Star Crossed Update: Epilogue

Star Crossed Epilogue Update on FicPad

Star Crossed Epilogue Update on AO3

Star Crossed Epilogue Update on FFn

Star Crossed Epilogue Update on TWCS

“Thank you, Emperor,” said Governor Ru’bio, the son of Governor Ru’bia, from the city of Fl’aag. “We appreciate the additional desalinization units for the hydroponic gardens.”

“The gardens have produced so many fresh fruit and vegetables for the desert regions surrounding Fl’aag. Plus, your researchers have helped the Federation fine-tune their hydroponic techniques, as well,” I smiled, shaking Governor Ru’bio’s hand. “How is your father?”

“He’s the same,” Ru’bio frowned. “His illness is not improving, but not getting any worse, either.”

“Let him know that Empress Nirabelle and I are thinking about him,” I said, putting a hand on Ru’bio’s shoulder. “Your father was a wonderful man. Ygrin’ne syndrome is a cruel and horrific disease.” Ygrin’ne syndrome was a crippling, debilitating syndrome that attacked a Cygnarian’s mind. It was similar to Alzheimer’s from years ago on Earth, but it was faster moving and also impacted the victim’s motor functions as well. Within a year of his diagnosis, Ru’bia was confined to a wheelchair and barely able to say a few words. Even with the most advanced medicine of the Federation, there was absolutely nothing we could do to help him or any other sufferers of Ygrin’ne syndrome. Rose was working with Kunnan and the doctors on Forx to figure out a cure, or at least a viable treatment.

However, it didn’t seem promising. The genetic coding for the syndrome was very complex and wouldn’t respond to any standard treatments. They were exploring some not-so-standard options.

“Thank you again, Emperor,” Governor Ru’bio smiled, getting up from the seat across from me. I nodded and watched as he left. I got up from my desk, walking to the window. I ran my hand through my thick hair, still bronze-colored hair. I was almost fifty-six but didn’t look a day over thirty. The medication that Kunnan gave me once a month worked wonders. I was stronger than before, in the best shape of my life. I rarely got sick and when I did, I recuperated quickly thanks to the injection and my carbon-infused bones.

It was bittersweet, though. I was seemingly ageless while my parents were growing older, as were my friends and fellow colleagues. The three comforts were knowing that my sister was also receiving the same injections as me, my beautiful and wonderful children whom I loved and that I was able to spend my life with my mate, my one and only love, Nirabelle.

My Bella.

My sweet Fíorghrá.

Ch'ichean Sea

William

Cigno

New Throne Room

New Palace Dining Room

Edward and Bella's Imperial Suite

Imperial Bedroom

Imperial Cottage

Imperial Bathroom

Star Crossed Update

Star Crossed on FicPad

Star Crossed on AO3

Star Crossed on TWCS

Star Crossed on FFn

I was worried for my mate. It had been three days since Victoria was ‘buried’ in space. Edward had become depressed, angry and quiet. He barely spoke aloud. His mental communication had all but stopped. The only thing that he was focused on was Victoria and the cloaking device. I tried to speak with him, give him comfort, but he refused me. Refused to touch me or to allow me to touch him. I knew he was physically hurting from his injuries along with the emotional wall he put up between us. I was in just as much pain as him.

If not more.

On the morning of the fourth day of our mental and emotional separation, I went in search of Rose. She was married to him before. It wasn’t the same as being mated, bonded through our souls. Perhaps she could provide me with some insight on his moods. I found her in the Imperial School, running scans on my brother as he worked with his tutor. Rose sensed me, giving me a soft smile. Her true emotions were hidden but I knew that she was feeling for me. The concern was clearly etched in her golden eyes. “I think I may have a solution for Charanel’s brain damage from the lack of oxygen. However, it may cause his personality to change. There’s no telling until we start the procedure…”

“I do not want to lose my brother,” I said, looking at him, smiling happily with his tutor. “He may be developmentally delayed and forever trapped in a child’s mind, but he’s sweet and loving and I don’t want him to lose that.”

“Let me do some more research. I’d like to take way the possible side effect of the change of personality,” Rose said, closing her tricorder. “Now, you are in extreme pain and seem troubled. Let me guess, Emo Edward?”

“Emo Edward?” I asked. My translator must have malfunctioned. I didn’t recognize the term she used before my mate’s name.

“He’s thrown up walls and is buried in work, avoiding dealing with his feelings,” Rose deadpanned. “Look, Bella, Edward takes his job very seriously and that includes the safety of his crew. He is probably blaming himself for the death of Victoria even though it was a horrific reaction to the nerve gas that was pumped into the room. He loves to be in control. Everything needs to be in its proper place or he’s an absolute mess. The past month has been massive for him with all of the changes he’s endured…”

“What can I do? I hate to see him like this. I miss my mate,” I said, my heart shattering. “Even though we are close in proximity, there is a huge barrier between us emotionally.”

“He needs a swift kick in the ass,” Rose grumbled. Her face softened. “He needs to regain his control. You can help with that. Tonight, you need to have some fun with him.”

“I am not sure what you mean,” I frowned.

“First, you need to take control over him. Tell him to meet you for dinner and follow your rules.” Rose smiled impishly. “Try it. Let me know what happens.”

I furrowed my brow, confused by her suggestion. She knew him longer than I did, but the suggestion seemed wrong, almost. “I will think about it,” I said. “Any other suggestions if that doesn’t work?”

“Time,” Rose sighed. “Edward will get over it, but this was the first time he lost a crew member while he was captain. It’s one thing to lose a crew member that was a coworker, but Edward feels personally responsible for each person on his vessel. The safety of everyone on board is paramount. I can guess that he’s feeling like a failure right now; hating himself for what happened.”

Star Crossed Picture Tease

Marcusi stood up, pouring some c’amuu, a strong liquor, for both of us. We sipped it and I sighed. “Empress, I think it would be best for you and your mate to go someplace other than the Imperial city. Take him to your childhood home, away from all of this. It’s far enough away that you can heal, but close enough that we can transport you back if you’re needed.”

“Do you think that it’s wise for us to leave?” I asked. “I do not want my people thinking that we are acting like cowards.”

“Nirabelle, you have acted with decorum and strength. You gave the families of the colonists their H’aaruune ceremony and have provided them with that closure. Now, it’s time for you and Edward to focus on yourselves. I will make arrangements for a transport to take you to Ch’ich.”