actual design and construction of them. She knew them better than anyone, even those who built them.
If it was to d elay her marriage and ruin negotiations with Saxionias it was a little late. And no one could force the Royal Council to do anything. Not even with one of their own held hostage. History had proven that.
Shaking off such dire thoughts, Kalea focused on the task ahead. First she must get to SC-17, inspect the damage, attempt repairs and find out whom or what was responsible. Considering that sabotage could truly be involved, a quick mental review of that particular filtration system provided her with a brief list of the most likely damaged areas. Flicking her wrist she quickly noted a list of the most likely supplies they might need and sent it and her instruction to Franklin as she walked out the door.
"I have to speak to Father. Call me when the shuttle is ready." And with that she was gone. Linda left shortly after her heading to the shuttle bay with Kalea’s luggage.
Princess Kalea found her father where she expected, in his offi ce staring out across the ravine, hands behind his back as if he were standing at ease. He was wearing a cream colored shirt and dark slacks. The rich burgundy carpet and dark wood tones of the office gave it a masculine and formal feel.
"Good morning Father. How did you enjoy the wedding? I'm sure Alexis did a beautiful job with the reception," Princess Kalea greeted as she walked across the room to her father.
"The wedding was beautiful and you of course were the most beautiful part of it. I feel sorry for Prince Bryan having only the holographic images of you in that beautiful dress. He will be devastated that he wasn’t able to experience the real thing,” he answered as he reached out and gave her a quick one armed hug.
"Well if he really wants to see me in my dress I'm sure I can put it back on." Princess Kalea a nswered with a smile.
"Something tells me that just won't be the same," he said as he turned to her an d grinned. But his smile slowly faded as the present situation again captured his attention. "I'm so sorry this situation with SC-17 has come at such an inopportune time. If there was anyone else I could send I would. But Captain Fletcher refuses to allow anyone into SC-17 except you."
Princess Kalea was just about to respond when her father began to pace as he continued. "If this turns out to be anything except exactly what Captain Fletc her has led me to believe, I will have him patrolling the ancient cave dwellings in the most remote parts of Estar Beta until he reaches the age of retirement."
"And what has he led you to believe the situation is exactly?" Princess Kalea asked calmly.
"He believes that a small band of conspirators sabotaged the water filtration system in an effort to bring you down there and thus prevent your wedding," he replied.
"Well if that's true why don't we just send them a holographic copy of the ceremony so they will see that the deed is done? Even if they were to hold me hostage or threaten me in any way it won't change the fact that I am married. Therefore the contract must be fulfilled whether I live or not," she suggested.
"I thought of that. But they could simply say t hat we faked the ceremony. And that wouldn't solve the biggest problem which is the damaged filtration system. If indeed it was sabotage, they must have known the system well enough to know how to damage it in such a way that your presence is needed to determine how to repair it. As a matter of fact, the whole system could be completely destroyed. If it's not repairable we will have to build an entirely new system and that could take upwards of six months. SC-17 will have to be evacuated until the new system can be installed." The king's frustration was clearly evident in his voice and in his continued pacing.
"Father, either way it doesn't change anything. I am still married. The contract