by Lee Watts
"Professional courtesy I guess," Marcus said with a shrug.
"I'll call the explosive ordinance disposal."
"No time," Marcus said as he approached the device. "It's up to us."
"Well, there are only two wires, you gotta fifty-fifty chance," Johnson said.
"I've never been much of a gambling man," Marcus answered. His hand reached out to the device and hovered over where the two wires were connected. Red or green… green or red, he debated with himself. "I'm trained as security, not a bomb expert," he groused aloud. "Wait a minute; Commander Rayne isn't a bomb expert either." Looking at the device, Marcus noticed a single switch on the top of the counter and with forty-five seconds before detonation. With three choices pulling one of the wires or flipping the switch. He said a quick prayer and made his choice. He didn't live to regret his decision.
CHAPTER 30
"Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised." – Proverbs 31:30
With thirty-three seconds to go, Marcus flipped the switch of the small bomb, and the counter froze. So did his heart for a moment, but when the device simply sat there inert, his heart began beating again. Turning to his young comrade, Marcus gave him explicit instruction.
"Take this thing, and CAREFULLY get it out of the palace… far, far out then get the ventilation system reset and pump all this Baralyne out of here fast. I'm going to let the king know we've neutralized the threat.
Using the hallway connecting the royal conference chambers to the back of the royal platform, Marcus cracked the door slightly. President Ilan of the Entauri cluster was on the platform giving a speech in his native language about his worlds' promising future in having joined the Realm. Aulani was next to him interrupting into Theeran while Alexander was standing to the side so Ilan could be center stage. This allowed the king to notice the rear door barely opening. Seeing his old friend Marcus, the king knew there must be important news. Marcus mouthed the word "Bomb," then made a slashing motion across his throat.
Alexander froze. He didn't know if that meant they're all about to die or the bomb was defused. He gave Marcus a confused look and from the side of his mouth whispered, "What?"
Marcus repeated, "Bomb," then quickly extended three of his fingers twice as he mouthed the words, "Thirty-three seconds," then cut across his throat again.
This is it, Alexander thought. In thirty-three seconds we're all dead. His mind rushed in thought. Should he rush over and kiss Aulani in their last moments of life, should he warn the people to cry out to the Elder because they were all about to die. Should he- then he stopped. He realized it didn't make sense for Marcus to subtly come over and let him know they were all about to die in half a minute. He quickly looked back at his old friend who mouthed the words "Twenty-four," referring to the number of times he saved the king's life. Alexander smiled and gave him a nod.
Ilan finished with his speech, turned to Alexander and the two shook hands as the journalists photographed and broadcast the ceremony uniting the two powers. As Alexander took his place at the throne, Ilan returned to his table on the floor and Aulani went to her position at the back right of the king. Caedmon stepped forward and announced the king would now present for the High Council's approval his choice for Premier Lady of the Realm.
"Lady Vivica Canton of Enty, step forward," Cademon proclaimed.
Vivica strutted toward the royal platform, giving Alexander a wink as she approached then, with an air of superiority, glanced to Aulani. Making sure to add a not-quite-so-slight sway of her hips, she ascended the platform's steps. Her high, thin heels perfectly matched her tight and revealing gown. Upon reaching the platform's top, she turned to the crowd and smiled brightly, her azure eyes glistening with the lights. As the crowd applauded, cameras flashed while members of the media captured the event; other journalist broadcast the happenings live throughout the worlds of the liberated Realm. Vivica stood as a beauty queen, drinking in her moment and savoring the attention and adulation.
As the applause died down, Caedmon addressed the hall in his deep, full voice.
"The crown doth now present Lady Vivica Canton of Enty to the assembled members of the High Council for confirmation as Premier Lady of the Realm. What doth the voice of the Council say unto its king?"
Marquis Matthews stood to speak for the Council because the nominee was from the planet he represented.
"The crown doth recognize, Nathan Matthews, Marquis of Estrada, senior Councilman of Enty."
"Thank you," Nathan said with an opening bow. "My Liege, fellow High Councilors, honored guests, this is a day long awaited by the people of my world and her colonies - a day when the royal house is again made representative of the entire Realm. May our great alliance of worlds be strengthened by this union, and may it serve to solidify our bond, so the Realm is never again shaken in her solidarity. Tonight, it is my privilege and distinguished honor to nominate a most beautiful and refined woman - a woman of poise and dignity who is a shining example of what is most befitting in the title of Premier Lady of the Realm." Extending his arm toward the royal platform, he proclaimed, "The world of Enty is proud to nominate as Premier Lady… Miss Aulani Suchet, of Entauri Major!"
There was a palatable gasp from everyone in the room, even the air held its breath in shock of the announcement. Aulani, as surprised as anyone, locked eyes with Nathan.
Did he really say what I thought he did?
Vivica's eyes grew wide, and she turned her head slightly toward the other woman. From the corner of her eye, Aulani caught a glance of the seething blond.
Yes, I guess he did.
Taken aback, Caedmon took a moment to compose himself before speaking.
"Miss Aulani Suchet, step forward," he at last instructed.
Heart pounding, she displayed none of the butterflies she felt but instead moved confidently but humbly from her spot at the back of the throne. Aulani stepped to the right-hand side of the platform, mirroring Vivica on the left.
With Aulani in position, Nathan explained his unexpected selection.
"This evening, as we welcome the worlds of the Entauri Cluster to the Realm, I am pleased that those former colonies of Enty now re-unite with us. I can think of no greater way to demonstrate their complete acceptance into the Realm, or for Enty to have so strong a representation in the royal house, than for a daughter representing both of these worlds to become our new queen. Lady Canton is exceedingly fair and a daughter of my beloved world. I bear her no ill will, but Miss Suchet's heritage represents not only Enty but also our greater union. She has stood at the king's side for years rendering service to our nation; what better choice could the Council make for the one to rule the Realm than one who has first served it."
Vivica subtly turned her eyes to Alexander and with a single, silent look insisted he, Do something!
Unprepared for anything like this, Alexander looked over his left shoulder toward Caedmon. By the expression on the aged man's face, it was clear the man who often saw glimpses of the future was given no foresight about this startling development. Catching Alexander's glance, Caedmon lifted his gaze then cleared his throat.
"The Marquis of Estrada hath made his nomination. Tradition dictates that two must needs add their voices before consideration of the matter by the full Council."
None of the Councilors dared move, and a long, awkward silence filled the expansive chamber. Vivica's eyes narrowed to slits as she scanned the room, but not a single person rose to add their support to Nathan's nomination. A smug smile crossed Vivica's face. She glanced to Aulani, relishing the Jungle Girl's public humiliation. Vivica delighted in her victory, savoring the delicious way it was playing out in front of the entire Realm. Her rival wouldn't be able to even show her face again after this.
Oh, this is perfect, the blonde thought in tremendous satisfaction. Absolutely perfect.
Aulani wondered how long she would have to stand there in embarrassing silence before Caedmo
n told her she could go back to her place. Cheyenne put a hand to her mouth as tears began to well in her eyes.
"Oh, no," she whispered. Just let her leave, she mentally pleaded. She wanted to run to Aulani and hold her in protection from the gawking onlookers but knew she couldn't. Helpless to stop the cruelty of the moment, all the dowager queen could do was watch the awkward spectacle. Those in the hall, and millions watching throughout the Realm gaped at the rejected girl on public display. Aulani considered running off the stage but thought it would only make things worse if that were even possible. The agony of the moment seemed to last forever. Hannah looked to her mother hoping she could make it better, but Elsa could only look at her little girl and shake her head. The six-year-old looked back to the platform as silent tears streaked her face. Caedmon glanced to Alexander who subtly mouthed an instruction to his vizier.
"Enough… End it," the King quietly instructed.
The old man nodded and turned to officially announce the rejection. He tried to think of some way he could phrase it to lessen the embarrassment or help Aulani save at least a modicum of dignity, but there was nothing he could possibly say that would ease the moment.
Then, breaking the tense stillness was heard the disruptive screech of a chair moving across the floor. The lone sound echoed off the high, cathedral-like walls. Pushing her seat back and slowly standing was a short, permanently scowling woman, Baroness Montay.
Caedmon said a quick and silent prayer then called to her using the traditional protocol of the confirmation ceremony.
"Baroness Montay of Celtis Po, as a member of the High Council, doth thee add thy voice and that of thy world to the nomination?"
"...I do."
A short moment later another Councilor rose.
"President Ilan of Entauri Major, as thou art now a member of the High Council, doth thee add thy voice and that of thy world to the nomination?"
"With great pride, I do."
"Then let the full Council speak, and its members now rise who wouldst add their confirmation."
First to their feet were the three Councilors from the other worlds of the Entauri Cluster, then the Countess from the Doneac system, eventually followed by many others. With the leading of Marquis Matthews, Enty's chief representative, Councilors from its many colony worlds also stood. Disgruntled, but wanting to stay in good standing with the other Council members, Councilman Mill of New Enty was the last to rise, making the vote unanimous.
"Sire," Caedmon proclaimed, trying to control his astonishment in what had just happened. "The Council stands united and doth now present Miss Aulani Suchet of Entauri Major to be Premier Lady of the Realm!"
All assembled began to applaud, everyone in the hall joining those already on their feet. Cheyenne, eyes welling with tears of joy, looked proudly at the lady of elegance standing on the royal platform. Smiling warmly, Aulani mouthed a humble thank you to the Councilors, and people then give a wink to the little Hannah. Hannah winked back then turned to her mother to make sure she saw.
After a few moments, the clapping subsided, and everyone sat. Uncertain how he was going to handle this, Alexander looked toward Vivica, but she was gone. Letting out a tense breath, he hoped his immense relief didn't show. Rising from the wide-armed throne, he took a few steps forward. Eventually, the crowd quieted.
"In the long history of our nation, never before has the Council rejected the person a ruling sovereign has presented to be Premier Lady of the Realm. I have not re-established this Council to negate the crown's prerogative, but neither to ignore its great wisdom. The crown and the Council are one. You have made your voices heard, but there is one voice yet to speak who must approve this union, and it is the most important of all."
Stepping toward Aulani, she gracefully turned to him as he reached for her hand. Taking it, he lowered to one knee.
"Aulani, no king, no man could ever hope to have a more loving, beautiful or intelligent woman with which to share his life. Will you build a life with me - will you grow old with me - will you allow me the great honor of being your husband? Aulani Suchet, will you marry me?"
Her eyes moist, she looked down at him warmly. Overcome with emotion, she could only answer in a whisper.
"…Yes."
He smiled broadly, joy bursting from the depths of his heart. Standing, they embraced as the room erupted in ovation.
"I love you," he whispered in her ear as they held each other. "I always have. I couldn't live without you."
Her feelings choking out her voice, she could only respond by clutching him even tighter as she cried with happiness.
"Alex, for so long I've dreamt of… Jaiden."
"Jaiden?… What?"
"Sorry, I mean look. Coming in at the back of the hall. It's Jaiden."
Turning, he saw that progressing through the standing crowd was indeed Aulani's younger brother. She could think of no other person she wished to share her moment of joy with than him. Accompanying Jaiden was Sosimo LaRouche.
Making his way near the front of the hall, Sosimo caught sight of the ever-crotchety Baroness Montay and changed direction to cross to her table.
"Sosimo, what are you doing here?" the Baroness said in her typical, displeased tone.
Standing next to her, Cheyenne couldn't help but overhear their conversation.
"I'm on important business for the king if you must know," Sosimo answered. "Oh, and by the way… I found it."
She looked at him distrustfully.
"Surely you didn't."
"Surely I did. I told you I wasn't crazy."
"That remains a debatable point."
"Momma, look," Hannah Kovacs exclaimed. "That man has a robot hand," she said pointing to LaRouche's robotic prosthetic.
Embarrassed by her child's loud comment, Elsa said, "Hannah, it's not polite to say things like that."
"But he does, Momma. I never saw-"
"Hannah, shhh."
The pirate turned to the little girl and smiled.
"Better do what she says, Sweetheart. Never talk back to your mother, that's how I lost my hand." Turning back to the Baroness he added, "Now, I must go see His Highness-ness-ness. Good to see you again, Mother." Then he did a short bow and left.
"Mother?" Cheyenne said questioningly before she thought to stop herself.
"Yes," the Baroness responded with her typical frown. "I took my maiden name back years ago. I didn't want to risk being associated with the LaRouche clan. When I was younger, I found his father's eccentricities exciting, but eventually, you grow weary of madness, and it just becomes annoying. The entire family is like that I'm afraid - runs in their blood I suppose."
Knowing that Aulani would want to speak with her brother, and realizing what the arrival of Captain LaRouche meant, Alexander motioned for the music to play and dinner to be served. Signaling for Jaiden and the others to follow, Alexander, Aulani, and Caedmon left the platform and entered the royal conference chambers at the back.
"Jaiden," Aulani exclaimed as the two embraced. "I'm so glad you could make it."
"We got here just in time. I was able to see it all…"
As the siblings were reunited, Sosimo crossed to the king and bowed.
"Captain Sosimo De… Sosimo LaRouche isn't it?" began Alexander.
"The Fourth, yes," the pirate answered. "Allow me to be the first to congratulate you on your engagement."
"Thank you, Captain. However, I'm hoping well wishes aren't what has brought you here tonight."
Sosimo gave him a crooked smile.
"Indeed they aren't, but they are indeed included."
Caedmon, like everyone else who ever encountered the renegade, was confused.
"My apologies, Excellency," Caedmon said, "but may I inquire of what he doth speak?"
"Caedmon, this is Captain Sosimo LaRouche… the Fourth, he's been looking for the legendary Vault 'where the riches of ages are stowed.' I gave him some information in exchange for him delivering to the Realm 'The Great W
eapon' supposedly hidden there."
"Not supposedly," Sosimo said.
"Thou didst find The Vault?" Caedmon asked in amazement.
"Didst," Sosimo answered with a swagger of his head.
"The Weapon?" Alexander probed apprehensively. "It's real then?"
"Oh, yes. It was there."
"Well, where is it? On your ship? Was it too big to transport? I can send-"
"No need to send anybody, your Kingness. I brought it with me."
"Wonderful. We'll go see it on your ship immediately-"
"No need," Sosimo said. "I have it here."
"Here?"
The pirate smiled then reached into the pouch attached by a strap slung across his chest, lifting it from the bag, he presented Alexander with The Weapon.
CHAPTER 31
"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." - Proverbs 3:5-6
With the orchestra playing and crowd enjoying the sumptuous meal being served, Cheyenne was telling Nathan how courageous and gallant he was for nominating Aulani.
"To be honest, I came tonight intending to nominate Lady Canton. I'm fond of Miss Suchet... quite fond, but before this evening I had, shall we say reservations, about her ability to present the kind of refinement needed in a Premier Lady," he admitted. "However, after seeing her tonight, talking with her, and watching how she interacted with this host of dignitaries with such poise and confidence, all my concerns were allayed. After all, she is a daughter of Enty or granddaughter you might say. With her intellect, she's been a tremendous help to the Realm, and the king in particular. A man would have to be blind to not notice their love for one another. However, it was as we spoke while dancing tonight that I saw how she'd developed into a woman of such grace and refinement that I knew she embodied all the things a Premier Lady should be, as you have always exemplified, Your Highness."
Cheyenne nodded in appreciation of the compliment then added a thought.