Andromeda

by Glenn Jackson

  “Yes, and our expectation is not that this becomes your forever, but that you take the reins for some number of years, maybe thirty or so. By the time I would transfer power I will have been the leader for nearly thirty years, both as President and then Empress. I believe it is long enough.”

  Landon finally spoke, “I don’t know what to say.”

  “Of course, I didn’t expect you to jump and yell, ‘I’ll take it’.”

  He laughed, and said, “But, Your Majesty, I am speechless because Tabitha and I talked about this as a dream on our journey back from Andromeda. We agreed that if it were to happen, we would love it and accept the opportunity with open arms.”

  Tabitha then added, “Yes, Your Majesty. We talked about this and agreed that if it happened, we would accept, and then we would travel the stars to see the galaxies and try to provide the same genuine caring leadership we have seen from you.”

  “And there is one thing you do not know, Your Majesty. Lakelyn, Lanica and I are telepathic. We can communicate instantly regardless of the distance. We three have already discussed this dream, in a joking way, and agreed it would be a wonderful opportunity.”

  Stephanie smiled, saying, “Well then, we could appoint each of them as Archduchess of their galaxy and you as Emperor. I would be very pleased with that and can see how this talent would greatly assist in coordinating actions.”

  “Yes. But we would want to go through rejuvenation first, so we are the same age biologically.”

  “Heather and I thought so as well. I intend to make the announcement in the fall, after you have completed rejuvenation. There are two spots open at the Xena clinic waiting for you.”

  Landon stood and hugged her. “Thank you, Your…”

  She cut him off. “Stop! Landon, I have known you since you were born. I am and always will be, your aunt first. I love you.”

  “I love you, aunt Stephanie. Thank you for this opportunity.”

  “You’re welcome. We will see if you still wish me well after you’ve had to deal with all the issues that arise.” She turned to Tabitha, and said, “Tabitha, we have only known each other a short time, but in all my activities with you, you have shown me you are an honest, tough, passionate lady. I love you and want the very best for both of you.”

  “Thank you, Stephanie. I love Landon with all my heart and look forward to sharing in this new adventure.”

  “Very well. A transport awaits you, we will meet again after you complete your rejuvenation.”

  59.305.16

  “Brian, how many years in your current biology do you expect to live?”

  “Well, I believe I have about seventy years until my rejuvenation.”

  “Yes, and the current process yields about a seven-hundred-and-fifty-year life expectancy, absent death.”

  “That’s correct.”

  “So, I have about four hundred and fifty years or so before my next rejuvenation. That means you are currently passing your prime, and then when you rejuvenate, I will be a little older than you.”

  “True, but not an insurmountable concern.”

  “I’m not sure. You may, after your rejuvenation, decide you want to do something different. I may, after my next one, decide likewise.”

  “What is the alternative? Not be together?”

  “No, but I think we have to look at this differently, now that we have such long life potential. You know, people who fall in love with only a limited lifespan commit to a lifetime together. That makes sense. They commit to one long term relationship. That is what I had with Steven and what you had with Molly. That was the expectation, and we transferred that expectation into our possibly very long lifespans.”

  “But now, we see how long these lives can be, we see how we change emotionally and biologically through rejuvenation. We live lives that last hundreds, or perhaps thousands of years, and see how we can pursue so many different experiences. Maybe we need to look at how we establish our long-term relationships in a different way. Maybe we need to artificially break it into manageable pieces of commitment, so we can deal with it.”

  “What are you thinking?”

  “I’m thinking of changing how we manage our most important long-term relationship. Perhaps we should establish a one-hundred-year contract, renewable if desired, that includes the expected number of children, separate financial arrangements, or other considerations, as a tool in having a way to manage this very long life.”

  “Is that love?”

  “What is love? I love you right now. I see no reason not to love you every moment going forward. But what if one of us decides after a hundred years that we want to do something with our life that the other one doesn’t want to do? If the timeline of commitment is forever, and we live another three thousand years, will we be able to weather that amount of time? Will we become bored with each other? I see challenges and reasons for failure. I see possible inabilities to be who we each, as individuals, are, or want to be.”

  “So, you are saying we love each other, and we commit to love each other for one hundred years. Then, if we decide we want to stay together for more time we can, but if we don’t, well, no hard feelings, but we each move on to a new adventure?”

  “Yes, something like that. I mean, some people may only want a fifty-year contract and no kids. Some people may want a two-hundred-year contract and twenty kids. It would depend on the individuals. But no relationship begins without two people finding and loving each other, and no contract could exist without both party’s agreement.”

  “Interesting. I hadn’t thought of this before, but you are right, our exceptional long life does create challenges. This would be a way to prevent long-term emotional abuse for people in a relationship for life that was poisonous for them, especially a life that could last hundreds of years.”

  “Yes, and you could even have a contract with no specific end date, but with an understanding that if one party decides it is time, all that is required is a pre-determined notice and the contract ends.”

  “Based on this, we would be married through my rejuvenation. Are you saying you would be there to support me through it?”

  “Absolutely. You would be my husband and I your wife. We would raise a family, and then, at the end of the contract, we could either decide to renegotiate, or allow it to expire and go our separate ways while remaining friends for our children’s sake.”

  “How many children do you want?”

  “Right now? I think two or three would be enough.”

  He went down on one knee, and said, “Erica Beckett, I am not sure how this contracting thing should work, but I am very willing to give it a try, with you. Will you marry me and make babies with me, and share a beautiful love with me?”

  She wasn’t quite prepared for this but blushed, and said, “Yes!”

  They went on to work with an attorney who helped draft the very first contract between people for this purpose. Once complete, they were married in a quiet ceremony with only their kids and a few very close friends in attendance. A new process for managing exceptional long life had been created.

  59.353.10

  It took some time, but eventually the entire Wilson Family assembled in the Throne Room of the Imperial Palace. They were in a reserved section in the front of the general audience. The room was filled with more people than had ever been assembled in this room before, as word had been released of significant changes to the leadership of the Empire to be announced. Empress Stephanie entered from the door behind the throne, and they all stood.

  “Good morning everyone!”

  “Good Morning, Your Majesty!”

  “Thank you! Please, be seated. It is wonderful to see everyone here today. Most of you here may not know this; but assembled here in front with me today are all the members of my family. I haven’t seen some of you in a very long time. Since this is a meeting of T
he Wilson Family, to begin, I believe it is only right to turn this meeting over to Archduke Wilson for some comments, as he is the namesake of our family.”

  As he rose and walked up onto the elevated platform, everyone cheered.

  “Thank you! Wow, Your Majesty is so right, it has been too long since we all managed to gather together. It is wonderful to see everyone after all we have been through, lost, gained, survived. We have been on the cutting edge of change, and I suspect we will continue on that road for some time. But alas, times do change. However, as much as I enjoy the spotlight, it is only proper that Empress Stephanie of the Known Universe continue this meeting, as there is news you each need to hear.” He turned and bowed to her, and said, “Your Majesty,” then walked and sat down.

  Stephanie turned to the assembled family, and said, “Thank you, Jeffrey. Well, as the Archduke, Fleet Admiral of the Imperial Fleet and my brother said, there is news. The first news is this; Jeffrey and Heather will retire effective today. But even as they retire, their titles change. Jeffrey and Heather, please come forward.”

  They stood and walked to the base of the stairs.

  “I need your sword, Admiral.”

  He handed it to her, and she said, “Please kneel, both of you.”

  She raised the sword and then touched their left and right shoulders, saying, “I name you Archduke and Archduchess Emeritus of the Known Universe. Your direct service to the crown is over, but your place in our hearts and minds never ends. Please rise.”

  They stood to cheers from the entire family and the assembled audience, who knew all too well their contributions to their lives. The cheering and applause lasted several minutes. Stephanie told them they could sit, so they did. Then she said, “Fleet Admiral Wilson, please come forth.”

  Jeffrey went back to her and stood, waiting.

  “Marquis Edric of Outer Sea, please come forth.”

  Edric rose and walked to stand beside Jeffrey.

  “General Chou, please bring in the General Staff of the Imperial Fleet.”

  “Your Majesty.” He signaled and all the chief admirals of the fleet, including the marine generals, rose from their seats and walked over and stood behind Jeffrey and Edric.

  “Fleet Admiral Wilson, please remove your sword and hand it to me.”

  Jeffrey unfastened the sword, belt and all, and handed it to her.

  “Fleet Admiral Wilson, I accept your retirement from your position as Fleet Admiral for the Imperial Starfleet, and my personal military advisor. Thank you for all the years of your service. Without you, we would not be where we are today. You are relieved.”

  Jeffrey bowed, and everyone began clapping and cheering their congratulations. All of the admirals and generals stood at attention and saluted him. Jeffrey turned and walked over to sit by Heather.

  “Marquis Edric Wilstar of Outer Sea, you have demonstrated extreme bravery in the face of the enemy, you have a strong desire to lead and establish a strong military capable of defending our two galaxies, you have heart, and passion.” She handed the sword to him, saying, “I hereby appoint you as Fleet Admiral of the Imperial Starfleet and as my personal military advisor.”

  Jeffrey was the first to stand and clap. Everyone else followed his lead, as the admirals and generals saluted their new commander. After a few moments, Stephanie called Kare to join them.

  “Marchioness Karondellia Wilstar of Outer Sea, please come forth and stand beside your husband.”

  Kare walked up and stood beside Edric, not knowing why she was called.

  “Admiral Wilstar, I am in need of your sword.”

  Edric pulled the ceremonial sword out and handed it to her, handle first.

  “Both of you, please kneel.” Once they knelt, she raised the sword and touched their shoulders, saying, “I name you Archduke and Archduchess of the Known Universe. Rise, as leaders of the universe in my Empire.”

  They rose and were surprised at the honor. “Thank you, Your Majesty.”

  “No, Kare, thank you for having the courage to be leaders in this new Empire. You will be stepping into some very big shoes. I wish you all the best.”

  Once the celebration stopped, Stephanie dismissed the admiral’s staff. Then she said, “Admiral Wilstar, please join me. I am in need, again, of your sword. Grand Princess Erica Beckett, Grand Princess Arabella Roberts, and Lady Diana Roberts, please come forward.”

  Once they were assembled, she said, “The two of you have provided examples of leadership, commitment, loyalty, passion, dedication, competency; there are no words to truly describe the contribution you have made to our family, galaxy and the Empire. Your footsteps will be difficult for anyone to follow. Erica and Arabella, please kneel.”

  She touched their shoulders with the sword and said, “I name you Grand Princesses Emeritus of the Known Universe. Please rise. Like Jeffrey and Heather, your direct contribution to the crown is over, but your place in our hearts and minds never ends.”

  She began clapping and everyone joined in to a loud congratulations. Everyone knew what a huge contribution these two had provided for the family and the course of history, they had witnessed over the years.

  “Lady Diana Roberts, please kneel. I name you Grand Princess of the Galactic Bank. Rise as a leader in my Empire.”

  Everyone cheered again at this appointment.

  The Empress was not done. “Lanica, Lakelyn, and Landon, please join me, with your spouses.”

  General Chou, please bring in the General Staff of the Imperial Fleet.”

  Once they were assembled, she continued, “Our future is going to be different. The biggest difference is that I will no longer be the Empress of the Empire.” A noise went through the chamber, and Stephanie raised her hand for silence.

  “As with my brother and sister, Jeffrey and Heather, and as with Erica and Arabella, I have decided to retire. It has been a great honor serving you, but the time has come. The official coronation ceremony naming my successor will be next year on two thirty-one at noon, here, in the palace in this throne room. But today I will announce my successor to you and this person will begin shadowing me and preparing for this duty.”

  “Lanica and Lakelyn, please kneel. I hereby name you Queen Lanica of the Andromeda Galaxy and Queen Lakelyn of the Milky Way Galaxy. Rise as rulers of your kingdoms within my Empire.”

  There was much applause and the Admirals and Generals saluted their new superiors.

  She waited until the celebration was over, then said, “Reginald and Matthew, please kneel. I hereby name you Sovereign Prince Reginald of the Milky Way Galaxy and Sovereign Prince Matthew of the Andromeda Galaxy. Rise as leaders within my Empire. Lakelyn and Lanica, please take a seat, with your spouses.”

  She waited, then said, “Landon will be my successor as Emperor, with Tabitha his wife, as Empress. These appointments will be made at the coronation ceremony next year, but for now, please join me as we celebrate these changes.”

  Everyone cheered and yelled their support, and the admirals and generals saluted! They were ecstatic and very glad the leadership would remain in The Wilson Family.

  “For now, please celebrate and enjoy these newly appointed positions. And you three, don’t forget who your mother and father are, or who your aunts, uncles, cousins, and the rest of the family is. Most importantly, never forget our commitment to supporting our people, ensuring their safety and peaceful lives. Stay true to our values and you will be very successful.”

  60.231.12

  “I believe everyone is here, Your Majesty.”

  “Thank you, Heather. After today, I look forward to simply being Stephanie again.”

  “Well, you have earned everything you have gotten, both as the Empress and as Andromeda.”

  “Yes, and I could not have been successful at any of it without you, Diedre, and of course, Jeffrey.”

  �
�It has been a good ride, and I too look forward to getting you back home for a long time, just living and having a family.”

  A knock, then a Royal Page entered, saying, “It is time, Your Majesty.”

  “Very well, let us begin.”

  “I am completely nervous, uncle.”

  “Nonsense, you are young, married to a beautiful woman, passionate about life, and surrounded by people who love you. There’s nothing to be nervous about.”

  He laughed. “You make it sound so easy.”

  “Well, it is, as long as you make the right decisions.”

  They both chuckled.

  “I believe Edric will make an awesome Fleet Admiral. He seems so genuine, and Tabitha has very high confidence in him.”

  “I agree. I think you will find that the Empress made good choices. I know she did, including naming you as her successor.”

  “Thank you, uncle.”

  A knock, then a Royal Page entered, saying, “It is time, My Lord.”

  “Very well, let us begin.”

  They made their way to the throne room and entered by a side door. Landon walked to his assigned seat and sat, side by side with his sisters, awaiting the Empress, with their spouses seated behind them. Jeffrey sat with Heather and their children, along with many other family members and a host of the Empire’s nobility.

  Empress Stephanie had taken the Royal Carriage, pulled by real horses, from the palace quarters area out a side gate and traveled through the city. The people yelled and screamed their love for her as the procession made its way. The streets were lined with Imperial Marines dressed in their ceremonial dress.

  Once they arrived at the Palace Throne Room Gate, she disembarked and walked slowly through the giant doors into the magnificent chamber of the people. She walked slowly through the cheering members of royalty from across both galaxies, waving and smiling.

  When she arrived at the bottom of the stairs, she motioned for Edric and Kare to join her. They followed her up the stairs and stood beside her as she sat on the throne. Everyone sat down and waited.