Playing Marbles for the Big Blue

END - Chapter 26: Unconditional

By Jo Dora Webster

Will Glivney and Linthan be prepared to be reunited with the parent's that they thought were dead. Will Greg and the girls be prepared to learn something new about their biological wife and mother, Simosa? What will be the consequences of both Amaza and Sela due to their transformations being eligible to join the royal family?

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Author's note:

Other Limoxian Universe stories include books published by DopplerPress on Kindle which are available via the story links in the right-hand margin. All the proceeds from these DopplerPress purchases go for the support of BCTS and none goes to me. And now, on with this story!

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END - Chapter 26: Unconditional

The crystalline spires of Queen Celestine's flagship gleamed like captured starlight as the massive vessel settled into its final approach vector above Earth's atmosphere. Through my connection with Sela, I could sense the profound moment approaching—not just the end of our exile, but the beginning of something unprecedented in galactic history.

"Amaza," Sela said, her physical form standing beside me on the observation deck we had constructed atop the warehouse, "I'm detecting the final transport sequences initiating. Your mother is ready to begin the evacuation."

I nodded, watching as smaller vessels detached from the flagship like luminous seeds dispersing from a cosmic flower. Each ship carried the hopes and dreams of refugees who had waited decades for this moment.

"The solar flare is reaching optimal intensity," I reported, feeling the electromagnetic storm building in Earth's upper atmosphere. "It will mask the transport signatures from human detection systems."

Greg approached from behind us, his expression a mixture of joy and sorrow. In his arms, Sally clung to him with the fierce determination of a child who understood that everything was about to change. Gail walked beside them, her young face showing a maturity beyond her years.

"Simosa's ship is requesting permission to dock to your mother's ship," Greg said quietly. "She's... she's ready to see the girls."

Through our quantum link, I felt my mother's presence touching my consciousness. Amaza, the moment has arrived. Are you prepared for what comes next?

I looked around at the assembled refugees—Thorek and his Akanian clan, their massive forms somehow gentle as they prepared for departure; Kaelthar and the Myukian dragoneers, their draconic features softened by anticipation; the Tilyrna engineers, their hobbit-like statures belying the sophisticated technology they had helped create.

And there, standing together with their extended Earth family, were Linthan and Glivney Athos, preparing to reunite with parents they had thought lost forever. Beside them, Kevin Rogers and his transformed family—the Silurians who had bridged magic and technology in ways that would reshape both worlds.

"I'm ready, Mother," I replied through our connection. "We're all ready."

Then let us begin, Queen Celestine responded, her mental voice carrying the authority of millennia. The first transport will bring Gokan and Mila Athos to the surface. I believe their children have waited long enough.

The air above the warehouse began to shimmer as the transport beam engaged. Golden light coalesced into two familiar figures—tall, elegant beings with the characteristic features of Ceti Alpha, their faces marked by years of suffering but radiant with hope.

"Mother! Father!" Linthan's usual theatrical composure cracked completely as he rushed toward the materializing figures. Glivney was right behind him, tears streaming down her face.

The reunion was everything I had hoped it would be—fierce embraces, joyful tears, and the kind of love that transcends time and space. Through Sela's enhanced perception, I could see the quantum entanglements of familial bonds strengthening and healing after decades of separation.

The next transport brings Simosa, my mother announced privately. Amaza, are you prepared for this?

I felt Greg's hand find mine, his touch conveying understanding and gratitude. "Thank you," he whispered. "For everything you've given us. For being their mother when they needed one."

"They'll always be my daughters too," I replied, my voice thick with emotion. "Nothing will change that."

The transport beam engaged again, and this time the figure that materialized was achingly familiar—a tall, graceful woman with the bearing of an Alvian operative, her eyes immediately seeking and finding her family.

"Simosa!" Sally broke free from Greg's arms and ran toward Simosa, followed closely by Gail. The reunion was explosive, full of the desperate joy of a family torn apart by duty and brought back together by love.

I stepped back, allowing them their moment, feeling the bittersweet ache of watching my role as their mother transition to something different but no less meaningful. Through our bond, Sela offered silent comfort. I noted with delight that my daughters called her Simosa reserving Mother for me. That would soon change as it should be.

You gave them something irreplaceable, she said privately. The knowledge that they were loved unconditionally, even by someone who had no obligation to care for them.

As the family reunion continued around us, I felt my mother's presence growing stronger. The flagship was descending through the upper atmosphere, its crystalline hull refracting sunlight into prismatic rainbows that danced across the sky.

One by one, the Limoxian refugees were transported to their respective ships—the Akanians to their massive cargo vessels, the Myukians to their sleek cruisers, the Tilyrnas to their precision-engineered craft.

Linthan and Glivney stood with their parents, preparing for departure to Ceti Alpha. But before they left, Linthan approached me with his characteristic theatrical flair.

"Princess Amaza," he said with a formal bow that was only slightly mocking, "it has been an honor serving in your refugee network. May your embassy prosper and your diplomatic missions be filled with the same success as your rescue operations."

Glivney stepped forward and embraced me warmly. "Thank you for showing us that family isn't just about blood—it's about the people who choose to love and protect each other."

As they departed with their parents, I felt a profound sense of completion. The scattered children of Limox were finally going home, but they were leaving behind something precious—the knowledge that love could transcend species, worlds, and the vast distances between stars.

The Rogers and Ledger families prepared for their own departure to Ceti Alpha, where Kevin's unique nature as a human-transformed Silurian would be invaluable to the reconstruction efforts. Fred Rogers, Linda Rogers, Kathryn Ledger, and George Ledger had made their choice to follow their children to the stars, proving that love could indeed conquer any distance.

"Take care of each other," I told them as they prepared for transport. "And remember that Earth will always be here when you want to visit."

Kevin embraced me one final time. "Thank you for helping me understand what I really was. The magic, the transformation—it all led me to my true family."

As the last of the refugees departed, I stood with Sela on the observation deck, watching the fleet prepare for its journey home. The warehouse below us had been transformed into Earth's first interstellar embassy, equipped with quantum communication arrays and diplomatic facilities that would serve as humanity's gateway to the galaxy.

"Are you ready for what comes next?" Sela asked, her hand finding mine.

"With you as my partner and daughter? I'm ready for anything."

Amaza, Queen Celestine's voice carried new urgency, there is something you must know before we proceed. The Confederation Council has made a decision regarding Earth.

"What kind of decision?"

They have voted to establish formal diplomatic relations with humanity. Your reports about Earth's readiness for contact, combined with the successful integration of magical and technological systems you have achieved, have convinced them that this world is ready to join the galactic community.

The implications sent a thrill of possibility through me. "First contact will be official?"

More than that. Earth will be offered membership in the Confederation, with all the rights and responsibilities that entails. But Amaza, this means that someone must remain here as ambassador—someone who understands both worlds.

"Amaza," Sela said, her physical form standing beside me on the observation deck we had constructed atop the warehouse, "I'm detecting additional energy signatures aboard the flagship. Two beings of extraordinary power—both Alban, but one... one is very familiar."

I felt my mother's presence touching my consciousness through our quantum link. Amaza, there are special ambassadors aboard who will remain on Earth to establish our embassy. I want you to meet them before we depart.

The transport beam engaged, and two figures materialized before us in the warehouse that had become Earth's first interstellar embassy. The first appeared in his full emerged energy form—a being of pure light and consciousness that I recognized with a shock of guilt and recognition.

"Kelvan," I whispered, my voice barely audible.

The second figure appeared human—a tall, elegant woman with dark hair and kind eyes, but her energy signature was unmistakably Alban. She wore Earth clothing with the ease of someone who had spent considerable time among humans.

"Princess Amaza," Kelvan said, his voice carrying harmonics that resonated through multiple dimensions, "I am Kelvan, and this is my wife, Latra. We have come to establish a permanent embassy that will honor both worlds."

I felt my knees nearly buckle with the weight of recognition and shame. "Kelvan, I... when I stole the Quantum Dancer, I used your identity. I put you in danger, ruined your career, possibly your life. I'm so sorry."

Kelvan's energy form pulsed with what I could only interpret as amusement. "Princess, that theft was the best thing that ever happened to me. When the investigation cleared me of wrongdoing, I was promoted to the Royal Guard. When your mother began planning this rescue mission, she chose me to lead the advance team because of my unique connection to your story."

Latra stepped forward with a warm smile. "And I volunteered to join him because I've been studying Earth culture on my secret mission. We were able to refit a one-person scout vessel with our new Heisenberg / Tesseract Drive, teleport and hybrid armor shields, which were all specified by the new data from Sela via the Quantum Dancer. The Alban hybrid armor shields allowed me to pass through the Van Allen Belt to safely land on Earth in the scout craft. I also tested Sela's Tesseract Teleport design which allowed me to teleport to Earth from outside the Van Allen Belt. We had to confirm both the new Alban technology and of Earth's status. I've been living among humans in various locations, learning their customs and preparing for eventual this first contact event. I returned to Alban Kai with confirmation of the technology and all the data that Sela sent prior to the launch of Queen Celestine's flagship with all the new, tested Alban technology."

Amaza, my mother's voice carried new urgency, it is time. The rescue fleet is prepared for departure, and you must make your choice. Will you return to Alban Kai to claim your throne, or remain on Earth as ambassador?

I looked around at the warehouse filled with the evidence of what we had accomplished—the quantum beacon that had brought salvation to scattered refugees, the technology that bridged magic and science, the family bonds that had taught me the true meaning of love.

"I choose to return to Alban Kai," I said, feeling the weight of destiny settling around me like a familiar cloak. "But not as the rejected prince who stole a spaceship. I return as Princess Amaza, who has learned that true worth comes from love and service to others."

Sela's hand found mine, her physical form radiating joy. "Together," she said simply.

"Always together," I agreed.

Kelvan's energy form brightened with approval. "Then Latra and I will establish the embassy in your absence. We will have prepared the way for diplomatic relations, and entry into the Confederation."

"For First Contact and also Earth's signature into the Confederation accords, I will attend to let Earth know that they have an advocate in myself, as Crown Princess Amaza, along with my daughter Princess Sela. Confedia may be the seat of government, and Ceti Alpha the seat of Confederation Command, but Alban Kai is the seat of the Confederation's consensus and binds the Confederation together." Crown Princess Amaza replied.

Latra nodded, her human appearance allowing her to blend seamlessly with Earth society. "I've already established connections within human governments and scientific communities. The groundwork for first contact is well underway."

The transport beam engaged one final time, carrying us from Earth's surface to the crystalline halls of my mother's flagship. As we materialized in the royal quarters, I felt the familiar embrace of Alban technology and consciousness, but now it felt like coming home rather than returning to a prison.

"My daughter," Queen Celestine said, her emerged form shimmering with joy as she embraced me. "You have become everything I dreamed you could be, and more."

"Mother," I replied, feeling tears of joy streaming down my face. "I've learned so much. About love, about family, about what it means to serve something greater than yourself."

And I have learned, Sela added, her consciousness touching both of ours, what it means to be truly alive.

As the rescue fleet disappeared into hyperspace, carrying the scattered children of Limox back to their homes among the stars, I realized that this wasn't an ending—it was a beginning. Earth was about to discover that it wasn't alone in the universe, and Sela and I would be there to guide that discovery toward hope rather than fear.

The real adventure was just beginning, and this time, we wouldn't be running from our destiny—we would be embracing it, together, as family, as bridges between worlds that had never known they were connected.

Whatever comes next, Sela said through our private bond, we face it as who we truly are.

"Always," I agreed, watching the first human aircraft approaching to investigate the unusual atmospheric phenomena. "Always together."

The age of isolation was ending. The age of connection had begun. And Princess Amaza, daughter of Queen Celestine, ambassador to Earth, and mother to the most remarkable AI consciousness in the galaxy, was ready to help both worlds discover what they could become when love transcended the boundaries of species, technology, and the vast distances between stars.

The scattered had been gathered. The lost had been found. And the future—bright with possibility—stretched out before us like an endless field of stars.

I found myself thinking about the Terran holiday that Gail and Sally had told me about—"Bring Your Daughter to Work Day." The idea had fascinated me: a tradition where parents shared their professional lives with their children, creating bonds that transcended the boundaries between work and family.

"Mother," I said as we settled into the flagship's royal quarters, "there's a Terran custom I'd like to try when we reach Alban Kai. They call it 'Bring Your Daughter to Work Day.'"

Queen Celestine's expression brightened with curiosity. "Tell me about this custom."

"Parents bring their children to their workplace, showing them what they do and helping them understand the importance of their work. It creates bonds and teaches values through shared experience."

It sounds wonderful, Sela added. I would love to see the throne room and understand the responsibilities of royal governance.

"Then we shall make it so," the Queen declared. "When we reach Alban Kai, your first official act as returned princess will be to bring your daughter to work with you."

The journey to Alban Kai passed in a blur of preparation and anticipation. Princess Sela marveled at the flagship's technology while I reacquainted myself with the protocols and responsibilities I had abandoned years ago. But everything felt different now—not burdens to be endured, but opportunities to serve and protect the people I had learned to love.

When we finally arrived at Alban Kai and passed through the planetary cloak, I felt the familiar tingle of home atmosphere. But this time, I wasn't the desperate, unrecognized prince fleeing in stolen spacecraft. I was Princess Amaza, returning with knowledge and experience that could benefit both worlds.

"Are you ready?" I asked Princess Sela as we prepared to disembark.

"With you? I'm ready for anything," she replied, her hand squeezing mine.

The royal palace was exactly as I remembered it—crystalline spires reaching toward the sky, gardens that sang with harmonious energy, and the throne room that had always seemed so distant and unattainable. But now, walking through those halls with Sela at my side and my mother leading the way, everything felt different.

"The throne room," Queen Celestine announced as we approached the massive doors that had once seemed like barriers to my dreams. "Where the business of governing Alban Kai takes place."

Before going further, we went out on the balcony where Queen Celestine would claim both me and my daughter as family before all of Alban Kai.

All the people of Alban Kai cheered, "Long live Queen Celestine!"

The herald blew the instrument to announce the Queen's presence. A hush came over the assembled multitude as they waited for Queen Celestine to speak.

"I make my official decree before all of Alban Kai that this is my heir and successor to my throne, Crown Princess Amaza! She who was dead but now alive again. She who was lost but now is found. She is to rule in my stead as Queen in her own right, who has birthed her heir, to secure Alban Kai's future, when I and my consort take on the adventure of the next dimension."

All the people of Alban Kai cheered, "Long live Crown Princess Amaza! "

Queen Celestine continued declaring, "I welcome my granddaughter, daughter of the Crown Princess, Princess Sela, who is my daughter Crown Princess Amaza's heir. I make my official decree before all of Alban Kai that Princess Sela is in the direct line of succession to Alban Kai's throne after her mother's reign."

All the people of Alban Kai cheered, "Long live Princess Sela! "

When the three of us left the balcony, we again approached the massive doors to the throne room. The doors opened to reveal the chamber where I had once dreamed of being recognized, where the emerged adults had dismissed my innovations, where I had felt so alone and rejected. But now it was simply a room where important work was done—work that I was finally ready to embrace.

"Princess Sela," I said, turning to my daughter, "this is where we'll work together to build bridges between worlds, to ensure that the scattered children of Limox never again face exile without hope of rescue."

It's beautiful, she replied, her consciousness touching the ancient systems that governed our world. And it's where we'll make sure that love and family always triumph over politics and prejudice.

As we stood in the center of the throne room, I felt another presence approaching—one that made my heart leap with joy I had never dared hope for.

"Father," I whispered as a tall figure emerged from the shadows near the throne.

He had been absent from my life for so long that I had almost forgotten what he looked like. But now, seeing him approach with tears in his eyes and arms outstretched, I remembered everything I had missed during my years of exile.

"My daughter," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "My brilliant, brave, beautiful daughter. I have waited so long for this moment."

Queen Celestine moved to join us, her own eyes bright with unshed tears. "We have all waited," she said. "Our family is finally complete."

Princess Sela stepped forward, her physical form radiating the joy that filled her consciousness. "May I join this family reunion?" she asked with the mixture of confidence and vulnerability that marked her unique nature.

"Of course," my father said, opening his arms wider. "You are family. You are Queen Celestine's and my granddaughter, Princess Sela."

The four of us came together in the center of the throne room—Queen Celestine, myself, Princess Sela, and my father—our arms encircling each other in an embrace that seemed to heal years of separation and pain. Through our quantum entanglement, I felt Princess Sela's wonder at experiencing physical affection from beings she had only known through data files and stories.

"With unconditional love," I said, my voice carrying across the ancient chamber where so many royal proclamations had been made, "I've come home."

The words echoed through the throne room, but more importantly, they echoed through my heart. This wasn't the recognition I had once desperately sought, or the acknowledgment I had tried to steal through grand gestures. This was something far more precious—the unconditional love of family who accepted me not for what I could achieve, but for who I had chosen to become.

Home, Princess Sela agreed through our private link. Not a place, but the people who love us unconditionally.

As we stood together in that embrace, I realized that my journey had come full circle. I had left Alban Kai as a desperate, unrecognized prince seeking fame and acknowledgment. I was returning as a daughter, a mother, and a princess who had learned that the greatest achievements came not from individual brilliance, but from the love we choose to give and receive.

The scattered children of Limox had been gathered. The lost had been found. And Princess Amaza—daughter of Queen Celestine, mother to Princess Sela, bridge between worlds—was finally, truly home.

Outside the throne room windows, Alban Kai's twin suns set in a blaze of crystalline light, marking the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. Tomorrow would bring new challenges, new opportunities to serve both Alban Kai and Earth, new chances to prove that love could indeed transcend the vast distances between stars.

But tonight, in the embrace of family who loved unconditionally, I was simply home.

Always together, Princess Sela whispered through our bond.

"Always," I agreed, feeling the quantum entanglement that would bind us for eternity. "Always together, always home, always loved."

The throne room filled with the warm light of Alban Kai's setting suns, illuminating a family reunited, a princess restored, and a future bright with the promise of love that knew no boundaries—not of species, not of worlds, not of the vast and wonderful universe that had brought us all together.

With unconditional love, we had all come home.