by Karl Morgan
“It seems we have arrived at Ai-Makla,” Nar said calmly. “We should prepare our landing party. Dave, can your crew scan the interior of the planet for the cells inside?”
“Captain, we have trouble. I am reading a Pyrrian cruiser closing fast on these coordinates,” Donna shouted. “Defensive array is at maximum.”
Laser blasts hit the Nightsky near the engine nacelles. The ship rocked and Nar fell to the floor.
“Damage report, Donna,” Jon shouted.
“No damage, Captain. Defenses are at eighty-seven percent. Shall we return fire?” she replied.
“Negative. Hail that ship and tell them we are not Predaxian,” Jon said. “We are only here to rescue our prisoners.”
The narrow insect-like face of the Pyrrian captain appeared on their view screen. Other Pyrrians could be seen scurrying around behind him. “We have no interest in your mission,” squawked the Pyrrian captain. “You have invaded Pyrrian space and are now subject to extermination. Surrender your ship or die!”
Nar had been picked up by his bodyguards. “Dave, please let us handle this,” he said. “We are quite used to dealing with the Pyrrians.”
The Pyrrian disappeared from the view screen, replaced by the external view. The bridge crew could see the cruiser began another attack run. As it closed in on Nightsky, they could see the Pyrrian’s weapons glow white as its laser array was recharged. Just as it neared attack range, the ship veered away and dived toward the planet. They watched it plummet downward for several seconds until it crashed onto Ai-Makla in a thunderous explosion.
“You killed them all?” Jon said to Nar in disbelief over what he had just seen.
“Not at all, Captain,” Nar smiled. “The cruiser was the problem here. We jumped the crew back to Pyrrus and turned the ship away from us. The Hive doesn’t see another such vessel within ten light-years, so we have more than ample time to complete our mission. Shall we go, Dave?”
“I want to go too,” Jon said.
Dave replied, “Nar, when I was in The Hive, I visited the cell. None of the Predaxians are a threat there. I believe they are prisoners as well. Please don’t send them back to Predax.”
“We would never deliberately endanger anyone, Dave. My entire group will jump with you, Jon and me,” Nar said. “We may need their energy to be certain the group can jump back here. The last thing we want is more prisoners buried in that rock. Are we ready?”
As Dave and Jon stood up, they found themselves in the dark cell. There was no light and no sound. “Lauren!” Jon shouted.
Pan pressed the panel to turn on the lights. The prisoners had all been sleeping. Lauren jumped to her feet and ran into Jon’s arms. “How did you find us, Jon?” she cried.
“With a little help from our friends, Sweetheart,” Jon said as he kissed her again. “We don’t want any of you stuck here even a minute longer. Get everyone together near Minister Nar and his troops.”
The others rushed to join the group, leaving Panoplez Zendo sitting on the floor. “Pan, it’s time to go,” Mitch said.
“That’s okay, guys,” Pan replied. “I guess I’m getting used to this place.”
Dave walked over to Pan and sat on the floor with him. He touched Pan’s head and said, “Pan, it is an honor to meet you. My name is Dave Brewster and we have come a long way to get all of you out of this place. At this moment, one hundred Predaxian controlled ships are heading to Localus to attack around eighty ships who are trying to free the galaxy of the tyranny of your father.”
“Dave, I hope they are successful,” Pan smiled. “But what does that have to do with me? I’m just one person.”
“That is definitely not true, Pan,” Dave replied. He pulled an envelope from his pocket and set it next to the Predaxian. “Almost half of the ships trying to stop your father are from the Free Predax movement. They have been flying all around Predaxian space making trouble for the emperor and recruiting more rebels. That is the movement you started long ago, Pan. This letter is from the current head of Free Predax. She gave this letter to General Fa-a-Di of Greater Gallia. He had copies made for all command level officers in Greater Gallia, the Kalidean Federation and the Human Community. She hoped one of us might find you one day and bring you back. I’m sure you know who I am talking about.”
“Zak,” Pan said softly. “She’s alive?”
“Alive and leading her fleet into battle in a couple days,” Dave replied. “She wants you to join her. With you in charge of the Free Predax movement, we know they will win. Let’s go, Pan.” They rose and joined the rest of the group. In a flash, they were gone.
Chapter 38
Captain Vandamar Narka was reviewing the battle plan sent to him by Field Marshall Je-e-Bo while he sat in his command chair on the star cruiser Parax. The Free Predax fleet was in position for the battle which would commence in less than twenty-four hours. He had sent requests to the remaining rebel ships in Alliance territory to get to Localus as soon as possible to improve the odds against the larger Alliance fleet. As he glanced around the bridge, six Predaxians and twelve armed tekkans appeared on the bridge in front of him. “Pan, is that you?” Van asked.
“Van, you old dog,” Pan smiled, “it’s good to see you again!” Pan hugged Van. “Is your ship ready for the fun?”
Van was in shock. Pan had disappeared long ago amid rumors that the emperor had killed or imprisoned him. No one had heard anything about the emperor’s son since that day. “Pan, how did you get here? Who are these other people?” he asked.
“Good day Captain, my name is Nar Benadar. I am Minister of Defense for the planet Tak-Makla. My troops and I have just released some prisoners from a cell deep within the maklan home world of Ai-Makla,” Nar said in his typical calm and measured tone. “At Pan’s request, we are releasing the Predaxians to you.”
“What is Ai-Makla?” Van said.
“It’s a long story Van, and I’ll tell you later,” Pan interrupted. He turned to Nar and said, “Minister, thank you for your help in saving my friends and me. Please thank Dave Brewster and Jon Lake as well. I know you have to return to the Nightsky.”
“You are quite welcome Pan,” Nar replied. He turned to Van. “Captain, I am afraid my team must take our leave of you now. Please know all the tekkans on Tak-Makla are wishing you great success in the upcoming battle. The mind control of the Predaxians must end if they are to be accepted into the galactic community as equals.” Without a word or a sound, the tekkans were gone.
“What the heck is going on Pan?” Van asked.
“Not now, Van! Is Zak on board?” Pan asked. Before Van could answer, the ready room door opened and Zakamar Vondee walked onto the bridge with maklan Ambassador Konomalocus Nolobitamore. When she saw Pan, she broke down crying and ran to embrace him. Pan kissed her softly and held her tightly.
“Pan, how did you get here?” Zak cried. “This isn’t possible. Am I dreaming or hallucinating?”
“I’m here Zak,” Pan said as he held her. “I’m back to help you. Admiral Dave Brewster gave me a copy of the letter you gave to Fa-a-Di. I can’t believe what you’ve done with the resistance! This is marvelous. Finally my father will pay for what he has done to so many other civilizations. And it’s all because of you!”
“I did it for you Pan. I did it all for you, my darling,” she cried.
Van interrupted, “Zak, you should have seen it. Two minutes ago, Pan and these others popped out of nowhere onto the bridge with twenty heavily armed troops. Nar, the leader of the troops says he just rescued Pan and the others from a prison planet. The troops then disappeared. It was so weird. I’m still in shock.”
Zak was finally able to let go of Pan and looked around at the others. “Dok, is that you?” she asked.
“Hi, Zak. You remember my dad,” he said as he pointed to Altamar Zendo.
“Aren’t you the head of the secret police?” she asked. “Van, keep an eye on that one.”
“It’s good to see you, Zakamar,” Altamar
said. “What you are saying is true, but when Nokalez arrested me and most of the family, I knew I’d made a big mistake supporting him.”
“If it’s all the same to you Pan, I think we’ll keep these guys in the brig until after the battle,” Zak said.
“We can’t do that Zak,” Pan implored. “If they are captured, they will be executed along with us. We need Altamar’s tactical skills. He can help us. I’ll keep an eye on him. If he turns on us, I’ll kill him myself.”
“Okay, I guess so Pan. I think you and I should introduce him to Fa-a-Di and Je-e-Bo and let them decide if his knowledge is any use to us,” Pan said.
“I can prove my worth right now,” Altamar said. He closed his eyes tightly. All the bridge crew stood and formed a circle around them. They joined hands and began to sing an old Predaxian folk song. Then the circle of Predaxians started to dance around the group in the middle. After a few minutes, they stopped and returned to their seats.
“We were all raised to believe one Predaxian could not control the mind of another,” Altamar said. “I hope I have just proven that not to be true.”
Van shouted at the helmsman, “What’s going on?”
“All systems show green, Captain,” he replied.
“What was the singing and dancing about?” Van shouted.
“What are you talking about, Captain? Are you well sir?” he replied.
Altamar continued, “Only about one Predaxian in a hundred million can do that. That is why Nokalez selected Thuk as the prison for Panoplez. Even the emperor doesn’t know who has this power. He buried Pan there to be certain he couldn’t use it if he had it. But I know every Predaxian who has this ability! When I discovered this genetic anomaly, I searched the database of our agents for it. Almost none had the anomaly. Then I searched the general population and found a few hundred. I personally recruited them to be my secret security detail. While they serve in the emperor’s army, they remain loyal to me. I need to reconnect to them and insure they are still alive and loyal. They would be a significant force to combat my brother.”
“Excuse me Pan” the maklan ambassador said, “I am very happy that you have been rescued. I apologize if my presence is a problem now.”
“I’m so sorry, Kono,” Zak apologized. “In all of the excitement, I forgot you were here.”
“No apology needed Zak. I am very happy for you,” Kono replied. “Pan, can you tell me if there were any maklans like me in that prison?”
“Yes, Ambassador,” Pan said, “there was one. He’s a great guy and really helped us all through our stay down there. His name is Michamanades Nolobitamore.”
Tears welled in Kono’s eyes. She said, “Thank you, Pan. He is my brother and our family has been distraught since he was captured. Where is he?”
“Mitch stayed with the human crew on the Nightsky,” he answered. “They were jumping back to Tak-Makla. Don’t worry, Mitch is fine now.”
“Thank you all for such wonderful news. I will return to the Texas now. We will meet again in battle soon,” Kono smiled. She glowed bright white and disappeared.
“Pan, I agree with Zak,” Altamar said. “I think we should contact Fa-a-Di in private to discuss what you have just seen. This could make the difference in battle.”
“Does Pan have the power, Altamar?” Zak asked.
“No dear, he does not. There are two others in this room who do though,” Altamar replied.
“Who would that be, Uncle?” Pan questioned.
“Zakamar should have power equivalent to mine, if she was trained to use it,” Altamar replied. “But the Predaxian with the highest potentially ever recorded is my own dear son, Dokalak.”
Pan was laughing. “Dok has the power? You’ve got to be kidding me, Altamar. He’s never done much of anything.”
“He’s right, Dad,” Dok agreed. “You know me better than anyone. Just give me a few drinks and some pretty girls and I’m done for the day.”
“Son, I said you have the potential. You and Zakamar need intense training to be able to utilize this tool,” Altamar explained. “After we meet with Fa-a-Di, I want to work with you both to unleash this force. The three of us could turn this battle around.”
“Come on Dad, you know I’m not smart enough to do this,” Dok laughed.
“Son, we have to try,” Altamar replied. “There are billions of lives at stake. We may win or we may lose. But we are not going to give up by not trying. Have faith in me, Dok. I have faith in you, Son.”
Chapter 39
The crews of Kong-Fa and Nightsky had been transported to Zee’s residence on the surface of Tak-Makla. A major festival was planned for the evening to celebrate the liberation of Ai-Makla and the new friendship with Kalidus, Gallia, No-Makla and Earth. The patio of the residence was covered with hundreds of tables decorated with fine china and crystal glassware. A receiving line of tekkan ministers and the ambassadors of the representative worlds greeted all the guests for the party. Dozens of waiters circulated through the throng with large trays of appetizers and all types of drinks.
After the reception was completed, all present began to mingle and share a laugh or story with new friends. Minister of State Fak Mondoka moved through the crowd looking for Ambassador De-o-Nu. She carried two bottles of whisky. Fak found him at the edge of the patio with Dave Brewster, looking at the waves crashing onto the beach. “My dear friends, I have found you,” she said, waving the bottles in front of her.
“Fak, it is a pleasure to see you again. And we can see you are bearing gifts!” De-o-Nu laughed as he held out his empty glass.
“De-o-Nu, these bottles contain two of the best whiskies I have ever had,” she smiled. “Excluding Gallicean, of course! This one is from Nanda. We spoke of this last evening. The other is from another civilization that is in a different galaxy. It is my personal favorite.”
“By all means, Fak!” De-o-Nu beamed. “I love to try new things and whisky is my favorite thing to try”
She poured the dark green liquid into their glasses and smiled. De-o-Nu sniffed its bouquet and his head shot back. “Wow,” he said, “this is very strong stuff.” He sipped it gingerly. “Amazingly good. Dave, you have to taste this.”
“It is very good,” Dave replied after sipping the drink. “I’m afraid it is too strong for me.” He coughed. “Where did you say this was from? I’ve never seen a green whisky.”
“It is from a culture called the Draniks. Their worlds are in a nearby galaxy. I believe humans call it the Andromeda Galaxy,” Fak explained. “The chemical makeup of their environment is quite different from the worlds we have found in this part of our galaxy. When they char their barrels, the surface becomes very dark green.”
“How can you do business in another galaxy, Fak?” Dave asked. “Andromeda is more than two million light-years away, isn’t it?”
“Dave, I know it sounds unbelievable, but since you have been in The Hive, you realize that many things are possible that most Beings cannot imagine,” Fak replied. “Today, we jumped your ship more than one thousand light-years in the blink of an eye. Would you have ever thought that was possible?”
Zee had joined the group and put an arm on Dave’s shoulder. “Fak, you are confusing our friends,” he began. “Dave, the things we do every day must seem unreal to a human from the twenty-first century. Please remember that our culture is billions of years old, while humans have only existed for a few million. We learn about new places and cultures with The Hive. When we feel a direct meeting is appropriate, we can access universal power through The Hive to move our ships incomprehensible distances. In order to provide resources to our people, we need a very large trading base.”
“You are right about me being confused, Zee,” Dave replied. “Tak-Makla is an incredible place. Even the life I led before coming here was so radically different from my twenty-first century existence that I was living in a state of constant disbelief. Being with the tekkans has made even that life seem mundane.”
�
�Fak and De-o-Nu,” Zee said, “I need to talk with Dave in private, so I will leave you to your whisky. Could you please join me on the beach, Dave?”
As they went down the steps to the sand, Dave glanced back and saw Fak opening the other whisky bottle. De-o-Nu was laughing loudly. They walked almost to the water’s edge and turned to walk further away from the gathering.
“Dave, I hadn’t had the chance to ask you about your experience in The Hive,” Zee said. “Engineer Nok seemed to think you enjoyed it immensely.”
“Yes, Zee, it was an amazing experience,” Dave replied. “I could never have imagined my life energy traveling through space while my body stayed here.”
“Frankly, I’m surprised it worked at all, Dave. Nok and her team are brilliant, but with only a few hours to develop the interface, it shocked me when it worked,” Zee said. “Minister Var told me there was only a ten percent chance it would work, and I thought that was optimistic.”
“I’m glad it did work out, Zee,” Dave responded. “It would have been a shame to have missed it.”
Zee stopped walking and looked out to sea. After a moment, he continued, “There is more to tell, Dave. After you returned, Nok met with Var and others to review the system. Apparently, the helmet was not functional.”
“How did I join The Hive then, Zee?” Dave asked. “I thought only a tekkan mind could access The Hive without an interface device.”
Zee said, “That is what we believed as well, Dave. While you were on your mission, we invited Darlene, Charlie and Aria to visit The Hive. We put them in their chambers without any helmet, and all three entered The Hive with no issue. I have asked a team of physicians to study human DNA and anatomy to see if they can find anything. I expect their report in the morning. I do have one theory though.”
“I’m no scientist, Zee, but it would seem there must be strong similarities between human and tekkan neurology and DNA,” Dave said.
