by K R Sanford
Lao went dark. His glowing orb faded like a bowling ball cast into a swamp.
Chapter 3
___________________________________
FLY ME TO THE MOON
Fly me to the moon
And let me play among the stars
Let me see what spring is like on Jupiter and mars
In other words, hold my hand
In other words, baby, kiss me
Fill my heart with song
And let me sing for evermore
You are all I long for
All I worship and adore
In other words, please be true
In other words, I love you. . .
Written by Bart Howard - 1954
Popularized in 1964 by Frank Sinatra
“Jupiter,” said Hector venting the tedium of the game. He dramatized a breath of fresh air. “Good god man! Are you insane?”
Marco encouraged Hector with a look of crazy, “Are you going to be alright over there?”
“Nothing happens with rules of sensibility,” retorted Hector, “Sheep, waiting for the slaughter from their so-called betters. Evolution and revolution need a push, like a mother giving birth.” He turned to Cybil. “It’s easy to understand why the Liometo need a symbiote, anything to give them more aggression in their temperament.”
Cybil nodded but said nothing.
“It’s true we lack grit,” said Thule. “But it’s not our fault. We have been this way
“Why were your people abandoned?” said Hector.
Thule replied. “Some feel we are a remnant, the seed of an old race capable of regeneration.”
Hector fell silent. The sound of one hundred thousand starships data-mining was the only sound on the bridge. It was the sign that Legion was orchestrating the trek through the Amedan wormhole. With coordinance locked-in they were destined for the Milky Way.
At length Hector replied, “I can’t help but think; Legion is playing a multidimensional game with an unbeatable foe.”
“Interesting, said Marco. “Pick a card, Hector.”
Hector snickered, “You read my mind.”
“Well, you’ve been staring at the game long enough.”
“So I have,” said Hector. He reached out and picked up the top card. He held it flat over the table. He held it for a moment longer then slipped it into the middle of the deck. “No,” he replied then sat back in his chair and waited.
Mariah questioned. “You, changed your mind, Hector?”
“That’s right, Mariah. This is your game and it’s not my place to interfere. I’m going to observe. Pick someone. Or if you would like to go yourself, please, be my guest.”
“So considerate of you,” said Mariah. “Alright, I’ll go.” She pulled herself from the table and turned to Vito. “I would like to go to your casino and see how the game of chance works there. Is that possible?”
“Of course,” said Vito, noticing the diamonds on her hand sparkling like stars. “I will escort you.”
They passed by Marco’s chair. Marco nodded and said, “Have fun.”
“You know where you can find us,” said Vito.
Thule turned to Devin. “Can we play this game with three players?”
“Often, this is how it is,” said Devin. “Life shows up and we adapt.”
“I guess this game is like a symbiote,” replied Thule.
Devin gave Thule’s insight a moment’s thought. At length he replied, “Yes, and its Kavin’s turn. Do you want to play?”
“All right, I do have something I would like to roll with.” Kavin shuffled the cards then cut. He turned the deck over, XVI - The Tower. ”What’s this, except, I now live in the delta tower.”
“That might be something,” said Devin. “The tower symbolizes the law of purification. It’s like a cleansing on all levels of your being. The negative side is; you may get stuck in your tower, lacking the will to get out. You may project your anger onto others and disrupt their lives.”
“Oh, that’s not good,” replied Kavin, “Any suggestions?”
“There seems to be a theme going on here for you,” continued Devin. “Recharge yourselves and rest. Take the time to recover from the loss of your home. Be present with your senses. Be here in the moment with each other.”
Devin paused as Kavin closed and reflected then continued. “I would like to make a suggestion. Enjoy the nature on this starship. You will all be at your new home soon, which reminds me. When we arrive on Ameda it will be the time for our annual Festival of the Shrine. With your people, this can be a special event. Would you like to help me prepare for the celebrations?”
“Of course,” said Kavin.
Do your people have competitive games they like to play? Are there special foods you would like to make, some entertainment or music?”
“Now you have my head swirling, Devin. I will give it some thought.”
“Excellent. Why don’t we take a break here? I see Commander Ryan has something on his mind.”
“I don’t mean to interrupt, Devin,” said Ryan. “We have an Amedan signal coming in from outside the wormhole.”
“How’s that possible, we’re in a spacetime distortion?”
“They are using our tether matrix to send a signal to our ship.”
Hector swiveled his chair around. “Someone hacked our tether? That’s outrageous; the nerve of some people,” he calculated. “So, what do they want?”
All eyes turned to Ryan. “The Amedan’s say we need an escort.”
“Okay. What’s up?” said Marco.
“They say, maintain speed and when we clear the wormhole, Legion will board us. He wants to address the crew and passengers in the Observation Hall.”
“Okay. We can do that. When do we enter the Milky Way?”
“About thirty seconds.”
“Clorissa, give us a view of space ahead.”
“Aye, aye, Admiral,” she said.
The viewer was a swirl of white noise. The orifice was a dot of black. In an instant the dot disappeared and a swath of stars filled the space in front of them. A shadow hovered in the far distance.
“We’re in the Middle Corridor,” said Clorissa.
“Yup,” said Ryan. All systems check. Passengers can move about the ship as they wish.”
“Belay that,” said Marco. “Assemble in the observation hall for a visit with Legion. Attendance is not mandatory but suggested. All are welcome, it’s informal, okay?”
“Very well,” said Ryan undaunted by Marco’s irritation.
Passengers and crew filled the corridors. Centuries manned the doors to the Observation Hall. Inside the hall, the Emperor stood in the center of a clear spherical shroud next to the viewing windows. Mark Kiterage and his secretary were at his side. Vito and Mariah were talking to all three while waiting for the guests.
The ceiling of the hall was illuminated with a soft blue glow. Hundreds of Amedens settled themselves in the archways of the ceiling. Tiny gold specks raced across the hive in ribbons of multicolored waves. They were updating the Emperor’s sphere.
“We can take the seats over there,” said Marco pointing to the empty chairs in the front.
The bridge crew seated themselves in the plush leather chairs.
Ryan pointed his chin at the Emperor’s sphere. “Are these our type-four representatives?” he asked. In that instant, Vito turned and smiled. He gave a polite nod.
Marco chuckled, “That response might answer your question.”
“His casino is a safe bet for him alright.”
“No doubt about that,” replied Marco.
“Your in-laws are here,” said Ryan looking over his shoulder.
Marco turned. Coming toward them was his daughter, Shanna. Pawdell was at her side. King Devin and Balrug followed. Hector was escorting Queen Elsinor and Lady Lucia.
“This much I can say,” said Marco. “When a major event takes place in our galaxy there is no shortage of leadership.”
“I see what you mean,” replied Ryan. “Here’s Marty and Clairy.”
“Yes,” said Marco, “And they’re in uniform, pressed and polished.”
“The General is Legion’s main man in the Middle Corridor.”
Ryan nodded catching Marty’s eye. Ryan waved them over and tapped Marco on the shoulder.
They stood. Marco greeted the head of the Interstellar Forces with a hand shake then offered them the front row.
The Emperor’s sphere vanished. The Observation Hall was full. Vito, Mariah, Kiterage and his secretary sat with General Stiller and Captain Clairy.
The Emperor stepped onto the stage. His suit was perfect white linen, no seems. The Nehru collar had a simple gold button. His hair, blonde was full and short. He combed it in a perfect wave. His blue eyes sparkled and his smile was cautious.
“I’m holding four ships. These will separate from the convoy,” said Legion. “The rest, along with the survivors, will go to Ameda as arranged. We are on a diplomatic mission with the Liometo Elites.”
The audience began to murmur. Legion held up his hand. “We will help your Elite secure their spacetime. We leave now. All the guests will go to Ameda. Any questions, you may see me after the meeting. That is all, dismissed.”
“Well, that was short and sweet,” said Ryan.
“Time is of the essence. I’ll try to find out what else is going on,” said Marco. “You better get back to the bridge and track Legion’s team.”
“Right,” said Ryan. He studied the stunned faces of the crowd then walked out of the hall.
Marco crossed the hall to where Legion, General Stiller and Vito were talking.
Legion, standing head and shoulders over Marco, smiled. He extended his hand in greeting. Marco took hold.
“At this point, the less I say the better," said Legion. "I am indifferent with the Elite's reaction to their people. Priorities need to be set to avoid liabilities.”
Marco and Marty gave each other a puzzled look.
“I will be able to discuss more about your suspicions once we get underway. The convoy will continue to Ameda with the survivors. Your Cybil will be going with us on the Eagle. Thule and Mariah will stay, they are Elite.”
“And Vito’s people,” asked Marco.
“The View stays onboard. Even though Vito owns the Mastodon she’s a military vessel. General Stiller and Captain Clairy will command operations from there. Relax, Admiral. The Eagle is still the flagship, and I will be onboard.”
Marco smiled, “Of course, Emperor. Now, I better go see to the transfer.” He turned to leave and was immediately accompanied by Kiterage and his secretary. Kiterage engaged the Emperor in a snappy discussion. The secretary stood motionless staring into Marco’s eyes.
“I don’t believe we have had a fair introduction. I’m Marco Miller. I run this bucket of fiber.”
“You’re cute, Admiral. I’m the Virgin Mary looking for more secrets to keep.”
“I know you are a Type Four being,” replied Marco. “And you don’t have to answer to me. But, if I can be of any help; I am at your disposal. Now, if you will excuse me, I need to tend to something important.” He turned to collect Hector. He felt the touch of the secretary’s hand on his shoulder.
“Do not feel alarmed, Admiral. One day, I suspect I will be like you.”
Marco was intrigued by the tall woman’s eyes. Time and space stopped. For an instant, millions of stars were swirling on her face. She was inviting him on an intimate mission. He shook his head. When the fog of illusion dissipated, the secretary was gone. He felt a sadness wax over him. He felt empty and weak. ‘Too much reality for one moment,’ he thought. He changed his course to the cafeteria in the hopes of recuperating his spirits.
“What’s going on?” Hector said.
Marco did not turn around. “I’m going down to the cafeteria. Come along, I want to talk to you.”
The Magnavator hissed open. Marco tapped the button for the main deck. In a slow five seconds they arrived.
“Are we having lunch?” asked Hector.
“Yup,” replied Marco. “And, I want to run something by you. Tell me what you think?”
Hector did not speak. He lead to his favorite table at the back of the cafeteria and looked over the menu.
At length, Marco replied, I’m drained from all these people onboard. I mean, more than usual. People can be tiring sure. But not like the Type Four’s. Do you know what I mean?”
Hector looked up from the menu, “They’re higher energy. They are like medication. You have to take them in doses.”
“Then, you do know what I mean?”
“How important is this mission?” replied Hector.
“That’s the question,” said Marco. “And, how important are we to the mission?”
“We?” said Hector.
“My daughter is onboard, remember.”
Hector sat back in the booth. “So is Chris.”
Marco raised an eyebrow. “Is there something of substance happening there?”
“She does what I do; only more in managing environments. Much of our work overlaps,” Hector sniggered. “She’s become very helpful.”
“That’s right. You are seeing each other around the ship and off the ship often. How do you think she would feel about going on another mission?”
“I would have to ask her about that. I know she would have questions, a lot of questions. I have one, for example. With Type Four beings onboard, why do they need humans at all? They have the Amedans?”
“They want humans to have some skin in the game. So we have pride in keeping the Milky Way safe for our future.”
“That might explain why they wanted the Elite Liometo along with them.”
“Yes,” replied Marco. “What say we ask around, get a consensus?”
“We better hurry. It sounded like Legion wants to get underway as soon as possible.”
“I would like to talk to Vito about this.” Marco touched his lapel. “Ryan, come in.”
“Go ahead, Admiral.”
“I need to speak with Vito. I’m in the cafeteria with Hector. Also, I want to know how you feel about going on another mission before returning to Ameda. Same question to Clorissa if she is around.”
“Sure,” said Ryan. “I know the Vallians said they need to get back. They have a planet to run. Clorissa is right here.”
“Admiral, I’m going back with Grantham. We are both looking forward to the change of seasons and helping the Liometo people to get settled.”
“Ok, fair enough. I’ll be in the cafeteria with Hector if someone wants to add to the discussion.”
“Very well,” replied Clorissa. “I’ll check around and ask them to send their comment.”
“Thank you, Clorissa, Admiral out.”
"The sunsets on the Emerald Sea are beautiful this time of year," said Hector.
Marco raised an eyebrow. “You are either smitten with the love, or you’re homesick, old buddy," he said.
“The Eagle is my home,” said Hector. “I don’t want her leaving the Middle Corridor. I prefer she based in the Corsi System.”
“And that means, Ameda,” said Marco.
Hector replied. "Don’t take the Eagle into a Black-hole. The Amedan wormhole was bad enough.”
“Your mind is clear on this?” Marco asked.
“Let the younger people explore,” said Hector.
“I agree with everything you say.”
“Don’t condescend," said Hector. "You of all people, I loathe that.”
“Hector," said Marco. "I asked to talk to you because I see things the same way. I’m hoping Ryan is in agreement.”
Hector raised his chin. “Are you going to let your daughter traipse around the galaxy by herself?”
Marco snickered, “Think of all the people on the ships. This would be a great opportunity traveling with this group, for a young person that is.”
“You want to stay on Ameda?” asked Hector.
�
�I would," replied Marco. "But, I like the people of the View. Vito and his people would be perfect brokers between business and the Liometo.”
“Vito’s people can broker deals in the Corsi Star System as much as the Middle Corridor," said Hector.
“Admiral,” announced Clorissa. “Legion wants to talk to you. He’s coming down to the cafeteria.”
“Clorissa,” said Marco. “Find Vito, and ask Ryan to come here right away, Admiral out.”
“Vito is with Legion, Admiral. So, I’ll send Ryan.”
“Very good,” replied Marco in a sigh of relief. “An Emperor coming to see me: That’s a first.”
“He’s hungry,” said Hector.
Marco nodded his head. “Someone told him about the fish tacos.”
“Yeah?” said Hector. “No, he wants something.”
“Of course, everybody wants something," said Marco, "Except, you’re right. We’re in for a major discussion.”
“Well, we’ll soon find out. They’re here.” Hector motioned to the entrance of the cafeteria.
Marco stood. He offered Legion and Vito a seat. “Please, make yourselves comfortable,” he said.
Legion didn’t waste any time. He came right to the point. “I’m going to leave the Eagle into your hands, Admiral. You will be going onto Ameda as planned. Vito is going with you. His people will help with the transfer and the security. You and your crew will aid in transportation. Why break up a great party, right? The bad news is the Amedans are going with us to a Black-hole. We will be setting up reception stations for explorers. This, will safe guard our galactic network. We are on the advance as others are doing the same; others, such as the Elite Liometo. Like their name, Admiral, there is no limit to their ambition or their resolve for war.”
Marco’s face filled with scorn. “War, you say?”
“We would avoid all possibilities of this. The Amedans are best suited to work with the Liometo Elite. This way is appropriate, as they desire a type three status.”
“Their civilization?” questioned Marco. “I thought evolution is within the individual then spread through the masses.”
“There are other ways," replied Legion. "Their standard model optimizes characteristics for the Elite first. Contrary models, splinter groups or worker groups are cast out and abandon. This directive creates economic superiority. In effect, their main body will coalesce for the next iteration of evolution. This is a policy that provides the disciplinary means. This example occurs if one does not cooperate with the needs of the whole.”
