by Saxon Andrew
Olivia pulled him up, “Of course I will.”
Jack kissed her and then turned to Jill, “Now I’m here without a ring and it’s all your fault.”
“That means she can pick it out with you. Trust me, most women would like to have a say in what the ring looks like they will wear for the rest of their lives.”
Jack looked at Olivia, “Is that true?”
Olivia’s smile was huge, “It is.”
“Let’s sit down and talk about the wedding.”
Olivia and Jill sat down and Jack listened to them laugh and squeal as they discussed how to plan the perfect wedding. After an hour, Jack said, “Will you and Admiral Stone be here for the wedding?”
Jill’s face clouded over and she sighed, “Probably not. We’re about to enter the critical phase of our mission.”
Olivia stared at Jill and said, “How long will you be here?”
“Five days. Then we’re shipping out.”
Olivia looked at Jack, “We’ll be married in three days.”
“WHAT?”
“Three days, Jack. If Jill’s not there, no wedding would be right for us. She’s more important than some extravagant event.”
Jill shook her head, “Olivia, I can’t let you do this.”
“It’s not letting us do anything. Your being there will be critical to our happiness when we look back on it.”
Jack smiled, “I agree. We’ll let you know what our plans are and if you’ll tell Admiral Stone that he’s invited as well, we’d appreciate it.”
Jill stared at them and sighed, “I’ll let him know.”
Olivia hugged her, “Thank you. I should do it but I don’t want to cause him pain again.”
Jill nodded and didn’t look forward to being the bearer of this news. She wondered how Rocky was going to take it.
Chapter Ten
Jill returned to the construction facility and found Rocky in the conference room with Rear Admiral Gibbons. She entered and Rocky motioned her to a chair. Gibbons hesitated and looked back at Rocky, “I just don’t see how this is going to help us. If we take the initiative and start attacking the occupied planets, it will divert the Feeder’s attention from the cluster you’re attempting to focus them on.”
“What happens if we fail in that effort?”
“Then they’ll start searching in another direction. If we attack the occupied planets, that will turn them in our direction. Most of them are located in our direction.”
“So you’re of the opinion that if we fail, they will give up the search and start communicating with their conquered galaxies?”
Gibbons’ eyes narrowed and he thought for a moment. “No, I didn’t say that. But if they change the direction of their search and come up empty handed, they might start normal operations.”
“I suspect if we fail, Fleet will send other ships to keep them moving away from our cluster. At some point we are going to have to see if we can remove them from their conquered galaxies. It would be better to start working on that sooner rather than later.”
“What do you have in mind, Sir?”
“There is a planet that deserves to be freed from these monsters.”
Gibbons stared at Rocky and said, “The Kerits?” Rocky nodded. Gibbons looked at his assistant and said, “Contact Captain Bowles and have him pull up the maps of where the Kerit Planet is located. Have him check and see what line it’s located on.” Commodore Greene nodded and stepped out of the room. Gibbons turned back to Rocky, “That planet, if my memory serves me well, is located more than a billion light years from the Alliance. If the line between it and the Feeder’s Central Planets is not in line with us, it might be feasible.”
Jill smiled, “I’ve already checked on that, Sir.”
Everyone turned to her and Gibbons said, “Do tell. Why would you have done that?”
“I’ve been fascinated with Nicole and her species since I read their history. Actually, the line is not far off the line leading here but if one takes the leading edge of the Feeder advance, it is more than ninety degrees away from us. The planet is located on the extreme right end of their territory.”
“Do you have it in your wrist unit?”
“Yes Sir.”
“Put it up on the monitor.” Jill took her wrist unit off and put it in the small cradle on the large conference table. Gibbons activated the cradle and a star map appeared on the wall monitor. Gibbons said, “Computer, show me the line running from the Feeder Central planets through the planet designated on the map.” Everyone watched the monitor and saw a red line run from the middle of Feeder Space through the planet. “Increase the scale and show me how close that line is to our galaxy.” The image changed and Gibbons shook his head, “You’re right, that line is not far from our cluster.”
“Yes, but it passes through six other clusters before it passes outside the Virgo Cluster and it goes directly toward the Coma Cluster. If the Feeders follow their normal pattern, they will stay on that line and pass our cluster.”
Gibbons looked at Rocky, “Sir, this is not something we should gamble on. The risk is too high.”
“I don’t think it’s a gamble, Admiral. If someone attacked one of our planets, where would we go to find out who did it?”
Gibbons sat back in his chair as his assistant entered the room. “We have the information. Take a seat.” He thought about the question and looked at Rocky, “I think I would start looking in the direction of where our ships had been operating.”
“Why not on a line directly from Earth?”
Gibbons tilted his head, “That doesn’t make sense. And you’ve made your point. Since the line from the front of their advance is ninety degrees away from our cluster that is where they would probably go first.”
“The planets are isolated and are not in communication with the Feeder’s Leadership, you can do this with a minimum chance of being discovered.”
“Give me some time to check into when Mr. Axel’s device will be available to be installed in our armor. I’ll let you know what we find out.”
“I suspect we’ll be in Feeder Space by the time you make that determination. You should discuss this with the High Leader and decide what to do.”
Gibbons nodded and stood up, “I should have an initial determination made before you skip out in four days. I’ll let you know what we find out.”
“That would be good, Admiral.” The attendee’s stood and left the conference room. Rocky looked at Jill, “You’re back pretty quick.”
“Jack asked me to deliver an invitation to you.”
“Invitation?”
Jill gritted her teeth mentally and said, “Jack and Olivia are getting married in three days and we’re invited to the wedding. I was wondering if you would be my escort.”
Rocky stared at her and his eyes narrowed, “When did this happen?”
“He asked her today so that I could be there when they do it. It appears Genève tried to get Jack to take her back while you were still unconscious in the hospital. They started caring for each other then.”
“I wondered how long it would take Olivia to fall for him.”
“WHAT?”
Rocky inhaled and blew out a breath. “He’s a remarkable person. How could she not see that and wonder if he was the one for her.”
“Actually, he sort of developed an interest before she did.”
“Same thing.”
“Will you take me?”
“I will. And don’t worry; I won’t cause a scene.”
Jill stared at him, “Are you ok?”
Rocky nodded, “It’s better this way.”
“Why?”
“It closes doors that need shutting. I’m fine.”
Jill sighed and stood up, “I need to find something to wear.”
“Go ahead, I’ll go in my dress uniform, if you think that’s ok?”
“I’m sure it is. I’ll contact you and let you know the details.”
Rocky nodded and Jill looked
at him, “Are you sure you’re alright?”
“I am. Let me know.” Jill nodded and left the room. She was certain he wouldn’t have attended if she hadn’t asked him to be her escort. She wondered if she had done the right thing. Too late now. What’s done is done.
Rocky watched Jill walk out of the room and he leaned back in his chair and put his chin on his hand. His life had been little more than one ruined relationship after another. Either he disappointed the one he liked or they ruined it for him. Olivia had gotten closer than most. He still felt something in his heart but after a few minutes his anger rose. They had been broken up for less than a month and now she was marrying a kid. He had to admit that Jack was a brilliant kid but he was a kid nonetheless. Just like Jill. He dropped his hand and his eyes narrowed. He knew Jill was young but he hadn’t thought of her as a kid in a long time.
She had demonstrated savvy and insight far beyond anyone her age. He sighed. He could accept the life of a loner but this only demonstrated that Olivia wasn’t attached to him that much. Why did he keep losing those that brought him happiness? He’d put on a good face and make it through the wedding. Then he could leave and go confront the Feeders. At least he had no doubt about where he stood with them. That made attacking them easier. He sat in his chair until nightfall and then left for his quarters. Sleep eluded him. He wondered what was wrong with him.
• • •
Jill looked at herself in the full-length mirror and wished she hadn’t cut her hair. It would look so much better put up in curls. Oh well, it is what it is. She lifted her wrist unit off the table, “Rocky, where are you?”
“I’m getting ready.”
“Where do you want to meet me?”
“I’ll meet you at the chapel. What time will you get there?”
“The ceremony starts at one. I’ll wait for you out front at twelve thirty.”
“That’s fine.”
Jill paused and her eyebrows came down, “Rocky, don’t leave me there alone.” There was a long moment of silence and she said, “You’re planning not to come!”
“Jill, you know I’m only going to make them nervous. It’s better if I don’t.”
“Better for who?”
“Jack and Olivia.”
“What about me? I don’t want to go alone. Do this for me!”
Rocky blew out a breath, “Jill!”
“You owe me. Now get ready and meet me at the chapel!”
Rocky shook his head. “I’ll see you at twelve thirty.”
“Don’t let me down, Rocky!”
“I promise I’ll be there.”
“Good.”
• • •
Jill stepped out of the Fleet Ground Transport and thanked the Lieutenant for bringing her. She turned toward the large building located next to the Fleet Operations Building and saw Rocky standing at the foot of the steps. Her eyes went wide, he wasn’t wearing his dress uniform. He had on a black suit with a pin tie and his light blond hair was combed straight back and he looked incredible. He saw her staring at him and she heard him sigh. She walked up and looked up at him. “You don’t like how I look.”
Jill shook her head slightly; “I didn’t know you had it in you. You look incredible.”
“You’re just being nice.”
“No, I’m not. I’ve never seen you in anything but your uniforms. Why don’t you dress up more often?”
“For what? I bought this suit more than seven years ago. This is the first time I’ve worn it.”
“Why didn’t you wear it when you purchased it?”
“Long story. The girl changed her mind about going.”
“That wasn’t so long. You are very handsome, Admiral Stone.” Jill pirouetted, “How do I look?”
Rocky softly smiled, “You’re incredibly beautiful. You look good in that shade of blue. Of course, you’d look good in a potato sack, too. That’s a benefit of being young.”
Jill laughed, “Let’s see who gets the most head turns today. I’m betting it will be you.”
“I’ll take that bet. Every man in there will be staring at you.”
Jill put her arm in Rocky’s elbow, “Let’s go and take our seats.” Rocky led her into the crowded chapel and saw that he was going to lose the bet. There were more women than men in attendance and every one of them stared at him as he passed.
“This was a sucker bet. You knew there were more women here.”
“Yes, but how many of them didn’t stare at you?” Rocky looked around and saw she was right. Jill pointed to the front row and smiled, “We have a good seat.” Rocky sighed and sat down beside her.
“I would have thought you’d be the maid of honor.”
“Olivia’s sister is the one she chose and she didn’t want anyone else.”
“Who’s Jack’s best man?”
“You are. You’ll meet him in a moment when he comes out.”
“WHAT!”
Jill looked at Rocky and held out a box to him, “Here’s Olivia’s ring. Hand it to him when the minister calls for it.”
“I’M NOT DOING THIS!”
Jill grabbed his chin and turned his face to her, “Rocky. You risked your life to defend Jack on that Feeder Planet and he almost got you killed. He respects you more than anyone he’s ever known. He has had extreme difficulty forgiving himself for causing you to end up in the hospital. This is the only way he’ll be able to come to terms with his actions. You need to do this for him.”
“But Olivia and I were…”
“She needs it as much as he does, Rocky. She needs to know that you’ve forgiven her for her stupidity. Have you forgiven her?” Rocky could only shake his head in silence. “You also have to do this for yourself.”
“Why?”
“Because you know you would never take her back. You might think you want her now that someone else has her, but you really don’t.”
Rocky stared at her and Jill didn’t blink. “How do you know this?”
“Because you want me.” Rocky’s eyes went wide and Jill smiled, “You just refuse to admit it to yourself.”
“Jill!”
“I knew if you would come here for me, that I’m someone special to you. Now adjust to this new reality and do what you know is the right thing to do.”
“You haven’t said anything about how you feel.”
“You’re going to have to woo me and persuade me you are the one for me. I’m not an easy woman to catch.” Rocky stared at Jill and she smiled, “Am I worth the effort?”
Rocky saw Jack come out of the room behind the front of the church and looked back at Jill. “I’ve never been able to persuade anyone that I’m worthy of them.”
“You haven’t tried. You proved yourself to my brother and that means more than you can ever know.”
Rocky saw Jack staring at them and he took the box out of Jill’s hand. He stood up and walked up next to Jack, who immediately hugged him. Rocky returned the hug and stepped slightly behind him. The music began and Olivia saw Rocky standing behind Jack. Her tears of happiness were immediate and then she only had eyes for Jack. Rocky took a deep breath. He watched them closely and saw that they were in love. He knew Jill was right. He had to be removed from their worries and this was the only way to do it. Once again, Jill was right. He looked at her and saw her wink. She was so breathtakingly beautiful for someone that was so impish. He smiled and preceded Jack and Olivia with Olivia’s sister out of the chapel. He stood outside waiting for Jill. Many of the women came up and introduced themselves. Jill had to push her way through the crowd and take his arm. “We need to leave for the reception.” Rocky nodded and Jill said, “Excuse us, please.” Rocky saw disappointment on many of their faces and Jill muttered, “Hussies!”
Rocky smiled, “Why do you say that?”
“They saw us walk in together. They were trying to get their claws in you before I could shoo them away.”
“They were wasting their time.”
Jill looked up at him, �
��Oh?”
“Part of wooing you is proving I can be faithful.” Jill looked into his eyes and laughed all the way to the transport. They arrived at the small building a mile away the Military used for celebrations. Jill took Rocky by the hand and pulled him toward the door, “Come on, there’s someone I want you to meet.”
“Who?”
“Just come on!” Rocky followed Jill and she pulled him through the door. She looked around the room and then began pulling him through the crowded room.
“Hey, what’s the hurry?” They broke through a group of people at the bar and Rocky came to a sudden stop. His eyes narrowed and he started shaking his head. His parents saw him and began walking toward him. “Why are they here?”
“They came with your sister.”
Rocky turned to leave and heard, “Hello, Son. It’s been a long time.” Rocky turned and saw his father staring at him. He didn’t see him long as his mother ran forward and threw her arms around his neck and nearly took them both to the floor. Jill had to hold them up to prevent their falling. “Rocky! I’m so proud of you! Why didn’t you contact us!?”
“Mom, Mom, you’re choking me!”
His mother released him slightly and planted a huge kiss on his lips. She leaned back and smiled, “My! Aren’t you the handsome one!”
“MOM!”
Judy looked at Jill, “He never could take a compliment.” She turned back to Rocky, “Why haven’t you contacted us?”
Rocky looked at his father, “Joe told me to never darken your door again.”
Judy looked at her husband with wide eyes, “Did you tell him that?”
“I was angry at the time. I was ashamed of his refusal to follow orders. I didn’t mean it.”
Rocky shook his head, “What do you mean!? You told me to shove off and never come back.”
Joe pursed his lips, “Rocky, I can’t count how many times I’ve said things you know I didn’t mean. You and Becky ignored me most of the time. Why did you listen that time? You know how I am.”
“You never contacted me to say you didn’t.”
“I never did in the past, either, but you knew I was just letting off steam.” Rocky shook his head and Joe stepped forward and pulled him into his arms, “You know I love you. And I’m so proud of what you’ve accomplished.”