“You know, I am so looking forward to this next phase of our lives. To finally be able to let others worry about things and spend time with children and friends just enjoying life.”
“Yep. This is going to be a fabulous adventure!”
“Speaking of adventures. When we leave here, we will go to The Outer Sea to see Solon’s home. I am very much looking forward to it.”
“Solon, take her on a sailing ship. I know you will love it, Stephanie.”
“Oh, don’t worry, I intend to show her all the wonders of our little island kingdom.”
59.164.12
“Oh my God, this is glorious!”
They were in the open sea in a forty-foot sloop, like the one Landon first experienced. They were out of sight of land and cutting through waves with a brisk wind blowing their hair and spray from the ocean in their face.
Solon was laughing while she steered the boat. “We’ll make a sailor of you yet!”
“We need to take one of these to Xena!”
“We can do that. Now, we need to turn east and return to port before dark.”
“Okay, here we go!”
They worked the sails and navigated their way back to Immoria. They returned to the castle and cleaned up and had dinner. They eventually ended up alone sitting in the great hall in front of the fire.
“I had so much fun today.”
“Yes, me as well. Kare and Edric will be here tomorrow, so maybe we can travel up to their cabin at the foot of the waterfall and the hot springs in Baykol. It is a delightful place. I think we should ride horses there. It will take several hours, but it is worth the soreness of the journey.”
“If you say so. Solon, I love you. Thank you for showing me such joy today.”
“My love, of course. But I think I had as much fun as you just watching you experience it.”
“Maybe. I do look forward to stepping down from being the Empress. This has been such a long journey. Don’t get me wrong, I loved every moment of it and especially the companionship of Heather and Jeffrey. But I am ready for a new adventure, with you.”
“Stephanie, we have not discussed when or where to get married. I assume you have a plan?”
She smiled, and said, “Yes, my love, I do. I am thinking that I should transfer power in about a year. Then I want us to enter rejuvenation together, so we begin our new life the same age biologically. Then, about eighteen months from now, we say our vows. Would that work for you?”
“Yes, that sounds like a perfect plan. But you didn’t say where.”
“Ah. I’m thinking of a place under a tree.”
“Then what?”
“I want to live on Xena, with my family. We can travel to Immoria as often as you wish, and I am certain Helen, Kare and Edric will come visit us. But I want to begin the next adventure with the ones I started it with.”
“I understand that. Okay, I believe we have a good plan. Now, you should get some rest, because since you have not ridden horses, tomorrow is going to be a long but joyful day.”
The next morning, they went to the stables and found Edric and Kare saddled up and ready to go.
“Hi! How are you?”
“We are fine, Your Majesty. Are you enjoying your time on our little island?”
“Yes, I am having a wonderful time. Your brother is a wonderful host.”
“Well, we will see about that after a full day’s ride. I sent staff ahead to prepare food and fire, so when we arrive it will be prepared.”
“Wonderful, then let’s be off.”
They rode through the streets of the city then turned northeast. The mountains were not too far away.
“So, these are the Ariel Mountains you have spoken of?”
“Yes. They cut our island in half. This side is Immoria and the other side is Azulon.”
“Interesting. They are beautiful. Tell me, is it always snowy on the mountains? It’s warm down here, but I can see snow on the tops.”
“Yes, it’s always snowy, but it is passable. There are some beautiful meadows and waterfalls high in the mountains.”
They continued the journey and late in the afternoon, as the sun was preparing to set, they came to the cabin, nestled by a warm spring with a very high waterfall in the background. The sun was just beginning to touch the mountains with its changing colors.
“Oh, my. This is beautiful.”
“Yes, and the thing to do now, is to go inside and quickly change and get in the warm spring. Your muscles will feel a lot better for it. Plus, you will get to see the beauty of the changing light on the mountains and waterfall.”
They all did just that and soon found themselves sitting in the warm springs watching the light show. They were given drinks and just relaxed in the water.
“My goodness, I feel what you mean. My muscles are tight, and this really does help.”
“Yes, and the wine relaxes the mind. Look, the first colors of orange as it climbs to the top.”
They sat until it was nearly dark. Their staff had started a big fire and dinner was served inside the cabin, then they went back outside to enjoy the evening.
“I was telling Solon, that Kare and I really enjoy traveling the stars. That first starship we had, well the second actually, Ladybird, is wonderful.”
“Yes. We don’t think we can sit here on this planet for long before we need to go explore.”
“Let me ask you a question. Would you consider joining Star Fleet?”
“Well, we have never talked about it, but I don’t see why not. That would be a chance to see two galaxies!”
“Oh yes. That would be wonderful, although I am not sure what we could do.”
“Let me think about it and maybe I can come up with an idea.”
Later, as the fire began to die out, they went inside to their beds for a good night sleep.
59.214.15
It had been nearly three years since Steven had died in combat. Erica had continued her duties at the Galactic Bank, alongside Arabella. She did have to make multiple trips to Meladeran to discuss business; but managed to spend most of her time on Xena, with her kids and grand-kids. She was walking along the beach one afternoon when she saw a gentleman sitting on a washed-up tree trunk, just staring out to sea.
“Hello, I hope I’m not disturbing you.”
He did seem startled for a moment, then said, “Oh, hi. No, I was just staring into space, thinking.”
“Penny for your thoughts?”
He smiled at the old cliché. “Well, since you asked, I was thinking about what life used to be like and what it is like today.”
“What changed?”
“My wife, Molly, passed away about two years ago, and I just can’t seem to quite get back on track for that whole enjoyment thing.”
Erica paused, then said, “Yes, I understand that feeling. My husband was killed in the war, about three years ago. I always imagined we would live together forever.”
“Yes, me too. When she passed, I thought my world ended. But here I am, still alive and plodding along. We never had children, although we always wanted to.”
“What do you do then?”
“I am a doctor at the rejuvenation clinic. I’m sorry, I didn’t introduce myself. I am Dr. Brian Thompson, a physician at the Xena Rejuvenation Clinic and also a professor in the university.”
Erica shook his hand, saying, “I’m Erica Beckett.”
He laughed. “Yes, I know. I recognized you from the many photos, videos and other items that dot our small world. I believe you are actually Grand Princess Erica Beckett of the Galactic Bank, if I am not mistaken.”
Erica laughed. “Well, yes, you got me. Sorry, I don’t usually go by all the titles and such.”
“Oh, I understand that. I never did like being titled as a doctor. I just wanted to be Brian.
”
“Well, Brian, please call me Erica.”
“Of course, Erica.”
“Are you going to sit here all afternoon, or do you plan to have something to eat as the sun sets?”
“I plan on having something to eat. Up until a moment ago I expected to have a quiet meal of gruel in my home. But I think my plans may have changed.”
“Oh? How so?”
“If I am not mistaken, and if I may be so bold, I hope to be having dinner with you, if you are willing.”
She smiled, saying, “Well, what kind of person would I be if I didn’t take some time out of my otherwise busy life and have dinner with someone who likes to sit by the sea?”
“Splendid!” He stopped for a moment and gazed out to sea, then turned to her, and said, “Thank you, Erica, for stopping by and lifting my spirit. You have already done more than you know to help me heal. I appreciate it.”
“You are welcome, Brian. You have lifted my spirit as well. I look forward to dinner, and maybe getting to know you better.”
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“Good Morning, Arabella.”
“Good Morning, Erica. Anything on the agenda today?”
“Well, nothing really urgent, certainly nothing Diana can’t handle.”
“Yes, she does seem to love all this.”
“Which brings me to the subject of the day. Arabella, I am ready to retire from this banking business and have a life again.”
Arabella smiled, saying, “This wouldn’t have anything to do with that nice doctor you’ve been seeing would it?”
Erica laughed, “Well, maybe a little. I’m starting to feel alive again, and I just want to do something different from running this business.”
“I get that. You know, I am ready for a change as well. Maybe we should talk with Jeffrey and Stephanie.”
“I think it’s time. I know they all happen to be here on Xena for a vacation. Let’s hop over and see them.”
“Okay.”
They walked from the bank to a transport hub and bobbed out to their house. They walked up to the door and it opened for them, inviting them in. Once inside they heard a barrage of sound. Walking further inside they found the entire family involved in a crazy game of three-dimensional Twister. It seemed to take all of them inside the projection to make it work. The little kids were obviously having the most fun, but all of them were into it.
Jeffrey saw them first, saying, “Hi Erica and Arabella! We will be right there, as soon as we win this team battle!”
“You aren’t going to win, Admiral!”
“Well, Your Majesty, we’ll just see about that!” With that he shifted his right foot from a ground spot to a ceiling spot, making him look like a true pretzel. Heather started laughing and very soon the entire group collapsed into a pile on the floor.
“Alright, you won this time.”
“Definitely! Hi there you two! What brings you over today?”
“Well, Heather, we were hoping to have a conversation with you, Jeffrey and Stephanie about the future.”
“Personal future or business?”
“Oh, its mostly personal, but does involve the business.”
“Okay. Kathryn, would you take everyone out back to play for a while so we can have a conversation inside?”
“Sure, mom. Come on everyone, let’s play hide and seek outside!”
It was only a few minutes, then there was quiet. They sat around the living room on various couches and chairs.
Once they were seated, Jeffrey said, “Okay, we’re all here and we’re all ears.”
Stephanie interjected, “Before you begin, is this about being ready to do something different and retire from the bank?”
They looked at each other, then Arabella said, “Yes. How did you know?”
She chuckled. “You two are so dear to me. We have, the five of us, spent a lot of time together. Heather is actually the one who mentioned it to Jeffrey and I. She senses things most of us miss. She said that with your new romance, Erica, and Arabella’s daughter working at the bank and wanting to run it, she thought both of you would want to find new adventures.”
“Well, she is right. I feel alive for the first time in three years and I am so ready for a new life, new adventure, a new future.”
“Yes, and Marcus and I are also ready for something completely new. It’s time, Stephanie.”
“I couldn’t agree more. Well, we have always said there would come a time, right Jeffrey?”
“Yes. We have told you both, since the first day you were the President’s of JW Enterprises, that we would find a new way to manage this business. A question for you before we continue. Do you both believe Diana is ready for that role as well? Is she ready to be the leader of JW Enterprises? Because ultimately, that is what we own. The Galactic Bank is owned more by the Empire than as a business owned by us.”
Erica began. “Arabella, let me start. I have watched Diana for quite a few years grow into a fine young woman. She is now fifty-two years old, with a life expectancy of one hundred and twenty. She is, as they say, in her prime for this. She has demonstrated all the qualities expected of a leader. I believe she would do a wonderful job.”
“Well, I can only say that I believe my daughter will be perfect for it. She has learned a lot from all of us and has participated in many of our programs and events. She completed her doctorate degree in business and intergalactic trade. I think she is ready.”
“Very well. Will we continue the contract as it has been, or change it?”
“I believe we should keep it as is. That is the one piece of continuity we have and a safety net for all. Should we end up with her running as a loose cannon, which I do not believe will happen, I think we always need a safety mechanism to control it.”
“Very well, I agree. Stephanie?”
“The Galactic Bank supports two galaxies with financial support, planning, and information. It is a huge operation, and I know it has many people at many layers. Having observed Diana many times in various situations, I too, believe she is ready for the responsibility.”
“When do you want to make this official?”
“We were thinking in about four months, say around three fifty?”
“Okay, I think that will work for me as well. In the meantime, please go ahead and do what needs to be done to prepare Diana for the new position.” Stephanie paused, then said, “So, Erica, what are you going to do?”
She smiled, and said, “I think I might be falling in love with a man and will go where my heart desires. A new adventure.”
“What about you, Arabella?”
“I’m not sure yet, but Marcus and I are ready for a new adventure.”
“I think we are all ready for something new. I hope that while we each explore new things, we still stay close.”
“Absolutely!”
59.290.07
“Heather, there are a lot of plans that have to occur in order for me to join you in retirement.”
“I know. However, until you go through with your plan you cannot retire at all. You are the Empress of two galaxies, a lot to extricate yourself from.”
“Yes. Well, Landon and Tabitha will be here soon. If he is agreeable, that will be the major step.”
“Do you think he’ll take it on?”
“I think so. He has demonstrated significant interest, and he is still young.”
“Yes, but he will likely want to go with Tabitha through rejuvenation, so they are of similar age once he starts.”
“Yes, I expect that, and it fits my timeline.”
At that moment a page entered, saying, “Your Majesty, Sir Landon Wilson-Jackson and Lady Tabitha Wilson-Jackson.”
They entered the room and walked up to Stephanie, where he bowed, and she curtsied.
“Welcome back to the Mi
lky Way and Meladeran.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty. It was a very long journey, but not without a lot of joy in the process.”
“I am glad to hear it. Now, everyone please leave us, except Heather.”
After everyone had departed, she walked over to Landon and gave him a hug, and Tabitha.
“It is so good to see you.”
“And you, Aunt Stephanie.” They also hugged Heather.
“Landon, Tabitha, I have something to discuss with you that could impact the rest of your lives. This conversation must be secret, at least for now. Please, have a seat.”
Once they were seated, Stephanie stood in front of them and began.
“A long time ago I met Jeffrey and became part of his plan to save our species from extinction. Heather joined us as well, and we three accomplished quite a lot. It was during the First Galactic War that I was pushed into a leadership role, to be the President of the Galactic Federation. But with our victory and the constant improvements in technology, we soon expanded the federation to include the entire galaxy. At that time, the council voted to name me Empress for life.”
“Well, as you know, a lifetime for us can be a very long time, but I accepted. Then we were attacked and eventually defeated a military force from the Andromeda Galaxy. So now, I am the Empress of the Known Universe. The problem is, I am tired of being the Empress. I want to get married to Solon, have babies and explore new adventures.”
She paused, then looking directly at Landon, said, “That is where you come in. I am offering you the Empire. I am offering you to become the Emperor, and Tabitha your Empress. I am hoping you can accept in order for me to move into my dreams of a new future.”
Landon and Tabitha sat there, not knowing what to think, much less what to say.
Heather added, “Landon, Tabitha, none of us ever wanted to be permanently stuck in these leadership roles. Jeffrey and I are also going to retire. Erica and Arabella as well. We have loved our journey, both the joys and sadness, and wouldn’t change it.”
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