Energized Part 5

Ellen C. Lindow

Spring came again, and Fall, and another Spring and Fall.  Helena and John returned to the falls again and again with their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  After Emma's death, Helena was semi-retired.  Taking care of her three grandsons was her top priority.  She helped out in Medical Center in emergencies, or consulted on diagnoses, but turned over the day to day business of running the Medical and Life Support section to her youngest son, Richard.  Already an accomplished doctor and engineer, he succeeded his mother skillfully.  The medical staff, many now from his generation, accepted the transition with ease.

John concentrated on providing Alpha with a written framework of government.  For the past ten years the position of Commander had been elected by an executive council for two-year terms. The various departments on Alpha, Ceres 2 and Loki elected the council.  John had been unanimously elected each time.  This year Helena had insisted that John retire, and a slate full of nominees had been interviewed by the council.  One was John and Helena's grandson, Preston Carter.  He was young, but more than competent.  He had been a pilot, and worked as a member of the command staff.  Most recently he had met a young woman from Ceres 2 who worked as a geologist.  They had married six months ago and were expecting their first child.

When Helena found out that Preston was in line for the Commander's position she packed her things and John's and insisted they leave for Loki.  She didn't want to influence the council for good or ill, and felt it was important for Preston to be considered on his own merits, not his family connections or endorsements.

John had not agreed with Helena, but after so many years together, he could recognize this as an argument he would not win.  That didn't mean he was happy with her.  They had barely spoken on the trip from Alpha to Loki.  Both had concentrated on setting up their campsite upon arrival, and now Helena slid her hand in his.  "Let's go to the waterfall," she suggested with a smile, trying to make peace with her husband.
He nodded his agreement and gave her a small smile in return.  It was the first time he'd smiled at her since they left Alpha.

The silence on the way to the creek was more companionable than before.  They both enjoyed their rare opportunity to be alone in this beautiful, beloved spot.  It relaxed them both, and gave them a chance to talk things out calmly.

"Are you really mad at me because I wouldn't let you run again?" Helena asked as they settled in their usual spot amid the rainbows and the soft sound of the falls adding a soothing undertone.

"No," he shook his head with a smile.  "It's time for us to have a chance to be together.  It's also time for someone younger to take over.  To be honest, I would have been perfectly happy had I not been elected last time."

She waited, knowing he would continue when he was ready to give her an explanation, content to enjoy the scenery with his arms wrapped around her.

"You did seem awfully eager to get me out of there before I could make any recommendations, however."

"Has it occurred to you that your recommendations would carry a tremendous amount of weight?"

"Well, I do have some experience in the position."

"Granted."  She conceded.  "But a recommendation from you might make the council inclined to trust your judgement rather than their own."

"I think you knew I wouldn't endorse Preston."

"I think," she stated firmly, "you shouldn't endorse anyone."

Carrying on his own point he continued.  "Helena, he's too young.  He lacks organizational skills and he's too easygoing."

"I think you're remembering the child who hated to clean his room and overlooking the young man he's become."

John shook his head in an impatient gesture.  "Emphasis on the young part."

"Let the council decide."  Helena insisted firmly.

He was quiet for a time, staring off the edge at the falls below.  Then he sighed and leaned his cheek against her golden blonde hair.  He said softly, "It's hard to let go."

She patted his hands that were clasped firmly around her waist.  "I know, and there were plenty of times I would never have guessed we'd survive long enough to retire."

"Yeah, me too."

She smiled "You always seemed so confident."

"Confident, no; but very determined."

"Definitely determined."

They watched the falls silently together, letting the beauty of the place soothe and re-energize them once again.  Retirement would be a different kind of challenge for John Koenig, but Helena had faith that he would greet the change with all his usual spirit and determination.

Ellen Lindow
October, 1998