USS Eagle

The Eagle was traveling to Lenal III and Kirby was looking out the window from his ready room, streaks of the warp drive affect racing past.  It felt good to be on an assignment that wasn’t a supply run, especially on something so important to the Federation.  Maybe the good work they had done was finally being noticed.  Bringing down a dangerous cartel and obtaining Breen deployment plans to aid against the lost fleet showed the young crew could get the job done.

As official representatives of Starfleet and the Federation, attending a wedding that would finally unify a planet so it could join the Federation, was an honor.  Kirby knew they would be at their best, but he couldn’t shake the feeling that something would go wrong, as there would surely be factions that didn’t want this to happen.  Plans had been made over weeks of diplomacy, so Kirby tried to not worry.  He supposed it was just nervous jitters and not wanting to fail.

Lenal III – Equamar

“I still don’t understand why you can’t find another way.”  Prince Jahk Korlus d’Cempus of Equamar was unhappy and that was putting it mildly.

“We’ve been over this already,” said King Limmar.  “There is no other way.  We’ve been at odds, and often at war, with Canbolla for centuries.  Marrying their princess will finally unify us, bring peace, and begin a new era for all the nations of our world.”

“But I don’t want to be tied down to some spoiled brat.  I’m not a political person,” said Jahk.

“I find it amusing that you used the word spoiled,” said Limmar.

Jahk scowled.

“The Federation ship will be here in less than two days.  You have that long to want to do this,” said Limmar.  “The decision has been made.”

Lenal III – Canbolla

Princess Yari su’Benna of Canbolla was seated on a stone bench before her mother’s final resting place.  The marker was huge and ornate, and actually quite beautiful with its carvings in a light, pink stone.

The weather was seasonally cool.  Birds and other animals flittered about, with only their daily activities to do.  None of them were being forced into a marriage they didn’t want.

Yari sat in deep reflection, her protection team a respectable distance away, but close enough to act if needed.

Yari sighed deeply.

“It wasn’t supposed to be this way, Mama.  I was supposed to be the little sister that made public appearances and promoted charitable causes.  I wasn’t supposed to marry the prince of Equamar so we could join the Federation.”  Her sad voice softened.  “And you weren’t supposed to die.”

Yari held in her tears.

“I never wanted to be in politics, and certainly not a world leader.  What do I know about any of that?  Couldn’t Daddy and the Queen think of something else?  Am I being selfish? I’ve lived a privileged life, with the best of everything.  Is it asking too much for me to do something for my world and for all Lenali?”

She watched a small animal scurry across the grass.

“Why did it have to be Prince Jahk?  He’s so full of himself.  He goes to casinos and clubs.  He takes vacations to exotic beaches.  There’s always a different floozy on his arm.  Who knows how many women he’s been with?  The media calls him the Playboy Prince.  How can I marry someone like that?  The thought of him touching me, lying in bed with me, it makes me want to vomit.”  She did a body shiver.

“Do you remember Jorsio?  He’s from one of the lesser noble houses.  I’ve been secretly seeing him and I think I’m falling in love with him.  I always thought he would be my husband one day.  If you’re there somewhere watching over me, if there’s anything you can do to help…”

Yari heard someone approaching.  Looking behind her, she saw Berathor, the head of her security team.  He had been in that position since Yari was a little girl.  She couldn’t remember a time when he wasn’t there.

“Princess, we need to leave now. There’s still much to do before the Federation delegation arrives.”

“Yes, of course,” said Yari.  She got up and placed her hand on her mother’s stone, her heart so heavy, she wondered how she could bear it.

“We all have our duties, Berathor.”  She moved toward the transport vehicle, her tail so low in sorrow, it was almost dragging on the ground.