"You're so kind," Dave said, as he entered the room, "we have everything we need, and more."

Steve had been looking around the room as Dave came in. He noticed a photograph on a shelf and went over to look at it.

"Is this you?" Steve asked.

"Yes, that's us when we were younger," Dave replied.

The picture was of Dave and Mary standing by an old church. Dave was dressed in the garb of a vicar.

"So you're a man of the cloth Dave."

"Yes, well I was, but it was a long time ago, and in a different world."

"Did you lose your faith?" Clare asked.

"No, my faith is fine, I just lost my church, and congregation!"

Steve looked at Clare and knew exactly what she was going to say.

"Dave," she said, "we could do with a minister in Eden, how about it?"

Dave was visibly moved.

"I'd almost forgotten what it was like," he said, "but I'd love to take on the post, to have a congregation again would be just wonderful."

Mary smiled at him.

"That's settled then," Steve said, "there are some weddings coming up, I'm not very good at doing weddings."

Dave just beamed, "Why, they're my favourite," he said, with a laugh, "I'll start making the preparations."

The big day came. There were three weddings taking place simultaneously, and Dave was like a cat with two tails. The arrangements had all been made, and the rehearsals done. The weather was glorious, though there were a few small clouds in the sky. Everyone in Eden had gathered for the occasion. Paul and Sarah were suitably dressed and nervous. Steve took the platform.

"My dear friends, this is both a sad, and wonderful day. Sad because Clare and I are to retire, but wonderful because of the three new families that will be created here today. As you all know by now, I've had a yen for quite some time to go on a trip, a trip that may well keep us away from you all for some considerable time.

"If I may, I'd like to tell you of our plans before we get on with the serious business of the day. Clare, Hope, Tris and I are going to see if we can find another solar system like our own. If we do, there may be life there. It's an open ended trip, but if we can achieve the speed of light, which I'm sure we will."

He gave Tris the thumbs up and winked.

Tris just smiled, but thought, 'Years with Hope, and no compet.i.tion.'

"It shouldn't be too long before we return, but at light speed, time may play some funny tricks on us, so we don't know when that will be. We will be leaving just as soon as the ship is ready."

Tears were forming in his eyes.

"Sweetie, come and help me, you too Hope, and bring Tris with you."

They all joined him on the platform.

"Many years ago, I was designated leader over you all. I said then, that I would be your encourager more than your leader. I hope I have lived up to the privilege bestowed upon me, I can certainly see that you have grown as a community, and together we have taken many strides forward. As a remnant of the human race we can be proud of our success, I'm sure that General Hammond would be. So now, it's time for us to fulfil that greatest of human traits, to strive to go on, and reach out to the stars, but we leave you in good hands, our new found friends the Reverend David and Mary Thomas, who will now perform the weddings. Farewell my friends, and thank you all for your love and support throughout this wonderful adventure of ours."

They made to step down from the platform, but were greeted with cheers, and a standing ovation that lasted a full twenty minutes.

The Reverend Thomas eventually took the platform and waited respectfully for the clapping to subside. The three couples came forward as planned, and David addressed the a.s.sembly.

"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here together in the sight of G.o.d...

Chapter Twenty-Three.

Book Three - Beyond Eden.

Chapter 1.

New Blood.

Both Steve Forester and John Hammond had retired from their working roles in Eden, much to their wives' delight. Steve had also stepped down as leader of the Edenite community, this meant a new leader had to be elected. Eden had functioned well under Steve's direction, his laid back style had suited everyone, and his fatherly demeanour was both friendly and rea.s.suring. Eden had been comfortable in his safe hands, but now it was time to pa.s.s on the baton to those who were younger and sharper; those who would take Eden forward into the next phase of its existence. Steve had shepherded them all through the difficult years of establishing a new life in a strange and hostile place, a place they had managed to tame. A place that had become home for the old guard from Earth, as well as those who had never known Earth and its peoples, or its ways. History was not a popular subject in the school, Eden was forward looking, and Earth was far behind them now in just about every way imaginable.

As a family based society, everyone was delighted to welcome three new families into the fold. The day of Steve's retirement was also a day with three weddings, conducted by a fourth new family, the Thomases, who had been rescued from Earth. David Thomas was, by chance, a vicar, much to Steve's delight. Steve was, 'not good at weddings,' according to him at least, and Dave was therefore, a G.o.d-send. That day, above possibly all others, was the single most memorable day since their first landing on the Moon. There had been many others, of course, like the time when Jimmy had looked up to not see Earth hovering overhead, the day they discovered that the moon was rotating, and therefore had increased gravity that would sustain an atmosphere. Like the day they first set foot outside of Moon Base, and walked on the gra.s.s, breathing the freshest air possible. There had been many such pivotal days in the life of Eden to date, but the three weddings would stand out among them for a long time to come.

The Thomases had established themselves as valued members of Eden. As Clare had prophesied on the return journey from Earth, Eden had become the richer for their presence. Dave was every bit the father figure that Steve had been, his kindly ways, and deep wisdom had blessed everybody greatly. Mary too, had become a stalwart in the new society, she had strength and tenacity in bucketfuls, and was very well liked in much the same way as Clare was. As Steve had told her, "See Hun, we've been replaced, and by good people. We're free to go now, Eden is in good hands."

Clare had felt it more than Steve had, at least it looked that way, but women always show their feelings more than men, so the a.s.sumption was probably unfair. Clare had not said as much, but she had felt like she was losing a child. Eden, and its people, were so much a part of them both, that it was hard, even now, to let go.

Inwardly, she had said her goodbyes already, but she knew that the day was coming when those goodbyes would be for real, and there would be many tears. That day too would take its place in the annals of Eden's history.

Now that she had much more time on her hands, Clare spent much of it just sitting in the central square, watching Eden's everyday life. So much was going on, now that the population had increased; there were more than three times the original compliment. 'How General Hammond would have loved to see all this,' she would think to herself, whilst sitting by his monument. 'His vision has become our reality,' was another of her pet sayings.

Clare looked on the memory of that man with great respect and affection. They had only met briefly all those years ago, but when he saluted her for her part in his dream, she had taken him to her heart, and there he would stay for all time.

Her affection had spilled over onto John and Lisa too; John Hammond was very like his father in many ways. Clare had often wondered how John had coped with the loss of his father in such tragic and unnecessary circ.u.mstances.

How the futility of life on Earth stood out in marked contrast to that of Eden. Here, there was no pressure, everyone did what they knew to be right, and nothing was too much trouble if anyone had need. There was no money, no weapons, and no malice. Eden truly was paradise, and the old guard had taken great pains to make sure it stayed that way. Those who were now growing up as the first generation born on the Moon, had no knowledge of such things. What they did know was life as it was always meant to be: peaceful, and family based, with each having respect for the other. How Earth would have benefited from such a way of life, but the people of Earth had rejected G.o.d and His ways, in favour of their own pale imitation; the arrogance of man taking precedence over the wisdom of G.o.d. This was not going to happen here in Eden, G.o.d was revered here, and His ways respected; this, after all, is the key to true happiness.

Jake and Martha had wasted no time since their wedding, Martha was pregnant and loving it. Jake was proving to be every bit as good as husband as she thought he would be. He had taken to married life like a fish to swimming, he thrived on it, and he doted on his new bride, she was now his life.

Jake had already started to extend his somewhat modest home. He hadn't needed much s.p.a.ce as a bachelor, but that was rapidly changing. The idea of a family was such a thrill to him that he intended to have a lot more children, though he hadn't run that by Martha yet, but he had every intention of doing so. She looked so radiant, there were times when he embarra.s.sed her by staring.

"You're doing it again," she would tease him.

"But you're so lovely," he would counter.

How could she fight that? Martha was indeed a handsome woman, and had had her share of attention from the opposite s.e.x, but the flow of love from her husband had almost overwhelmed her. How could one person be so happy?

Zeek had taken pity on Betty and not asked her to move into his house with him. Instead, he had gone to live with her at her house, which was very much better than his bachelor pad. Together they were planning a new home, somewhere away from the main settlement. Eden was slowly spreading out as more s.p.a.ce was needed, but it was still essentially a small, village-like community. Zeek and Betty had other ideas. The country life appealed to them, with animals and crops growing nearby. Somewhere by the lake was their preferred choice, but thus far, they had not had chance to make a start.

Zeek was still involved in the mining of Kerasite with Jake, it was a necessary job, and they had both gone back to it after their return from Earth. Keracraft were still being manufactured, but the modifications to the main ship had slowed the process down quite a bit. Not having transport to hand was not a real problem, as there was nowhere in Eden that could not be reached on foot within a few minutes, and even the lake was within easy walking distance. Moving the materials to build a house would take a little organisation, but the Thomases' house had been built in a matter of days once everyone had begun to help. Zeek and Betty felt it would be the same for them when the time came to make the move, but right now, they were just enjoying being together as man and wife, and making plans.

Sam and Kay were known as, 'The young lovers.' It's not that they were particularly young, but when Sam told Jimmy he had a date with a twenty year old, it had kind of stuck. Jimmy had a way with words, and his sayings usually caught on as part of the language of Eden.

Kay had taken over from Steve as head of research, she had been his a.s.sistant ever since their Star Lab days, and was more familiar with his work than anyone else could ever be.

Since she had been healed of cancer, she had taken hold of life, 'by the throat,' as Jimmy said; be that as it may, she was every bit a housewife too.

Sam had been correct when he said he might be out of a job as Eden's doctor. There was no sickness in Eden and no sign of any ever coming, so his taking up chemistry had been a smart move. He could work with Kay in her department, where his knowledge of medicine was quite useful in unexpected ways. Together they were working on several projects that showed great promise, but there was no rush. That's part of the beauty of Paradise, there's lots of time to do things, but no pressure to get them done.

It was his last official duty. Steve was to preside over the election of a new leader -- in truth, he was quite excited by it all. So far there had been no nominations put forward, but they would be arriving before too long. He was personally going to nominate Jimmy. Steve and Jimmy went back a long way, and Steve had the utmost respect for the younger man, plus, he was married to his daughter, so he was probably somewhat biased. As to the other candidates, there could be any number of them, there were plenty of good people in Eden, the trick would be to pick the right one.

Clare was plumping for Chris, "I know he's my son," she said, "but he's a good man, and takes after his father. He would make a good leader."

Steve knew she was right, their son, Chris, had grown into a fine young man, who, though he had been in the background, was none the less very well liked by all. He stood a very good chance of winning the election.

The only disappointment was that Dave Thomas would not stand. He had made it clear that he didn't consider himself eligible for the position, having not been there from the start, so to speak. Both Steve and John had tried to persuade him otherwise, but he was adamant, and would not be moved. A part of Dave's thinking had been that he couldn't be both a spiritual and physical leader at the same time. Often, decisions needed both stand points, even if they were opposed. No, it made more sense for him to stay within the realms of his calling, and continue as spiritual guide to Eden's growing population.

A date had been set for the election, though it was still some way off, and a general sense of excitement was brewing. Steve was surprised that no one had come forward as a candidate. The closing date for nominations to be in was drawing near, perhaps there would be a last minute rush. It didn't happen. The day arrived for nominations to close, and there were none in. Steve got together with John and Dave to discus the situation.

"It seems we have no takers," Steve said, with more than a little sadness in his voice. "I thought there would have been a certain amount of eagerness to commit to the community, perhaps I'm being unrealistic."

"Don't be too hard on yourself Steve," Dave rea.s.sured him, "It's a big job...Your shoes are going to be hard to fill. In a way, I think it's better that they are not too eager. I'd rather have a hesitant, but level headed leader, than a flashy sort of chap, not that there are too many of those around here."

Everyone laughed at Dave's hole digging. There was a pause, and then John spoke.

"I'm going to nominate Kay."

This set the other two aback, but just for a moment. Steve's face lit up as though the last five minutes had never happened. He looked at John with a look that said, 'thank you' far better than the word ever could. John smiled at their surprise.

"How about you Steve, got anyone in mind?"

"I thought of Jimmy," Steve said, he's a good man.

"I agree," John answered, "I'd be more than happy with either one of them."

"Well, that's two in the hat, I wonder if there'll be any more." Steve grinned.

It had been arranged that everyone who could, would meet for the nomination meeting. As it happened, everybody turned up. Steve noticed and was pleased that there was such interest in the proceedings. He took the platform with a broad grin on his face.

"OK, everybody, let's come to order."

A hush fell.

"We are here to hear the nominations for leadership candidates; do I hear any nominations."

There was a short silence, and then Clare called out Chris' name. There was a small round of applause.

"Wonderful," Steve said, "that's one. Are there any others?"

Again there was silence. Steve waited patiently for a few moments, but there were no more nominations from the floor.

"I nominate Jimmy Peebles," Steve said, raising a hand. Again there was applause and a few cheers. Jimmy went very red.

"And I nominate Kay Davis," John called out from behind Steve on the platform.

There was a very short silence, and then the place erupted. Sam was jumping up and down with delight, whilst Kay just looked and listened in disbelief. Steve allowed the exuberance to die down, which took several minutes, and stood to speak.

"First, I must ask those nominated if they wish to accept their nominations."

Chris stood up immediately and declined.

"Thank you," Steve said, "Jimmy, how about you?"

Jimmy looked to Sh.e.l.ley for advice, but she mouthed silently, 'It's up to you Jims.' Jimmy looked at Kay, whose face was a picture. She was clearly stunned, and yet glowing. Jimmy thought for a moment and then swallowed hard.

"I believe Kay would make the better leader," he said, "I decline."

There were a few gasps. Jimmy was very popular, and many wanted him to lead, but everything was screaming Kay, and they couldn't ignore it. Steve looked at Jimmy as he sat down again, "You're a big man Jimmy," he tried to say, but had difficulty getting it out.

Sh.e.l.ley looked up at her father and mouthed, 'I love you daddy.' Steve replied to it out loud, "and I love you too squeak."

He hadn't called her that since they'd left Earth. Both Chris and Clare went over to her and hugged her and Jimmy.

"Well," Steve said, at last, "this has been an interesting day. As we are all here, is there anyone who doesn't want Kay to be our next leader?"

There were no dissenters, so Steve said, "That's it then folks, I declare Kay Davis, the new leader of Eden. Kay, come up would you."

There was tumultuous applause, mixed with many shouts and a few tears. Somehow, everyone knew it was right that Kay should lead, and many went to Jimmy to thank him for being so gracious. Kay came to the platform and Steve and John both hugged her.

"Thank you," she whispered privately to John.

He just smiled back at her, enjoying the moment.

When he was again able to speak, Steve calmed everyone down and they took their seats.

"This is positively the last speech I'm going to make."