About an hour into their first joint work assignment, Chsensera and Jesnsera both knew that their physical proximity generated emotional electricity between them, and both found the initial courage to broach the subject without hesitation.
Chsen quietly asked Jesn if she wished to dine with her on the evening, a request readily agreed to, and in a manner that conveyed understanding of the underlying motivation for the request. Dinner proved fun, interesting, and animated, and it flowed into a stint in the ship’s lounge thereafter. The evening concluded rather amorously on the couch in Chsen and Jahrae’s suite – what Jahrae slyly mentioned when they went public with their nascent partnership.
To Jahrae, the two young dykes brought back memories of when she first met llhaesa; how they just knew there was this burning desire inside to be with one another – a desire that remained within and afire, 16 years later. Jahrae hoped the baby dykes would find their love as persistent and able to withstand the whittlings of time.
On duty, Chsen’s and Jesn’s work effort and teamwork proved exemplary, as if they worked together for years. Off duty, their playfulness, their conversation, their yearning for each other left most in the crew smiling – their love projected this intangible happiness through their immediate team, on through the ship. Even the Admiral took pleasure in seeing the budding love and happiness of Jesn and Chsen.
Some commanders less experienced or less in touch with their crew might worry over how the efficiency of the officer – particularly a young officer – might suffer, but not Admiral I’Isahra M’lensa, who rather liked his crew to lead a well-rounded life. He quietly encouraged and nurtured; as if he were the parent of his crew, kept an open door policy for them, quite willing to speak with any crewmember off the record in order they might work through issues on their mind.
In this case, there were no issues in need of addressing other than love, but there was one time-honoured duty held by the captain of a ship, one the Admiral engaged in at least a dozen times or more through his career. One month into a relationship the entire crew knew was near to searing, Jesn approached the admiral to inquire into that time-honoured duty. The Admiral’s answer quite surprised her.
At the quiet instigation of the Admiral, the next night, Jesn and Chsen sat across from Jahrae at dinner; the three were joined by the Admiral, though the reason why remained an elusive mystery to Jahrae. Given the initial banter at the table, Jahrae sensed she was the only person at the table not yet aware of some important and unfolding event. Finally, I’Isahra took the lead, as he promised he would to Jesn, and broached the subject.
“Jahrae, our two young love birds have interest in a matter for which Jesnsera quietly approached me, asking that I exercise a duty long a tradition in the Services. While normally I would be most pleased – my favourite duty as commander – to exercise this honour, I demurred; you are the commander of this ship on this flight, and as such, the duty rightfully falls upon you. Given this, I promised our young friends I would address this matter with you on their behalf.”
Jahrae remained puzzled, not quite grasping the intent of I’Isahra’s words; not assembling the clues, not quite catching the nervousness of Jesn and Chsen, or the bemused and pleased look of I’Isahra. Her mind at a loss, Jahrae moved to gain clarity directly. “What it is I am being called upon to do, I’Isahra?”
I’Isahra lightly cleared his throat, perhaps out of necessity, perhaps to add yet more time to the drama leading into his explanation – and the question he need ask of Jahrae. “As commander of this ship for this mission, this duty falls upon you, not I. It seems Jesn and Chsen here wish to follow in the footsteps of a young musician and college student of whom they are aware, and one is well acquainted. They wish to be married.”
Jahrae sat open mouthed, her brain digesting the news. In the split-second it took for her to gain recognition of what was asked of her, first she placed her fork upon the edge of her plate, this quickly followed by her arms rising up to embrace first Chsen, and then reprising this hug with one of Jesn. “Congratulations to you both, I am so happy for you! This is wondrous, and intuition leads me to predict a long and happy relationship!”
Jahrae then hesitated as she formed up what she now wished to say. Turning toward I’Isahra, Jahrae expressed a reservation of a different sort. “Admiral, I feel rather uncomfortable usurping a role that should by all that is right, fall upon you.”
I’Isahra would not hear of Jahrae’s discomfort with this special role, and quickly moved to allay Jahrae’s concerns for allegedly crossing into his space. “While I respect why you feel as you do, I believe there is a great mutual respect between us, and it would mean much to me – and to this young couple – if one of the leaders and icons of the Arrhazonan equalist’s revolution would officiate and sanction their bonding.”
Jahrae said nothing for a moment, digesting the I’Isahra’s words and the request made of her. “Very well, it seems that this unbidden but decidedly wonderful duty befalls upon me – with the Admiral’s open blessing. I shall be honoured to preside over your ceremony, Chsen and Jesn!”
Jesn and Chsen moved first this time to hug Jahrae and the Admiral; the initial exchange proved contagious, and before the hugging ceased, each at the table had exchanged hugs with one another in celebration of the news.
“Jahrae,” Chsen wore a more serious, reflective look now. “I cannot possibly adequately convey how moved I am to have you presiding over our ceremony.
From a young child, both you and llhaesa befriended my mom and me, welcoming me to your home for piano lessons and so much more. My college education, my mum’s home – paid for by the fund established for me by you and llhaesa. I would wish for you to preside over our union just based on our friendship through the years; that a world looks to you and your partner as two of its foremost leaders might leave me at a loss for words – if I did not know you!”
“Thank you, Chsen.” Jahrae began, her mind now flooded with thoughts of llhaesa, leaving her emotional and contemplative. “I wish llhaesa were here in this moment, to see you today, to hear what has been asked of me; she would be thrilled! How soon do you wish to hold this ceremony?”
Jesn spoke next. “We have not selected a date, though after hearing what each of us has said tonight, I wish to make a proposal.” Looking directly at Chsen for a quick sign of affirmation, Jesn continued. “It seems we need not wed immediately; in less than ten weeks, we shall find and reunite llhaesa with you, Jahrae. When llhaesa is on board ships, then Chsen and I will form our bond, one to the other.
It is obvious that llhaesa’s presence would mean so much to Chsen, and would mean so much to you. I only know of llhaesa through our school teachings, from what my mum has shared, as well as what you and Chsen have shared with me. I would like llhaesa to be with us; there is beautiful symmetry in the waiting. Her presence would prove a memory we will carry through our lives.”
“I love your proposal, Jesn; it is a wondrous idea!” Chsen clearly demonstrated her approval, thrilled by the prospect of llhaesa at her wedding. A tear streaked down her face, removing any ability to hide the emotion of the moment.
The young couple were quite prescient in their outlook, even for being young of years. Through their lives, they would be close friends of llhaesa and Jahrae. In Chsen and Jesn’s later years, new generations of Arrhazonans would marvel at their stories of personal friendship with two people who were not fabricated plastic icons or even world treasures, but humble and caring human beings who, through their love, a wish for equality, and a will to do, just happened to change two worlds.
