by Francis, Ron
After about fifteen minutes, he was seated at a table, regaling several ladies with tales of his adventures in another galaxy. They were hanging on his every word when they were not snapping vid stills of him. The overwhelming scents of their perfumes combined almost made his eyes water. He noted sadly that unless she was in character on assignment, Kimi almost never wore perfume and he loved her scent. He decided it was time to switch gears and tell his admirers about the time Collin, Manny and Josiah had played an elaborate prank on him. They had enlisted his sister, cousin and the rest of his friends to sell the ruse, and he had fallen for it completely. He told them how embarrassed he had been, and they all laughed. They admired the fact that he had chosen to share some embarrassing memories with them as well as the heroic ones. They could see he wasn't just trying to build himself up and they found that to be a welcome change from the men they usually spoke with. He was actually having a great time with the young ladies even though his mind was on Kimi.
After another twenty-five minutes a regal gentleman in his early sixties walked onto the stage the musicians were on and asked for the handheld amplification device. “Ladies and gentleman,” he began. “The royal family has just arrived. If you would all make your way to your tables, we will announce the royal family in ten minutes.”
Jesse said goodbye to his new friends and they returned to their seats. He was having a great time. When he found his seat, he immediately noticed the seating arrangement. There was one empty seat to his right and then the head of the table. On his left Collin, Bessa and Reece were seated followed by the Admiral, his wife and son. Across from Jesse Torav, Soall and Collette sat to the right of Josiah and to his left sat Kimi and Suzy. They were followed by a man he had not yet met and their new friend Xanu. At the other end of the table sat the Minister of Science and his wife.
Once everyone was seated, the regal announcer began to introduce the royal family. That was a ceremony all by itself. The King and Queen walked through a door by the King’s table, and sat at the table’s head. Princess Rayelle followed and sat next to Jesse. Rayelle did not look happy to be seated next to him at all. After a polite greeting, she spent the rest of the meal ignoring him. The banquet was amazing. Each course they brought out was more appetizing than the last. Everyone was eating and laughing. Josiah noticed a well dressed man sitting next to Suzy, and he seemed to have her full attention. Reece grinned at Josiah and then pointed to two young ladies at another table. Josiah smiled, realizing Reece was fully back to normal. Kimi looked as happy as anyone in the room, but he realized that it was her social training that afforded her that luxury. Although, she did comment several times on how much she was enjoying the meal.
Before the desert course was brought out, there was to be an hour break to lounge, dance and interact with the other guests. Right before the scheduled break the regal gentleman gave an announcement. “King Dominus, Queen Constance, Princess Rayelle, and all distinguished guests. Our friends from Endeavor wish to share one more gift with the royal family. Colonel Jesse Marcos and his crew are true friends of King Dominus and true friends of Hyperia.” As the introduction ended, over four thousand people stood and cheered.
After a few moments, Jesse stood and motioned for silence. He looked at the royal family with a genuine smile and began. “Sansabar’s Hyperia was not the only thing of value to Hyperia we found when going through the Treasure of Ameteo, Your Majesty. We found something else Sansabar owned, and it is with great humility we present to you Sansabar’s Royal Jewel Collection.” A hush came over the crowd as Kimi, Suzy and Josiah stood. Suzy knelt and presented Princess Rayelle with a beautiful jewel-encrusted tiara, a diamond pendant and a matching bejeweled bracelet. Kimi knelt and presented the Queen with a beautiful crown, a necklace, matching bracelet, earrings and a ring. Josiah knelt and presented the King with Sansabar’s crown, his royal scepter and his ring. Jesse continued. “King Dominus, it is our hope that you and your family would be well pleased with our gift. We give to you the honor due a great and benevolent ruler.” The crowd cheered as the vid-cams focused in on the incredible jewelry. The King and Queen were smiling ear to ear and Princess Rayelle smiled brightly and hugged Suzy, drawing smiles from everyone at the display.
King Dominus stood and the crowd grew quiet. “We are most fortunate to know Colonel Marcos and the crew of Endeavor. They are true friends of Hyperia.” The crowd erupted again and the king motioned for silence, and then continued. "This jewelry is almost as valuable as Sansabar’s Hyperia, and we are now doubly fortunate to have these most wonderful guests here. Hyperia owes you all a great debt of gratitude.” The King sat down and everyone cheered again. Rayelle looked at her incredible jewelry as they listened to the applause from the crowd.
Jesse was talking and laughing with Josiah and Xanu and the music started up again. Suzy left the table to get to know the man she was sitting with better. Jesse watched her go and was happy for her. Reece was already dancing with the two beautiful women he had been looking at. Collin sat with his arm around Bessa. Several gentlemen came over to ask about her availability. Each time Bessa seemed apprehensive, but Collin proudly claimed that she was with him. Her smile grew bigger each time he said it until Jesse didn’t think she would ever stop smiling. He noticed Kimi had slipped away. He stood to go find her; he wanted to talk to her to make sure she was all right. He also really wanted to continue their conversation. He was not at all satisfied with how she had left it.
Rayelle grabbed Collette's arm and led her out to the dance floor. Collette had noticed her completely ignoring the guest of honor as they walked. "You know your father is going to be upset with you over your treatment of Colonel Marcos."
"I've done nothing offensive," she replied.
"Except ignore him the entire evening. He gave you those beautiful jewels and you did not even say thank you."
"I thanked the doctor," she replied defensively.
"She was only the presenter; it was the Colonel that gave your family the gift."
"You are right, I just have the feeling that he might be after more than friendship. I wish to keep him at arm's length and off balance so he does not get the wrong idea."
"Would it be so bad? Remember, I've seen every single one of the princes, warriors, businessmen and would-be-kings that have come calling for your hand. Colonel Marcos is the best of them all. I wouldn't worry, though; I am not sensing he has those intentions for you." As she said that last line, a look crossed Rayelle's face that made her friend laugh. "That is the problem, is it not? You feel slighted because he has not gotten down on one knee so you can reject him. Ha-ha, and you thought he was arrogant. He is the most worthy candidate that has ever been at the palace, and he is the first that has no interest. That is why you do not like him."
"I have no idea what you are referring to, Collette; can we just change the subject and enjoy the celebration?"
"The celebration for him," she laughed. She could tell her friend did not enjoy her little joke.
After an hour of rotating between meeting new people and having fun with his crew, Jesse was relieved when the desert course was finally served. King Dominus asked Jesse to switch seats with Princess Rayelle because he wanted to talk to him.
“So, what is this favor you would like to ask of us, Colonel Marcos?” The King began, while Rayelle suddenly became quite interested. She knew it was going to be big, he might even ask them for her, at which point she would politely, but enjoyably, turn him down.
“Please, call me Jesse, Your Majesty.” Dominus nodded and he continued. “As you know, we are here from another galaxy. What you may not know is that we were brought here by a matter conduit. The Chairman of Kaldor also called it a celestial portal. He said we were descendants of the original star jumpers, and told us not to tell many people. We think we know when the next one will form. We think we can go home next year, but we would love to find the route home just in case. I understand you have some new deep space telemetry technology that ca
n see accurately a distance of more than five galaxies. I was hoping you would allow us to use it. We hope to see if we can spot some of the star constellations in our galaxy and plot a course back home. I know this is a big request, and we will bear you no ill will if you decide not to let us use the equipment. I know it is brand new and probably classified technology.”
“Jesse, after everything you have given us, how could I refuse such a simple request, especially since it could be such a help to you. Our technicians will be at your service. In fact, this will be an excellent opportunity to test the technology's limits. If you can indeed find a point of reference outside of this galaxy to plot your course home, that will be a great help to us as well. Our lead technician will be back on duty next week, are you willing to wait one more week, my friend?”
Jesse nodded excitedly. “Thank you so much, Your Highness. This will be a great opportunity to plot the course to our galaxy. It will be a load off our mind because now, even if something goes wrong with the conduit, we can still find home. Next week will be perfect. It will give us the opportunity to go visit Trinnus. Collin has been talking about that planet all week. Thank you again.”
Queen Constance looked at Jesse and smiled. He had given them so much and asked so little in return, yet he was still so happy that one small request had been granted. It wasn’t even going to cost them anything. The Queen also noticed that her daughter seemed quite disappointed with Colonel Marcos’ request.
"That is it, the big favor you wanted was to use some of our equipment to chart some stars. This is unbelievable. You have to want something else. People do not give items of such value for free. What is it you really want, Colonel?" He was taken aback by the Princess' outburst while at the same time no one but the King and Queen had heard it.
"That is enough, Rayelle," the King forcefully whispered. "Please do not make a scene here. The Colonel has been nothing but kind and generous, and you have not thanked him for any of it. Instead, you treat him with contempt.
“Jesse,” the Queen began trying to change the subject. “How long have you been in this galaxy?”
“Close to four months now, Your Majesty. I’m sure my sister and cousin can't wait for my return. We all have people we wish to get home to,” he added.
“Do you have a special woman you are hoping to see when you get home?” The Queen continued.
“Just my Sister Nina and my younger cousin Ariel; she is like my little sister.”
“I find it hard to believe a man like you is unattached,” the Queen prodded.
“I used to be engaged but my fiancé….” He paused as he thought about Rebecca. “She passed away in an accident six years ago, Your Highness. I was recovering from the injuries I received in the Battle of Polisia when I was told. It took me almost six years before I even looked at another woman. Then a few months ago, I had the misfortune of picking one that was only using me. In the process, I hurt a good friend. Needless to say, women are not really on my mind right now.” He concluded a little bit sadly.
“I am sorry, Jesse,” the Queen seemed genuine in her response. “I did not mean to pry. I just think everyone should be as happy as King Dominus and I are.”
“I was, once,” He reflected sadly. “Now I’m just happy getting to explore this amazing galaxy and making new friends.
"Well, you certainly have friends here,” she replied closing the awkward subject.
Rayelle had no idea that this man she had so quickly judged was carrying around such hurt. In her first kind gesture since she had met him, she put her hand on Jesse’s arm and apologized. "I am sorry as well, Colonel."
"Thank you, Princess," he quietly replied.
A short time later, Jesse was standing a few feet away from the table as Suzy introduced him to her new friend. “Jesse, I’d like to introduce you to Holt. He is a research professor at Hyperia’s most prestigious university.” Suzy had an excitement that he did not often see in his friend. He knew instantly she liked this man. He looked at Holt. He was average height and in good shape. He had the blackest hair Jesse had ever seen and a small scar on his jaw line. He was fashionably dressed and looked very intelligent.
He put his hand out and said, “It is a pleasure to meet you, Holt. Any friend of Suzy’s is a friend of mine.”
“Suzy tells me you are like a brother to her. She told me that after her parents died, your parents took her in and she lived with your family. She tells me that she owes everything to you.” Holt smiled as he looked at Suzy.
“Well, we have been very close friends since we were four years old. While we did help her, she has earned everything she has and deserves far more. In fact, I believe that I owe everything to her. I love Suzy as much as I love anyone in the universe.” He winked at his friend as he spoke. Suzy just smiled shyly.
"It has been a pleasure meeting you, Colonel; I think I would like to dance with the doctor now." He smiled and nodded towards Jesse.
Suzy grabbed Holt by the arm and waved goodbye to Jesse. A moment later, Collette was by his side. “He certainly is a handsome one. Does your friend like him?” She asked as she intertwined her arm with his.
“I think so," He replied as he looked at the Princess' friend and asked, "Isn't your friend going to be mad at you for being nice to me?"
"Rayelle will be fine, I do not think she dislikes you, I just think she wants to make sure you do not like her. She has been proposed to seventeen times this year. Each time it is a whole big ceremony, and each time it makes her feel more and more like she will never find the right one. I think that is why she treats men she thinks might be interested with such hostility."
"That's interesting, but I have no idea where she might have gotten the idea I would be interested, I've done nothing to even hint at it."
"I know, but the reality is that she is one of the most beautiful and famous women in the galaxy. She is used to most men being interested. It becomes easier to just assume they all are because it saves time, and it is usually right."
"Ah, well, I certainly don't envy her situation. It must be very lonely for her."
"Sometimes. Now, enough about her, I want to hear all about you."
When the celebration finally ended, Jesse made his way back to Endeavor. He had a great time at the party. He actually had a good time getting to know Collette. She was fun and spending some time with her had made for an entertaining evening. He looked around the ship, noticing that no one else had made it back. It was probable they had gone to the royal suites provided for them. He wished he would have thought of that, but at least now he would have some time alone.
______
Suzy couldn’t believe it was morning already. Holt had taken her to the most beautiful park near the palace, and they had talked all night. She couldn’t remember ever staying up all night to talk to a guy she liked. He even walked her back to the Royal Spaceport. He wasn’t authorized to enter the spaceport, so he had stayed by the gate and watched her all the way to Endeavor. She had turned around and smiled shyly three different times before taking a final glance back when she reached the ship. She saw him standing there waving, and she waved back, her gaze lingering on him an extra moment. Then, she slowly turned and entered the ship. She was in heaven. Holt was very attractive, very intelligent and very romantic. She really liked him. She knew everyone was going to give her grief for staying out all night. Especially Reece, but she was surprised as she walked Endeavor’s corridors that no one seemed to be around. She thought she just might make it to her quarters unnoticed when she heard, “So, late night or early morning?”
She turned to see Jesse’s smiling face. “I was just,” She paused, realizing Jesse knew her better than anyone and would easily detect a lie.
“It’s alright, Suzy. You don’t owe me an explanation. You’re a grown woman and you can come home any time you like...wearing the same clothes you wore last night,” he laughed as he teased his friend.
She smiled, “Real mature, Colonel, would you believ
e me if I told you we talked all night in a park near the palace?”
“Actually, I would,” he admitted. “Seriously, though, you really don’t owe me an explanation, I just like to tease you.”
“I know, Jess, it was so nice. I really like this guy. We are going to meet for dinner tonight.” She had a gleam in her eye Jesse hadn’t seen in a while, and he was happy for her.
“Do you want me to have the King check this guy out?” He asked jokingly.
“Don’t you dare,” She hit his arm as she walked past.
“You know, one of these days my arm is going to stop working and no one will know why, but I’m gonna blame you,” he joked. “Now, you better get to your quarters and change before Reece and Collin see you. They won’t be quite as merciful as I was. Don’t worry; you and I are the only ones on the ship. Everyone else stayed at the hotel last night, and I won’t tell anyone.”