by Murison, J W
Steven nodded, ‘I understand your concerns Komoru, but we really don’t need that many scientists. Between both ships we can probably cream off the top of the scientific community, but we certainly don’t need half a dozen of each.’
Steven put down his coffee cup, ‘Buzz isn’t a scientist but he ran a big security company. He knows how to organise people and motivate them, including me. He has a no nonsense, common sense approach to life that will keep all of the crew well grounded, and that’s why I chose him to be my second in command.
I don’t need Buzz to unravel the mysteries of the cosmos, that’s my job, but I do need someone to knit this crew together and look after their welfare. I also need someone I can trust one hundred percent. Someone that will get on with the job and back me to the hilt no questions asked.’
Buzz raised an eyebrow, ‘that doesn’t sound like me.’
Steven laughed, ‘ok someone who will question everything I do but back me to the hilt once I’ve made that decision.’
Buzz nodded, ‘that’s better.’
Komoru’s tinkling laugh ran up Steven’s spine. She nodded to Buzz, ‘please forgive my impertinence; I still have much to learn.’
Buzz grinned, ‘you’re forgiven, after all you are only a scientist.’ The three laughed. Buzz turned his attention to Steven. ‘We’re completely out of food now and the tea and coffee won’t last much longer. I talked to the Scottish Prime minister, he’s got some supplies put together for us at a secure location and a good man we can have as a quartermaster. There's also Colonel Howe’s armourer to pick up, he’s waiting for us.’
Steven nodded, ‘ok, can you see to it yourself; I think Babe will let you into the driving seat. Komoru and I have a lot of ground to cover, and I would like most of it done before Colonel Howe’s briefing.’
Buzz stood up, ‘right no problem. I’ll pick up the armourer first, that will give us an extra hand to help load stores.’
‘Once we’ve got that transporter room online we will be able to beam it onboard from orbit.’
‘Yeah provided no one starts chucking missiles at us again.’
Steven grinned, ‘I have a few ideas on how to deal with that.’
‘Right catch you later Stevie and it’s been a pleasure meeting you Komoru.’
‘And you Buzz.’
Komoru finished her meal and Steven took her around the ship to give her an idea of the changes they had made since coming aboard, that and to meet everyone.
Buzz sat himself down in Steven’s seat and gave himself a self-satisfied smile.
‘Take your stations please we’ve a couple of unscheduled stops to make. Colonel Howe report to the bridge.’
Within five minutes everyone was at their stations. Buzz decided the time had better be cut down somewhat, but first things first.
‘Colonel Howe, get in touch with your man and tell him we’ll be with him in about five minutes.’
The Colonel was looking a little sceptically at Buzz in the Captains seat, ‘He’s ready sir it will take him about ten minutes to get to the pickup site.’
‘Tell him to get a move on then, we don’t want to spend any longer in American airspace than we have to. Then I want you to gather up every spare body you can find. We’re going to Scotland to pick up some stores.’
‘Scientists as well?’
‘Have they got arms and Legs Colonel?’
‘Eh! Yes sir.’
‘Then they can carry boxes cant they? All I want is one man or woman on comms, weapons, navigation and the engine room.’
‘Yes sir, may I ask where the Captain is?’
‘This time yes; he’s busy, ok.’
Howe nodded his acceptance of the orders, ‘yes sir, I’m on it.’
Steven arrived while they were entering the atmosphere for the first pick up. He noticed things seemed a little tense and presumed they were wondering if he would take over from Buzz at the last moment, but he studiously ignored everyone and continued giving Komoru her tour.
Buzz leaned forward, ‘Haley I want to enter the atmosphere on the opposite side of the Earth from America and reduce our re-entry speed to half that of normal.’
She looked to Steven for confirmation of the orders but he never even looked her way, ‘eh! Yes ok. May I ask why?’
‘Because I’ll bet every damn telescope on Earth is pointing up at the sky this very minute trying to catch a glimpse of us. If we re-enter the atmosphere over an empty ocean then there's less likelihood of us being spotted streaking across the sky like a neon light.’
‘Oh! Ok.’
Steven couldn’t prevent a slight smile play across his mouth as he steered Komoru towards his quarters. Buzz gave him a small wave and a wink as he disappeared below.
‘Stealth mode please,’ Buzz ordered. ‘Colonel get to the ramp and make sure it’s your guy were picking up and not a stray.’
‘Yes sir.’
‘Major Forbes I want that whole area searched with every system we’ve got before we land. I want no unpleasant surprises.’
‘Yes sir.’
Within a few minutes they were over the continental United States. Buzz felt strange, for the first time in his life the country that had bore him and supported him through life was now as hostile as a snake in a bear pit.
They flew over the area once. Buzz looked at the Tapper, ‘you see anything Major?’
‘Just one vehicle going hell for leather towards the pickup point with one person on board.’
‘That’s good enough for me; take her round and land. Then de-cloak, I don’t want the bugger ramming us.’
There were a few grins passed round the bridge as they began to warm to his handling of the ship. A small car came into sight. Buzz squinted as it bore down on them. It seemed very low on the suspension as it bounced across the uneven ground.
It slewed to a halt barley ten meters from the ship. Buzz cocked his head to the side as a figure began to squeeze itself out of the open door. Eventually he managed to detach himself and Colonel Howe appeared at the man’s side. They shook hands warmly while those on board sat slack jawed at the sight.
Colonel Howe was a big man but he was a dwarf compared to this man. The giant grabbed a kit bag from the boot then inexplicably patted the car on the roof as though to say good-bye.
They disappeared around the side of the ship and then Colonel Howe’s voice came through, ‘we’re on board and the ramps up sir.’
Buzz nodded to Haley, ‘ok let’s get the hell out of here. Colonel take your man forward.’
They appeared together both men talking animatedly. Buzz wasn’t sure whether to stand up or remain sitting. Beaver detached himself from the Majors side and welcomed the man warmly. Buzz took a moment to study him.
There was only one word to describe him, enormous and he was the blackest coloured man Buzz had ever seen, but from where he was sitting Buzz couldn’t see an ounce of fat. The man could easily have been a professional wrestler.
Howe took him over, ‘Lewis, this is Buzz Anderson our second in command.’
The giant offered his hand and Buzz hesitated for barley a second, ‘Lewis Benjamin suh, nice to meet yah.’
Buzz shook his hand and it was lost in the massive paw, but he was surprised by how gentle the giants grip was and Buzz immediately warmed to him, ‘nice to meet you Lewis, welcome on board. So you’re going to be our new armourer?’
‘So de Colonels telling me suh, but don’t know how, I caint see nuthing.’
Buzz smiled, ‘don’t worry about it you will soon enough, but you have to get past the Captain first. May I ask you a question Lewis?’
‘Go ahead suh?’
‘That was a very small car you just got out of, had you never thought of getting a bigger one?’
‘Old Betsy suh, is de best motor I ever had. Cain't afford nuthing else and I kinda got attached so I did, had her five years I have and never a busted spring yet.’
Buzz grinned, ‘I would never have tak
en a bet on it Lewis.’
The giant laughed, ‘you ain’t the only one suh.’
‘Colonel can you take him down to see the Captain.’
Howe took him by the elbow, ‘this way Lewis.’
Buzz got on the comms, ‘Steven the new guys on his way down, and we’re heading for Scotland.’
‘Ok Buzz.’
Steven was no less surprised than Buzz at the sight of the man but he never hesitated to offer his hand and the giant noticed it.
‘Hi I’m Steven Gordon Captain of this ship and you are?’
‘Lewis Benjamin suh I’ve heard good things about you.’
‘That’s nice to hear Lewis,’ he stepped back and introduced Komoru, ‘this is Komoru Kaizu, Captain of the other ship.’
Komoru didn’t hesitate to offer her hand either but couldn’t help staring in awe as her hand disappeared into the mighty paw, ‘I am happy to meet you too Lewis.’
It was the giant’s reaction to the small woman that surprised Steven. He seemed to cringe back from the touch as though he was afraid to hurt her.
‘I’m delighted to meet you too Ma’am.’ He let her hand go quickly.
Steven felt no malice at all in the big man’s behaviour. ‘So tell me a little about yourself Lewis.’
‘Ain’t much to tell suh. I wuz in de Army foh years, that’s where I met the Colonel here. Then I got out and been packing meat since.’
‘What about family?’
‘Ma parents dey both still alive. Had a wife, my Sharon, but she died of the Cancer last year suh and I miss her something terrible I do. We didn’t have no children, she used to say she couldn’t afford to feed a passle of kids just like me, but it wasn’t that. She had the cancer when she was a teenager, you know down there in the woman's place and they had to take it all away, but I didn’t mind I was happy wid Sharon the way we were suh.’
‘I’m sorry to hear that Lewis. Were you one of the Colonels men?’
‘Was for a while suh, but they stopped me going out on operations.’
Steven frowned, ‘why was that?’
‘Cos every time I stood up de enemy always shot at me fust suh.’
Steven looked at the grinning Colonel who was nodding, ‘so they made you an armourer?’
‘Yes suh de best damn armourer in the whole of the Army. Made me a specialist they did.’
‘Well I’m sure we will test your abilities to their limit.’
Steven then went on to give him the normal welcoming speech. Before he let him go he decided it would be wise to ask one more question.
‘Lewis you’re a … rather large man, do you have any special need that we should be aware of?’
Lewis thought it over seriously, ‘no suh, don’t think so, unless you can get me a large bunk to sleep on.’
‘I think we can manage that. Colonel can you take Lewis up to the infirmary, the doctors put her foot down and now our little hole in the wall has been moved up there.’
‘Ok sir.’ A still grinning Colonel led Lewis away.
Komoru started giggling and Steven soon found himself laughing with her.
She took her hand away from her mouth, ‘I didn’t know they made men so big.’
Steven shook his head, ‘neither did I.’
‘I like him, can I have him as one of my crew.’
Steven laughed even louder, ‘I think our Mr. Lewis Benjamin would be frightened to step on you Komoru.’
That made her giggle louder, ‘yes maybe you’re right, but I do think he’s very nice.’
‘I’m just wondering how much he is going to eat. Babe did you check his mental capacity?’
‘As soon as he came on board, he has one of the highest in the crew.’
Steven was genuinely surprised, ‘really, what do you think of him?’
‘I like him too, he makes me feel comfortable.’
‘I think you'll be one of the few until everyone’s used to him.’
‘He has a gentle soul my heart, I can feel it.’
‘Yes I feel it to Babe and thank you.’
Chapter 40
The appearance of Lewis caused quite a stir amongst the crew, even the Doctor wasn’t quite sure what to do with him, but the giant was aware of the affect he had on normal people and was soon able to put those he met at ease.
The Colonel stayed with him while he re-orientated himself, ‘how you feeling now Lewis?’
The giant looked around himself in wonder, ‘dis is real special Colonel. Thank you for thinking of me.’
The Colonel slapped him on the back, ‘hey how could I go gallivanting across space without my favourite soldier.’
Lewis grinned, ‘I ain’t been a soldier for years now Colonel, but I recon I can still do the job. After my Sharon died I thought I was just going to waste away and die, but you’ve gave me a new lease on life Colonel thank you. I’ll always remember that.’
The Colonel shook his head, ‘I only put your name forward for the job Lewis, the Captain had to say yes, remember that.’
A gentle feminine voice talked to them, ‘we’re arriving in Scotland Colonel.’
Lewis looked around startled, ‘ooh dat?’
‘That’s the ship Lewis.’
‘It’s a Lady.’
‘Sure is, fancy doing a little work.’
‘Yeah wot we doing?’
‘Loading stores.’
‘I can do dat.’
They arrived at the ramp within a few minutes. It was already down and boxes were being piled into the ship. Cookie was standing at the top of the ramp when he spotted the two men walking towards him. He did a double take then his jaw fell open, ‘oh no.’
The lights went on in Lewis’s eyes, ‘Cookie!’
‘No please,’ the small Scot tried to back away but was stopped by boxes being piled up behind him.
Lewis leapt forward, swung him above his head and shook him like a rag doll, ‘Cookie my all time favourite man, how the hell you doing bud?’
‘For god’s sake Lewis put me down man.’ Lewis put him down and gave him a friendly pat on the back that almost knocked his teeth out. ‘Where the hell did you come from?’
‘Dey just picked me up man, I gonna be de new armourer.’
‘No wonder that herd of cattle took to its bloody heels.’
Lewis roared with laughter, ‘you still de funny man Cookie.’
Suddenly a broad grin spread across the Scots face, ‘it’s bloody good to see you again Lewis, I heard you got wasted.’
‘Naw man, dey shoot me a few times though. You want a hand here?’
‘Let’s do it.’
The Colonel organised every one into a line. Cookie and Lewis went down the ramp to grab boxes. A soldier was placing a box on top of a pile, when he saw Lewis advancing on him and stumbled back in shock. With a grin Lewis stooped and picked up the whole pile. Almost everyone stopped to stare while Cookie burst out laughing. Things went a lot faster after that with Cookie and Lewis doing the work of ten between them.
An hour later all the supplies were aboard and Cookie was already talking to the new quartermaster about the types of supplies they would need next time. The grinning giant at his side ensured there were no arguments.
The Scottish prime minister arrived and was taken forward by Colonel Howe. Steven greeted him in his quarters.
‘Mr. Prime minister it’s good to see you again.’
They shook hands, ‘delighted Mr. Gordon. Who’s this lovely young lady I don’t think I’ve met her yet.’
‘This is Komoru Kaizu, Captain of the second ship, which she has named Ico.’
The prime minister was stunned until Komoru bowed low and offered her hand, ‘it is a great honour to meet you sir. I have heard much of your generosity and kindness to this crew. I only hope that same kindness may be extended to my own ship.’
The prime minister was jolted out of his shock, ‘yes of course it will my dear. I’m sorry this is a total surprise, may I ask how this came abou
t.’
She looked to Steven who gave the explanation, ‘it was a surprise to all of us sir. We brought Komoru on board to be a member of this crew but the ships detected a quality in her none of us suspected and asked her to become the Captain of the second ship.’
The Prime Minister looked at her with admiration, ‘congratulations my dear and if there's anything I can do for you please don’t hesitate to ask.’
She gave a small bow, ‘thank you sir.’
Steven had something else on his mind, ‘is my Mother here sir?’
‘No I’m sorry she couldn’t make it, but she sends her love and says to give her a call when you can. She said something about a transponder that can send signals into deep space.’
Steven nodded, ‘yes sir we have one on board ready to deploy. It’s about the size of a small garden shed, we only need a little time to adjust our transmitters to interact with it properly.’
‘Will it take long?’
Steven shrugged, ‘not really sir, we can use it just now but what we really need is a base of operations and that will take time.’
‘Yes you mean a centre dedicated to your ships, where information can flow freely in and out.’
‘Yes sir.’
‘Well that’s exactly what your mother is doing right now. Do you know the old RAF station at Lossimouth?’
‘No sir I don’t.’
‘That’s where your mother is. She’s converting the old base to become Earths first dedicated Deep Space Base. There enough room up there to begin a building program.’
Steven was surprised but wasn’t sure if he was happy about it or not. He wanted to have their first base in America where the materials would more readily be available.
‘I’ll call her as soon as I can sir. We have some Gold ready to transport as well sir. That’s to pay for all our supplies.’
The Prime Minister chuckled, ‘the Gold you gave to your mother hit the market and took it by storm. Everything is already sold to the tune of thirty million pounds, which your mother is keeping in trust with the government. The interest from that in one year alone will keep both your ships in supplies for the next decade.’
