Tara

by J G Possum

  Walter brought Andy up to date while Frank helped the team get prepared. Andy located and set up a small inflatable boat and checked out the shuttle. It was decided they would carry stun guns, set to disable, not to kill, to be used only to defend themselves.

  Zor was impressed by how quickly humans could act; he was expecting a lot of deliberation and analysis before taking action. As soon as it became dark outside, they boarded the shuttle and flew out over the ocean. Andy was the pilot, and Frank would be the contact man and coordinate the mission.

  Andy positioned the shuttle about ten feet above the surface. The altitude was set on automatic, the speed was 500 mph, and the course was set for a zig-zag evasive flight to avoid being located. Tron said, “When we near land, we should be able to see the city lights. I suggest we go ashore north of the city and hide in the mountains where we won’t be noticed.”

  Frank said, “Makes sense to me.”

  Andy replied, “The water is choppy below us, but it may smooth out when we get closer.”

  Two and a half hours passed, and the city lights could be seen. Andy gradually dropped his speed. They had no light except for the moon. Andy hovered offshore.

  Frank and Ross lowered the rescue chair with the inflatable boat. Frank pulled the x cord and the boat popped open and completely inflated. The ocean was a little rough, but the water was warm. Frank had tied the bow line to the chair, and the team managed to climb into the watercraft. Frank tossed in their supplies, untied the bow line, and waved goodbye. They were on their way.

  Andy waited for Frank to secure the door, then headed back the way they came, west over the ocean, following the same evasive pattern. Frank said, “Well, Andy, with luck no one will know we were here.”

  Andy replied, “Affirmative, sir.”

  Frank smiled and said, “Call Commander Roberts and tell him the cat is out of the bag and we’re on our way home.”

  Lance talked with Zor. “Your people are preparing to land on a beach in Erona as we speak.”

  Zor replied, “I shall never forget what you are doing for us.”

  Ross and Eloy paddled the watercraft while Tron searched the coastline for a landing spot, he had a hard cast on his left forearm but was able to move about with ease.

  The shore could be seen in the moonlight, and high mountains in the distance were evident; the ocean waves tossed the craft around but helped conceal their approach. The city lights could be seen on the right side. The only sound was the splashing of the paddles hitting the water and the distant roar of the surf as it crashed on the beach. It was partially cloudy, but the moon provided adequate light.

  Ross and Eloy paddled as hard as they could. Finally, they could see the surf. Tron pointed toward an area that looked like a flat beach. The onshore current picked up their boat and they rode into shallow water on a large wave. Ross said, “Tron, stay in the boat. Eloy and I will bring it to the beach.”

  On the next wave that broke, they rode in and jumped out. They pulled the boat up on the sand. They looked around and couldn’t see anything moving. Tron jumped out. It was a short beach with the foothills rising up into the mountains.

  Following what Frank had told them, Ross and Eloy pulled the craft across the beach up to the edge of the forest, while Tron, using a piece of driftwood, swept away their tracks.

  They moved into the cover of the forest and on the high ground took out their supplies and deflated the boat. Tron rolled it up while Ross and Eloy dug a hole in a sand bank, near a large tree. They buried the craft and placed some rocks over it. Tron wiped away all the footprints he could find in the moonlight.

  They moved higher up into the forest, found a small clearing and sat down at the base of a tree and rested. It was a warm night, and the sounds of the forest were now evident; small animals were in the trees, and all around them, night birds chirped and chattered. Tron called Frank. “We’re in the forest north of the city. We covered our tracks and I believe we were not detected. That is all.”

  Frank reported to Lance, “They’re safe in the forest.”

  Lance updated Zor. “The mission is on schedule, all is well.”

  They moved farther up into the mountains and found a high clearing that was well hidden, and setting up the tent, they slept until daybreak. At daybreak they had some food, packed up, and headed toward a mountain that overlooked the city. As they approached the summit, they saw a small dwelling.

  Tron said, “I believe it must be a private home. We should remain hidden and observe for a while.”

  They decided to change clothes and put on local clothing they brought with them. They rolled up their uniforms and buried them. Now they could blend in without a problem. They kept their stun guns out of sight; they had brought them for an emergency only. They watched the dwelling for over an hour. Finally, the front door opened, and an older man stepped out and walked over to what must be an old well. He dropped a bucket in and filled it with water, then went back inside.

  Tron said, “I think I’ll knock at the door and introduce myself. We’re here on a camping trip looking for minerals as a hobby.”

  They agreed, and Tron walked down a path to the front door and knocked. The old man opened the door and Tron talked with him for a while, then turned and waved to Ross and Eloy to come over. They all entered the dwelling. They explained what they were doing in the mountains.

  The old man looked at them for a while. He smiled, then said, “I know you are not on a camping trip, but you are not a threat to me, so you can tell me the truth.”

  Ross said, “We are not a threat to you. I will tell you the truth, since you know my mind.”

  He then explained that Leader Zor, along with them, had crashed in the jungle on the northern continent but survived and were rescued by the Earth people. He explained that General Urgon was suspected of treason and had taken over the government in the city.

  The old man said “You tell the truth, and I believe you. What can I do to help? My name is Rea. I live here in the mountains alone.”

  Tron said, “We need to find a way to let the people know that Leader Zor is alive and General Urgon is a traitor.”

  Rea said, “Tron, now I remember you. You are Zor’s second-in- command. I believe we need to inform the council at once.”

  Tron replied, “The council has been locked in confinement and cannot be reached. We must free them before they are harmed.” Ross and Eloy agreed. Tron said, “Do you know people in the city we can trust?”

  Rea replied, “I have relatives I can call and let them know. I will ask their advice.”

  Ross said, “Do not tell them about us, in case they are under surveillance. General Urgon must not find out that we are here.”

  They settled down and relaxed, while the old man tried calling his brother, Wes, who lived in the city. His brother answered the call and was pleased to hear that Rea was in good health. Rea asked him what he knew about General Urgon. He said, “People are being told that Leader Zor was killed when his aircraft crashed in the ocean. General Urgon is now in control.”

  Rea said, “That is not true. I have been told Leader Zor is alive and that the general has committed treason.”

  Wes replied, “How do you know this?”

  Rea said, “That is not important. What is important is that you believe me.”

  His brother replied, “Of course I believe you, Rea. Why are you telling me this?”

  Rea answered, “I need your help. Contact your trusted friends, call a meeting and find out why and where the council is confined, and call me back.”

  On Earthland, Lance and Ashley talked with Zor and Ora.

  Chapter Nineteen

  Lance was amazed to hear how old they were. When they told him of the drink they made from the Eternal Tree root, he said, “Maybe we should drink it as well,” and laughed.

  Zor said, “You would be wise to do so, and you already have. We put it in Jolt.”

  Frank said, “I hate to interrupt, but I just
heard from Tron. The team is at a private dwelling high on the north mountain overlooking the city. They have made a friend who has a brother that is trying to find out what General Urgon is up to.”

  Lance said, “Thank you, Frank, that’s good news. Keep us informed as we make progress.”

  Zor remarked, “I hope my council is not injured.”

  Back on Erona, General Urgon sat in Zor’s lounge at the palace. He thought, What can I do with the council? I can’t release them--they know too much--but I can’t have them killed, or the people will never forgive me. I must find a way to bring them to my side. I need leverage to use against them.

  One of his captains entered the palace room. “General, there are rumors that some of the people believe Zor is alive.”

  Urgon jumped to his feet and shouted, “WHO, WHO SAID THIS? I want to know, bring them to me.”

  The captain replied, “Sir, it is just rumors. We don’t have anyone specific to arrest.”

  General Urgon replied, “Spread the word that anyone having information about Zor is to be highly rewarded--get me some answers.”

  He knew the council had talked with Zor, but they were hidden in the back of the palace, in a locked room. He knew he must stay in power; there was no turning back now. He decided that as long as Zor was alive, he could not rest. He must find a way to finish this once and for all. He went to his apartment to ponder and think what his next move would be. What could he do to control the council and finish Earthland?

  Up in the mountains, Tron said, “Rea, you have been a great help. Do you have a vehicle?”

  Rea replied, “I have my old wheeler that has been very dependable for me.”

  Rea’s phone chirped. It was Wes. He said, “Rea, my granddaughter, Lue, works at a small café in the city. She told me that a certain colonel has his meal there every evening. She overheard him say that General Urgon has the council in confinement at the palace, and he does not believe the council has done anything wrong. He doesn’t trust the general.”

  Rea replied, “Thank you, Wes. I have friends who can use this information. Don’t say anything to anyone you can’t trust--that is all.”

  Tron said, “Rea, we must capture the colonel. Is there a place we could locate in the city?”

  Rea said, “We could all stay at my brother’s home.”

  He called his brother back. Wes looked forward to their visit. The next morning, they all drove down the mountain and into the city. Wes lived near the palace on a back street in a residential area. They parked alongside the rear entrance and entered the dwelling. Wes welcomed them and gave his brother a big hug. He said, “Please be comfortable--my home is yours.” They thanked him for his kindness.

  Wes said, “My wife has passed. I live here alone, my son lives two blocks up the street with his wife and daughter. His daughter, Lue, works at the café near the palace. She will stop by before she goes to work.”

  At noon, Lue came to visit Rea she told them about the colonel. She believed he was loyal to Leader Zor and the council.

  Tron said, “We need to talk to the colonel.”

  Ross said, “Lue, could you slip him a note without being noticed?”

  She replied, “Yes.”

  Ross said, “We’ll send him a note that reads Zor is alive and well, General Urgon has committed treason. We need your help--call this number.”

  Everyone agreed it was a good plan if the colonel were loyal to Zor. Lue left for work with the special note--they used Rea’s phone number. Ross said, “Tron, if the colonel calls, you need to talk to him.”

  Tron replied, “Right.” They decided they would meet him at the marketplace on a bench in the small park near the statue of Victory.

  The colonel sat at his favorite table in the café. Lue brought him his drink and slipped him the note. He looked up as she walked away. He unfolded the note and read it carefully, then put it in his pocket. The colonel finished his drink, got up, and left the café. Outside he took his phone from his pocket and called the number, looking around to see if someone was watching. He slowly walked along the pathway, waiting for an answer. Tron answered the phone. He told the colonel where to meet. The colonel wanted some answers, but Tron hung up. The colonel walked to the small park and sat down on the bench. He was on alert and anxious to find out what was going on.

  Ross drove Rea’s vehicle. Tron sat in the passenger’s seat and Eloy in the back seat. They pulled over next to the park bench and Tron stepped out and walked toward the colonel. Ross and Eloy remained in the vehicle.

  Tron sat down next to the colonel, who looked at him in surprise. Tron said, “Good evening, sir. My name is Tron. I am Leader Zor’s second-in- command; you may know me?”

  The colonel said, “We have met before at the palace. I am Colonel Rick.”

  Tron replied, “Then you know I speak the truth. Zor is alive in Earthland. We were rescued by the Earth people. Chief Engineer Ross, Airman Eloy, Zor’s wife Ora, and I were with him when we crashed. We believe General Urgon tampered with the aircraft. General Urgon has committed treason. The council knows the truth, but they are locked in a room at the palace. We need your help.”

  The colonel looked at him for a while, then replied, “You do speak the truth. I would like to speak to Leader Zor.”

  Tron said, “Follow our vehicle to a friend’s home and I will have you speak directly with Leader Zor on a special phone.”

  Tron stood up and waved, and Ross pulled up. Tron said, “I’ll ride with Colonel Rick.”

  Ross said, “We’ll wait here for his vehicle and follow.”

  They took the back roads and went to the home of Wes. Rea greeted them when they pulled in. They gathered in the front room and Tron called Frank, he contacted Lance who put Zor on the phone with the colonel, who said, “Your Excellency, I am Colonel Rick of the National Security Agency, the NSA. I am pleased you are well; I am at your service.”

  Zor said, “Colonel Rick, it is a pleasure to talk to you. We have met before. You probably know General Urgon has incarcerated my council and taken over the government. I want you to arrest General Urgon and release my council. Can you do that?”

  Colonel Rick replied, “Yes, sir. It will be done as you say.”

  Zor said, “The people of our nation are counting on you, and so am I.”

  The colonel gave the phone back to Tron, who talked with Frank and assured him he would stay in contact, and they would devise a good plan before taking action.

  Colonel Rick said, “I know General Urgon; he has a big ego and was in the right place at the right time when he was promoted to general. He’s no general. He will stop at nothing to advance his position. I believe he did tamper with Zor’s airplane and expected it to crash into the ocean. He moved too fast to take over but couldn’t go back once he made his move. He is predictable; that is our advantage. The people assigned to the NSA are loyal to Leader Zor, not to General Urgon. First, we need to isolate the general at the palace, then convert the palace guards and release the council. I’ll inform the specific captains who will follow the chain of command and notify the people. I don’t want bloodshed.”

  Tron replied, “I agree with you, Colonel; our plan must be foolproof.”

  They talked it over and refined the plan. Once satisfied, they decided to act later that night, when the general was hopefully asleep. They had no time to waste. They spent the rest of the evening fine tuning their plan. At two o’clock in the morning, they pulled up in front of the palace in the Colonel’s vehicle. The colonel sat in the passenger’s side. Eloy, in uniform, was the driver. Tron and Ross, in hooded robes, sat in the back seat. The colonel stepped out and approached the two palace guards, who immediately saluted him.

  He saluted back and said, “I must see General Urgon at once.”

  One of the guards replied, “Sir, the general is in his apartment, sleeping.”

  The colonel replied, “Yes, I know. I’ll meet him there--he is expecting me. Is he in the same room as befor
e?”

  The guard replied, “Yes, Sir, the Silver Room.”

  The colonel entered the palace and walked through the rotunda and down the long hallway to the state rooms. He assumed the Silver Room would be the one being guarded. He approached and saluted the two guards, who snapped to attention. He quickly opened the door and entered, without a word. He walked into the living area and was pleased it was empty with just a dim lamp. He walked quickly through to the bedroom, where he found the general in bed, sleeping. Without hesitation, he smacked him across the side of his head with his handgun, rendering him unconscious. He thought, I’ve wanted to do that for a long time.

  Using the small length of rope he brought with him, he tied the general’s hands behind him, and put a gag in his mouth and taped it shut. He took the general’s personal side arm and phone from the table and tied him to the bed post. He left the room, closing the door quietly behind him. He said to the guards, “On my order, no one is to enter this room.”

  They replied, “Yes, Sir.” He walked down the hallway at a fast pace. Reaching the rotunda, two more guards showed up. They saluted him, looking puzzled, probably wondering why he was there. The colonel said, “Take me to where the council is being held, at once. I just came from a meeting with General Urgon. The council is to be released immediately. A terrible mistake has been made. Leader Zor is alive and well. I am here on his direct orders. You know I speak the truth. I take full responsibility for all action taken from this point on.”

  The guards, not wanting to get in trouble for insubordination, replied, “Yes, sir. Follow this way.”

  They went to the end of the hallway, where two more guards were posted. Seeing the colonel, they snapped to attention. Colonel Rick said, “Release the council at once.” The door was opened, and the council members were awakened and told to dress; they were free to go by the order of Leader Zor. The council were confused at first but then overjoyed.

  The colonel said to the guards, “Call your captain and inform him that Leader Zor is alive, and Colonel Rick is in charge of the NSA under direct orders. General Urgon has been placed under arrest for Treason and attempted murder. Have my associates, who are waiting in my vehicle, come to the round table for a meeting, at once.”