A Time To Mourn: The Umea Bakearen Book Two

By Rick Rossing

Wayne Freed is the Umea Bakearen, chosen from birth to be an agent of peace. He was instrumental in bringing not only Earth, but also the peaceful system of Vega into the Galactic Union. In the process, he uncovered a plot by Polaris to subjugate Vega. Humiliated, the Polarans withdrew from the Union and declared war.
Five years later, Wayne is one of Vega's staunchest defenders. Though fighting is fierce in the Vega System, the rest of the galaxy is relatively quiet. Five years of providing aid has put a strain on the economy, and many are advocating abandoning the system.
Wayne suspects that there is a deeper, more sinister purpose than mere control of Vega behind the Polarans' attacks. He digs into historical records for evidence to support his theory. What he finds will change everything.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Rick Rossing
• Release date: Feb 18, 2014
• ISBN: 9781310981579

Rick Rossing

Rick Rossing was born in Louisiana, on Earth. He has lived in California, South Dakota, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Oklahoma, and Connecticut, where he currently resides with his wife and teenage son.He started writing stories in 2011 after accepting the NaNoWriMo challenge. He succeeded, and hasn't stopped writing since.In addition to writing, Rick is a stay-at-home dad (not Mr. Mom--call him that at one's own peril), an avid chef, and a creator of interesting crafts made of duct tape, which he often sells at craft fairs.

Book preview

I held my son's hand as we stepped off the ramp of our ship into the bright Denebian sunlight. Any other time, its warmth on my face would have been pleasant, as if the planet was welcoming me home. This time, however, it seemed to be mocking the pain in my heart over the reason for our early return. I did not relish the thought of watching someone I loved die.

Luken gasped and tightened his grip as a vessel lifted off from a nearby launch pad. "Was that Leviathan, Daddy?"

I smiled at my boy. "No, Leviathan is a carrier. It's much too big to land at Deneb City Spaceport. You're right about it being Vegan, though. That was probably a cargo ship."

It sure was loud!

Yes, it was. I smiled at my son. Did it frighten you?

Nah...well, maybe a little.

When I was your age, my home was on an Air Force base on Earth. American fighter jets are even louder than the average supply ship. They used to scare me, too.

I'm glad we don't live there. I like our home.

I nodded and looked around, thinking about why I felt at home on Deneb. Sure, I was born here, but I had spent the first thirty years of my life on Earth. I had lots of loved ones on Deneb, but I had lots of loved ones on Earth as well. We lived on Deneb now, but that wasn't what made it home. We lived a part of the year on Earth, too. What was it about Deneb that made it feel like my home?

My thoughts turned to Lynne, and I smiled. Yes...she was the reason. My love for her extended to the world which had reared her. Because it was her home, Deneb had also become mine.

An Aldebaran freighter glided down and landed in the space recently vacated by the supply ship. Luken watched it in amazement. He had an affinity for space-going vessels, and he kept a catalog of over a hundred ship types in his head. His Grandpas were particularly proud of him for that.

How do they know where to land?

I pointed to the control tower in the distance. You see that tower over there? That's where they keep track of all the ships coming in and going out. There are hundreds of people whose job is to tell us when and where to land, and when we can lift off.

Can I see inside?

I wish we could, but they don't allow children, or even adults who don't work there.

Luken frowned. Bummer. Why not?

It's a safety issue. Onlookers might interfere or distract the traffic controllers.

I guess that makes sense. It's still a bummer, though.

Yeah, it is. We walked back up the cargo ramp into the hold. I wonder if Alaia is awake yet.

I'll go check! Luken ran up the steps to the staterooms, remembering as he reached the top to go quietly in case his sister was still asleep. He tiptoed up to the door, carefully opened it, and looked inside. Luken smiled and looked back at me, nodding before he went in.

I climbed the steps, not nearly as quickly as my son had, and went into the children's room. Lynne was stooping down to help Alaia get dressed, while Luken made faces that caused his sister to giggle. I stood in the doorway, contently watching the activity.

When Lynne saw me watching her, she smiled. "I know that look, Maiteakren. She straightened and kissed me. Are you okay?"

I sighed and nodded. I'm doing as well as can be expected, I suppose. I don't really want to watch Ada die.

I'll be there for you. You can lean on me.

"I'm sure I'll need to, Maiteakren." I kissed her once more.

Luken tugged on Lynne's skirt. Daddy and I packed the car, Mommy.

Did you really? I'm so proud of you for helping. I've got a hug for you!

Luken hugged Lynne, then took Alaia by the hand. Let's go, Alaia!

Be careful going down the stairs, said Lynne. Your sister has less practice than you.

I promise. Luken led Alaia down the stairs.

Lynne looked at me. Luke helped pack the car?

Well, he did put his toy bag in the car. Alaia's, too. That's something.

She smiled. Not bad at all for a five-year-old.

Tony came down from the cockpit as we closed the door to the kids' room. The cockpit's secure, Boss. We're ready to leave the ship whenever you are. I hope the flight lived up to your expectations.

Tony Diego had been my bodyguard, pilot, and head of security for several years. Five years earlier, he had impressed the galaxy by evading a surprise attack on our ship, Lasaitasuna. He had successfully outmaneuvered missiles, Interceptor fighters, and heavy cannon fire until we were rescued by the Vegan ship Leviathan. The feat had earned him folk hero status throughout the galaxy. He was the first Terran ever to be awarded the Denebian service medal named for my grandfather, Luken Zaio Stein.

I patted my friend on the back. You continue to live up to your reputation, Tony.

His wife, Kayla, was also a capable pilot. She and Tony had been partners at the Diplomatic Security Service, a branch of the U.S. State Department, which was how I came to know them. Their love for each other had cost them their careers, since dating co-workers was strictly against DSS rules. When I learned of their predicament, I invited them both to work for me. There were few people I trusted and loved more than Tony and Kay.

Kayla came down the ramp behind him and slapped the back of his head. Stop fishing for compliments, Tony. How often do you need to be told how good you are?

Tony was about to protest, but she silenced him with a kiss.

I laughed. Ah, so that's the way to keep him quiet. Not exactly sure how I'll use that info.

Kayla grinned. It really only works for me.

Tony kissed Kayla again. No, it works for me, too. It almost makes up for her being a pest, sometimes.

Kay laughed. Look who's talking!

***

The flight from the Deneb City Spaceport to our villa in Gailurrera was about twenty minutes by air. It usually took three or four minutes of driving to reach the edge of the spaceport's restricted flight zone, but if traffic was heavy, it could take a good deal longer.

In order to ensure the safety of incoming and outgoing space traffic, cars were not allowed to leave the ground within three kilometers of the spaceport. Signs warned motorists not to violate this ordinance, or face fines. In spite of this, impatient motorists often did anyway, and the Spaceport Authority had responded by increasing the number of unmarked patrol cars on the motorways.

We watched as a vehicle lifted off in front of us. They hadn't gotten far before three SA patrols surrounded the vehicle and forced it to land on the shoulder.

Tony tapped the steering wheel impatiently. Looks like the SA is out in full force today, Boss. It's pretty busy, too. This is going to be a long drive.

Kayla smiled and shook her head. I think you're getting soft, Tony. This is still way better than navigating out of New York City.

You said it, Kay, said Lynne. These people have no idea how lucky they are. I've had commutes from Manhattan where it took half an hour just to go two miles. I wonder if flying cars would help to alleviate the gridlock there.

I shook my head. It would just turn the gridlock three-dimensional. At least, that's the argument they're making in Congress.

Tony's tapping had gotten louder. I'm still looking forward to the day I can fly over it. The Earth authorities know the tech exists. When are they going to allow auto makers to use it?

It's taken them a hundred years to build the existing infrastructure. It's going to take at least a couple of decades for city planners to implement new routes without compromising airplane travel. The airlines aren't ready to admit they're obsolete.

Besides, said Kayla, you've seen the way some New Yorkers drive. You really want them driving that way in three dimensions?

Tony smiled. Oh, I don't want everyone else to be able to fly. Just us.

Kayla rolled her eyes. I love you, you silly man.

Luken started making airplane noises. I like airplanes, too! Daddy's Cessna is more fun to fly in than spaceships. Spaceships fly too slow.

They're faster than airplanes, said Tony, slightly exaggerating the hurt in his tone. It just looks slow because there isn't anything close enough to register speed.

Sorry, Uncle Tony. They're still boring.

Kayla grinned. Face it, Tony. Space travel is routine just about everywhere but the Sol system. It's even becoming so there.

Tony grumbled. It still beats rush-hour traffic.

My poor husband. You finally get your dream job, and it's not as cool as you thought it would be.

It is too, cool! It's just under-appreciated. Kids these days.

Kayla rolled her eyes. After a few moments she pointed at a road sign. There's the no-fly zone boundary. We'll be in the air in a moment.

Once the motorway led outside the restricted zone, lanes designated for flight-enabled cars opened up. Tony switched lanes and activated aerial mode. Now this is much better.

Luken and Alaia both raised their hands. Whee!

You can say that again, kiddos!

Whee!

***

Lynne and I had purchased our villa on Deneb while Lynne was pregnant with Alaia. Up until then we had usually stayed in one of the guest houses at her parents' home whenever we needed to be on Deneb.

George and Sylvia Hart owned one of the largest vineyards in Green Vale, or Berdeavalle as it was called by natives. George's family had been vintners for generations. They produced several varieties of wine, all of which were much sought after. Some of the finest restaurants in New York had begun carrying the Denebian Hart label after Earth had joined the Galactic Union. A single bottle could cost five hundred dollars or more, and oenophiles everywhere swore it was worth every penny.

When Lynne had shared with them the news that we were expecting our second child, and that we were looking to buy a home on Deneb, they were overjoyed. George had told us of a villa that he had just purchased in Gailurrera, intending to add its vineyards to his own. He offered to sell the villa, as long as he could lease the vineyards from us. We fell in love with the place as soon as we saw it and sealed the deal over dinner.

It had turned out to be quite a profitable venture for both of us. George leased the fields from us and hired workers to tend the vines. He paid us thirty percent of the net profits. The income from the vineyards alone had nearly tripled our investment in the property since then.

Tony circled the villa once before setting the car down in the parking area. He and Kay enjoyed living there nearly as much as we did.

Lynne kissed me once we got out of the car. I love you, Wayne. In case you were wondering.

I smiled. What was that for?

General principles. As we were flying over the vineyards, I was thinking how good it feels to be home. Then I got to thinking that this is home because of the memories we've made here, and that got me thinking of the memories, which got me thinking about making more, and soon. She winked, in a way that made it clear to what sort of memories she was referring.

I put an arm around her. "I think that can be arranged, Maiteakren."

I carried our luggage in through the front door. Temperance, our housekeeper, had already started a fire in the den. She hugged us all as we entered. I am sorry to hear about your grandmother, Wayne. Ada is a sweet woman, and I will miss her.

I nodded. I know Ada is quite fond of you, as well.

Mr. and Mrs. Forbes arrived about half an hour ago. I put them in Guest House Two.

Thank you, Temperance. We'll go to them right away. Would you please let Estebe know we'll have lunch in the pool room?

It will be my pleasure.

Luken and Alaia went into the kitchen to see if Estebe had made any treats for their return. I suspected that he had. He always did.

Lynne and I started up the walk to the guest houses. Janet and Jack were already chatting with Tony and Kayla. When Janet spotted us, she waved, excused herself, and came running down to meet us.

Janet hugged Lynne and kissed her cheek. Then she turned to me. She looked at Lynne, who smiled and nodded. Janet put her arms around me and gave me a kiss on the lips, then held me tightly.

Janet had been my little sister's best friend for as long as anyone could remember. When we both reached adulthood, Janet and I had realized that we loved each other, and made an attempt at a romantic relationship. It lasted for about two hours before we realized that there was more than one kind of love, and ours just wasn't the romantic kind. We both had a good laugh over it and promised each other that we would always be friends.

When Lynne saw the relationship we shared, she recognized it as a Denebian maitea oath, a love bond second only to marriage. She told us that the love Janet and I shared was a rare thing, and that it would enrich all of our other relationships as well. When I married Lynne, Janet had become an oath-sister to her. From that time on, Janet was as welcome in our home as any family member.

From that time on, Janet nearly always sought Lynne's permission before kissing me. Lynne always granted it.

When Janet married Jack, I became his oath-brother as well. It took him a while to understand it, but eventually he had come around.

They had lived in a guest house in our home on Earth until Janet finished law school. Once she passed the bar exam, I made her my law partner, and I offered to sell her the villa.

Janet had cried, nodding that yes, she'd buy the villa. By the end of the month, we had closed the deal, and I handed them all the keys to their home. Janet handed one set of keys back to me, promising that we were always welcome to stay there whenever we were on Earth.

Even though Lynne and I now made our permanent residence on Deneb, we still spent plenty of time on Earth, though not as often as I would have preferred. My role as Umea Bakearen of the Sol-Deneb Treaty had been fulfilled when Earth became a full member of the Galactic Union, but I didn’t remain a private citizen for very long. Denebian President Alesander Goimenda had appointed me to the position of Ambassador to the Galactic Council soon after taking office. We now spent as much time on Aldebaran as we did on Earth or Deneb.

Janet hugged me again. I was so sorry to hear about your grandmother, Wayne. Is there anything I can do for you?

"Just your being here means a lot to me, Maitearen. Would you and Jack mind caring for the children when we go to sit with her?"

She nodded. Of course we will. We'll watch Ben's children, too, if they don't already have other arrangements. I know the cousins love playing together.

Janet hooked our arms as we walked together back up to their balcony. I hugged Jack, as did Lynne, and invited everyone to have lunch by the pool with us before going to Ben and Sonja's ranch.

Estebe had prepared a variety of dishes for us. He had even prepared a plate of live gagh for Jack, much to his delight, and Janet's dismay.

That's not food, Jack. It's bait. No offense, Chef Estebe. The rest of the meal is delicious.

Estebe smiled and bowed to Janet. Thank you, Mrs. Forbes. No offense is taken. Gagh is an acquired taste.

We finished eating, praised Chef Estebe for a fine meal, and prepared to go visit my grandmother for the last time.

***

Ada's health had been deteriorating over the last few months. We all suspected that she had been missing her husband for years but wouldn't allow herself to die until she had seen her daughters and grandsons grow into the people she knew we were meant to be.

Once Alaia was born, Ada sold her motel in Paradise. She had spent the last three years getting reacquainted with her family. For half of the year she lived with Ben and Sonja and their children, Sara Jane and Ion. The rest of the year, she lived with us.

We were still on Aldebaran when Ben called to say that Ada was dying. She was ready to lie beside her husband once more. First, she wanted to give blessings to all of her children. We cut our trip short and returned to Deneb. Ada would spend her last days in the home of her daughter, Sara.

My sister, Lucy, had flown to Deneb with Janet and Jack on their ship, Maitasuna. It was the first time that Lucy had ever left Earth. She hadn't said more than a few words to me in the five years since I had revealed my alien origins to the world. When they landed on Deneb, she went to stay with our parents, Robert and Doris, who had also purchased a home on Deneb shortly after Alaia was born.

Ada was awake when we all arrived at the house. I was shocked to see how frail she had become in the weeks since I had last seen her. She appeared to be comfortable, though tired. She had obviously chosen her time to die.

She saw the youngest children first. Alaia and Ion were both three years old and didn't quite understand, but they kissed her and said they'd miss her.

Luken and Sara Jane were the older of Ada's great-grandchildren. They understood that this was the last time they would ever see their great-grandmother. They cried as they kissed her goodbye, and she cried as she told them how much she loved them.

Janet and Jack came in to see Ada and say goodbye to her, also. Then they took the children outside to play together as the rest of the adults came in to be with her.

The first of her grandchildren to say goodbye to her was my sister, Lucy. Like me, she hadn't known Ada until only about five years earlier. But then, neither had our mother. Lucy kissed Ada on the cheek and told her that she wished she had known her longer. She hugged Ada tearfully for a long time before releasing her. I was surprised to see how close to Ada Lucy had become.

Ben and Sonja came to her next. They held Ada's hands and kissed her gently. Ben had never met Ada in person until just a few years ago, but they had always kept in touch via the Alien Interaction Office on Earth. He said that he’d come to love her very much and would miss her greatly. Sonja did, too.

When Lynne and I went to her, I told her that I appreciated her watching over me even before I knew who she was. Ada had been the first person to learn of Lynne's first pregnancy. We had named our son Luken after Ada's husband, my grandfather, whose character I had admired after hearing Ada share his story. Lynne also thanked Ada. We would always honor her memory. We each kissed her one last time.

Ada's daughters came in together, accompanied by their husbands. Kurtis and Sara kissed her, as did Robert and Doris.

When all of us had spoken to her and were all gathered around her, Ada smiled at us all, said a Hebrew prayer of blessing over us, and closed her eyes. She was still smiling when her heart stopped beating. We wept together, then went out of the room.

Once we were outside, my sister came up to Lynne and me and hugged both of us.

I'm sorry it's taken me so long to come to terms with all this. It was just so much for me to take in. It was really jarring to learn that my brother wasn't really my brother at all, and an alien to boot.

I’m still the same person I've always been. We're still blood relatives, you know. By birth, I'm your cousin.

You're right. Wow, that means I'm an alien, too! I'm a quarter Denebian. That's kind of weird. I never thought about it before.

I'm really not that much different from you. I love you, Lucy.

I love you, Wayne. I've missed you.

You’re welcome to stay with us for a while, if you'd like. We've got some catching up to do.

Lucy nodded. I'd like that. I'll need to go back to Mom and Dad's to get my suitcase.

We'll give you a lift.

After a quick stop at our parents' house, we flew Lucy home with us.

Lucy's mouth opened wide as Tony circled the villa. Wow! That belongs to you? It's beautiful. What kind of vines are those? They look just like Earth grapes.

They are grapes, said Lynne, smiling gently. My father leases the vineyards from us. Our family produces Denebian Hart wines.

Denebian Hart! Are you serious? Do you have any idea how sought after that wine is?

Lynne nodded, beaming. You've heard of it? Have you ever tasted it?

At five hundred a bottle? Never. I'm just a poor journalist.

We've got some in our cellar. I'll open one for you. Maybe two.

***

Later, we all enjoyed a glass around the table.

This really is the finest wine I've ever tasted, said Lucy. What's your secret?

It's the soil here, said Lynne. Terrible for just about anything else, but it's oh, so good for the grapes. Probably the climate, as well. I'll bet you didn't know that 'Earth' grapes originated on Deneb. There are places on Earth, and a number of other systems, where grapes grow almost as well, but nothing compares to a good Denebian.

Janet and Jack came into the dining room. When she saw the open bottle, Janet crossed her arms. You're sampling wine and didn't invite me? I'm hurt.

"You weren't here, Maitearen. But now that you are, have a seat, both of you. I'll pour you some. It's vintage 2027 GCE."

That's 1995, right? My favorite year!

What is GCE? asked Lucy. I hear that often, but no one ever says what it stands for.

It stands for Galactic Council Era. The Galactic Union measures its year from the conclusion of UnionCon. A galactic standard year is three hundred sixty standard days. A standard day is twenty-four hours, same as Earth. UnionCon takes place over the last twenty days of the year.

That's the convention you and Dad always used to go to, right?

Yep. It was my duty to go, not that it wasn't enjoyable, too. It's a diplomatic session, but there are also fun events.

That's where I first met your brother, said Lynne.

Lucy grinned wryly. I thought you met while camping. In 'France'.

I met Lynne camping on Aldebaran. She had been stalking me for years.

I was not! Lynne punched my shoulder gently. Then she laughed and sighed. I just was too shy to actually talk to him.

Lynne spent the next hour or so describing our different encounters.

Lucy laughed. So that's how you sprained your ankle. You literally fell for her!

I rolled my eyes and glared at my wife.

Wayne gets embarrassed when I tell that story. I really don't know why. He sprained his ankle once. I've broken bones many times!

When you put it that way, I don't know why I should be embarrassed.

Janet took a sip of her wine. I think it's because you'd rather be the doctor than the patient. You're quick to provide aid when it's needed, but you're too stubborn and proud to admit you might need help sometimes, too.

Lynne nodded. That's Wayne, alright. He would have made a good doctor, I think. Most doctors make lousy patients.

I sighed. Yeah, I suppose you're right. I like to help people in need, but I don't like being the one who needs help.

That's why the story embarrasses you, said Janet. It forces you to admit you're not a super hero.

Lynne kissed me on the cheek. You're just a hero. That's why we love you.

Yeah, said Janet, kissing my other cheek.

Lucy grinned. I wish I had my camera. Jack, you don't get jealous?

What, of Wayne? Hell, no. Janet would slap me.

Janet sat on her husband's lap and put her arms around him. You better believe it. Besides, as much as I love Wayne, there's really only one man for me. She kissed Jack.

Jack gave her a wry grin. Really? Who's that, then?

She looked wistfully off into the distance and sighed. Harrison Ford.

Jack kissed his wife again. Oh, thank God. I was afraid it was someone you might actually have a chance with.

What kind of chance do you think you're going to have tonight, hmmm?

Jack whispered something in Janet's ear, and she opened her mouth wide, then grinned. Okay, so maybe you've got a pretty good shot. I hope y'all don't mind if we make ourselves scarce after dinner.

I smiled. Of course not. You know you can always come and go as you please.

***

After dinner, Lynne and I sat with Lucy in the den. Luken and Alaia showed their Aunt Lucy some of their favorite toys while we talked. When Alaia started showing signs of sleepiness, Lynne asked her if she was ready to go to bed. Alaia nodded, and lifted her arms up so Lynne could scoop her up. I kissed my little girl, and Lynne took her upstairs to bed.

Luken lasted about twenty minutes more. He kissed Lucy, and I took him upstairs. We stopped at Alaia's room so he could kiss his mother and sister, then we went into his room.

Do you want me to read you a story?

Luken shook his head. No, I can read it. I think Aunt Lucy needs company. She looked sad.

What? I asked. Why do you say that?

She looks sad.

"Lots of people get sad after someone dies. Maybe she misses Amona Ada."

He shook his head. Yeah, she does, but I think it's something else.

How do you know that?

I told you, she looks sad. But not missing someone sad.

Do you miss her?

Yeah, but I think she's happy now. That makes me happy.

I'll talk to Aunt Lucy, then. I love you, Luke. I kissed his forehead. Goodnight.

I love you too, Daddy. 'Night.

I wondered at what Luken had said. I didn't doubt that he was right. He was every bit as good at reading body language as his mother. If he'd picked up on something, I suspected that Lynne had, too.

Lynne was coming out of Alaia's room as I closed Luken's door. She closed the door and kissed me, then we went back down to the den to visit with Lucy some more.

I asked Lucy how she was doing. You have something on your mind, I think. It's making you sad.

Lucy looked up at me. As soon as she made eye contact, she broke down and started sobbing. I gave my sister a tissue from the box I had brought downstairs with me and sat down beside her, putting an arm around her as she leaned into me.

Lynne looked at me with an expression of surprised admiration on her face. She had picked up on Lucy's sadness, as I suspected, but she hadn't expected me to have done so as well.

She sat down on Lucy's other side, and we waited for her to be ready to speak. I stroked her hair and Lynne held her hand.

Lucy blew her nose, and wiped her eyes. How did you know? I was trying hard not to show it.

To be honest, Luken told me. He said you looked sad. He's got a bit of his mother's empathic ability.

Are you telepathic? Like that counselor on Star Trek?

No, nothing like that, said Lynne. I'm just very observant. That's why I learn languages so easily. I'll be glad to tell you all about it later, but for now, we'd like to help you if we can.

Lucy stood up and started pacing. The last five years have been really hard on me. I've been avoiding you since finding out you're not who I thought you were.

I'm an alien, I said. Well, on Earth, I'm an alien, actually. Since we're on Deneb right now, you're the alien.

That thought kind of freaks me out, said Lucy. Just a little bit, but still. Anyway, I felt like I couldn't trust anybody. All those years I thought Dad was going on month-long business trips, he was leaving the planet! And then you started going with him, but I was never invited. I didn't think anything of it back then, but once I learned the truth, I got mad at both of you. Did it ever occur to you that I might want to go with you?

All the time, I said. But it wasn't possible.

Mom couldn't go, but why couldn't I go? I could’ve kept the secret as well as you and Dad, couldn't I?

That thought never occurred to me, I said. Sorry about that.

And then, when you did tell someone on Earth about your secret, it wasn't me, your sister; it was Janet. She paused. My best friend knew more about my own brother than I did! I felt like Janet had betrayed me too. When I learned how much Mom had suffered because of the Exchange, it made me hate you and Dad all the more for doing that to her. Then I hated myself for hating you. She wiped her eyes and blew her nose again.

You understand why Mom didn't know, don't you?

I do now. There was only one person in the world I could talk to about it.

I nodded. Ada.

Exactly. Ada made me realize the weight of the burden that you and Dad had to bear all those years. You were responsible for the safety of a whole planet, and you didn't have a choice. It had never occurred to me how difficult it must have been to do the things you had to do. And people were trying to kill you! I was safe because I was ignorant. That was why I couldn't know. You and Dad were always protecting Mom and me.

You have no idea how many times I wished you could come to UnionCon with Dad and me.

I know. I understand everything, now. But that doesn't change the fact that it hurt. It still hurts. I used to think Oklahoma was such a big place. But it looks really small from space. When I left Earth for the first time a week ago, I watched it get smaller until I couldn't pick it out among the stars. Then I watched the sun get smaller until it looked just like any other star. Wayne, everything I have ever known became a tiny speck before my eyes. Do you have any idea what that does to a person?

I know what it did to me.

I felt so tiny. I still feel tiny. Even now, I have no idea which star in this sky is my home.

I can point it out for you.

I hoped I might get one last chance to talk to Ada about what it was like to leave Earth for the first time. But it's too late. She's gone, and now there's no one left who understands me.

She started to cry again, and I held my sister tightly for the first time in years. We all can talk about what it was like. You're not alone anymore, Lucy. I'm sorry that I wasn't there for you. Forgive me, please.

Forgive you? You still don't understand, do you? I'm the one who needs to be forgiven. I shut you out of my life. I didn't want anything to do with you. I didn't even want to come to Deneb, except to see Ada. I didn't think I needed you in my life. But now I realize that I do. You're not a monster from another planet. You're my brother, and I need you in my life! I'm sorry I never realized that before now.

I held my sister tightly for the second time in years. I love you, Lucy. You're my sister. Of course I forgive you. I'm sorry that I ever gave you a reason to hate me.

The worst part about this whole thing is that I've missed meeting those beautiful children of yours until now. They are so adorable. And the way Luke treats Alaia reminded me of how you always protected me—and Janet—from bullies when we were kids.

Lynne chuckled. They're no angels. They fight sometimes, but they never stay mad at each other for very long.

Yeah, well we had our share of knock-down-drag-outs, too. Lucy looked at Lynne. I hope we can be friends.

It's too late for mere friendship. We're family. Sisters.

Lucy and Lynne cried together, embracing one another.

We continued talking late into the night. I learned that my sister had become a food and restaurant critic for the Daily Oklahoman. For the last couple of years she had been trying to break into the New York market.

Ah, so that's why you recognized my father's label!

Oh, yes. I have to keep up on what's hot in food if I'm ever going to be credible in New York. It's the biggest market in the world, you know.

I brushed my hand through her hair. Has it ever occurred to you that there are even bigger markets than New York? Union City on Aldebaran makes New York look like a fishing village.

Lucy sat straight up. I never thought of that. She laughed and shook her head. I'm still thinking like an Earthling.

Like a Terran, I said, gently. Or Solan, if you prefer. Earthling sounds like a bad 50's sci-fi movie.

I think I prefer Terran. Maybe I could review some Denebian restaurants. There's no one else doing that. No one on Earth, anyway.

Sure, I said. We'll take you to some of the best ones while you're here. Have you ever tried gagh?

No, and I'm not sure I'm ready to, just yet. Honestly, I doubt there's enough ketchup in the galaxy.

When we finally decided we needed sleep more than conversation, I showed Lucy to her room. It looks like Temperance has already turned the bed down for you. If you need anything, just knock on our door. We're at the end of the hall. Each bedroom has its own private bath.

It's perfect. Thanks. I'm so glad I have my brother back.

So is your brother. I kissed Lucy's cheek. Goodnight.

***

Ada's funeral was two days later. We huddled together under umbrellas as each person said a few words over the coffin. Mom talked about how she had always saved a motel room for us. Sara shared how Ada had raised her as a widowed parent, and always tried to provide the best for her. Ben shared a few of the letters she had written him from her exile on Earth. I told how she had surprised Lynne and me with the news that she was my grandmother, and that she was the first to know of Lynne's first pregnancy. Lucy said that Ada had helped her to understand.

As sad as we were that she was gone, we all agreed that she had looked happy as she died.

Maybe her husband was waiting for her, said Dad. She always used to say that she looked forward to reuniting with him when her time on this plane was finished.

I'm still going to miss her, said Lucy. She became my best friend these last few years.

Mine, too, said Mom. I think that if I'd known her at the time of the exchange, I might not have had my emotional breakdown. I'm glad we're all family again, and there are no more secrets.

Mom and Dad held each other's hands as they walked along the path.

Lucy watched them. Look at them. It's like they're falling in love with each other all over again.

I'm sure they are, said Lynne. I think I can figure out why. Robert had to lie to his wife for twenty-five years. He did it to protect her, but it probably still took its toll on their relationship. Doris could probably sense that Robert was keeping something from her. I'd certainly know if Wayne was hiding something important like that from me.

I laughed. You always have.

Lucy looked at Lynne. Are you sure it's not telepathy?

No, it's not the same thing. I don't read minds, I just instinctively read nonverbal signals, like facial expressions and body position. When your mother regained her memories of the Exchange, her body language revealed that she still felt betrayed. It's taken her a long time to fully trust her husband again. I think Ada helped her to see the love that caused him to do it. Ada helped a lot of people heal the pain in their hearts.

Lucy grasped Lynne's hand, and mine. A lot of people.

Kurtis and Sara held a feast at the end of the week of mourning that Sara had called shiva. Shiva is a time when Jewish people mourn the dead. It's supposed to be solemn and quiet. Now that it's over, it's time to celebrate Ada's life, and what she meant to us.

The feast was a decidedly happy event, as we laughed and remembered the ways Ada made us happier because of her presence.

Lucy had the most to say about that. I had abandoned my family because I felt betrayed by the secrets. Ada helped me to realize that the secrets were acts of love rather than spite. I have a family again, thanks to Grandma Ada.

We all kissed Lucy and toasted Ada's wisdom.

Ben rose. Ada played a pivotal role in Earth's admission to the Galactic Union. Whether it was destiny or merely coincidence, it still all came about because she loved her daughters enough to want them protected from the stress inflicted on Denebian twins.

Hear, hear, said Lynne and Sonja together, naturally. We all toasted Ada's love.

I was the last to speak. Ada suffered many things in her life. She faced persecution, she lost her family, and she lost her husband. Yet through it all, she held on to joy, and she spread joy to all of us. My daughter's name means joy, and we named her after the joy Ada brought to all who knew her.

Alaia giggled as I lifted her up in the air. Her laughter was as infectious as Ada's had always been. We raised a toast to Ada's joy.

After the meal, there was music. Lynne had her violin, I had my guitar, Sonja had her keyboard, and Ben had his banjo. The rest of the family danced and sang and enjoyed being together. We figured that it would be several months before we would all be in the same place again. UnionCon was still half a year away.

***

Mom and Dad were the first couple to leave Deneb. He and Kurtis had gone into business together after Admission Day. They had already finished building a shipyard on Earth's moon. Now, they were in the process of building an international spaceport up there, too. The first terminal had already been finished. There were twenty gates for interstellar traffic, and a hub for the shuttles that would go between the spaceport and the major airports on Earth that had space for shuttle launch pads.

So far, twenty airports around the world had hired Elan-Freed Aerospace to build shuttle pads, and Dad had been hiring experienced foremen to oversee each project. There were issues that governments on Earth had never expected a need to address. The travel corridors required for space travel needed to be defined without disrupting existing air traffic too much. The airlines were not quite ready to admit that their livelihood could possibly be obsolete. It would take years to catch up to the galaxy.

We talked about Dad's business ventures on Earth as we had lunch together at the spaceport before they headed out.

There are headaches, sure, said Dad. Still, we've done a lot in the last five years. I like being in business with Kurtis, I love the work, and I get to travel.

And I finally get to go with him, said Mom. I find that I rather enjoy space travel when there aren't people trying to kill us.

I smiled. You two look happier than I've ever seen you

It's because we don't have any more secrets. I can tell your mother everything that happens during the day. I don't have to filter it, like we had to do before your address to the United Nations.

I know. All the time I was in college, I couldn't tell any of my classmates exactly how I'd spent my vacation.

Lynne laughed. Or explain how you really sprained your ankle?

I made a face at Lynne. Exactly

She laughed and put her head on my shoulder. Okay, how about one of my injuries? Like when I broke my leg on our honeymoon. That was the same day as all the bombings. I know you asked Wayne where we were, Mom. What did he tell you?

He just said you were still in the hospital.

"Yeah, well, that was mostly true. The hospital in question, though, was on the Union flagship Enpresa. We were in the Deneb system. Have you ever been through an emergency launch?"

Once. I went on the shakedown flight after Robert and Kurtis built our ship. I hated it.

Try doing that with a broken leg. It was the worst pain I've ever been in.

Wayne! You put your wife through an emergency launch right after she broke her leg? Shame on you! Oh, Lynne, that must have been simply awful.

You've no idea. Don't be too hard on Wayne, though. He didn't really have much say in the matter. The second time, a week or so later, wasn't much better, but at least I had the protection of a cast.

Mom glared at me. You put her through that TWICE?

Trust me. I've done my penance for that many times over.

Mom looked at Lynne. Has he?

Lynne nodded, leaning into me. Wayne is my hero, Mom. He has been for years. I love this man with all my heart.

My mom's eyes started to mist over. You really do belong together. I love you both so much, and those grandchildren of mine are precious. Speaking of which, where are they?

They're spending the day with Lucy. She took them to the zoo. This was the first time she'd ever seen them, and she fell in love with them right away. They love her already, too.

Then I suppose I can forgive you for not bringing them with you to see us off.

I love you, Mom. You too, Dad.

We all kissed and hugged then went out to their ship, which Robert and Doris had named Openness. We watched as the vessel rose off the ground, then gracefully took to the sky.

We've got a whole afternoon without the children, Lynne said on the way home. What do you want to do with it?

I don't care, as long as I'm with you.

"Good answer, Maiteakren."

***

The following morning, Janet and Jack prepared to leave for Earth.

After getting permission from Lynne, Janet kissed me. "We'll see you soon, Maitearen. When are you going to be in our part of the galaxy? There are a few things we need to go over back at the office. It's nothing urgent, at least not yet."

I've got another war briefing on Aldebaran in a couple of weeks. The briefing will probably take about ten days. I can come back to Earth in about five weeks. Is that soon enough?

Janet nodded. That'll work out just fine. Do you remember last year when I suggested that we take on a couple of interns?

Ah, yes. Do we have any takers?

Do we? We've got about thirty applicants. Since you're the guy whose name's on top, I was hoping you could be present for the interviews. I'm pretty sure you're the one they want to see, anyway.

What makes you say that? You're the better lawyer.

The prettier one, too, added Jack.

Janet laughed. I don't need my ego boosted, guys. The fact is that you're the famous alien ambassador, Wayne, and that's fine with me. It brings clients in the door.

I'll make it a priority to get back to Earth on time, Janet. Anything else?

Nothing I can't handle. Janet hugged Lynne and me. I don't mind telling you that I miss having you guys around. You, the kids, even Tony and Kay.

Lucy hugged Janet. I'll call you once I get back to Earth, Jan. It's been too long since we've done anything together. After traveling across the galaxy, Oklahoma City to Freehold just doesn't seem like that big a distance.

It does put things into perspective, doesn't it?

As their car lifted off, I put my arms around Lynne and Lucy.

I guess it's time to go back to work, now.

Lynne sighed. I know. There's a war going on.

Chapter 2: Off Again

We invited Lucy to travel with us to Aldebaran. I have a conference there in two weeks. It's also where Lynne and I first dated. We fell in love there.

Sure, I'd love to go. When do we leave?

Tomorrow afternoon. We'll arrive on Aldebaran a few days early, so we'll have time to take you to some of the best restaurants before the conference.

What kind of conference is it? I thought UnionCon was at the end of the year.

It's a war briefing, said Lynne. Since the war began, the Council has begun meeting quarterly.

Lucy shuddered. There really is a war going on, isn't there? Have you seen any fighting?

I shrugged. Only on news media, and that's horrible enough for me. There have already been hundreds of thousands killed since the war began.

Is Aldebaran safe? I know it's the center of the Union government. Has the enemy attacked it at all?

They haven't attacked anything but Vega, so far. Polaris wants the system for some reason, and it doesn't seem to bother them that it currently belongs to someone else. Aldebaran is as safe as any other planet. Technically, we don't have to attend quarterly meetings in person. We can remote in over Res Net.

Then why go?

I smiled. Because it's Aldebaran. It's where we met, you know. Our anniversary is coming up a few days before the conference.

Lynne hugged me. You're such a romantic. I'm glad I married you.

There's a war going on, and you're going on a date?

Lucy, the only place where any fighting is going on is the Vega system. Don't you think that life goes on in the hundreds of other systems around the Union? We took time off to say goodbye to our grandmother. We mourned her death and celebrated her life. Should we have waited until the war ended to do that?

You're right. I'm sorry, Wayne. It just seemed...I don't know.

It's alright. I understand. There's a time and a place for everything. Lynne and I had the same conversation soon after Luken was born. There will come a point when I can't escape the war. For now, it's important to focus on happier things so I'll have the strength then.

Lucy nodded. That makes sense, when you put it that way. What do you do with the kids when you travel?

They come with us, said Lynne. I stay with them when Wayne goes to the meetings. If my language skills are required and I also need to come to the meeting, Tony or Kayla stays with them. The children like them, too.

I guess it's safe enough, then, if you bring them with you.

It's all relative, I said. Deneb is really no safer than Aldebaran. It makes things easier on the security team if we all stay together. If I left Lynne and the children home, the team would have to divide, too.

Lynne nodded. The only times there have been abduction attempts were when Wayne left me behind.

Someone tried to abduct you? When?

I sighed. There have been several attempts that we knew about. The last attempt almost succeeded. Lynne and Ada were taken while I was away at UnionCon the year the war began. And that was after my ship was attacked en route. Mom and Dad were with me. It was Mom's first flight after regaining her memory.

Lynne wiped a tear from her eye. A good man was killed rescuing Ada and me. Another agent was badly wounded. She never returned to active duty.

Lucy hugged both of us. I never knew about the abduction. I'm sorry.

"It wasn't really headline news at the time, nor would we have wanted it to be. All the media were focused on the Council vote. Once the incident had been resolved, it got a little press, but the big story of the week was the implications of Admission Day. The biggest story about us was the attack on our ship, and our rescue by the Vegan ship Leviathan."

Lynne clenched her jaw. "The absolute worst part of the whole thing was that one of the kidnappers was a man Wayne and I both admired and respected. He was even