“OK, but he will know about it. We’ll be committed to chatting with him. What’s your plan?”
“I’m gonna find out who he is. After that, we’ll see where he’s headed. Right now, he’s headed out of the system. No real heading. Strange.”
“Maybe he’s in trouble.”
“Maybe. Here goes.” Jak scanned Jona’s gunner and Jona immediately recognized it.
“Hmm, that didn’t take long,” Jona thought. “I’m ready! Who’s this?” Jona said as he opened a channel. “I know you scanned me.”
Jak answered, “Ha! Chanko Renn? That you?”
“No,” Jona answered. “My name is Rayne. Was Chanko your friend?”
“Why are you in his ship? Where is he?” Nell asked.
“Huh,” Jona huffed. “I see you two. What do you want?”
Jak asked, “Where’s Chanko?”
“Well,” Jona muttered. “Chanko and I got in a fight. You know? He’s always fighting about something.”
“Yeah,” Nell replied. “And?”
Jona grunted and said, “He shoulda never challenged me. Sorry. He didn’t survive. This is my ship, now. But, not for long.”
“You mean to tell me you fought against Chanko and you beat him? I don’t believe it. He was the best.”
“Nope,” Jona said. “No one is as good as me. I can’t believe you never heard of me.”
Jak and Nell were quiet for a moment, believing his words. Jak asked, “What do you mean ‘not for long?’”
“My ship might just break apart if I try to enter an atmosphere and land. I think my wing is damaged. No stabilizer, I think.”
“Oh,” Jak nodded. “Head toward us, we’ll head toward you and take a look.”
“Pfft!” Jona said. “I don’t trust you. You just want to blow me apart because of Chanko. I might as well try to land and burn up.”
Nell replied, “Rayne, no. We’ll help. Besides, the way you lost those runners, that was nice! Let us help. C’mon?”
Jona was silent for a moment. He knew he had made contact and had them believing. He didn’t want to sound too excited. He also fretted about his made-up story. Was Chanko dead? He also had no idea who they were, only that they had followed the Kori Dane and Wildfire from Xeraxes.
“Yeah,” he grunted. “I got nothing to lose.”
…
Meanwhile, on the other side of the constellation, in the 4th system - Peridius, a small squadron of High Guard attack ships entered the atmosphere of the planet, Ta’Jeon. The six High Guard attack ships were on a distinct trajectory from the east. The attack posture of the guard ships was very deliberate so that Merrick could, without a doubt, identify their intention.
They were escorting an Interplanetary Class 2 gunship. Gunships were large spacecraft and could carry small groups. This gunship carried a dozen soldiers, each carrying phaser rifles, night vision helmets, and phase-armored gear.
Merrick was awakened at a very late hour – 2:30 am. His covert COM Center informed him of the impending attack upon their secondary compound, south of his location. According to Merrick’s men, they were seven minutes out.
The stealthy guard attack ships, Thunder Group, escorted a lone gunship. Thunder Group were one-manned ships and designated dark-blue with light-green pin-striping, sleek, fast, and capable of launching rockets and phaser fire. The six attack ships entered the orbit of Ta’Jeon, attempting to bear down upon Merrick’s secondary covert compound located south of his home and main compound. His secondary compound lay on the edge of a forest and confined many victims of Merrick’s rule while serving as the queen’s puppet. At one time, the compound held the 5th Prime, his daughter, Lorin, and Boone’s Night Star.
Trailing just a few minutes behind the six guard attack ships lagged a guard gunship carrying a dozen guardsmen. They were intent on taking the compound, capturing Merrick’s men, and freeing hostages.
The sky force entered the ionosphere, cut through some high clouds and descended into a dark sky from a high altitude, speeding toward Merrick’s secondary compound. Even though the six ships had a planned and dedicated mission, they were also serving as a military tactic – a diversion. A second High Guard force, a dozen attack ships, four interplanetary Class 2 gunships, each carrying a dozen guardsmen, were flying on the deck avoiding radar. The force flying on the deck were racing toward Merrick’s main compound located in the heart of the city, Tala’Veegen. Their overall intent was to use the sky force to draw Merrick’s gunners toward them while the main force flying on the deck could bear upon the main compound. The main force flying on the deck went unnoticed.
Merrick darted for the control room, ascertained the situation, and notified all of his personnel in both of his compounds. His main compound, the base of his operations which was also his home, lay deep inside the city of Tala’Veegen. He ordered every gunner from his compound on the outskirts of the city – six gunners to engage the oncoming six High Guard gunships. He ordered every one of his gunners from his personal compound, nine gunners, to assist. His main compound was left unprotected.
…
Boone awoke to find himself in a large glass-walled room with holo-emitters hanging above his bed. As his focus began to return, he noticed the three doctors and four nurses standing next to his bed. As they chatted, he looked past them and saw a small group standing in the corridor. Mace was the first to see him open his eyes.
Every member of his teleportation mission was there, including Phia. When they learned he was awake, she pranced up to the large window and peered in, hoping to catch Boone’s eye.
“Well!” Dr. Curran said. “You awoke right on time! Boone, your surgery went quite well. We’ve patched you up and you should be feeling good. Am I right?”
“Uh, I think so.” Dr. Curran nodded as the other doctors and nurses gathered around him. “We need you to rest so your wounds can heal. We’ll get you up on your feet in about eighteen hours. OK?”
Boone nodded and tried to listen carefully as his mind began to recall what had happened. It was then he noticed Gunner sitting inside the room and near the door. “He’s protecting me.”
“Boone?” Dr. Curran asked. “We need your permission to, well, we would like to access your recent surgery. Understand?”
Boone had to think. “Uh, you mean Dr. Weimar’s, Dr. Vensin’s work? Sure? Why?”
“You’re a medical mystery, Boone. Thank you!” he exclaimed as they immediately lowered the holo-emitters and began scanning his inwards.
One doctor dimmed the lights in the room as a nurse accessed a nearby COM and Boone’s previous surgical history appeared within the hologram. They saw the Nano’s attacking Boone’s body. That brought a glare of concern on his face but they were mesmerized by it and continued chatting, joyfully. They saw the damage the Nano’s created then they saw the procedure and its end result.
They all discussed the procedure and were amazed as Boone lay still. He smirked and sighed about the whole ordeal.
“Doctor?” Boone asked. “Could you check for Nanos? Right now?”
He smiled. “Boone, you don’t have any Nanos in you. If you did, you would know it.”
“But, what if some of the Nanos had the ability to be inert or dormant. Then they wake up later. What’s the possibility?”
“If you had Nanos in you, we’d see them right now. Understand? You’ve nothing to worry about.”
“But what if some of them had the ability to hide from the scans or maybe they are made of different stuff that can’t be detected? What about that?”
“Look,” he answered as he smirked. “You’re afraid. I don’t blame you. But Boone, you don’t have any Nanos in you. OK? Trust me? Now, I’m going to let your friends in. Everyone wants to see how you’re doing.”
“No!” he blared. “Doc, tell them I’m not seeing anyone. Tell them they’ll have to wait. I need my rest. OK? Except for Officer Kola. I need to see him, immediately. Please? Send the others away. That’s my request
.”
Dr. Curran was surprised. He said, “Boone, you understand that we repaired your stab wound? You need to be still for another eighteen hours but you’re doing great. You’ll walk out of here soon.”
“Please? Doc!” he insisted.
The doctor nodded then they all left. Kola entered his room. Kola glanced at Gunner and nodded at him, pleased that he took the initiative to provide protection. Kola approached his bedside.
“Boy! Boone! Can’t you stay out of trouble?” he chuckled lightly.
“Hmm,” he muttered. “I’d love to but, now, you see? Trouble follows me everywhere. Kola, I tell ya, I’m cursed with this… this…”
“You’re not cursed, Boone. It just goes to show you, you’re in the fight. You’re doing something good and people will hate it. I know what I’m talking about. Now, you’re not letting them in? Are you crazy? They are so worried about you!”
“Kola, you see what’s happening? You see what’s going on? The commander and the captain hate me and so does everyone on this ship.”
“No, Boone. Not everyone. Not the captain. The commander, I can see that!”
“Kola, I know you have a reserve weapon. Right? Something small?”
“No! I’m not giving you a weapon!”
Then Gunner appeared next to Kola. Kola was startled. “Sir,” the large man said as he moaned. “They tried to kill him.” Kola glared at Gunner then at Boone. “Have you ever had to defend your life without a weapon? It’s the worst thing in the universe.”
Kola nodded and frowned. “OK, but once we are done investigating, you’re giving it back. Understand?”
Boone nodded and said, “I won’t kill anyone. I promise. You can trust me.”
“I can’t give it to you here and now. Everyone is watching. I’ll slip it to Gunner and he’ll slip it to you. Keep it under your leg! Got that?”
“Yes! I will! And thanks, I’ll be able to sleep, now. What about the investigation?”
“They are on it. Don’t worry. Now, why won’t you let them see you?”
Boone grimaced.
…
Idal was hovering down a long corridor with Jeody not far behind. The task assigned to Idal was strictly a ploy to perform vital scans within the High Guard’s communication facility. Jeody thought it best to remain behind and monitor Idal’s progress out of view.
Idal was floating several feet above the floor. She moseyed up to the main entrance of the Royal Com Center carrying two large trays of foods and fruits – one each in her thin robotic arms.
Idal, painted purple in order to fit into the regal surroundings, had a dark blue sash draped over her shoulder. The sash was only allowed to be worn by highly decorated officers. Idal had found one. The sash extended from her shoulders, down across her torso, and hung inches from the floor. Idal was emitting an upbeat noisy-some piece of music while humming and mumbling to herself.
As she approached the guarded entrance, she muttered to the beat of the music, “I… am… Idal… Yes! I’m-here-to-serve! Boom! Boom-boom-boom! I… am… Idal… Yes! I’m-here-to-serve! Boom! Boom-boom-boom!”
The guards glared at her and at the sash she wore. “It’s lunchtime!” she exclaimed as she attempted passage into the busy COM Center. “Boom, boom-boom!” she sang.
“Authorization, please?” the guard asked. Then he grumbled, “And turn down that music, this is a communications hub.”
Idal obliged, she drifted into the large COM room, and two of the guards each grabbed a piece of fruit from the trays as she passed by.
“Whew!” she softly muttered to herself. “Can’t believe I’m destined to be a servant. How mundane! How inhumane! Is this my lot in life? Boom-ditty-boom,” she sang as she offered an officer a treat from one of her trays. Several officers gathered around her as she drifted aimlessly about the large room. As they ate, she studied the wall-to-wall holographic monitors. As she continued to meander about the room, people munched from the trays while she scanned.
“Scanning… scanning…” she silently muttered. “Searching… searching… frequencies compliant… frequencies compliant… all dedicated… all authorized… I told them! This is a waste of my precious time and resources! Blasted, that Jeody! Bum-ditty-bum,” she sang again and slowly twirled 360⁰ and elegantly swooned while serving another group of officers. “Pfft! I’m out of here! On to another unsuccessful venture, I suppose.”
Idal exited the COM Center with two empty trays, one tray in each of her thin metal appendages, humming as she went. When she turned the corner and saw her master, Jeody, she lifted the trays into the air and began chasing him as if she were going to beat him with them.
“Master! Come here! I’ve got your trays!”
Jeody played along with her foolish antics and lifted his remote in the air, “Want to be deactivated?”
Idal slowed and lowered the trays. “Here you are, Sir. What’s next?”
Jeody smiled at her, turned, and led her back toward the kitchen to return the trays. He would figure out their next scan. Idal, as soon as Jeody turned away, lifted the trays in the air again and thought about bringing them down upon his head. When he glanced behind him, Idal was holding the trays properly. He knew what she was doing.
“Idal?”
“Yes, master.”
“I think I’m going to make some alterations to some of your subroutines. OK?”
If Idal could glare, she would have. She followed him and wondered what and where her next scan would be.
Chapter 6
Though Boone gave strict orders not to be visited by his friends, the moment Kola left the glass-walled room they all entered. Gunner, wanting to protect and comply with Boone’s wishes, immediately stood and opposed them. But as they all glared at him, he decided to accommodate them. Phia was the first to approach Boone but Boone became upset by it all. He lifted up his hand and held their attention.
“Phia, don’t say a word! I don’t want to hear it! I asked to left alone! Can’t I have that?”
Terra stepped forward and came to his bedside. She muttered, “Boone…”
But, Boone interrupted her, “Phia, you should not be here and we are ‘not’ going to talk about this now! You lied to me this whole time.”
Phia stood rigid and expressionless. Tears streamed down her face and she made no effort to wipe them. She had kept back an important truth from him yet during that time, she was fixated on finding the truth about Boone and his past discretions. Boone considered her a hypocrite and a liar. She had no defense.
Boone sighed and added, “Phia, listen to me. I want you to go. Now. We will talk about this later. I have a lot of questions for you but right now, I think you need to be with your father.” Everyone was surprised by his words. They all looked at Phia and wondered. “Right now, you need to go to him because, well,” he sighed again. “He needs help!” Everyone except Phia chuckled and nodded. “There is something wrong with the commander.”
Phia’s eyes never wandered from him. She listened intently, hoping for an opportunity to explain but explaining things for the time being was out of the question. His words, though, began to make sense.
“Right now, Phia, if you are his daughter, uh! Are you his daughter?” She could only nod and wipe tears. “Then… then… you need to be by his side! You need to go and be his daughter. I think he needs that!”
Phia gently nodded again, wiped more tears then folded her arms across her chest. She blew out a loud sigh.
“Boone, please?”
Boone held up his hand. “Phia, go to him, now. And don’t go as an investigator. Change out of your uniform, too.” She lifted her brow and gave him an inquisitive look. “You need to be his daughter right now, not an investigator. He doesn’t need that. He needs you. OK?” Phia wiped a final tear and nodded. “Go,” he said.
She slowly turned, noticing the others were staring at her and left without a word. Everyone then looked at Boone.
Terra said, “I can’t beli
eve you really said all that.”
Boone said, “I don’t want to talk.” He held both hands in the air as a show of anger. “To anyone!” He glared at them; his eyes getting moist; his face turning a shade of red.
They all looked at one another, smirking and shaking their heads regarding his disgust. Pryce left and quickly returned with a few chairs. He set one down next to his and motioned Terra to sit with him. Mace smiled and nodded. He retrieved another chair and put it by Boone’s bed and sat down. Soon, Pryce, Terra, Mace, and Gunner were all sitting and watching Boone.
“Really?” he blared. He blew out a loud sigh and plopped his head on his pillow. They were not going to leave his side.
…
A knock was heard at the door. He decided not to get up and answer as he no longer had control of who entered or left. He was imprisoned within his own quarters. He was gazing out into the starry host watching the planet Efferium. He noticed the ship battles had ended and transports traveling to and from the Sim-Sa Gale were dissipating. He saw a reflection in the window – a beautiful young long-haired blond woman – his only daughter.
Her gaze upon him was interrupted by the disturbing display before her – his quarters were in disarray. Tables, chairs, drinking glasses, pictures and all sorts of items were thrown about the room. It was a testament to his state of his mind – angered; volatile.
She decided not speaking would be the wisest play. She set one of the luxurious chairs upright, pushed it next to his, and sat down.
He noticed her attire – nothing like the investigators uniform she wore while chatting over the COM from great spatial distances. She wore a plain shirt, comfortable trousers, and her long blond hair was in a ponytail. She slipped one leg into the chair, sat on it then pulled in her other leg. She was trying to act very casually. She noticed his fixation with the planet and a handful of ships. Silence ruled the moment and she was not going to be the one to break it, though, he did notice she dried a tear.
“Who is that for?” he muttered; disgusted with his actions and his dilemma. He assumed it was for either him or Boone.
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