The King's Ancestors

by Robin Simmons

  “Calm down, Sherman,” Rebekka said gently. “We called you here to learn from this, not to punish you.” Blastion started to object but Rebekka raised her hand to silence him and continued: “You are a good man Sherman, may this lesson make you better at palace security in the future. You may go, but take the body of Simon and find us another palace cat. We will deal with the android ourselves.” Sherman Templas quickly scooped up the poisoned crab cakes and the limp cat and headed for the door.

  When he was gone, Elise put her had to her mouth to stifle a laugh. Even Blastion was smiling at the morbid humor of the whole situation. For none of them liked Simon the cat much, he had an evil temperament like his former owner Layton and would often act like he wanted to be petted and then bite and scratch you out of malice. He had done that once to Rebekka and she had turned her mind on him and he never bothered her again. But the rest were still victims of his sneaky deceptive evil. They had already discussed replacing him before this incident occurred.

  Rebekka broke the silence by stating; “Pi, could you use some help around the palace? I think we could use a butler don’t you?” Motioning to the still form of the android on the floor.

  Pi smiled, “Yes that would be a lovely idea.”

  “Who,” Rebekka asked, “were the ones who made and programed you?”

  “Castor and Johnson Robotics,” Pi answered. Rebekka asked Blastion to get them on the communication devise. As the screen came on, the face of a woman appeared, and Rebekka said.

  “This is Queen Rebekka, I wish to speak to the one in charge of your company.” The woman's eyes went wide and quickly another face was transmitted onto the screen.

  “I am David Castor, may I help you Queen Rebekka?” Rebekka was glad the media had done their job and she did not have to explain who she was.

  “Yes,” she replied. “We have an android that has shut down and needs repair and reprogramming.”

  “No problem,” the man said, “I will send someone over right away. Are you at the palace?”

  “Yes,” Rebekka said, “but I wish something else from you.”

  The man turned back to the screen and said, “Yes anything you need.”

  “About fifteen years ago you programed some androids with a program that resulted in them developing emotions.”

  Now the face of David Castor narrowed, “How do you know about that?”

  “Lets just say I know a couple of the androids.” The surprise on the man’s face was obvious.

  “That is highly unusual since there were only a few and some of those are now out of service, and even Layton Teal did not know about our experiment,” the man stated.

  Rebekka got right to the point, “Do you still have the same programing available?”

  “Yes, we have saved it and studied it over the years and we are no closer now to understanding why it caused Androids to have emotions than we did fifteen years ago.”

  “I want this android programed the same way as that small group years ago,” Rebekka said. The man looked as if he were in a vise that was quickly closing in on him when he finally said.

  “I would highly recommend against such programing.”

  “Why,” Rebekka asked, “has any of those androids caused harm?”

  “No, none of them has ever had a logic malfunction, but it is frightening to give androids emotions. We do not know the long term effects of such a program. This is the only reason we allowed those few to enter service, to see if they would cause harm or have some kind of logic collapse.”

  “I know for a fact the long term effects are stable and safe,” replied Rebekka. “And I want this one programed exactly the same way you did the others fifteen years ago, is that clear?”

  The man nodded and said, “It will be done as you request.”

  “Thank you,” Rebekka said smiling, “you will be amply rewarded.” When Rebekka turned her attention back to the others Pi was the first one to speak.

  “Why do you want an android programed with emotions like me?”

  Rebekka smiled and looking at Elise said, “An android with emotions is much more interesting to be around, don’t you agree Elise?” Elise nodded with a smile causing Pi to smile as well.

  Blastion cleared his throat to get their attention. “What are you going to do about Max?” he asked.

  “I think it is time we had another cabinet meeting,” Rebekka replied. “Only invite Max fifteen minutes early so I can speak to him alone.” Blastion looked alarmed by Rebekka’s statement so she added, “Not fully alone, you and Elise will be there, but without the other cabinet members present.” This seemed to relax Blastion and he nodded and left.

  The next day at the cabinet meeting Max showed up right at the time he had been told by Blastion. He entered and saw Elise and Blastion seated at the conference table with Rebekka. He cautiously approached and sat down.

  “Where are the other cabinet members he asked?”

  “They will be along shortly,” Rebekka said, “but first I wanted to discuss some business with you. It seems that someone tried to poison me with a gift of food at the palace.”

  Max just shrugged, “Anyone at the top is a target by the extreme fringes of our society.”

  Blastion then said, “Very few would have the resources to hide the trail of the assassin like it was.”

  “What are you getting at?” Max asked, still relaxed and amused.

  Rebekka said simply; “I know this whole attempt at poisoning was set up by you Max.”

  “You cannot prove a thing,” he said still relaxed.

  “That is true,” Rebekka said. “For if I could I would hang you like any other criminal. But I know you had something to do with it so I am going to fine you another billion dollars.”

  Max jumped to his feet, “You cannot do that he said as his face reddened.”

  “Yes I can,” Rebekka shot back, “and the same conditions as the last fine apply.”

  Max looked sick, “You have reduced my net worth from six billion to four billion in less than two weeks.”

  Rebekka just smiled and said, “It will be reduced even more if there are any more attempts on my life, or else you had better pray they succeed.”

  At that moment John Martin arrived followed by the rest of the cabinet. They could all see that Max Bane was really flustered so John Martin asked.

  “What is going on?”

  “Oh nothing important,” Rebekka stated. “Max and I were discussing finances, that is all.”

  When everyone was seated the meeting began. Rebekka turned to Chan Quon, minister of transportation first and asked.

  “Are there any restrictions on the people of the empire to travel where they want?”

  “Of course there are,” Chan Quon stated. “People are allowed to travel to their work and home again with only one trip to a purchasing center a week. Layton saw this as an important tool to controlling the people.”

  Rebekka nodded and then said; “I want all restrictions on travel lifted. If they have the money to travel they should be able to go anywhere they wish.” The cabinet was stunned, but no one argued. Next Rebekka turned to the minister of agriculture, Charlotte Frank and asked.

  “Does the empire impose restrictions on those who provide our food?”

  “Yes,” Charlotte stated, “we do this to make sure everything that the people need is provided.”

  Rebekka nodded once again and stated, “Do you not think that the people will know what they want and need she asked? I want you to lift any restrictions on agriculture. I want it to be a free market. In fact I want all business to be based on a free market.” Max Bane interjected in a polite way, refraining from jumping into the argument as he did before.

  “Queen Rebekka, you must understand that by doing what you suppose will ruin the stable economy we have worked so hard to maintain.”

  “The fifty percent tax cut will help to stabilize the changes we are proposing
in the economy. Any change of this magnitude will be difficult and the empire will falter at first, but it will recover. Now is the best time to make those changes with the tax break as a cushion.”

  The cabinet nodded at Rebekka’s statement, so she continued. Next, Rebekka handed Esther Smith a small notebook outlining her desired changes in education. The minister of education waited patiently for Rebekka to summarize what was contained in the notes.

  “I want education to stop its indoctrination of blind obedience to the state. Instead I want the basic tools taught that will enable people to think on their own without a state agenda. Facts without fabrication, is that clear?” Esther Smith nodded while clutching the notebook Rebekka had given her. It was clear that she did not like Rebekka’s approach but would not argue the point either. At last she turned to John Martin, minister of defense and said.

  “John Martin, you will make it clear that any service in the military is voluntary, not by conscription. Anyone wishing to leave military service can do so with two months severance pay.” John Martin nodded smiling, for he had always hated the forced military service demanded by Layton Teal.

  “Good,” Rebekka stated, “I want all of these changes in force by the time taxes are due in two months time. This cabinet meeting is adjourned.”

  The cabinet all left except for John Martin who stayed behind to ask what the earlier discussion was about with Max Bane. Rebekka told him there had been an attempt on her life by very subtle poisoning. And if it were not for the deceased palace cat, Simon, she would be dead. Nothing could be proven, but she knew it was Max Bane’s doing so she had fined him another billion dollars.

  When John Martin heard that, he exclaimed, “Do you have a death wish or what? Max will not sit back while you siphon his personal wealth away.”

  “I know that,” Rebekka replied, “but it will slow him down and make him plan the next attempt very carefully with the threat of losing more wealth.” John Martin simply shook his head at Rebekka. “Time is what we need, John, if we are to change things,” Rebekka said anxiously.

  “Yes, but you are going too fast as it is.”

  “If I were to take it slow, I would be killed before I get anything accomplished. If I can hold out until the tax cut and freedoms are instituted we will have a chance to do some good.”

  John Martin nodded, “Be careful Rebekka, I don’t want to lose a good friend.”

  She smiled at him and said, “I will.”

  Max Bane reached his headquarters and stormed in, “That woman has got to go!” His staff, corrupt and evil as he, reacted immediately.

  “You want us to try and kill her boss?” one asked.

  “No!” Max yelled. “I want you to protect her, understand?” He saw by their stunned silence they didn’t so he began again. “She fined me one billion dollars for that poisoning attempt.”

  “No way could she have traced that to you boss,” said a pudgy little man who was in charge of that attempt.

  “She didn’t have to, she just decided it was me,” Max stated. “Now every attempt on her life even by some lousy stupid punk will cost me a billion dollars. We got to make sure there are no more attempts, understand? I can’t afford to lose any more money. So I want you all to work overtime protecting this queen of ours from any attempts on her life.”

  Then you don’t want to kill her?” asked a tall thin man.

  “Of course I do,” Max stated. “I just have to plan it very carefully to make sure we don’t fail, is that clear? Now get out there and start watching our queen.” They all began to scamper from the room as Max called to the pudgy little man.

  “Arden, do you know of a great sharp shooter?”

  “Yeah,” the little man said, “we have used his services in the past, he’s the best the military has got.”

  “Good,” Max said, “I need him for my plans.”

  The time for the collection of taxes came, and to the peoples’ amazement Rebekka kept her word of a fifty percent tax cut. That, coupled with the new freedoms the people were given caused a great joy to echo throughout the empire. The press was singing her praises without any political prodding on her part. For the first time in many years people had hope of a better life instead of just existing. Her popularity was growing leaps and bounds with the people. Something else was growing as well, her pregnancy was almost to full term and the baby could come at any time now.

  In the next week she met three times with the press and answered their questions as candidly as possible. The people did not think it strange that Rebekka was from the past, for time travel was a well known fact at that time. One straightforward question was: “Did the child she carry belong to Layton Teal?” Rebekka did not flinch at the question although it repulsed her.

  “No,” she said plainly. “You all know of my past. This week I have explained my strange speech to you, telling you I am from the past. The child I carry is my husband’s, King Raven Kallestor.”

  “Do you miss your husband?” someone asked.

  “Yes, very much so,” Rebekka stated.

  “Will you be going back to him soon?” Rebekka was sure the reporter had no idea how much that question pained her, but she answered anyway.

  “I have much to do for the good of the people of this realm. When that is finished and the time is right I may return. Please, no more questions. I must retire for the day.” The reporters respected her enough not to hound her, and if any reporter tried the rest headed him off.

  The news business had boomed since the empire had relinquished it to the people. Elise and Blastion escorted Rebekka back to the palace. Their new butler Simon (named after the departed cat, though no one told him that), waited for them at the door with a message for Rebekka from her doctor. It requested her presence every three days now that she was close to delivery.

  Rebekka marveled at the change in people after the reforms were instituted. Her doctor who at first did his job for fear of his life, now seemed to be genuinely interested in her and the child’s wellbeing. Send word if you will, Simon, that I will see him in three days. Simon left to contact the doctor and Rebekka sat in a comfortable chair to relax while the others gathered round to discuss what to do next in the empire. Pi was now a very real part of their discussions, giving her own input and treated like anyone else. She had become very fond of Rebekka, but was fiercely attached to Elise, constantly worrying about her aging and health.

  Elise’s aging had seemingly slowed down because she had reached maturity and didn’t show the aging as much. But she still aged at an accelerated rate limiting her life span.

  “What’s our next plan for the empire?” Pi asked joyfully.

  “The next step is to institute free elections of the empire’s leaders by the people. When that is done, the empire will be back in the people’s hands and I will resign.”

  “When do you want that to take place?” Blastion asked.

  “A couple of months after the baby is born would be a good time,” Rebekka said.

  Blastion nodded and said, “I will begin the necessary press releases to accomplish that purpose.” And then he said, “I never would have believed you could have accomplished this much in such a short time.”

  “I believe it is God’s will that people be free,” Rebekka said seriously. “If I am a tool for that to be done, then maybe it was God’s purpose that I was taken to this place. His ways are far beyond our understanding and his plans transcend time.” The room was once more silent as everyone contemplated her statements.

  A tall thin man named Lance stood before Max Bane. “My spies have informed me that the queen will be seeing her doctor every three days now that she is close to delivery.”

  “Good,” smiled Max Bane, “a dependable route will make it much easier.” Max called the pudgy little man to his side and said.

  “Arden, you and Lance get together with that sharp shooter and go over the route she will use to go to her doctor and take th
e queen out in three days, understand?” They did, for they had been planning this attempt for the last couple of months. They were certain as well that this time the attempt would not fail.

  The time came for Rebekka to have her three day check up from her doctor. Blastion and Elise always went with Rebekka to the doctor. Though Elise was going because she would assist in the delivery, Blastion's attachment did not make sense to Rebekka. As she thought on Blastion’s presence she began to realize that the only time he was not by her side was when she was safe inside the palace. Everywhere she went outside of the palace, Blastion was there with her.

  As she was trying to sort this out in her mind for the reason why, their transportation stopped and they began to get out. Blastion exited first followed by Rebekka. He held out his hand to help her up for which she was grateful. As she stood and turned facing the street Blastion saw a small red dot, almost imperceptible to the eye in the middle of Rebekka’s chest. In the instant he pushed her a bolt of light caught Rebekka in the shoulder. Faster than the eye could see a laser pistol appeared in Blastion’s hand and with reflexes that come only with genetic engineering he swung around and took out the sniper before he could get off another shot. For any normal human it would have been an impossible shot, an incredible distance with a pistol. But Blastion had trained his whole life for situations just like this, plus the added fact that his pistol was not a normal laser pistol saved Rebekka’s life.

  As Rebekka was falling to the ground, the darkness closing in on her from the shock of being shot, a funny thought hit her about Blastion, his impossible reflexes and quick action reminded her of someone. As the darkness closed over her she realized Blastion reminded her of Raven.

  As the light began to come back into Rebekka’s eyes, a hospital room began to take shape around her. She recognized it by the ceiling and all the machines round about her. Her hands instinctively went to massage her stomach and she felt that it was flat.