A new journey, happy news, plans for the future…
The sailing for Utopia was quickly arranged. Megal and Sarita had worked out a possible agreement based on the current one. Many changes were needed to include the third settlement. Several of the Unspoken volunteered to work on the ship, much to Francos’ pleasure. The more people who learned how to sail these larger ships, the sooner they could have more of them quickly crossing the Wild Sea.
Sitting around on the deck as the ship skimmed across the waters was cooler than trying to hold a conversation in the sleeping area. The conversation was mostly about getting a trading system set up using these larger sailing ships, but Julie wondered why they were taking their ideas to the prince in Utopia.
“Francos decided that having this meeting in Amaurot was proper since Utopia is the owner of the planet—or rather, the NeoUtopians bought it,” Tony explained. “Both your group and mine were not planning on living here.” He was enjoying the warm sun and the brisk breeze on the deck.
“Well, he is probably right,” Julie said, “but it seems it gives them an advantage.” She watched as Sarita came up from the cabins and headed to the rail. She leaned over and Julie knew exactly what she was doing. “Poor Sarita is just as seasick as Mandy has been.”
“That is odd,” Tony said. “She had no problems on the trip up from Port.”
“How long have she and Megal been married?” Julie asked.
“It has been at least five months since the wedding. Oh, of course. I so hope for Refugio’s sake you are correct. Will it be a problem since we are at sea?”
“Not at all. I carried three of my four boys while working on my ship. As long as we keep her eating and getting enough water, she will be fine. I’ll talk to her.” Julie joined Sarita at the rail and helped her back to the galley area to get some nut water.
“Congratulations Megal,” Blackie said. He and Megal had just helped shift the sails and joined Tony on the forward deck area. “I saw the clues. The first is always such a joy.” Megal looked at him puzzled.
Tony laughed. “Blackie, he has never lived this close to the women of his family. He is not sure what you are talking about.”
“Really. Well, maybe we should let Sarita tell him.”
“Tell me what? That she is not a good sailor? She said she was looking forward to this trip because she enjoyed the sail from Port, but she has been sick every day.” Sarita and Julie emerged from the galley area and joined the men on the deck. Sarita looked a bit pale but was smiling.
“Megal, Julie said she thinks I am with child, and I think she may be correct. I was so busy getting ready for this trip, I did not realize I had missed my monthly.”
Megal drew her into his arms and kissed her. “Papi will be so relieved. But is this safe, traveling like we are doing?”
“Three of my sons grew on the Wild Sea,” Blackie said, “and Julie actually had one of them while fishing off Refugio. Sarita is young and strong. She and the baby will be fine.” Blackie gathered Julie in his arms and hugged her. They both were smiling indulgently at the young couple. Tony beamed and counted off on his fingers. “So, we don’t have to worry about pirates. The weather is beautiful. We have a new life to celebrate. We have work to do to make this ridiculous planet a good place to raise this child of two peoples. When I told Simon I wanted to live in interesting times, I had no idea it would come out so well.”
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