Epilogue

Prince Avery stood on the balcony overlooking the historic old capital of Ellosia. It was not often that he visited old Verifor Castle. He was in the city representing his father in the installation of Archbishop Xavier as Patriarch of Ellosia. Tradition said the King couldn't be in town. He'd hoped that his sister would get this job, but he was the heir, and plus the newly knighted Sir Brittany was on her honeymoon.

"Why the scowl, Prince?" said the soft voice of Duchess Desiree.

Prince Avery turned to discover his mother-in-law standing beside him, dressed in full Ducal Regalia. "I didn't want this assignment, and I wish Hayley could have come with me," he said shortly. "But she's suffering from morning sickness. She can't stand riding, and can't keep anything down until late in the afternoon."

"I was just like that when I was having her. I didn't have that with my other children though. I must remember to stop by to see her while she's still suffering." Desiree said. Then seeing Avery's worried look, she continued. "Don't worry, it's perfectly normal."

"Where is the young Duke of Fasstime?" Avery asked.

"Last I saw of young Lionel, he was running away from his sister and Lea," Desiree said. "Who would have thought that a Duke would be afraid of spiders?"

"Isn't there a spider in the Fasstime coat of arms?" Avery recalled.

"Yes," Desiree said. "How is your sister doing?"

"She's taking a cruise with her new husband, and generally trying to stay out of the lime light after the outcry that followed her knighting," Avery said. "Then she'll be Father's representative in the Fasstime Regency Council for a while."

"I'm glad I didn't draw the short straw on that one," Desiree said. "Murdock gets that job this time."

"The Duke of Avtra gets to work with a regency council who's most powerful members are both female ... this could be fun to watch," Avery said.

"But only from a distance," Desiree said. "I do not envy your sister. It's cold out here."

"Perhaps we should go inside."

Lieutenant Calgary entered the ship's bar in the company of his friends, having just been released from sickbay. His walk was still a little wobbly, from the stretching he'd received from Lord Henry's rack, causing him to stumble every once in a while, but he refused all help.

As he entered, he spotted Lieutenant Picard sitting in the corner next to the three-dimensional chess set. She was out of uniform, which Calgary had never seen before, dressed in a green jumpsuit. The young girl was idly playing with a black knight, while drinking something red. The chess set appeared to be set at the end of a game, the white king tipped over.

"Excuse me, Mark," Calgary said to his companions, "but I need to talk to Lieutenant Picard." Calgary walked towards Marrissa's seat, stumbling on the step as he reached her.

Instantly, Marrissa was up, preventing him from falling. Calgary, waved her away, and stood up. "I believe I owe you an apology, and thanks."

Marrissa sat down, and motioned the chair across from her. Calgary gratefully sat down.

"You rescued me, and for that I'm grateful for that," Calgary said. "You aren't incompetent, like I had said before."

"Thank you," Marrissa said softly, her eyes looking directly into Calgary's.

Calgary looked away, towards his friends at the bar. "I still don't think you're command or security chief material, or even worthy of the rank, but that's not my call."

"Some days, I don't think I am," Marrissa replied. "Care for a game of chess?"

"No, I don't play, but Mark over there is quite into it," Calgary said. "I'll ask if he'll play you, if you'd like."

"Thanks," Marrissa said, before Calgary hobbled off towards his friends. For a while stared out at the on rushing stars, until a tall auburn haired engineer slid into the seat across from her.

"I understand you need someone to play against?" the engineer asked.

Marrissa smiled and asked, "white or black?" The engineer picked up the black king, and they began setting up their respective sides.

From across the room, Commander Riker watched his Captain's daughter, and smiled, as he picked up his trombone, and favored the room with some of his beloved jazz.