by K R Sanford
Marco’s curiosity got piqued. “Where did she find the mud?”
“I don’t know, Marco. There wasn’t much. She had some around her paws. Was she swimming? She found water somewhere.”
“I was swimming with her in my pond several hours ago. But she should be dry by now.”
“She wasn’t wet," said Devin. "She did smell like pond water. Your pond doesn’t have continual flow? You know; an inlet and an outlet?”
“No,” said Marco. “Someone said the water is from an underground spring. I don't remember who.”
“That’s possible,” replied Devin. “I’ll have Arnockel check it. I will send him right over. You’ll want to make sure the water is okay to drink. Right now, let’s get you reunited with Cybil.”
When they reached the third floor landing, the two royal guards were standing on either side of Devin’s quarters. Nico was hovering in front of Marco’s suite.
Marco turned to Devin. “Being king, I would have thought you would occupy the entire third floor.”
“The castle is setup for that. But alas, we have no children. So, we let the apartments to family and close friends. Here we are. Nico is here if you need anything.”
Marco turned to Devin with still another remark. “Do you think you will ever have children?”
Devin held Marco’s gaze with quiet reflection. At length he smiled and replied. “You know Marco; from time to time Elsie and I have fond conversations about children. One day; I won’t rule out the possibility. It might be fun. See you and Cybil at the Grand Ball. He gave Marco a pat on the back and sped off to the royal quarters.
Nico moved over toward Devin’s guards. Marco reached for the entry. He went inside and closed the door.
The sunset over the western mountains blazed fiery red and yellow. The dome refracted the colors of the rainbow into the purple haze of twilight. The Emperor stood alone on the side patio watching the game field darken with the coming of night.
“Where do you think they are?”
Legion turned. “Tilly, come out here.”
“I figured you knew where they were,” said Tildanfin.
Legion pointed to a cluster of stars. “See that triangle? Drop down one thumb width. See that single bright light moving across the sky?”
“Oh, yes,” said Tildanfin.
“That’s Raptor,” said Legion. “They are on a direct course. They will hold that course until they make contact with their lead ship.”
“What do you think they will do?”
“My boy: My boy,” sang Legion. “Vito is in charge. He will make them a deal. That’s what my boy does.” Legion laughed. “He loves to negotiate.”
Tildanfin nodded and handed Legion a drink.
“It’s your favorite, Vodka with a splash of lime.”
“Marvelous,” said Legion. He took a sip and handed it back, “Excellent taste.”
“You don’t want it?” said Tildanfin.
“Never mind that now,” said Legion. “I’ll tell you what you do. Make a sign and put it next to your station in the banquet hall. It will read; Festival race around Corsi. The first to cross the finish line at Emerald Sea Base is the winner! The winner will receive the civilian full scale production of Raptor. Get your people on it, Tilly. I want Devin to announce the contest at the first dance.”
“I’ve got someone for that.” Tildanfin turned and went back inside.
Legion watched as Tildanfin disappeared into the kitchen. “Well, how about that,” he said under his breath, “My boy; my boy.”
A moment later Cirro hovered through the kitchen door followed by Nico.
Legion, standing at the edge of the patio signaled for Cirro to wait by the Door. Nico hovered to the fern palms as if admiring the tropical flowers. He was like a Butterfly searching for a flower to pollinate.
Legion snickered. “I see you haven't lost your sense of humor, Nico.”
“I am blending with the landscape,” he said. Nico was bouncing up and down on a Crimson Rose.
Legion, amused replied, “I don’t know that you are blending with anything, Nico. It looks to me like you’re trying to go native with Elsinor’s rose bush.”
“I’m nervous,” said Nico. “Waiting for the Liometo to show their true intentions is giving me the feeling I should prepare for war.”
Legion sat on the patio table. He was head level with Nico. “You never know,” said Legion. “They have no other place to go. This is our territory, but I offered them work. They are a type three civilization. They can do very well here. This merger will be healthy for both our peoples.”
“What about this symbiote phenomenon?” Nico asked.
“It’s a refreshing state of mind,” replied Legion. “Being available to one’s self is fundamental for evolution. Yet, not having the patience to know your limits is a discipline worth developing. Competition is a healthy way to see those limits in the Liometo, as well as ourselves. I’ll tell you what let’s do. Let’s get you on board Raptor. And, like wise, let the Liometo show their stuff in a race around Corsi. Are you in or are you out, Nico.”
“In or out; that’s the question?” asked Nico.
“In or out, brother.” replied Legion. “It’s a chance to prove where you need to fortify your weak points.”
“I’m in,” said Nico. “And let that be a rule for the rogue group. They are either in a race or fugitives in the Corsi Star System.”
“So be it, Centurion,” ordered Legion. “Let your words stand as my Order. Cirro, did you hear this meeting between Centurion and Me?”
“I did,” replied Cirro.
“Disperse my order to all Military and civilians leaders at once. And, call Raptor, all stop. They will hold position to receive Nico threw the parallel side window at my mark. Let me know when they are ready.”
Cirro’s orb transmitted. “Ready when you are, Sir.”
“Go,” said Legion and Nico vanished.
“Protocol requires I tell you, the transfer is complete and Nico is now onboard Raptor.”
“I know,” said Legion. “I felt that, thank you. This is exciting.” Legion motioned with his fists churning round like a choo, choo train. “I feel like dancing, Cirro. Are you feeling it?”
“I am indeed, Sir,” said Cirro.
“Marvelous,” sang Legion. Legion stopped. He brought his hands together. He took a breath and watched Cirro hover in silence. He was flushing gold and red. “What troubles you, Cirro?”
Chapter 11
______________________________________________________
WELL IT’S ALL RIGHT
Well it’s all right
Riding around in the breeze
Well it’s all right
If you live the life you please
Well it’s all right
Doing the best you can
Well it’s all right
As long as you lend a hand
Well it’s all right
Even if the sun don’t shine
Well it’s all right
We’re going to the end of the line
The Traveling Wilburys – End of the Line, 1988
“I am concerned this splinter group has the old schism,” said Cirro.
“The loss of infinite perspective,” said Legion. “Then they are desperate for their lives.”
“How can it happen to a type three people?" asked Cirro. "The faster a wheel spins the more stable, right?”
“They are bumping against another wheel, Cirro,” said Legion. “This is residual, blowback from the collapse of their galaxy. They had to do things they did not want to do.”
“They have turned against the people who made them Elite. They have made them outcasts, and expendable,” said Cirro.
“Yes,” replied Legion, “A sacrifice. And, yet they are with us alive and well. So, you think their inner conflicts should be undone with our mastery of life?”
“We can’t let their conflict spillover into the Middle Corridor.”
“The thought is unthinkable, Sir. Lives are being threatened by allowing this hostility in our star system.”
“I don't agree, General,” replied Legion. “You will have to make sure that doesn’t happen. After all, you are the military leadership here. They are a crippled society in our territory.”
“I am going to request preemptive action based on the demonstrated hostilities.”
“You don’t make requests, General. I appreciate you running this by me, being Emperor and all. But, I am only brain storming and making speculations. You are the responsible party to quell this problem before it gets out of control. You don’t need my permission. You are considerate. I would only ask, please leave everyone living and breathing. Because we need all these folks back to a functional race. Show them how it is, Cirro. Give them the missing pieces. And don't make it too easy for them. Make them work.”
Cirro glowed bright white. His energy bolts glimmered gold and silver. “I have an idea, Sir.”
Legion smiled. “I can see that. Carry on, General.”
Cirro hovered away from the patio and shot up over the castle. He streaked through the archway in the dome.
Legion looked up to see Cirro flash straight out into space.
“That’s not something you see every day,” said the booming voice behind him.
Legion turned. “Grantham, Clorissa, come enjoy the moment with me. Cirro, without a shuttle, it does seem odd,” he said.
“The first dance is about to start, Your Majesty,” said Grantham.
“Well, then we will hope Cirro doesn’t freeze solid like an ice cube,” replied Legion pulling himself off the table.
“Why don’t they freeze?” asked Grantham. “It’s absolute zero out there.”
Legion smiled and shook his head. “That’s a mystery that wows me to this day. At absolute zero everything freezes, and yet, every atom continues to vibrate. With Amedan crystal, impulses can be amplified between the holes in their matrix. I call it, Mosquito navigation. Mosquitos are not supposed to navigate but who’s going to tell a Mosquito that?”
Legion opened the kitchen door. They went inside. They navigated through the banquet hall. They took up chairs at the Governor’s table. At length, Grantham spoke.
“Where was Cirro going in such a hurry?”
“I don’t know,” said Legion bursting into laugher. “He’s gone to save the planet. He had an idea then blasted out of here like superman.”
“That’s disturbing, but delightful,” said Clorissa, “From whom?”
“From himself,” replied Legion, “And from not seeing his duty to police the renegades.”
“Have these renegades broken maritime law?” asked Clorissa.
“Threats can be unlawful if there is means and opportunity,” said Legion. “This splinter group has weapons and starships to deliver ill will. In this case the threats are taken serious. General Cirro is applying a preemptive policy.”
“And what of Vito in the area?” asked Clorissa.
Legion nodded. “If the rogue group will reason with Vito and make a deal, they will save themselves from military action. The Interstellar Forces under General Stiller are of no concern. Or, they are not aware the fleet is orbiting Ameda.” He shrugged.
“Are they on a suicide mission?” said Clorissa.
“I hope not,” said Legion. “That would be careless.”
Tildanfin stepped up to the Governor’s table and presented himself at attention.
“Tilly, at ease,” said Legion. “What do you have?”
Tildanfin relaxed then spoke. “I received a message from the Mastodon. Cirro is onboard. They have broken from the main convoy and are on a heading to intercept the renegades.”
“Okay, thank you Tilly,” said Legion with concern.
Grantham leaned back in his chair taken by Legion’s sober expression. “What does this mean, Legion?”
Legion raised an eyebrow to Grantham’s question. He nodded. “It means; Cirro has brought up enough fire power to smash the renegade group. But, they could also wipe out the entire Liometo civilization, total annihilation.”
Grantham’s eyes went wide. He could not speak. He stuttered, “I can’t believe my ears,” he said. “You know this is Festival. It’s the time of year for celebrating our hard fought independence.”
“I know, Governor
Legion got interrupted by screams and banging at the top of the dome.
The Governor’s table craned their necks to look up. Shuttles were landing on the dome. Kids were jumping out on the dome and sliding down the transparent chrome. The sounds of yelling, screaming and laugher challenged the banquet hall. Liometo children were teaming with Marillians and Vallians. They rallied to the daring plunge into the waters of Shrine Lake.
“Ignorance is bliss, Governor,” said Legion.
Tildanfin made his way to his table smiling. He interrupted. “Good news, Sir. The rogue group is in negotiations with Vito.”
“Can we pick up their transmission?” asked Legion.
Asher dropped down from the overhead arches. “We can set up a holograph link on the stage above the orchestra.”
Legion turned to Asher. “Go ask Devin for permission. Then do exactly as he says. Go, my boy,” said Legion pointing to Devin on stage.
Raptor raced toward the rogue formation. Vito pointed to the weapons icon. Pawdell brushed his finger over the crossed hairs on the red target. He tapped the image of the lead ship in the holograph.
“Close the gate on the side bar,” said Vito taking a sip from his cup.
Pawdell tapped the gate and the display read: TARGET LOCKED ON.
“Hold steady, Paw,” said Vito. “We are in a game of chicken. The first one to blink loses; Stay calm, My Boy.”
Pawdell grinned from ear to ear.
“What’s so funny?” said Vito.
“Legion used to say that to me when I was growing up,” replied Pawdell, “Except, he would sing it. My Boy, My Boy. It was funny. It made me laugh.”
“Okay, Paw,” said Vito. “Turn our communications to the lead ship. Let’s see if they got the message.”
The viewer came alive. In a flash, the helm of the rogue ship was online. “They can see us, Sir. What did you what to say?”
Vito pointed his thumb at the viewer. “Tell them to disengage their weapons and maintain their position. Stop like a Black-hole in space. Make sure you say, please. It’s always good to be polite, Paw. And, oh yes,” continued Vito. “Say: ‘Do anything else and we'll blow you to kingdom come’. Then tell them, they have five seconds to comply or we open fire.”
The long hair leaned forward and spoke. “Hold your fire, Captain. We want to say something. It is our custom. And, I understand things are different here
“My name is Vito. You will find things here the same as where you came. Who do I have the pleasure of addressing?”
“Everyone knows me as Kyle. I want
“You are being taken into custody, Kyle. Until we sort things out, your band of misfits are going to answer to criminal charges. And that goes for your entire squadron. You boys are in a lot of trouble. Sit tight, Kyle. You are going to a processing ship. You can tell your story to them.”
“Marty, are you still there?” said Vito.
“Still here, Vito,” said Marty. “Looks like you have a desperate law breaker there.”
Vito replied. “I’m holding the rogue squadron. Do you want them, or do I call the Royal Neptune for processing?”
General Stiller stood with his hands on his hips. “If they haven’t threatened you or activated weapons, they are free to go through processing like any other guest. We will stand by until you secure your negotiations.”
“That will be welcome. Thank you, General.”
“Mastodon, standing by,” replied Stiller.
�
�Did you here that Kyle?” asked Vito. “Since you did not show aggression, you may continue to the process ship. There, you and your group will get clearance for health and means.”
“What’s this ‘means’ issue, Vito?” asked Kyle.
“Don’t worry about it, Kyle,” said Vito. “They want to know your work status, and your ability to support yourself. They will test you to get a feel for your aptitude, capacity, talents, skills, things like that.”
“Okay,” said Kyle in a cocksure tone. “We can do that.”
Nico hovered next to Vito. “I have an Amedan life-form on the lead ship,” he whispered.
“Thank you, Centurion,” replied Vito. “It’s Lao.”
“This is curious,” said Nico.
“Yes it is,” said Vito. “Only, what laws has he broken? We will pass this information to Marty and the Neptune.”
“Is there a problem, Captain Vito?”
Vito looked up. “We are waiting for the processing ship, Kyle. In the meantime, please explain the nature of your business with the Amedan citizen Lao?”
“Yes,” said Kyle. “He has offered us mining contracts in the Middle Corridor.”
“While you are working that out, you will find other projects at the annual Festival on Ameda. Get yourselves processed and we will see you this week.
By the way, there will be a race around our Corsi Star and back to Ameda. The prizes are big for first, second and third place. You might want to look into that if you have a fast ship.”
Kyle nodded, “I wasn’t aware of this. News isn’t always forth coming from our people.”
“Well, now you know,” said Vito. “Nice meeting you all.”
The viewer went dark. Vito leaned back in his chair. “I’m wondering, how many other Liometo want their independence. With freelance agents like Lao whispering in their ears, how can they think straight?”
Balrug spoke. “It's worth noting, Kyle did not deny the presence of Lao.”
“That’s true,” said Vito. He seems like a standup guy.”
“He is willing to gamble," said Balrug. "Someone you would bet on?”
