by K R Sanford
A long silence broke. At length Cybil spoke. Her silky voice was purposeful and strong. She spoke like a matriarch, husky and elegant. “I am here to secure an exchange for the transition of our races. We look forward to being a solitary force. And still remain homogeneous in settling the new frontier within the cube. We will work as one in your Middle Corridor. We are ready to start the collection and shipment of elements. This is something we all need to build and sustain new colonies.”
“Evolution of this type means, our existence will not go extinct,” said Asher.
“A business like this will always attract those who will rise within the ranks. And rise again in the gray areas of the private sector,” said Marco. There are smart men like Vito who are posturing even now to maintain ground floor control. This position will insure profitable ventures.”
“Yes, Admiral,” said Asher. “What of it? This scenario is a dynamic that establishes competition. It is a necessary business landscape for efficiency. Wouldn’t you agree?”
“I don’t disagree, Vice Council,” said Marco. “Only, the model of capitalism can be cruel.”
“And productive, Admiral,” barked Asher.
Marco turned to Cybil, “I think he likes you.”
Cybil said nothing returning Asher a look of suspicion.
You don’t have to act like a tough guy in front of the cat,” snapped Marco with a playful smile. We are all friends here, Asher.”
Asher’s purple hue softened to a cool blue. “I forgot why I came here,” he said. His tone and demeanor was polite and cordial. “My I have a look at your collar, Cybil?”
“No,” said Cybil. “The collar is valuable. We use segments as a power sources. This is our currency. In our transient state we use portable energy for trade in goods.”
“Yes, I understand,” said Asher. “If I may examine the structure of the material,” he started toward Cybil, his hue turning to purple.
Cybil stood. She reached out her hand. The hand morphed into a paw with extended claws. She touched Asher’s orb with lightning speed sending a trace of sparks out over Marco’s living room floor. Asher’s color went pale crystal. He stopped in midair as if frozen like a snowflake caught in an icy storm. His orb sparked again with a life force inside. His color turned clear then illuminated to his cool normal state of blue.
“Wow,” he said. “The energy is the flux between states of solid, gas and liquid. You have been able to harness this transitional force. Energy flows through holes of this crystalline structure —
“Careful now, Vice High Council.” cautioned Cybil.
“Oh, don’t worry,” said Asher in a grateful tone. “I don’t kiss and tell.”
“I believe you,” said Cybil. “It’s more efficient to show you than to let you spend all day trying to figure out what’s going on.”
“Oh, thank you. Yes, I don’t know how long it would have taken me to figure out you are using a superconductor to send —
“Asher!” commanded Cybil. “Can’t you find something to do that won’t get you into trouble?”
“Oh, yes of course, my regular duties.”
Cybil, returning to the couch, waved Asher goodbye. “Nice meeting you, Vice High Council Asher.”
“If you will excuse me, Marco,” said Asher. “I’m needed elsewhere.”
“Thanks for stopping,” said Marco. “Allow me to show you out.”
“I’ve got it, Admiral. Thank you again, Cybil.” Asher speed down the short hallway to the door. He extended a fiber of white light passing it over the sensor. The door hissed and Asher was gone.
“Everything alright?” inquired Marco.
“Yes,” she said. “This kind of interrogation happens.”
“I apologize for Asher’s demanding behavior,” said Marco.
“You didn’t expect him to muscle in on someone’s private property while you were in the same room?”
“What I didn’t expect, is watching myself stand by while Vice High Council showed his greed.”
“I didn’t see his action as greed,” said Cybil. “I saw his lust for power. There is an important difference.”
“I can understand why he would need the power. If I were second in command under Lao, the High Council Supreme, I might jump at the first opportunity as well. A body can only take so much.”
“I agree. So, I need to clean up,” said Cybil standing. “It’s been a long journey for all our people and I could use some rest. Where’s your bed? Oh, you don’t mind sharing for the afternoon?”
“It’s just passed the bathroom. The towels are in the cabinet next to the sink.”
“I like the yellow towels,” she said striping off her tight black dress. She dragged a yellow bath towel behind her with her body sashaying into the shower.
Marco, taking a seat in the living room turned up the corner of his lip in delight. He admired the exotic enchantress in his shower with the door open. Under his breath he uttered, “She must think she’s in the jungle.”
“I heard that,” she yelled over the sound of the water.
“Don’t use so much water. This is a spaceship, we have to recycle.”
“I’ll be right out,” she replied.
Marco’s wry smile returned. He gloated over the presence of a worthy opponent. She is close by with equal prowess to spar intellects. “No hurry.”
Marco watched the activity on the runway outside the windows of his living room. He activated a sensor on his chair, “Admiral to bridge.”
“Yes, Admiral,” acknowledged Ryan.
“Will you find Walters and Chew and ask them when they will return to Temple Control. I want to prepare the flight path for the refugees to their new home on the Island Planet.”
“Very good, Admiral,” said Ryan. “At once, give me a moment.”
“Cybil stepped out of the shower. She was wrapped in the yellow towel. She walked out of the bathroom. She stood outside the doorway then turned into Marco’s room.
Chapter 15
_____________________________________
YOU’LL NEVER WALK ALONE
“You’ve never stood in that man’s shoes
Or saw things through his eyes,
Or stood and watched with helpless hands
While the heart inside you dies.
So help your brother along the road
No matter where he starts.
Because the same god that made you,
made him too, these men with broken hearts.”
“Men with Broken Hearts”
Hank Williams Sr. - 1950
Marco, reflecting on the day, touched the sensor on his chair and hailed the bridge.
“They are on their way, Admiral,” said Ryan.
“Oh good, take over Captain. I will be in my quarters for the rest of the day. If you need help with anything, engage one of the refugees. Vito can recruit someone for you. Find out what these people know about star travel. What do you think?”
“Test things now while we’re on the Temple, damn good idea. Where do you come up with this stuff?” replied Ryan.
“I feel what a puppet must feel. I know it’s not me. I’m getting my strings pulled. I’m going to rest, Ryan. Then I want to get off this starbase.
“Aye, aye, bridge out.”
Looking through the oval windows Marco observed the survivors. They were walking passed the rows of supply tents. He got up out of his chair and stepped into the bedroom doorway. He leaned up against the door frame admiring Cybil’s athletic physique.
“You awake,” he said.
Cybil, turning over on her side answered to the affirmative, “What’s going on?”
“The survivors are coming out of processing and walking over to supplies,” he replied.
“That’s good news. The survivors, as you refer, have a name.”
“I wanted to ask you about this. These people, they are— No, they remind me of prisoners after released from the war camps. They are wandering like they have no r
outine or structure. They have nothing to give them a form of existence. They are at a lost for what to do.
“Most are workers,” said Cybil, “Ethical people, the Liometo.”
“Does the name translate to other languages?” ask Marco.
“Something like people of the land,” she said. Most are workers, some are soldiers and others are care givers. Thule is a soldier, a protector.”
“Thule doesn’t strike me as out of place, and neither does Mariah.”
“No, these are leaders. Like you, you are a soldier and protector.”
“And you? Are you a Liometo?”
“No, do I look like a worker?”
Marco raised an eyebrow and smiled.
Cybil turned over on her belly and rocked her hips from side to side. Then, in a silky far away voice, said, “Why don’t you turn off the light and we’ll talk about it?”
The glow outside draped over the observation window. Marco turned off the light. The bedroom transformed into a chamber for wild secrets.
* * * *
“Can we accommodate one hundred fifty guests?” asked Hector.
“Who wants to know?” asked Ryan.
“Vito has a request,” said Hector. “He says they are a work force in mining. He says he wants Grantham to represent them with the same benefits as his own people.”
“If Vito isn’t careful he’ll get nominated for Emperor,” said Ryan.
“Who’ll run the casino?” Hector asked absent minded.
“I don’t know,” said Ryan. “Think anyone would volunteer?”
“One of the Amedans, like Gaff,” replied Hector.
“Ambassador Gaff, that’s interesting,” said Ryan. “He can get do it, if he wants.”
“And, he knows governments and corporations from all over.” Hector smiled with a perfect set of teeth.
“You seem pleased with yourself. Did you fall in love or something?”
“No,” laughed Hector. “I have been with Chris almost twenty-four seven for—I can’t remember when. I guess I’m a little relieved to get a break.”
“I understand that alright,” said Ryan. “Well, if you don’t mind me saying, she seems good for you. She levels you out.”
Hector chuckled, “Levels me out. That strikes me funny.”
“Hang on,” said Ryan. “We have a call coming in. General, what’s up? Okay. Sure, you have that many processed? Go for it. You’re clear. We got you here; over and out.” Ryan shook his head. “The Royal Neptune is the most efficient organization I have ever seen. General says, they are asking the ships to take these people to their new homes.”
“Okay,” said Hector. “It’s not that these people are different or anything. But, they are resilient, and tenacious. I was down there. They move themselves along like they work on an assembly line.”
“Right,” said Ryan. “In six months’ time, I would bet, they will have homes and communities worked out.”
“Less than that,” said Hector. “It’s their quiet resolve. They remind me of a banker who refuses to hint how much money he has.”
“That’s Uncle Harry rich,” said Ryan.
“How rich is Uncle Harry?”
“No one knows,” said Ryan. “He appears like these people here; disheveled lack of style, clean but old garments. Then if you get particular, he says the expenses of business are so high, it’s terrible. And he shakes his head like he’s poor and lost. Nothing can save his impoverished state. Things are so bad these days, and he shakes his head some more.”
“Yeah,” said Hector. “I know the type. They’re the ones who have two new shuttles in a privet spaceport.”
“No, no, Uncle Harry has six shuttles that he never even uses. Says the economy is so unstable, you never know, he is going to need these in the case of an emergency. It’s frightening, he says.”
Hector laugh. He reached out and grabbed the sleeve of Ryan’s jacket, “What if the bastard’s right,” he replied dead serious.
“Uncle Harry’s crazy,” said Ryan. “He’s a paranoid schizophrenic.”
Well, these people out there aren’t crazy. They are heart broken. I mean, they have lost their homes, their lively hood, everything.”
“Yep,” said Ryan.
“But at least they’re not alone, and neither is Uncle Harry.
Ryan laughed again. “He’ll never be alone again.”
“No,” said Hector. “He’s got those six space shuttles to keep him company.”
“And his dog,” said Ryan with a goofy expression. “Did I mention the dog?”
“The dog?” laughed Hector. “No, I don’t believe you did. So, what’s with the dog? Is it crazy too?”
“I don’t know, but I don’t think he’s helping.”
“No. So what’s he do?”
“Well, he doesn’t eat regular dog food,” said Ryan with a disgusted look on his face. “The dog has got it figured that his master is as rich as Emperor Legion. And he’s also got it figured that he’s nuts. So, he won’t eat anything unless it’s prime choice filet mignon.”
“Well, Uncle Harry can afford it.”
“Yes he can,” said Ryan. “And the dog knows that—
“Don’t tell me,” said Hector. “He’s working Uncle Harry for his estate?”
“That’s right,” said Ryan. “And that’s what the six shuttles are for. He’s figured how to program the shuttle’s autopilot to run errands all over the planet. The shuttle comes back with dog toys, dog bones, blow up cat dolls and a couple dozen stuffed pooches.”
Hector snickered, “Smart dog. So are we getting taken in by these new guests?”
“I don’t think it’s an issue,” said Ryan. “It’s a test by Legion. Give them enough rope and see it they hang themselves.”
“Yep,” said Hector. “Then they have to live with a reputation that will spread throughout the galaxy.”
“That’s right. It’s a non-issue,” said Ryan. “So, the cat that Marco is sleeping with is now his personal protector.”
“You know what this means?” asked Hector.
“What? What now?” Ryan replied with a twinkle in his eye.
Hector twisted his face in a smug look. “It means, we all need get out there and enjoy the honeymoon.”
“Humm, that’s interesting,” said Ryan. “I was going to say, beware of new opportunities; too much freedom too quick. These people need to get on their feet. And, anyone who thinks different and acts different will be persona non grata.”
“It’s still a very dangerous universe,” said Hector.
Ryan turned to Hector then looking out over the runway. He retorted, “Let’s wake everyone up.”
“Make it happen, Captain,” said Hector. “We haven’t heard from anyone for a while, except the General.”
“Okay, we wake him up too. Two party blasts, like the festival is starting. It's non-alarming and I bet the Temple chimes in a waveform.”
“Okay, you're on,” said Hector. “Speaking of Walters, do you want to toot the horn while I ring his com?”
“How’s this,” said Ryan sounding the deep rumbling blast of the ships horn.
The com-link sounded on Major Walters’ console. “Did you just hear a cruise ship blast?” asked Walters.
“That was the Eagle’s whistle. We are boarding for flight back to the Corsi Star System.”
“What can I do for you, Captain?” said Walters.
“Lock into the Mastodon’s controls and check the traffic.”
“Already done,” said Walters. “Our computers are standing by for tether command. Another update, Sir," said Chew. "The Royal Neptune has processed 2,323,002,554 souls. And, they now have assigned transport to Almeda.”
“That is mind boggling,” said Ryan. “That’s got to be some kind of record.”
“How’s that, Sir?”
“Oh, nothing, I spoke out loud. Carry on Major, and congratulations on your promotion. Captain out.”
“Very good, Sir, Th
ank you, Sir, Temple Starbase Control, out.”
Ryan turned to Hector, “What now?”
“Now we find the truth why the Emperor and Kiterage want another civilization merged with our—
The doors of the antechamber hissed. “Merged with our own universe?” said Marco stepping onto the bridge with the raven haired beauty. “How do you plan on finding the truth from a type four being? The truth doesn’t trust us. And, Legion is not going to hand over his plans to mortals.”
“No, he won’t,” said Ryan. That’s why we are going to search for him like hunters. That goes for watching these refugees, all two point three million and change. We are going to negotiate their labor agreements so this new civilization won’t turn on us in desperation.”
Hector leaned in. “We all maintain the truth in ourselves. Here's the truth as I see it. Legion has left us with another riddle to figure out. He has left us with the decision to help these new-comers, right? It is our free will that has made this decision.
We have skin in the game. Make our course heading straight for Almeda where we can park on Legion’s front lawn.”
“You know what?” replied Ryan. “This plan is bold. And it’s bold enough to work,”
“Of course it will work,” replied Marco. “He was looking for workers to work side by side with the Marillians. These folk would feel more than grateful to work on the Emperor’s home planet until they get a feel for things.”
“Why do I get the idea this was the Emperor’s plan all along?” said Ryan.
“I don’t know. Are you hungry?” replied Hector.
“Yes I am. What do you have in mind?”
Hector pointed at door. “Let’s all go down to the cafeteria and see what’s on the menu.”
“Okay, anything but fish tacos.” said Ryan and the bridge went auto.
TO BE CONTINUED
BOOK 3
GALAXY
Chapter 1
________________________________________
DEARLY DEPARTED
