Chapter Eight: Left Behind

James watched the farewell ceremony for Kate from the balcony of the chamber council. All the members were in attendance, except for Ceres, and they stood in a line before Kate like a procession of fools begging for a chance to see the box.
She seemed taller in her traveling clothes, holding her staff straight at her side. She wore the leather hand guards passed down from Sun’s grandmother, and a silk shirt floated underneath her hand-woven hemp vest with leather straps and a high collar. She carried a small leather bag across her chest and fitted leather boots. Nothing on her would get in the way of a good fight. James even recalled defeating her in those clothes one fall afternoon while they sparred on the grounds.
Sun approached her daughter first, offering her a gift and a small nod. William stepped up next, took Kate’s hands and held them while he spoke. Knowing his father, William was likely giving her advice on dealing with low gravity sickness.
Sun also offered something to each of Kate’s bodyguards, or chaperones as Kate called them. Each member of the council shook Kate’s hand and wished her well with a customary nod. He could almost hear them say, “Godspeed,” from the balcony. However, he noted that Yori and Maria were the only ones who hugged her.
Eventually, Kate and her bodyguards entered their vehicle and headed out of the compound. Sun stood motionless behind the closed gates for much longer than James anticipated. Finally, William approached his wife, took her by the hand, and led her back toward the main house.
James was watching them intently when Ceres stepped out onto the balcony with two glasses. She handed one to James and, as William and Sun disappeared into the house, they toasted.
“I did not expect Sun to send Omari,” Ceres admitted. “It could make things more difficult.”
“I believe it will work to our advantage,” James responded.
“How?”
“The lovers will likely take more risks to be alone,” James explained, turning toward his aunt and raising his glass. “Giving us the opportunity we need.”
Ceres cupped his cheek. “At every turn you demonstrate why you should be the council chair,” she said. “Have you spoken to your contact on Jupiter Station?”
“I have. He will be waiting for them.”
“This is our time, my nephew,” Ceres told him.
“Not yet,” he said. “We have much work to do on Earth.”
“I know,” she told him.
“Yori must be the first,” James said.
“I agree,” she added. “And Sun’s choice to replace him will determine the next move?”
“My mother will choose Maria.”
“How can you be so sure?”
“Because she will immediately become defensive, and turn to her closest allies.”
“Of which you will be a part,” she told him.
“We will see how observant a mother is truly willing to be,” he added. “But perhaps she has always kept me at a distance for a reason.”