“What projects?” Robert asked.
“We need to finish the dorm. I want to add in a workout room on the backside. Can't have you getting all flabby. And then I want to build a gazebo.”
“A gazebo?”
“Yeah. Terrelle joked about me building one on the island and it occurred to me that I have never built one. So I want to give it a go. An octagonal roof would be fun to figure out. I don't want to look it up. I want to figure it out on my own. Oh, and I want to build a spaceport.”
“A spaceport. The funny part is that I know that you aren't joking.”
“And that is why I need you around. I can't do all this by myself.”
Robert finally took the card. “Okay, I'm in.”
“Good. I need people that I can trust.” Frank looked back over to Michelle and the girls. “So you're sure she's the one?”
“She's always been the one.”
* * *
The girls abruptly stopped their laughing when Robert and Frank walked back over. Robert looked to his father who only smiled and shrugged. Robert stepped forward and took Michelle's hands. “I have some news. Frank needs someone to handle his business dealings and he was wanting to know if you're interested.”
Her smile faded as she looked Frank in the eye and said, “I guess he told you I was out of work. I'm not looking for any charity.”
“I'm not offering any charity. There is an open position and you seem like a good fit.” Frank returned her stare to find that she was unaccustomed to a man looking her in the eye.
“You're serious, aren't you?” she asked, dipping her eyes downward.
“Yes. Robert told me about your last job. I am unaware of your previous duties, but I'm sure you can handle this, with your education. As you can well imagine, it is a diverse work environment and the only sexual harassment seems to be geared toward me, for whatever reason.” Frank jokingly raised an eyebrow toward Denise, who giggled.
“What have you got to lose?” Oscar asked.
Michelle teasingly asked, “Well, what's it pay?”
“Our primary purpose is protecting the planet, so you'll have the satisfaction of a job well done, for what that's worth. Also, you'll be set for life.”
Michelle looked around and studied the faces of everyone present. “I don't know what to say.”
“Just try it out,” Frank suggested. “If it sucks, you can just quit.”
“We'll have to divide our time between Indianapolis and Frank's island,” Robert added with a smile.
Frank thought that Michelle might be feeling a bit overwhelmed so he said, “It's a lot to take in, I know. We can give you some time to think it over. We are going to be a way for a short while.”
“Mingrein?” Robert asked.
“Yes. And we're going to try to get Pock back on the job. So we'll be gone for a few days.”
“I'll do it!” Michelle exclaimed. “I'll take the job.”
“Awesome,” Frank replied. “When can you start?”
“Right away.”
“Cool. Robert, I'll text Terrelle's phone number to you so you can get the two of them together to go over the business shit. But keep an eye on him.”
“Gotcha,” Robert replied.
“Hold up,” Michelle said. “Why does Robert have to keep an eye on your guy? Don't you trust him?”
“With my money, yes. But he fucked my last wife, so there's that.”
* * *
“Send in Ottwan.” Korick had been pacing relentlessly and decided that he required more clarification.
A few moments later the Li drone flew into the chamber. “You sent for me, Korick?”
“I need to know more about the Monster.”
“I will gladly share any information that I possess. He is a clear danger to the Li Empire.”
“Yeah, yeah. How can you be sure that Korbaal and Lian was his doing?”
“I am still piecing it all together. But I can tell you that he used some technology against me that had been stored on Korbaal.”
“What technology?”
Ottwan paused to consider his words. He quickly realized that there was no danger in telling. “Cloaked varitherm suits.”
“Astounding! How do they work?”
“I honestly have no idea. Our scientists developed a variation of the process the Sessik used for their ships. They were put to the test during our assassination attempt of the Monster on Earth.”
“Your failed assassination attempt, you mean.”
“It would appear so. But we were able to capture the Witch and her construct. The Monster was left with a blade through his heart.”
“Okay. We'll talk more about that later. Show me the images from Korbaal again.” The drone complied and Korick carefully studied the images. “I'm trying to remember back when we put that place together. Aren't those holding cells over there?”
“You remember correctly, Korick.”
“The doors are wide open. They weren't blasted open or torn open by the mingala. Someone opened them and then just left them.”
“The Ezilak and the human leader were being held in the center cell. The others were full of Mingrein that were due to be delivered to you.”
“Can you enlarge the image? What is that in the center of the courtyard?”
“That is the stake where the Witch was tethered. Tirogof sent an image of her to me via messenger. It was a terrific picture. It really captured her agony.”
Korick shook his head dismissively. “That is a clean cut on the leash. And look at the mess over to the side. That looks like a lot of dried blood to me. Now pull back out. What is that over there?” He was referring to bits and pieces of the battle suit that were strewn about.
This time Ottwan lied. “I have no idea.”
“Now pull back some more. Look at the spots all over the roof over here.”
“With all those Mingrein milling about, I can only assume that several Li had met their end on the roof.”
“Are you certain that the Mingrein didn't somehow escape? They simply could have eaten all the other prisoners.”
“With all due respect, Korick, those particular Mingrein are untrained and undeveloped.”
“I see your point. They never do very well in the tournament. Switch to the shot of the airfield.” The drone projected the next image. “So there's one of my ships sitting there with the ramp down. I bet those idiots marched right out to their death. And there, the wall is down. It looks like a vessel had been maybe torpedoed and crashed.”
“Your observations are very astute.”
“Yes, Ottwan. I have the best observation skills. Everyone knows that. But who shot down that vessel?”
“Again, I would have to assume it was the Monster.”
“Would he not be traveling in a Sessik ship? Everyone knows they aren't armed.”
“But humans love their weapons. He probably weaponized it.”
“That's a bit of a stretch. Do you have anything showing the cloaked suits in action?”
“I was hoping you would ask.” The image of the airfield dissolved and was soon replaced with a video. “One of my assassin troops was tasked with capturing video of our attack on the Monster at his compound on Earth.” The video showed the Monster escorting the Witch into a building where a small group of humans were waiting. “What you cannot see is the troops surrounding the humans,” Ottwan narrated. “Keep your eye on the Monster's chest.”
“I must say that Sessik sure is something. I'd like to have her alone in my chambers.”
“Focus, Korick. There it is, the blade.”
“Outstanding. How did he not die?”
“Keep watching. It sure looks like he's dying. There goes the wings and the hand.”
“Tirogof said the wings are where their power emanates from, but why the hand?”
“I have no idea,” Ottwan replied. “We were just following orders. I was left in the dark regarding some topics.”
“Pause the video
!” Korick suddenly shouted. The video paused. “Ahn! Doris! Get in here!” The two Gotes quickly entered the chamber and stood at attention. “Do you see what I see?” Korick asked.
“It would appear to be a Nuunian human,” Ahn answered. He was the more stoic of the two.
“She ain't built like the rest of them. And her skin is a lot darker,” Doris observed.
“Humans all adapt differently to their environments,” Ottwan offered. “Perhaps she is from a different part of Nuun.”
“Doris, dispatch a ship,” Korick ordered. “Something fast. If they find any humans, bring some back.”
“Right away, Boss.” Doris turned and left.
“Now I wonder,” Korick mused, “how it is that a Nuunian human found her way to Earth.”
10.
“Hiro says they're good,” Denise said.
“Really?” Frank asked.
“Yes. And Robert and Michelle are driving to Indy.”
“We could have dropped them off and saved them about eight hours,” Frank replied.
“She didn't want to leave her car.”
“I guess that's understandable. You give Terrelle a heads up?”
“Yes. He let your landlord know that they will be staying there for a short while until they find a more permanent residence. And Robert will have full use of the car as well.”
“What is the fascination with cars?” Gladys asked.
“I don't know, really,” Frank answered. “A lot of people develop an attachment to their vehicles. We pay a lot of money for them and they give us a great range of travel. I loved my van, so I guess I'm one of those people.”
“You should buy another van, Frank,” Gladys said with a sympathetic tone.
“I don't need one. I have a landing boat now. Which I love.” His playful look made her turn a light lavender.
“So we can go?” Nera asked with an even tone.
“Yes, we can go,” Frank answered. “Just as soon as we load up the syrup.”
* * *
“Hopefully some good will come of this,” Korick said, switching back to his overly confident tone.
“I don't see the allure,” Ottwan answered, his drone hovering just out of Korick's reach.
“Nuunians fetch a premium price in the brothels. Even the males.”
“But why the Nuunians?” Ottwan asked. “They are among the weakest, and most plump of the humans.”
“While some patrons certainly do not mind a fight, most just want to do their business and move on. Nuunians put up less of a fight.”
“I see,” Ottwan replied with his tone masking the disgust that he was feeling.
“And the best part is how close it is!”
“You should have included it in a previous annex,” Ottwan said.
“I was advised against that, actually,” Korick replied. “Something about the Mingrein occupation.”
“The casualty rate would have been too high,” Ahn added.
“In hindsight, we should have moved in. I now know the strength of the Mingrein has been drastically overrated.” Korick looked smug. “So we'll take whatever is left. If we decide we want more humans, Earth is now available.” He looked toward the drone, awaiting Ottwan's response.
“I think it would be a mistake. The Monster...”
“The Monster? He is one human. A human. I'm ready to kill him just so I don't have to hear you go on about him any longer!”
“We would be well within our rights to do so,” Ahn added.
“Ahn?” Korick asked. “Please explain.”
“He would have passed through Gote Space to get to Korbaal. Trespassing is a serious crime. We do have a reputation to think about.”
“Yes. You're always thinking up the best angles.”
“Having said that,” Ahn continued, “I would like a chance to look at the situation from every possible direction. Have you seen the latest reports?”
“I've not yet had the opportunity,” Korick answered.
“The numbers are down considerably. As I had predicted, such a powerful champion, that refuses to leave, has the betting down. The betting being down has caused the brothels' business to be slow. Sales of intoxicants are remaining steady, however.”
Korick scowled for a few moments as he let the bad news sink in. But then he had a revelation. “Ottwan, how well known is the Monster?”
“My video was sent out to every known civilization above a primitive rating,” Ottwan answered.
“Then we shall force the Monster to enter the next tournament.” Korick was very proud of himself. “That should draw in some business.”
“Outstanding!” Ahn complimented.
“Don't underestimate his power,” Ottwan warned.
“He is just a human! How is it that you can hold him in such high esteem?” Korick was tiring of Ottwan quickly.
“Korick, if you know anything about me at all, you will know that this is the first time I have ever failed at any assignment I had ever accepted. I take this very seriously. He is no mere human.”
Korick stared at the drone for a few moments before saying, “I suppose I can understand your feelings. Your reputation up to this point was stellar. But you failed on the one part of the deal that I was counting on the most. The Monster will be dealt with and then nothing will stop me from taking Earth's nukes myself.”
“I see,” Ottwan said. “If you are this determined to proceed, at least plan accordingly.”
“I'm putting Ahn here in charge of the operation. He is well known for planning. He has the best plans. Would you remain as an adviser? Name your price.”
* * *
The loading process went fairly seamlessly as the warehouse that Terrelle had rented included a secluded back lot. Denise and Nera simply watched as Frank drove the forklift himself, hauling out skid after skid of syrup and dropping them at the foot of the ramp of one of the empty landing boats. As a bonus, Terrelle had acquired a couple of pallets of spiced rum. A small team of automechs handled the loading process from that point and no one so much as broke a sweat. After a few last minute instructions to Terrelle, they were off to dock once again with the Main Ship.
“I really don't understand how the boat could even get off the ground with that much cargo,” Frank was saying as they walked out into the garden.
“It doesn't matter what is inside the nullification field,” Constanthos replied. “As long as the vessel has the power to generate a field, it can get off the ground. It's slightly different than the issues we had with the Main Ship.”
“I think I'm starting to understand,” he said as he watched the girls greet Gladys. “Main Ship was having trouble getting charged because of the low light. The size of Main Ship was a non-issue.” He then took his turn greeting Gladys.
“Are you in a hurry to leave?” Gladys said with a smile after they were finished kissing.
“Let's just get all this done and behind us.” Frank gestured over toward the girls, who were obviously in full agreement.
“I am having trouble reconciling my feelings toward the Mingrein,” Nera admitted. “With the exception of Bett, I don't care to ever see any of them again.”
“And I want to somehow reach Pock,” Denise added. “We need to let him know that everything is okay now.”
Frank nodded. “And the rest of the Rhoshe too.”
“And I wish to move into my body,” Constanthos said.
“And we need to find out where Cindy's planet is. I want to see what I can do to help them out.” Frank added.
Gladys reached up and touched his face. “I was only wanting a little time.” She smiled and kissed him again.
Before Frank could respond, Phildan appeared. “Frank, Hello. If it is at all possible, I would like to inspect the other laboratories on Korbaal.”
“Oh yeah?”
“Yes. I only saw the one where you found me. I wish to see what else the Li were working on.”
“Okay. I'm sure the Mingrein won't mind. T
he mingala are kinda hard to talk to though.”
“If it is at all possible.”
“I'm sure we can work something out. Right afterward, we'll be heading to Rhoshe One. If there's anything we need to pick up, let us know.”
“I will compile a list straight away.”
“Awesome. Thanks, Phil.”
“You're very welcome,” Phildan answered and turned to walk away.
Frank turned his attention back to Gladys, who was looking off in the distance. He followed the direction of her gaze to find that she was looking at the higher portion of the loba tree. He took her hand. “You're missing your wings, aren't you?”
“Yes.”
“How long will it take for them to grow back?”
She turned to face him. “I'm not going to let them grow back.”
“I don't understand.”
“I can finally be around those that I care about. Only you were able to resist the Reverence.”
“There's no way that they could adapt?”
“I'm afraid not. It's not a bad thing.” She pulled herself closer to him. “They were in the way for some things,” she said around her smile.
“I just want you to be happy, my dear. But I have to admit that I loved watching you fly.”
“I don't know if you remember everyone's initial reaction to meeting me in person. I mean, right before we were attacked.”
“I remember.”
“There would be no real relationship. Not if they were under the influence of the Reverence.”
“At the time, it seemed like the worst thing ever.”
“I felt the same way about what they did to you.”
* * *
“May I offer you something to drink?” the Gurdik host asked.
“Water,” Moldew replied.
“And for your slave?”
Moldew sighed. “Water.” The Gurdik walked away to fetch the drinks. “You know I do not think of you as a slave.”
“I know,” Raymond replied. “But I also know that things are different here than they are on Gotoreo.” He looked out across the vast gaming floor of the casino.
“There are a lot of uniforms out there.” Moldew was regarding the hoards of young male Gotes dressed in the uniform of the unified Gotian military. “There are far more than the last time I had to come.”
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