Chapter 7: On the Homefront

When she first opened her eyes, Elara immediately saw Galen’s sleeping form. The doctor’s lanky form dangled over the edge of the cot, which was pulled right beside her bed. Although he seemed to be sleeping peacefully, she noticed the new lines on his face.

She knew that she was partly responsible for the new additions to his face, though the burdens of his profession added to them as well. A familiar flutter began in her chest as she remembered that his declaration of his feelings for her. She didn’t know where they were in this new relationship, but she prayed that it would grow, especially when things return to normal.

‘If they ever do,’ she thought, sighing.

Galen gave a funny snort and rolled to his stomach, the cot creaking under his weight. His sandy brown hair fell gently over his eyes. She reached out gently and brushed some of the hair away, appreciating its softness.

Slowly, those familiar green eyes opened. He smiled gently. “Am I dreaming?” he whispered.

She returned his smile. “I hope you usually have better dreams,” she quipped.

He sat up and took her hand in his. “I couldn’t think anything I would like to dream of more, Elara.”

“Such a charmer,” she said.

His expression sobered. “How are you feeling?”

She sighed. “Exhausted,” she admitted truthfully, “but nowhere near to the point you are. Please don’t tell me that you stayed here the whole time.”

“I wish I could, but, no, I didn’t. However, I did stay as much as I could. You had me pretty worried for a while.”

She closed her eyes and squeezed his hand. “I’m sorry, Galen.”

He nodded. “I know. Just promise me that you won’t hurt yourself further.”

“You know that I can’t give you that promise,” she replied, shaking her head. “Even if Ilene wasn’t sick, there are still my responsibilities as Sailor Europa.”

“I know,” he said again. “I’ll try to understand, but it’s been hard on all of us to watch you lay in this bed, knowing that your sister is just a couple of doors down the hall.”

After a pause, she asked quietly, “How is Ilene?”

“She’s fine. The Stone did help her. She is still holding on pretty strong.”

“That’s good news.”

He rubbed the back of her hand gently with his thumb, grateful that she was okay. The past couple of days had taken his toll on him, even to the point that Cami ordered him to rest or face another round of forced sedation. He had decided that Camilla of Mercury had spent too much time with the Jupiter sisters.

Seeing his smile, she squeezed his hand. “Galen, what are you thinking about?”

He looked up at her. “Do you really want to know?”

“Yes.”

“I was thinking that Camilla had spent too much time with you and your sisters growing up.”

Elara giggled. “What has Cami done now?”

Galen shrugged, his smile wry. “She basically ordered me to rest or face another round of sedatives.”

“Another round of sedatives?” she asked, still laughing. “How many times has she drugged you, Galen?”

“Just once,” he stated, his tone a little hurt because of the admission. “I didn’t believe she would do it.”

“Oh, when Cami promises something, she always delivers. Never underestimate Cami or her mother.”

“I’m learning not to underestimate any of the noble ladies of Sol,” he stated, his eyes locking with hers. “Especially you, dear lady. You have quite a few surprises of your own.”

“You said I would keep a man on his toes,” she said, lacing her fingers through his in the hand he held. “Are you still willing, Galen?”

He kissed the back of her hand. “Always, Elara. You will always have my heart.”

She pulled him down to her and whispered against his lips, “You have mine, as well.”

* * * * *

Caitlyn reread each sentence of the letter carefully. Once she had finished, she slammed the letter against the desk with an angry huff. She whirled and faced the window, her hands balled into tight fists.

The servant bowed to her back before leaving the room quickly. While all of Lita’s daughters had formidable tempers, Lady Caitlyn’s was one, if not, the worst. Whatever the letter had said had upset the lady greatly. Asking heaven to protect him, he went off to search for Lord Alexander.

As soon as she heard the door close softly behind her, signaling the servant’s departure, she released her rage, pacing about the entire room and uttering every curse she could. She was reaching some of her more imaginative profanities when her husband entered the room. Seeing Alexander, Caitlyn stopped and forced herself to calm down.

“I must say that I haven’t heard some of those expressions before, especially from a lady,” he stated, sitting down in a nearby chair. “What is this message that has you so worked up? Treq pulled me out a fairly important meeting.”

Caitlyn crossed to the desk and retrieved the letter. Taking a chair near her husband, she handed him it to him. She watched intently as he read it.

“This has to be some kind of joke, Cait,” he said, the letter clenched in his fist.

She further back in the chair. “I wish it was, Alex. Believe me, honey, I wish it was.”

He rose from his seat and began to pace. “Why now? Why is Mayor Naffid even trying this? Does he believe that he can do this?”

“Naffid is the head of the Mayoral Council,” his wife replied with a sigh, “and he’s been a thorn in the side of the House of Jupiter for years. How Leda deals with the man is beyond me.”

Alex shook his head. “But surely he sees how foolish this is. What can he gain by challenging Leda and Paul is such a direct manner? Why would he call, no, demand a meeting of the Council now?”

“It’s a test of his power,” Caitlyn stated. “It took him years to become head of the Council, because several of the more important members saw him as the troublemaker he is. I don’t know why his district continues to elect him. To him, this is the perfect test to see just how strong he is.”

Alex sat on the edge of the desk, staring at the letter in disgust. “So, what are we going to do, Cait, since we are serving in place of Leda and Paul?”

She gave another sigh. “What else can we do, Alex, but answer the summons?”

Despite himself, Alex laughed. “Why did I have the feeling that Mayor Naffid’s plan is about to back fire on him?”

* * * * *

Iphigenia walked through the medical wing of the palace, checking on Elara and Ilene. She had spent the last few days mostly by herself, trying to find answers and solutions to the growing number of problems Jupiter was facing. However, she was finding more problems and situations than answers, adding to her growing frustration.

“Orb of History—come forth!”

The small white ball of light flared as it grew in size until it was like a beach ball floating in front of her. Her charm glowed with pink light as the young Guardian concentrated. Slowly, images began to form and take shape in the sphere, allowing Iphigenia to peer into the past.

She worked her way back to the period of Jupiter’s history surrounding Lita and Logan’s marriage and his death. Shortly after Hecate’s defeat by Leda, Iphigenia had attempted this same task. While the preventive force had been weakened, the Guardian of Memory was still unable to gather any useful information.

Now, during her investigation, she was facing a similar problem with the celebration of Leda and Paul’s anniversary. The force blocking her study of the celebration was stronger than the one guarding Logan’s past. Yet, the Guardian of Memory couldn’t shake the feeling that the preventive force for that time period was somehow different now.

In a shout of frustration, she made the orb disappear. The fact that the forces blocking her search were stronger indicated that at least some of the Shadow Moon had survived, even after Hecate’s defeat. Closing her eyes, she prayed to all the deities she knew for the protection of her friends.


On the Homefront When she first opened her eyes, Elara immediately saw Galen’s sleeping form. The doctor’s lanky form dangled over the edge of the cot, which was pulled right beside her bed. Although he seemed to be sleeping peacefully, she noticed the new lines on his face. She knew that she was partly responsible for the new additions to his face, though the burdens of his profession added to them as well. A familiar flutter began in her chest as she remembered that his declaration of his feelings for her. She didn’t know where they were in this new relationship, but she prayed that it would grow, especially when things return to normal. ‘If they ever do,’ she thought, sighing. Galen gave a funny snort and rolled to his stomach, the cot creaking under his weight. His sandy brown hair fell gently over his eyes. She reached out gently and brushed some of the hair away, appreciating its softness. Slowly, those familiar green eyes opened. He smiled gently. “Am I dreaming?” he whispered. She returned his smile. “I hope you usually have better dreams,” she quipped. He sat up and took her hand in his. “I couldn’t think anything I would like to dream of more, Elara.” “Such a charmer,” she said. His expression sobered. “How are you feeling?” She sighed. “Exhausted,” she admitted truthfully, “but nowhere near to the point you are. Please don’t tell me that you stayed here the whole time.” “I wish I could, but, no, I didn’t. However, I did stay as much as I could. You had me pretty worried for a while.” She closed her eyes and squeezed his hand. “I’m sorry, Galen.” He nodded. “I know. Just promise me that you won’t hurt yourself further.” “You know that I can’t give you that promise,” she replied, shaking her head. “Even if Ilene wasn’t sick, there are still my responsibilities as Sailor Europa.” “I know,” he said again. “I’ll try to understand, but it’s been hard on all of us to watch you lay in this bed, knowing that your sister is just a couple of doors down the hall.” After a pause, she asked quietly, “How is Ilene?” “She’s fine. The Stone did help her. She is still holding on pretty strong.” “That’s good news.” He rubbed the back of her hand gently with his thumb, grateful that she was okay. The past couple of days had taken his toll on him, even to the point that Cami ordered him to rest or face another round of forced sedation. He had decided that Camilla of Mercury had spent too much time with the Jupiter sisters. Seeing his smile, she squeezed his hand. “Galen, what are you thinking about?” He looked up at her. “Do you really want to know?” “Yes.” “I was thinking that Camilla had spent too much time with you and your sisters growing up.” Elara giggled. “What has Cami done now?” Galen shrugged, his smile wry. “She basically ordered me to rest or face another round of sedatives.” “Another round of sedatives?” she asked, still laughing. “How many times has she drugged you, Galen?” “Just once,” he stated, his tone a little hurt because of the admission. “I didn’t believe she would do it.” “Oh, when Cami promises something, she always delivers. Never underestimate Cami or her mother.” “I’m learning not to underestimate any of the noble ladies of Sol,” he stated, his eyes locking with hers. “Especially you, dear lady. You have quite a few surprises of your own.” “You said I would keep a man on his toes,” she said, lacing her fingers through his in the hand he held. “Are you still willing, Galen?” He kissed the back of her hand. “Always, Elara. You will always have my heart.” She pulled him down to her and whispered against his lips, “You have mine, as well.” * * * * * Caitlyn reread each sentence of the letter carefully. Once she had finished, she slammed the letter against the desk with an angry huff. She whirled and faced the window, her hands balled into tight fists. The servant bowed to her back before leaving the room quickly. While all of Lita’s daughters had formidable tempers, Lady Caitlyn’s was one, if not, the worst. Whatever the letter had said had upset the lady greatly. Asking heaven to protect him, he went off to search for Lord Alexander. As soon as she heard the door close softly behind her, signaling the servant’s departure, she released her rage, pacing about the entire room and uttering every curse she could. She was reaching some of her more imaginative profanities when her husband entered the room. Seeing Alexander, Caitlyn stopped and forced herself to calm down. “I must say that I haven’t heard some of those expressions before, especially from a lady,” he stated, sitting down in a nearby chair. “What is this message that has you so worked up? Treq pulled me out a fairly important meeting.” Caitlyn crossed to the desk and retrieved the letter. Taking a chair near her husband, she handed him it to him. She watched intently as he read it. “This has to be some kind of joke, Cait,” he said, the letter clenched in his fist. She further back in the chair. “I wish it was, Alex. Believe me, honey, I wish it was.” He rose from his seat and began to pace. “Why now? Why is Mayor Naffid even trying this? Does he believe that he can do this?” “Naffid is the head of the Mayoral Council,” his wife replied with a sigh, “and he’s been a thorn in the side of the House of Jupiter for years. How Leda deals with the man is beyond me.” Alex shook his head. “But surely he sees how foolish this is. What can he gain by challenging Leda and Paul is such a direct manner? Why would he call, no, demand a meeting of the Council now?” “It’s a test of his power,” Caitlyn stated. “It took him years to become head of the Council, because several of the more important members saw him as the troublemaker he is. I don’t know why his district continues to elect him. To him, this is the perfect test to see just how strong he is.” Alex sat on the edge of the desk, staring at the letter in disgust. “So, what are we going to do, Cait, since we are serving in place of Leda and Paul?” She gave another sigh. “What else can we do, Alex, but answer the summons?” Despite himself, Alex laughed. “Why did I have the feeling that Mayor Naffid’s plan is about to back fire on him?” * * * * * Iphigenia walked through the medical wing of the palace, checking on Elara and Ilene. She had spent the last few days mostly by herself, trying to find answers and solutions to the growing number of problems Jupiter was facing. However, she was finding more problems and situations than answers, adding to her growing frustration. “Orb of History—come forth!” The small white ball of light flared as it grew in size until it was like a beach ball floating in front of her. Her charm glowed with pink light as the young Guardian concentrated. Slowly, images began to form and take shape in the sphere, allowing Iphigenia to peer into the past. She worked her way back to the period of Jupiter’s history surrounding Lita and Logan’s marriage and his death. Shortly after Hecate’s defeat by Leda, Iphigenia had attempted this same task. While the preventive force had been weakened, the Guardian of Memory was still unable to gather any useful information. Now, during her investigation, she was facing a similar problem with the celebration of Leda and Paul’s anniversary. The force blocking her study of the celebration was stronger than the one guarding Logan’s past. Yet, the Guardian of Memory couldn’t shake the feeling that the preventive force for that time period was somehow different now. In a shout of frustration, she made the orb disappear. The fact that the forces blocking her search were stronger indicated that at least some of the Shadow Moon had survived, even after Hecate’s defeat. Closing her eyes, she prayed to all the deities she knew for the protection of her friends.


Chapter 8: Resurrections Jupiter's Gone