Frank glanced over at the alien corpses strewn about his beach.
“Yeah, I fucking knew it.” Pock gave the bug equivalent of laughter. “At least let us use some of the materials from the base to build a proper landing pad down here.”
“I was thinking of building something like that,” Frank confessed.
“No one likes landing in sand, Frank. And I'm pretty sure it would make Mom happy.”
“I hate to delay your return home, Pock.”
“I'm in no hurry. You know how it is for me. And the crew up on your moon don't mind.”
“Give me a few minutes to think over the details.”
“Take your time, Frank. I'm going to go make a list.” Pock scurried away to inspect Fev's ship.
Frank turned back toward the crater as if to make one last attempt to find Denise. Despite his blank eyes, his face was placid. Jard followed Frank's gaze and made notes of the surroundings. He noticed the debris, still smoking, on the far end of the crater and decided that the bomb had been placed at the closest side. Taking the chance, Jard placed his gloved hand upon Frank's shoulder.
“I am so sorry for your loss.”
“Thank you.” Before he could say more, Frank noticed a remote coming closer.
“Phildan is making his approach,” Gladys said in an even tone, in Sessiki.
He only nodded in response, knowing the pain she was feeling. Giving Jard a side glance, he noticed his friend regarding the orb with much curiosity. But Jard's expressions were nearly impossible to gauge so he let it go.
“I think I would like to meet the pirate,” Frank said.
“They will most likely return to Hitakkita,” Jard said. “They will try to blend in. At least that is what I would do in their predicament.”
“Damn. I at least have to try.”
“I want to help,” Jard said.
“We don't want you to put yourself into danger, Jard.”
“As a retired assassin, I'm always in danger. I imagine there are several contracts on my life that would become active if the Guild knew I left the profession. In addition, I know what Amoz Nudek looks like.” Jard assumed a devious grin.
“What does the Guild actually do?” Frank asked.
“They hold the money,” Jard replied. “They also assign contracts. But mostly, they hold the money.”
“That's interesting,” Frank mused. “Do they actually hold the money, or is it in some bank account?”
“I don't know what that is,” Jard admitted. “They have a vault full of money.”
Frank almost smiled. “I propose we make the money disappear.”
“Other beings have tried and failed, Frank.”
“We aren't like most beings, are we, Jard?”
Jard's green eyes assumed a faraway look. “I'm already wealthy beyond my wildest dreams. I insist on entering this venture solely for the fun of it.”
Frank nodded. “We're going to have us some fun, my friend.”
“I must admit I do not approve of the direction of your thinking, Frank,” Gladys interjected.
“If the money is gone, and I mean all of it, the Guild will fold. If we do nothing, I'll be looking over my shoulder for as long as I live. I don't care if they come for me. I only worry for my friends.”
“Well, I can't have them coming for you,” Gladys said.
“I should go,” Jard said. “The pirates have a head start on me again.”
“We can get you there in one jump,” Gladys said. “The pirates will be a couple of days behind you.”
Jard smiled. “That certainly explains things. I was having a hard time with the math as events were unfolding.”
“We've been known to bend the rules a bit,” Frank said.
Jard smiled and nodded. “I will go and await the pirates. When they arrive, I shall only observe. But I will need a way to reach you when you arrive.”
Frank held out his hand, allowing the remote to park. Feeling it power off, he presented it to Jard. “This will become active when we get there.”
* * *
“Let me help you.”
“I couldn't,” Constanthos replied. “The pain...”
“You saw it, didn't you? Her end?”
“Yes. She disappeared in a flash of light. My eyes were injured, but I saw the whole thing.”
“Show me.” Cindy extended her hand. “I know you were badly burnt. I knew it as soon as I noticed you without your suit. Please, let me help you.”
Constanthos finally grasped Cindy's hand and was relieved that she didn't have to relive the attack herself. But when Cindy held her free hand over her own eyes, she knew her large friend was feeling every bit of the burn. After a short while, Constanthos started to feel her anguish die away. She was ready to celebrate Denise's life. But now she understood Frank a whole lot better.
Cindy released Constanthos and took a deep breath. “I've never felt such intense pain before. That would have killed anyone else.” She took a few moments before she continued. “I am glad Nera will be okay, but I doubt that even I can relieve the pain of her loss.” She looked Constanthos in the eye and thought about saying more, but changed her mind. They were interrupted by Gladys coming up the path toward the loba tree.
“They will be docking shortly,” she said in an even tone. Her expression was sorrowful.
“Would you like my assistance?” Cindy asked as she offered her hand.
“I do not wish to over-burden you,” Gladys replied.
“I do not mind,” Cindy replied. “I am more than happy to help.”
“I've had my share of heartache, as you know. I would rather you save your gift for my husband.”
“Yes, of course.” Cindy gave a gentle smile and leaned her back against the trunk of the tree.
“Connie, if you would, we need a rift opened for Jard.”
“I'll have to use the control room,” Constanthos replied. “Where is he heading?”
“Hitakkita. We will be joining him in a couple of days.”
Constanthos stared at Gladys. “Why would we ever go there? That is the most unsafe place in the entire galaxy right now.”
Gladys looked over to where the door to the armory boat was opening. “They're here. I'll let Frank explain it to you after I greet him. Phildan will be going to the moon base to assist Pock with a project.” Gladys looked her over. “You may want to put something on.”
Constanthos looked down at herself and quickly thought about everything she knew of Frank. “Yes, I think you're right.” She decided to have an automech fetch some varitherm for her once she was under the halo. They parted ways and she headed for the control room while Gladys went to greet her husband.
“Please watch yourself,” Frank was saying to Phildan as Gladys arrived.
“I will. Once we get them up and running, we'll be able to see anyone coming.” Phildan embraced Frank for a moment and then nodded to Gladys as the door closed.
“I'm covered in blood, my dear.” Frank had a blank expression as he turned toward his boat. Gladys silently followed beside him and paused at the door of his boat. He walked in and quickly located the data pad. He returned to the door and presented it to her. “The gravity,” he said as she took it from him, realizing he was inviting her in. She pressed a spot on the pad and the gravity in the boat dropped to Sessik-normal. He leaned his sword against the rack and removed his belt. She pressed the pad some more and an automech came forward and accepted his varitherm as he pulled it off. It floated away toward the workshop to launder the material. Gladys followed Frank through the bedroom and into the bath where he let the machines clean him. When he finally looked up at her, he could tell she had been crying. He pulled her close. “I wish I knew what to say.”
“You don't have to say anything, Frank. I am so sorry.”
“You have nothing to be sorry for, my dear. You didn't blow up the island.”
“I should have stopped them. I was so busy with my work that I didn't think it through
.”
He gently lifted her chin and gave her a kiss. “We both know who is at fault.”
“We'll need proof,” she replied.
“That's what we'll get at Hitakkita.” He released her and started going through his things. “None of this shit is going to fit me.”
“Your suit will be finished soon.”
He nodded and looked sorrowful. “I don't know how to break the news to everyone.”
“Just send a message. They will understand.” She backed away and turned to the bed. Sitting down, she ran her hands over the spot where Denise had slept. “I don't like the idea of going to Hitakkita.”
“It's better than having more assassins coming here. And I want to have a little talk with Amoz Nudek.”
15.
Constanthos was making her way into the boat as Frank and Gladys were coming back into the living room. Frank surprised her with an embrace.
“I feel responsible, Frank,” she said.
“That's going around,” he replied. “But it's not your fault.” He reached up and touched her bald head. She allowed herself to enjoy his touch for a moment.
“Jard is at Hitakkita,” she said, trying to gather her thoughts. “If you really intend to go there, I will need to alter your sword.” She broke away from him and went to retrieve his blade.
“Alter it how?” he asked.
“Weapons aren't allowed in Hitakkita Bay. That's why everyone wears cloaks.”
“To hide their weapons?”
“Right.” Constanthos held up the sword. “I'm going to rework two remotes and bond them here on the sheath. That will enable the sword to cloak independently from your suit.”
“I don't know what to say,” Frank replied. “That sounds amazing. Will it be able to fly?”
Constanthos stared at him, trying to figure out if he was joking. But his expression was slightly less blank than his eyes. “One of us would have to operate it, but it could fly. With the blade, it might be a bit heavy for prolonged flight. Without the blade, it will be manageable. And communications will be built in, obviously.”
“Again, I'm speechless.” Frank sat down on the couch next to his phone. “We have a couple of days before the pirates get there so you can take your time.” He picked up his phone and looked at it.
“I feel the need to immerse myself into some work,” Constanthos said.
“I'm sure Frank understands that very well,” Gladys said. “I am going to do the same. Nera is awaiting my attention.”
“Shall I assist you, sister?” Constanthos asked.
“Actually,” Frank interjected, “I'm going to need someone to fly me to St. Louis.” He was still looking at his phone.
“What's in St. Louis?” Gladys asked.
“Dorothy Stewart. According to Terrelle, she's in a mental hospital.”
* * *
Yohei Nakamura walked out into his garden at first light to begin his morning workout. He was quite shocked to find his grandson and his wife awaiting him.
“Hiroya! Miyako! I am overjoyed!”
“Grandfather,” Hiro said with a bow. His wife copied his movements.
But Yohei didn't bow. He rushed forward to embrace the young man. “I knew you would return. I was concerned, but I knew you would prevail.”
“There is so much to tell you,” Hiro said as Yohei let go of him. Miyako stood and smiled at the uncharacteristic show of emotion. She heard a tone come from Hiro's phone which he had laid upon a bench. She walked over to read the message.
“Oh, no!” she exclaimed.
“What is it?” Hiro asked.
“Assassins planted a bomb at Frank's compound.” She paused. “Denise is dead.”
“When do we leave?” Hiro asked. Yohei looked confused.
“This is a group message. He says he is too overcome with grief to talk now, but he will be going to avenge her murder. He only wants Damon Potts to accompany him, as a strategist.”
Hiro clenched his fists. “Who all received the message?”
“Robert, Terrelle. There are more numbers that I don't recognize. You don't have them programmed.”
“What assassins?” Yohei asked.
“There is an entire guild of alien assassins, Grandfather.” Hiro was upset at being left out. “Frank will most likely kill the rest of them and find out who hired them.”
Yohei looked him over. “Frank lost someone close to him. I know he thinks highly of the two of you, as he most likely does for the rest of his allies here. It is only natural that he wants to keep his friends safe.”
Hiro nodded. “You are right, as usual.”
“He says Phildan is staying too,” Miyako added. “We are to look after Earth in his absence.”
“You see,” Yohei started, “he puts his trust in you. Both of you.”
“He did let us hold on to these suits,” Miyako said.
“Yes.” Hiro allowed himself to relax. “I feel terrible about becoming angry.”
Miyako put her hand on his shoulder. “Denise was our friend. We will find another way to honor her memory.”
“She was kind and gentle,” Yohei said. “I didn't know her as well as the two of you, but she made a very good impression. She was well-mannered and full of love.”
“Very well said, Grandfather.”
“Thank you, Hiroya. Now if you would, please show me how those suits work.”
* * *
Colonel Taylor entered the room to find the Wrecking Crew looking rather glum. Pvt. Enrique Chavez was the first to notice him. “Officer on deck!” Everyone stood to salute.
“As you were,” Taylor said. “What's this message?”
“It's Frank,” Sgt. Dave Elmore answered. “I figured we should keep it quiet, given the political environment.”
“Good call, Dave.” Taylor looked at Chavez and then at Cpl. Damon Potts. “It looks like it was some bad news.”
“Frank's island compound was attacked. One civilian casualty.”
Taylor looked surprised. “Any idea who attacked?”
“Assassins. Extra-terrestrials. Frank killed them all.” Dave found himself feeling satisfied with just saying that last part.
“Oh my god. We need a better detection system.” Taylor barely paused before asking, “Who was the casualty?”
“Denise Blake. The journalist.”
“I never had the pleasure of meeting her.” Taylor could see the pain in Dave's eyes. “Porter spoke highly of her. I can tell you men are upset about it. I'm sorry.” He looked thoughtful. “Who all was included in that message?”
Dave pulled out his phone. “Jones, Terrelle Williams, Hiro Nakamura, and this other number that I don't recognize.” He turned the phone to show the number.
“That is Porter's personal phone number,” Taylor noted.
“There's more, sir,” Dave said.
“Spill it.”
“Frank grounded Jones since he's going to be a father. He's asked for Potts.”
Taylor looked at Potts. “Why would he ask for you?”
Damon cleared his throat. “I'm a better sharpshooter than Jones. I'm his second when it comes to strategy. And I kinda communed with Cindy.”
“Excuse me?” Taylor replied. “Who is Cindy?”
Damon searched for the right words. “She is an alien. Her species is called Ezilak.”
Taylor shook his head twice. “I swear, any other time I would be grilling you for all the details. But we don't have time for that. I'm going to tell you boys something and because you are you, I know I can trust you with this information. Porter is about to be removed from office. Bankston will be sworn in and then it's anybody's guess. Someone somewhere is pulling the strings and we are all caught in the middle. So, as the colonel in charge of this here Alien Task Force, I am going to order Cpl. Potts to accompany Frank Ford and serve as his military strategist.”
Potts stood at attention and gave a satisfied, “Yes, Sir!”
“Make it a swift departure, son,�
� Taylor said in a surprisingly warm tone. “I trust Frank and I trust Stan, but if Bankston is bought and paid for, he will most likely shut us down. I want you deployed before he has that opportunity.”
“I am already gone, Sir!”
“Outstanding. I will make the paperwork...correct.”
* * *
“I'm having a hard time understanding what a mental hospital is,” Constanthos said as the facility came into view on the television.
“I would have a hard time explaining it,” Frank replied. “I'm not sure I understand it myself.” He located his face-plate and sat it on the arm of the couch. With a gesture, his varitherm was up over his head and he retrieved the mask and affixed it over his face. “It looks like a nice enough place from up here,” he added.
“What's your plan?” Constanthos asked.
“I don't really have one. I promised Ray that I'd look in on her. I had no idea she'd be locked up.”
“I don't have a halo hooked up in here yet,” Constanthos said. She picked up a remote and inspected it. “Here, take this. I can't operate it from here but I can use it to see and hear.” She handed it to him and then pressed some spots on a data pad to make it invisible. He made it even more invisible by placing it inside his varitherm. “What weapons are you taking?”
“I'm not taking anything. It's a hospital so I shouldn't need any.” He started toward the door to the hallway.
“If you say so,” she replied as she followed. “I'm going to put you down in that garden area. And then I'm going to watch you the best I can from the television. Speak into the remote if you need anything.”
“Okay. Sounds good.” Frank stood inside the red circle and disappeared.
Constanthos returned to the living room only to discover a remote waiting for her.
“What is he doing?” Gladys asked.
“He's keeping his promise. How is Nera?”
“She is still in stasis. I am afraid to bring her to.” The remote followed as Constanthos made her way to the couch.
“Perhaps Cindy should assist you, sister.” Constanthos was in no mood to play stupid or dodge the issue.
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