Adoration is a funny thing. Secretly, Kate wanted it. She wanted something in return for giving up her life. Being an Alexander meant she couldn’t have her own life. The least she could get in return was some adoration. But when it came, she felt claustrophobic like she was being stalked.
Every time she walked through the corridors of Shackleton Base, people looked at her with adoration. Her speech was remarkable. She somehow conveyed to the people on the moon colonies that she could be both human and divine. It was not her intention. Her only goal was to explain what kind of person Yori was, to honor him. Instead, she revealed what kind of person she was.
After her eulogy, Eric pulled her aside at the first chance he got and held her tight. He whispered in her ear, “I love you.”
He had never said those words to her before and she had no idea how to react. She thought she had looked to him for solace, escape and love. But when the words flowed from his lips, she did not want to hear them. Or repeat them. All she could do was kiss him passionately, and then move on without saying a word.
At first, Kate returned to her room and read the updated reports on Jupiter Station. Like most of her life, work and duty would be her shield. Only this time, she sought it out.
It would take almost ninety days to reach the station, which was still under construction. The outer ring around Europa was complete, but only half was finished. One quarter of it was livable space. The gravity system, docking bays and drilling stations took up another quarter. The rest wouldn’t be finished for several years.
After a short time she became restless and decided to go to battle room on Shackleton Base to workout. She grabbed her staff and headed out the door.
•••
“Wait here,” Sun demanded and she headed inside the council chamber.
As the door closed behind her, James and William looked over at each other and smiled.
“I would have won eventually,” James said.
“Doubtful, my son,” William responded. “I did not even have the chance to warm up.”
“You were sweating,” James told him. William simply responded with a laugh. “Why are we here, father?”
William’s smile left his face at the question. “It’s not for me to say, son.”
The two turned toward the council doors, standing at attention as Maria appeared in the doorway.
“You may come in now,” she said.
William and James stepped into the chamber and kneeled before the members, facing Sun.
“Let us take a moment to remember Yori,” she said. Everyone bowed their heads for a few minutes without saying a word. Then, almost simultaneously, the group raised their heads again.
William and James stood and faced Sun. The calmness she showed during the prayer was gone and she furrowed her brow as she turned to look at the two warriors.
“I’ve made a decision about the library,” she announced to the council members. “William will be the keeper of the box and the curator of the library.”
Everyone in the room had a surprised look on their face, except William. Even James was not anticipating that response.
“It will be an honor to continue Yori’s work,” William said.
“James, you will assume your role as the Commander of our military forces.”
James calmly bowed, “Thank you mother. My first task will be to continue the hunt for Yori’s attackers.”
“Your first task should be to introduce yourself to your troops,” Sun told him. “William will continue to investigate.”
“But, it should be the commander’s duty to,” James tried to say, but Sun cut him off.
“I said William will continue to investigate.”
“I understand,” James said. “I will focus on the troops and security.”
“You will report to me daily,” Sun told James
“Yes, mother.”
“You may take your seats on the council,” she said.
With that, William walked around and took Yori’s seat next to Io, the Engineer, and James took the seat next to his mother. He looked over at her and, at that moment, realized the benefit of it. It was then he let a small smile escape as he glanced at Ceres. This seat was even better than the one he desired.
No comments:
Post a Comment