Take the journey of a lifetime!
It's only just a drum-roll away!
On the journey of a lifetime!
Every day's a high-wire day!”
              -  “Journey of a Lifetime” from: Aspects of Love
 

January— "In the Beginning….”
“And so the end
Is the beginning,
Somewhere in time
We are as we're meant to be.”
“Somewhere in Time”
 

Grand Palace, Oceania City, Oceania

Duchess Sandy Anderson came down the wide marble steps into one of the palace's many sunrooms, brandy in hand.  She wasn't in a good mood.  Captain Maket, who was supposed to command the research vessel she was building, and was nearly finished with, had backed out.  That left the Epiphany with no one to command it.

With a desperate need to vent her frustration she plunked the brandy on the piano and sat to play.

A short time later she was startled by a voice.

“I do not think Bach intended for the piece to be played with so much fury,” her brother commented, “what is upsetting you?”

She told him of the problems with the new ship.

Erik nodded, considering, and gazed past the French windows, over the terrace, to the seemingly, endless blue ocean that stretched beyond.

He turned back to her, “The captain you worked with last year….”

“Bridger?”

He nodded again.

“What about him?”

“Ask him to captain you boat.  He knows what he is doing, and he is a scientist.  Besides, Kristin will be heading the research, will she not?”

Sandy smiled, “Of course she is.  Aside from Meredith she's the only one at the institute with experience on a deep submersive.”  She suddenly caught on, “And she and Nathan know each other very well.”

“Would that solve your problem?”

“Yes it does!” she stood and headed out.

“Where are you going?”

“To see Kristin,” Sandy replied.

“No, you are not.  You do not have enough time to get to the institute before you have to be at the theatre and we need to go over your aria.  I raised the key again, I want this very high, very soft.”

With a sigh she submitted to her brother's instruction, but her thoughts were elsewhere.

Seacormack Institute, Centre for Marine Research

Dr. Kristin Westphalen had just gotten out of a meeting with the other heads of research at the institute and was looking forward to nothing more than a quiet lunch and a walk on the beach.

Which was not meant to be.  She realised that the second she opened the door to her office and saw Sandy waiting there.

After the two friends shared a hug for hello Kristin looked at her, “Where have you been the past few months?  No one's heard a thing and it's rather unlike you to be quiet.”

Sandy laughed.  “I've been busy.  This season at the theatre has been a nightmare, but we'll finish out Aspects next month and then Lise is taking over for the rest of this season and the summer season too.  I'm free till July.”

Kristin just shook her head, “And what of this country that we're in, the one you're supposed to be running Your Majesty?”

“I pay people to do that for me,” she laughed again.  “Okay, so the place pretty much runs itself, the benefit of effective legislation.”

Kristin studied her friend for a moment, “If people like you were in charge of Earth's governments it would be a far better place.”

Sandy sighed, “If people like me ran Earth my people wouldn't have left in the first place.”

Kristin remained silent, knowing what Sandy meant.

Sandy broke the silence, “What have you been up to?  Made any discoveries that will give me a reason to keep spending money on this place?”

Kristin had to laugh at that, “As if you'd ever pull this places funding, we both know you're the one who built it.  But yes, we have made some more advances; I can't wait to see what the research aboard Epiphany will yield, when we can study some of these things at depth for more than three days. Some things here are so similar to what was at home, and yet, so different. It's as though everything were a rung up on the evolutionary ladder, bloody fascinating if you ask me.”

While she spoke Sandy had reached into her pocket and pulled out a slim gold case.  From inside she took a slender white stick and fitted it into a holder before lighting it.  Smoking peppermint was something of a local habit, though Kristin had never quite understood how such a thing was possible.  It was simply another mystery of this place.

Sandy took a deep breath and then turned to Kristin.  “How would you like to go see Epiphany?”

Kristin stared, surprised, “That's a secure area, they won't let me in.”

Sandy took Kristin by the wrist and led her out of the office; “You're with me, who's going to stop us?”

The interior was old-fashioned.  For being a state-of-the-art research submarine equipped with technology beyond Kristin's imagining the decorating still managed to look like something from the turn of the century.  The previous century.

She asked Sandy if her guess was right, and received a nod.

“Edwardian, circa 1910.  English,” the last with a smile.  Both women had been born in Great Britain and raised Englishwomen; nothing could separate them from that rich heritage.

The majority of the ship was for science and research, with the exception of the standard things needed for living onboard the submarine.  To Kristin's delight it even contained a full library.  Finally they came out on a platform, an observation landing, above the bridge.  Here, as in the labs, the carpeted floors gave way to textured tiles.  Gleaming brass rails surrounded the platform and a spiral staircase provided access to the bridge level.

The bridge itself was hardwood floored, the main walkways carpeted.  All the consoles were set into dark, polished wood and the command area was a massive mahogany desk.

“This is beautiful,” Kristin gasped in amazement.  “The entire ship, I mean, it's like a step back in time, but with such vision into the future.”

Sandy put a hand on her friend's shoulder, “Come, there is so much more for you to see.”

UEO Headquarters, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii

Captain Nathan Bridger sat at his desk, staring into space, for one thrilled that he didn't have to think about anything.

His peace was short lived, however, as a figure sailed into his office. When he glanced up he met with the dark red-gold hair and celestial blue eyes of one of his good friends.

“Sandy,” he walked around the desk and greeted her warmly.

“Nice to see you too, Nathan,” she responded.

“What brings you to Pearl?”

“Ooh, right to the point, I may as well follow suit.”  Then she became serious, “Nathan, I want you to come back to Oceania with me.  I've built a submarine, and I want you as the captain.”

Nathan studied her for a moment.  “Tell me.”

And she did.

February— “Queen of Hearts”
“Pas de tendresse
Et pas de joie,
Loin d’ici,
Loin de toi.

Rien de plus triste
Que mes soupirs,
Lorsque vient le jour
Ou il me faut partir.

Chanson d’enfance,
Tu vis toujours dans mon coeur.
Toi, la plus douce!
Toi, la plus tendre!”
“Chanson d’enfance”
           ~ from: Aspects of Love
 

Regal Hotel, Oceania City, Oceania

Nathan Bridger shifted uncomfortably in the suit he wore.  It wasn't as though it didn't fit, it had been perfectly tailored to his measurements, he just wasn't sure he likes wearing tails.

He had been in the city for the past week, after accepting Sandy's offer and taking care of things back home.  And in that time the only communication he'd had with her had been through the personal valet she'd sent to assist him.  Now she expected him to dress like a penguin and attend the final performance of the show she was in, without having even stopped by to say hello.

Just then there was a knock at the door, his ride to the theatre was waiting.

Suite 9 at the National Theatre, part of the Royal Dramatic Academy complex

Sandy tightened the sash of her dressing gown as she rose from the make-up table to answer the knock at the door.

Kristin Westphalen stood there, in a beautiful gown, of a color somewhere between bronze and gold, to match her eyes and complimented her reddish-brown hair.

The two friends embraced and then Kristin presented Sandy with a single white rose.

She smiled, “For luck.”

Sandy inhaled the soft fragrance, “Thank you.”  She handed Kristin a small velvet bag, “These are for you, you had mentioned wanting a pair last time you were here.”

Kristin opened the pouch to find a pair of opera glasses inside.  “Oh, how lovely, thank you.”

“You're welcome.”

Just then Kristin noticed the heart-shaped ruby earrings Sandy wore, “I gather Michael made you happy this Valentine's Day.”

Sandy nodded, “He had the sense to take the day off from work too.”

“Is he here tonight?”

“Yes.”

“Smart man,” Kristin said knowingly.

“That he is,” Sandy replied, “Why don't you go out and see him?  He, Christine and Erik are in the Royal Box and I have to finish dressing.”

Kristin nodded, “I will stop by, see you at the party later?”

“Of course.”

Nathan finally managed to find the box that Sandy had reserved for him.  As he opened the door he was surprised to find someone in one of the two chairs within.  Actually, it was some woman.  A woman he recognised as she stood and turned to face him as he came in.

“Nathan Bridger!” she exclaimed.

And he'd know that voice anywhere.

“Good to see you too, Kristin.”

She opened her mouth to reply but the house lights went down then, plunging the theatre into darkness.

Just as the stage lights came up and the first, plain piano notes sounded Bridger leaned over to whisper in her ear.

“We'll talk at intermission.”

Kristin nodded.  She had seen Sandy, and this particular production, Aspects of Love, before so she was able to simply lose herself in the music.

Nathan, on the other hand, found himself working to keep pace with the complicated plot and twisted relationships of the characters.

As the first act ended Nathan shook his head to clear his thoughts, then turned to Kristin.

“So, what have you been up to?”

She smiled, “Work, I'm one of the heads of the leading, the only, marine research centre here.  And what about you, what brought you to this other world?”

“Sandy did.  She asked me to captain a new research vessel of hers and I agreed, it's a fascinating opportunity.”

Kristin thought for a moment.  “Sandy asked me to head the research team aboard a new submarine.  We sail for the first time at the end of the month.”

Nathan stared, “You're not saying that-“

“You're on Epiphany too?” she finished.

“I am, you realise she probably just set us up?”

Kristin laughed, “Of course.  Just like her too.”  She turned to him, “Nathan, you do know that this means we'll be working together again.”

“Personally, I'd say that's a good thing.”

“Yes, but this time the roles are reversed,” she chuckled a little, “I'll be your commanding officer.”

Nathan was stunned, “What?”

“It's a research sub, and in this world that means the head Science Officer can pull rank on the Captain.”  Kristin was grinning ear-to-ear.

“So then what am I around for?” he asked.

She laughed outright, “To steer the boat.”

“Are you serious?”

Kristin recovered from her mirth.  “Completely, ask Sandy.  We're supposed to work together, I gather that's why Sandy picked you for Captain, but if needed I can override your commands.”

Nathan decided to change the subject before he learned anymore that he might not want to hear.  “Are you going to the party that's supposed to be after this show?”

Kristin nodded, “The entire cast and crew will be there, along with a few invited guests.”

The lights flashed, indicating the start of Act Two and Kristin and Nathan settled down to watch the rest of the show.

Sandy stepped forward, centre stage, for her final song of the evening.  She directed her focus at a box, just off centre, hoping the two occupants would figure out the message she was sending through the song.
 

“Anything but lonely,
Anything but empty rooms.
There's so much in life to share-
What's the sense when no one else is there?”
 

Nathan felt as though Sandy was staring right at him and he turned to look at Kristin.  Her rapt attention was centered onstage but he could tell from the look on her face that she was sensing something too.  He turned back to the stage with the feeling Sandy was trying to tell them something.

After the performance came the party.  Nathan found himself introduced to many of Sandy's friends and her brother, and his wife.  He was surprised to see how many people knew Kristin and she them, and that he thoroughly enjoyed himself.  He figured that had a lot to do with the person he had attended with.

A week later found them at another party, this one full of scientists and government officials instead of a theatre's crew and company.

Royal Suite, Epiphany

The foursome lounged in the sitting room of the suite, winding down after what had been a long party celebrating the launch of Epiphany.

Michael Anderson sat in an armchair, his feet propped up on an ottoman and his wife curled in his lap.  Nathan sat in the chair opposite him, across the fireplace, also with an ottoman.  At an angle to them Kristin stretched in the chaise lounge.  The women were dressed to match in black leggings with oversized shirts.  Kristin's a button-down in deep blue and Sandy wore a burgundy tunic of some sort.

It was Nathan who broke the silence, “I must say, that was some party.”

Michael nodded his agreement, “And it's all over, life can now resume its normal patterns.”

Sandy laughed, “May I ask, when was the last time our lives resembled anything that approached normal?”

He scratched his head, “A little over ten years ago when you were on Broadway and I was with the Times and we both generally ignored Royal duty.”

She stuck her tongue out at him.

“Brat,” he muttered and a mini-scuffle broke out in the chair.

Kristin couldn't help but laugh.  She had seen many similar exchanges between her two friends and it always served to remind her of how well suited they were.  And she found herself slightly envious of her friend.  In neither of her marriages or any of her relationships she had never had the kind of connection she sensed between Sandy and Michael.

Nathan turned to look at Kristin as she watched the couple with… longing perhaps.  He reached out and poked her arm to catch her attention.

“A pair of kids, aren't they?”

“Yes, they are.”

Sandy's head popped up, “Kids?  Us?”

Michael looked at her, “Do you think they're insulting us?”

“Oh, most definitely.”

The exchange had both Nathan and Kristin laughing loudly.

Sandy mock-pouted at Michael; “They're laughing at us.”  Then she noticed the clock on the mantle.  “Ooh!  One am, mulled wine!” she called out and then disentangled herself from her husband.  “Who wants one?”

All three accepted and Sandy crossed to the elegantly curved, and very well stocked, bar to make the drink of the hour.  Kristin followed her to help, leaving the men alone in front of the fire.

Nathan turned to Michael, “She's a charmer, you're very lucky to have her.”

Michael nodded, “I know, there's not a day I'm not thankful for having her in my life.  It seems like you've got a little something to be thankful for yourself.”

“Kristin?”

Michael nodded.

Nathan laughed, “What is it about Englishwomen that drives us American men crazy?”

“I don't know but the trip is worth it.”

Nathan sighed, “Seriously though, Kristin and I are just good friends.”

Michael looked at him, “Are you sure?  I've seen the way she looks at you. It's the same look Sandy has when she watches me and thinks I'm not looking. She's a special lady, Nathan, and when a woman looks at you like that it means something.  Don't ruin your chances.”

“I've been married before,” Nathan said.

“So was Sandy, from what I've heard her first husband was lucky if he got any kind of look from her.”

Across the room Kristin whispered in Sandy's ear, “They're watching us.”

Sandy checked in the mirror behind the bar, “Awww, Michael has his I’ve-got-a-crush-on-you look on.”  She smiled, “And so does Nathan for that matter.”

Kristin nearly dropped the wine goblet she held, “What?”

Sandy chuckled, “Come on, let's bring them their drinks.”

Later, as Kristin and Nathan walked back to their cabins, next door to each other, she asked him what he and Michael had been talking about.

Nathan worked around the question, “Nothing much, just some guy talk.”

Kristin raised an eyebrow at him, but let the matter drop.  The two said a quiet goodnight and retired to their respective cabins.

Back in the Royal Suite Sandy and Michael were settling down for sleep in their room.

She turned to her husband, “Spill, what were you two talking about?”

He shrugged, “Nothing much.”

She rolled away from him; “You're being evasive.”

“Fine, I gave him some advice.”

“Advice?  Isn't that generally my line?”

Michael sat up to look at her, “Don't tell me you're playing ‘Matchmaker’ with those two.  I think they can manage without your interference if they decide to have any sort of relationship.”

Sandy rolled over, meeting his gaze, “They already made the match, Michael, I'm just making sure it stays that way.”