Hesitating, looking to the right, Michael noticed the entrance to the bridge wasn’t far. But he knew his father would only tell him to take the drog back to its habitat. He was sure he didn’t need permission to do that.
“Come on, girl.” Together, boy and drog headed aft and down the corridor. Up ahead, he could see the energized, softly illuminated DeckPort. He knew how they worked. Had used DeckPorts several times before so, without another thought, he reached down and grabbed a fistful of the drog’s furry neck. Entering the DeckPort, Michael maintained a focused image of the Zoo in his mind. As soon as they stepped out onto Deck 1, he grimaced. Crap! Suddenly remembering he wasn’t supposed to use the DeckPorts. Shrugging it off, he thought, Hey, the thing worked just fine.
Arriving at the Zoo entrance, Michael heard sounds coming from close by. He slowed his pace down, tentatively following in the direction of someone humming a tune. Halfway down the corridor, Michael noticed it was the robot humming a tune, as it stood in front of one of the Zoo’s portal windows.
“Hi, Two-ton!”
The robot stopped what it was doing. “Hey, little man … what’s kicking?”
“Alice needs to go to the bathroom. But I don’t remember the right habitat to take her to.”
Two-ton, first setting a large tool down on top of a toolbox, hurried over to them. “Come with me.”
The Parcical’s Zoo configuration was different than those on other Star Watch vessels. Although there were more habitats on the ship, they consumed far less physical space—using a carousel configuration that exposed only four habitat portals at any one time.
Two-ton led the way to the Zoo’s main access panel. After doing something on the touchpad, the four habitat portals changed, becoming completely different. “Come with me,” the robot said. Two portals farther down, Two-ton entered an access code.
Michael said, “I know what the access code is … what the four symbols are.”
“Okay … good for you,” Two-ton said.
The portal window disappeared and Alice quickly leapt into the habitat. They watched the drog disappear into the thick foliage beyond.
“You want to wait for her?” Two-ton asked.
“Naw … I can come back and get her later.”
They stepped back into the corridor. Two-ton reinitialized the portal window, then asked, “You want to help me with the other habitat?”
“Sure!”
* * *
“Hand me that shiny part next to your foot, Michael.”
Michael picked up the three-foot-long strip of outer flashing and handed it up to the robot. “What does it do?”
“I don’t know for sure. It’s probably decorative, doesn’t really do anything.” Two-ton positioned the outer flashing, then snapped it into place. “I think that’s it.” Looking around the corridor deck, the robot said, “No extra pieces … that’s always a good thing,” and tapped a series of keys at the control panel.
Michael stood at the window, watching the habitat beyond them come alive. “What’s in there?”
Two-ton, now standing at his side, asked, “What do you mean? You can see what’s in there, and it isn’t much.”
“Have you gone inside … like, walked around in there?”
“No.”
“Why not?”
“Why would I? There’s nothing to do in there.”
“Can I?”
“Walk around in there?”
“Yeah.”
Michael stared up to the big robot’s face and wondered if the robot was as dumb as it looked. But it did figure out how to put the portal back together, so it had to be a little smart. “Go ahead and open it up … let me take a look,” Michael said.
Two-ton stared down at the boy for several beats, then turned to study the habitat and the uninteresting landscape lying beyond. “All right … but just for a little while.”
Michael nodded. “Yeah … just a little while.”
Two-ton tapped a series of keys on the access panel. A single beep sounded and he tried tapping the keys again. Beep.
Michael said, “It’s supposed to give three beeps.”
“I know that.”
“Well, then, you’re entering the wrong code.”
“Evidently, but the same code opens all HABs with the same level of security.”
“Let me try,” Michael said, pushing Two-ton out of the way. “Come on … step back!” Standing on his tippy-toes to reach the access pad, he tapped the first four symbol keys consecutively—one after another.
Two-ton said, “That’s not the correct code …” just as the habitat portal window opened.
Michael, recalling that the garage door keypad on his mother’s house back on Earth had been improperly programmed, remembered the default code—and that tapping the first four keys, one after the other, did the trick. It evidently worked on habitats too.
“It’s different in there now. Looks nothing like it did before,” Michael said, staring up at the robot, whose mechanical head was now tilted to one side. Michael’s doubts were renewed about the robot’s supposedly high intelligence. Taking a confident step over the portal threshold, he entered the habitat. “Don’t just stand there … come on, Two-ton.”
Two-ton hesitated, perhaps concerned about entering. “Okay, but just for a quick look around, then we’re coming right back out.”
“Uh huh … just come on.”
Michael, his brow furrowed, took in their nearby surroundings. What he’d viewed only moments before, a flat and unimpressive habitat, was now far more interesting. Even the time of day was different. He figured it must be late afternoon, or early evening. In the not so far distance away, he noticed a city, of sorts. Or, at least, what once was a city. The buildings were mere shells of what they probably looked like at one time. Some were only building skeletons, while others still had some walls in place. The road leading into the city was sporadically overgrown with tall grasses and plants. Abandoned—rusted out and dilapidated—vehicles were strewn along both sides of the road they were walking along. They didn’t look anything like the cars back on Earth. Most had stubby wings—maybe one time capable of flying. He wasn’t sure.
“What happened here, Two-ton?”
“I’m not sure.”
“Is there anyone here … anyone living here?”
Two-ton, tilting its head again, looked down at Michael. “Yes … my sensors detect a life form. Yep … there is one person.”
“What kind of person?”
“Like you, a humanoid.”
“A kid like me?”
“No. Definitely not a kid.”
The two continued on their way, heading into the city. Michael, his eyes drawn to the long shadows cast by the ruined city’s jagged skyline, moved closer to Two-ton. Knowing there was someone else here, possibly hiding in the shadows, made him rethink coming there was such a good idea.
“Do your sensors tell you where the person … the humanoid … is?”
“Yes, we’re close.”
“How close? Why don’t you just tell me where he is?” They were now walking within the city proper.
“You see that building—the one that’s darkest—up ahead?”
“The one that’s still pretty much all in one piece?”
“That’s the one. The humanoid is in there. And the humanoid is now on the move.”
“Maybe we should go back … get out of here.”
Two-ton looked down at Michael. “You are frightened.”
“I am not—” Michael stopped speaking mid-sentence, his attention drawn to the approaching figure, who had emerged out from the front of the dark building. “I think he knows we’re here.”
“Evidently so.”
“Will you … um … protect me? You know, if he’s crazy or something?”
“Count on it. I have a SuitPac thingamajig. I’ll lay him out like a mad man. I’ll bitch-slap him into tomorrow.”
Michael almost smiled at that, but the man’
s fast approach, now running toward them, had captured his entire attention. “Wait … he’s … he’s just an old guy.”
“Good. Maybe I won’t have to bitch-slap him after all.”
The man’s chest was heaving as perspiration dripped off his matted wisps of white hair. “Where … where did you come from? Who are you!?” the old man asked.
All fears Michael had just moments before were instantly dispelled. The old guy was clearly no threat. “You first. Who are you? What are you doing all alone in this place?”
Looking from Michael to Two-ton, then down again at Michael, he said, “My name is Gus … people usually call me Ol’ Gus.”
“What people?” Two-ton asked, looking around.
“The people I used to know, when I wasn’t trapped here … in this place.” The old man leaned forward, staring at Michael with even more intensity. “You look familiar, boy.”
Michael took in the old man’s stained and faded shirt—his torn and baggy pants. “Well … I don’t remember meeting you. What did you say your name was?”
“I’m Gus. Gus Reynolds.”
Michael smiled. “Hey … I’m a Reynolds, too. I’m Michael Reynolds. Maybe we’re related.”
“Oh, you most definitely are related,” Two-ton said. “Share the same familial DNA, according to my bio-scans.”
The old man began blinking his moist eyes rapidly. “Who’s your father? Tell me his name.”
“His name is Jason. And he’s a Star Watch captain.”
Michael wasn’t really sure what was going on with this old guy. He seemed to be having some kind of fit, or something. His legs wobbled as he lowered his body down to sit on the street. “I’ve been living here for … let’s see, how long has it been? I think it’s been twenty years now …” He looked at Michael with a pained expression. “I raised your father, and his brother, Brian. I think I’m your great grandfather, young man. You see, Jason, your father … well, he’s my grandson.”
“No way … really?”
“Yeah … think so.”
“So, my Grandad Perry is your son?”
The tears started to stream down. “He’s … he’s still alive?”
“Granddad? Oh yeah, he’s definitely still alive. He’s the fleet Omni now. That used to be my dad’s job, but now it’s Grandad’s.” Michael watched Gus’s eyes lose their intent focus, as if he was remembering something from his past.
“I thought he was killed by the aliens. I thought they all had …”
Two-ton said, “Let me get this straight. You’ve been trapped in this habitat for twenty years?”
Gus nodded then shrugged. “Escaped into it … from The Lilly’s Zoo. Was being chased by … a contingent. Of aliens.” He focused again. “You must be from The Lilly.”
“No, we’re not. We’re from the Parcical,” Michael said.
“The Lilly was destroyed ten years ago. But Caldurian vessels often share the same access to various habitats,” Two-ton said, sitting down on the road across from Gus. “Tell me, why couldn’t you leave here? Why couldn’t you use the same access code you used to enter in the first place? Use it to leave … to get out?”
“I didn’t need to use an access code as the portal was already open. I simply ran inside here … was running for my life. The damn aliens—”
“The Craing?” Two-ton interjected.
“Yes! That’s right! Horrible, vicious aliens. They stormed The Lilly. I’d just come out of the … um … what’s that thing called? Med … Medi …”
“A MediPod?” Michael volunteered.
“That’s right. A MediPod. Anyway, I thought the Craing aliens had killed everyone, including my son. It was so terrible.”
“So you ran into this place? This habitat?”
“That’s right. The truth is … I haven’t given the habitat portal much thought over the years. I’ve made a home for myself here, pretty sure that the insurgent alien forces had taken the ship. That, and with my son killed … I didn’t see any great reason to leave.”
“Really? You were content to live here?” Two-ton asked skeptically.
“Don’t let these surroundings fool you. Things are not what they seem. This is actually an amazing place.”
“I’ll take your word for it,” Two-ton said. “And you haven’t seen anyone for twenty years?”
“I didn’t say that, either,” Gus answered back. “Like you said … this habitat is accessible from other ships. As of course it should be, being the Executive Habitat Control Hub.”
* * *
Michael and Two-ton followed Ol’ Gus towards the front facade of the dark gray building. He was excited to show them where he lived, explain what the city was all about.
Before entering the front entrance, Two-ton asked, “Excuse me, but your age. You’re over ninety years old, but you don’t appear a day over seventy.”
“I’ve had some time to think about that. Truth is, I don’t think I’ve aged a day since I entered here. Not sure why. I figured it had something to do with the habitat.”
Michael watched Two-ton ponder on that, then reply, “No … it was probably the MediPod. How it was configured at the time. It’s an option on those things. Both your son and grandson, they too haven’t aged. Not for several years now.”
Ol’ Gus simply nodded at that information as he opened one of two giant, swinging glass doors. “Come on in.”
Michael entered first and immediately went wide-eyed in disbelief. Two-ton spun around, also taking in the amazing scene.
“Ah, this explains the high-power readings I’ve been picking up.”
Michael noticed that his great grandfather was smiling ear to ear, like he’d waited a long time to show it off to someone … anyone. Standing within the large compartment, even Michael’s youthful, inexperienced eyes could tell the design work was Caldurian, like compartments on the Jumelle, even how the Parcical looked.
“This is the Executive Habitat Control Hub,” Gus said. “It’s basically where habitats are created.”
“Ricket’s been looking for this place. Never thought to look within one of the habitats itself,” Two-ton said.
Gus quickly turned around and stared up at Two-ton. “Oh my … Ricket’s still alive?”
Chapter 10
Dira’s frustration was growing by the second. Looking at his expression now, slightly perplexed but still smiling, she knew the Omni hadn’t heard what she had. Glancing around the room, all the hoopla—the elaborate party; this ridiculous celebration—could it merely be a cover up for a well-orchestrated conspiracy? That would mean that King Gallderaunt had played them. If that was so, the stakes were now incredibly high. She needed to speak to the Omni—now, and in private.
The Alliance officer contingents, now being ushered out of the main salon, entered into a wide corridor, where entire walls—covered in elaborately designed tapestries—showed scenes depicting various war battles. Led by kings, riding on animals not that different from horses on earth. Armed knights assumed watchful positions around them, as King Gallderaunt led the procession onward, quickening his pace. His son, Prince Lhore, was bringing up the rear, and Dira could feel his eyes on her backside. Pig.
She leaned in closer to the Omni, and said, “I need to speak with you, Omni.”
Surprised by her dire expression, he whispered back, “Can it wait? It looks like we’re going to sign some more documents. Not unexpected … this is a business trip, after all. There’s more to it than tall glasses of Tanganine and festive music, my dear.”
“There’s something deceptive going on. I’m telling you, you’re clueless to what’s really happening!”
He stared at her with irritation. “I’m going to let that slide … since you are my daughter-in-law. But remember your place; you’re still a U.S. fleet officer.”
“And you’re an old fool if you can’t see that we’ve been conned. That this, whatever it is, is not an intergalactic alliance, but an actual invasion in process!”
The Omni’s anger fled—replaced by confusion. The king, ahead, was laughing at something one of the fleet officers said. Leaning closer to Dira, he whispered, “No, I didn’t hear any of that. You’re probably mistaken.”
“Jordanians have excellent hearing … far better than humans. I heard what I heard, and we are not being marched together like this to sign more documents. You need to come to terms with the fact that, at this very moment, Alliance space … Sol … is in great jeopardy. Not to mention all of us here.”
His anger back, the Omni silently fumed. Dira heard him mutter the word fuck under his breath. Led toward the far opposite end of the fortress, they slowly exited out through a massive wooden door into the cool evening.
Allied fleet personnel were becoming uneasy now too. More and more often, Dira observed their heads turning in the direction of their leader—the Omni. Periodically, he would offer back a confident nod, or a reassuring smile, but soon even that stopped. Things weren’t right, so there was no point in pretending they were.
They were being herded toward a winding pathway that cut through the jagged rock landscape. Where it led, Dira didn’t know, but what she did know was that someone needed to take action before they reached that unknown destination. She knew NanoCom transmissions weren’t an option for deep-space communications back to the Sol System. She attempted a hail to Orion who, supposedly, was still within range, back on the Jumelle. The connection clicked, seemed to be going through all right, only to go silent a moment later. She’d never experienced her NanoCom not working before.
Ascending a wide stairway, which seemed to be hand-hewn into the rocks, they climbed up, either two or three abreast. One of the officers, whom Dira thought was Admiral Wright, asked, “What is this all about, Your Majesty? This is quite irregular.”
Scrapyard LEGACY (Star Watch Book 6) Page 6
