Onward With Love…
Chapter Thirty-Four
By Yuki Wildstar
EDF Battleship Argo
Quarters of the XO
“So, Derek
looks like we’re stuck here together for a while.” Julie said looking out into
the dark skies of space.
“Yeah, well
I don’t think that Namir or Nova would like that.”
“Tell me
about it, it’s not like we planned it. I’m sure that they both will understand.
I know that you love Nova and I love Namir very much. I don’t want to do
anything to jeopardize it. We’ve come such a long way don’t you think?” she
asked him.
“We sure have, gosh has it been that
many years since we saw each other before our little war.”
“I’m sorry
Derek that I put you and Nova through all that, I deserve everything that I
get. If the shoe was on the other foot I don’t think that I could ever forgive
me. Nova’s a special person and I'm so glad that you found someone that is
going to make you happy. You deserved someone like that after all the crap I
put you through.”
“We were so
young back then, although I did like you very much and I would have stopped the
world for you. We made a lot of mistakes back then.”
“More me
then you Derek, I hurt you so much. I was such a bitch back then.”
Derek
laughed at her “Yeah, you sure were.”
“Gee thanks”
she rolled her eyes at him. “You weren’t supposed to agree.”
“Hey I call
it as I see it.”
“Oh you,”
she punched him on his arm as he laughed at her.
“Hey that’s
striking a superior officer, I’ll have to make a report.” he laughed making her
laugh with him.
“Why
couldn’t we be like this when we were dating?” She asked.
“We were young and high strung. Back
then we were more into getting somewhere fast and didn’t care how we got
there.”
“Well that’s
more me then you Derek and you know that. Whatever happened to those two young
people, what really happened to them?” She said remembering all that they went
through when dating back in 2197.
October
21, 2197
“I’m
sorry I didn’t look where I was going,” Julie said as she bent down to pick up
her books.
“That’s
alright I should have seen you coming. I see that you’re studying to be a
pilot.” Wildstar asked as he helped her with her things
“Yeah,
it’s something I’ve been dabbing at and you?” she asked intrigued of this
handsome man in front of her. She was dating another cadet but was growing weary
of him. ‘Time to move on’ she thought to herself.
“I’m
sorry, I’m Cadet Ensign Derek Wildstar,” he stuck out his hand for her to
shake. ‘She’s very pretty, those dark brown eyes, they seem so deep like if she
was reading your mind’ he thought.
“Cadet
Ensign Juliet Tolbert, nice to meet you.” she shook his hand back.
“So what
other class are you taking?”
“Psychics
of course and leadership, Someday I’m hoping to command a ship,” she said and
thought to herself ‘or at least until I find someone that has enough money to
take care of me.’
“Really! So am I. Who do you have for teachers?”
“Commander Jetson, Matsumoto, and Commander Fujita.”
“Oh he’s
tough, I had him last year and my brother Alex had him a few years ago. Don’t
get discouraged with him he can be nice if you just ask a lot of questions. He
loves’ to talk, so the more questions you ask the more he likes you.” He said
smiling at her hoping to get her number.
Julie
like the young man in front of her, he had a heart melting smile and his eyes
danced when he spoke. “Thank you, I’ll keep that in mind.” ‘Though I already
have the A+ I need for the year, thanks to our one night stand together.’
“If you
ever need help in Physics let me know. I pretty much know what he will give on
the exam at the end of the year.” Derek said.
“I just
might take you up on that Cadet Ensign Derek Wildstar.” Julie said giving him a
big smile.
“Hey if
you’re interested some of the other cadets are heading out to O’Mally’s later.
If you like to drop by and let off some steam.”
“I’d like
that very much, what time?”
“About 1630?”
“Okay,
that would be great. I guess I’ll meet you there then?”
“Great,
see you then.” He winked at her and made his way to class.
O’Mally’s
Bar and Grill
1643 hours
“Hey Wildstar why do keep looking at
the door?” Venture asked his friend.
“That
girl I met in the hall way, she said she was coming.”
“Wildstar,
she may never even come. Forget her, she probably with some upper class mate.
Anyway there are a couple of hot cuties over there looking our way, let’s go
meet them?” Venture got up and began to grab him by the arm. “Come on Wildstar,
they look like they put out easily.”
“Come on
Venture, I really want to see if she shows, just a few more minutes.”
“Well you
wait. I’ll get them warmed up just in case she doesn’t show.” Venture left him
and walked over to the two young girl cadets waiting to speak to them.
Wildstar
sat at the table rubbing his finger around the rim of the beer glass as he
watched Venture and some other guy talking to the girls at the bar. Ready to
get up and walk over to them he felt a hand on his shoulder.
“Hiya Cadet Ensign Derek Wildstar.” He smiled when he turned to see
Julie standing there.
“Whoosh,
I thought you weren’t coming.” Derek said relieved that she was there.
“Sorry I
had to take care of something with my grades, but I’m here, what are you
having?” she said sitting down as he pulled the chair out for her. “Thank you, my aren’t you a gentleman.”
He smiled
at her and asked, “What would you like to drink?”
“Are you
buying?” Julies purred.
“Of
course I ask you here, it’s only fair.”
“Well
then, I’ll have a synthetic rum and coke.” Julie said looking into his eyes.
“So
what’s up with your grades?”
“Oh
nothing now, it’s been straightened out,” She said as she thought about what
she and her professor did less than an hour ago. She knew that she was getting
a B+ but she need an A+ to get into flight school.
“So tell
me about yourself Ms. Tolbert.”
“What
would you like to know Cadet Ensign Derek Wildstar?”
He
grinned at her response and said.“It’s just Derek.
Tell me do you have family?”
“No, it
was my mother and me for a while but she passed a few years back.”
“I’m
sorry, Planet bombs?”
“No she
died of natural causes, though she was very young, and she was very weak. I;d rather not talk anymore about it” She said turning away.
“I’m
sorry, I didn’t mean to pry,” Wildstar’s smiled faded quickly from his face.
“It’s
alright it’s just part a my life that I never want to
remember, and how about you Derek, any family?”
“I have a
brother, you’ve probably heard of him Alexander Wildstar he’s the captain of
the Pegasus.”
“Alex Wildstar, who hasn’t heard of him.” Julie licked her lips, ‘well if it
doesn’t work out with him I have an easy way of meeting the famous Alex
Wildstar’ “Parents?”
“My
mother and father were killed when the planet bombs hit
“I’m
sorry Derek, I didn’t mean to pry either,” she place her hand on his and waited
until he looked at her. “I guess we both have something in common.” She said
and smile as he turned to face her.
“Looks
like we do, so are you dating anyone special?” he asked hoping that he would
get the answer he wanted to hear.
“Actually,
I am.” she said as Wildstar’s smile left his face.
“But it’s not working out with us and he doesn’t know it yet but I will be
cutting him loose very soon.”
“Oh
really,” Wildstar face lit up. “Well that’s something interesting to hear. What
are you doing tomorrow night than?”
“Why
Cadet Ensign Wildstar… are you asking me out on a date?” Julie laughed as she
hit him on the shoulder.
“I guess
I am, so are you free?”
“I’ll
have to check my calendar,” she said as she pulled out her mini calendar and
glanced through it. “Hmm, looks like I am. I can pencil you in right after I
tell Alfred that’s it’s over.”
Wildstar
laughed out loud at what she said and then lean forward to her. “May I?” he
asked as she nodded and lean inward toward him also. His kiss was gentle on her
lips. She felt his tongue grazed along her lips and then pulled away.
“Wildstar,
I see she made it. So you didn’t get stood up again.” Venture said as he
slapped him on the back.
“Yeah,
Mark Venture this is Julie Tolbert, Julie, this is my best friend Mark.” Derek introduce them.
“How do you do? Nice to meet you.” Mark Said
as he shook her hand. “My friend said you were pretty I thought he was
exaggerating, you’re not pretty your gorgeous.”
“Thank
you, you’re not so bad looking yourself Venture,” She winked at him. ‘Hmmm very
cute, this just might be fun.’
“Hey I
saw her first,” Wildstar laughed at the two.
“Well,
I’ll leave you two alone. I have a date with those two anyway. See you later
Wildstar.” Mark said looking over to the two female cadets.
“Okay
Venture I see you in class,” he waved at his friend.
Julie and
Derek talk late into the night. “Wow I didn’t think we would close the place
down. Gosh what time is it?” Wildstar looked at his watch “Oh it’s almost 2
a.m. I have a test in the morning. We better go, do you have a ride?”
“No I
walked here,” Julie replied.
Wildstar
grinned “Would you like a ride?”
“Sure”
“Where
are you staying at?”
“Actually
I have my own place a few blocks away. I hate bunking with other women I can
never get any privacy.”
“Cool, I
thought we weren’t allowed to live out in town. How did you manage to get that
privilege?”
“I just
put in a request and explain that I had an elderly mother that needed my help.”
She giggled. But the truth was her uncle set it up for her.
“Neat, I
never thought about that.” Wildstar put his arm out and said “can I walk you
home Ms. Tolbert.” Sliding her arm through his she leaned on his shoulder as he
walked her home. They talk a little more until they came to her apartment
building. Derek thought it was very ritzy and expensive he turn to her and
said, “This is your place, how can you afford it on our salary?”
“My mom
left me some money.” she lied, knowing her uncle Thomas got it for her and she
had many man that supported her with her needs. “Would you like to come up?”
She asked him.
“Um I
really shouldn’t, I have a test in the morning and it’s pretty late.” He shied
away ‘I don’t want to make this a one night stand. If I sleep with her now
she’ll think that’s all I want.’
“Are you
sure Derek?” Julie wasn’t sure why he was hesitating. Most men wouldn’t even
give it a second thought.
“Naw, I
better get back to the barracks I’ll see you tomorrow night. Pick you up around
1700?”
“Sure
Derek,” she smiled at how much he was acting like a gentleman. Something most
of the men she dated lacked. He lean forward and gave her a kiss on the lips as
she threw her arms around him and drew him close to her. She could feel him
getting excited and he pulled away quickly.
“Goodnight
Julie, I’ll see you tomorrow.” Wildstar felt flush from his excitement.
Next
day
Wildstar
Aced his test with flying colors, he was floating on air the whole morning. He
was meeting his brother Alex for lunch and couldn’t wait to tell him about
Julie. They met up in the Officers Chow hall and Alex sat there waiting for him
to come.
“You’re
late,” Alex said joking with him.
“No, you’re early,” Derek joked back a game that they always
played with each other.
“Good to
see you little bro, what have you been up too?”
“Well I
just took my pilots’ written exam and simulated flight today.” Derek said with
excitement.
“And?”
“Aced it!”
“That’s
great. I knew you could do it. So next semester you’ll actually be in a fighter!”
Alex said proud at his baby brother.
“Yup, and
that’s not all. I met a girl.” He couldn’t help but to smile.
“You
have, what’s her name?”
“Cadet
Ensign Julie Tolbert, she’s pretty much taking all the courses I’m taking.” He
beamed.
“Julie
Tolbert, the name sounds familiar, I can’t remember from where but I know I
heard it before.”
Derek
looked at his brother intrigue, does he know her. Did she date him, something
started to ring bells in his head and he had to ask “Did you and she date?”
“No, I
pretty much remember everyone I been with and Julie Tolbert was not one of them.”
Alex gave Derek a smile to reassure him. “So tell me about this cadet Tolbert.”
“Well she
about 5ft 4 with dark brown hair and the darkest brown eyes I have ever seen.”
He went on to tell him what they talked about all night and Alex sat there and
listened to every word.
“So my
little brother is in love.” Alex shook his hair and joked.
“Don’t do
that, you know I hate when you do that, I’m not a little kid anymore,” Derek
try to say whining in the processes.
“You’ll
always be my little bro, but you are growing up to be a man. If mom and dad
could see you now they would be so proud.” Alex said making his brother blush
with embarrassment.
“Oh stop,
Alex do you miss them?” Derek asked getting misty eye about his parents.
“Of
course everyday just because their gone doesn’t mean we should forget about
them.”
Derek
looked at his brother and decided to change the subject “So have you seen any
action?”
“Ha-ha,
changing the subject are you little bro. Okay I’ll go with it, yeah I’ve seen a
little but nothing major. I’m sure that there will be plenty when you graduate.
I promise I won’t take it all away from you and Venture. By the way how is
Venture I thought that he would be joining us.”
“He took
off last night with two chicks and no one’s seen him since.” Derek grinned
“You
didn’t go with him?”
“I was
meeting Julie.”
“A little
advice to my little bro, don’t get too serious with someone now. You have to
concentrate on your studies and graduate.” Alex said.
“Oh come
on Alex, I know my studies are first.”
“Good, I
just want you to stay focused,” Alex wasn’t sure why but something about the
name Julie Tolbert kept ringing bells in his head. ‘What is it about that name
that keeps nagging at me?’
“I will
Alex,” Derek said thru the side of his mouth feeling that he was starting to
act like too much of a big brother.
“Well,
I’m sure that you have two more classes today, how about dinner tonight. I have
leave until tomorrow, figured I spend as much time with my little bro.”
“Uh, um,
I have a date.” He looked down at his napkin that he was playing with.
“Bring
her along; I would like to meet the woman that’s making my little brother
smile.” Alex said.
“I don’t
know she may not be ready to meet my family.”
“Oh come
on I promise I won’t give her the third degree.” Alex said crossing his heart
“Honestly, I promise.”
“Alright,
I’m picking her up at 1700, where should we meet you?”
“How
about that little Italian restaurant that they just opened at the end of
“I know
the place. We’ll meet you there around 1730.” Derek said as they both stood up
shook hands and gave each other a hug.
“See you
later bro,” Alex said as they went their separate ways.
1714
Hours
Julie
Tolbert’s apartment
“Hello,
come on in. I’ll be ready in a minute.” Julie threw open the door and ran into
the bedroom. Derek stood in the hall way and looked around. He couldn’t believe
her apartment, she had expensive taste. It was luxurious with greens and tan
colors reds and gold thrown in the mix. A picture of herself
stood over the mantle. Derek walked into the room and put his jacket over a
chair and then sat down. She emerged from the bedroom 20 minutes later wearing
a simple blue dress that fell just in the middle of her thigh. Her hair was up
and he thought her makeup was a little too much but okay.
“You look
great Julie,” Derek said as he stood up.
“Thank
you, so where are we going?” She asked as she grabbed a jacket out of the
closet that matched her dress. Her shoeswere a shade of silverthat
matched her clutch purse and stood
well with the dress.
“That new
place called Andrea’s.”
“Italian,
nice, so could you help me?” Julie handed him her jacket and turned around as
he helped her put it on. They both jumped into the car and drove to the restaurant.
Derek got out of the car and walked around and opened the door for her. They
walked to the door and then he turned to Julie and said, “Uh Julie, I forgot to
tell you, my brother is having dinner with us.” He said quickly.
“Derek, I
don’t think I’m ready to meet your brother, why didn’t you tell me sooner?” she
said annoyed.
“I’m
sorry, it’s just that he is in town for the night and he wanted to spend time
with me. Come on you both will hit it off I just know it. I think he might just
steal you away from me, not that he would. Please let’s just have a good time,
I promise if you feel uncomfortable I’ll take you home.”
Julie
signed and then gave him a smile “Fine, after all he is only here for the night
and you don’t know when you’ll see him again. Come on let’s meet your famous
brother,” Julie grabbed his arm and then walked into the restaurant.
The
maitre’ d asked if they had reservations and Derek told him that he was meeting
someone and gave him the name.
“Ah
Commander Wildstar yes he’s at the table now, come this way.” he told them and
then led them to the table. They watched as Alex stood up and took Derek hand
and shook it once again, giving him a hug.
He then
stared at Julie and smiled “So you’re the young lady that has captured my brother
attention. Hello, I’m Alex,” he said as he shook her hand.
“Hello.”
She said as Derek held out her chair for her to sit. Alex watched his little
brother and then turned his attention to Julie. The name kept ringing in his
head all the way back to his room and he mentioned it to his roommate. What his
roommate told him in return made him worry about his little brother. They made
idle chat with one another and ordered dinner. Derek and Alex talked about
school while Julie listened to them talk about the teachers. She sat quietly as
they went into their childhood, Alex making fun of his brother about many
things. Finally Derek excused himself leaving Alex and Julie alone. As he
walked towards the men room he noticed a pretty girl with brown hair and she seemed
to be arguing with whom he believed her parents.
“Nova sit
down, you’re making a scene!” Her mother snapped under her breath.
“Oh
mother you haven’t seen anything yet. Dad you have to stop her from setting me
up with these losers. I made my choice and right now my studies take priority
over anything. If I don’t past my medical boards I can’t join the EDF.” He
heard her say as he walked to the men’s room.
“I’m
sorry Julie, I didn’t mean to monopolize your date with my brother, it’s just I
don’t get to see him much and I’m sure had I not twisted his arm, he would have
pick you over me anytime.”
“It’s
alright Commander, if it makes Derek happy then it’s alright with me.” Julie
said.
“Julie
its Alex, you’re not in uniform and we are just having dinner. So no need for
formality, now tell me what are your intention with my brother?”
“Excuse
me?” Julie looked confused.
“Julie,
I’m not one to beat around the bush. I heard the rumors about you and I want to
know what you want with my kid brother?” Alex said with a stern face.
The color
form Julie’s face drain “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” she said in a
low voice.
“I’m not
here to judge you Julie, what you did in your past is your business. But that’s
my kid brother and I love him very much. I don’t want to see him hurt, do I
make myself clear?” he lean forward and looked into her eyes to make sure she
understood.
“We
barely know each other, your brother has been a total gentleman and I . . .”
she tried to say.
“I know
he is a gentleman, I wouldn’t expect anything less of him. I just want him to
stay focus on his studies, when we lost our parents I promise that I would not
let anything or anyone else hurt him. So please make sure that . . . .” he was
cut short when he saw her look in the direction of the men’s room. He turned to
see Derek come towards them than turned to Julie and said. “This stays between
us, understood?”
She
nodded and then put a smile on her face, like so many other times. “Well were
you two playing nice?” Derek asked playfully.
“We were just
having a nice conversation about school and her studies. She’s a nice girl
Derek. We should do this again when I’m back in town. Would you two like
another drink?” Alex said staring more at Julie.
“No thank
you, Derek it’s late, we should be going.” She wanted to get out of there as
fast as possible.
“Yeah, I
don’t like to drink and drive. Well Alex, when do you think you’ll be back in
town?”
“Don’t
know little brother, this war with the Gamilons it just seems like I’m always
getting call out at the last minute. But I’ll keep in touch. Julie it was nice
meeting you, take good care of him.” He said giving her a stare that meant
everything he said to her earlier.
“Yes
sir,” was all she could say which made him laugh.
“See you
around, Derek make sure you keep up on your studies.”
“I will,”
they shook hands and hug, walk out of the restaurant and waited for the valet
to get their cars. Alex’s car came first and he jumped in and drove off. Derek
and Julie stood outside of the restaurant waiting for his car to come around.
He wrapped his arm around her and kissed her on the cheek.
“So?”
“He’s
nice Derek, your brother loves you.” She said in a low voice.
“Is
anything wrong, did he say anything to you?” Derek looked at her concerned.
“No, no I
guess I’m a little tired that’s all, it’s the wine.” She force a smile, she
dealt with family before and could tell that he was a very protective brother.
Something she always wanted in a family but never had. She had to be extra
careful with him. He was sweet and caring. ‘But still this could fun.’ she
thought to herself.
“Come on
I’ll take you home,” Derek said as his car pulled up and he opened the door to
let her in. He parked the car and walked her upstairs to her apartment.
“Thank
you Derek I had a lovely time,” Julie said as she opened her door then turned
to face him.
“Me too
Julie, I hope that we can do this again?” he said hopeful.
Julie
smiled and ran her hand over his face. Derek lean forward as so did she so they
can kiss. She wrapped her arms around his neck and guided him into the
apartment, Derek took off his jacket as he kissed her and then Julie helped him
with his shirt. She led him into her room and he sat on the bed as Julie went
into her closet and took off her clothes. Derek watched as she walked out naked
and admired her body.
“Wow,
nice.” He said shaking slightly. He’s been with two other women before her and
nothing more. They were both one night stands that Venture hooked him up with
and he wasn’t sure exactly what he was doing. She did things to him that night
that he never knew a woman would know. He couldn’t believe that she was this
great in bed and never question her. He rather had not known how many men she’s
been with, it didn’t matter to him. She was with him now and that’s all that mattered
to him.
April
15, 2198
Months passed by and Derek had move
his things into her apartment at her request. She thought that she was starting
to really like him, but a few weeks past when she
began to get bored with him like so many others in her past. She still had her
indiscretions and tried to keep them discreet. But slowly Derek began to hear
the rumors from his classmates. Mostly from Venture, he confronted him one day
and brought one of the men that claim to have slept with her a few days
earlier. Derek almost punched him in the face, but Venture held him back. He
told him how she came on to him and took him into a storage closet and they did
it there. He also told him that she slept with all her male professors and
that’s how she got A’s in her classes. Derek just cursed him out and walked
away from both Venture and him. Then a few weeks after his graduation and
before his orders to moon station Venture approach him again on the subject.
“Mark we
had this conversation before,” Derek said annoyed with his friend. He expected
this from his brother but not his friend.
“Look if
Alex was here he’d tell you the same. I heard stories about her, and some of
the things that are recent. Derek she’s a tramp and you can’t see it.”
“Don’t
say that about the woman I love, I’m asking her to marry me,” He blurted out.
“What,
are you serious? She’s having an affair with some pilot name Hartcliffe for god
sake!”
“Stay out
of this Venture. I don’t get into your
love life so stay out of mine. She would never lie to me she says that she
loves me and that’s that.”
“Derek,
just one question, when was the last time you two slept together?”
“That’s
none of your damn business, now I have to go and set up the house for the big proposal!”
he snapped at his friend.
“Derek
you can’t,”
“You’re
just jealous, you never did like her. She told me how you came onto her and
tried to get her to leave me. She told me everything, at first I didn’t believe
it, but lately it seems to me that she just might be right.”
“Derek,
you know I would never do that to you, if anything she came on to me six weeks
after you and her got together. She came to my room and wanted to talk about
the argument you and she had over that one professor. The next thing I knew she
was kissing me and trying to take my clothes off.”
“YOU LIAR!” Derek yelled at him.
“Wildstar
it’s true, I never told you because I knew you liked her. But now I think you’re
making a mistake. I didn’t want the rumors to be true, but they are. She’s been
sleeping around with not only her professors but others. I’ve talked to some
guys that said they have been with her in the time you two were together.”
Wildstar
tighten his hands into fist and wanted so much to hit his friend for saying
this to him. In the back of his mind he heard the rumors too, but he chose to
take Julie’s side first. “I have to go, I’ll talk with you later,” he said and
left his friend standing in the middle of the bar.
Derek
drove to their apartment and his mind was racing at what his friend said to
him. The question that stood out most was when was the last time they slept
together? ‘When was the last time we slept together, gosh it’s been too long,
I’ve been so wrapped up with my studies that I can’t remember, not good Wildstar,
you haven’t been paying attention to Julie. If she is sleeping around then it
might be my fault, ah gees. Alex never
mentioned anything to me. But since the last time we got together, he and Julie
seemed to be uncomfortable with each other. They never said anything but I knew
something was wrong with them.’ They never knew but one day he overheard their
heated conversation about something he heard about her and some pilot. When he
walked into the room and asked what was going on they change the subject.
But today
was another day; he was going to ask her to marry him. He got a half carat ring
for her. He wanted to get her something bigger but on his salary something more
would have set him back more than a few credits. ‘Once we’re married I’ll get
her a bigger ring’ he thought as he opened the door to their apartment. He
began to set everything up for the big question. He placed fake rose petals on
the floor and ordered dinner for them. He set up the table for a romantic night
with candles and her fine china. He placed a bottle of
“Where
have you been, I’ve been worried sick about you!” Derek snapped out of
frustration that he couldn’t locate her.
Julie
looked around the apartment and saw that he had set up a romantic dinner for
the both of them. “I’m sorry babe, but Cassandra had an awful fight with her
boyfriend and she asked me to stay with her. We talked so long I lost track of
time.”
Derek
stood there shock that she could lie to him, he looked at her and asked. “Who
is he Julie?”
“What are
you talking about?” trying not to show any signs of her indiscretions.
“I called
Cassandra and she said she didn’t talk to you all day, so who is he?”
“I don’t
know what you’re talking about. You’ve been listening to Venture and Alex,
haven’t you? I told you that they hit on me.”
“Are you
telling me that my own brother hit on you?”
“I never
wanted to tell you, I knew that it would hurt you. I’m sorry Derek I know it’s
hard to believe.”
“You
lying bitch, Alex would never do that to me.” Derek said in a low tone filled
with anger.
“What did
you say?”
“I called
you a LYING BITCH” He yelled at her. “Alex never said anything bad about you,
but I knew that you and he didn’t get along. Now you tell me that he had a
thing for you, HA. One thing I do know is Alex loves me and he would never in a
million years hurt me and if you think that I would take your word over MY
BROTHER you are sadly mistaken.”
“So you
rather believe him over me, the women you’re supposed to love?”
“Oh I
loved you, past tense. When you have the gall to tell me that my own brother
hit on you then I wised up. Who is he Julie? Or would you just want to end it
now?”
Julie
looked him in the face, she knew then that she had to end it with him. After
speaking with her uncle she knew that he would hurt his career and anyway she
liked Hartcliffe better…he was wild, fun, crazy and great in bed which something
the Derek lacked. He was too inexperienced and she grown tired of keeping the
spark in their sex life. With Hartcliffe, he was like a tiger in bed, and she
liked it. Yes it was time to end the relationship with Derek, so with slit eyes
she just said “I guess it’s over, Derek”.
Derek
stood shock at what she said. ‘Why do I feel like this? They’ve warned me about
her for weeks. I shouldn’t be so shocked.’ “Very well Julie, I’ll have my stuff
out of here by the time you get home tomorrow. Oh yeah by the way, I got this
for you.” He tossed the box at her.
“Do you honestly
think that I was going to marry you, and with something this small. You thought
that I would say yes?” she laughed at him as she stared at the tiny diamond.
“You know
you’re a real bitch, you deserve everything that happens to you. Don’t come
crawling back when he dumps you for something better.” He said with bile in his
tone.
“Get out
Derek! I don’t ever want to see you again!”
“Oh you
can count on that, you know Venture was right about you. You’re nothing more
than a tramp that wants to use anyone to get what you want! Goodbye Julie,” he
said as he walked out the door slamming it behind him.
They both
sat on the floor of Nova’s old quarters and talked more about the past. Derek
had to grin at it all. “We were so young and stupid back then.”
“Yeah we
sure were, too bad it didn’t work out.”
“But it did
work out, I found Nova and you have Namir and had Saku.” Derek suddenly knew
what he said. “I’m sorry, Julie.”
“No Derek, I
brought this on myself and I don’t want Saku thinking I didn’t take responsibility
for what I did. I want him to understand wrong from right and the consequences
that you have to face.”
“That is
very admirable Julie, and I hope that everything works out for you. Namir will
follow suit after this is all done, so he can see you and bring Saku to see
you. Nova and I spoke and we agree to put in a good word for you. I hope that
they are leant with you.”
“Thank you
Derek, you and Nova have been great. I think the worst of it is that I will
have to explain myself to Saku someday and I pray that he will understand.”
“Julie, he’s
your son, there nothing that will stop him from loving you.”
“Thanks, I
guess it will all work out.” Bowing her head she only hoped that he was right
about it all and it would work out for her and her son. “What do you think is
taking so long to get us out of here?” she began to get inpatient.
“Relax
they’ll come looking for me sooner or later. I am the captain of the ship.
Though Nova did such a good job she may never want me back as Captain let alone
as fleet commander.” They both looked at
each other in silence and then let out a laugh.
“I really
don’t think that’s the job she wants Derek. I think just knowing that you’re
okay is all she ever wanted.”
“Yeah I
think you’re right.”
They sat there
for a moment when they finally heard someone at the door.
“Wildstar,
are you alright?” Wildstar heard Sandors’ voice say.
“Just fine,
are you getting us out of here?”
“We’re
working on it as we speak. Just stand back.”
“We can’t be
any further away from the door, Sandor just get it done.” Wildstar yelled
through the door.
“Yes
Captain,” He heard him say then heard the sound of a blow torch go on and then
flares coming from the door.
Fifteen
minutes later Wildstar and Julie stood up and watch the door open. A smile came
to his face when he saw his wife standing in the door way with Sandor behind
her. “Captain Wildstar why is it that your always getting yourself in trouble
with women?” Nova grinned as she spoke.
“The only
trouble I want to get into is with you, Commander.”
Rolling her
eyes she walked past him and stood in front of Julie. “How are you Julie?”
“Tired, you
look a little beat yourself. I don’t know how you do it working under all
this.”
“Trust me
once everything is done I’m taking a long nap. By the way, I have something to
show you.” Nova step back and waved to Sandor. Julie smiled at who was standing
in the door way.
“Hello my
love.” Namir said.
“Namir! oh my god. I wasn’t expecting to see you so soon.”
“I can’t
stay long, there still so much to do. But I wanted to see you and make sure
that you were alright.”
“Oh Namir, I
miss you so much.” Julie said as she cried. “Any word on
Saku?”
“He’s fine,
I spoke with Naruto wife before coming here and she tells me that he misses you
very much.” He told her as she broke down and cried for her son. “Shh, it’s
alright Julie. We will get through this together. Saku will know his mother.
I’ll make sure of that.”
“I’m just
glad that this is all over, now we can all get on with our lives. Though I have
to return to Earth for punishment I know that I am making the right decision.
Plus I have Derek and Nova for support. I am willing to face my fate.”
“Namir we have to go.” Nova interrupted their
reunion. “I’m sorry that it was only for a short moment.”
“Yes, but I
will be back to see you again before the ship leaves for Earth. I love you
Julie, stay strong.”
“I love you
too Namir. Please give Saku a kiss for me.” She said as she hugged him tightly.
As they
entered the bridge Wildstar notice that she looked worn and beat. Making a note
to give her sometime later to sleep something he needed also. “Namir looks like
you’ll never see Bemlazye again. The Bolar Federation is yours to lead.”
“I love to
know what happened to our dear prime minister.”
“Oh I think
he’s trying to pull himself together. Though that will be a feat he can’t even
do.” Wildstar smirked. “He’s never coming back Namir, we can finally end this
and go on with our lives.”
He didn’t
quite understand what he was telling him how he defeated him, but he was
finally relieved that it was all over. “I guess I should get back down to Rhima
and make sure all is well.”
“I will join
you shortly so we can discuss the new Bolar Federation. I’m sure that Deslock
will be among us to also know what you will do.” Wildstar said.
“Once we’re
finish wrapping things up with Bemlazye’s men I will hold a conference with our
officers. It will be a long process in getting our people together but it’s a
challenge that I am willing to take.” Namir eyes grew tired, it was had been a
long time since he felt at ease with his people. He couldn’t wait to speak with
Queen Mariposa and inform her that the war was finally coming to an end.
Bemlazye was now dead for sure and they could go on with their lives. It will
take a while before all the other planets that where ruled under him would get
the word. But he wanted to be the one to tell the Queen. “Captain Wildstar
thank you and Deslock for all you both have done. We will meet tomorrow at
0900? Will that give you enough time to finish up here?”
“It should
be enough time for all of us. My fighters and Deslock’s fighters are wrapping
all the remaining Bolars. I will be in touch first thing in the morning.” Namir
stood at attention and saluted him. Wildstar stood tall and returned his salute
wondering how it will all end with him and Deslock. Gazing over to his wife he
watched as she went over some reports with Watanbe. “We will speak later,
Corporal Sato please escort Namir to his ship.”
“Aye aye”
Sato said then waved to Namir to follow him out. Wildstar walked over to his
wife and whisper into her ear. “Why don’t you go rest, I can take over from
here.”
Nova gave
him a tired smile and said. “I’m alright sir; anyway I’m almost done here.” He
gazed into her eyes and saw how tired she was. But he was too tired to argue
with her. “Captain you look beat yourself maybe you should go rest.”
“Naw, too
whine up from battle. Anyway I need to go see Delvechio, haven’t seen him since
we came on ship. I’ll be right back, are you alright to continue?”
“Yes sir.”
She winked at him.
Medical Ward . . .
“Captain!”
“How are you
feeling
“Yes sir
they are. But sir I am really well enough to get back to work. I can see why
Yvey was going nuts in here. A pilot is not meant to be in bed while a battle
is on. I need to get behind my fighter.”
Wildstar
chuckled, “sorry but you’re here for as long as the doctors say you have to.
Anyway I’m surprise that you wouldn’t take advantage of the pretty nurses here.
I would think that you would love being pampered.”
“Uh to tell
you the truth sir, it’s not easy with all these nurses here. How should I put
it, I kind of mess with most of them for the exception of nurse Danfield, only
because he is a guy.”
Wildstar let
out a loud laugh and pat him on his good shoulder. “Well I guess you’ll have to
rough it and hope that they don’t amputate something that you’ll need later.”
He said nodding down to his privates.
Pesci looked
down and covered himself with his hand. A shiver ran down his back and he
rolled his eyes. “I better make sure that I don’t fall asleep.”
“You brought
it on yourself. Commander Forrester did warn you once about messing around with
them. Now you’re gonna have to sleep with your eyes open. I better get back to
the bridge and check on things. Take care, I’ll check on you later. And Pesh .
. .”
“Yes sir?”
“Thank you,
I don’t know what Nova would have done if something happened to me. I think she
would have been pretty pissed at me if I got myself killed.”
“Sir I’m
sure if I didn’t Sato would have taken the shot for you.”
Wildstar
felt proud to have a man like him to lead. His crew was the best he could ask
for. He himself would have taken the shot if the tables were turned. “Get some
rest.” He said as he walked out the door.
Bridge . . . .
“Captain,
Deslock is on line and wishes to speak with you.”
“Put him
through, Dash.”
They all
looked up as Deslock’s image came on the screen. “Captain Wildstar, we finished
rounding up what’s left of Bemlazye’s men. At this time we are assessing our
damages and will be heading down to Rhima in the morning with you. Wildstar I
would like to talk over something’s before our final meeting with Namir if
that’s not too much trouble.”
“I figured
as much. I can be there in an hour. We are just finishing up here too.”
“Good, oh
yeah Commander Forrester,” looking up to face the screen Nova gave him a tired
smile. “You did an excellent job. You can command any of my ships at any time.”
Then he faded out.
Feeling
drained she felt good to get a compliment from Deslock. Wildstar stood next to
her and held her hand. “Why don’t you get some rest, it’s been a long day and
you look beat. I’ll be with you soon enough. I’ll just take care of this and
then meet up with Deslock.”
“Sir I can
finish up here.”
“It’s not a
request Commander. It’s an order. Get some rest. I’ll wait here until the
relief crew comes.” Wildstar look at his tired wife and began to shove her off
the bridge. Unwilling to go she knew that he was right and left the bridge. He
watched her leave and then turned to his bridge crew. “Thank you all, you did a
hell of a job. Have everything ready for the relief crew and go get some food
and rest. We have another long day tomorrow before we begin preparation to head
back to Earth. If all goes well tomorrow we will be heading home.” The crew
cheered at what he said and reality set in that it was indeed over, they were
finally going home.
Gamilon flagship Excelsior
“Welcome
aboard Wildstar.”
“So Deslock
what is it that we need to take care of before tomorrow. Nothing for nothing
but I’m pretty beat and would like to spend some time thanking my deputy
captain for an excellent job.”
Grinning at
his friend Deslock waved him over to a spot to sit. “I won’t keep you long Wildstar, it has been a long day. My concern is with the new
shift in leaders. I am hoping that you will be able to bring some input into
Bolar and Gamilon territory. We will need a treaty brought up and I can’t think
of nothing more than you helping in it. The Bolars respect you and I trust that
you will make good decisions. I don’t want a repeat from this war. To tell you
the truth I’m getting old and I’m tired of war. It should be fought only to
preserve our nations nothing more. The old Bolar Federation only seek to
conquer and I hope with Namir things will be better.”
“I agree Dess, I am honor that you have confidence in me to be a part
in your treaty with the Bolars. I will talk with my superior and see if they
are willing to draw up a treaty for your nations. I will call them the minute I
get back to the ship. So if that’s it I can really use some sleep.”
“Thank you
my friend I will see you in the morning. By the way I meant it when I said your
deputy captain did a great job. Did you teach her or did she teach you how to
command?”
Snickering
at his remark he had to answer him, “Sometimes I think she taught me. Goodnight
Dess.”
“Good night my friend.”
Captain’s Quarters
EDF Battleship Argo
The
Commander looked out of the screen at Wildstar and said, “I agree with Deslock,
Wildstar you should be the one to handle the treaty. I will have the council
draw up the necessary documents. As for the Bolar leader what happened with him?”
“He’s dead, we have nothing to worry about. Sir,
about Lieutenant Tolbert?”
“Sorry
Wildstar, she still has to stand trial. I only wish I can do more. If she
divulges her accomplice they may be more lenient in her sentencing.”
“Thank you sir, Wildstar out.” He said as he sat back and took in a huge breath. After all
she’s done he felt sorry for her and wanted to help her. But Singleton was
right she still had to stand trial for her actions. He thought maybe he and
Nova can sway the jury to give her a short sentence, maybe give her a
dishonorable discharge. At least she wouldn’t spend too much time behind bars.
“Hey, is everything
alright?” Nova ran her hand down his arm.
“Yeah, I
thought you were sleeping. I hope I didn’t wake you.”
“I was up,
just thinking of what happened today. I didn’t want to disturb your call with
the Admiral. Derek, is it really all over?”
“Looks like
it. Deslock and I are going down there tomorrow to work on some kind of treaty.
I just hope that it’s something everyone can agree on or else we are going to
have another war in our hands. To tell you the truth babe, I am so tired. I
really don’t think I can deal with another war.”
“Ha-ha,
trust me your adrenaline will go into over drive if there was. You thrive on
it.”
“I don’t
know this one really took a lot of me. Almost losing you and dealing with Julie
I do believe I need a really long vacation once we get home.”
Running her
hand down his face he seem a little older to her. “Come to bed, before you know
it we’ll be home.”