Derek and Alex Wildstar

No Regrets

By “Yuki Wildstar”

This short story begins after the destruction of Iscandar. The brothers Wildstar return back to Earth and face regret.

---

It’s been 2 months since their returned from the destruction of Iscandar and the Wildstars settle into a small cottage in the hills of Great Island away from the press. It’s been 3 weeks since Derek has seen Nova and was nervous to see her again. After two weeks of debriefing, Derek Wildstar was ordered to Pluto Base station to oversee combat exercise.

“Hey little bro, are you all set.” Alexander Wildstar asked his little brother that now seemed all grown up to him. He also couldn’t believe that he was now a single father. Looking over to his daughter he could see his late wife face in her. It was a big day for Derek; he was finally going to propose to Nova the proper way. Something his big brother has been telling him to do since his return.

Fumbling with his slacks as he put on his belt he turned to his brother. “I think I am. Do I look alright?” Derek asked feeling a little nervous.

Fixing his collar Alex brushed off some lint from his shoulders. “You look great.”

“It’s been a long time since I asked her to marry me. I just can’t believe that I’m getting married. It’s scary.”

“Are you having second thoughts?”

“Alex I only fear that something will happen to me and I leave Nova a widow. I’m not sure I can do that to her.” He said then glanced over to his niece. “I see how it pains you to look at Sasha and see Starsha’s face. The more I think about it. I guess seeing so many go into space never to return. I love her but I don’t want her to go through that.”

“Listen to me little brother. If I made my decision base on the possibilities of losing her I would never had my time with Starsha. And I wouldn’t have Sasha in my life. Don’t let your fears of her being alone without you stop you and her from getting married. There always a chance that life will throw you a few turns here and there. You just have to make your own destiny. Now, I have something to give you.” He walked over to a desk and pulled out a small velvet blue box. “Here,” He said as he handed it to him.

“What’s this?”

“It was our mother’s. They found it among their remains. I think she would’ve wanted you to have it.”

Derek opened it slowly and with wide eyes couldn’t believe what sat inside the little velvet box. “Alex, I don’t think….”

“Take it Derek. I don’t think I’ll be using it anytime soon. My only concern right now is Sasha.” He gazed at his only child. “Derek I’m very proud of you. You’ve grown up so much. When I left you were just getting your baring as an officer and leader. Now I see a man before me. Nova is a lucky girl.”

“No Alex I’m the lucky one. She has been my rock from the day we met. She keeps me grounded. Do you think that she will say yes again?”

Laughing at his baby brother he knew his concerns, “Of course she will. The way she looks at you. Her eyes twinkle when she talks about you. Maybe you’re right, you’re the lucky one. She’s a very special girl. I’ll be happy to call her my sister-in-law. Now you look great, go and wake me when you get home.”

“Thank you Alex. Alex?”

“Mom would have loved her. She’s a great girl.” He said knowing he would ask him that question. “Now go or else you’ll be late picking her up.”

They arrived at the restaurant that Alex made reservation for them. He couldn’t keep his eyes off of her. She looked beautiful in the pale beige dress that fell just above her knees. He pulled out her chair and gently kissed her on the neck. “You look stunning.” He whispered into her ear.

“Thank you Derek.”

“Sorry about the wait. I didn’t think there would be any traffic this time of the night.”

“It’s alright. How’s Alex and Sasha?”

“He’s doing great and Sasha is getting so big. She misses you.”

“I’ll have to go visit them soon. I’ve been so busy the last few weeks at the hospital I haven’t had time.”

“So will we have time together while I’m still here?”

“You have me for a whole week. Unless they ship you out again. Which means more dinner date’s with your brother.”

“Should I be jealous?”

“Maybe,” She grinned. “I mean he is a single handsome man. All the women in EDF are just drooling for him.”

“Hey, are you thinking of hitting on my brother?”

“No Derek, I love you no one else.” Laughing she then caught his worried look. “Derek, do you honestly think that I would go after your brother?”

“It’s not like it happened before.” He said thinking of Julie.

“Oh Derek, I was only kidding. Alex has been a perfect gentleman. I tell you everything we talk about when you’re gone. He made sure that I am alright and keeps me inform about what you’re doing. I love you Derek… I hope that you know that.”

“I do and that is why I asked you here tonight. It’s not just because I’m home again. I had something more special in mind.” He reached into his pocket and placed the velvet box in front of Nova.

“Derek, what is this?” Nova looked confused.

Standing up he stood in front of her pulling her up from her chair. Slowly he knelt down on one knee and opened the box. “Nova when I asked you to marry me before it was something that I blurted out under the circumstances. It was a rotten way to ask my future wife to marry me. So I’m asking you the proper way. Nova Forrester will you give me the honors of being my wife?”

She looked down on the ring and then at Derek. “Derek it’s just beautiful. Yes, yes, yes I will marry you.” She said rapidly. Placing the ring on her finger he quickly got up and took her into his arms kissing her. They blushed as they heard everyone in the restaurant clapping at the scene that unfolded before them. Andrea the owner and head chef came out and congratulated them both before waving to the maitre d' to bring out the cake he made for them. Derek could hear the clinging of the glasses signaling for them to kiss once more. Tears ran down Nova’s face feeling happy they were now officially engaged.

“Thank you, Andrea it looks wonderful.”Derek said as Nova tried to control her tears. Drinks quickly arrived at their table from the other patrons congratulating them once more.

“Derek it’s just beautiful. Where on earth did you get it?” Nova kept looking at the ring on her finger.

Shying away he looked past her and said. “It was my mother’s ring. Alex gave it to me tonight to give to you.”

“But how, after what you told me how could he have gotten it?”

“It was one of the only things left from their remains. Alex kept it safe for me. From what I know Starsha placed it into Sasha blanket when he left Iscandar.”

“But shouldn’t he keep it. I mean it was meant for him.”

“He wanted you to have it. He’s not thinking of getting married again anytime soon. Plus he thinks my mother would have loved for me to have it.” He said. “Well are we ready to go?”

“Yes.”

Driving in his car he turned down the road where he and his brother resided. “Why are we going to your house?”

“I thought it would be nice to celebrate with him. Is that alright with you?”

“Of course, anyway I would love to thank him personally. It is a gorgeous ring.” As she stare at it more. It was a classic ring, oval in shape that sat on a thick band. She could tell it was clean because of how it sparkled. Within the band sat two stones, one on each side of the diamond. She figured it was both Alex and Derek’s birth stones, which were placed there after each one was born. Pulling up to his house, he jumped out and helped Nova out of his car. They saw the lights still on and she could see the excitement in his face to see his brother.

“What are you two doing here? I thought you two would be out there celebrating.”

“We wanted to celebrate with you.” Derek said.

“Thank you Alex. It’s just beautiful.” Nova said as she hugged her future brother-in-law.

Blushing he hugged her tight. “My mother would have loved you. It should be yours. Welcome to our family Nova, Derek is a lucky guy. I’m glad that he found someone that makes him happy. So have you two set a date?”

“Umm, ah, Nova?” Derek said un-eased.

“No we haven’t but we will. And when we do you’ll be the first to know.” She could see Derek fidget. “Anyway I just want to enjoy this moment.”

“Well I hope that my kid brother here doesn’t take too long in agreeing on a date.” He said as he ruffled his brother’s hair.

“Gosh I hate when you do that.” He cringed making his older brother laugh.

Nova smiled and ran her hand through his hair, trying to brush it back. “There you go.” She said looking deep into his eyes.

“Now you I don’t mind at all.” He said then gave her a kiss on the lips. Alex watched as his brother and Nova kiss making him missed Starsha more.

They talked and laughed into the night. Alex told silly stories about Derek when he was younger as Nova listened. Derek excused himself leaving Alex and Nova to talk. She stared more at the ring making Alex smile at her. “The two stones are our birthstone. I remembered the day my father brought the ring to mom. She just gave birth to Derek. He was so small. My mother insisted on me holding him so we could bond. Ever since that day I swore to protect him, even more so after our parents were taken from us. Nova, don’t let him make you wait too long.”

“Too long for what?” Derek said as he walked back into the room.

“I was just telling Nova to not make her wait too long to get married.”

“Come on Alex we just made it official. Anyway Nova will let me know when she’s ready.” He whined, “It’s getting late I should bring her home.” He said as he helped her with her jacket. Though it was getting warm out during the day it was still cool outside at night. They said their goodnights then left to take Nova home.

Walking her to her door Derek put his arms around her waist and brought her closer to him. “I love you Nova, so when would you like to set a date?”

“I was thinking September of next year. The 6^th rings a bell in me.”

“The day we got back from Iscandar. I like it. September 6^th it is. I’m sure it will give you enough time to get everything ready.”

“I think it’s enough time.” She grinned then kissed him again.

He kissed her with the long waited passion that he build up while he was in space. Squeezing her tight they kiss long and hard. He pushed opened the door and they step into her apartment. Guiding her onto the couch he caressed her shoulders working his hand from her shoulders and back. Feeling flush as he started to get excited he pulled away and looked into her eyes. “I better go. Pick you up tomorrow?”

“Depends, where are you taking me?” she asked feeling breathless from kissing.

“Somewhere special I think you’ll like it.” Gently he kissed her on the lips and whispered in her ear. “Goodnight Nova. I love you.”

“Good night Derek.” She said as she watched him leave the apartment. Derek stood outside of her door a few seconds wanting so much to be with her. “Oh Nova you just don’t know how much I want to make love to you.” He said under his breath and then left for home. Alex sat in the living room as he watched his brother walk in letting out a loud sigh.

“It took you a long time to drop her off.” He asked with suspicion.

He rolled his eyes and started to make his way to his room. “I need a cold shower.” He said over his shoulder.

“I know the feeling.” Alex smirked at him then heard his door close.

---

An hour later . . .

“How do you feel now?” Alex asked him.

“Better, though maybe I should have stay in there a little longer. Alex it’s getting really hard to leave her at night.”

“Patience little bro, in the end it will all be worth it.” He tried to assure him.

Rubbing his hair with a towel he sat down in their kitchen table. “I thought I would never marry after Julie.”

“Well she did put a number on you. But she’s in the past. Nova is your future. Though I too didn’t think you would settle down so soon. I prayed every night that you wouldn’t marry that girl. She was nothing but trouble the minute you told me about her.”

“Why didn’t you warn me?”

“Because I knew you wouldn’t believe me if I did. She had you under her finger.”

“Alex did she, well, did she hit on you too?”

“Would it matter if I said yes? Why dwell in the past Derek? She’s out of your life, right?”

“Yes Alex. Last I heard she broke up with that guy Hartcliffe.”

“Hmm, I’ve heard about him. They deserve each other. He’s just as bad.”

“I really thought I loved her. But Nova, she is so different. It’s so hard to explain how I feel about her. It’s like breathing.”

“I felt that way about Starsha. Now all I have to remind me of her is Sasha.” He said letting out a sigh. “At least I had her for a short time.”

“Alex…thanks again for mom’s ring.”

“I know that she is the right one for you. Get some sleep. I’ll see you in the morning.”

Derek lay awake in his bed thinking of Nova. How he missed her while he was away. He thought of the day he asked her to marry him the first time. It was on the bridge of the Argo and he was ready to ram her into the Comet Empire ship. He was willing to die alone when he saw her walking towards him. Hearing a ringing sound he was brought back to reality to his phone going off. “Hello?”

“Derek, are you up?” a smile crept on his face as he heard her voice.

“Yeah, I couldn’t sleep either. Are you alright?”

“I was just admiring my ring. Derek it’s so beautiful. I call my mother and told her. She says she wants to throw us an engagement party.”

“That would be nice, Nova. Nov, are you alright with marring a space pilot like me?”

“Are you having second thoughts, Derek?” She sounded annoyed.

“Not at all, it’s just that if something ever happened to me would you be alright?”

“Derek, I love you and you being a pilot is part of you. Why talk about this all of sudden? Are you going away again? Somewhere dangerous?”

“No nothing like that. It’s just I see Alex and Sasha and how much he misses her. I don’t think I can bare you going through that.”

“Oh Derek, you can’t think about that. We should be happy right now. We’re getting married.”

Letting out a small laugh he replied. “Yeah you’re so right. You know it’s getting impossible to leave you at night.” He could hear her giggle on the other end. “I’m not joking. I just spent an hour taking a cold shower. I don’t know if I can last until our wedding day.”

“Well you’re going to have to wait. You know how I feel about that. Not until we are married.” She scolded him over the phone.

“Gosh Nov, you have no idea what it takes for me to leave you at night.” He whispered into the phone.

“Derek it’s not easy for me either. We just have to play it by ear. So what’s the big surprise?”

“You’ll have to wait until tomorrow.”

“Will I like it?”

“I think you will.”He said as he let out a yawn. “Sorry babe, I guess I’m tired. Long few days.”

“I’ll see you in the morning. Love you Derek.”

“Love you too.”

Morning. . . .

“Good morning bro. How are you this morning?”

“Argh beat.”

“Hard time sleeping?”

“Yeah, I guess I should have taken a longer shower. She called last night.”

“Everything alright?”

“Yeah, we just talked.” He looked over to his niece and smiled. “Good morning Sasha, my you’re looking more and more like your mom. I guess me and your dad will have to stand guard at the door when you start to date.”

“Hmm, dating, I don’t think I want to think of that just yet. Anyway she can start dating in about 30 years or long after I’m dead.”

“Ha, don’t worry Sasha I’m sure your aunt Nova will help you sneak out.” He said as he ran his hand through her golden locks. “I better get going. I’ll see you both tonight.”

“Are you taking her there?”

“Sure am, can’t wait to show her. Talk with you later.” He said then ran out the door.

They drove for what seemed like an hour to Nova. She watched as the road twist and turned into the mountains and then down to the ocean shore. The smell of the ocean was sweet to her nose. It amazed her how much the earth has flourished in the time they’ve returned from Iscandar. “Where are you taking me, Derek?”

“We’re almost there.”

She sat back into the seat and watched as they came up to a house that sat on the beach. It was a two story house, white with what seem like stone at the bottom. The shutters on the window hung off their hinges and seem a little out dated but with a little paint they would be brand new. It amazed her how this part of the island wasn’t hit from the planet bombs. A small stream rolled by into the ocean. With a little work it would look just as it had been years earlier. “Whose place is this?”

“Ours.” He said as he handed her the keys.

Blinking her eyes rapidly she assumed she heard wrong. “Ours? But how, when?”

Walking back to the car he pulled out an envelope and handed it to her. “I got those before I left. I’ve been in touch with the attorney while I was in space. Captain Avatar left it to us. It’s all ours.”

“I, but how. Oh my god. Are you serious?” she felt herself start to get excited.

“I sure am. You want to look inside?”

“YES!” she screamed with joy.

Looking around the house they talked on what they wanted to do to each room. “I think this one would be a perfect nursery?” he asked her making her blush.

“There are so many rooms, how many?”

“Four bedrooms, and there’s a den upstairs that pretty much takes up the top floor. Come on.” He grabbed her by the hand and guided her upstairs.

“Oh Derek, it’s just lovely. You can see the ocean for miles from here.” She said as she looked out through all the windows. “This would make a great office for you.”

“The beach is also private. So we don’t have to worry about anyone walking on and disturbing us.”

“Really!? What about that little cottage down there?” She pointed out the window.

“I don’t know. I guess it’s one of our neighbors. But it’s too far for them to walk here. Come on let’s go walk on the beach.”

The air felt good on their face as they walked closer to the water. “So when do we take full possession of the house?” Nova asked.

“Ah, we can take possession of it right away.” He said. “But it’s going to need a lot of work. And until we are married I guess it can stay empty. Or you can live here instead of your apartment when it’s done from renovations.”

“ME!? I don’t think I can stay here alone, Derek. We should just wait until we are married.”

“You won’t be here alone. I’ll stay with you when I’m here. You can stay in the master bedroom and I’ll take one of the other rooms.”

Grinning at him she gave him a kiss on the cheek. “I don’t think so, but I give you an A for trying.”

“So how did she like the house?” Alex asked him.

Smiling Derek said. “She loves it. Though it’s going to need some work. She’s going to look for a contractor to start renovation right away. It should be ready in a few months. But we’ll just let it sit until we are married.”

“So have you two set a date considering that you took so long to come home last night?”

“Nothing happened, Alex. She makes sure of that.” He blushed. “Anyway we decided on September 6^th.”

“The day you got back from Iscandar?” Alex asked.

“Yeah is there a problem?” Derek asked annoyed at his brother.

“No Derek. It’s her day and if that’s the day she picked then it’s great. I’m really happy for you and Nova.”

Looking closer at his brother he could see the sadness in his eyes. “Alex I know you miss her. I can’t even imagine what you’re going through. I only wished that you still had her in your life.”

“Derek, this is not about me. Yes I miss her dearly, but I have Sasha. Now we have to move on, me with my daughter and you with Nova.” Alex Wildstar smiled at his brother. “Now I know from meeting Mrs. Forrester that she will be in high gear getting a wedding together. She is going to be Nova’s challenge in all of this.”

Derek grinned he too thought the same thing. “She can be a bit much when it comes to Nova.”

“I bet. Which reminds me, how do you get along with her?”

“Well, we hit it off great until I said I was going to continue my career in the EDF. I think that she had hoped that Nova would marry someone with a much better profile. I guess she hope that I would get into the politics of EDF, but you know that’s not me. Maybe she hoped that she would dump me and marry someone more suitable like a doctor or Senator, but I guess no one will ever be good enough for Nova in her eyes.”

“Are you and she thinking of moving to the states when you get married?”

“No she wants to stay here. She wants us to be near you and Sasha as well as Mom and Dad’s grave sites. Anyway we have the house here now and our lives are here. This is my home Alex, I can’t think of living anywhere else.”

“What does her mother think about that? I mean every time she’s in town she’s always asking when she is coming home to the states.”

Derek rolled his eyes and sighed out loud. “That battle is yet to be settled in her mother’s mind. I’m sure that Nova and she will have that fight for years to come. I’m staying out of it.”

“Good choice, best to stay neutral in that fight.”

“Anyway it’s late and I’m pretty beat. Everything is finally catching up to me. I have to pick her up tomorrow night after work so I’m all yours and Sasha’s all day. What plans do you have?”

“Actually I have to go into the office for a meeting. I was going to ask you if you can watch your niece for a few hours.”

“I would love to watch my favorite niece.”

“She is your only niece.” Alex smiled at Derek as he picked up Sasha and started to play with her.

He watched as she came out of the hospital entrance looking pale. Making his way to her he could tell she looked tired. Taking her by the waist he tried to kiss her but she pushed him away. “Hey is something wrong?”

“No Derek, I’m just not feeling well. I think I caught something from one of the patients.” Her voice quivered as she shook.

“My god Nova you’re burning up. Come on since we’re here.”

“NO! I just want to go home. I can’t be a patient here. I would never get any rest. Just take me home. Please Derek.” She said as she fell into his arms.

“Alright, come on.”

He placed her in her bed and covered her. Feeling her head again she seemed hotter than earlier. He placed a cool cloth on her head and wiped her forehead. “You’re going to be alright Nov. I’ll take care of you.” He whispered into her ear. Looking around her room he found it just as he imaged it. Not girly but very well put together. He noticed no pink in there what so ever. Picking up the phone he called home, “Alex, don’t wait up for me tonight.”

“Why are you getting called out?”

“No, Nova isn’t feeling well. So I’m going to take care of her.”

“Is she alright?” he asked concerned,

“She has a really high fever. Do you know what to do?”

“Did she take something for the fever to bring it down?”

“I just picked her up and brought her home. I’m assuming she hasn’t because she’s hotter than when I picked her up.”

“Okay, call Doctor Sane and ask him what to give her. Make sure she’s comfortable.”

Derek hung up and made the call to Doctor Sane. Quickly he explained to him what to do and then said he would inform her superiors that she will not be in to work for a few days. “Take good care of her Wildstar… she is my best nurse!” he yelled into the phone.

“I will Doctor Sane, I will.” He said, the rest of the night he care to her every need. He wiped her sweat as she slept calling out his name. He looked through her clothes to find something more comfortable for her to wear then closed his eyes and undressed her. With eyes still closed he dressed her with some Pajamas. Nova opened her eyes and tried to focus, “baby shh, just rest.” He said as he wiped her forehead again. The night was long for Derek he check in on her every hour wiping her head and making sure she drank some water. Morning came too soon for him. Worrying all night he made some tea and brought it into her room. Feeling her head she seemed cooler then last night. He brushed her hair way from her face and smiled at her. Slowly she opened her eyes and squint at him, “Hey there kiddo, how do you feel this morning?”

“A little better, were you here all night?” she asked with a horsed voice.

“I promised you I’d take care of you. Now, here drink some tea. It will make you feel better.” He said then helped her sit up. She sipped it slowly and then lay back down. “Better? Now get some rest. If you need anything I’m here.”

Days later . . .

They both sat on her bed drinking tea. Feeling better she could see the stubbles on his face. He took care of her for four days and he looked like hell. “Looks like I’ll be taking care of you soon. You look like heck, Derek.”

“I’ve felt worse. Don’t worry about me. How are you feeling?”

“Much better thank you Derek.” She said then placed her hand on his stumbled face. “I don’t think I have anything to shave with.”

“It doesn’t matter. Alex dropped off some clothes from home, so if you don’t mind I’d like to take a shower.” She watched as he walked into her bathroom and closed the door. Trying to lay back down she could hear the sound of the water running. Her heart beat faster knowing that he was in there naked. ‘How lucky I am to have him in my life.’ She thought. ‘He has seen me at my worse and still he stayed to take care of me.’ She turned to hear the door opened and he stood before her with a towel wrapped around his waist. “Um, forgot to bring my bag in with me,” He blushed. “Sorry.” She stared at him taking in every part of his form. Feeling her stare his whole body blushed. Quickly he took hold of his bag and ran back into the bathroom. She giggled at him and sat back up waiting for him to come out. Now in only a pair of pajama pants and still blushing he walked across the room drying his hair.

“Come here Derek.” She giggled as she patted the space next to her. Feeling nervous he sat down next to her. “What’s wrong?”

“I don’t think this is such a good idea. Maybe I should go home tonight. You are feeling better, right?” he said looking away from her. She looked more closely at him and smiled. She could see him blushing so she reached over and touch his hand. Jerking his hand away he said. “I really should go.”

“Derek stay.” She said softly at him.

“Nova I really don’t think, well, I really don’t think I would be able to stop myself. It’s getting harder and harder to leave you.”

“You’ve managed to refrain so far.”

“You’ve been sick for the last few days. I would never take advantage of you like that. Anyway Alex managed to stop by and remind me to always be a gentleman, like I don’t have enough guilt building up in me with impure thoughts.”

“Impure thoughts? My I didn’t know I could do that to any man.” She giggled as he fidgeted next to her. Reaching over she ran her hand down his face. “So undressing me was…?”

“Whoa wait one minute. I undressed you with my eyes closed. So don’t think that I was getting any thrill in that.” He quickly said.

She laughed even harder at him as he feared that undressing her would make her angry. “Oh Derek, relax. It’s not like you haven’t seen me naked before.” She tried to remind him when he walked in on her showering on the Argo. It made them both uncomfortable for a week but they got over it. Many times he had to undress in front of her when he was hurt in battle. Throwing her arms around his neck she gently kissed him on the lips. She felt his body tense up so she kissed him again. She could feel his heart beat faster. Looking deep into his eyes she smiled at him and threw her arms around his neck bringing him closer to her. “I love you, Derek.”

“God I love you too Nov.” he said as he kissed her back. He felt her body pressing against his as he lay on top of her, his hands caressing her body. She ran her hands up and down his back as she felt him grow with excitement. Their breathing became heavier as he kiss her lips and worked his way down her neck. She took his scent in and kissed the top of his head. He looked deep into her eyes, ready to kiss her again when her door bell rang in the distance.

“No, don’t answer that.” She said quickly not wanting to stop.

Hearing the bell ring again he got up and said. “I’ll get rid of them. Be right back.” He kissed her quickly and ran to answer her door. Ready to tell whoever it was to go away he threw opened the door and surprised to see Alex standing there with Sasha. “Alex hey what’s going on?” looking at his little brother he could tell that something was a mist.

“Must be hot in here?” he said as he stared at him with no shirt on and breathing heavily.

“Huh? No it’s not.” He answered not knowing what he was suggesting.

“Don’t you think you should put on a shirt? How is Nova, is she any better?” he walked in and looked around. Glancing at his brother’s pants he look at him with concern.

“I just got out of the shower.”

“I take it that it wasn’t a cold one.” He asked.

Feeling his face blush he quickly placed his hand in front of himself. Trying to change the subject he looked over to his niece. “She’s getting big, looks like she’s shot up a whole foot.”

“Derek…!”

“Alex I’m not in the mood for any lecture, nothing happened.” He said quickly, ‘…But who knows if you didn’t come’ he thought to himself.

“I wasn’t here to lecture you little bro. I just came to see if Nova was feeling better.”

Hearing them talk Nova put on her robe and walked into her living room. “Hello Alex, Sasha oh my you’re getting so big.” She said picking her up. She knew that it worried Alex on how fast she was growing and with the help of Admiral Singleton he would be sending her soon with Sandor to an undisclosed area. She would be back just shy of her 1^st birthday to live with her father.

“How are you feeling , Nova?” Alex asked still staring at his brother.

She walked over to Derek and put her arm through his. “Much better, thanks to Derek. He took very good care of me,” then kissed him on the cheek.

“Well I’m glad that he was a good nurse. I just wanted to stop by and give you some more soup and see how you were doing.”

Taking in the smell of the soup Nova felt her stomach rumble for food. “Mmm smells good. Thank you Alex, I’m starving.” She said walking into her kitchen and began to pour herself some soup.

“You’re welcome Nov, well I better get going Sasha is tired and she needs to go to bed. Will you be coming home tonight Derek?” he asked with a stern look.

“Ah, yeah just don’t wait up.” He shied away from his brother’s stare.

Walking him out the door, Alex turned to his baby brother and whispered. “I’ll wait up.” Giving Derek a sure sign that he needed to talk with him the minute he got home. Closing the door Derek let out a load sigh then turned to see her sitting on the kitchen nook blowing on her spoon before putting it into her mouth. “Will you be alright alone tonight, Nov?”

“I figured he wanted to talk with you. He didn’t look too happy.” Nova said worried about them. “Go get dress, I’ll be just fine.” She walked over to him and wrapped her arms around him. “Thank you Derek for taking care of me. I love you so much.” She said then kissed him. “I guess him coming over saved us maybe some regret?” smirking he gave her a hug and went into her room to get dress. Within minutes he was dressed in a pair of jeans and a simple blue tee-shirt. He gave her another hug and kiss then left. Nova sat in her apartment feeling lonely and hoping that he would have stayed.

Alex sat in the kitchen drinking coffee waiting for him to come home. Derek walked in with an agitated look at his brother. “So what’s so important that I needed to come home?” he asked with sarcasm.

“Can I ask what was going on or went on when I came over?” He asked annoyed.

“No you can’t. It’s none of your business.” He snapped at him.

“Derek you asked me to make sure that you kept your promise to her. And to tell you the truth I had my doubts that you would keep it. Now I see for sure that you are pushing it. If you don’t want me involved then I’ll step aside.”

“Look Alex, I’m a grown man I can make my own decisions. Don’t get all up in a tizzy …we didn’t do anything.”

“Really, you didn’t do anything yet?”

Rolling his eyes he pulled opened the cabinet door and snatched a cup out slamming it down on the counter. “Nothing happened! So lay off. She’s still a virgin, is that what you want to hear!?!? Honesty for someone telling me to be a gentleman you keep asking questions that someone shouldn’t be asking. That’s between Nova and I and I would like it very much if you stop asking. It’s a private matter that she and I have to work out. So butt out!”

“FINE! I’ll butt out. But remember one thing, if you two do at least use protection. The last thing you need is to get pregnant.”

Derek was shocked at what he said…he wasn’t even thinking about kids right now. “Pregnant!?”

“Yes or do you not know that fact of it being a possibility. She could get pregnant. You said you were afraid of never returning to her. What happened if you have a child?”

“Alex I would marry her sooner if that ever happens. I would never shame her that way.”

Trying to stay calm with his brother he said, “Well trust me, in the heat of passion people tend to forget about that consequence of the outcome!”

“Is that what you’re regretting, having Sasha?”

Feeling his temper rise he walked over to his brother and slapped him hard across the face. Silence filled the room as they both stared each other down. Taking a deep breath Alex finally spoke, “I will never regret Sasha; don’t ever say that to me ever again!” He said as he turned and left Derek standing in the kitchen alone.

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He knocked on his door softly, hoping that he hadn’t fallen asleep yet. “Alex, are you still up?” he whispered trying not to wake Sasha.

“Yeah Derek come on in.” he heard him say.

Slowly he walked in and found him sitting next to Sasha’s crib brushing her hair with his hand. Trying to give his brother a smile Derek could see the tears in his eyes. “Hey I’m sorry Alex. I was way out of line saying that.”

“It’s not your fault Derek. Your right about me, in a way I do resent her. I hate that you have Nova in your life. It kills me watching you loving each other and all I have is Sasha. How could she do this to us?”

“Alex she did what she did because she loved you and Sasha.” He tried to comfort his brother.

“IF she loved us she would have left with us! I was willing to die with her. But noooo she wanted to die there on a dying planet!!” He yelled.

“Alex calm down you’ll wake up Sasha. Come on.” He took his brother into the living room and sat him down. Pouring him a glass of Sake, he handed it over to his brother. “Here, take this.”

“Thanks.” He said waving the empty glass for more. “I’m sorry Derek… I never meant to hit you. It’s just that you said the truth about me. I was starting to resent Sasha. I will never have again what I had with Starsha. I miss her so much and seeing you with Nova just kills me. I know I have to tell my daughter one day that she died alone. That she choose to leave us alone. What am I going to tell her when she asks me about her mother?”

His heart broke to see his brother like this. For the first time in his life he was the one to comfort his brother. It was always Alex that gave the wise words to him. Now the shoe was on the other foot. “You’re going to tell her that she died believing she was doing the right thing and nothing more. She loved you, Alex! She will always be with you and Sasha. Sasha will understand. She will need you to be strong for her. And Alex you will love again. This I promise you.”

Trying to smile at his brother he couldn’t believe that he was now a man. “How do you know that?”

“Remember I loved Julie at one time and swore to never love again. Now look at me, I’m actually getting married something that I thought would never happen.” He sat next to his brother and put his arm around him. “You will find love again.”

“When did you become so grown up and wise?” he smiled at him.

“I learn from the best, you, mom, dad and Captain Avatar. Not to mention my fiancé.” He grinned.

“I’m sorry I ruined your night with Nova.” He said throwing his arm around him.

“It’s alright Alex. I’m glad you did. And you’re right we might have regretted it in the morning. Or at least she would have.” He said thinking of how close they came to actually doing the deed. “Are you alright?’

“Yeah thanks. Um Derek I need to tell you something.” He regretted having to tell him but he had to. “You’re getting orders first thing in the morning. You’re leaving in a week. Sorry Derek.”

“How long?”

“Not sure, they’ll brief you in the morning. I’m sure that they will keep you busy for the rest of the week. I’m really sorry.”

“Did you have anything to do with this?” he asked angrily.

“No Derek, they are handing all of the Star Force orders in the next week.”

“What about Nova?” his heart began to beat faster.

“As far as I know she is staying here on Earth.” Derek lean back into the couch and took a deep breath feeling relieved. “I’ll take care of her, promise.” He wasn’t about to tell him about the arrangement he and Singleton made with Sandor to take Sasha with him. He didn’t want people questioning her growth and going with Sandor to undisclosed area would be better. He would be able to visit her when he could. He was reinstated to his position as a Captain in EDF. His job would deal directly with Sandor and Singleton so seeing his daughter would be of no issues. They had to move quickly before everyone started to notice her growth spurts. Giving Derek orders as well as everyone else would distract people from asking questions. When they come back it would be easier to explain to them all. Here on Earth she would be treated differently from all the other kids. And he didn’t want that for her.

“I have to tell her before anyone else does.” He said quickly as his heart ached with pain to leave her again.

“It’s late Derek. You can tell her tomorrow.”

She fixed her nurse’s uniform and then grabbed her keys. Opening her door she jumped to see him standing there ready to knock on the door. “My god, Derek you scared me. What are you doing here so early?” She looked into his face and could tell something was wrong. “When?” she asked as tears began to form in her eyes.

“Less than a week, I got my orders earlier this morning.” He took her in his arms and closed her door. “I’m sorry baby. But I’ll be back before the wedding. That I can guarantee you that I would never miss it for the world.” He whispered into her ear.

Controlling her tears she nodded her head as he wiped the tears from her face. “I’ll be alright. I should have expected this. It is your job. But I, I,” she tried to say and broke down crying in his arms.

“God, Nova I’m so sorry.” He wanted so much to stay longer but orders were orders. “Hey come on don’t cry. You’ll be busy enough getting the wedding together. I only wish I was here to help you, but I’m sure that your mother will have everything covered. I’m sure she will keep you busy enough and before you know it you’ll be walking down the aisle. I can picture it now. You have a beautiful white dress, flowers in your hair. I won’t be able to see anyone but you.” He gave her a smile that made her laugh. “Ah now that’s the smile I love so much. I love you so much. Will you wait for me until I get back or are you going to dump me for some other space pilot? Please say you’ll wait for me.”

“Of course I will silly. I love you no one else.”

“Shame, that we, well you know.”

“How is Alex, Derek?”

“He’s doing much better, just feeling a little lonely for Starsha. Keep an eye on him for me, will you?”

“Of course,” but she already knew that he would be sending Sasha off with Sandor. Sandor confided in her a few weeks ago after the decision was made. Even Derek was not told yet as to what Alex was about to do. It pained her to know that Alex lost his wife and now he was giving up his only child. “Dinner tonight?”

“I’ll have to call you later their going to keep me busy preparing for this. But I promise I will call you.” He ran his hand through her hair and then gently kissed her. “Let me walk you to your car.” He put his arm around her waist and brought her closer to him. She leaned her head on his shoulder and wished that he wasn’t leaving so soon. But it’s his job. He opened the door for her and step in. Leaning down he gave her one more kiss before she drove off to work. How his heart ached to leave her once again.

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