The Prophet's Eyes: The Death Prophecies book two.

by Saxon Andrew

  “Only if it doesn’t work out.”

  Lani shrugged, “I guess you’re right about that. But you really need to think about complicating things and the possible consequences.”

  “Evidently, you have.”

  “I don’t want to be forced to leave, Sir.”

  “That won’t happen.”

  “That’s not something you can truly guarantee. We’re human and humans make mistakes.”

  Steve stared at her and lifted the left corner of his mouth, “You can stay with the shuttle but you are going to help me pick out a gift for Ali.”

  “I really think that’s wise, Sir and choosing gifts is what I’m really good at.” They entered the shuttle and flew over London.

  Chapter Twelve

  Lani brought the shuttle down in a vacant lot two blocks from the celebration. The street had cars parked on both sides and there wasn’t room to land the shuttle. Steve stood up and Lani looked at him, “I’ll be in orbit overhead. Call me when you need me.” Steve nodded and walked toward the port. Lani watched him go and felt her first tear. How could she compete with an Admiral and especially with the Fleet Admiral no less? She shook her head and didn’t know if she could bear being with Steve if he belonged to another. She wiped her eyes with her sleeve and lifted the shuttle into the bright afternoon sky.

  • • •

  Steve thought about what Lani said about Admiral Osborn and he stopped. The Admiral was quite lovely and she was just as smart as Lani said. But… He lifted his communicator and scrolled through the contacts. He smiled and pressed a button. There were three rings and a face appeared, “Well oh my broken backside, what are you doing calling me. I thought you have written me off for dead!”

  “No, Ben. I’ve been spending the majority of my time away from Earth.”

  “That’s an excuse I’m forced to accept. What’s going on, Cousin?”

  “I need to stop by and talk with you about an issue. Do you have some time later today?”

  “What time?”

  “How about around six?”

  “How will you be arriving?”

  “I’ll be coming in a shuttle.”

  “I’ll have the roof cleared and meet you there? Is something wrong?”

  “No, there’s just something I need to discuss with you. By the way, have you ever gotten married?”

  “Came close a couple of times but the job just kills any relationship I’ve ever been in. What about you?”

  “Same thing. I’ll see you around six.” Steve continued walking and saw a large group of people gathered in the back of the house. He walked around the side and turned the corner. Ali saw him and squealed. She ran across the yard and he had to drop the present when she leapt into his arms. He spun her around and she held on tightly to his neck, “I thought you weren’t coming!”

  “I wouldn’t miss it.” He put her down and looked her up and down, “Wow! Look at you getting all grown up. You’re going to be a heart-breaker.”

  “Oh, Uncle Steve, you’re funny!”

  “No, I’m not kidding. You’re beautiful. Steve leaned down and said quietly, “You make sure any boyfriends know that I have a large disintegrator if they don’t behave.”

  Ali smiled and then started laughing. He joined her and she took his hand as he walked over to the main group. Laura walked up and smiled, “She was really afraid you weren’t coming.”

  “I wouldn’t miss it, Laura. How is she doing?”

  “She misses her father so much but your messages and contacts have helped her get over the hump. I think she’s going to be alright.”

  Steve smiled, “Good.” He looked over Laura’s shoulder and saw Fleet Admiral Osborn walking up. He looked at her dressed in civilian clothes and was impressed. “I really expected you to contact me and let me know you were going to be here.”

  “I’m sorry, Sir. It snuck up on me.”

  “Call me Pam. We’re not on duty here and I think it will help keep a relaxed air.”

  “Yes…ok, Pam.”

  “Since you’re here, is there something you want to discuss?”

  “Sir…I mean, Pam. Let’s hold that off until tomorrow. There’s too much to even get started.”

  “That’s fine, why don’t you take me to get something to drink.” Pam put her hand on his arm and he led her toward the bartender.

  • • •

  Lani saw them on the shuttle’s scanner and she slammed her hand on the console shutting it off. She should have gone and fought for him. No, she shouldn’t have. Yes she should. She put her head down in her hands and shook it. She walked to the viewport and stared at the moon. She couldn’t bear to watch anymore.

  • • •

  Steve watched Ali opening presents and Pam stood beside him with her hand on his shoulder. Lani was right. She was right most of the time. He looked up at the sky and wondered if she was watching this party on the shuttle’s scanners. He looked back at Ali as she opened his gift and her mouth flew wide open. “TELL ME THIS IS WHAT I THINK IT IS!!” Steve nodded. She looked in the box and saw another six tee-shirts.

  She looked at him with her mouth wide open as she hugged the first tee-shirt, “I managed to get Star Drift Rockers to meet me outside their recording studio and each of them signed a tee-shirt and all of them signed the bottom one?”

  Ali took the bottom shirt out and her mouth went wider. She jumped to her feet and ran to Steve and hugged him around the waist, “How did you know they’re my favorite?”

  “Laura helped.”

  Ali looked at Wade’s sister and saw tears. She ran over and hugged her tightly, “You’ve done so much for me. I can never express how much I love you!” Laura hugged her tightly and Pam whispered, “It appears you’re the hit of the party.”

  “It’s just not always easy finding the right present.” Steve looked at Pam, “Do you mind taking a short trip with me after the party?”

  Pam smiled, “No, I look forward to it.”

  Steve nodded and said, “Excuse me.” He walked over to Ali and she put her arms around him again and cried. Pam knew she needed to give them some space and she went back to the bar. Steve watched her and hoped he was doing the right thing.

  • • •

  Steve boarded the Admiral’s shuttle and pressed his communicator, “Lani, I’m taking a trip with Admiral Osborn. Take the shuttle to New York and park it on top of Fleet Operations. Plan to attend a meeting in the morning.”

  “Yes, Sir!”

  Steve heard her tone of voice and knew she was upset. But first things first. “Where are we going?”

  “We’re going to Palo Alto to meet my cousin.”

  Pam’s eyes narrowed, “Why are we doing that?”

  “I’ve put some thought into the ramifications of a helmet for the Prophet’s Eyes that only works with Essay Connor’s descendants. Fleet is going to need to keep track of any future pilots and target them for flight training in the event they’re needed in the future. Don’t you agree?” Pam tilted her head, “I didn’t think about that but that is a good suggestion. Is that why you’re going to see your cousin?”

  “Yes. I’ve lost track of his side of the family and I want to ask him personally for their contact information. Asking over a call isn’t really appropriate.”

  Pam nodded, “I didn’t know you had a cousin in Palo Alto.”

  “I’ve not seen him in years. Our career paths took us in different directions and life just grabbed hold of us. It’ll be good to see him.” Steve brought the shuttle in above a ninety-story building and Pam’s eyes narrowed again, “Why are you landing on the roof of Langston’s Enterprises.”

  “Steve looked at her, “Oh, I didn’t tell you that my cousin is the CEO and majority stock holder of Langston?”

  “No, you didn’t. This company is the one that developed and designed the targeting crystals for our new blasters.”

  “That’s part of the reason we’ve not met, he’s been really busy.”


  Steve brought the shuttle in and landed on the rook of the tall skyscraper. He stood up and Pam followed him to the exit port. It slid up in the wall and they saw a man standing outside on the roof, “Steve! You’ve grown up!”

  “It’s something we all hope to do. Ben, this is Pam Osborn.”

  Pam extended her hand and saw a shocked expression on the man’s face. She tilted her head and lowered her hand as the man looked at Steve, “You’re not serious!?” Steve nodded. “You can’t be. You’re pulling my leg and getting back at me for dipping your hair in ink when we were eight.”

  Pam looked at him, “I am Pam Osborn.” Ben started shaking his head and Pam said, “Is something the matter?”

  Steve looked at Pam, “Ben sort of has a hero worship of your ancestor.”

  “What?”

  Ben gathered his wits, “No, he’s right. I’ve been fascinated with Pam since she destroyed the Traugh planet with Sparky. I’ve collected everything I can about her and…” He looked at Pam’s expression and sighed, “I just think she was one of the most incredible heroes in Earth’s history and she was incredibly beautiful. Matter of fact, you look very much like her.” The corner of Pam’s mouth went up and Steve said, “Ben, I’ve come here to talk with you about the Prophet’s Eyes.”

  Ben’s eyes narrowed and his expression turned serious, “Steve, that’s not something we should discuss openly.”

  Steve smiled, “Pam is the current Fleet Admiral and knows about it.”

  Ben looked at Pam, “GET THE FLOCK OUT OF HERE! You’re the new fleet Admiral.” Pam nodded. I hope I’m not being too forward but could I possibly get you to spend a few moments with me discussing your ancestor. I’m sure you know so much more than I’ve been able to learn on my own.”

  Pam smiled, “I’ll see if I can arrange it.”

  “Promise me you won’t forget.”

  “I’ll be sure to contact you.”

  Steve grabbed Ben’s chin and turned his face toward him, “Ben, focus. Are you married or have you ever had children?”

  “The answer is no to both questions. Why do you want to know?”

  “You know about the helmet Essay left to control the Eyes.”

  “I do.”

  Well, you’re ahead of me. I didn’t know about it until we opened the box it was in by accident.”

  Ben’s head tilted, “Is the ship being used?”

  “It is. I’m piloting it.”

  “Is that really a good idea?”

  Pam watched the two cousins talking and saw that Ben was just as smart at Steve and was accustomed to being in charge of things. She looked out from the top of the skyscraper located in the middle of Palo Alto and could only imagine how much the land cost that it was built on. The two cousins also looked very much alike except that Ben had blue eyes and Steve’s were green. She suddenly realized why Steve had brought her. She sighed and realized he was wise. He was offering her a better match.

  Steve would be out in space most of his career and she would be left alone on Earth if they were in a relationship. Ben would always be on Earth and he was gaga over her ancestor. She could also see that he was impressed with her as well.

  “Well, get me the contact information on your family and I’ll send it to Admiral Osborn.”

  Ben nodded and looked at Pam, “Don’t forget your promise.”

  Pam smiled, “I’ll tell you what. The night is young and if you have time to take me out to dinner, I’ll discuss her with you now if you can get me back to New York in time for the meeting tomorrow afternoon.”

  Ben’s eyes went incredibly wide, “You have a deal!”

  Pam looked at Steve, “Would you mind taking the shuttle back to Fleet Operations?”

  “Not at all, Sir. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  Pam nodded and Steve walked toward the Shuttle. He must have feelings for that communication’s officer. Oh well. She smiled and took Ben’s hand, “Where are we going?”

  “To the best restaurant in town but I’m going to heaven. I can’t believe I’m here with you.”

  “Well, if this goes well, maybe you can come to New York and we can continue our conversation.”

  Ben smiled, “Than I need to make sure everything goes very well tonight.”

  • • •

  Steve lifted the shuttle and boosted into orbit. He hit the thrusters, flew over the continent, and landed on top of Fleet Operations forty minutes later. He exited the shuttle and looked at his wrist. It was close to eleven pm. He decided to just spend the night in the shuttle he brought from London. He opened the port and heard, “WHO’S THERE!?”

  Steve shouted, “I didn’t know anyone was on board, excuse me.”

  The lights came on and he saw Lani standing in the hallway leading to the sleeping quarters. Her eyes were red and she was wearing a regulation tee-shirt, “What are you doing back?”

  “I didn’t want to wake my family showing up this late and we have a meeting here tomorrow. I thought I’d sleep here.”

  “I thought you would stay with the Admiral?”

  Steve saw the pain in Lani’s eyes, “No, I introduced her to my cousin and she chose to stay in Palo Alto with him.”

  “What?”

  “My cousin Ben has been fixated on the Osborn family since he was five years old. He worships the original Pam Osborn and meeting the Admiral sent him on cloud nine. He convinced her to stay.”

  Lani shook her head slightly, “You’re kidding me?”

  “No, I’m not, Lani. And you didn’t warn me about wearing nothing but a tee-shirt.”

  Lani looked at him and then looked down. “No, I guess I didn’t.”

  “I’ll go back to the other shuttle and sleep there.”

  Lani rushed forward and threw her arms around his neck. She leaned in and kissed him. Steve wrapped his arms around her and held her tight. He finally leaned back and looked into her eyes, “Lani, I intend to do a lot more kissing but I really believe we should take our time and enjoy really getting to know each other before we take the next step.”

  “I agree. I’m going to put on some sweatpants and we’re going to cuddle for the rest of the night.” Steve smiled and started laughing. Lani smiled and said, “You don’t believe I can cuddle?”

  “I’m not worried about you!”

  “You’ll be fine. Besides, you sent me away without telling me what you were doing. I’ve been crying since then. Cuddling is all you’re getting until you’ve paid for doing that.”

  Steve pulled her close, “I’m sorry about that. But I couldn’t tell you what was going on without alerting the Admiral about what I was doing. I’ll try to make it up to you.”

  “Give me a moment and join me.”

  Steve nodded and after a couple of minutes, he walked to the sleeping quarters. He laid down beside Lani and she snuggled close. He closed his eyes and felt more alive than he had in a very long time. He fell asleep and found peace in a universe filled with monsters.

  Lani followed him into sleep a while later and worried that they were going to mess things up. But she finally decided that laying here beside him was worth whatever happened. She backed up close and he put his arm over her. She also forgot the monsters they had found and slept peacefully.

  • • •

  The next afternoon Pam turned the meeting over to Steve and he said, “I’m linking in my ship’s computer to take part in this meeting.”

  Malone looked at Steve with a furrowed brow, “Why would you do that?”

  “I’ll explain later but all of the recordings we’ve done are in its database. There are some you’ve not seen.”

  Pam looked at him, “Such as.”

  “The recordings we made of the Unknown Enemy close to the galaxy’s core and the civilizations we found in Andromeda. I’m going to start playing them and stop me at any point where you have questions.”

  Pam said, “Stop!” Steve paused the video and Pam looked at him with a frown, “As I see this, you went to
Andromeda and found a planet the Traugh were going to encounter in two days.” Steve nodded. You then went back to the Traugh Domain and got a count on their warships.” Steve nodded. “You then went back to Andromeda to view the attack on that planet by the five Traugh Warships and you did all this in two days? There is no possible way you could have made those trips in the timeframes you’re presenting. Would you care to elaborate on how you did that?”

  “If you don’t mind, may I answer that after you’ve viewed the recordings?”

  “Why should we wait?”

  “Because you’re not going to like what I say and I’d rather handle that after you see what we’re up against.”

  Pam stared at him, looked at Lani, and then leaned back in her chair, “Proceed with your presentation.”

  The videos started playing again and Lani noticed that the four Senior Admirals would look at Steve with frowns on their faces during the presentation. Finally, the recording showing the two long lines of warships facing each other began and Pam said, “Stop!” Steve paused the recording and leaned back, “You need to explain how you have been able to move at a speed far beyond anything I’ve ever seen.”

  Steve looked at Pam and said, “I decided to follow Death Prophecy Five.”

  “Why would you think revealing less is more?”

  “I was concerned that if you know how fast the Prophet’s Eyes could fly, you may decide to try and build more ships like it.”

  “And why is that a big concern of yours?”

  “Sir, all of us follow the Prophet’s Death Prophecies in our planning, don’t we?” Pam looked at the other Admirals and then nodded. “The Prophet said emphatically that no more ships like this should be built. So by revealing less of what it was capable of doing would result in the Prophet’s instructions being followed.”

  Pam stared at Steve and tilted her head, “So it is capable of doing things no other ship can?”

  “Yes, Sir.”

  “Why are you revealing its capabilities now if you know by seeing them it would pressure us to start building more ships like it?”

  “Because there will never be another ship built like this one.”

  The four Admirals stared at Steve and Rickman said, “What do you mean another will never be built?”