by Juli Blood
“Oh, I’m sorry Jasmine, but I won’t be here.” Kalea’s expression clearly showed her disappointment. “I have to travel to Saxionias to lead the Environmental Restoration teams and coordinate our efforts to help your planet heal.”
“You’re leading the teams?” Jasmine asked in amazement.
“Yes,” Kalea answered a bit distractedly as her AVID beeped. “Excuse me I need to answer this.”
Kalea walked off and Jasmine turned her questioning gaze to Bryan. “Yes,” Bryan answered before she formed the question. “Kalea and all the women of Estar Beta are well educated and those that wish to, take an active role in government. Kalea will one day be queen - a ruling queen.” Bryan clarified and watched the awed expression on Jasmine’s face as she watched Kalea make her way back to the palace. He was surprised as the look of awe seemed to change to a look of longing.
“It must be wonderful to be respected for who you are and what you can do instead of just what you look like,” Jasmine said before dropping her head and again giving her attention to the roses.
Bryan was silent as he considered her comment. It disturbed him when he realized that she was not only right, but that he agreed with her silent rejection of that aspect of their culture. He had wondered at the difference between the women here on Estar Beta and those of Saxionias. Could it be as simple as Jasmine made it seem?
‘Bryan,’ Kalea called over the link. ‘We have a problem, please come to my father’s office.’
‘On my way,’ Bryan answered and turned before remembering Jasmine. “I’m needed at the palace. If you need anything, just activate the AVID by moving your wrist like this and someone will answer.” Bryan barely heard her whisper “Yes, but will I understand them?”
Realizing he hadn’t explained about the translating feature of the AVID he thought to turn back but he felt Kalea’s urgency and decided Jasmine would figure it out on her own.
‘What’s the problem?’ Bryan asked as he approached the palace.
‘I think it would be best if Kyle explained it himself. He’s here waiting for you,’ Kalea answered. Bryan hurried.
Henry opened the king’s door as Bryan approached and he nodded his thanks as he entered. Immediately, he noticed one of Jasmine’s security detail members in restraints flanked by both Kyle and Jonas. Looking to King Douglas he asked, “What’s happened?”
“I’ll let your staff bring you up to speed,” King Douglas said before responding to a signal from his AVID.
Bryan turned his attention back to Kyle who began to explain. “Your Highness, this man is an imposter. He claims to be Peter Foust but he is not. Peter Foust is Jonas’ third cousin and they grew up together. I don’t know who this man is but he isn’t Mr. Foust. Secondly, he claimed to bring new orders from the Noble Assembly but the code word he used was incorrect. The orders he brought were for us to infiltrate the royal palace on Estar Beta and take the royal family hostage and seize control of the government.”
Bryan was shocked and furious. Turning his gaze to the prisoner he said, “What have you to say for yourself?”
“I may not be Peter Foust but I am sent by the Noble Assembly. They provided the identification, uniforms, code word and orders. I am simply their messenger,” the prisoner answered.
“Who are you?” Bryan commanded.
When no answer was forthcoming Bryan raised an eyebrow and waited. Finally, King Douglas answered. “According to the information Kyle provided to the Med Lab his name is Roman Smythe and he has a rather lengthy criminal record.”
Bryan walked closer to the prisoner. “Did you ever wonder why a member of the Noble Assembly would send you to deliver a message of such import?”
“Originally, I didn’t know what the orders were and I just figured they were trying to be as discreet as possible.” Roman answered.
“Treason is a very serious crime. I’m not sure what the punishment is here on Estar Beta but I do know what it is on Saxionias,” Bryan said with plenty of meaning.
“Treason!” Roman said as all color left his face. “I didn’t commit treason! I just delivered a message for the Noble Assembly. I was just following orders.”
“Who gave the orders?” Bryan asked.
“I don’t know. I mean everything was done electronically, it’s not like I met with anyone face to face. Even the…” Roman’s voice trailed off. He was rattled but trying to be careful also.
“Even your fee?” Bryan guessed. Roman nodded but didn’t comment.
“King Douglas, is there a holding cell nearby?” Bryan asked without taking his eyes off Roman.
“Not on the grounds.” King Douglas answered. “We will have to transport him to a detention facility.”
Finally breaking eye contact Bryan turned to the king and said, “If you could have Henry or someone arrange for this man to be transported and held until we can determine proper jurisdiction, I would be grateful.”
“Certainly,” King Douglas answered and then signaled Henry, who was still standing behind Bryan.
Kyle and Jonas started to lead Roman from the room, but Bryan stopped Kyle with a touch on his arm as he passed. Jonas continued and Henry followed them out.
At the sound of the door closing Bryan asked, “Did you learn anything else from him?”
“Not really,” Kyle answered. “I think he’s telling the truth about not knowing exactly who hired him. He really is convinced that it is someone from among the royals, though he didn’t say why. If I may ask, Your Highness, is there really a jurisdiction issue?”
“No,” King Douglas answered for him. “We are simply holding him until we can solve this conspiracy. Once we know who is responsible, justice will be served.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty. I was hoping that was the plan.” Looking to Bryan, Kyle then gave a short bow and left.
Kalea was curious and asked, “How did your men know that he was using an invalid code word if it was listed as the one for this time?”
Bryan smiled and then answered, “My father and the Assembly require a list every year so we make one and submit it. Nathan didn’t think that was very secure, so we decided to choose a number between 1 and 10 each year and shift the true code words by that number. This year the number was four so that code word was four months old. Only my father and my direct team members know of this additional security measure.”
“Your men were very convincing in their efforts to glean information from the imposter,” King Douglas said as he stood from behind his desk. “I was about to send in our forces when your men suddenly bound Roman and escorted him first to Nathan and then to us.”
“We’ve found it is easier to get information from someone when they feel you believe their lie,” Bryan replied, hoping that his men hadn’t endangered the trust that he was trying so hard to rebuild and expand.
“Very true.” King Douglas commented before he sent them off with, “You two have preparations to make, I’m sure.”
“Do we have a departure time?” Kalea asked as she stood from her chair.
“Your Mother insisted on dinner together tonight to welcome Jasmine, so after that. I suggest you be packed and ready,” King Douglas said as he stepped around his desk and enveloped Kalea in a quick unexpected hug. “See you at dinner.”
Bryan nodded and held the door for Kalea. Again it struck him how different their families were and he felt saddened by his family’s reserve.
Jasmine joined them in the corridor as she returned from the garden. “Is everything alright?” she asked, seeing them.
“It seems one of your security detail was an imposter. He is being held until further notice,” Bryan explained.
“My, that seems odd.” Jasmine said and then asked, “So do we dress formally for dinner and if so how much time do I have to get ready?”
“No we don’t,” Kalea answered. “And today will be more casual than normal because there is so much going on. You needn’t change at all if you don’t wish to.”
&nbs
p; “Good, then I will be in the garden if you could send someone for me when it is time to gather?” Jasmine smiled and at Kalea’s nod she turned and left quickly so she could savor the garden as long as possible.
“I must admit I’m surprised,” Bryan said as he watched the door close behind his sister.
“Why?” Kalea asked as she started toward the stairs that led to their suites.
“Jasmine wasn’t the least bit disappointed that dinner wasn’t formal tonight,” Bryan answered. “I thought she would be. She always seemed to enjoy getting all dressed up and spending hours in front of the mirror for even the most mundane events.”
“Maybe she’s just tired from her trip,” Kalea said, waiting as Bryan stepped in front of her to open the door to their sitting room.
“Perhaps,” Bryan said, and then changed topics. “I suppose Leo and I had better start packing.”
“No,” Kalea said reaching out to stop him with a hand on his arm. “Leo can’t know when we are leaving. It would be better if you could keep him busy elsewhere so he doesn’t realize that we are leaving so soon. I’m sure he’s a loyal subject but the fact is the more people that know when we are leaving, the more likely the wrong people will find out.”
“Yes, you’re right. I’m just distracted I guess,” Bryan rubbed his temples as he tried to get his thoughts back on track. “Perhaps I should just take a few things and have Leo send the rest later?”
“I’m not sure how long we will be on Space Port 5,” Kalea said as she wondered if he didn’t know how to pack or if he just didn’t want to. “If you need some help I’m nearly done and could help you,” she offered.
“No, I mean I think Edward sent my luggage somewhere and I was going to have Leo ask but…I guess I should just have Edward return it.” Bryan was frustrated at himself for not having thought of this and for sounding like either a snob or an idiot - he couldn’t decide which.
“I think I have the perfect solution,” Kalea said as she opened the door to their sitting room. Bryan hadn’t yet entered her rooms and wasn’t sure if she expected him to follow or not so he hovered in the doorway leading from the sitting room to what was clearly her bedroom.
Kalea disappeared inside what appeared to be a closet and soon returned with two black objects, one in each hand. “These should do,” she said, holding them out to him.
Accepting them, he knew he would have to admit that he had no idea what they were. Thankfully Kalea didn’t seem to expect him to know as she began to explain what they were.
“These are a new form of luggage that I’m testing out,” Kalea said as she took one back and began to show him how they worked. “These bags have two very nice extra features. The first is that they expand to hold an enormous amount. That’s why I have extra. Anyway, you load them up with as much as you can and then close them like this.” She demonstrated and then walked to one she had already packed that was sitting near her bed. “Once you close it you hit this button and it removes all the air from the bag and somehow also prevents things from wrinkling, or so they claim.
“The second nice feature is that they have antigravity technology so they are extremely easy to move even when they are full to capacity. I was going to suggest you try them but with everything that’s been happening I forgot.” Kalea had a touch of excitement in her voice.
“You seem excited about this,” Bryan said with a question in his expression.
“Yes, I love trying new things that make life more efficient or at least more interesting,” Kalea answered with a smile.
“Well, I guess I had better get started,” Bryan said as he turned back toward his room. Seeing Kalea standing in front of her bed was really starting to distract him and he couldn’t afford that particular line of thought right now.
“Do you want my help?” Kalea asked.
Bryan paused for a moment but then said, “No. I appreciate the offer but I should be fine.” Smiling, he quickly left and once in his suite began to pack with diligence. He tried to think of anything other than the picture his mind had conjured of Kalea in his room, touching his clothes. ‘One day, Lord, but for now please keep my thoughts where they belong,’ Bryan prayed.
17
Exhausted and angry, Gilbert dropped down into a chair in one of the common areas of Space Port 5 to think. For two days all he seemed to have accomplished was make Rose mad and question every idea he had ‘till he was nearly insane with indecision. Closing his eyes he prayed for help, and then just sat there waiting for inspiration or sleep, whichever came first.
“Why, Gilbert, what are you doing here?” A voice called to him from just a few feet away. Opening his eyes Gilbert smiled at his often wandering uncle.
“Uncle Evan, how are you?” Gilbert asked as he rose to meet him with a handshake and a sideways hug.
“Oh, I’m fine. I couldn’t take another moment of campus life so I packed my bags and decided to travel for a while. The life of a Professor isn’t as wonderful as it seems,” he joked.
“Well, right now I might just consider it,” Gilbert mumbled as he led them down the corridor to the shuttle bay he was working in. “Are you enjoying your travels?”
“Yes. It’s nice to explore again.” Evan lived a very diverse life as the second son and very few people knew his many exploits. He was thought of as what they saw – a healthy, man with enough money to keep him happy and enough hobbies to keep him busy.
Average in height and looks he blended in well and used this and his skill with languages in his service to the crown. “So what brings you to Space Port 5?”
Waiting until they had reached the hanger, Gilbert, secured the entrance and then did a quick electronic security sweep. “Honestly, trouble,” Gilbert answered. He knew his uncle had security clearance and he was praising the Holy One for sending help, even if it was just someone to talk to.
“You see, Uncle Evan, someone managed to breach our highest level of security in Kalea’s personal shuttle. We don’t know who, how or when exactly they did it and she needs to have a secure vessel to travel in as soon as possible. I’ve been working on the problem for two days straight and I can’t seem to think anymore. Every time I start programming, I start to question everything to the point that nothing is getting done. There’s so much to do - not just here but also on Estar Beta with the SC-17 disaster and now this security breach and who knows what all’s gone wrong since I left.” Gilbert paced the hanger as he vented and he didn’t notice the subtle change in his uncle’s expression.
“What do you know, Gilbert?” Uncle Evan asked calmly.
“What?” Gilbert asked.
“What do you know about the problem before you? What happened to Kalea’s shuttle because of the breach? Exactly what part of the program was altered?” Evan asked, trying not only to get information but to also help Gilbert focus on just one problem.
“There were two changes to the program for Kalea’s shuttle. First her ASRS activated when she tried to re-enter Estar Beta’s atmosphere. Secondly, when the ASRS was activated it didn’t send the proper notification to the palace. We may not have found her as quickly as we did if they hadn’t missed the medical evaluation notification. Thankfully, Dr. Wingate knew where she was and we were able to get to her. Unfortunately, Moon Station 4 will not be available as a Secure Location again until some significant repairs are made.”
Evan chuckled at that and even Gilbert smiled. “Kalea ever forgive you for locking her in that escape pod and leaving her there?” Evan asked.
“I think so but then again, maybe not.” Gilbert could still picture the mess on Moon Station 4 and was very thankful that he didn’t have to deal with that right now.
“Do you know the motive behind the change to the program?” Evan asked.
“No,” Gilbert answered and began to pace again. “Kalea was on an unscheduled flight when it happened. She wasn’t expected to leave Estar Beta at all until she left for Saxionias. But her original plans have changed several time
s now it seems. She is still going to Saxionias - the question is just when and how.”
“So, you can’t be sure if the motive was to determine where the secure locations are located or to keep Kalea from Saxionias?” Evan summarized.
“Those are the least malicious possible motives but not the only ones I’ve come up with,” Gilbert stopped pacing long enough to point out.
“Very true.” Evan commented as he automatically considered other options. Taking a moment he took another look around. “So will this be Kalea’s new ship?”
“Yes and no,” Gilbert answered as he turned to look at it again. “This ship was commissioned by Father to be his new command ship and it has several interesting new features. None of the old security programs had been installed and so we felt that this would be the safest choice for Kalea. The only problem is that it does need the ASRS program, Kalea’s special bio identification program and all the other safety and security programs that we normally use and I can’t seem to trust anything anymore, including myself,” Gilbert admitted as he ran his fingers through his hair.
Evan realized the true burden that Gilbert was carrying and it had nothing to do with programming the systems. It had everything to do with keeping his little sister safe.
“Let’s think this through from a different perspective,” Evan suggested. “Gilbert, if you wanted to breach a security system, what would be your first line of attack? Now remember, you know the system is encrypted, guarded and designed to catch you testing it.”
Gilbert smiled as he realized his uncle knew a lot more about his programming style than he had expected. “I tried that and I could only come up with two possible ways they were able to breach the system. It was either by having a physical access point and system clearance to get to the program or some type of code reading and transmitting device was used and then removed before I found it.”
“Excellent!” Evan cried as he slapped Gilbert on the back. “You’ve solved the mystery.”
“What? No I haven’t,” Gilbert denied.
