Revolutionary (The Athena Lee Chronicles Book 4)

by T S Paul

  My family, after so many years, I was both excited and anxious about seeing them. We had not parted on good terms. My Father was the head of the Planetary Militia; Colonel Alexander Lee. At last count I have two brothers and a sister. Our mother had died early in our lives. Hong Kong is a hard planet to adapt to for an off-worlders. Mother was from Mars. Mars has been colonized longer than any planet in the galaxy but not yet Terra-formed. Some progress has been made but full life support is needed to leave any city or hab. The gravity on Mars is 38% of that of Earth and 50% of Hong Kong. A combination of a heavier gravity and unfiltered air killed our mother. Her immune system could not handle the impact that our planet cause upon her. Growing up without my mother was very difficult. My older siblings helped to raise me. Father was too busy running a militia to run to take care of a small child. We were like tiny recruits to him. His legacy and that of our family defined my early childhood. As soon as I was of age and over the protests of my father I left. I wanted a career in space, not in the militia. Only one of my siblings had not joined up. Breaking from tradition David’s goal in life was to be that of a farmer. He was the gentlest man that I knew. He had been the first one that I had called after getting ‘rescued’. I can only imagine my family’s surprise to have me come back from the dead. Like a ‘hungry ghost’ I have reappeared in their lives. Trouble can only follow.

  As I had expected David’s message was an invitation to stay with him and his family. All I could do was smile. I was so looking forward to meeting his wife and children. I quickly sent him a thank you and gave him a approximate time of arrival. The local Government message was in legalese. Wilson told me that it was basically a “hey, your not dead! Here is your tax form,” kind of message. Death and taxes, there is no escape. My big sister Minerva, called Min by just about everyone, was now a Major with the Militia Fighter Command. Her message was short and sweet. “Glad you are alive, come and see me when you get in.” That was Min always to the point. My oldest brother Hannibal was also a Major in the Militia his message was tacked on to my Father’s “come home.” Taking a deep breath I quickly typed out a short message and sent it to my family.

  David was delighted to hear from me and sent me directions to his homestead. From the family I got a message received notification. No matter how much changes some things remain the same. My link chimed again. This message was from Fleet command informing me of my temporary assignment of being seconded to the FLEA facility to investigate both my new innovations. I was supposed to meet with Professor Kip Wilson the Head of Research at 9am the third day after docking. I had Wilson check into his background for me. Wilson had chuckled that he was “a Wilson investigating a Wilson”. Dr Wilson was a graduate of the Livingston school on New Africa. He had worked for the Gentry corporation and for Mishkin Manufacturing before being hired on by the Navy. He had been on his job for 5 years. He and his wife Buffy lived on the station. Buffy? What kind of name is that? She must be a big ol’ vamp to be with a geeky guy named ‘Kip’. I had Wilson download a map of the facility for me. It would not be good to get lost my first day on the job.

  “Prepare for Docking Maneuver! Secure all Hatches!”

  The ship began to shudder and shake a bit as it slid into the ships cradle inside Legation Station.

  “Docking Complete. Adjusting to External Gravity. Security to the Main Hatch.”

  We would be docked here for a minimum of 8 weeks. Time enough to repair the outer layers of our armor and finish a few upgrades that only a station could do. The Research facility was on a separate smaller station nearby it was a hassle but there was a daily shuttle service. The navy had been concerned for the safety of Legation Station and had moved the FLEAS out. Cause one little explosion on the job and you get relocated. Or at least that was what I heard.

  .

  ___

  I had a bit of a spring in my step as I walked off the James Cook onto Legation Station. This was the first time I had been on ‘home’ ground since before the end of the war. I only had a few off and I wanted to enjoy them. The ships loading bay and passenger ramp gave way to a hallway filled with advertisements for station entertainment and planetary locales. Passing through secruity I entered the Station. Wow, the inside was huge. It’s builders had left the core of it open so looking up you could almost see to the top, over a mile away. Tiny lights inset into the walls gave the illusion of space. Since the Sector Government was located here the station had 3 main parts. Housing, offices, and entertainment. Very pricey entertainment. Only the elite lived on this station. I followed the signs toward the shuttle bay passing hawkers for adult and exotic entertainment. Funny finding that sort of thing on a Government station. A few drunk looking sailors and scantily dressed women passed me as I walked. Leaving the main part of the station I approached the shuttle bay. Large signs proclaimed ‘escorted’ tours of the system in a party atmosphere. Shaking my head at the display I boarded the planet bound shuttle.

  Apparently there are two shuttles. One that takes workers and official visitors to and from the station. That is not the one that I got on. The other shuttle takes Liberty bound sailors and crew to the red light district or Sofokleous part of town. As I climbed off the shuttle Wilson popped into my head and said “Now Leaving Nun central…” Whatever else he might have said was lost in he deafening roar of music, laughter, and shouting that filled my ears. Nightclubs, casino’s, strip joints and neon as far as the eye could see. Lots and lots of neon. Checking my location I followed a group of young looking marines toward a quieter part of town, or so I thought. An archway sign proclaimed this to be the De Walletjes district. The roadway was lined with one room ‘cabins’. Each cabin was fronted by a large picture window that showed scantily clad men and women. Wilson started shouting “shake it baby, shake it” as we passed by a window with belly dancers. The dancing women gave way to dancing men. At one point I had to stop and watch. His pole dancing was very good. The moment turned raunchy when Wilson asked “is the the Foot Long?” I shushed him and we hurried out of the district. The shops became more normal as we progressed. I finally found a cab stand and secured transportation.

  The cab driver was surprised at my destination. “Most of you spacer folk go hang out in the red light area’s. This is the first time I have gotten one of you xeno’s.”

  He was using the local name for off worlders or strangers. I peered over the seat and saw his government license and read his name; Rick Gassko. “Well Rick, I’m a local. I was born on this planet. My FAMILY helped found this world so don’t you go calling me a stranger.”

  “Sorry, sorry no offense ma’am. Most from this planet don’t join the Empire military.” He kept watching me in the mirror.

  “I have been away for a long time because of the war. This is my first time home in a long, long time. Did you serve?” He looked surprised at my question.

  “No ma’am. Not in the PPL. I was a truck driver in the militia when I served out my year. After I got out I kept driving but a cab not a truck.” He was looking at me with fresh eyes. More respectable now he asked me “would I know your family ma’am? I know many of the old families.”

  I chuckled. “You should, my father is Colonel Alexander Lee.” The cab stuttered as Rick almost slammed on the brakes.

  “You are one of those Lee’s? Whooo. Wait! You are the one that died! The Engineer? Wait till I tell the boys back at the company that I had …was it Debbie?.. In the cab.”

  “No not Debbie, my name is Athena. How did you know about me being an engineer?”

  “The Planetary Governor Stoner gave a speech on veterans day about war vets and the good news of your rescue. Did you really blow up a navy destroyer all by yourself?” Now he was staring at me.

  I noticed that the cab had stopped. We were in front of a modest farmhouse with a white picket fence around it. There was freshly tilled farmland as far as the eye could see. Turning back to Rick I told him, “not exactly. A really stupid officer disobeyed orders and took his sh
ip into a minefield. I was responsible for the mines.” Gathering my things I stepped out of the cab. “Thank you Rick. I may call for you again.”

  He took the money that I offered and told me anytime. I watched as he drove away.

  The smells of roses and cherry blossoms filled the air. Someone here enjoyed flowers. Large beds of local flowers surround the front porch of the house. I took a deep breath it really was good to be home. I opened the garden gate and walked down the cobblestone path. Up three steps and I was on the porch. Ringing the bell I took a step back and waited.

  Chapter 3

  I could hear footsteps and the knob on the door began to turn. The door opened and a dark haired woman opened the the door. The womans eyes widened as she looked at me.

  “Athena? Are you Davids sister Athena?”

  I nodded my head and answered her. She immediately hugged me and yelled for David. Not a meek and quiet girl. Good. David needed a strong presence in his life. My brother David came down the steps in the house saying “did you just call me, I thought I heard the door.” He glanced in my direction and froze.

  “Athena?” He came over and gave me a big hug. Smiling at me he said “it is you! Great to see you! I see you found the place.”

  I looked at the both of them. “Do I look that different? A little older but I’m still the same person.”

  My brother laughed and said “after 15 years of just looking at pictures the real thing looks a bit strange.”

  “So I’m strange now am I?” punching him in the arm. He looked at me surprised and busted out laughing.

  “Athena, this is my wife Bethany.” I smiled at him and gave her a hug.

  “Lets go inside and catch up.” My brother linked his arm with mine and led me into his home. Inside was a nice living room with comfy looking furniture and lots and lots of family pictures on the walls. A family shrine to the ancestors was set up in the corner. A series of my pictures were there, along with our grandparents and several ancestors from Earth. I felt honored.

  David, seeing the direction I was looking in, got embarrassed. “I’m sorry Athena we should have moved those the the ‘living’ wall but you know the custom. Once the priests check and make sure you are not a ‘hungry ghost’ they will re-bless the altar and remove the pictures. As a matter of fact I believe that Father Glick is supposed to be at the compound to check you out tomorrow.”

  I groaned and shook my head. Wonderful, Father Ignatius Glick. You would think that that old guy would be long past dead by now. Religion on the planet Hong Kong was very interesting to say the least. The founding families were religious refugees. Our first settlers were a mixture of Taoist and Shinto followers. When the Canadian colonists reached us they had their own beliefs. Christianity did not last long here. Many followed other beliefs, hence the reason for their exile. Neo-paganism and followers of FSM were the predominate religion. When the Greeks arrived they added aspects of Greek Orthodox mixed with Greco-Roman paganism. A giant melting pot of guilt and ritual. After 200 years what we have is unique, but for us it works.

  My brother gave me a short tour of the house. In the basement was a full audio and video set up like a small theater. It was there that we found his two children.

  “Min, Herc come say hello to your Aunt Athena.” Both of the children barely looked up from the games they were playing. “I need to you to at least say hello. Can we have your attention please?” The kids finally looked up and scrutinized me with sharp eyes.

  “Which aunt is she?” asked the young girl.

  “The dead one” replied my brother.

  “Cool,” said my nephew. They both looked back at their tablets and ignored us.

  David looked at me raising his hands in a ‘what the hell’ motion. We went back upstairs. He got me settled in the guest room and left me alone for a while. I took the time to change out of my navy uniform into something more civilian. When we visited the rest of the family I would need to put my uniform back on. Military decorum or something.

  David was out on the porch when I came downstairs. I made myself a glass of tea and sat down next to him.

  “It’s pretty out here. You found a nice place.” Our planet was very picturesque. We sat her watching the boats go by on the nearby river. Asian junks surrounded by hovercraft and speedboats. Many were private yachts or fisherman. As a people we mix the old with the new. David and I chatted about his farm and the things that he grew on it. After a while we left the porch and wandered the farm poking into storage sheds and just hanging out. We came to one of his freshly turned fields. David squatted down and scooped up a handful of the rich black earth.

  Allowing the dirt to trickle through his fingers he told me of the new laws and the problems that they brought with them. Being Empire citizens was much harder than the old PPL. Too many of the new laws hurt our farmers. The sector government has allowed so much disgraceful things to our world.

  “Yes, I saw that ‘red light’ district that is at the spaceport. How could our people allow that to be built?”

  “The land it is on was deeded to the Empire Government for space facilities and support functions. Apparently their idea of support is much different than ours. We ignore it, for the most part, consider it a cost of doing business with the Empire.”

  “Tell me more about those farming laws. How do they affect you personally?” I looked at my brother, now interested in his life.

  “The new law is in two parts. The first part is in the form of a tithe to the government of 40% of the gross product grown. In other words if I raise 100 cattle I have to give 40 of them to the government. They aren’t paying for them either. It’s a tithe or gift to them. The second part are the crop Levies. The Government pays us their rate for 50% of our product to be used for troop rations. That 50% comes off the top of our portion after the tithe. The rate they pay us is lower than the market, much lower. So that only leaves us 10% to sell at the higher rate. Some of my friends are having to sell off property or equipment just to pay their workers. Whenever they sell off property, offworlders buy it up and build more casino’s or strip clubs on it. We researched these laws on other worlds and they don’t exist. Everything is coming from the Sector Governor. He has all the power here.”

  I told David about my run ins with the two Sector Governor’s. We both shook our heads at the corruption that surrounded us. Checking the time we had to hurry. We were expected at the “Compound” in an hour for the big family dinner. Oh, boy this should be fun.

  ___

  I took a quick shower and put my dress uniform on. I used to really hate these kinds of family dinners. It was like a parade growing up. My father would have ‘work’ dinners and we children would line up to be inspected. I always felt like a piece of meat being auctioned off. Hopefully this experience would be better. I love my family but sometimes they really piss me off!

  They sent the limo to pick us up. Another thing my family is good at is showing off. We got David’s family loaded up into the limo. I will have to admit, my family does have style, the transport was the latest model with all the bells and whistles. David’s place was fairly close to the family compound, right on the edge. Being colonial founders had its perks. By pooling their settlement credits our family had secured a huge section of land that was over 300 square miles. We don’t have that much these days, it has been over 100 years. The limo was now on a long 2 lane road. We passed a few quiet farmsteads and a small neighborhood. I looked at David “those are new.”

  He looked back at the small row houses and replied. “Yes, father though it might help to have our workers closer to their jobs. They had a few issues with employees going to the casino or other red light areas.”

  I shook my head. “I still can’t believe all that is here. So much for my sleepy little farm planet.”

  The limo was now approaching a massive gate done in a gothic style. The driver pulled up to a small control box and inserted a key card. The gates slowly rolled back as the car pulled forw
ard. Ahead was a winding road with trees on either side of the road. The very tip or what could be a building peaked up over a line of trees. Soon the main house came into view. My eyes delighted in the sight of home after so long. My mind however just shook its imaginary head and sighed. One of our ancestors about 60 years ago thought it would be fun to rebuild the family manor in a historical style. If he had picked a more classic style that would have been grand. But no. We grew up in a classic Lucas style. I was born in Jabba’s Palace. My father did a little creative remodeling but the house still looked like a giant mushroom. Seeing the valet and other cars I groaned. Not an intimate family gathering. Instead this will be public and filled with pain. Oh joy.

  As a group we exited the limo and walked up to the door. The doorman recognizing David, allowed us to enter. Not much had changed it seemed. The entranceway led into the main salon (fathers name for it) which was filled with people drinking and socializing. Many of the guests raised their glasses to David and his wife in recognition. Then their beady little eyes turned to me. The only Empire officer in a room filled with Militia. Wonderful.