by Celeste Raye
Alexis returned to a more serious subject. She explained, “I saw Seifer in his quarters visiting Destiney when he came back from the council meeting. He said you were exonerated. But, he didn't tell me what is to be done about needing a king."
Nabvan responded, “There is to be an election soon. Any who have enough qualifications may try to be king. The council thinks both Siefer and I should try."
Alexis frowned and asked, “Do you want to be king? Would it make it easier to do the things you want for Milisaria?"
Nabvan stared out the small window at the rolling hills and green marshes of his home and finally answered, “I am afraid it would be more of a hindrance than a help. I would be bound by ceremonies and rules. There would be guards at my side constantly. I need freedom to do as I choose. I much prefer to stay a ship's commander and a trainer of young warriors. Hopefully, the new king will allow us to help the colonies we already have and any that we take over in the future. Do you feel the need to be a king's wife?"
Alexis laughed at the notion. "I have never had aspirations to be a king's wife. I had that chance already, and I chose you. I just want to use my knowledge of science to help my new home and its people. I want to stand beside my wonderful husband and aid him in his dreams."
"Then the matter is settled. We will stay as we are. You can start planning our wedding. I think that you will have to make many changes in our science labs also. Right now, they are more of a storage unit for stolen technology than a research facility like the Arkani have."
Alexis grew excited. “Will you take me there now? I want to see it. Can I truly set it up as I see fit? I can't imagine such freedom. On Earth, I was treated like a silly child with impossible dreams. I worked for the space organization we called NASA, but they would only let me be a secretary. My knowledge was wasted."
Nabvan grinned at the glow of happiness on Alexis's face. “Your knowledge will not be wasted here. It will be treasured. You will be honored more than you would have been as a queen. Come, we can go before our meal."
Alexis ran for the door but suddenly halted mid-stride, causing Nabvan to fall against her. He grabbed her and spun around to keep from crushing her between himself and the wall. "Mercy, woman! Why did you do that? I could have broken your body into pieces."
Alexis knew he would never let such a thing happen. He would destroy himself first. She looked up coyly through her long lashes and replied, “Maybe I just wanted to be held so very tightly in all four of your arms." Nabvan glanced downward and realized he really was squeezing her too tightly. When he relaxed his grip, she continued, “In my excitement, I had forgotten to tell you that Siefer and Destiney have a son. He is perfect, and Destiney is doing well. You need to see him when you get some time."
Nabvan whooped with joy for his friend. "That's excellent news. A strong son to carry on his name is something Siefer has longed for. I owe him congratulations."
Alexis discovered that Nabvan was correct. The science lab was more of a storage facility. Each day, she opened more packages and found new technology and medicines that had yet to be used. She asked for help to organize the mess and was soon surrounded by the young people of Milisaria. The young men cleared away unnecessary equipment and put it in a real storage place. The young women helped Alexis organize the medicines and tools. Shelves were soon filled with microscopes, flasks, and vials of strange liquids. Cabinets contained the medicines found on other planets. Drawers were lined with syringes and glass slides. The science lab was becoming a reality. Some of the young people asked to stay and work as assistants. The females were granted their request, but the young males were sent back to train as warriors. Milisaria had its own version of sex discrimination.
Alexis enjoyed hearing the young ones chattering around her. Most of the time they remembered to speak English, but once in a while, they slipped into Milisarian. Alexis was learning the language quickly. She was as proud of herself for learning it as she was of the Milisarians for learning English. The children informed her that it was a requirement because so many other planets used it as a universal language. It made it easier to communicate between colonies.
Alexis was cleaning something that appeared to be some kind of primitive x-ray machine when she heard Nabvan's name mentioned by the young ones. She listened intently to the conversation, catching the meaning of as many Milisarian words as she could. It sounded as if the girl's parents and their acquaintances wanted Nabvan to be their king. They believed that as his second-in-command aboard ship, he should automatically be declared king. They were even prepared to put his name on the ballot themselves. Alexis realized she needed to let Nabvan know what his people were discussing.
Nabvan returned from sword training his oldest student warriors. He was covered in sweat and green moss from the marshes. When he tried to pull Alexis in for a kiss, she playfully shoved on his chest and sent him to shower. To his surprise and glee, she followed. But, instead of entering the shower with him, she sat on a small seat that folded out from the wall. She stated, “I heard some rumors today that I thought you should know about. It seems the people of Milisaria want you as their leader. They think it should be you since you held the office of second-in-command aboard ship. The children say the adults may put your name on the ballot for you. Have you heard any of this?"
Nabvan stood in front of the dryer displaying his muscular body for Alexis's admiring gaze. She ran her fingers over his six pack as he replied, “Some have asked me to serve, but I have not changed my mind. I can be of better use where I am. If they try to put my name on the ballot, I will refuse the nomination. We do need a strong and loyal king. He also needs to be kind, understanding, and fair. Unlike Shene, he must be monogamous and care about the people instead of just himself. Only one name comes to my mind."
Alexis said it for him, "Siefer. He would be a fair king. He is such a good man too."
Nabvan replied, "I see we are once again of one mind. Siefer is several years older than I and has more experience. Shall we go to Siefer's quarters and have a talk? Destiney should have a say in this as well."
Siefer was happy to see his friends. He wanted Nabvan to see his son. Destiney started to protest against waking the little one, but Siefer waved her away and picked up the boy. He offered the baby to Nabvan, who backed away as if in fear. Siefer's laughter rang out as he declared, “I have finally found something that the great Nabvan is afraid of. I never believed it could happen. I have always thought you fearless. Well, you better get over it quickly. I understand you will be having one of your own very soon."
Nabvan didn't find the conversation funny at all. He truly was afraid to hold the small child. What if he dropped it? What if it cried, or even worse, wet itself? He simply said, "I will learn to hold one when I must. It is not necessary yet."
Alexis took the gurgling baby and kissed his sweet cheek. The baby smiled and drooled. She was entranced. Nabvan loved the look in her eyes as she sang to the baby. Maybe he would give in and hold it later. He turned to Siefer and said, “We have come to talk to you about the election. Do you have some time?"
Siefer graciously replied, “I always have time for friends. Destiney can have our meals brought here so we may talk in private and enjoy a visit."
As they ate, Nabvan told Siefer about the rumors Alexis had heard and the questions that he had been asked. Siefer nodded as he spoke, "I have heard these rumors as well. It was as I expected. You will make an excellent king. I would be proud to serve as a warrior under your rule."
Nabvan shook his head. "You do not understand, my friend. I have no wish to be king. I want to stay a ship's commander and train our warriors. I want the freedom to do as I see fit. The king will be bound by ceremony and rules. You know me well enough to see that I couldn't stand it. I do, however, think it is a perfect position for you. You are fair in your dealings, kind to all, and aware of the changes that must be made in our authority over the colonies. You care about the people of this world and the ones we'
ve conquered as well. I will stand by your side and endeavor to aid you in any way I can."
"Please, Siefer. We could trust you as king. We know of no one else better," Alexis pleaded.
Siefer was clearly shocked and looked to Destiney for help. She appeared as confused as he was. He would need some time to consider this new idea.
Chapter: 4
***Siefer***
Siefer's sword struck the young trainee's armor with enough power to throw him several feet into a marsh. He landed next to another trainee whose opponent had been reaching for his hand to help him rise. Siefer took great delight when he noticed the man standing over the trainees covered in green slime was Nabvan. He watched as the powerful warrior spit the gooey green mess out and wiped his soaked hair from his eyes. He shouted, "Maybe you should shower and change in the public showers before going home to Alexis. She may take offense at the smell. You reek of rotted plants and fish."
" I doubt that you smell much better considering the marsh scent is now mixed with your normal stench," declared Nabvan. "I do not understand how Destiney can stand to live with you."
"My wife finds my attributes to be enticing. She calls my manly aroma sexy. I, in turn, reward her with my prowess in our bed. She is quite content." Siefer offered a hand to each trainee and lifted them to their feet with very little effort.
The young men stood gawking as Nabvan verbally sparred with Siefer, “If she is merely content, your prowess must be lacking. Maybe you need some pointers from me. Alexis chose me over all the men on Earth, all those on Arkani, and even over a king. I must be skilled beyond measure."
Siefer shot back, “That may be true, but my seed is more powerful. I already have a son, and yours has barely been planted!" Both men broke into laughter upon noticing the blushing faces of the trainees. They raised their swords as if to battle and the younger men took flight.
Nabvan grew serious and asked, “Have you decided to run for the kingship? There is only a short time left to announce your candidacy. I am pressured almost hourly now to put my name on the ballot. The others who have set their sights on ruling are, shall we say, less than adequate. Some are considerably distasteful."
Siefer rubbed the back of his neck and sighed. He was just as concerned about the lack of qualified candidates as Nabvan, yet he had misgivings about taking the position himself. He was well aware that it would keep him far from home more often than he cared for. However, he also knew he could make a difference in many lives if he was elected. He reluctantly answered, “I feel a great need to enter the election, but I am torn between my peoples' needs and those of Destiney and my son. I plan to spend the evening discussing it with Destiney. I should have a decision by morning."
Nabvan nodded and replied, “I realize it is a difficult decision. I pondered it long and hard before I made the choice to stay as I am. I will not put any more pressure on you, my friend. Whatever you decide, I will honor. It is time to teach these young ones that warriors can and should be friends. I think they do not understand friendly bantering. We need to embarrass them some more. Let us go and ask if they want us to explain the workings of the female body and watch as they turn red. I could use another good laugh."
Siefer took his own advice and washed in the public showers before he went to his quarters. He did not wish to carry any diseases from the marshes to his son. He listened to the conversations that flowed throughout the room. Most concerned the upcoming election. Warriors argued over their choice of candidates. Some were backing a loathsome man who desired to kill all those on the conquered planets. He did not seem to realize that without the colonists, there would be no food, medicine, or technological advances. Alexis could not do everything on her own. They would still need the resources of the colonists. Others bemoaned the fact that the candidates were lacking in leadership skills. They wondered why neither Nabvan nor Siefer had stepped up to take the king's place.
Grim-faced, Siefer headed home. He could not wait any longer. The decision had to be made that night. He already knew what he needed to do. It would be extremely hard on Destiney if he followed his heart. He had no wish to cause a breach between them. He would let her choose and live with the consequences.
The baby was screeching and kicking his feet as he lay on Siefer's bed. Destiney was frantically doing a search on the computer. The Milisarians were enthralled with this new technology that Earth had traded to them. Siefer looked over Destiney's shoulder and saw she was searching for a cure for the baby's screeching. Frowning, he said, “Why must you search for answers on that contraption? Do not mothers have all the knowledge required to care for a child programmed in their brains already?" He lifted the baby into his arms and swung him side to side. The screeching continued.
Destiney turned her now angry face toward Siefer. She shouted over the baby's cries, “A mother isn't programmed for anything! We learn as we go. Babies don't come with instruction manuals, and we don't have trainers. Were you born already programmed as a warrior? If so, then why must you train the young men?"
Siefer could not fault her logic. It made him wonder how his mother had always appeared to know everything. She had no computer for research. He tucked Destiney against his side and apologized, “I did not mean to make it seem as if I was criticizing you. I watched my mother make it look easy, so I assumed it was a natural ability. Maybe her mother taught her as a father does a son."
Destiney sniffled and reached for her son. "I have no mother to teach me, and even if I did, she wouldn't have experience with a Milisarian child." She idly stuck her finger in her leftover lunch. The mixture looked and tasted somewhat like mashed potatoes. She licked her finger, and an idea popped into her head. She stuck her finger back into the mixture and then into the baby's open mouth. The crying stopped, and the little one smacked his lips. "Oh, my goodness! He's hungry. Milk is no longer enough for him. Do Milisarian children eat food this soon?"
Siefer thought back to his childhood. He vaguely remembered seeing his mother feeding his sister from the table almost from birth. He replied, "I believe my sister did. However, I am not positive. It does not matter. Our son wants it, and it stops the wailing. Give it to him."
The baby was finally sated and sleeping. Siefer put an exhausted Destiney to bed. He snuggled at her side and asked, "Can you stay awake long enough to help me with a decision?" When she nodded, he continued, “The people are getting restless. They argue constantly over who should be king. The candidates are unqualified. There is even talk of electing a man that wishes to kill all colonists. Times are desperate. We need a leader with some sense and caring. Many wonder why I have not stepped forward. Our decision needs to be made by morning."
Destiney sprang up, fully awake. She turned and stared into her husband's questioning eyes. “I think the Milisarians need you, and the colonists as well. I would be proud to be the king's wife."
Siefer reminded her, “It would mean many extra duties. I would have to make journeys to all the colonies. I might be gone for months at a time. You would be left alone with our son. I would take you when possible, but some of these places are not fit for you or the baby. I would not put your lives in jeopardy. Even here on Milisaria, I would be occupied with business and lack the freedom to spend time with my family. It would not be an easy life for you."
Destiney looked at her son and then at the moons visible outside of the small window. She kissed Siefer's lips and replied, “I have grown to love my new life. The people of Milisaria are important to me. My son needs a stable world to grow up in. I will do whatever is necessary to be supportive. It will be a difficult life, but it will also be quite thrilling. I never dreamed that I would be a queen. You will set an excellent example for our son. You must do this."
Siefer slept little that night. He was excited, nervous, and frightened all at the same time. Could he really do this? Would the people stand behind his decisions or rebel against them? If they rebelled, would he be able to handle the situation fairly or would his warrior
attitude take over? For his family and friends' sake, he had to try. He held tight to Destiney and closed his eyes.
Morning came, and Siefer dressed in his best armor. It gleamed from polishing, as did his freshly shaved face. He smiled at Destiney in her amber body suit. Her curves were back. She had rebounded from the pregnancy. Her larger breasts were the only obvious signs that she had borne a child. The skin-tight suit matched her eyes exactly. Siefer held out the blue and amber sleeveless robe she chose to wear over her body suit. She would make him proud as he announced his run for kingship. He thought the baby was adorable in his tiny leather pants and vest. He kissed his son's soft head, knowing these would be the last calm moments in their lives for a very long time.
Siefer searched the open area for Nabvan. He saw him sitting at a large table with Alexis and some warriors. He caught Nabvan's eyes and nodded. His friend bowed his red head in understanding. This open area was where the Milisarians gathered to share meals, make plans, and share announcements. It would be the place his son would have a naming ceremony and where Nabvan and Alexis would be married. Today, it was where Siefer would make his announcement. He squeezed Destiney's hand and led her to a raised dais.
The Milisarians stopped talking and turned as one to face Siefer. With Destiney and his son beside him, Siefer stood tall and proud. His powerful voice rang out as he announced, "I wish to make it known to all that I will be adding my name to the ballot for kingship. If you choose to elect me, I promise to uphold Milisarian law fairly and treat all people equally. Those on Milisaria and our conquered worlds as well. We will continue to take over the planets of this solar system and add their skills and technologies to ours. We will grow in power as always. The colonies are vulnerable, and some are quite poor. I intend to remedy that. I wish to trade with them as we do other more powerful worlds not under our control. Earth is a good example. Things can not continue as they are now. If you feel I would serve Milisaria well, then I welcome your votes."