The Voyager

THE VOYAGER

The interviewer nestled in his seat.

"Thank you so much for giving me the chance to talk to you Mrs. Stevens"

Mrs. Stevens, a deceptively young looking woman sat before him in blue jeans and a thin t-shirt.  She smiled a sweet smile.

"Oh, please call me May."

"Alright, May.  I would like to talk to you about your husband.   As you are no doubt aware, the anniversary of his dissapearance is 6 months out and I was hoping to get your impressions on the matter.  It will be the 7th year since he has dissappeared and most people are assuming that he will be declared legally dead."

"Yes, you are correct.   He isn't, though."

The interviewer was surprised.  "Wait.  Are you saying he is alive?"

"Well, of course.   He would never do something as foolish as dying without letting me know first.  No he is alive.  He's just travelling."

"Travelling where?"

"Well, wherever there is a story, I imagine.  He is much like you are; although a bit older and wiser.   He wants to tell the stories.   He lost his inspiration here and decided to build that ship and travel elsewhere."

"You mean his spaceship?"

"No I mean the Nautalis.  Of course, I meant the spaceship, dear.  What else?"

"I apologize.  But why would he leave you?  Did your marriage have problems?"

May smiled.  "Problems?   Hardly.  We have the best marriage you can imagine.  Stable, friendly.  We are best friends, you know.  He lived his life and I led mine.   When our lives intersected, we lived every single moment.  Isn't that wonderful?  Not a moment lost."

The interviewer hesitated.

"Um... I am not sure I understand.  You are aware of his infidelities, yes?"

"Infidelities?   You mean Sarah and Rebecca?  They are hardly infidelities.  They are family, dear.  Of course I knew.   Now did you come here to discuss our sex life, our romantic life, or our public life.  I must admit, you have me somewhat confused."

"My apolologies, maam.  I meant to discuss your relationship with James.  And to gain some insight on your feelings on his disappearance."

"Oh, that, right.   We are all handling it well.  He will return when he feels it is time.  We each have our own lives, after all.  I have taken up costuming.. again.  I did it when I was younger.  Never lost the knack.  I guess it is like riding a bike.  The others have done their own things, of course.  Oh, and don't call me ma'am.  That sounds so stuffy."