CHAPTER SIXTEEN
17, August 2454 Edge of the Alpha Centauri System 10:00 hours.
No longer having a need for caution, Task Force Tenacious had accelerated at maximum fold drive on the way home. Coming out of fold drive, Admiral Petrofsky sent a message to the planet. "To Fleet Sector Command, Alpha Centauri: Task Force Tenacious reports successful completion of mission, returning with both survey ships and crews. Placida liberated from occupation by Crovanian pirates. Full report will be submitted upon arrival on the surface. Sergei Petrofsky, Rear Admiral."
19, August 2454 the star port, Karolin City, Alpha Centauri, 10:00 hours.
A huge crowd had gathered upon receiving news that the task force was returning.
It was all the combined civil and military police could do to keep the crowd restrained.
Sonic booms cracked overhead as the shuttles came in to land. The first shuttle to land held Admiral Petrofsky and his staff, the second, Captain Rogers and his staff. Then the rest of the crew shuttles. The crew lined up in two formations facing each other with a wide space between them Last to land were the Marine's shuttles. The Marines lined up in battalion column between the lines, while the vehicles unloaded and parked, their crews joining the column. Rick and his staff lined up ahead of the column, just behind them, the color guard. Behind the color guard, an honor guard and the men bearing twenty-five coffins. There was a man at the head of the coffin and one at the foot, each coffin being supported on a small air cushion device.
"Battalion Attention, at the slow march, Forward March!"
At the command forward march, Admiral Petrofsky commanded the crew of the Tenacious to attention and present arms. The coffins were taken to large enclosed trucks to be transported to the Parliament building where they would lie in state, covered by both Commonwealth and Centauran flags.
Rick halted the marines, ordered them into the standard ranks formation and ordered present arms. Then he ordered parade rest. Admiral Petrofsky ordered the crew to parade rest, then he and Captain Rogers reported to Vice Admiral Dewey, the sector Admiral.
Admiral Dewey then said, to the Emperor,
"Your Majesty, I am pleased to report a successful mission."
The Emperor rose and said,
"Thank you, Admiral. Men and women of Task Force Tenacious, you have completed a daring and dangerous mission for which you have the heartfelt gratitude of both the Commonwealth and the Empire. My words are not adequate to really thank you nor to express our pride in your accomplishments or sorrow at the loss of your comrades. Know this: they will never be forgotten. Ladies and Gentlemen, I ask you now to rise and bow your heads and observe a minute of silence in honor of our valiant lost ones."
"I will keep you from your friends and family no longer. Commanders, dismiss your troops." Some of the crew had remained on board the Tenacious to turn her over to the yard crew for repairs and maintenance.
Rick commanded;
"Battalion, Stack arms. You have 30 minutes to visit friends and family. Then we return to base and secure equipment. Company commanders will conduct inspections. When you are satisfied dismiss your men. You have two weeks ordinary leave and two weeks combat stress relief leave not chargeable to you, commencing, officially tomorrow. Fall out."
Rick looked for Kate and saw her coming to him. She took his arm and said;
"Let's get everyone together and tell them." Rick looked around to See Julia and Jason standing with The Kevan family, including the Emperor and Empress.
Kate saw her family and beckoned them over. When they all got together, and finished exchanging greetings, Rick said;
"Kate and I have something to tell you." Before he could say anything else, Kate raised her left hand into the air, her ring flashing in the sun
. "We're engaged!" She said. Marlene stepped forward, hugged and kissed Kate,
as did Julia and the General. Felicia followed suit, then Jake."
All of them congratulated her. Duchess Rayene Kevan said
"I am so very happy; I will have two more daughters to love. My sons have chosen wisely. Welcome to our family.
Kate smiled and said;
"Thank you, I know that I will love you too." Rayene kissed Kate. The Empress said;
"Another new cousin. I promise you, Lady Katherine that we are all going to have a wonderful time together. I am, however, going to ask a favor of you."
"What is that, Your Majesty?"
"Make that two favors. Teach me to dance, like you do and call me Lucania."
"I will be happy to do both, as long as you call me Kate."
General Frasier, the Beckett brothers and Jason joined them. Jake said;
"I'll be damned Rick. I didn't think you'd do it, but seeing Kate 's face, just now, I'm glad that it happened. I know my sister. I've never seen such a look of happiness on her face." Peter shook hands and smiled. "Jake just said it for me." Vic shook hands but didn't say anything. General Frasier said;
"Welcome to the family, Rick. But I'll tell you something I don't like, right now., and don't want to see again. More clusters on your purple heart. Damn its man, you've got to stop doing that!"
Duke Valnor said;
"General Frasier, I am sure that your lady has planned a homecoming party at your house. I am going to ask a favor of you. Will you please bring whatever you have made to our estate? We have not only our people but Richard's people from Green shores who wish to celebrate. We have room for them all. They will be overjoyed to learn that they will finally have a lady of Green Shores."
"Marlene, what do you think?" "What a silly question, Alex. We'll be delighted!"
Duchess Rayene said;
Lady Marlene, I'll send an estate van to your house to pick up your party supplies. Our staff will see to setting them up. Meanwhile, we need to get Lady Katherine to our dress shop. She will need a fitting for her evening gown, for tonight. It should be in Kevan house colors. I always have a few waiting for me. All we will have to do is add some gold lace around the bottom and take in the waist. With her coloring, she will look magnificent in crimson and black."
Rick came over and said;
"I'll see you all, this afternoon. I've got to get to the base and finish up my reports and release the battalion on leave."
"You won't see us until this evening, we ladies will be busy. Don't be late. Be at the estate by 18:00, in civilian formal dress." Rayene said.
19, August 2454 Imperial Army base, Karolain City, Alpha Centauri 14:30 hours.
Del and Rick sat in the headquarters building. They had completed the inspection and dismissed the battalion to leave.
"They're good troops, Del, some of the best I've ever seen. It hurts to have lost so many of them."
"So many?" 25 killed and 100 wounded, all of the wounded returned to duty or soon will be. That's a remarkable record, considering what we accomplished."
"I doubt that the families of the dead will think it remarkable." Rick said.
"Look, brother, every man was a volunteer. All the families knew the risks involved.
Every one of them is proud of what their sons, or husbands or brothers did.
I overheard some of the talk among the senior NCO's, they all believe that the butcher's bill would have been double or even triple under any other commander. I agree with them. So do Hal and the General."
"Drop the discussion, Rick. We need to get going. Remember that we have to be home and dressed by 18:00 or we'll have six women mad at us."
19, August 2454 Kevan House, Karolain city, Alpha Centauri, 18:00 hours.
Lady Julia Caldwell looked at the family gathering and smiled. "For the first time in his life,
I think Rick is going to enjoy a party, from the very beginning. The group was an assembly of some of the most important men and women on the planet.
The Empress had requested that everyone wear civilian clothes. Her exact words were:
"Eight months in uniform, at a stretch is more than enough. I want loved ones to forget about their cares and enjoy friends, family and those who are soon to be family."
The Emperor, the Duke, Del, Rick and little Prince Val all wore essentially the same formal wear, deep crimson jackets, black trousers, shoes and shirts with crimson Jabots.
General Frasier, Jason Caldwell and the Beckett brothers all wore traditional white jackets and black trousers. Although each was a slightly different style, The Empress, the Duchess, Kate, Lairlene, Celienne and Julia wore crimson gowns with black trim and gold lace. The gowns were all made of shimmering spider silk. Marlene Frasier wore black as did Felicia Beckett.
Everyone had drinks in their hands and were laughing and chatting. Prince Val made a beeline for Alex and Melissa Caldwell as soon as he saw them. The Caldwell family had been spending a lot of time with the Kevan family. The Children had become fast friends as had the adults and Julia and Jason were part of the Emperor's inner circle.
Duke Valnor called the group together
". Del and Airline's nuptials have already been set at a week from today, we must now set the date for Richard and Katherine.
Lady Katherine, when do you wish to marry?"
"We are hoping for September 9th Your Grace, if we can get everything planned in time, I hadn't figured in all the Centauran requirements."
"You do not need to worry about whether or not everything can be planned in time, the duchess said. Lucania and I will ensure that all will be ready, although you will be very busy."
"Lady Katherine, Lady Julia has told us so much about you. We are very happy that Rick has chosen his bride so wisely and that you have agreed to wed. We will be gaining another beautiful daughter to love. So, these are our gifts to you. Your formal tiara, necklace and earrings." The jewelry was made of rubies, white and black diamonds and pearls set in platinum. Kate gasped at the magnificent set and tears of joy formed in her eyes. "How did you know?" Kate asked.
The Duke laughed. "That was easy, Julia told us weeks ago so we had plenty of time to
Have them made."
Kate Said, "This is so generous of you. Thank you so much. The words are not enough. May I hug you?" With a huge smile Duke Valnor opened his arms to her. Kate hugged him and kissed his cheek.
"I am told that you lost your parents, long ago, I hope that after you are married that you can learn to call me father." Valnor said.
"That will be very easy to do." Kate said.
A few minutes later, as Kate was chatting with Julia, Kate saw Alex and Melissa playing with Prince Val. Kate said;
"Your children are such good children and so beautiful, I can hardly wait to have my own."
"Your children will be beautiful too, Kate. You will be a wonderful mother. Rick will be a very good father but you will have to keep a close eye on him or he will do his best to spoil your daughter or daughters.
He will be strict with your sons but will indulge your daughters."
"You know one thing I am really happy about; Julia is that we have known from the start that we'd be life-long friends, in less than a month, we'll be sisters. How wonderful is that?"
"We'll be living under Centauran law and custom, Julia said. They don't recognize sister-in- law or any other in laws. Once you are married to my brother, we are sisters.
"So, the Empress wasn't using cousin as an honorific?"
"No, she wasn't. As soon as you are married, by Centauran law, custom and psyche you are her cousin. Lairlene explained it to me. In their custom, or I should say, our customs, as soon as we were declared son and daughter of Kevan house, we became in their minds no different than Del or Celienne. It's a psychological change as much as a legal one."
"That will take some adjustment, Kate said, being related to the Imperial family."
"I know. I've had to make the adjustment too. They used to call me Lady Julia as a courtesy. Now it's a formal title. My gallery now has the Kevan Family crest on the
door, along with the phrase by appointment to Their Imperial Majesties.
But it won't be that hard to adjust. Hal and Lucania, despite their positions, are just people. Nice ones who are a lot of fun to be with."
Dumonon came over to Kate and Julia. He bowed.
"My Ladies, the people of Green Shores are assembled in the courtyard, waiting to welcome their Lord home and to meet the new Lady of Green Shores."
"But I'm not their Lady yet."
"Your engagement has been announced. You are the Lady of Green Shores."
Rayene Kevan came over and said." Put your jewelry on and let's meet the men. Kate removed her unicorn earrings and put the new ones on. Julia fastened the necklace and Rayene settled the tiara on her head.
They went to a large stage facing the courtyard, Rick Took Kate 's arm.
The Kevan and Beckett families assembled behind them. The Emperor stood forward.
"People of Green Shores, your Lord has returned from war, again covered in glory, having been wounded again in the service of the Empire and the Commonwealth. But more than this, he brings you a new, beautiful and gracious Lady of Green Shores.
Count Richard, Present your Lady."
Rick brought Kate forward.
"People of Green Shores, I present Lady Katherine Beckett, soon to be Lady Katherine Castle, The Lady of Green Shores." A teen-age girl and boy came forward. The girl curtsied and offered Kate a bouquet of roses.
"Welcome home, My Lady, My Lord." The Boy bowed and held out a basket of fruit. "Welcome home, my Lady, My Lord.
Kate smiled at the children and thanked them. Then she said;
"Home, it has such a beautiful sound. I have not had one of my own for a long time. I shall be very happy at Green Shores. For I love Count Richard and I shall grow to love you all."
Rayene Kevan said, "Everything has been prepared for you at Green Shores, you can stay there if you wish. I already cleared it with your aunt and uncle. Of course, you may stay with them or with us if you wish."
"I will stay at Green Shores, Kate said. I have spent too many nights away from Rick as it is."
The Empress came over and said;
" You will need attendants who are ladies. They will not be your maids. They will be advisors.
I am sending several of mine over, for you to choose from." "As will I, The Duchess said. Your maids will come from the estate.
"Won't they be upset to be reassigned? After all, serving an empress and a duchess are very important posts."
"Upset? You must be joking!" The Empress said. They will be clamoring for the chance.
You and Richard are famous!"
"Do I really need maids and attendants? I have lived all my life without them." Kate said.
Rayene smiled, put her arm around Kate and said;
"That was then, this is now. You will soon be a countess. Here that is a real rank, not just a ceremonial one. As Countess Tolorain and Lady Katherine of Green Shores, you will have many duties. Your time is too valuable to waste managing your wardrobe or making your bed.
It was only a few minutes later when they all went into the dining hall for a buffet supper.
At the conclusion of the supper, Duke Valnor rose.."
"Ladies and Gentlemen, I want to tell you how wonderful it is to have my sons and the lovely Lady Katherine home safely. Nor do I forget all the others who served so gallantly and returned to us. Some of you are with us tonight. I thank the Gods for your safe return. We are, indeed, the most fortunate of peoples to have you among us. Yet we must never forget and never cease to honor those who so valiantly gave their lives for our cause,
The Empress said to Kate;
"In a few minutes the part of the party that both you and I look forward to will start, the dancing. But I'm giving you fair warning that I'm going to steal one dance with Sir Richard, from you, Kate."
Kate laughed. "You don't have to steal one, I'll freely give it to you but only one."
"Spoil sport. It would be more fun to steal one." The Empress replied.
Kate laughed, merrily at that. She could already tell that Lucania was going to become
Very close to her and deeply trusted.
The dancing started, and true to her word, at the second dance, the Empress claimed her dance, while the Emperor danced with Kate.
At the break, people gathered at the bar or sat at tables for refreshments.
Rick, Del, Hal and Duke Val all had Cinnamon Assassins. The men sat talking and the ladies moved a couple of tables away so that they could have their own conversation.
All of the ladies of the Kevan, Beckett and Frasier families had gathered together.
Kate was sipping a Rusty Nail.
Lucania said, "What is that?"
"A Rusty Nail, would you like to taste it?"
"Yes, I would." Kate handed her glass to the Empress.
"Smooth but fiery. I like it."
Kate ordered two more.
Lucania looked wistful.
"I wish that I could be one of your bridesmaids but protocol won't let me, Because of my position, people often forget that I'm a person too, not just a figurehead. I don't get asked to do the regular things a young woman does. Thank you, Kate, for letting me be part of your wedding at least."
Duchess Rayene turned to Marlene. Touched her arm and said;
"Lady Marlene, these two weddings and the wedding ball are going to be the social events of the season, perhaps of the decade. You, Lady DoRanian and I are going to be extremely busy. Would you mind if we base at our estate so that we can work together? The weddings must be separate but we can have a joint wedding ball."
"I think that will work very well." Marlene said.
Lucania, not wanting to be left out said;
"The weddings themselves will be simple, the receptions will not. Therefore, why don't we base at the palace. My social secretary and her staff will help. The receptions and the ball can be held at the palace."
"Even better", Rayene said.
Lairlene said;
"Kate and I are going to be sisters. Why don't we make it even simpler?
I don't mind delaying my reception a couple of weeks so that we could hold both receptions together, making it easier and less stressful on everyone."
Kate reached out to take Lairlene's hand and give it a squeeze.
"It's a great idea, I'm all for it!"
Kate saw Anna Petrofsky and Gloria Rogers. She beckoned them over.
"Captain Anna Petrofsky, Captain Gloria Rogers, I would like to introduce you to Her Imperial Majesty Empress Lucania Kevan. These ladies are my colleagues and friends."
"We are honored to meet you, Your Majesty."
"And I am honored to meet two ladies who so gallantly served with my cousins."
"We served with your cousins Your Majesty?"
"Yes, Sir Richard is now part of the Kevan family thus my cousin.
He will customarily use his birth surname only on Centauran legal documents he is Count Richard Kevan Ay Castle"
"So, you're telling me that an Earthman will be related to the Imperial Family."
"Not related to the Imperial family, Captain, part of it. He is no longer of Earth.
He is Centauran as lady Kate will be, also. All of the adopted ones will have dual citizenship but the primary will be Centauran.
"That's surprising Your Majesty." Captain Petrofsky said.
"Not if you understand us."
The Empress said, "I think that we had better rejoin our men before they come up with something outrageous. Put Del, Rick and Hal together and they will make up some devilment.
Captain Rogers looked up as the women approached. He ran an appreciative eye over them and said;
"Gentlemen are we at a party or a beauty pageant? I don't think that I've ever seen so many beautiful women in one place at one time in my life!"
"If it were a beauty pageant," Rick said, "the judges would all go insane, trying to reach a decision."
Kate put her hand on Rick 's shoulder and said, teasingly,
"Would you really rather drink and talk than dance with me?"
Rick smiled at her and said;
"Of course not, baby, I'm no fool."
Julia said;
"Sometimes, brother mine, I'm not too sure of that."
Kate gently took the drink from Rick 's hand and set it on the table.
"The music's about to start again, darling."
20 August, 2454. Green Shores estate, Alpha Centauri. 10:00 hours.
Rick was sitting in his study going over some documents when Kate walked in, dressed in her favorite green and black. She smiled at Rick and said, "Rick, there's something very important that I want to discuss with you. Do you have the time?"
Rick stood and kissed Kate.
"I always have time for you, as much as you want."
Kate took his hand and led him over to a small couch.
"Sit down, love. This may disturb you."
An apprehensive look crossed Rick 's face. Kate, sending where his thoughts had led, smiled gently and quickly stroked his cheek. "You don't need to look so worried. It's not about you and me."
"Then why would it disturb me?" he asked.
"Because it's a subject that you avoid. I know that it's a lot to ask and I know why.
Still, I have to ask it. Love, I want you to reconcile with your father and invite him to our wedding."
Rick 's eyebrows rose in surprise, and then he scowled. "Why should I do that? He's never been a father to me except in the biological sense. Before Mom died, the Fleet meant more to him than we did. After she died, there was never any comfort or emotional support from him. Oh, he made sure that there was plenty of material things, but the only times that he had contact with me were to assure that my grades and conduct met his standards. In the past year, Duke Valnor has been more of a father to me than the Admiral has in the last 26. The Duke has openly shown his love for Julia and me. As far as I'm concerned, he is my father." Rick had gotten to his feet as he spoke and was gesturing agitatedly.
Kate stood up and took his hand, stepping into his arms. He sighed and embraced her; his face still stormy. She took a breath and began.
"I know why you feel that way and I understand. I don't really care about what it is to him. But, Rick, deny it all you want, there is in all of us a need for connection to our fathers. I don't expect you to instantly forget all the years of emotional neglect or build a loving bond, but you can't carry this anger around with you. It hurts you."
She pulled back slightly and looked deep into his eyes. "For your own sake, darling, let the bitterness go. Forgive him and move on. Do it for me too, so I don't have to worry about you as much. Do you really think that I can't see the pain in you? And don't you know that your pain hurts me?
"Finally, do it for our children. I know that Valnor and Rayene will happily and lovingly be grandparents to them, but they will eventually notice the differences between them and the children around them. They will need to know about their roots. I would like them to know him."
She could feel the tension in his muscles as he shook his head and said;
"You're asking a lot of me."
She kissed him and then moved back into his embrace. He rested his cheek against her soft hair as she spoke again.
"I know that I am, my love, but I am always here, I will always love you and together there's nothing we can't do."
Rick raised his head and said;
"I'll try, honey, but he may not respond. He's as cold and arrogant as they come."
Kate looked him straight in the eye and said, with a small smile on her lips;
"Some people mistakenly said the same things about you. They were wrong. You may be too."
Rick said;
"I said I'll do it and I will but I think we should go talk to Valnor and Rayene."
Kate smiled, lovingly and said, "Of course we must. Let's do it right now. And you have to call them father and mother. That's who they are now."
20, August 2454, Whispering Winds estate, Alpha Centauri, 11:30 hours.
Valnor and Rayene Kevan were waiting for Kate and Rick, relaxed in the salon.
Kate and Rick walked in. The Duke and Duchess rose for embraces. Rick kissed Rayene and hugged Valnor. Kate kissed them both. Then they all sat down.
"Father, Mother, we have something that we'd like to discuss with you."
"Go ahead Son, we're listening." Valnor said.
Kate said;
"Let me take this, Love. This morning I asked a favor of Rick, He was very reluctant to do it but finally agreed. I asked him to invite his birth father to the wedding and reconcile with him. He was afraid that you would be hurt."
Rick said;
"That's true. Father, I would never want to hurt your feelings. You have shown me the love that the Admiral never did. Because of you, I have a full family as does Julia. I'm no longer of Earth. I'm a Centauran. I don't want you to feel that reconciling with the Admiral will diminish my love for you and mother."
Valnor smiled, looking into Rick 's earnest face;
"I would never even entertain the thought. I knew the kind of man you are before we adopted you. I am proud that you want to do this. It speaks of a greatness of heart."
He turned to Kate.
"Once again, you have proved that Rick is fortunate to have you as his bride and how fortunate our family is to have you in it. Go and do this with our blessing. I will have Hal issue the wedding invitation and send it via diplomatic channels.
That way he won't dare decline the invitation of a head of state. We can do the rest when he gets here. You must speak to him, alone but do it here, not at green Shores. This is a family matter with our support behind you."
Kate smiled and took Valor's hand.
"Thank you for understanding but you are wrong in only one respect. Rick must not do this alone. I asked him to do this and I stand at his side in whatever he does for as long as we live and beyond. The soul is eternal and ours are bound eternally. Furthermore, it is not for us alone. If you desire to be there, it is your right."
Rayene took Kate 's other hand in her left hand and Rick 's in her right.
"You are so very wise my soon to be daughter. This is not just about Richard, you and the Admiral. This is about the Kevan family. Hal and Lucania would be deeply hurt to be left out.
22, August 2454 Fleet Headquarters, Earth. 15:00 hours
Fleet Admiral Eric Castle sat at his desk in Fleet headquarters reading the latest status reports. He was satisfied with the readiness reports of First Fleet.
Eric was a tall man, standing 1.9 meters. He was fit but not as strong as either of his sons.
He was a handsome man in an austere way. His eyes were blue and his dark hair was turning gray.
His aide his com chimed. "Yes?"
"Sir, there's a courier here to see you, from the Centauran embassy." His aide said.
"Send him in please, Captain." The Admiral said.
A young Centauran came in, wearing the uniform of the Imperial Guard. He saluted.
"Sir, I have a message for you from the Emperor. I am instructed to wait for your reply."
Eric's eyebrows rose. "From the Emperor, Lieutenant?"
"Yes Sir."
He took the holo disk and broke the seal.
The display read; Greetings Admiral Eric Castle. Halnor Kevan, Emperor of the Centaurans cordially invites you to the wedding of Lieutenant Commander Katherine Houghton Beckett, Fleet Medical Corps, daughter of the Late James and Johanna Beckett to Major Richard Castle, Fleet Marine Corps son of Fleet Admiral Eric Castle and the late Karen Castle.
The wedding will be celebrated at 18:30 hours on 9 September 2454 at the chapel of the Imperial Palace, Karolain City, Alpha Centauri. Dinner and reception to follow.
No declines will be accepted.
Eric sat up straight in his chair, a shocked expression on his face.
Rick was getting married and what did the Emperor have to do with it?
He composed himself and said;
, "Is this some kind of elaborate prank, Lieutenant?"
The Centauran officer stared at the Admiral in anger and said, coldly.
"With all due respect Admiral, you are very close to creating an inter-planetary
diplomatic incident. This message came from the Emperor himself. By your leave, Sir!"
"Wait a minute, Lieutenant." Eric stood up. "My sincerest apologies, this message concerns my younger son whom I have not heard from in four years. I was shocked, no insult was intended."
"Take a seat. I will order some coffee while I compose my reply. The Admiral said
The aide brought in a coffee service. The Lieutenant thankfully took a cup of coffee and
A small pastry and waited. The Admiral quickly composed the message and gave it to the courier, who, Saluted and departed.
04, September 2454 Karolain City Star port. 10:00 hours.
Fleet Admiral Eric Castle got off the shuttle, collected his luggage and looked around.
A young officer of the Imperial Guard stepped up and saluted.
"Admiral Castle?"
The Admiral returned the salute.
"I am Admiral Castle."
"Sir I am lieutenant Vandor of the Imperial Guard. I am to be your escort. I am instructed to transport you to the Kevan family estate."
"Kevan, isn't that the Imperial family?"
"It is, Sir but I have no more information than that I am to take you to the estate, the Emperor doesn't deign to impart his plans to a mere lieutenant."
Admiral Castle was perplexed but intrigued. He knew from the invitation that Rick was somehow connected with the Emperor but he had no idea what that connection might be.
The car arrived at a massive pair of Steel gates complete with a guard house and armed guards. The lieutenant presented his ID to a sergeant and the gates swung open.
A gently curving driveway passed through massive old trees that reminded the Admiral of earthly oaks. They passed through formal gardens and stopped in front of a mansion.
The house was large, impressive but not ornate or ostentatious. The front doors swung open as he approached, the lieutenant trailing behind. A man who was obviously a butler or Major Domo greeted him.
"Good morning Admiral, this way, please."
The Admiral was mildly surprised. He had expected, like some historic mansions on Earth, that the hose would be paneled in dark wood with ancient portraits on the walls.
He was wrong. The house had a light, airy feeling even in the hall way. The walls were paneled in some light wood, adorned with a number of country scenes and the floor a pleasing parquet.
They entered a large salon. The Admiral was surprised at the number of people there.
The butler announced:
"Your Majesties, my Lords and Ladies, May I present Fleet Admiral Eric Castle."
Admiral Castle was surprised at the number of people in the room. He'd expected to meet Rick and his fiancée and maybe the Emperor but not this large group.
His eyes were instantly drawn to Rick and the stunningly beautiful woman standing beside him. Rick was in Marine dress blues, as was a tall Centauran officer standing at Rick 's right side. Kate wore a civilian dress of Centauran style in crimson, looking like a Centauran noble woman.
The Emperor stepped forward.
"Admiral Castle, I am Halnor Kevan, Emperor of Alpha Centauri." They shook hands.
"I am probably overstepping my bounds but I feel that it is necessary that you understand the situation that exists. You, have much to discuss, not only with your son and his fiancée but with the Kevan Family. We know that you have been estranged from Richard for a long time. It is up to both of you to repair that if you can."
The Emperor looked at the admiral very seriously.
"Richard is willing. If you are not, know this, the loss is yours alone. My uncle, Duke Valnor Kevan and his lady, Duchess Rayene have adopted Richard. He is now a Centauran. As much in our hearts and minds as if he were born to us. He is Count Richard Kevan Ay Castle. He is my cousin.
Valnor and Rayene stepped forward together. Valnor said;
"Admiral you should know that none of your rights as a father have been usurped. However, in the past you did not fulfill your role as you should have. If you reconcile with Richard, that will be a very good thing.
Whatever you do, Rick is our son as well and we love him. We surrender none of our rights."
The Admiral stared, in shock as Julia joined the group. She was also dressed as a Centauran noble. She gave her father a piercing look. "Dad, I was adopted too.
So whatever decision you make applies to me and my children as well."
Duke Valnor said;
"My study is available why don't the four of you use it."
Julia said;
"Come on Dad, Rick I've always had to stand between you two so this is nothing new. Let's get this settled and before you say anything, Kate is and always will be standing at Rick 's side in everything."
They went into the study and closed the door. Julia looked into the Admiral's eyes and said;
"Dad, I need you to drop that damned pride of yours and listen to what Rick and Kate have to say. Kate got Rick to set his pride and anger aside. If he's a big enough man to do that, the ball's in your court. As I said, a moment ago, if you decide to reject Rick 's offer all that you will have left of your family is Sam, because Jason, the children and I are totally in with Rick and Kate on this."
Kate stepped in front of the Admiral and with a gentle smile said;
"Admiral, I know that Rick and you have been estranged and there is fault on both sides. I have spent more time with my Rick in the last two years than you have in the last twelve. I don't really know what kind of man you are. I do know the kind of man Rick is. I know his strengths and I know his faults. I know his gentle, loving heart and I know his terrible anger and ferocious temper. I know his dedication and his loyalty. More than anything I know the depth of his love and how fiercely he protects those whom he loves.
We will be together forever. I want our children to know their Grandfathers. Both of them. My father died years ago. And I still miss him. I wish that our children, when they are born would have been able to know him. I want them to know you but that is your choice. However, if you choose not to be there for them, they will not be bereft of a grandfather's love. I have seen Duke Valnor with Julia's children. In such a short time, he loves them as his own and they love him."
Kate stepped back and took Rick 's hand, entwining her fingers with his.
Rick cleared his throat. He began speaking.
"Sir, I don't think either of us need to go into the issues that caused the rift between us. We both know what they were. Julia explained them to Kate as I couldn't be objective about them. I do know that at this point I am willing to put them in the past, forgive and move forward, to see what kind of relationship we can build."
The Admiral choked up for a moment, then said;
"Richard, if you really want to do this, so do I. Please let me explain my actions. Not to justify them there is no justification but maybe you can understand. When your mother was killed, my own grief was so deep that I couldn't see anyone else's. Not yours, not Julia's, not Sam's. I was incredibly selfish.
I buried myself in my work. By the time I came out of it, there was so much damage done, such a gulf between us I didn't know how to breach it and my pride wouldn't let me make such an effort. I was so terribly wrong.
I can say this. I am incredibly proud of the Man you've become, in spite of me.
Let's do this, son."
The two men shook hands, neither was ready for an embrace, yet. Kate had no such reservations. She hugged the Admiral and kissed his cheek.
Julia also hugged the Admiral. "You'd better come up with a really special gift for Kate, Dad. If it weren't for her, we wouldn't be here."