Jesik wanted to respond, but couldn’t find the words. It was then that the Prime Minister noticed what was happening. “Something’s wrong, Captain, what is it?”
Jesik tried to speak, but the lump in his throat hurt too much.
Brighton intervened. “One of our bridge officers came up with the action that caused the change in the freighter’s entry pattern. Unfortunately, he sacrificed his own life to accomplish it. We’re all trying to absorb what’s happened.”
Richards was obviously distressed. “I’m sorry to hear of your loss. May I ask the name of your valiant crew member?”
“Kevin Wight,” Brighton replied.
“You mean Lieutenant Commander Magill’s younger brother?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“I see.” She shook her head. “Gentlemen, I know you feel his loss keenly. But, his sacrifice saved millions of lives. This date will become an annual memorial for Kevin Wight on Alturus and its colonies. The memory of this will live forever. In the meantime, please accept our deepest condolences – and our most profound gratitude.” Out of respect, PM Richard broke the connection and silence returned to the bridge.
Jesik stood, unsteadily. “Tom, do you think you could …” his voice trailed off.
“Of course, Sir. Captain leaving the bridge!”
Everyone turned and saluted, but none looked at him directly. Even a Captain was entitled to privacy at such a moment.
20– The Quadrants United
It seemed impossible that six months had passed since the gray day when Kevin Wight took matters into his own hands. So much had happened since then. The Announcement of Courtship had occurred, a day later than planned, but cheering was muted and the colors were intentionally dulled as a sign of respect. There had also been more than 100 million e-mails from both the Alturian and Kalenden quadrants expressing sympathy for the Allegro’s loss and emphasizing support for the Alturian government. The rebel movement had effectively been decimated by the double impact of introducing second-class blood into the Royal Family and the shock and outrage over the terrorist’s attack.
The rebel’s assault nearly de-stabilized the government on Keswick, but Lansing managed to avoid catastrophe by tracking down the terrorists who had furnished the ships for the two attacks on Kalenden and Alturus. The people responsible were well-entrenched into the general population, but his anti-espionage unit managed to turn one member against the rest of the group. Based on this intelligence the Coalition troops surrounded the compound where the main group was. When the terrorists discovered their presence they launched a vicious counterattack. The bloody fight left more than a dozen government troops dead or wounded. Over one hundred extremists also perished. The surviving captives committed suicide with cyanide pills. It was gruesome and Lansing used all his persuasive powers to calm the population and build a consensus for the reforms that were now starting to take effect. He managed, through personal force of will, to keep the coalition together, too. Still, the pace of reform had slowed, with the Loyalist Party standing a better chance to pick up a near-majority in the upcoming elections.
The most significant change in Jesik’s life came in a coded message from Wilkerson that reported Kensington had taken his own life. He hanged himself using cords from his mattress hem. There was no suicide note, which was not what would be expected from Kensington, but Jesik didn’t push Wilkerson for more details. Apparently the news that Wight had been elevated to hero status was just too much for him. In spite of everything that had transpired between them, Jesik felt sorrow for the life that Kensington had lived. He was aware that hatred was what robbed the man of his freedom. Whatever drove Kensington to his death, it was to Jesik’s relief not to have to again protect himself from the Colonel’s wrath.
“I never understood his motives,” Brighton had said when Jesik told him of the suicide. “Why nurture a grudge for so many years?”
Jesik shook his head. “I never did understand him. The best I can come up with is that he had a particular way of viewing the world that to him seemed right. And my involvement with Helen went against that. I became the personification of what he thought was going wrong in the world, and so he wanted to destroy me.”
“Instead it destroyed him.”
Jesik nodded. “That’s usually the way it is when hate takes over.”
With only a few weeks before the royal wedding, Jesik was also pleased that the feelings between Sean and Isabec proved to be true love. They relished each other’s company and enjoyed light-hearted banter that made their relationship fun as well as romantic. Jesik found that he loved being the father of an adult child and thoroughly enjoyed his conversations with the young couple. He also found Isabec’s parents articulate, well-informed and together they caught up on the two centuries of isolation. There were dozens of parties to attend, public ceremonies and introductions and a number of memorial services for Kevin. In what was apparently one of the most notable changes in Alturian public life, distant relatives of Jesik and Magill were invited to the royal functions, even though they were from second-class families. This received much recognition on public video, with commentators reflecting on how polished Jesik and Magill comported themselves with even the most illustrious of Alturian society.
When the Magills arrived, Jesik backed off and made sure that they assumed their proper place as Sean’s parents. Lieutenant Commander Magill was obviously grateful to have them there, but the military had given him something in common with Jesik, something he didn’t share with the Magills, so Jesik enjoyed a special relationship with his son. The Magills were less comfortable in the public spotlight, but the Royal Family was gracious and kind, shielding them as much as possible from scrutiny. All-in-all, things worked out well and Jesik expressed appreciation to these two good people who had accepted the opportunity to raise his son.
His first meeting with Helen Wight didn’t go as well as he’d hoped for. While extremely gracious and composed in public, she was tentative and standoffish during their private time together. She was reluctant to talk about Kevin, even though Jesik ached to tell her what a great young man she bore.
Two nights before the wedding, Jesik and Helen were having a quiet dinner to prepare themselves for the press of public affairs that would soon engulf them. A knock came on their door. It was Tom and Sondra Brighton.
“Mind if we come in for a few moments?”
“Not at all. Please join us for dessert.” Jesik was actually relieved to have them join in conversation. He stepped to the food panel and requested two additional hot fudge sundaes.
“So, Captain Brighton, how does it feel to have your own ship? Are you finding your bearings on the Legato?”
“I think I am, Sir. I enjoy being able to think strategically, rather than focusing on schedules and daily operations. But there are times when the personnel issues are overwhelming. I don’t know how you kept track of everything.”
“The better part of wisdom is to know what to keep track of and what to delegate. All you’re really responsible for are the important decisions and making sure those who are assigned to carry out orders are doing so.” Brighton nodded assent.
They chatted on about the service for awhile and particularly on Brighton’s promotion.
“Captain, I hope this isn’t an untimely request, but you quoted a poem at Kevin Wight’s memorial service. The lines continue to run through my head and I wonder if I might have a copy of the original?”
Helen looked up and said, “You spoke at Kevin’s service?”
Jesik flushed a bit, “I thought you’d seen it. It was broadcast in all three systems and as Kevin’s Captain, it was my responsibility to preside.”
“Please recite the poem for me?”
“It’s an old earth poem written by Emily Dickinson. She’d been to a Veteran’s Day parade and wanted to convey the idea that as great as their sacrifice was, it couldn’t compare to those who pay the ultimate price in behalf of others.
Succ
ess is counted sweetest
By those who ne’er succeed
To comprehend a nectar
Requires sorest need.
Not one of all the purple host
Who took the flag today
Can tell the definition so clear of victory
As he defeated, dying, on whose forbidden ear
The distant sounds of triumph
Bursts agonized and clear.
— Emily Dickinson”
Helen looked thoughtful. “So, was Kevin all alone when he died?”
“Not for very long. And he spoke to us until the last moments.”
“Did the other men like Kevin?”
“Very much,” Brighton interjected. “He was a person who could brighten a room with his laugh and make you feel like your comments were the most important that he had ever heard. I think if you were to ask around the bridge, everyone would say he had the amazing ability to make each of us feel important.”
“I’m glad,” she said softly, “he was often lonesome at home. I hoped he found happiness in the service.” Turning to Jesik she added, “I know from his letters that he thought the world of you, Pietr.”
“And that’s how I thought of him. He was an outstanding officer and friend.” What more could he say?
“Which brings us to our main reason for dropping by,” said Brighton, trying to lighten the moment. “Sondra?”
“Yes, well, on my home planet, Tatrius, it is traditional that parents wait at least six months to a year before naming a child. It’s our belief that we should get to know the child before making such an important decision as to how they will be known throughout their life.” She paused expectantly. “Tom and I would like your permission to name our son Kevin Pietr Brighton.”
Jesik blushed. “I’d be honored. Truly honored. Both to have your son bear my name and to share that honor with Kevin.”
“Of course I’d be proud as well, to have your son carry Kevin’s name,” Helen said. “And while I understand that many children are being given his name since his death gained so much attention, we in this room will know that it is your son who will most remind us of him. Thank you.”
Brighton and Sondra smiled and excused themselves. Jesik marveled at how much depth Tom had gained since his marriage. He’d always been an excellent officer, but now was an excellent man. He would be the kind of father every child deserved. After the door closed and Jesik and Helen were alone, he said, “Would you like to talk more about Kevin?”
She looked up, anxiously.
“No, thank you. I’m not ready yet.”
“Then perhaps we should talk about our boy, Sean. He’s an outstanding young man as well. Many of his mannerisms remind me of you.”
“But, he looks and acts like you – decisive and strong.”
“Improved by your sensitivity and concern.”
Tears appeared in her eyes. “Oh, Pietr, I failed both of them, don’t you see.”
“You did what was forced on you.”
“No, I was too weak to stand up to my father. We should have raised Sean together. After I married Richard Wight I was also too weak to insist we move to a neighborhood where Kevin wouldn’t be so isolated. Kevin’s father was concerned only about our social standing and children bothered him. So we rarely had any youngsters over for Kevin to play with. I was lonesome too.” Helen put her face in her hands and started crying. Jesik moved to comfort her, but she stiffened at his approach and immediately wiped her eyes. “I’m sorry, Pietr, I shouldn’t have. I think it would be better if I returned to my room now.” She stood to leave.
“May I escort you?”
“No, thank you. I know my way. And thank you for a pleasant evening. I’m glad the Brightons stopped by; it seems like they’ll be wonderful parents.”
Back in control, she was again the perfect hostess. She moved to the door and out into the darkened corridor, leaving Jesik alone—again. Her isolation had made her a recluse and the light that once shone from her eyes was gone.
* * *
As the magical day approached, the wedding party assembled for the traditional rehearsal and wedding dinner. “Well-orchestrated pandemonium,” one participant noted, with video crews from every star system and sector angling for the best position to capture the couple as they emerged from the temple. According to ancient tradition, the ceremony itself was private, with just family and closest friends. But after the couple emerges, they were to board a small, open, air shuttle to float down the main boulevard of the Capitol City to the great plaza, where the craft would rise to officially greet the assembled crowd as husband and wife, the Crown Princess and. in this case, her Consort. The title was unusual and followed an earlier conversation between Isabec and Sean. “While it’s tradition to wait until after my accession to the throne to declare my husband a consort, my father and I feel that doing so immediately will show the monarchy’s resolve to include you as royalty in spite of your mixed bloodlines. Is that alright with you,” Isabec asked Sean. “We’re going to be married forever, so why wait?” Sean agreed, overwhelmed by all that was happening. The announcement was to be a surprise to the crowd.
At the appointed time in the rehearsal dinner each parent was allowed to stand and offer a toast or remembrance of the couple, which led to some amusing stories and sentimental recollections. Then it was time for the Best Man’s toast, and Travis Eaves’s rose to his feet, coughed to clear his throat, and then said, “Perhaps you’ll join me in a toast to the fortunate couple.”
“To a life of endless surprises,
To a life of sorrows shared,
To a life of meaningful service,
To children, carefully reared,
To laugh and love each other,
Best friends in all the worlds,
That in the end the memories,
Will be worthy and complete,
From an old friend who will always cherish you,
Best wishes and healthy feet”
The crowd applauded their approval and then Sean laughed as he looked down at his feet. He’d had the first of three scheduled surgeries and even though he’d taken the prescribed anti-radiation medicine, the exposure to his feet had caused the bones to deteriorate to the point where the surgeons had to go in and scrape each surface smooth and clean. That was followed by a series of injections with synthetic marrow that, in time, would provide the strength needed to sustain the weight of his body. Next was to reconstruct the tendons and muscles and finally graft skin from his thighs to replace the tissue that refused to heal. It would be easier to accept prosthetic feet, or a cadaver transplant, but the Alturians had an almost-mystical attachment to the natural body that made them fight long after Kalenden medics would have given up. His doctors took him on as their chance to make an offering to he who would stand at the side of their monarch. Thus, they treated his feet with reverence. He endured the pain, hopeful that one day he could fully use his legs again. In the meantime, he’d been fitted with special braces that attached to his calves and thighs in such a way that he could stand with his feet suspended a few centimeters off the ground. The braces were painful and took getting used to, but eventually he learned to balance on them. Unfortunately, though, they were only practical for standing, not walking and so he was fine with Travis wheeling him down the corridors until the moment of the actual ceremony, where he would stand briefly, then kneel at an altar to take Isabec as his wife.
“Who would have thought I could write poetry,” said Eaves.
“I liked the part about the old friend who will cherish me,” Magill responded, “I’m more surprised that you can be sentimental than that you can write poetry. Will you read that again,?” Everyone laughed.
Then Jesik stood. “All I can add is that it’s been my privilege to know Sean as an officer, before I knew him as my son. He’s a superlative person in both roles and our systems will be well served to enjoy his service as a diplomat and adviser. Congratulations, Sean. And may God grant you and
Princess Isabec long life and good fortune.”
His words were greeted with the traditional “Here, here!”
Finally, the King rose, mindful that every word spoken this night would be repeated by the servants and most likely appear in the morning editions of the paper.
“It’s been too long that there’s been a division among our many families. While it’s appropriate to distinguish people by roles, so that each can perform his or her life’s work with excellence, it’s simply wrong to do so exclusively by virtue of birth. In this young man, whom I have come to love and respect, we have hope of reconciliation. Sean, you are taking the one thing in the universe, aside from my wife, that I truly value. Please treat her well, placing the needs of your family ahead of even the needs of our system. Only when your family is right, will you be able to offer great service to others.”
Turning to his daughter he said, “Isabec, Sean’s a good man. Don’t try to run over him, as is so often your wont. He and I have talked privately and he knows he doesn’t have to take it.” She looked up at her father with a scowl, but quickly changed it to a mischievous smile. “Love him forever, as deeply as I know you do now and I have no worries for your future.” Then, picking up his glass he said, “A toast to the royal heirs.” And on that, the evening adjourned.
The ceremony, the next day, was elegantly simple and they were pleased that their most important moment when they accepted each other as husband and wife, was held away from the glare of the spotlight.
When they exited the temple, things were no longer quiet. The welcoming they received moving toward the Plaza was spectacular, with more than 100,000 people lining the way and billions more viewing from all corners of the adjacent universe. The wedding party floated down the main concourse on an open reviewing platform until they reached the historic center of the plaza, which tradition held was the place of the first landing of the original Earth settlers.
At the conclusion of the wedding ceremony, Travis Eaves slipped away from the main party and led an honor guard of six Allegro fighters in a dramatic fly-over, dipping their wings in honor of the royal couple on the first pass. On the return pass, just as they reached the reviewing stand, Eaves peeled off and disappeared as an honor to the sacrifice made by the new Prince’s younger brother. That one did Jesik in, for Kevin’s death would forever remain an open wound.
Assault on Cambriol: The Manhattan Trials Page 37