"Verification, please?"
Jason sighed and took out his badge. Four security stations, he had to pass now before entering the quarters, he shared with his Mum, Brett and, nowadays, his Dad. He hadn't figured out yet if he liked the new tension between his parents. His Dad had hurt her badly. But she was a grown-up and he had more on his plate right now.
"Had a good night with Neri?" Brett smirked when Jason entered their bedroom. Jason ignored his teasing tone and took off his shirt. "I'm still worried about her. This planned trip to Vancouver to meet the president ..."
Brett's expression turned dark. "Yeah, it goes on and on. But at least, you're allowed to go, too."
Jason took some new ORCA clothing out of the drawer. "Shalamorn's decision. You know that." Brett climbed out of the covers and swung his feet out of bed. "This is so not fair!", he complained. "I was the one who talked to the president about Neri. I was the one who made her postpone the rocket launch."
Jason halted. He already heard this before. "Brett," he tried again with his most patient tone, "nobody forgot your part in this. But we have to keep this group as small as possible. And I will keep you informed."
Brett snorted and shook his head. "This is not just about me. The more I think about all this, the more I can't stop thinking about Mera."
Jason frowned. "She will be safe and sound in the pyramid."
Brett shook his head. "This is not about safety …" He paused and seemed clearly uncomfortable all the sudden.
Jason folded his arms in front of his chest and suppressed a grin. "So, it's about you and Mera? I already thought ..."
"No!", Brett cut in. "Mera and me, we like each other as friends. But we're not in love like you and Neri."
"What is it then? Spit it out already!"
Brett jumped off the bed. "You wouldn't like what I have to say."
Jason started to feel annoyed. "Then why raise the subject?" He turned around and grabbed some underwear. "Brett, I was up all night. I'm tired, I need a shower and I have to be on the bridge in six hours," he snapped. "Say, what you have to say, so I can finally take a short nap!"
Now it was Brett, who folded his arms. Yet, he hesitated.
Irritated, Jason turned to leave the room.
"Mera should be the crown princess, not Neri."
Jason turned around again to face his younger brother. Brett's expression showed nervousness, but also a certain self-esteem. He must have thought about this for a while.
"What makes you think that?" Jason asked.
"Well, Mera lived up there," Brett explained. "She learned their language and culture. Neri understands, but Mera speaks fluently. The Ocean People know and respect her, while Neri never even set foot on the Ocean Planet." Encouraged by Jason's silence, Brett took a breath and a step forward. "Neri is the Chosen One because of some old, dusty rules, made up hundreds of years ago. Just because, she is the first born, she gets all the attention. Mera has the same gifts and yet she is overseen."
"Did Mera complain?"
Brett quickly shook his head. "No, she would never. She loves Neri and is much too selfless for such thoughts. Believe me," he assured Jason, "I love Neri. She will be a fantastic ambassador. But I think, it should be Mera to rule the Ocean Planet."
Jason nodded. "Okay. I get it, Brett."
"But?"
"Both Neri and Mera seem to be fine with those old, dusty rules. Have to told Mera? Did you ask her about her feelings? Or Shalamorn?"
"No," Brett confessed uneasily. "I had hoped, you would support me in this. She barely listens to me. It's you, she is all fuzzy about."
"Why should I? Neri is nothing but kindness and love. Her leadership will be just and sincere."
"And Mera's won't? She is the same way!" Brett now seemed just as annoyed as Jason.
"I didn't say that! Calm down, will you?" Jason shot back and for a moment they faced each other in silence.
"I don't want to fight," Brett said finally. "I just think, Mera is just as much entitled to the throne as Neri. And Jason," he searched for eye contact, "if Neri would just keep being the ambassador, maybe she'd never have to leave. She could stay here forever. With you."
Jason leant against the drawer. Of course, he had always known, Neri would have to leave one day and it threw a shadow on them every day. They ignored it as much as they could.
"I'd thought," he said slowly, "when it's time, I would maybe go with her."
"What if you're not allowed to? What, if Neri is somehow promised to someone … suitable? Did you ask Shalamorn about this?"
The mean blade of doubt cut through his interior and his heart skipped a beat. "No, but I never gave this a thought, either."
"Isn't a monarch always supposed to give birth to children?" Brett continued and Jason quickly raised his hands.
"Yes, yes. I get it. Thank you."
"And?" Brett wanted to know. "Will you help me?"
Jason hesitated. "Neri is dedicated to her mission and to her people. I'd have to talk to her first."
Brett nodded, but Jason shook his head. The triumphant smile vanished from Brett's features.
"Brett, I'm sorry. I would feel like betraying her for my own selfish reasons," Jason explained. "I can't be selfish when it comes to Neri."
"Then talk to her," Brett begged. "At least, just think about it. You guys seemed to become serious these days. Even Shalamorn acknowledged it, otherwise, she would have never agreed to take you with them to Vancouver. Maybe, staying here on Earth is what Neri wants, too."
Jason sighed. He had to admit, Brett had a point. He had remembered him of the hopelessness of his relationship and brought up a possible solution at the same time. Brett was clever, had always been. This little spark, giving away a chance he might be able to grow old with the woman he loved ... It would be hard to extinguish.
"Fine," he said slowly. "I'll think about it. Maybe, after we settled some things, we can start figuring this stuff out."
Brett didn't look very happy, but at least satisfied. "Yes, of course. First things, first." Then he grinned. "Good talk, bro!"
Jason rolled his eyes and finally went into the shower.