Beyond The Glowing Whirlpool

Chapter 53: TOUGH CHOICES

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The next day, Atlantis was abuzz with the most exciting news they have received from Sattera. Aries was getting married at the end of the following month to his fiancee, Lady Assarel. But unfortunately, due to the recent political events on Sattera, no outsiders were allowed to be present at the royal marriage ceremony for security reasons, so Earthlings could not attend, no matter how much Aries and Assarel wished it. So Aries and Assarel planned to have a small, separate celebration of their marriage in Atlantis following the ceremony, with close friends and the earthling crew. I all the time they worked together, and been through many things together, the Earthling crew has become a part of prince Aries's team, and he wanted to share this pivotal moment of his life with them. And that means, there are preparations to be done. Lots of preparations. And so the happy royal couple will be coming to the Atlantis in the next few days to make all the necessary arrangements.

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-Hey Janice. - Said Stacie, entering the outdoor balcony on the third floor. - You wanted to see me?

-Hey, Stee! - Returned Janice, closing the book she was reading, while waiting for her. - What an event, huh? Prince Aries is getting married! And he wants to celebrate it with us, here! You got to be excited about that!

-Yeah, it sure is exciting. - Replied Stacie with a strange smile, sitting down next to Janice.

-Hey, girl what's up? - Janice peered into her face with concern, noticing that. - You certainly do not look like someone who's happy about finally seeing her man next week.

Stacie heavily sighed, fiddling with something in her hands.

-Can you do me a small favor, Janice? - Said Stacie. - When Ivar comes, can you give this to him, please? - She handed Janice a small, sealed envelope.

-Stacie... What's this? - Janice stared at her in confusion. - I don't get it, why do you want me to give him a letter? Didn't you hear what I just said? You're gonna see him in just a few short days!

-Well... The thing is... - Stacie paused for a moment and sighed again. - I... I asked the captain for a short leave.

-What?! When?! - Exclaimed Janice.

-Tomorrow...

-Wha... Tomorrow?! You're joking!

Stacie shook her head.

-For how long?!

-Sixty days. - Replied Stacie.

-Sixty?! Again, you're joking, right?! - Janice jumped off the sofa and faced Stacie with sharp gestures of her hands.

-I'm finally allowed to take some time off the project, so... I thought I'd use this opportunity to go home and... Maybe look up my mother. It's about time I...

- Stacie! - Janice grabbed her by her shoulders, interrupting her. - Ivar is coming back in a few days, and Aries's wedding is coming up, and you want to tell me, you could not have picked a better timing for your vacation, than now?! Are you sure you're in your right mind?! What the heck is going on with you?!

-I need some time off. Away from Ivar. - Said Stacie, dropping her face which looked like it's about to burst into tears.

-What the... Why? Don't you love him? - Shocked, Janice let go of her and took a step back.

-I do! I love him more than anything in the world! - Said Stacie, her voice wavered. - That's why I need to leave.

-Why?! I don't get it!