The next twelve months passed by in a blur for James and Sara. Most of that time was spent in meetings and workshops, progress was being made but there was still a lot that needed to be done. They started going out more together and having actual dates, eventually becoming inseparable.

The few days off they had from meetings were always spent together, either at the suite or the Palace. It wasn't all work though, other than planning future meetings, they enjoyed each others company and shared stories from their past.

Although nothing had been officially announced, everyone on the station knew they were in a relationship. The main comment from people when asked was " The two of them seem happy, that is all that matters. "

After a while James left the suite and moved into a room at the palace. After moving the security team were reassigned; there was no need for the all day cover any more. They were only called back into service whenever he visited Xilquin.

The cranial operations Xilquin had underwent were thought to be successful, but the doctors were still puzzled. He'd had scan after scan and nothing seemed to be medically wrong, he just wasn't waking up. James had met with Xilquin's family a few more times and reassured them that he will do everything in his power to help, including requesting Xilquin's medical file be sent to to the Galactic Council for a second opinion. Everyone who looked at it agreed with the Tolian Doctors, there was no reason for his current state.

By now, James had been in the Tolian system far longer than any of his other previous missions, far more than any mission for a special-ambassador ever. He simply didn't want to leave, this was his new home.

James was currently sat in the Palace lounge looking over the final documents with Sara. They were ready to be submitted for Galactic Council approval, a formality at this point. Once complete, the Tolian people would be officially welcomed by thousands of different species.

The government had already prepared people before James arrived by sending out information packets to every persons data pad. Those packets increased in number every time they completed a step in the ascension process. The packets informed them of potential new arrivals and what it would mean for new trade and commerce routes, some of which were already in place. Their technology level would also increase faster than ever before once they got access to a vast array of new knowledge, including a galactic wide information nexus.

If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

* * *

"James?"

"Um?" He replied without looking up.

"What's going to happen after we join the Galactic Council? With us I mean," Sara asked.

"I have already informed the Council that I will be staying here. I'll retire from the ambassadorship and live my life here with you, if you'll have me?" he said smiling.

"Of course I'll have you. Come here," she laughed and wrapped him up in her arms giving him a long kiss.

* * *

As yet more years past the Tolian people prospered greatly. New trade routes were booming and knowledge flowed both ways as they helped teach other cultures to live with nature and enjoy life more. With increased technology information they created new lager warp-drive capable cargo ships that were used for longer travel in order to trade with more partners. Everyone was happy.

Unfortunately, Xilquin passed soon after the Council welcoming ceremony. He just stopped breathing one evening and no one knew why. James was inconsolable for quite a while afterwards. A public day of mourning was announced.

James and Sara got married shortly afterwards and had a baby girl, they called her Xil as a way to remember him.

* * *

"Hey James, you have a priority message from the Galactic Council, I thought you had retired?"

"I did retire, I had a party and everything. Let me take a look..."

Sara paced the room while waiting.

"Um, it seems that war has broken out again between two old rivals. I've settled this same conflict three times already, I thought we had it fixed. It must be really important if they are specifically asking for me. It looks like I am needed for one more mission," James said, he wasn't happy about it.

"Oh that's not good news at all. When do you have to leave?"

"The next day or so, I should only be gone for two months at most. I'll bang their heads together if I have too," he smiled.

"You'll miss Xil's third birthday if you are away for too long,"

"I should be back in time."

The next two days were spent reading the previous mission reports and trying to find out about the current situation. "Why they asked for me was a mystery, any of the other negotiators could easily do it," he remarked.

"A new, faster shuttle has arrived for me. The plan is to head to the Council's HQ and meet with two of the warring ambassadors," James started. "They have had a cease-fire in place with each other for years. The odd flare up always happens but this seems new and different. If we can't agree to anything at the HQ, I'll have to go and see the two leaders at a neutral third-party planet to work things out directly."

"Be careful James," Sara said standing next to the shuttle pad.

"I'll be back soon."

As James turned to board the shuttle, he waved goodbye to Sara and Xil, blowing them a kiss one last time before stepping inside.

That was the last time I saw my father, and I have been looking for him ever since.

...