your sons and the Beckett family to worry about, she does not need any more worries, certainly not an expendable major.
Likewise, Kate has her family and career to tend to she certainly does not need to worry about me, nor does anyone else. I'm perfectly capable of taking care of myself."
"Then you don't consider us friends?"
"Of course, I do, Sir." Frasier's tone softened.
"You worry about your friends, Rick. No matter how hard you try, you can't push everybody away. Some of us won't let you. No man is an island, I'm sure that you've heard that. Why did you want to leave early?"
"Two reasons Sir. I wanted to get out of town before anybody could invite me to a New Year's Eve party. Secondly, I didn't want to be a cause of friction"
"What do you mean by that?"
"Sir, I could sense the hostility from Kate 's brothers. I thought it best to avoid what could be a bad situation."
"You had that plan in place before you ever arrived,"
"Yes Sir, I did. But remember that they were at the Christmas party,"
"Truth time, Rick , I believe the first reason, not the second. If you wanted to stay, you would have Kate 's brothers wouldn't have made you leave."
"Very well, Sir. I'm strongly attracted to Kate . She's not the kind of woman you use and leave behind, I can't let that situation develop."
"Did you stop to think that she might be attracted to you, that she has every right to indulge her feelings and you hurt her by denying that right? "
"I never thought about it that way but I hope that she's smarter than that, Sir. But even if she's not, isn't it better that she suffers a small hurt rather than a large one? For argument's sake, Sir, wouldn't it hurt her more, to fall for me and I get my ass blown away on the very next mission? Once I'm off planet, she'll quickly lose interest."
"No joy, there, Rick , she's assigned to the Tenacious, too. You have to face it; women will do what they want to do. If she's attracted to you, even if she comes to love you, it's not your right to deny her that. She's an intelligent woman, she knows that you're Force Recon and she knows what that means. I understand your point of view and I do appreciate that you're trying to protect her.
I appreciate it, she won't. She's taken her brothers to task on that point."
Okay, Rick . You're forgiven, this time. At least, by me, I can't speak for the ladies, because no matter what you may think, you didn't really fool them, either, at least not beyond the next day."
"I have a question Sir."
"What is it?"
"It's that special ceremony, tomorrow night. Do you know what it's about?"
"Yes, I do but I am not at liberty to tell you. All you need to know, is that you have to be there. In a way, it's poetic justice. You can't get out of it and you can't leave early."
The Frasier's house, 17:00 Hours.
General Frasier called the family together. "There is going to be a very special event at the Imperial Palace tomorrow evening. It will be in honor of two of our officers.
It's by invitation of the Emperor himself. It will be formal, evening mess uniform.
"Why such short notice, Alex.' Jake asked.'
"Because it required formal approval of the Commonwealth Senate which just came through, yesterday. Also, it will be momentous for one of them who might well bolt if he found out what it is, in advance"
"One of them is Rick , isn't it?" Kate asked.
"Yes, it is and the other is Captain Kevan."
"So, it's another damn medal for that glory hound." Vic said. General Frasier rounded on him.
"That is all I will tolerate from you Commander! One more disparaging word about Major Castle and nephew or not, I will charge you with conduct unbecoming an officer and with slander! I have personally seen that man in action. His courage in battle is unmatched. Twice I saw him take command when officers senior to him were lost. His leadership and tactics turned the tide against the Gorrock. He led his men until he was so badly wounded that he nearly died. He took that wound or I should say, wounds saving a friend. What have you ever done except run your computer?"
Sullenly, Vic said, "I don't like the way he looks at Kate!"
This time Kate, tore into him.
"You don't like the way he looks at me?" You sound as if you're jealous over your own sister. Vic, I'm disgusted with you. Richard Castle has done nothing but treat me with the utmost respect, perhaps a little more respect than I wanted! Better than a couple of your friends have. I don't like hands on me, unless I want them there!"
Marlene said;
"That's enough! Vic, you will behave yourself at the event! Even if we're all mad at you at the moment. We don't want you hurt. If you make him angry enough, Major Castle can put you in the hospital. Even if he doesn't, some of his men might."
She then turned to Alex. "If we're going to the Imperial palace, I want a new dress. I'm going shopping." Kate, Lanie and I will come along." Felicia said.
That evening as they sat around, talking, Lanie Said, "I don't have a personal interest in this, so I think I should tell you something about Major Castle." At Vic's sudden interest, Lanie said, "Sorry Commander it's not something to give you an advantage, just the opposite." She then related the incident in the park. "One more thing, the woman was quite pretty, if poorly dressed. By the look on her face, she was the Major's for the taking, if he'd wanted her. He could have very easily taken advantage of her. He didn't, he wouldn't even tell her his name!"
Jake spoke up.
"I didn't like Castle, at all when I first met him. He struck me as a cocky, arrogant, Marine, far too sure of himself. I was wrong. The more I learn about him, the better I like him. I probably wouldn't have even noticed that woman or her child.
You damn sure wouldn't have, Vic. You'd better get your head out of your ass, before you really blow it!"
03. January 2454, Bachelor Officer's Quarters. 15:00 hours.
Rick Castle did a final check of his evening mess uniform. It was one of his custom-tailored uniforms, not from a replicator. The miniature medals gleamed on the left breast.
Satisfied he decided to go to the barbershop for a haircut and a shave. Most men used a beard inhibitor and hair growth regulator but Rick preferred old fashioned ways.
He'd then come back, shower and dress for the ceremony. Rick was annoyed that they were interfering with his leave and that he couldn't find out what the ceremony was about.
18:30 hours.
Back in his quarters, Rick began getting ready. He showered and dressed, making sure that his uniform was perfect. Again, he applied the "Night Stalker" cologne.
Meantime, Kate was also taking pains with her appearance. She'd brushed her hair till it shone. She applied a subtle green eye shadow and deep crimson lip gloss.
Lanie walked in and began teasing her. "Going hunting tonight, are you?"
"Of course not! But how often does one get a chance to hob nob with an Emperor?"
"I hate to tell you this, he's already taken."
"Oh. All right, it's not for the Emperor.
Why shouldn't I go hunting? I'm single."
"I never said you shouldn't but if you're hunting BIG game, you're going to have lots of competition!"
"What do you mean by that?"
"Don't give me that. Every female eye in the room follows that marine when he walks in."
"Will you stop? Rick Castle is not the only man around!"
"I didn't mention his name, you did!"
"Lanie, go get dressed. You're annoying me!" Kate thought, He's not the only man around. But her heart spoke, yes but he's the only one we're interested in.
03, January 2454 Bachelor Officer's Quarters, 19:30 hours
Rick stepped out of his quarters, to be met by Del, standing by his car. "What are you doing here, Del?"
"I'm making sure that you get where you're supposed to go and can't leave early, per General Frasier's orders and the Emperor's."
"Damn it, Del you're supposed to be on my side."
"I am but I got my ass chewed by everybody over the last escapade. Besides, they said that it's a ceremony. It can't be anything bad."
03, January 2454 Imperial Palace, 19:45 hours.
Rick and Del were met by General Frasier's aide." Right this way, Gentlemen." He took them to an anteroom. "General, major Castle and Captain Kevan are here."
"Very well, send them in. Good evening, Gentlemen. What I have to say won't take long.
Major, you will be the recipient of significant honors, tonight, which have been approved at the highest level of government. Refusal of them would be a grave insult to the crown and create a diplomatic incident. Do you understand?"
"Yes Sir."
"Very well, I expect you to conduct yourself with the grace and charm that I know you are capable of. Am I clear?"
"Yes Sir."
"Good. Captain Kevan, you too will be honored tonight. I doubt that will pose a problem for you."
"No Sir, it will not."
"Good. We'd better take our places."
Before they could leave the room, Duke Valnor, Duchess Rayene and the Emperor and Empress entered.
"We would like a moment of your time, Please". The Emperor said.
The Duke and Duchess CAME TO Rick. The duke said;
"Richard, Delnor views you as a brother. Without you, we would have lost Del. We already lost Del's brother Carnor. Losing Del would have destroyed us. No person has ever done as much for us, as you have. In the time we have known you, we have come to love you. Rayene and I would like to claim you as a son, if you will allow that.
Rick choked up for a moment, then said; "I'm stunned. I don't know how to adequately answer you."
"The answer is simple, either. Yes or no. We pray that it will be yes. The duke said.
The emperor said;
"Richard, Lucania and I add our pleas to that of my uncle. Another son for Kevan house will help to ease the ache of a lost one."
Always decisive, Rick said; I accept, but I don't have enough words to thank you."
Rayene hugged Rick. "None are needed, my son. I cannot and would not try to replace your birth mother and I honor her memory for producing such a son. The gods have brought you to us, Carn's spirit now rests easy."
Valnor said;
"Halnor, do you formally give your approval?"
"Yes, Uncle Valnor, I do.
Duchess Rayene said;
"It is not enough that Richard is now ours, Julia and her children should be also. Richard would not be the man that he is, were it not for her. Richard, Julia is right outside, will you ask her to come in, please."
Rick went out and returned with a surprised Julia in tow.
Rayene said;
"Julia, we know how much Rick loves you, it is right that he does. We have adopted Rick. As he is now a son of Kevan house and the family should be complete, will you consent to be our daughter as well?"
Julia stared at her in astonishment. Never in her life had she imagined such a thing happening.
Rayene said; "I know that this comes as a shock to you, as it did to Rick. But we would love to have another daughter. We would cherish the sound of your children playing in our home. I know that you were nearly grown when your mother died but sometimes even a grown woman needs to talk to her mother. I cannot take the place of your mother; I wouldn't want to try. But if I can be a mother figure to you, I would be very happy.
Valnor said;
"I too want another daughter. I have learned that your blood father has not cared for you or Richard as he should. Your children should have a grandfather close. I would be honored to fulfil that role."
One of Julia's greater talents was to make important decisions quickly and she was usually right.
As Rick had, moments before, Julia Choked up but found her voice.
"I'm honored and I accept. I have missed my mother, terribly, over the years. This is something that she would approve of."
Rayene hugged her, took off a ruby and black diamond necklace and fastened it around Julia's neck.
The Emperor said, "I have a personal note to add to this. Like any sane man I love and value my family.
Del, Carn and I played together as boys. We were more brothers than cousins. I mourned the loss of Carn. If not for you, Rick we would have lost Del as well. If you had done nothing else, that alone justifies you as one of us, one of our noblest. Julia, as Aunt Rayene said, Rick would not be the man that he is had you not been the woman you are.
We thank the Gods for you."
The Emperor said;
"By the power vested in me as Emperor of Alpha Centauri and as the legal head of the Kevan Family I Halnor Kevan do name you, Richard Alexander Castle as a son of Kevan House and as Count Tolorain. And do name You, Julia Elizabeth Caldwell as a daughter of Kevan House, to hold the rank of Baroness Caldwell. We will deal with the legal forms tomorrow. Lady Julia, may I speak to you for a moment? They spoke quietly for a couple of minutes, then Julia nodded. The Emperor said;
"We had better take our places."
A fanfare sounded and the Imperial Chamberlain said, "All rise for Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Alpha Centauri. The Emperor and Empress entered and took their places on their thrones. "Please be seated." The Emperor rose and said;
My Lords and Ladies, Ladies and Gentlemen; we are gathered here tonight to bestow honors on well deserving persons. It is not enough to compensate for their pains and sacrifices but it is the best we can do."
"Lord Delnor Kevan, Count Tarber, stand forth and approach the throne." Del rose, marched forward and came to attention, then bowed.
"Who sponsors this man for induction into the Military Order of the Blue Rose?"
Del's father rose.
"I, Lord Valnor Kevan, Duke of Karolain do so sponsor him."
"Who speaks for his gentility?" Del's mother rose.
"I, Lady Rayene Kevan, Duchess of Karolain, do vouch for his gentility, I birthed and raised him."
Who speaks for his chivalry?
"I, Lady Lairlene DoRanian do speak for his chivalry.
He is always honorable, sweet and gentle with women and girls, the elderly and the frail."
"Who speaks for his valor?" General Frasier spoke.
"I, Major General Alexander Frasier attest to his valor, although his valor speaks for itself."
The Emperor spoke again.
"Delnor Kevan, do you freely and without condition take upon yourself the duties and obligations of knighthood?"
"I do, Your Majesty."
"Do you swear to be valorous in battle, honorable in your dealings with all, chivalrous to the ladies, protective of the children, charitable to the poor and loyal to the state?"
"I do so swear upon my honor and with the help of the Gods."
"I, Halnor Kevan, Emperor of Alpha Centauri do name you, Delnor Kevan a Knight of the Military Order of the Blue Rose".
Duke Valnor fastened a sword belt supporting a jeweled broadsword his waist. Duchess Rayene pinned the order of knight hood to his chest.
Lairlene set a silver circlet on his head.
"My Lords and Ladies, Ladies and Gentlemen, I present to you, Sir Delnor Kevan,"
The Emperor waited a few minutes while Del's Family and friends congratulated him.
Then the Emperor Said;
"Major Richard Castle, stand forth and approach the throne"
Rick rose, approached the throne, came to attention and bowed. He was expecting another medal. "Who sponsors this man for induction into the Military Order of the Blue Rose?" Duke Valnor said;
"I, Lord Valnor Kevan, Duke of Karolain do so sponsor him."
"Who speaks to his gentility?"
"I, Julia Castle Caldwell speak to his gentility.
I am sister to him. Our mother died while we were young but raised him as a gentleman.
He has always lived up to the code of honor required of a gentleman."
"Who will speak of his chivalry?"
The Empress said;
"There is one here, tonight who will speak of both his chivalry and his charity. Kaylara Solon come forth."
Rick didn't recognize, at first the simply but stylishly dressed woman.
"Tell us your story, as you told me. Do not be afraid, all is well."
"Your Majesties, My Lords and Ladies, I am a simple woman of the people but I was not poor until a year ago. My husband and my father were killed in an accident that also crippled my mother. Their pensions were small and I could find little work as I had to care for my daughter and my mother. We barely managed to keep a roof over our heads. We were often hungry and my mother in pain.
Just a few days ago I took my daughter to the park to watch the water birds. Vaunna was very hungry and asked for a sausage. I could not buy her one. My little one cried from hunger.
Then a stranger came, a man as handsome as Kantos. He bought hot, rich food for us. He bought us warm coats and gave me money. I could buy good food, a warm blanket and medicine for my mother. He asked for nothing in return, would accept nothing and told us nothing, except that he was an officer. He wouldn't even tell us his name."
"Do you see him, Kaylara?"
"Yes, Your Majesty. He stands there, the one you call Major Castle."
"Thank you Kaylara." "His chivalry and charity are well proven."
""Who speaks for his valor?"
General Frasier spoke. "I, Major General Alexander Frasier attest to his valor, although his valor speaks for itself and all know of the Hero of Tantalus."
"I too, speak of his valor." Del said. "For twice I would have died, were it not for him."
The Emperor Said;
"Richard Castle, do you freely and without condition take upon yourself the duties and obligations of knighthood?"
"I do, Your Majesty."
"Do you swear to be valorous in battle, honorable in your dealings with all, chivalrous to the ladies, protective of the children, charitable to the poor and loyal to the state?"
"Upon my honor, I do so swear, so help me God."
"I, Halnor Kevan, Emperor of Alpha Centauri, do name you, Richard Castle a Knight Commander of the Military Order of the Blue Rose." Duke Valnor placed another broadsword on its' jeweled belt around Rick 's waist. The duchess pinned the order of knighthood to his chest and placed a golden circlet on his head.
The Emperor said, "Let it be known throughout the empire that the crown places special trust and confidence in Sir Delnor Kevan and Sir Richard Castle."
The crowd applauded. Valnor Kevan stepped forward.
"Your Majesty, has our request been granted?"
"It has Your Grace."
"Then I shall speak. My Lords and Ladies, Ladies and Gentlemen, hear me. Two years ago, a terrible accident robbed my family of our youngest child, not only causing great grief to us but leaving vacant the chair of an estate.
During the Battle of Tantalus, we would have lost our elder son, were it not for the great courage of Sir Richard. A courage that saw him wounded nigh unto death. These actions and his kindness to a humble person, he didn't even know proves his great heart and love of our people. Alpha Centauri must claim him as our own. To this end, I, Valnor Kevan Duke of Karolain do bequeath to him and his heirs
Green Shores estate and ask His Majesty to finalize our actions."
The Emperor said, "Sir Richard Castle, by the power vested in me, with the approval of our parliament and the Commonwealth senate, I, Halnor Kevan, Emperor of Alpha Centauri
Do confirm this grant, Lord of Green Shores. And further declare, in the presence of all here, that Sir Richard Castle is declared a son of Kevan House with all the rights and privileges pertaining thereto. From this day forth he shall be known as Richard Kevan Ay Castle.
Furthermore, I do confer upon him the rank of Count and name him Count Tolorain. Lady Julia Caldwell is named a daughter of Kevan house with all the rights and privileges pertaining thereto an1d I confer upon her, the Rank and title of Baroness Caldwell."
General Frasier came up to Rick and shook his hand and said, "Congratulations, Count Richard." Then he laughed. "The look on your face was priceless, Rick. Don't bother protesting. As I told you, refusal would cause a diplomatic incident as well as hurting your friend's feelings. The senate also feels that this will make our relationship with the crown even stronger."
"But Earth is my home."
"Is it really? What holds you there? Your father is never there; your mother is buried on Nova Terra. Julia and her family have moved here. My family is here. The Kevan family has named you one of theirs. Get used to it. Your home, your future is here."
The Emperor and Empress also came to Rick. The Emperor said;
"Richard, yes, we are grateful to you but do not think of this as a gift. We need you. You will have many duties in the years to come. Our need is greater than that of the Commonwealth as a whole.
The Commonwealth senate agrees or we could not have done this. If it eases your mind, simply think of it as another assignment. One the Commonwealth has assigned you.
Also, think of the service you are doing for my family. The people of Green Shores
Have been Kevan supporters for many years, we can now put their leadership into hands we can trust and not over burden Del."
The Empress spoke, "Richard, my husband speaks as a ruler. I speak as a mother.
If I were in a position such as Kaylara Solon was, I would pray for a man such as you.
Many knew of her plight and did nothing; her own people did nothing! Then you came.
Not only did you provide food, warmth and money, you provided comfort and hope.
Not only did you help them, your actions made the crown aware of a terrible situation.
The person whose duty it was, to see to the needs of people in distress was not doing as he was charged to do. He was embezzling funds provided by the crown to his own accounts.
He is now awaiting trial and a new official has been appointed. Kaylara has accepted a position on the palace staff. She, her daughter and mother will live in staff apartments.
The people of Green Shores know of this. You are needed here; you are loved here."
Kaylara Solon approached and curtsied. "Lord Castle, May I speak?" Rick smiled.
"You don't need my permission to speak to me."
"My Lord I bear to you my mother's gratitude.
Because of your care, for the first time in a year, she is warm and free of pain. Her spirit soars again and she can smile. For Vaunna and I, you are our savior. I am free now from worry. Vaunna no longer cries from hunger. She runs and plays. We owe you more than we can repay."
"There is no debt, Kaylara. That Vaunna plays and laughs, that your mother is happy, that is payment in a coin better than gold. I will ask only one thing of you. That when you see someone else, in need of help that you do what you can for them."
"I will, My Lord."
Julia came up and hugged him
. "I'm so happy. Now maybe you'll finally settle down.
Maybe I'll finally get a sister-in-law and some nieces and nephews."
"You're getting way ahead of yourself, Julie. There's no special lady in my life."
"There could be if you weren't so damn stubborn, think about it!"
"I can't think about it. I have a mission ahead of me and a battalion to command."
The chamberlain rapped his staff on the floor.
"My Lords and Ladies, Ladies and Gentlemen, the Empress
. "Before we begin the celebrations, there is one more award to make. It gives me great pleasure to do this. Lady Julia Caldwell, come forth."
A surprised Julia stepped up.
"Just as there is the Military Order of the Blue Rose, there is the Artistic Society of the Blue Rose. I now name you, Julia Elizabeth Castle Caldwell as a Grand Dame of the Society." She placed a diamond and sapphire tiara on Julia's head and pinned a jeweled blue rose to her dress.
Jason came to Julia, an awed look on his face. "I'm in shock, Honey. Why didn't you warn me about this?"
Julia said, "Because I didn't know about it until it happened. The Emperor, the Duke and Duchess sprang it on Rick and I right out of the blue. There was no time to tell you anything or even think about it. But I know that accepting it was the right thing to do."
"You're probably right, you usually are, Jason said but it's still one hell of a shock."
"
The chamberlain rapped his staff. "My Lords and Ladies, Ladies and Gentlemen Please take note that the reception will begin in five minutes." The chamberlain said, "Count Richard, it is time to form the reception line." With a resigned sigh, Rick followed the chamberlain. This was going to be worse than an embassy party.
As the chamberlain showed them to their places, The Empress said;
"Where is the lady to partner you, Count Richard?"
"There is none, Your Majesty."
"That is not right. What about the lady that you danced so much with at the Christmas Eve party, is she here tonight?"
"Yes, she is, Your Majesty, but she's not my lady, just a friend. I would not want to embarrass her by putting her on the spot."
"It is customary, here, for anyone in the receiving line to be paired, Lord and Lady."
"The solution to that is simple, Your Majesty, I'll opt out. Del can handle it for both of us."
"That is not acceptable. You said that you did not wish to embarrass the lady.
You are not going to. I shall ask her. The decision is hers."
"But Your Majesty, I don't think that is fair to her, this short notice."
"Whether or not it is fair, is her decision, not yours. What is her name?"
"It's Kate Beckett Your Majesty."
"Oh yes, I remember, General Frasier's niece."
The Empress walked over to Kate.
"Lady Katherine, we have a problem that you could help us with, if you would be so kind."
"What is it, Your Majesty?"
"Count Rihard knew nothing of what we intended to do, tonight. Our customs require that
Lords being honored have a Lady to accompany him. I would request that you honor us with your presence as his lady for the evening."
"Why didn't he ask me?"
"He didn't know about it until just now and said that it was not fair to you to ask you on such short notice. I overruled him and told him that it was your decision, not his."
With a twinkle in her eye, Kate said. "I will be happy to do it on two conditions."
" What are they?"
"First, he must ask me. Second, I want a reward, that being some dancing.
The Empress laughed. "I love both conditions. We shall do as you wish."
The Empress returned to Rick. "She agrees, on the condition that you ask her.
Come with me and make the request of the Lady Fair, Sir Knight."
"Kate, would you please do me the honor of acting as my Lady, this evening?"
"Yes, I will but I will not act as your Lady, for this evening, I will BE your Lady."
"Our protocols are slightly different than the ones you are used to, Count Richard."
The Empress said. "After we dine, the full party begins. It will probably last until the early morning hours. The dancing begins with the honor set. Lady Katherine has the first dance. I get the second, Duchess Rayene gets the third and Lady Julia the fourth. After that, your evening belongs to Lady Katherine. As she wishes, it shall be."
" The Empress said to the Chamberlain;
"Master Chamberlain, Announce the reception line, then go arrange to get some musicians in here, immediately after we dine. Lady Katherine wants to dance and so do I."
The Chamberlain rapped his staff on the floor. "My lords and Ladies, Her Majesty announces an addition to the evening. There will be dancing after dinner. Please take your places in the reception line."
Despite his discomfort with the situation, Rick was enough of a diplomat not to let it show. He smiled and exchanged pleasantries with everyone.
Rick started to relax, surprised at how easily it had gone. The Centauarans seemed to show no surprise or resistance to the fact that a man not of their planet had been ennobled. Kate 's hand, resting lightly on his arm had a soothing and reassuring effect.
"Congratulations, Rick. This is an historic occasion. You'll make a fine nobleman."
"It doesn't change who I am, Kate. I didn't anticipate anything like this. It's so far outside my range of experience I have no idea what to expect."
You'll do well, of that I have no doubt." Admiral Sevar grasped Rick 's hand.
"Well done Count Richard Castle. I have known all your life that you are destined for greatness."
"Thank you, Admiral, but how could you know something like that?"
"As my Grandsire Storth would say, with your genes, it is inevitable."
The buffet was excellent and Rick enjoyed introducing Kate to several dishes new to her. While they were eating, a Centauran woman introduced herself. "I am Felana Do Ranian, Lairlene's sister. I am a journalist. If you can spare the time, in the next few days, I would like to do an in-depth interview with you, Sir Richard. There is almost unlimited interest in the Hero of Tantalus, and the only non Centauran to win the Blue Rose and be ennobled."
"There was very little, almost no immigration until the last few years. The community from Terra is now growing rather rapidly. You will be a bridge between our people.
You will also be making the people of Green Shores estate very happy.
The estate has been without a master for the last two years."
"But why? I am from Terra and will soon be leaving on a mission of unknown duration."
"That will not matter to them. The Emperor has named you a lord. You are now one of us, no matter your origin. That is all they care about. Many lords have left their estates in the Empire's service."
"I may not survive this mission." "They will not worry about that, until it happens, if it ever does."
"Have your sister work it out with Del, he knows my schedule"
"There's the music. If you'll excuse us, Lady Felana, I don't want to keep my lady waiting."
"Would you care to dance, My Lady?" Rick asked.
Kate rose to her feet and with a mischievous smile, curtsied. "At my Lord's pleasure" Rick laughed at her.
"Be careful, my Lady, that might be risky."
"I'll risk it. Knights are chivalrous, I'm told.
As they danced, Rick kept her laughing with tales of some of the scrapes he'd gotten into as a child and some of the pranks that he and Del had pulled, together. A slight look of hurt flashed across her face. He noticed, immediately.
"What's wrong Kate ?"
"Your last escapade, Rick You and Del. You hurt me. Aunt Marlene made that invitation for me. I wanted to spend the evening with you."
"I am truly sorry, Kate . I never meant to hurt anyone. I wasn't thinking clearly. Please forgive me."
"I forgive you, Rick . It worked out, after all, thanks to the empress. I get the whole evening with you, with lots of witnesses."
They talked of music and the theater. Del and Lairlene, Julia and Jason joined them. Del ordered cinnamon assassins for the men and wine for the ladies.
"You certainly destroyed some pre-conceived notions, Rick ." Kate said.
"Oh, how did I do that?" "The great heroes that I was taught of, never seemed mischievous."
"So called heroes are just men. A line from a poem, may explain that.
He quoted: "A true man is not all of one thing, a song of a single note. A single arrow in his quiver lodged, nor a single phrase in his throat."
"Who wrote that?"
"I don't know, it's from home and very old."
Julia, Marlene and the Empress were chatting.
"You know, Julia that couldn't have worked out better if we'd planned it."
"You're right Marlene, I think that the old-fashioned word is serendipity."
The Empress said:
"I hope that this is a romantic conspiracy, they are so much fun."
As the music ended, Rick said, "Thank you, Kate . You made a rather stressful evening, delightful."
"You're welcome, Rick , it was a delightful evening for me as well." She lifted her face and kissed him.
The Emperor said, "My Lords and Ladies, Ladies and Gentlemen, you all have our gratitude for joining us in honoring these brave and gallant men. "