The Progeny Chapter 6
Happy xxx fellow gladiators and Olitz supporters. Here's the latest installment for this AU story. Olivia is short on time and needs to tell Fitz what is going on. Will he forge ahead and ask her to be his mate or will he rethink his feelings for her and go back to Mellie?
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Suddenly Olivia reappears on the floor of the lab. The room is unusually cool. She stumbles as she tries to stand in the dimly lit lab. What happened? How did I get here? Did I ever leave? Was I actually with Fitz? The faint scent of his body permeates her clothing confirming their nocturnal encounter. Her lips tingle and are slightly swollen. She is not dreaming she had indeed been with Fitz in his sleep chamber. Her body is in the throes of withdrawal as it reacts to the abrupt separation from her bond mate. Her body aches for Fitz. Her mind is consumed with thoughts of him. Her need to talk to him, to touch him, to bond with him is unrestrained, almost blazing in its intensity. She doesn't immediately sense the presence of the aliens because she is shaking feverishly. She hugs herself tightly in an attempt to calm down and steady her shaking, but it is useless, her emotions and the energy generated in her body from her time spent with Fitz is so acute she loses consciousness. The aliens quickly surround her to commune with her and strengthen her. They know she has very little time before she succumbs to the energy and powers overloading her system.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Fitz awoke the next morning feeling incredibly refreshed and full of energy. As he stands before the mirror readying himself for the day ahead, Fitz cannot help but smile. His only memory of the prior day's events was of Olivia. Her deep brown eyes, her entrancing voice, her alluring words calling to him, brought him comfort. She saved him. He does not know how but he is certain she saved his life. Olivia Pope is the one. Without a doubt she is his true mate. Just the thought of her fills his heart with happiness. Today he is determined to approach her and speak of their unspoken understanding.
He quickly hops in and out of the hygiene booth and dresses. As he is about to leave the home of his parents, his mother enters his sleep chamber to address him. "Fitz, where are you going? You have not fully recovered from your affliction. Sufficient time has not elapsed for you to resume your regular duties."
"Mother, I feel fine. Actually I feel better than fine. I have never felt stronger, more alert or refreshed than I do now. It is as if I've been reborn in some way."
"Fitz, please let me call the practitioner so he can examine you to make sure everything is in order. "
Fitz walks toward his mother and places his hand on her face. "Mother, really, I am fine. You have no need to worry", he says as he looks into her concerned eyes. He kisses her on the forehead and exits without another word. Sabean follows him out of the sleep chamber all the while trying to convince him to rest until the practitioner examines him once more. Fitz undaunted by his mother's pleadings leaves to catch the public conveyance to the Turret.
Gerry walks into the room after Fitz leaves. Sabean is standing by door trying to understand the meaning of the exchange she just had with her son.
"Sabean, is something wrong? Have you checked on Fitz yet?" He inquires.
"He just left. He is resuming his regular duties."
"What", Gerry booms?
"He says he feels better than fine. That he has never felt stronger, more alert or refreshed. He says he feels reborn. "
Gerry I fear his recovery is not line with the natural order of things. I think we should call the practitioner. What if the affliction reoccurs?" Sabean's voice filled with concern.
Gerry marks his wife's words and contacts the practitioner.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
The Exodus team arrives at the Turret shortly after the sunrise. They have many things to discuss and decisions to make. All of the doyens are present except for Fitz. Doyen Davis comes up to Mellie from behind. She is standing the midst of group team members gathering for the day's undertaking. "Good morning Mellie. I do not see Doyen Grant. Is he here? We are about to start the meeting." Mellie turns to face Edison.
"No the doyen will not be amongst us today", she replies, her tone somewhat somber. Mellie recounts the prior day's events and the status of Doyen Grant's condition to those present. "He will not be attending the meeting as he is recovering from his sudden affliction. The interval of his absence is unknown at this time". Her facial expression betrays her obvious concern for Fitz.
"Does the recovery require extensive attendance from a practitioner? Does the doyen need to be replaced? Has a practitioner given any indication that the doyen will not return to his post?" Doyen Davis, always the pragmatist, inquires.
Mellie glances over at Olivia who is smiling. Olivia's reaction perplexes Mellie until she hears Fitz's voice.
"I am sorry for my lateness. I hope my delay has not proven an inconvenience." Fitz offers.
He looks at Olivia but addresses the group. She nods to him as if they share some special secret. Mellie takes note and is surprised she feels a hint of jealousy as she observes the subtle non-verbal exchange between the two. The look of longing in Fitz eyes confirm the words he spoke to Mellie. He desires another. His heart belongs to another. His heart beats for another. He desires a life with another. He desires Olivia Pope.
"It is pleasing to see your affliction was momentary. Mellie's description of your malady and expected convalescence was distressing to say the least. We are all quite relieved to see your sturdy countenance." Doyen Reston remarks.
"Yes, I am pleased as well my infirmity was brief and its affects short lived. Shall we begin?" Fitz extends his hand and motions for the team to take their seats.
"Are you sure you are alright Fitz," Mellie asks.
"I am fine Mellie. No cause for concern." He smiles and directs her to an open seat at the discussion table.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Doyen Langston stands and addresses the team. We have made great progress so far. I think a short recess is in order. The team members nod in agreement and disperse for sustenance.
Before Mellie can corner Fitz to assess his recovery she sees him head towards Olivia. Fitz approaches Olivia who is eagerly awaiting his presence. He looks at her and she immediately says yes. He gives her a puzzled look. "Yes to what, I haven't asked the question", he says.
"Oh, I thought you asked me to join you for the midday meal.
"No, I mean yes, I came over to ask you to join me but I never verbalized the question."
"Are you sure, I could swear I heard you ask me", Olivia tries to quash any further query as she senses his thoughts. "Doyen, are you or are you not extending an invitation to me to share a meal with you? Yes or no?" He is lost in her expressive eyes. The memory of the previous night replays in his mind and he momentarily goes mute. "Doyen are you feeling well? Should I contact a practitioner?" She says to him telepathically. Olivia is using this brief exchange to reinforce the emerging bond between them.
"I'm fine." Fitz says as the connection between his brain and vocal chords returns.
"Pardon me doyen, I don't understand your response."
'What do you mean you don't understand my response? You asked if I was feeling well.
"No I asked if you were extending an invitation to me to share the midday meal with you."
"I apologize AB Pope. Maybe I still haven't fully recovered from my illness. Can we postpone sharing a meal?"
"As you wish", she responds. Fitz turns to walk away, but as he makes his way back to the discussion area Olivia begins speaking to his mind. "Don't go beloved. We need to talk. Come to me. Come for me. Be with me my only love. Fitz stops abruptly and turns around. Olivia is still standing in the same spot staring at him. It's clear from the uninterrupted activity in the lab that what Fitz thinks he heard audibly was not vocalized as Olivia is some distance from him and her words would have most definitely caused those present turn around and eavesdrop on their somewhat intimate conversation. Standing there, gazing at his chosen bond mate, Fitz feels an overwhelming desire to touch her, to inhale her scent, to make love to her. He starts to return to Olivia but Mellie intercepts him.
"Fitz, Doyen Davis and Doyen Langston have invited us to midday meal." Fitz is so focused on getting to Olivia; Mellie's statement does not immediately register.
"What? What did you say?" He asks slightly annoyed. Mellie, is taken aback by his tone, nevertheless repeats her statement. Fitz's reply this time is quick and decisive; please express my appreciation for the invitation but I have already made plans. Fitz nods to Mellie, then continues straight way to rejoin Olivia.
Standing in front of Olivia, Fitz cannot help himself, he rubs Olivia's arm. As they have no formal understanding, as yet such touching is inappropriate and frowned upon. Fortunately, no one except Mellie witnesses the impropriety. Olivia is not shamed by his gesture, she is relieved, her body welcoming in its response. Fitz smiles.
"Olivia if it is agreeable with you I prefer not to postpone our partaking a midday meal together."
"Doyen Grant it is most agreeable with me."
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
"Very well that completes the discussion on new propulsion fuel quotas. After we return from the midday meal, the propulsion engineers will outline the engine replacement schedule for each generation of ship. Is this acceptable to everyone? Good, as there are no objections, let us adjourn as midday is upon us." Fitz bows to those assembled and the group breaks for the midday.
Olivia retrieves her cloak and waits for Fitz at the entrance to the lab. Edison seeing Olivia waiting at the door decides to seize the opportunity and try once again to persuade her to reconsider the nature of their relationship.
"How are you Olivia?"
"All is well, doyen. Thank you for asking."
"Is your family well?"
"Yes they are Olivia. They miss you and ask about you often." Edison attempts to segue into a conversation about their relationship.
"Edison please don't do this. It has been less than a quarter of a cycle"… Edison cuts her off.
"I know, I know Olivia but time will not change my affections for you. No one knows we are no longer together. This short time of separation has only strengthened my conviction that we are meant to be together. I know you have said you consider me merely a good friend but I want you to know I still consider you more than a good friend. I consider you my chosen one. The only person I want to speak the vow to and bond with. I implore you to reconsider our relationship. My family adores you."
"I am sorry Edison. My heart belongs to another. You and I were never a "we" and never will be. If it is too difficult to remain friends with me, I will understand." Edison senses the finality in her voice. His outward expression of hopefulness gives way to one of relief. The face of Janine Hyacent, Doyen Reston's personal scribe, flashes in Olivia's mind.
"Olivia if this is truly what you want; I will abide by your wish."
"It is truly what I want Edison. Freely give your heart to Janine. There has never been an understanding between us, I have no claim on you, and you have no claim on me." Edison is shocked. How does Olivia know about Janine? He has been very careful to be discreet about their relationship because of his family's fondness for Olivia.
"Olivia, how do know of Janine?"
"Does it matter? You are my friend and I want you to be happy." Olivia smiles.
Fitz reaches the door as Edison is leaving.
"Doyen Davis," Fitz says coolly as his gaze settles on Olivia.
"Doyen Grant," Edison replies reservedly noting the apparent beyond colleague familiarity between Fitz and Olivia.
"Are you ready to go AB Pope?"
"Yes doyen."
"Goodbye Edison", Olivia says as Fitz opens the door leading out of the command center.
"Goodbye Olivia", Edison replies as they leave him standing in the doorway. He watches Fitz and Olivia make their way out of the building then turns to head back into the commend center. As he turns, he almost collides with Mellie who is waiting to interrogate him.
"Do you know how long they've had an understanding', she asks softly?
"Who", Edison asks?
"You know who, Fitz and Olivia", she retorts.
"I don't know whether they have an understanding or not. Even though Olivia and I are good friends she has not confided in me her choice for a mate." Edison did not like Mellie for some reason but he could not explain why.
"I thought you and Olivia had an understanding", she snipes.
"No were good friends and our families are close friends as well.
"Oh, it just seemed. I apologize for my forwardness and misunderstanding."
"No apology needed." He could tell she wanted him to ask about her understanding with Fitz but refused to take the bait. Edison noticed Janine talking in the corner of with Doyen Reston.
"Mellie, please excuse me I need to join my companions for the midday meal." Mellie nods and steps to the side allowing Edison to pass.
She walks over to the window overlooking the Turret square's fountain. She sees Fitz and Olivia standing by the fountain talking. Based on their demeanors the conversation is serious. Then it happens. Mellie sees Fitz take Olivia by the hand. More conversation is exchanged then the two walk away hand in hand smiling. Mellie's heart drops.
"We never had an understanding but it still hurts to see him with someone else."
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
"AB Pope", Fitz calls as he stops in front of the Turret square's fountain.
"Yes Doyen Grant."
'I think we are well past addressing each other by our titles don't you."
"Yes doyen."
"Not doyen, Fitz."
"Yes Fitz", she says in a sultry voice as they look into one another's eyes.
Fitz takes Olivia by the hand. "Olivia Pope I am drawn to you and I believe you are drawn to me. I believe you are my future. Do you believe I am your future Olivia? Do you see us having a life together?" He pulls her close and smiles lovingly into her mesmerizing eyes.
Yes, I do Fitz. I see us having an extremely long and wonderful life together."
"So we have an understanding?"
"Yes Fitz, we have an understanding."
"Thank you Olivia." They stand staring until their trance is broken by the laughter of a group of children passing by.
"We should go", they say in unison.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
The area of the city where many take their midday repast lies on the other side of the Great Park. The Great Park was once one of the Hadarian people's greatest environmental restoration projects. Once a war torn contaminated wasteland, the Great Park ultimately became a lush, vibrant celebration of the diverse Hadarian ecosystem. Rich in rare and not so rare flora and fauna the park was replete with botanical abundance. Giant native trees dotted the rolling landscape. Flowers of every color shape and size carpeted the hilly terrain. Moss and creeping vines laid claim to almost every rock face. The Great Park was beautiful, peaceful and a place for memories. Unfortunately, the ravages of the increased solar radiation have decimated all but the hardiest of plant life. The Great Park is still great, rich and verdant but its diminished beauty serves as a constant reminder of the planet's pending final days.
As they enter the park, Olivia pulls Fitz aside under a flowering blue Aujun tree and asks if it would be all right if they talked here instead of an eatery.
'Olivia this setting is perfect. The words I wish to share with you are best delivered in lush surroundings." Fitz excitedly replies.
"Fitz, please let me speak as I will not have share your heart without knowing who I really am." Olivia gently grasps both of Fitz's hands.
"Olivia I know you. I know you because you have let me see who you are. Every day in the command center, I see you tireless work on solutions for our people. I see you go over data until your exquisite brown eyes were red from strain. I watch you encourage the inexperienced team members and assure the more seasoned. I listen to answer questions from the younglings who visit the Turret. There is nothing you can say that will change the feelings I have for you. If you are agreeable, I will speak the vow to you this very moment. You have but to say the word Olivia. Say the word Olivia and our journey together will begin." Fitz pulls Oliva closer. His words gentle and loving reverberate throughout her body. His touch invigorates her; it heightens her desire for him. Every fiber of her being knows she was made for him. Her body is for no other. The need to connect with Fitz is overpowering. A wave of consuming passion simultaneously jolts Fitz's body.
Olivia looks into his eyes, into his mind and without words imparts to him all she has been given. Fitz releases her hands. What is this? What is happening? Images flash in his mind, so much knowledge; unbelievable amounts of knowledge are being uploaded into his mind. He uses his hand to apply pressure to his left temple. The information exchange is so fast and so detailed he fears his senses will be overload again but he cannot break eye contact with Olivia. Then just as quickly as the telepathic exchange begins, it ends. He stares at Olivia with a bewildered expression. In his heart he knows what she is sharing with him is true but he still backs away from her shaking his head. What manner of beguilement is this? He thinks. He starts to speak but stops. He turns and walks away with saying anything to her. Olivia collapses against the Aujun tree as he departs. The powers within her are growing. If she does not mate with Fitz, soon she will die and their people will be lost.
Fitz continues along the park path to distance himself from Olivia. He wrestles internally with the all she has told him. Why were they chosen? Why was he afflicted?Why was Olivia giving him a choice? Because she loves him. Although the life set before him is an honor, it is not something one accepts by virtue of bonding. It must be his choice not an imposed obligation. Olivia would rather run the risk of dying than make this choice for him. What am I doing? Where am I going? Why am I not with her? I pray I have not fallen short in her eyes. Fitz rushes back to where he left Olivia.
A small crowd gathers around Olivia as a practitioner crouches beside her and attends to her. Fitz makes his way through the host of onlookers. His heart drops as he watches the practitioner examine and administer aid to his beloved. He feels ashamed for having left her. His mate sits debilitated because of his hesitation. He knew in his heart what she shared with him was the truth. The anomalous biogenetic data from Probe 4 documents that which cannot be explained and gives irrefutable credence to the alien source data coursing through Olivia's mind. The alien provided knowledge she gave him a glimpse of is astounding. His choice is clear. His future certain. His destiny sits before him against a tree, her body infused with psychogenic energy from alien altruists. Their fate is intertwined, predetermined by the unifying energy that binds the universe and gives life to all living beings.
Olivia, can we do this? Can we save our people? Can we make the ultimate sacrifice? We will stand-alone. We will no longer be fully Hadarian but the progenitors of a nascent species. The forbearers of Hadarian evolution.
Olivia hears Fitz's thoughts. "Together my beloved we can do this. As long as we are together, we are never alone.
The practitioner instructs the curious bystanders to continue on their way. Their presence is interfering with his examination. The few present acknowledge the doyen's presence as he too waves them on.
The practitioner moves the hand-held scanning device along the length of Olivia's body. "AB Pope you are dehydrated. How have you been sleeping? Your readings indicate severe sleep deprivation. You must be exhausted".
"I've been working very hard on the Exodus project. Clearly, my rather singular focus has proven injurious to my well-being. Practitioner, be assured I will increase my time of rest from this point forward."
Fitz steps forward. "I will also see to it practitioner. You have my word." The practitioner is startled by Fitz's presence; "doyen" he says in acknowledgment.
"I recommend you visit the infirmary for further testing AB Pope to rule out any other affliction. The scanner is picking up several irregular readings."
"Thank you for your concern practitioner but a lack of rest is the sole source of my altered state." Olivia softly confesses.
"Is there someone I can contact to accompany you home?"
"I will retire to my home later. Now I must return to the lab. There are several tasks I need to complete."
"I will escort AB Pope to the Turret and make sure once she completes her tasks to she goes directly home."
"AB Pope I recommend you forego your after midday commitments. The responsible course of action is to allow your body to rest and regain balance. The first ships will not depart for several cycles. Surely, a few days of rest will not jeopardize the Exodus schedule", the practitioner adamant in his tone.
"AB Pope, I encourage you to heed the recommendation of the practitioner." Fitz shares as he moves closer to Olivia.
"Thank you both for your concern, but for my mind is firm on this matter. I will rest two full days following the conclusion of this day."
"As you wish AB Pope", the practitioner agrees reluctantly and departs.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Fitz bends slightly and extends his hand to help Olivia stand up. As their hands touch a palpable flash of physical desire shoots through their bodies.
"Olivia, Fitz whispers. Please forgive me for leaving you.
"Fitz", she pants. "There is nothing to forgive my love. You needed time to assess what I shared with you. Your reaction is no more than the natural order of things. I would never let your love for me blind you to the reality of what bonding with me would entail. I love you Fitz and what we are being asked is no small thing."
"I love you too Olivia Pope." He gently squeezes her hand.
"Olivia, before we head back I wish to speak to you in earnest." Olivia nods in agreement.
Fitz leads her through a field of sweet smelling braulio flowers to a passel of boulders by the bank of a nearby lake. He sets Olivia on top the boulder nearest to the lake. She looks so fragile. He wants to do nothing more in this moment but caress her, to hold her, to protect her and strengthen her.
"Olivia, there is a connection between us; a strong connection. I believe you know this is true. I have felt this connection from the first day I met you. Your eyes captivated me. You voice was like a serenade. Your scent reminded me this very field of flowers. Your brilliance astonished me and your determination to find our new home brought calmness to my soul." Fitz kisses each of her hands, and then lovingly rubs her hands against his cheek.
"Olivia, if it is agreeable with you, I will speak to you from my heart. I will speak as a man speaks to the woman he loves. I will speak the vow of commitment to you." Fitz looks into Olivia's eyes and gently interlaces his hands with hers. Before continuing, he waits to see if Olivia is in agreement.
Olivia, tears streaming down her cheeks squeaks out, "please speak the words I long to hear pass from your lips my beloved."
"As it has been in the past, as it is in the present and as it shall be in the future, man and woman shall choose to walk as one as they commit to share a life. It is no small thing to share a life, it is the foundation of all we see, all we hear and all we know. It is that which binds to all who came before us and who will come after us."
"Olivia Pope I declare to you this day that I have no understanding or commitment to another and no other has an understanding or claim on me. I feel our connection is ordained, a part of the natural order of things. I love you. I am in love with you. You are the love of my life. My every feeling is controlled by the look on your face. I cannot breathe without you. I cannot sleep without you. I wait for you. I watch for you. I exist for you. Olivia you are my eternal beloved. I love you beyond reason. You are the air I breathe. You are why heart beats. You are my life, my love, my chosen bond mate. I shall never love another. Take my hand, let us step into the future together Olivia and let our bonding be joyous and fruitful."
"I love you Fitz. I love you with my whole heart. You are my beloved and I shall never love another."
They both remove the commitment ear cuffs from their bracelets. Fitz places his cuff on Olivia's left ear and Olivia removes the cuff from her bracelet and does the same to him. They share a deep passionate kiss and a warm embrace.
Together my love?
Together my heart. Let's head back.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Thank you all for waiting patiently for this update. I hope it meets with your approval. I may be able to update more frequently just with shorter chapters.
How do you think Edison and Mellie will react when our formally commitment couple returns to the Turret? How will their families react?