Last Holiday on Terra

14

I remained standing before the massive window gazing at the planet that had been my home over many lifetimes. Each lifetime spent there instilled within me the power and wherewithal to be able to sit in a position of supreme command over a fighting force sworn to protect the weak and provide for the common good...even the blue marble I was gazing at below.

I was reminded of the terrible corruption within the world's governments. I wondered how those governments would react if they were aware of the up-weapons in the form of invisible gaseous pods that were on a direct course bound for their planet by their creators, hellbent on total annihilation.

Who was I kidding?

The citizens of this planet could never know.

Suddenly, there was a visitor at my door. I watched Moose as he turned his massive head toward the door and growl. I placed my finger to my lips, getting my dog's attention, silently praying that his programming would let him remember what that meant. He became silent as the grave instantly. I waved him toward me and I headed toward the second set of doors, which was around the corner from the other. I exited as quietly as I could and using a silent hand gesture, asked him to stay put as I peeked around the corner.

There were two men standing at the door. A man in ship's uniform holding the tablets in his hands and the other who was an older, taller man dressed in elaborate civilian clothing, who appeared to be from my home world of Abraxas. The crew member knocked on the door. "Your Grace?"

He asked the computer if I was in the quarters. Of course the computer informed him that I wasn't in there. I turned and brought my dog to my side. Together, we walked around the corner. The man and the crewman turned to face me.

"Your Grace!" Caught off guard, he approached quickly. "Where is your guard!"

I shrugged my shoulders. "Wherever they go when ever they're not following me around, I expect."

That poor crewman. All he could do was stand there, his shaking hands holding onto those tablets for all they were worth.

"Are those for me?"

He looked down at them and nodded. "Yes your Grace."

"Oh good. Thank you." I held out my empty hand. I looked to the older man. "And you are?"

He approached and held out his empty hand. "Ah yes, I am your uncle, Alder Danialian. I don't suppose you recognise me, Julia?" He took my hand in his and kissed it."

"No, I don't. My apologies."

His smile was genuine and he chuckled. "You never do."

I shrugged my shoulders.

"I am here to tutor you in the ways of our people."

"Oh. Did you draw the short straw?"

"Your Grace?" The poor old man was completely perplexed.

"Never mind, it was a joke. Albeit a bad one."

His smile grew. "Oh, I like this Julia incarnation! She's tempered you like no other, Rowan. May I call you Rowan or would you prefer Julia?"

I looked up into his dark gray eyes and felt my shoulders shrug ever do slightly. "Doesn't matter to me. Shall we go inside?"