by K R Sanford
He was eager to start his day and make a plan of action. He needed a plan that could wage a silent revolution against Earth's Elite Commission. He needed a plan that could use the misguided ambitions of the Interstellar Forces. His mission was all he could think about. It was now his duty to make something work. The more he thought, the taller the order of his mission became. He was at a loss about what to do and how to do it. It was obvious his priorities would have to spark inspiration to sustain his mission. He needed to make changes and get moving. He needed help.
Marco grabbed his crutches and walked out of his quarters and down the hall. His body felt the aches and pains of his fall. His head was telling him, he was a pathetic choice to try and raise an army. He tapped the sensor on the magnavator and stepped inside.
If his mission could be so simple, he thought, if he had a plan that worked every time like this magnavator. Simple science no moving parts just ride up and down on an invisible barrier of magnetic flux. He needed something that worked day in and day out. Like the magnavator with one superconductive rail with no drag and no failures. That was what he needed, no failures. He sighed with a deep breath.
Marco pushed his crutches through the door and into the conference room. He glanced at the streaks of multicolored lights on the opposite side of the oval portholes. The streaks signaled their speed at hyper-light.
The anxiety in his body drew away to the burnt red walls and the soft charcoal carpet. He smiled when he saw the wingback chair next to Lady Lucia. He started for it with shaking arms. He held himself straight and concentrated. He made his way to the contoured jade-green conference table, one step at a time.
He propped his crutches against the table and pivoted his hips down onto the chair. He set the crutches on the floor and looked up at the faces staring back at him in astonishment.
“Damn, boy,” announced Hector. “It hurts me just to watching you hobble. You ever had a hobble like that, Elsinor?”
“Oh no,” exclaimed Elsinor, shrinking from Hector's sarcasm. “Captain, can we make you more comfortable?”
“Thank you, Elsinor,” replied Marco. “No, I'm fine. Really, I've been worse.”
“Worse?” inquired Devin.
Marco held up a hand. “Please,” he said. “I see you brought the game with you.”
“Of course,” replied Devin. “Hector said you wanted to play.”
“I want to learn to play,” said Marco. “Because I had a vision or I reacted to the medication or something like that. I, I don't exactly know for sure. And even If I did, I'm not telling. But I should explore this game and do something. That's about it. I want to understand the experience I had.”
Devin amused gave a receptive nod. “Can you tell us about it?”
“Well, some things I can, but others I no longer recall. The four faces of your game came alive. They gave me an impression of their character and their purpose.”
“Oh, this is good,” replied Devin. “It sounds, so far, like you received a gift. This happens quite often with our people but it is rare for humans, no offense, Captain.”
Marco held up a hand. “I’ll take your word for it,” he said.
Devin continued with a more astute posture. He raised his head and said, “Were you out of your body when this happened?”
“Out of my body?” replied Marco. “You mean like a near death experience?”
“Well,” said Devin. “If you had a vision, then that would be something else. Were you in spirit form?”
“I’m not an expert on those things,” replied Marco. “But, yes, I was in a different body. I didn't have any pain and I felt wonderful. I almost stayed.”
“What!” balked Hector, “Hey, you weren't probed were you?” Hector cocked his head sideways.
“That's disgusting,” said Lucia. “Sometimes, Hector, you go too far.”
Marco shook his head. “I do have a different outlook on things.”
“They did,” cried Hector. “They stuck things inside you, didn't they? Come on man. You can't fool me. What happened?”
Marco glared at Hector. “I’m trying to be serious. I'm not sure what it's all about, but I want to strike back at Bradley and his company,” said Marco.
Hector sat back in his seat and listened to his call to action. His cold beady eyes studied Marco's facial inflections and body language. He remained silent. He waited for Marco to speak his mind.
“I've always tried to be on the right side,” continued Marco. “I've tried to be up on what's going on around me. Now, I need a different approach in my work.”
Devin was unsure about the changed tension in the room. Elsinor and Lucia shifted in their chairs. They looked about the kidney-shaped table for clues. Then, Devin spoke.
“Nobody loses when you play this game,” he said. “It's an intuition game. Its intent is to bring your true self out in relation with the real world.”
“So, it's not a game?” asked Marco.
“It's a game,” replied Devin. “But you apply it to what is real. It's a paradox, a serious but fun game. It is revealing you to yourself. You are already familiar with the cards. I have added a few more tools to apply your psychic powers.
First thing, Marco is to pick a token. Or, if you want to play all four tokens, that's okay too. In that case, you would play one at a time to connect all four levels of your conscious mind. It's up to how much inner energy you want to invest in the game. You can make up your own game, something more familiar to your ancestors, if you like.”
Marco nodded he understood and reached out and chose the lion, then set it on Devin's game cloth. “So where do I start?” he asked.
“Again, that's up to you,” replied Devin. “You can start with your sun sign, your birthday. Or, you start by picking a card or you can spin the wheel of fortune or roll the dice. Either way it's best to think of a quandary, a question, a puzzle or a problem. The players at your game table will help interpret the moves you make.”
Marco picked a card the Seer, Sage of Wands. He placed his token on the square in the figure eight runway identifying the Sage of Wands.
Devin's eyes widened. He said, “That is definitely interesting, Marco, in view of the vision you experienced. The Sage of Wands is one who has seen the light. You have seen your immortality. Now you have become a fire light to guide others in their evolution to a higher consciousness.”
Marco nodded in appreciation and contemplated Devin's words. “What's next?” he asked.
“You keep moving until something happens,” replied Devin. “Try spinning the wheel.”
Marco spun the wheel. It turned with precision. The wheel slowed and Marco called out, “Number seven, the Chariot.”
Elsinor and Lucia sang oohs and aahs.
“I would say, Marco,” said Devin. “Move out with your highest possible attainment. Stay centered. And, maintain a state of meditative awareness. Use your experience as the seer like a springboard and keep moving.”
Devin pointed to the cards on the game cloth. “This time, shuffle the cards and pick one with the thought that it will shed more light on all your moves.”
Marco did as Devin suggested. “Twenty-one, the Universe,” said Marco.
“I picked that card myself before we joined you,” said Devin. “It means you have universal possibilities. Choose new people and new places to build your new life. Only, try not to get overloaded with all the possibilities. There is so much out there, you can get confused and paralyzed.”
Marco pressed his lips then replied, “That's what happened to me on my way here today. There is so much I need to do and I can't remember how to go about doing it all.”
Lucia smiled and said, “You're not playing the game alone, Marco.”
Marco returned the smile, “That's good to hear. I hope you're right.”
“Pick another token,” said Devin. “And see how that changes your perspective.”
“This time,” replied Marco, “I'll use the eagle token.” Marco
cut the cards. “Okay, Seven of Cups, the Fear card. What now? That doesn't look good.”
Devin raised a hand for Marco to hold. “This is good for you right now,” he said. “But again, don't get overwhelmed with the eagle's view. This means you close up. You become blocked, and invent scenarios of paranoia. But in dealing with anger, you can convert the adrenaline of fear into energy. Fear can help you stay alertness and take action. Marco, go into your fear. Feel it and do it away. On the other side of fear will be your fortune.”
“Well, it's not all fun and games, is it?” replied Marco.
“No it's not,” replied Devin. “So how about letting someone else play and you can see for them until they know what their turn has brought.”
“When we see, we will know the suns of thunder,” said Marco.
“Come again, old buddy?” said Hector.
“It was something the Lord Legion said that didn't make sense at the time,” replied Marco. “Hector, why don't you take a turn?”
“Yeah okay, I'll play,” said Hector, “Unless someone else wants to.”
The time passed quickly. Marco familiarized himself with the group's interplay. He now held a working knowledge of the game.
“Thank you, Devin,” he said. “Everybody, this has been very helpful. If you will excuse me, I need to see about the ship's status.”
Marco exited the conference room and the party ended. Devin placed the game pieces back into the box. He turned to Hector with a grave expression said, “I fear the thunder has yet to be.” Hector frowned and nodded with a cold affirmation.
* * * *
Marco sat in the command chair. Ryan reported, “We're coming in range to of the Exodus.”
“Thank you, Commander,” replied Marco. “We need to put in and get our medi-pal check-out. And, there's two burned buffer panels outside to replace.”
Clorissa turned from her console. “We need a contract for new supplies,” she said. “Our accounts are on borrowed time.”
“Sounds like you could use some help,” said Grantham. He reached in his coat pocket and brought out a small leather pouch. He emptied the contents on Clorissa's console. The crew gazed in amazement.
“The diamonds will bring a good enough price on the Island Planet,” said Marco. “You come prepared, Grantham. After you set up a trading number, you will most likely need a safe escort back to Ameda. Certain members of the mining cartel take a dim view of outsiders honing in on their business.”
“That, my dear Marco is inevitable,” replied Grantham. “I could be present at your next business negotiation. Our mining skills might offer useful possibilities for the mining industry. “
“Okay,” said Marco, taking note of the governor's expertise. “I’ll get you an appointment. You can take Clorissa with you if you think it helpful.”
Grantham turned to Clorissa. “She has already agreed to go with me,” he said. “Which I am happy to say, gives me a great deal of pleasure.”
“Well, good,” replied Marco. “As far as that goes it would do us all good to get off this ship for a while.”
The magnavator door hissed and Hector stepped onto the bridge. Marco held up a finger. He said, “Hector, we were discussing the security for the mining concessions. Can you see what's going on for the governor?”
Hector took his station and searched the current data on the Middle Corridor. “I’m checking. The meetings change at a moment's notice.”
Grantham stepped over to Hector's station. “Mr. Blackstone, may I impose upon your expertise? I want to ask if you would provide security for our negotiating team. I recall how you took charge in the Shrine.”
Hector looked at the seven-foot alien. He gave a once over to his thick reptilian arms and his webbed clawed feet. He scratched his chin.
“I will make it worth your while, sir,” continued Grantham. “Anyone who can handle himself as quick as you did is worth compensation. And what I understand about these trade dealers, Clorissa tells me. The awarding of contracts can sometimes get deadly.”
“I’m checking the security right now, Governor,” replied Hector. “When news of a deal shows up; it will alert our network. I will let you know what's going on out there.”
Grantham raised an eye and the opaque ocular scale closed by half. It made him look drugged. “I see,” he said, impressed with Hector's efficiency. “If I can help
“Governor,” whispered Marco. “Hector needs to watch his console. You might want to get yourself ready. We'll be entering the Middle Corridor in about an hour.”
“Of course, Captain,” replied Grantham. “More formal attire would be appropriate.”
Marco smiled. “Yes,” he said. “That would help.”
The bridge buzzed with final preparations. The Eagle approached the most populated district in the Milky Way.
Commander Majors looked up from his console. “Course corrected,” he said. “We have maintenance ready at the docking station. We have a spot with the United Starship Facility. I can get us a cheaper repair station but the location won't be as good. I don't know if you want to trust just anybody to work on the Eagle.”
“Commander, you know better than that,” replied Marco. 'Take us to the United Facility.”
Ryan smiled. “I know better,” he said. “I’m asking as ordered.”
“Well, very good.” replied Marco. “Ask me something else if you want to. You've been stuck up here without a break. You must have a lot more questions by now.”
Ryan twisted up his face and said, “That was funny. Coming from you, I'd have to say you're in a very good mood.”
Hector turned from his console. “A few meeting strategies came through, Marco,” he said. “Do you want to hear them?”
“Yeah, what do you got?” replied Marco.
Hector leaned back in his chair. He shook his finger at his screen. “There's a manufacturing convention and some open mining franchises up for sale. Then there's the bidding for the mining rights on the asteroid reserve in the Saturn system. Then there's the site preparation for an undersea military base on the Island Planet. That last one will have big returns.”
Marco ran his hand against his jaw. “Well,” he said. “Those all sound like they have profit potential for the Marillians. We're in the transport business. Charters have given us the best contracts. There will be a steady flow out of the Island Planet. If we help Grantham secure a solid contract we will be in business. How do you all feel about that?”
“We have old friends in that area,” replied Hector. “Our people in the witness protection program are on the Big Island. You know; Vito’s people in the View?”
Marco nodded but turned to Clorissa. “Clorissa, what do you think?”
Clorissa's body contorted in a graceful wave of elation. “It is nice there,” she said. “And it's warm.”
“Grantham might like the sunsets along the Blue Sands Beach,” said Ryan. “Then there's the undersea diving around the coral reefs, Clorissa.”
Clorissa smiled and breathed a sigh. “Sounds romantic,” she said. “I would very much like to go and get away from everything for a while.”
“Sounds good to me, too,” said Marco. “Let's hope we don't have to use the people in the View. Hector, will you book us a meeting with the Ambassador. I want to hear what lies Bradley is selling the media this time, not that it will make any difference.”
“We're confirmed,” replied Hector. “Our meeting with the Interstellar Forces will be at the Luxor Hotel in the convention hall. The meeting is at zero six hundred hours Standard Galactic Time. They suggest we not be late.”
The Island Planet is a blue sphere with dotted up-crops of volcanic islands. Although the land mass of the Big Island was small it was a place called paradise.
Grantham took Clorissa's hand and they walked side-by-side into the Luxor Hotel. The atrium was the front entrance was a glass pyramid. The entrance led into the spacious lobby with views of the Blue Sands Ocean on three sides.
/> Clorissa turned to Grantham. “The greatest volume of clean water comes from the Island Planet.” Grantham nodded. “Travelers from all parts of the galaxy make stops here. A lot of people take vacation here. Many spend their honeymoon here to consummate their relationship.”
Grantham's heart muscle gave a spasm as his face turned two shades lighter. “Hector was saying there is a lot of poverty here,”
“Yes, it is a problem,” she said. Developers have to bring in their own workers because the locals don't want to work. No one blames them because, well, look around, this is paradise.”
“I can see that,” replied Grantham. “My people would love it here.” Grantham bit his tongue, not desiring romance back in the conversation. “I don't see any military business here.”
“They have their own part of the island,” said Clorissa. She grabbed Grantham's arm. “Marco is signaling us.”
Marco placed nametags on Grantham and Clorissa. They joined the others in the convention hall. Captain Clairy and Ambassador Gaff escorted the group into a side room.
A model of an underwater research base was being displayed. He drew Grantham's attention to the underwater miniature. He caught sight of Bradley talking to an army brigadier and two colonels. Bradley lifted his glass and they agreed on some point in their conversation. They laughed. Marco's blood heated up. Marco gritted his teeth.
“Drink up, old buddy, we got people here,” said Hector.
Marco took a breath and turned around. Hector was holding out his drink to Marco when a tray came between them. Marco reached out and picked a drink off the tray. The tray bumped into Marco's side. Marco turned and smiled at a handsome boy dressed in a white steward’s uniform. The boy smiled back.
“Say hello to the steward,” urged Hector.
Marco nodded and said, “Hello.” He turned back to Hector. “Hector, we need to review the transportation specs.”
