Star Crossed Update: Epilogue

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“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 Picture Teaser

Star Crossed Update

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“Edward, you’re going to wear out the bulkhead,” Mom chided. “Your mate is fine with your father. This conversation is a long-time coming.”

“Dad’s actions were very inconsiderate, Mom,” Elizabeth snickered. “Opinions are like assholes. We all have one and they most definitely stink.”

“Bolians don’t have assholes,” I whispered, looking down at the glittering green and blue orb below us. “Their bodily waste is reabsorbed into their bodies and excreted in the form of a gas.”

“Thank you, Emperor Smart Ass, for that wonderful biology lesson,” Elizabeth deadpanned. “Now, I know why my Bolian roommate from university always smelled like shit.” I shot my sister a withering glare. “Don’t look at me in that tone of voice, Edward Anthony.”

“You’re such a pain in the ass, Elizabeth,” I grumbled.

“Edward, stop it,” Mom barked. “Apologize to your sister.”

“Sorry, Lizzie,” I said, crossing my arms over my chest.

“And Elizabeth, stop goading him. He’s got enough on his plate without your sarcastic remarks,” Mom chided.

“Sorry, Edward. I didn’t mean to give you shit,” Elizabeth said, walking over to me and leaning her head on my shoulder. “What’s our next plan of attack?”

“I don’t know,” I sighed. “I feel more confident about a fight knowing we have the Imperial Fleet.”

“I’m shocked that the Council of Elders didn’t inform you or Nirabelle of those vessels,” Mom scoffed.

“The Council of Elders are entrenched in this coup, Mom. I honestly don’t trust any of them,” I growled. “Even Counselor Marcusi has his own agenda, but Counselors Aro and Caius may be behind this. To what end? I don’t know and it’s incredibly frustrating. We need to pretend like we are unaware of their involvement, but they could be in contact with the Remans or Alphans.”

“Their transmissions are being closely monitored. Plus, any incoming or outgoing ship is being searched and checked before they are allowed to depart the Cygnarian system,” Mom explained. 

“Jasper suggested it after he heard about the Turulian cargo ship delivering the marchesian stones. The ships we’re boarding are not happy about it, but it’s a necessary evil of war.”

Update...

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After the Assembly of Nobles, I walked to Maralice’s office. She was seated behind her desk, shuffling through several papers and computer tablets. She appeared to be very frazzled. “Are you alright, Maralice?” I asked, sliding inside of the office.

“Empress,” she squeaked, standing quickly. Her chair fell behind her and she fumbled to pick it up. “I did not know that you were coming. I’m sorry for the mess.”

“I don’t care,” I said, gesturing for her to sit. “You’ve seen my suite when I was a teenager. I was not always as tidy as I am now.”

“That’s because Jerasse and L’aurien take excellent care of you,” Maralice snickered, plopping down on her righted chair. She sighed, continuing her search on her desk. “I can’t find it.”

“What?”

“A tablet with information about widowed Cygnarians,” she said. “The pull I feel toward Commander Whitlock is becoming stronger. I feel like I’m mated to him. I can hear his thoughts quite clearly now. I’m not sure if he can hear me or if he’s choosing to ignore it.” She frowned, shaking her head. “I don’t want to ask Marcusi to read our bond until I researched the possibility fully. What if I am bonded to him? What would Jamel’s family think? Would they hate me? I can’t fathom having another mate. I loved Jamel. He was my forever.”

“Jamel adored you and he died knowing that,” I said, a sad smile crossing over my features. “Would it be so bad that you were mated with Jasper? He’s gruff and cranky, but seems like a good man. A loyal man.”

Maralice huffed, crossing her arms. She chose to ignore my statement. “And what those Alphan dogs did to me …” she shuddered. “I have shamed my family and the family of my mate. Now, on top of that, I’ve been bonded to another. A human, no less!” She spat the last part, anger and disdain coloring her tone.

“Do you think less of me because I’ve been bonded to a human?” I hissed, my voice icy. My posture grew rigid and I glared at her. “That my mate is someone who is not from Forx?”

“No, Empress,” Maralice stuttered. “Never. I never meant to insult you.” She flushed a brilliant red, her spots glowing in embarrassment. “It’s just that I’ve been mated. I had my one true love. How can I justify the fact that I may be mated to Jasper? Is this my punishment for what happened to me on Lapus?”

“Being mated is not a punishment,” I scoffed. “And you should not be punished for what happened to you. They took away your choice, Maralice. They had their way with you and you did not want it. If anything, they should be punished. All of the Alphans who were in the palace should meet the same fate. Death.”

“You won’t get any arguments from me,” Maralice snorted indelicately. She gave me a sheepish look, apologetic and sincere. “Empress, I am sorry. I don’t mean to insult you or your relationship with the emperor. Edward is a good man. A strong man. He stepped in for you when you were caught in the zi’tkm. He made decisions and watched out for our best interests. I respect him a great deal and I can see how much you love him. He truly completes you.”

“He’s everything,” I breathed, running my finger over the ring he had given me at our mating ceremony. “He’s stronger than I ever thought possible and so noble. All of this would seem so much more without him.”

“Not to mention, easy on the eyes,” Maralice quipped. 

Star Crossed Update ~ Chapter Nine

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“Nirabelle?” I whispered, catching her as she slumped. Guiding her to the ground, I clutched her to my body. “Nirabelle! Wake up, love. Please?”

Rose walked over, using a tricorder to run a scan. “Her heart rate is elevated and her mind is running a mile a minute. I can feel her terror, Captain.”

“Jakob’s face and his threats are running on a loop in her mind,” I said, pulling her closer to me. I looked up at Counselor Marcusi. “We need to pull back Cygnarian forces from the Alphan border, tighten up our defenses. We need to protect the planet from any attacks.”

“I’ll contact our fleet commanders, requesting them to return to Forx,” Marcusi nodded.

“Commander Whitlock, I need you hail any nearby Federation vessels. We need as much backup as we can,” I directed. I looked to my father who had joined us at the end of the message from Jakob. 

“Is that okay, Admiral?”

“Whatever you need, Emperor,” my father said.

“I’m still a Galaxy Fleet captain,” I retorted.

“Right now, you are speaking as the Emperor of Forx,” Maralice explained. “Empress Nirabelle is not in any shape to make any decisions, Emperor.” I looked down at my mate, who was so fragile in my arms. I pressed my forehead to hers, wishing she would wake up. This wasn’t just my decision. It was hers as well. I pressed my lips to her soft, fragrant skin.

“What is the protocol for a situation like this?” I asked, looking up to Maralice and D’Metri.

“Assemble the governors and nobles for a symposium regarding the matter. We need to strategize a plan of attack,” D’Metri replied. “Shall I contact them?”

“Yes, please,” I nodded. “Ask that they get here as quickly as possible.”

“I’ll arrange for the symposium to happen first thing tomorrow morning, Emperor,” D’Metri said, bowing deeply before striding out of the throne room.

“Maralice, please get Kunnan and have him meet us in the Empress’s quarters and contact all of the remaining Galaxy Fleet senior staff, asking them to join me in my quarters here on the surface. I need to debrief my crew. Meeting in an hour,” I said, picking up Bella from the ground. I was still weakened by my bout with the em’tuuk gas, but I needed to keep my mate close. Her mind was now filled with terror, flashes of what could happen invading her subconscious. Her beautiful face was pinched and tears were flowing from her closed eyes. With a grunt, I carried my mate out of the throne room and into her private quarters, closing the door. I sank onto the couch, holding her to me, nuzzling her hair. Nirabelle, listen to my voice. Focus on me, love. Please…come back to me. 

Imperial City

Imperial Palace

Reman

Scimitar

Reman home world

Reman capital city

Holding cell for Norex

Norex

Kunnan

Star Crossed Teaser

“Do you know where he is now?” I asked. “Is Edward on the Volvo? I can’t sense him on the surface.”

“I think he’s on the Intrepid, working at deciphering the cloaking technology with Captain Data and 

Commander Volturi,” Rose said. She tapped her communicator. “Halé to Cullen.”

“This is Captain Cullen,” came the rough voice of my exhausted mate.

“Sir, Kunnan has another injection for your pain management but it could make you drowsy. We need you to return to the surface,” Rose lied.

“I’m fine, Rose,” Edward said curtly.

“Edward, I do not want to have to relieve you of duty,” Rose chided. “You’ve been pushing yourself too hard as it is. Technically, you should still be on medical leave, but your stubborn ass…”

“Fine! I’ll transport in ten minutes,” Edward huffed.

“No, now,” Rose argued. “If you’re not transported into the Imperial Palace in thirty seconds, I will relieve you of duty and confine you to your Imperial quarters…”

Edward’s haggard body shimmered down and he was on the surface, scowling at his chief medical officer. His green eyes didn’t hold their usual sparkle. He appeared more gaunt and hunched over. “I’m here. Are you happy?”

“No,” Rose snorted. “Edward, I’m saying this as a friend and as your medical officer. You look like shit. You are hear by relieved of duty until further notice. When you can eat a meal without throwing up and you don’t look like fucking walking skeleton, then I’ll allow you back to work.” She tapped her communicator. “Halé to Volvo. Computer, restrict all access to files on the computer from Captain Edward Cullen. Medical override, Halé, Delta-Omega Three-Seven.”

“Rosalie!” Edward snarled. “I can’t not work. I have to…”

“Get better. What good are you to your crew looking like this? Feeling the way that you are,” Rose murmured. “I will examine you in four days. You are to remain on the surface.” She arched a brow, challenging Edward to disobey her medical orders. “Halé to Riley, one to beam up.”

“Ready, doctor?” Riley asked over the communicator.

“Yes, sir. Energize,” Rose replied and she shimmered out of the school.