CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Rick and Kate didn't go away for their honeymoon. She didn't want to. How could anyplace be better than this beautiful estate that she was now mistress of? Rick had accumulated so much leave time that taking a solid month was no problem. They had plenty of time to just themselves, as Dumonon and Ewaine managed the estate efficiently. Kate was finding it a little difficult having maids do all her chores for her. She had, however, convinced the empress and the duchess to hold off in sending over candidates for her attendants. She remembered the discussion with the duchess. She hadn't wanted attendants but finally agreed. She didn't want to offend local customs. Rayene had said;
"You must remember that you' re not just a countess, but also a member of the royal house. You will be a trend setter."
12, October 2454. Green shores estate 10:00 hours.
Dumonon came into the study and said;
"My Lady, this just came for you. Kate looked up from the hologram she was watching. She took the old-fashioned velum envelope and opened it. Inside was another sheet of velum.
His Majesty Halnor Kevan is pleased to invite Count and Countess Tolorain to a birthday party in honor of her Majesty Lucania Kevan on the 17th of November2454 a 19:00 hours. To be held at Whispering Winds estate. Evening dress is requested. Reply is requested. There was a note attached.
A call would have been simpler. Hal
Del had warned Kate about the social whirl that she would be subjected to. She had expected it to ease up after all the double wedding pre and post activities. It hadn't by much. This was one that she and Rick couldn't miss, and she didn't want to. In the time that she'd known Lucania, they had become close. After all they were now cousins, but starting to feel like sisters. There wasn't a day they didn't at least talk. Lairlene was also part of that bond.
Kate had been in a bit of a quandary. What do you give an empress? Kate had an inspiration. She went back to Wansor's shop.
The old man was delighted to see her. After greetings she asked;
"Wansor, are there any other stones like those living sapphires?"
"Yes, My Lady, the stone comes in several colors. All named after the stones they resemble."
"Is there a living Ruby?"
"There is."
I need a gift for the empress. Could you get one for me in ten days? "
"You are in luck, My Lady. I have one in stock, but it is not set."
"Could you make it into a pendent, set with four black diamonds, on a platinum chain?"
"Yes, I can and I will. Come back for it in a week."
Kate leaned down and kisses the old man.
"Thank you, Wansor."
One week later, she went to pick up the pendent. As she was getting ready to leave, Dumonon said;
"Wait a few minutes, please, Lady Katherine, your escort is on the way."
"My escort?"
"Yes. Some threats were made against the Imperial family. You are now a member of the Imperial house. The emperor has ordered an escort of Imperial guardsmen for all members of the house whenever they are out in public."
"Why didn't my husband tell me about this?"
"The order just came through, this morning. Lord Richard had already left for headquarters."
"I'll bet he just loved the news." Dumonon laughed.
"He probably growled louder than a Lokanian swamp dragon."
Kate sighed as she stepped outside, where a car and four guards waited. Two of them were women and all of them armed. One of the women bowed, then said;
"Good morning Countess Katherine. I am Lieutenant Jaleesa Do Lankier of the Imperial Guard.
Please enter the car, quickly." Kate got in the back seat with one woman on either side of her.
"Is this really necessary? Kate asked.
.
"We take threats to the Imperial house very seriously, Countess. The emperor would not have ordered it if he didn't think it was necessary." Arriving at the jewelry shop, the two men stayed with the car, while the two women entered with Kate. Wansor's eyebrows raised at the sight.
"I there a problem, My Lady?"
"I don't think so, Wansor but the emperor does. Hence my companions."
Wansor went to the back of the shop and returned with a box covered in black velvet. He opened it. An exquisite pendant was displayed. Suspended from a delicate platinum chai was a dark red stone that glowed softly. It was two inches square set in a platinum frame with black diamonds at the corners."
"It's exquisite, Wansor. I am sure that the empress will love it." Lieutenant Lankier said;
"There is absolutely no doubt of that." Kate paid Wansor and left the shop.
Rick came home, still annoyed. He was accompanied by two of his Marines. Technically they were still guardsmen. Both of his men carried carbines and Rick wore a pistol on his hip.
Annoyed or not, he still treated his men well.
"Dumonon, please see that my men are fed before they leave. The best we have."
The two men grinned. It paid to be working for the major.
"Thank you, sir." They said.
The empress had been impressed with how the necklace she loaned Kate for the wedding, looked on her, she had one made in the same pattern, substituting sapphires for the rubies. When the empress wants something done, it gets done quickly. The necklace arrived a week before the party.
There was a note, in Lucania's handwriting.
Dear Kate, please accept this small gift. You have made my aunt and uncle very happy. Please wear this, with your blue gown. It's a party, not a state affair, so we don't have to wear house colors. Lucania.
17 November 2454 Green Shore estate, Lake Mersieu, 18:30 hours.
Even though a party and not a state affair, it was still a gala. With many of the glitterati in attendance. Rick wanted to complement his wife's dress, and since he was still a serving officer of the fleet, he would wear the white evening mess jacket with blue dress trousers.
Neither Rick nor Kate were ever ones to arrive fashionably late. Both from training and despising that rather juvenile way of attracting attention.
Rick cursed, under his breath. He'd wanted to take his aircar, but an armored aircar, bearing the Imperial crest was waiting for them. The same four guards that had escorted Kate to Wansor's shop and two Marines. All in dress uniforms, but armed. The escorts all saluted.
"Good evening, My Lord My Lady. Lieutenant Do Lankier said. "Good evening, Kate said, warmly. Rick's greeting was almost a growl.
Whispering Winds estate, 18:50 hours
When they arrived at Kevan House, Rick revised his opinion. There were several of the armored aircars parked. A rifle armed guardsman stood on either side of the door and an officer was checking invitations and ID's. He saluted Rick and the guardsmen presented arms. Rick returned the salutes. The officer still checked the invitation and ID's
When they entered the main room, Lucania completely ignored protocol. She came forward, embraced Kate and kissed her cheek. She said;
"Kate, Rick, I'm so glad you made it. I wasn't sure you would, with all this foolishness going on."
"I know, but there is no way we'd miss this. Happy birthday, Lucania. This is for you."
Kate handed her the gaily wrapped box. Lucania didn.t wait to open the gift. She carefully unwrapped it and lifted the lid. Her eyes widened at the sight of the softly glowing stone.
"By the Gods, this is beautiful. Kantara, herself has nothing lovelier. (Kantara was Kantos' wife, the Centauran goddess of love and beauty) Thank you, so much Kate." She hugged Kate.
"Ladies, come look!" she called out. There was a chorus of oohs and has from the gathered women.
Rick walked over to where the family men were gathered.
"What's all the fuss about, Hal?
"There were several threats of violence made against the family, Rick. We're not taking any chances."
"Do you have any ideas about who or why?"
"Our senior police agents are investigating. We haven't the proof, yet, but we believe that it's coming from agents of the Do Sarthos family or their supporters. They want the throne.
Our family beat them out, three generation ago, in a parliamentary decision. They're using the mission as a stalking horse. Spreading rumors that it was too expensive and that an older and wiser emperor wouldn't have authorized it." He paused to take a sip of his drink.
"Until they try a coup or riots, it's just talk."
"It's still sedition, Hal."
"I know, but that's awfully hard to prove."
"I've got a couple of topnotch intel specialists in the headquarters company. I'll put them on it and the battalion on standby."
"I'd better make a drink for you, before the ladies wonder what were up to the duke said. What do you want?" the duke said.
"A Cinnamon Assassin."
Del grinned.
"My best invention yet."
"As long as you don't drink more than one." The duke said.
"I could so handle two." Del said.
"If you call being drunk on your ass, handling it. Rick quipped. I remember when you tried that on the ship. It was lucky for you, that Esposito had a hangover cure."
"You call that vile tasting thing a cure? It was worse than the hangover."
That brought a gust of laughter from the other men."
"Oh no, they're at the bar, laughing. Lucania said. They are up to something."
"Don't worry Lucania. Kate said. Father won't let them get out of hand.
Duchess Rayene snorted.
"Who do think taught Del and Carn to pull pranks? I'll go break it up."
"Gentlemen, the ladies want you."
"I haven't made Richard's drink yet."
"Two minutes, Val."
How about discussing this at battalion headquarters, Monday. Rick said.
"That will work." Th Emperor said. 10:00 hours."
"Here's your drink, Richard. Let's go, before we're all in trouble."
They dropped the discussion and joined the ladies. The women were determined to keep it lively and fun, despite the undercurrent of tension. They succeeded. A light supper was served, followed by birthday cake and Lucania opening her presents. (A number of earth customs had been adopted on Alpha Centauri) following the presents, the activity that Lucania really wanted. The dancing.
As they were dancing, Kate said;
"You're not relaxed, Babe. What's wrong?"
"I'll tell you, after the party."
Back at Green Shores, Rick fixed drinks for both of them.
"The armed escorts aren't as unnecessary as we thought. The threats seem to come from an organized group. The Do Sarthos family and their supporters. There are undesirables and malcontents in any society. The Do Sarthos seem to have attracted a number of them. Hal has no proof, yet. I'm going to put my intelligence people on it Monday."
Monday, the emperor and the duke put on trooper's uniforms, the visor down on the helmets. they rode with Del, disguised as two of his guards. Both had served in the army and knew how to use their weapons. Rick had briefed Sergeant Major Esposito and Master Gunnery Sergeant
Vorhain on the situation. They served as guards on the door.
The duke took off his helmet.
"It's been years since I wore one of these things. He said. It was not nearly as sophisticated as this one."
After they were all seated, Rick said;
"Coffee gentlemen?" They all assented. Rick pressed his com. One of his orderlies came in.
"Sir?"
"Coffee for all of us, please Janet. This meeting is classified top secret. You never saw anyone but Captain Kevan and me. Saying one word about this is a general court martial offense."
"Aye, Aye sir." She quickly served the coffee and left.
The meeting lasted about an hour. A plan was hatched
The Centauran specialist would pose as a disgruntled soldier. Complaining that all the plum jobs went to Terrans. The few that went to Centaurans, went to men. Women were overlooked.
She would hang out in bars known to be frequented by Do Sarthos supporters.
It took nearly a month but she finally got recruited (That she was very attractive didn't hurt)
As in any family there is one too dumb to be trusted with vital information. In this case, it was Sumain Do Sorthos. Fanioue Do Sorthos' youngest son. Two days after she was recruited, Sumain tried to impress her with how much he knew. She got him drunk enough to take him to her apartment. An injection of a truth serum revealed the location of their headquarters and details of the planned coup, including the assignation of the emperor and his family.
He woke up in a maximum-security cell. The conspirators didn't worry about Submain's absence. He was known to get drunk and go with a woman. Fanioue and his closest advisors were in a meeting, when the door was blown open and Imperial police stormed in and used stunners on all of them before they could move.
They were stupid enough to have the details of the plan on an encrypted computer. Thinking it secure. Any encryption can be broken and this one was broken in under four hours. Fanioue had been too cheap to pay for the best. With the help of the Imperial guard, the police rounded up all of the leaders and most of the low- level people. All were arrested charged with treason, conspiracy to commit regicide and a host of lessor charges.
Warrant Officer Belroon was promoted Chief Warrant Officer and awarded the Medal of gold.
While all this was going on, another happier event occurred. The duchess' prediction that Kate would be a trend setter came true. Within a week of the party a flurry of orders for copies of Kate's necklace flooded the local jewelers and blue evening dresses hit the dressmakers.
24 December 2454, Green Shores estate, 19:00 hours.
Julia, Jason and the children joined Kate and Rick on Christmas Eve. They had a traditional dinner of salad, Ham, a Centauran tuber very similar to a yam, green beans and apple pie. Although not traditional dishes for Centauri, Ewaine did a magnificent job. Christmas was not a Centauran holiday, but Centaurans celebrated the winter solstice about the same time.
It was not a Centauran tradition, but the Kevan family didn't care they all exchanged gifts with the Castles and Caldwells. The duke and duchess were very generous with their grandchildren.
As they were preparing for bed, Kate said;
"I have a very special present for you, my love. I'm pregnant. Lanie confirmed it, yesterday."
Ricki picked her up and spun her around, then set her down and kissed her.
"That's wonderful news, Sweetheart. I can't wait to tell the family."
"I think that you'd better wait until tomorrow. I want to celebrate tonight."
They did. Three times."
25 December, 2554, Green Shores estate. 11:30 hours
This news was some that Kate and Rick wanted to give in person. They did call and ask if they could come over.
Duke Valnor said;
"You never have to ask, my son. Just come." He turned and said to Rayene.
"I think Richard has some news for us."
'More likely Richard and Katherine. I know what I hope it is."
Whispering Winds estate, 12:00 hours.
"Mother father we have something to tell you." Kate said. We're going to have a baby."
With happy tears in her eyes, Rayene embraced Kate and kissed her cheek.
"Oh, my dear daughter, what wonderful news. I couldn't be happier. Well, at least until the child is born. I'll be even happier then. Val, start calling. The rest of the family needs to know.
"Let me make you some tea for you and I. Those rascals we're married to are going to have drinks." Val said;
"Yes, we are and even more when the rest arrive."
"The rest?" Kate asked.
"Yes, the rest. We'll celebrate our new one."
"Isn't that done when the baby is born? Kate asked.
"Then too."
True to his word, within half an hour, the whole family arrived. Julia just barely beat Lucania to hug Kate. After everybody had congratulated the happy couple, Del said;
"Gentlemen to the bar. Whisky all around, good wine for the ladies. Drinks were poured and glasses raised. Val said;
"Congratulations to Richard and Katherine and a toast to my new grandchild."
"Hear, Hear!"
It seemed that Del and Rick had to do everything together. Two weeks later, Del and Lairlene bore the same news.
25 April 2455, Defense headquarters, Karolain City. 11:00 hours.
The Emperor, the defense minister, Rick, Del, General Frasier(retired) and Vice Admiral Dewey were gathered in the conference room. The defense minister said;
"Major Castle, I understand that new volunteers have been trained and your battalion is up to authorized strength?
"Yes sir, that's correct."
"Very well, major we have some momentous news for you. Our parliament has authorized, and with military assistance from the commonwealth the Imperial Marine Corps has been established. Genera Frasier has come out of retirement to accept a Centauran. Commission as Major General commandant. We are offering you a commission as colonel commanding the first regiment of what will be a brigade within two years. The Commonwealth has agreed to allow you to resign your commission with the Fleet. Admiral Dewey has the forms."
Rick was stunned, but only for a moment. Always decisive, he said I accept, with the proviso that my wife agrees I think Kate will be delighted to see me in a stable position. My craving for action got burned out on Placida. I'll still go if necessary but hope it won't be.
The Emperor said;
"We're one step ahead of you, Colonel. I talked to Kate 15 minutes ago. She's on her way here, to witness your swearing in. Also, to resign her commission and accept a reserve commission in the Centauran Navy Medical corps. As a full commander. Your Battalion will serve as the first battalion of the first regiment. All the fleet Marines in your battalion have transferred into our service. They all got a bump in rank as a reward. Your battalion will aid in training the new recruits. In addition, the Commonwealth is offering up to 500 men the opportunity to join the Centauran service. I've heard that three times that number have volunteered.
Apparently, serving under the hero of Tantalus and Placida is quite an incentive. One more thing, before you actually resign, Admiral Dewey has two more awards. Dewey stood and took two award discs out and placed them in the projector. Attention to Orders. The President of the Commonwealth takes distinct pleasure of awarding the Navy Cross to Major Richard A. Castle. For distinguished gallantry in action against an armed enemy. For the period 15, March, 2454 through 17 August,2454. On Placida Major Castle repeatedly led actions against Crovanian pirates, suffering wounds in the process. Major Castle's action reflects great credit on himself, the Marine Corps and the Commonwealth. Entered the service from
San Francisco, American sector, Earth.
He read a similar citation from the Navy minister awarding the close combat badge in gold.
Kate had walked in when the citations were being read and demanded the right to fasten the medals to his uniform.
The new Marine uniforms remained basically the same with the addition of crimson collars and
epaulettes.
. Kate received the Distinguished Service Medal, then resigned her commission
All necessary forms filed, the resignations were in force and two officers were sworn into Centauran service.
Del Grinned "You're out of uniform, Colonel. The duke and duchess
came in with the new coat with all the decorations, even the new ones in place, in proper order. Castle laughed, ruefully.
"There never was any doubt in your minds, was there."
"None at all." The emperor replied.
The Emperor said;
"Commander Castle, would you please join us for lunch in the officer's club. The Colonel will have to wait until tonight, to wet down his eagles with his officers. You're invited to that, too, of course, as a joint celebration of both of your new positions.
"I gratefully accept, Your Majesty."
"One more thing that I forgot to mention. We intend to offer Lieutenant Commander Parish an offer to serve in our regular navy at the rank of commander.
After lunch, Kate went with Captain Jonal Velderain of the Centauran Fleet to see Lanie. The offer was made and accepted. Lanie was invited to the "wetting down"
25, April, 2455, Centauran Fleet officer's club. 20:00 hours.
Captain Rodgers (Rear Admiral designate), Captain Wayne-Rodgers, Admiral and Captain Petrofsky had all been invited to the celebration. All three new Centauran officers in their new uniforms. (A quick trip to officer's sales for Kate and Lanie) Captain Wayne-Rodgers said to the Emperor, "I really should be mad at you, for stealing two of my best officers. But I'm too happy for them." The emperor said;
"I'm not going to apologize for doing the best I can for the empire. Although Field Marshal Tulain has to share the blame."
30 July, 2455, Parade ground, Centauran Fleet base 10:00 hours
Colonel Richard Castle stood on the reviewing stand, along with the emperor, General Frasier and Field Marshal Tulain. The original infantry component had been brought up to full strength of six hundred men. As promised, five hundred Marines had transferred from the Commonwealth to the empire's service, bringing the first regiment close to full strength full strength. With the addition of the armored and air cavalry troops, it was essentially what used to be known as a regimental combat team. Rick commanded;
"Pass in review"
Lieutenant Colonel Delnor Kevan led the march, the band playing Men of Valor As the color guard reached the reviewing stand, Del commanded;
"Eyes Right" and flourished his sword in salute. Regimental Sergeant Major Esposito called out
"Hit it!" The men chanted;
.
"Nobody loves us; we know that quite well. Alpha Company Rah! But we'll follow our Colonel through the gates of Hell! Bravo Company Rah! We don't expect to see Heaven's scenes. Charlie Company Rah! But Hell doesn't scare us; we're Castle's Marines! Delta Company Rah! The Devil ran screaming when we came on the scene. Echo, He just couldn't stand facing Castle's Marines!
The chant had changed since castle had reorganized the table of organization into five companies per battalion and a battalion headquarters. Two battalions and a regimental headquarters formed a regiment. Each battalion had a battery of artillery attached. As the last unit passed, Rick dropped his salute and said to Field Marshal Tulain;
"They're good, very good for the time they've been together but the still have a long way to go. I want another year of training and field exercises."
"I have to compliment you, Colonel. Melding these disparate units into a whole isn't an easy job."
It was true. The men came from the Commonwealth Marines, the Imperial Guard, The Centauran regular army and even a few from the Planetary Constabulary.
September 9, 2455. Green Shore estate; 0310 hours.
"Rick, wake up! Rick!" Ricki came awake, instantly awake. Kate was calling from the bathroom.
"Kate, what's wrong?"
"My water just broke! "
"I'll call Ewaine and the hospital." Despite all the advances in medical science, an exact date still couldn't be predicted for a baby's birth within two or three days was the best they could do.
Everything had been packed and was in readiness. Ewaine came and helped Kate clean up and give her fresh clothes.
"Don't forget to call Mother, Julia and Lanie."
"I won't, but it can wait until 06:00. James isn't going to arrive that quickly."
"You'd better call them now, or they're liable to scalp you/
Rick sighed and made the calls as soon as they reached the hospital.
Centauran Naval Hospital, 04:00 hours.
Rayene, Julia and Lanie arrived at the hospital within minutes of each other. Kate was already in a room, having a nurse check her. Rick was hovering, outside the door. The three women joined him. The nurse came out.
"Your wife is fine, Colonel. It's just a matter of time." All four crowded into the room. Rayene said;
"Richard, we're here. Go see about arranging a VIP waiting room. The hospital will be descended on in a few hours." Rayene was wrong about the timing the duke showed up in less than an hour and Del about an hour after that. Jason waited until the children were in school, then he came.
Around seven, Rick ordered pastries and coffee brought over from the officer's mess. Even in the 25th century, hospital coffee wasn't worth drinking.
They took Kate into the delivery room around eight. Rick gowned up and joined her.
A t eleven, a very upset Lucania arrived with her escort.
"Why wasn't I called? I had to find out from Ewaine when I called the house."
"Richard thought that you would be busy. Rayene said. He said he'd call you when the baby was born."
"You should have called me, anyway, Aunt Rayene. Well, at least I got here before James was born." Rick was surprised to see Lucania scowling at him when he came out to get a cup of coffee. He was still getting used to Centauran customs. One of them being that all the women of a family, no matter what their rank or position were supposed to be present at the birth. Not in the birthing room, of course, but nearby. It was usually held to immediate family, but who was going to tell an empress no?
It wasn't a particularly easy labor, For Kate, but fairly fast, for a first labor. At 12:31, James Eric Kevan came into the world. The Ay Castle only applied to Rick because Rick was adopted.
Before he was even six hours old, he and his mother had been swamped with visitors, including the emperor of Alpha Centauri. When the par arrived home, Kate found the dining room table covered with presents.
Time Jump
15, June 2560, Parade ground, Imperial Fleet base. 10:00 hours.
The First Brigade, Imperial Fleet Marines was drawn up in formation, in front of a reviewing stand. Behind the stand, bleachers. On the stand, the Emperor, the defense minister, Lieutenant General Alexander Frasier, Captain Katherine Kevan Ay-Castle. Colonel Richard Alexander Kevan-Ay Castle, Lieutenant Colonel Delnor Kevan and Lairlene Do Ranian Kevan. General Frasier said;
"Attention to orders: Placing great confidence in the capabilities and fidelity of Colonel Richard A. Kevan Ay-Castle, The Emperor and Parliament are pleased to confer upon him the rank of Brigadier General, to rank from 15 June, 2560. We charge him to carry out the duties of his office to the best of his abilities. To carry out, faithfully all orders given him by his superior officers. We also charge all officers and enlisted men under his command to faithfully carry out those orders given them. Congratulations, General." Rick then swore the oath of office.
Del was promoted Colonel on the same set of orders. Kate pinned the stars to his jacket. Rick then took his eagles and handed them to Del.
"It would make me happy, if you would wear these."
(Rick, at 32 was the youngest man ever in Centauran service promoted to flag rank.)
So ends the saga of General Richard Kevan Ay-Castle. (Maybe)
Those interested in the Prequel, let me know.
Trolls will be deleted as usual.
Swordwriter