Onward With Love…
Chapter Four: A Snake in
By Yuki Wildstar
With much appreciation to Fred Kopetz , he encouraged
me to go for it. With his collaboration in this story about Derek and Nova it
has turned out to be better than I thought it would. His vision with detailing
and added script has made this so much more fun than expected. You and Gail ROCK! Thanks for everything and
I am so blessed to have a partner in writing.
Yuki
I. PARANOIA AND DIFFERENCES
The Vicinity of Planet Mira
EDF Space Battleship Endeavor
April 27, 2205
0740 Hours
Nova stood on the observation
deck looking out into the dark sky. What was he thinking? Could nothing have
gone on like he said or maybe something could’ve happened?Or was about to
happen? This is confusing me. I know he had feelings for her back then but
could he still have feelings for her now? I don’t know what to make of it. This
makes no sense whatsoever! Nova
thought while trying to hold back tears. Is Derek the honest, good man I
thought he was? Or was I just fooling myself? Or did he just mean well to
Tolbert with his old good nature and she took advantage of it to…I don’t know….
“Oh I’m sorry, I was looking
for Commander Sandor,” Lieutenant Commander Julie Tolbert said as she tapped
Nova on the shoulder. “Is he here?”
“Sorry he’s not here; I think
he went to the communication room to see if he can help fix the systems.” Nova
said, looking at Tolbert with anger
“Nova, I’m sorry that you had
to walk in on that before I just wanted to.......” Nova cut Tolbert short with
a hand up in the air.
“That’s Lieutenant Commander
Wildstar, and to be frank, Captain Wildstar already explained everything to me.
So you don’t have to make any excuses for him,” Nova said calmly.
“He did, well I’m surprised
that you are okay with it. Some wives would have been already filing for
divorce, I mean.....”
“What are you saying?” Nova
seemed confused. “What happened in there?”
“I’m not saying anything
happened, but we were starting to get really close on this mission, he was just
kind enough to let me ......”
“Nova!” Howard walked in
while Tolbert was in mid sentence. “Hey, Tolbert! I thought you were looking
for Sandor?”
“Yes, I was. I just found
Nova. We were having some girl talk, that’s all,” laughed Tolbert.
“That’s strange, because
Commander Sandor said he just walked by you and you didn’t say a thing to him.
What’s up?” Howard looked puzzled.
“Oh, really?” Nova was quick to figure out what she was up to. What a stinking liar, Nova
thought. Do I see a little agenda forming here, dear? A snake in
Howard stood even more
confused as to what was going on. “Nova is something going on? Should I come
back later?” Howard said, not trying to get involved.
“No,
please stay! I want someone else to listen to this just in case she decides to
change her story. Her…bullshit
story…” Nova, said, not backing down one iota. Nova now had an idea what was
going on, and while she was still angry with Derek, her anger with Tolbert made
that anger seem like a minor annoyance in comparison. No one had ever tried to take her man from her before, and she was
not going to stand for it!
“There’s nothing more to say,
you’ll just have to ask the Captain about it, ma’am. Now, if you’ll excuse me,
I have work to do!” Tolbert said, trying to flee from the two women.
“No, I’ve already questioned him, I’m now questioning you!” Nova grabbed her by the arm. She
wanted to make sure that she didn’t walk away from this one, like she walked
away from Derek so long ago when he needed her support.
“Like
I said,” Tolbert replied with some heat in her voice. “You’ll have to ask the
Captain that, now let go of me, you stupid cow! Or should I say, you stupid fucking gold-digger? You just married
him for his money and fame, didn’t you, you slut?” Tolbert yanked her arm away from Nova.
With fire in her dark eyes,
Nova lunged for Tolbert when Howard pulled her back. “Nova she’s not worth it,
let it go!” Howard never saw Nova like this. She knew Nova had gotten angry
before but never once did she turn physically violent.
“Listen to your friend
Lieutenant Commander! We don’t want to make a scene, now, do we? Especially because Derek and I have already made one! Ta,
TA!” Tolbert said with a grin on her face and walked out.
“Why that little bitch! Why
did you hold me back, Howard? I could have taken her. I could have slapped her
vulgar mouth to next week! How dare
she call me those things?” Nova yelled at Howard.
“First of all it wouldn’t
look good for you or Wildstar. Second of all, what were you two fighting
about?” Howard asked.
Nova was so angry that tears
rolled down her face. “I walked in on her and Derek. And it didn’t look like
they were playing Gin Rummy, either! It looked more like a friendly game of
Hearts!”
“You what!?” Howard was
shocked. “That can’t be, Derek would never do that to you, Nova. I may not have
known Wildstar long but he is not one to cheat on you, Nova. And with her!? Her? I mean, she has on weird purple lipstick, and her hair looks
like she uses it for a mop! Do you honestly think he would cheat on you…and
with that tramp? Derek worships the
ground you walk on, Nova! He’s never said a bad word about you once on this
mission! He has something that amounts for reverence for you! I can see it in
his eyes every time he talks about you, and he speaks only good of you.”
“Derek and her dated back
before he and I got together. He was about to propose to her, but she left him
for another pilot, an already commissioned officer…a slightly older guy named
Hartcliffe.”
“Oh, so that explains it all!
I’m assuming she wants him back. She’s crazy. But crazy like a fox. After all,
he has made a name for himself in the EDF. Nova, do you really think he would?”
Tolbert trying to convince her she could be lying.
“I don’t know Denise there’s
always that little voice that tells you there could be a possibility,” Nova
said in a low voice. “I just need to be left alone for a while to think things
out. Derek tells me one thing and she is insinuating another. He was almost
naked and she was getting her clothes on. I can’t get any more evidence then
that. My eyes don’t lie.”
“Oh Nova I’m so sorry. If you
want I can have her dealt with, Pesci has connections,” Howard grinned at the
thought. “Julie could be outfitted with a pair of cement high heels.”
Nova couldn’t help but laugh
at what she was suggesting. “No, Denise I’ll take care of this in my own way.
Thank you very much though, it’s a nice thought,” Nova grinned.
“Lets' go see what Pesci is
up to, you need space from both of them. I’ll keep you busy elsewhere,” Howard
said, pulling her towards the flight deck.
“Oh, okay, I guess you’re
right,” Nova smiled at her friend.
“Wildstar what’s going on,
what happened back there in your quarters?” Sandor said trying while to make
heads or tails of it. He had seen it, and had heard rumors. But he knew the
Derek Wildstar he knew would never
cheat on Nova…or even think of it.
“Oh nothing Sandor, it’s just
a misunderstanding. I just have to give her some time. Nova can be very
stubborn when she is mad. It’s best to stay out of her way.” Wildstar said with
a sad voice. How could have this happened?
“It look pretty bad, do you
think that Nova would come around? It didn’t…uh…look good?” Even Sandor
couldn’t get over what he saw.
“I hope so, when are you
heading back to the
“We should be finished here
with the communication systems in about 3 hours, I think you need to talk to
her before we head back. I’ve never seen her that mad….even IQ-9 is staying out
of the way” Sandor suggested.
“I guess I should. Are you
going to be okay here with this, Sandor?”
“Sure you go, I can handle
it” Sandor turning to the systems “IQ-9 get over here and give me a hand and
no, you can’t go after that pretty nurse in the skirt!”
“Yes, Sandor,” IQ-9 burbled
back.
II. DEREK’S AGONY
The Vicinity of Planet Mira
EDF Space Battleship Endeavor
April 27, 2205
1122 Hours
Wildstar went looking for
Nova. He stopped in the dining hall and the medical unit. He looked over at the
observation deck, but he could not seem to find her. He decided to stop in his
quarters and pick up some reports that he left for Sandor, so that he could
take them back to the
“I’m sorry Derek, but I just
had an awful fight with your crazy wife Nova, she accused us of having an
affair. She nearly tore my arm off! You married a crazy woman with a violent
temper!” Tolbert began to cry.
“You know what, Tolbert? I
really think you should leave, this is not the place to talk about it. You’ve
caused enough problems for me and I don’t think I care to listen to your
allegations. And that’s Captain Wildstar and Lieutenant Commander Forrester you
are speaking of. You and I are not on
a first-name basis. Is that understood?” Wildstar was agitated with her.
“They’re not allegations,
they’re true, and she tried to assault me! What are you going to do about it?”
Tolbert stood in front of him, blocking his way.
“Me? Nothing, not a damn
thing. If she tried then you’d best believe that you deserve it. It takes a lot
for her temper to get to the point of violence. So get out of my way I need to
get something to Commander Sandor. And when I get back I want you out of here!
I am relieving you of your duties at once.”
“What?” yelled Tolbert.
“You…you can’t!”
“I can. I’ll make the call to the EDF and have you reassigned. You can
go back with the
“Derek!” Tolbert yelled out
but Wildstar was already gone.
Wildstar found Sandor on the Endeavor’s
“Sandor have you gotten the
communication systems up yet? Wildstar asked.
“Just a few more minutes and
we should have everything on line. Have you talked to Nova, yet?” Sandor was
hoping that he smoothed things out with her.
“No, I haven’t seen her yet.
We need to get the communication systems up ASAP because I have to call the
Commander and request an emergency crew change at once! Please inform me when
you do; I’ll be on the bridge.”
Sandor nodded and continued
to work on the system as quickly as he and IQ-9 could.
A few minutes later, in a
very dark mood, Derek Wildstar sat on the First Bridge at the Captain’s Chair
looking into the black sky while hoping and praying that Nova didn’t leave
until he made his call to Headquarters so that he could begin to repair the
damage from this stupid misunderstanding. He felt alone without Nova. Utterly
alone.
Derek thought, I knew
Julie would be trouble. I should have never allowed her in my quarters. It was
a stupid mistake and to have Nova walk in at the most unexplained moment. Oh
Nova, please believe me...I would never cheat on you, and especially not with a
woman I can barely even stand to look at. What did I ever see in Tolbert? She’s
grown up to be a treacherous little snake. I wouldn’t wish her on any man
now.
“Captain, Commander Sandor
has fixed the communications system…we are back on line, sir.” Miamato told
Wildstar.
“GREAT! Lieutenant, put me
through to EDF headquarters directly to Admiral Singleton now! I’ll take it up
in my quarters,” Wildstar commanded.
“Yes, sir,” Miamato replied.
As Wildstar enter his
quarters he looked around, good she’s gone. Wildstar sat at his desk and
order Miamato to put the Admiral through. “Sir, this is Captain Derek
Wildstar.”
“Captain,” said Singleton.
“It is good to see that all is well. Tell me…what is our situation in Sector
8?" Admiral Singleton asked while getting to the point.
“Sir, our suspicions are
confirmed. It is the Bolar Federation, but, sir it looks like the remaining
Cometines are also involved. With the down fall of the Comet Empire and Bolar
Federation on the run from Desslok, they must have joined forces to co-exist. I
think that we will have to work with the Gamilons to keep this Sector safe,”
Wildstar informed the Admiral.
“I see. Of course I will have
to run this past the Earth Defense Council before making that decision. Please
have the
“Thank you, sir. However,
sir, there is another matter that I must discuss with you. It’s about
Lieutenant Commander Julie Tolbert. Sir, I wish to relieve her of her command
as Deputy Captain due to extreme personal reasons.”
“Captain, I’m sure that the
two of you can work things out. I cannot just allow you to drop an officer
because you do not like her,” Admiral Singleton sighed.
“Sir, I do not think so. She
has been causing discord among the entire crew and has been spreading vile
rumors that are beginning to compromise my command abilities. Her efficiency
ratings are also very low, maybe in the high sixties. She is a drain to this
ship and this crew. I also think that she will not be able to put her
differences aside and will not be able to carry out the mission.”
“I thought her efficiency
ratings were better than that,” sighed Singleton.
“Sir, her poor performance
caused damage to this ship and led directly to the deaths of several crew
members. She does not belong on a
first-line space battleship like this, sir.”
“All right,” snapped
Singleton. “Who would you replace her with?”
“Sir, I have Lieutenant
Commander Stephen Sandor here. He can more than replace her. And also, I have
Lieutenant Commander Nova Forrester, who would be vital to the mission in the
analysis and interpretation of enemy data, as well as for diplomatic
considerations, because Nova has always been very good at helping me negotiate
with people. Considering that we have all dealt with Desslok in the past, I
have found that he will only trust those he has worked with before. I request
those officers for that reason. Tolbert can be sent back on the
“Captain, I agree, so be it.
You will have Lieutenant Commander Tolbert return back with the
“Well, Wildstar you’re back
on line,” Sandor said. “I guess I’ll be heading back to the
“I think I will, and Sandor…I
think there is something you should hear,” Wildstar said while walking to the
flight deck.
“Hmmm?” Sandor said.
“I’ll tell you when we get
there,” replied Wildstar.
In the meantime, Howard came
down to the flight deck with Nova to leave.
Nova shook her head and said,
“I don’t know what is wrong with Derek?”
“Yes?” said Howard.
“He didn’t even come down to
say goodbye,” she said with a hitch in her voice. “Maybe there is something to
this…maybe he’d prefer to hand out with…her…”
“Nova, I’m sure it’s not
that,” said Howard. “But I don’t know where he is…”
“I’ll communicate with him at
a later point from the
Nova went into the cockpit
and sat there staring through the windscreen at the grey bulkhead of the flight
deck, as if an answer to her many questions would come from there….
She gritted her teeth a moment later when she looked down and saw
Tolbert approaching. She wondered why Tolbert was carrying a seabag and her
suitcase. Maybe she’s moving in with him,
Nova thought in her rage and depression. Well,
if that’s the way Derek wants to play this…I don’t ever need to go back to
Earth, she thought as she considered her Astro-Automatic for a moment at
her hip. Maybe I’ll just go back to the
“What are you doing here?” Howard asked Lieutenant
Commander Tolbert as she watched Tolbert walking towards the shuttle carrying
her seabag, personnel jacket, and suitcase.
“I’m being sent back to
Headquarters, on Derek’s orders! Like you didn’t know, you dumb bitch!” Tolbert
spat back.
“So the Captain caught you at
your little plan, hmh?” said Howard with a smile. “Well, the only thing I
regret is that we all have to be on the same ship going back. And maybe this
time I won’t hold Lieutenant Commander Forrester back. That was cheap and low
what you did to them. Remember one thing…you reap what you sow, you scum!” Howard let her have it.
“Oh shut up, you fucking
airhead!” snapped Tolbert. “Anyway, where is the almighty diva Forrester? Maybe
we’ll share a bunk together.” Tolbert grinned.
“If you say one word to her,
you won’t have to worry about her kicking your ass back to Earth, you’ll deal
with me. Got it!” Howard put her face
in front of hers.
From the cockpit, Nova
watched Howard and Tolbert yelling, and she thought, Now what is that about? Nova was so curious (and confused)
that her black thoughts of murder and suicide momentarily slipped away as she
watched the two women screaming at each other. Tolbert even shoved Howard, and
Howard shoved back!
Nova was about to run outside
when she saw Pesci running up first.
Outside on the flight deck,
Pesci yelled, “Ladies, ladies, what
is going on here?” with a laugh. “Why must we bring out the claws over me? My
heart is only for one woman, and I’m so sorry that it’s not you, Lieutenant
Commander Tolbert.”
“Oh shut up all of you!”
Tolbert said as she started to put throw duffel bag into the medical ship.
“Lieutenant Howard, please
remove your things from the
“She’s in the cockpit, sir”
Howard informed him. “Should I get her?” Howard said, grinning in the direction
of Tolbert.
“Yes please do, Lieutenant,”
Wildstar said. “I have an announcement to make about some crew changes!
Forrester needs to hear this! If she mopes or refuses to come out, tell her
that it’s an order from me.”
Howard went into the cockpit,
ignoring Tolbert at the port side, and she said, “Nova, you are ordered by
Captain Wildstar to come out to the flight deck at once. He wants to see you.”
“What the Sam Hill is going
on?” Nova said, mad at Derek all over again as she saw him grinning outside.
“You’ll find out,” said
Howard as she grabbed Nova’s arm with a smile. Angry, confused, puzzled, and
shocked all at once, she shrugged and said, “How dare he order me around after
what happened? Okay, I’ll go out…”
Nova walked out of the ship
with Howard. She looked Derek right in the eye and snapped, “Now, what is this all about? I was about to go back
to my ship. Why are you giving me
orders, Derek?”
“Because you are now a member
of my crew, that’s why,” Derek snapped back with a slight grin. “New orders
from the Commander. You, Lieutenant Howard and Lieutenant Commander Sandor are
ordered to stay aboard the Endeavor
until further notice. Deputy Captain Tolbert has been relieved from her duties
on this ship and is being sent back to Earth at my personal request on the
“Tolbert, front and center!”
snapped Wildstar.
“I don’t have to listen to
you!” she snapped.
“You are still under my command until you leave this ship,”
Derek snapped back. “Get over here, or would you prefer it if Mrs.
Wildstar-Forrester, my new Living Group Leader as of now, writes you up on
charges at my orders?”
“Sir,” she said as she came
to attention.
“All right,” said Derek as he
glared at her. “You are heading back to Earth for reassignment. Until then, you
are at Captain Zarzour’s disposal on the
Tolbert glared at Derek. “No,
sir.”
“Then, good luck Lieutenant
Commander Tolbert; you are dismissed from my command,” Derek said as Tolbert
and he exchanged final salutes in a very curt fashion. “I hope I never have to
see you again or serve with you
again. I have had enough of looking at your face on this ship!”
“Likewise, sir,” snapped Tolbert.
At that, the shuttle left.
Nova stood in shock,
thinking, What was he up to?And where do I stand in all this?
“Well my love” Pesci said to
Howard “I guess the Captain has done us a favor and we are now together once
more. Let’s go get your stuff from the
Howard laughed at Pesci and
they both went off to another shuttle to fly over and to retrieve her things.
In the meantime, Sandor
looked in Wildstar and Nova’s direction and decided that he had better slip
away so that they could talk.
Derek came up to Nova, who
saluted him and said, formally, “Reporting for duty as ordered, sir. I wish I knew what was going on in
this little drama. I really wish I knew, Derek…”
Derek put his hands on Nova’s
stiff shoulders as he looked hard into her eyes. “Nova, please hear me out.
Nothing happened between Tolbert and I. I promise you that. I don’t know what
possessed Tolbert to act that way…it was unprofessional of her. I would never
in a million years let you think that there was anything going on between me
and any other woman. I love you Nova. I can never hurt you that way. Please
believe me. I have no interest in Tolbert at all. Never did. Never will.”
“Yes, Derek, but I saw a
different story? You were half-undressed together like we…usually were,” Nova
said in a soft but angry voice. “How could I think anything different after
seeing that? When I walked in there and saw what I saw, well, my heart just hit
the floor. And the worst part was that she led me to believe that you and she did have something going on. I wanted to
hurt her badly….maybe even lethally…because she knew that she got to me with
the innuendoes. Derek, I love you, but if there ever is a woman other than me
in your cabin again on anything except official ship’s business, we are
through, through, through. Do you
understand what I’m saying?” Nova said in a calm voice.
“Yes Ma’am, you can count on
me for that mission,” Derek smiled and winked at her in hopes that she would smile
back.
But all Nova did was give him
a quick kiss. Then, she walked away. He knew then that she was starting to
break down. He knew that there was just one more step he would have to take to
win her completely over again.
And he would have to do it soon
to seal the reconciliation.
Later that day, Wildstar sat
at the bridge looking down at his updated crew. Miamato was now the new
helmsman and Lieutenant Pratt took over communications, for after all everyone
was train to take on different duties for situations like this. Nova resumed
her job as radar tech. I have people that I can trust now, Derek
thought. I don’t have to worry…are they comptenet to do
their jobs? I know they are. And now, that I have my dear wife back with me I
have no worries. “Okay crew…our new heading is back to Garuman-Gamilon.
Miamato, how does it feel in that chair?”
“Sir it feels great…I’ve been
looking forward to this for a long time,” Miamato replied with a wide smile.
“Good, then to our new
heading, prepare to warp in 5 minutes. Attention all hands…attention all
hands…this is your Captain speaking! Prepare for warp in 5 minutes! Secure all
quarters and make sure you are in warp position. Miamato…it’s all in your hands
now.”
“Yes sir!” This is what I’ve waited for… I can’t let
the Captain down…not now! Miamato thought. “All personnel make final
preparations for warp. Start count down at T-minus 15 seconds. All systems
check out sir, continuing count down, 10…9…8…7…6…5…4…3…2…1… WARP!”
The Endeavor burst into the Fourth Dimension right on schedule, roaring
through subspace back towards the center of the Galaxy, where Garuman-Gamilon
was located.
They made three extended
space warps back to back to get to Garuman-Gamilon. Miamoto was happy, but
exhausted when the space battleship emerged from her final warp with the huge
green planet and its verdant blue twin world Starsha hanging before them.
“Job well done, Miamato. The
transitions were a little bumpy but you’ll get the hang of it yet,” Wildstar
informed Miamato.
“Thank you sir, I’m sure I
will,” Miamato replied knowing that it was a compliment coming from the
Captain. He has worked with the best so that was a big deal to him.
“Pratt, please set up
communications with Garuman and tell their ruler that Captain Wildstar and his
crew would wish to join him for dinner,” Derek said.
“Yessir,” replied Pratt.
Wildstar looked in Nova’s
direction and smiled… now for plan B, he thought.
III. BUILDING BRIDGES
Planet Garuman-Gamilon
Desslok’s Palace
April 27, 2205
1900 Hours
“Wildstar, twice in such a
short time and I see that your lovely wife has found you. I am honor that you will be joining me for
dinner,” Desslok said. “Sandor, how are you and I remember these young people
here, Lieutenant Pesci, Lieutenant Delvechio and the lovely Lieutenant
Howard.” Wildstar was always amazed that
Desslok had such a great memory. He never forgot a name. “I am honor to have
you all here. Please enjoy yourselves while the Captain and I speak. Nova, Sandor, please come join us. So my friend to what do I owe this pleasure?”
“You never skip a beat, do
you Desslok?” Wildstar laughed at him.
“To run an empire you must be
three steps ahead of everyone else, with the exception of my worthy and oldest
friend.”
“Well Desslok, considering
that we are now dealing with the same enemy, I was hoping that offer stands
with the joint union of our forces to eliminate both thorns from our sides.”
“What do you have in mind,
Wildstar?” Desslok was intrigued.
Well, I think Sandor can
explain it much better then I.” At that, Wildstar motioned to Sandor.
“Well Emperor Desslok, you
have been fighting the Bolars for many years now and Earth has been grateful
for your help in keeping them from coming to our part of the galaxy. But we
feel very strongly that eventually we are going to have to join forces to stop
them from forming a co-existence. If the Bolars and the remaining Cometines
join together it can be a huge threat to both our nations, and we cannot let
this happen. Prime Minister Bemlayze will do anything to get back what’s left
of his empire and to enslave anyone that will get in the way. Your officers and
their crew can help us in flushing out what bases they have with in both of our
parts of territorial space. Our Admiral
will be approaching the EDF council for further support in this war.”
Desslok interrupted, “And if
your council refuses to participate in this little escapade?”
“Well then my friend it won’t
be the first time we disregarded orders,” Wildstar stated. “I feel very
strongly that if we do not stop this threat, then both of our parts of the
Galaxy will be in more danger.”
“I agree,” Desslok said.
“I do too,” Sandor said.
“Nova, are you in?” Wildstar
asked.
“Yes sir, but we have to give
the crew a chance to agree. This is not the Star Force, it was a different time
when we all went off together, Derek. The EDF has more of a hold on these
officers. So we must be careful as to who we approach. We can’t ask them to
risk their lives because of a mere hunch that the Captain has,” Nova said. “You
know how the EDF is; they will want to talk about it and analyze everything
before they even consider taking action, if they even take action, that is,
Desslok. Bureaucracy. The usual impediment to action.”
“Nova, I agree with you. It
is a shame that a bunch of pompous men can sit around and not protect the
people they swore to protect. I cannot let that happen to my people, they
depend on me to keep peace in our galaxy.
And I will not let the Bolars or the Cometines take what I have worked
hard to achieve.”
“Desslok, are you not afraid
that your council may one day try to take over as a united forum and over throw
your ideas and ways?” Sandor asked.
“My friend, I will never have
to worry about someone trying such a thing,” Desslok laughed at the thought.
“Very well then, we are all
in agreement?” Wildstar asked everyone one last time.
All nodded yes and the
unification was formed, Gamilons and a new Star Force.
“Desslok,” Wildstar pulled
Desslok to the side. “I have a favor to ask you.”
“Anything, my friend…”
Desslok respected his old friend and would do anything for him.
“Uh, I kind of screwed up
with my wife and need your help in making it right. I just need to keep her
distracted so I can set things up on ship for her,” Wildstar wanted to make
things right with Nova again, and he needed Desslok’s help in doing so.
“You do not need to ask. How
long should I keep her busy and mind you, this is not a favor. To steal a
beautiful creature such as Nova is an honor, not a favor. I only hope that
someday I can hold such a love that I would move heaven and earth for,” Desslok
smiled with envy.
“Thank you, take about 1 ½
hours…I should be ready by then, and mind you Desslok she is my wife, so no real stealing her from me” Wildstar
patted Desslok on the back.
Desslok walked over to Nova and
grabbed her by the waist “May I borrow you for a moment, Mrs. Wildstar?” Nova
looked in Derek’s direction and he nodded okay. She had no clue that they both
were in cahoots together.
“If I must Desslok, Captain
Wildstar may let you steal me for the moment but he will look for me if I’m
gone too long,” Nova said with a laugh.
“I’m willing to take that
chance,” Desslok winked at Wildstar. “Wars have been started for far less.
Please come this way; I’d like to show you something, Nova.”
That was Wildstar’s cue to
depart back to the ship and get things ready for Nova and at least a night of
apologies. At that, he left, grinning quietly from ear to ear.
“So Nova, how are things with
you and Wildstar? I am so glad that you
two came to see me. I was beginning to feel unwanted. Come this way…I have something incredible to
show you.”
Desslok guided Nova to
another part of the palace that opened into a grand room. In the middle of the
room there was a huge statue of Starsha, Alex and an infant in the arms of
Starsha which represented Sasha.
“Desslok, it’s beautiful.”
Nova looked on with admiration.
“Yes I know, it reminds me
that there are other things more important in life than the conquest of other
worlds. I know that Alex was Starsha’s love and I’m willing to accept that, but
it also lets me know that when I am given a chance at love to grab it. That is
something I did not act on with Starsha.
I’m so glad that you and Wildstar took that chance. Don’t let it go
Nova…love is something that doesn’t come often…especially a great love like the
sort Wildstar has for you and the sort you have for him,” Desslok told her.
Nova thought hard at what he
said to her. Desslok was right…you can’t let love pass you by. You have to take a chance and she did that with
Derek. She loved him from the day they started working together up until now.
“Thank you Desslok, you just made me realize something very important.”
Nova then thought, He loves me. He really does. I have to stop
holding this grudge against him. I know him. He would never cheat on me with
someone like…Julie. We have to heal this rift in our marriage…and the sooner,
the better…
“Desslok, would it be rude to
ask you to walk me back to the dining hall where Derek is?” Nova asked.
“Of course not, it will be a
pleasure to walk a beautiful creature such as you back to Captain Wildstar,”
Desslok said while smiling at her. Wildstar
you’re a lucky man.
Desslok and Nova headed back
to the dining area and talked about the statue that he created for Starsha and
Alex. It touched Nova’s heart that he still carried a torch for their mutual
dear friend; even though Starsha had married Alex and had a child with him. He
always carried that respect that she chose to take love in her heart and married
a man that she thought the world of. He
would never let that happen again. Once
back at the dining area Nova noticed that Derek was not there. Desslok saw the
panicked look on her face and told her “It will be an honor for me to walk you
back to the ship, Nova…” Desslok already knew that Wildstar would have
everything ready for her when she returned.
“So my dear, thank you for
your company it was a pleasure to have such a lovely lady by my side if only
for a moment,” Desslok leaned over and gave Nova’s hand a kiss. “Goodnight….and
until tomorrow.”
“Thank you, I had a lovely
time” Nova smiled at Desslok He can be
such a charmer. Nova thought to herself.
Nova waved at Desslok as he
got into his air lift and was taken back to the palace by his armed escorts.
“Ma’am,” Nova turned around
to see that Staff Sergeant Booker and another Marine were standing behind her.
“Sergeant Booker how are you?
It’s been a long time! How is everything with your wife and kids?” Nova asked
him. She liked Booker, especially since he had protected her on their last
mission to Planet Dunbar and even though he was a big man, he had a kind
heart. She was like a little sister that
he never had and he swore to protect.
“She’s fine, thank you,
Lieutenant Commander. But I must ask you to come with me, the Captain and
Sandor have been waiting for you in the Captain’s Quarters,” Booker said this
to throw her off, being in on the conspiracy.
“Fine Sergeant, I’ll be right
up,” Nova told Booker.
“Sorry Ma’am. I have orders
to escort you there personally,” Booker told her.
Nova nodded and followed the
Sergeant back to the Captain’s Quarters. As they walked to the Captain’s Cabin,
they talked and laughed about their last mission and Booker’s kids and wife.
Nova had met his wife on the return trip to Pluto from their last mission. She
was a funny character and joked a lot with Nova and Wildstar about life with
Booker and the kids. They finally came to Wildstar’s Quarters and Booker said
his goodbyes. “Thank you, Booker it was nice talking to you again. I’ll see you
around,” Nova smiled at him, Booker saluted her and left.
Nova knocked on the Captain’s
door “Sir. It’s Lieutenant Commander Forrester, may I enter, please?”
“Enter,” Wildstar called from
inside the room.
Nova opened the door to see
the room lights dim. There were candles burning on a table while Steelheart
played in the background. There were exotic flowers from Desslok’s planet that
Nova had mentioned to Derek once, placed all over the room. Nova stood there,
wondering what he was planning. “Sir, what’s going on here?”
Derek walked out of the head
with his full dress Captain’s uniform on. His peacoat was cleaned to
perfection. He had more flowers in hand. He walked over to Nova and looked her
in the eye “Hello there, Lieutenant Commander, I’m so glad that you came. I
wasn’t sure if you would speak to me again. That’s why I had them tell you that
Sandor and I wanted to go over something and why I ordered you to come. Desslok did a great job in keeping you
occupied. I must thank him again later.”
Nova stood there shocked.
“Derek, you did all this for me?”
“Yes Nova, I felt horrible
for putting you through that business with Tolbert. She turned out to be very vindictive,
and you did not need to go through that. I can’t apologize enough to you for
even putting myself in that position. It shouldn’t have happened to begin with.
She should never have been in my cabin at all, and I’m so sorry.”
“No Derek you were just being
you,” Nova said.
“Nova?”
“You were being yourself, a
kind Captain looking out for his crew, and she took advantage of it. She wanted
what you had with her so many years ago. My only fault in this is that I didn’t
believe you and I let her get to me.” Nova stepped forward and placed her hand
on his face. “I’m sorry, Derek, I’ll never doubt you again. You deserve more
than that, I hope that you can forgive me for being so horrible to you!”
“Oh baby, I could never be
mad at you. Now the crew’s gotten together, and they collected all these
beautiful flowers from Desslok’s Planet, with his permission of course, just
for you.”
“So the Emperor had a hand in
this also? I must say he was very charming. I only felt sorry for him, he never
had a chance to tell Starsha how he felt about her. But I guess if he had, Alex
would not have been in the picture and he probably wouldn’t have had a small
part of happiness with her. I hope that he finds love with someone and has the
same happiness that we have, my Derek.” Derek nodded and then kissed his wife.
“I’ve missed you terribly
ever since we’ve been separated by this mission, Nova,” Derek wrapped his arms
around her waist and drew her closer to him. “I love you very much. Cookie
created something special just for you. Namely, all your favorite desserts.
Maybe we can taste all of them on each other.” Derek grinned at the thought.
“You can be so bad at times,
Captain, I may have to file a sexual harassment suit,” Nova said while laughing
at him.
She kicked off her boots and
made herself comfortable in Derek’s cabin…no…their cabin, again. She jumped into his lap and kissed him. Then,
Nova whispered, “I love you too, babe. Let’s eat…”
TO BE CONTINUED….