Home (Haven #7)

Preface

- A little reminder of where we left off with the Haven world.

I’ve appointed my replacement as Commander of this ship.” Quin looked at Lo'San. “Commander Lo'San, congratulations on your new position.”

“Oh, thank the gods,” Rokai mumbled, dramatically leaning against the back of Vivian’s chair. “I did not want that job,” Rokai said, looking down at Vivian while she grinned up at him.

Lo'San broke out into a wide smile he just couldn’t hide.

“You have long ago earned it, my friend. Everyone respects you, your even temperament and quick mind have served us all well. Your loyalty is exemplary. You know this ship and all aboard it as well as I do. I will rest easy knowing she is safely under your command. May you command for a very, very long time, should you decide to accept the position,” Quin said. “You are expecting as well…”

“I will happily accept,” Lo'San said quickly. “Sink Lar and I have discussed the possibility of moving planet side and we both dismissed the idea as soon as it occurred to us. This is our home,” Lo'San said.

“I am happy to hear that,” Quin said. He returned his attention to the remainder of the people in the room. “As Commander Lo'San takes over this ship, his former position is left open. Ba Re’ Non Tol, I’ve recommended you as General, second to Lo'San if you will accept the position.”

“Humbly,” Ba Re’ said, nodding in a dignified manner as he met Quin’s gaze .

Quin gave Ba Re’ a nod before moving on. “Re’Vahl is finished with his training and is officially Lieutenant Commander and will continue with his duties as such. Rokai ahl will begin training as a Lieutenant as well.”

Rokai’s eyebrows scrunched up as he thought about what this might mean for him. “I don’t want to leave my team!” he objected.

“Rokai, you will maintain in the position Kol left vacant when he accepted the Ambassadorship on Earth. You will remain Elite Force Commander, you will, however, begin your training to support the Commander as one of his Lieutenant Commanders, in the event you may be called upon for assistance.”

“You didn’t ask if I wanted that position,” Rokai grumbled. “You asked the others.”

“Rokai, would you be interested in maintaining your position of Elite Force Commander, while learning to support your Commander and General as a Lieutenant Commander?” Quin asked with a hint of sarcasm in his voice.

Rokai looked at Quin and made a show of considering the offer. “You know… I think perhaps I would enjoy this new opportunity,” he finally said.

“You cannot take the ship out of orbit,” Bart added forcefully. “I do not want to get word that Command Warship 1 has landed on Earth!”

Rokai raised an eyebrow as he pinned Bart with a pointed look. “You cannot take the ship out of orbit, Lieutenant Commander!” Rokai corrected.

“Quin…” Bart said.

“It will be fine,” Quin answered before launching into the end of his presentation. “There are many changes coming into play. Decisions will have to be made to determine which of our personal guards will accompany us planet side, and which prefer to stay aboard this ship, or others for that matter. Command Warship 2, Command Warship 3, and some of the smaller more active vessels are options as well. Our move to Cruestace will give opportunities for those who’ve guarded us to move up and over throughout the rest of the force as positions are available if they’d prefer that to following us. While we’d like nothing more than to have no major changes in our guards, it is not necessary for everyone to accompany us if their aspirations lead them elsewhere.

Personnel exchanges will be taking place as we find just the right combination to keep all personnel in the arenas they wish to be in, and all moving smoothly, but I feel these few changes I’ve specifically outlined here will be most effective to cover my absence from Command Warship 1. There will be time for all to make their preferences known. In the meantime, I wish you all well in your new roles,” he said, looking at Lo'San, Ba Re’, Rokai and Re’Vahl. “I thank you all for giving us these few moments today to let you know of our future plans, and I thank each of you for your loyalty and support as we embark on this new adventure and the next phase of our lives.”

“Congratulations Zha Quin! Vivian, I wish I was there to hug you. You will make such a wonderful mother,” Bart said.

“Thank you,” Vivian answered. “I wish they could see me,” she said, referring to her uncles.

“I have no doubt, they are smiling down, or up, you are pretty high up there,” Bart teased.

“I thought that once we’re on Cruestace, maybe you could bring Samuel to visit,” Vivian said.

“I’m sure he’d love to come. We both would,” Bart said. “If I’m welcome back,” he teased.

“Absolutely,” Eula responded from her vid. “You made quite the impression when you were here.”

Bart immediately blushed and Quin looked from his mother to Bart trying to figure out what they were talking about.

“I was quite impressed as well,” Bart responded.

“Wait, did you meet someone?” Vivian asked, directing her question to Bart.

“Isn’t this an official meeting?” Bart asked, trying to duck Vivian's questions.

“Gentlemen, you may return to your duties,” Quin said, realizing it was turning into a family visit .

After much shaking of hands and repeated congratulations to Quin as he saw them off, all that remained in the conference room were Vivian, Quin, Kail and Zahn, as Vivian and Eula discussed Eula’s idea for preparing the East wing of the palace for them.

“I have several excellent ladies maids that I encourage you to meet. You should hire one to help you with the children,” Eula said.

“I won’t need a nanny full time. I want to raise my children myself,” Vivian answered. “But, I have already hired someone that will accompany us to Cruestace for whenever I need an extra hand,” Vivian answered.

“Oh, is she one of the females from Earth? Do I know her?” Eula asked.

“No. She’s from Eschina. She was a servant in Lo’San’s brother’s household. She raised his children,” Vivian said, watching Zahn out of the corner of her eye. “Her name is Au’revele. I’m very fond of her.”

“Send me her information and I’ll obtain resident papers on her at once. I’m excited to meet the female you trust so well. I’m sure she’s a very sweet girl,” Eula said.

“She really is,” Vivian answered.

“Sirena, I would like to declare my intention to accompany you to Cruestace,” Zahn announced.

Vivian turned her chair and smiled innocently at Zahn. “Are you sure, Zahn? I know that life at home is much less exciting than life aboard the ship.”

“I am very sure, Sirena. If it is acceptable to you, I will be most honored to continue as the head of your personal guard,” Zahn said.

“Accepted. Thank you, Zahn. I’m very happy you’ll be staying with us,” Vivian said before turning around and giving Eula her attention once again.

“I cannot wait for your arrival, my daughter! I have waited for this day for a very long time,” Eula said.

“I’m excited for it. And a little scared. But,” she said, pausing to take a deep breath, “we’re coming home to Cruestace.”