by Jerry Boyd
Sam answered, “I heard some of the Patrol fellows talking. They wanted to destroy it, but there was an Earth probe in a position to see the flash if they did, so they had to leave it. Why do you ask?”
“I’ve been thinking about rehabbing it for a staging base, in case we have to evacuate our people off Earth. We’ve got a lot of folks left down there that we are responsible for, and if the authorities find out about our operation, we’ll have to move them all out in a hurry. It would be handy if they had someplace local to get organized before they tried to fly all the way out here.”
Sam said, “You know how bad off the life support was, don’t you? If the Patrol had waited another week to raid, we would have lost people. The rest of the systems aren’t much better off.”
I said, “The drive killer seemed to be working pretty well.”
Sam looked embarrassed. “That was you, Sir? I didn’t realize. I thought you were Patrol.”
I said, “Close enough, we were doing a sensor run we planned to give to the Patrol. You were doing what you thought needed to be done to protect your family and your people. There’s no need to apologize for that.”
Gene came over the intercom. “Captain, Janet is calling for help in a room close to you.”
I saw Sam tense. My stunner was in my hand and he was falling before I realized I was reacting. I said, “Gene, get some of Angus’ boys down here to haul Sam to the brig. Page Jane and Dixie to my location. Give me a light trail to Janet.”
“Yes, Boss.” I zapped Sam again before I left, just to make sure he didn’t wander off while he was waiting. Then I followed Gene’s lights to the room Sam had come out of. I called from the door. “Janet, how are you doing?”
She said, “Not good, Captain. He tied me up before he...”
I said, “I understand. Do you want me to come untie you, or would you rather wait for Jane? She’s already on her way.”
Janet said, “No offense, Captain, but I think I’d rather wait.”
“Understandable.” I noticed Snitz wasn’t with me anymore. Then I heard Janet say, “Hi, boy.” I knew she was in good paws. Jane and Dixie showed up at nearly the same time. Jane asked, “How is she?”
I said, “I don’t know for sure, I didn’t go in, figured a man was the last thing she needed to see right now. She was talking, sounded okay. Snitz is in with her, he would be raising a fuss if anything too bad was going on.” They went in, and I went back where Sam was, Angus and Ian were picking him up. Angus said, “Hi, Boss. Anything special you want done with this fella?”
I said, “Just make sure he doesn’t wander off, for now. I’ll probably need him for a trial, later.”
They carried him off, and I went back to the room where Janet was. Jane came out and spoke to me. “She has a few bruises, and some tearing, but it’s nothing an hour or two in the box won’t heal.”
I asked, “Could that wait an hour or so?”
Jane replied, “She won’t be too comfortable, but it won’t do her any harm. What do you have in mind?”
I said, “I think you know. The sooner we get it over with, the better.” then I asked, “Gene, do you have a video recording of what happened in there?”
He replied, “I do, Boss. I wasn’t watching them, I’m sorry. I should have said something sooner, I just hadn’t thought to watch for such behavior.”
I said, “Neither had I, Gene. We’ll both try and do better in the future, right?”
“Yes, Boss.”
I asked, “Is my ready room available?”
Gene replied, “It is. Ruth just finished up what she was doing.”
I said, “Please page John, Zoom, Nunya, Scotti, and Sally to the ready room. Tell Angus I would like the prisoner brought there as soon as he is awake.” I turned to Jane. “I assume she needs fresh clothes?”
Jane said, “Yes, Will it be alright if I let her clean up, as well?”
I replied, “Gene has a video. I saw him come out of the room. I don’t think we need to worry about forensic evidence. Do what needs doing and meet us at the ready room.”
Jane looked at me and said, “Aye, Captain.” I grabbed a transit and headed back to the ready room. Zoom and Nunya were just arriving when I got there. I went to Nunya and said, “I want you to know in advance, that I am sorry for what is about to happen. Your Father has done something I cannot abide, and he will be punished. You need to know that I don’t hold his bad behavior against you.”
Nunya said, “Don’t worry, Captain. I knew it was too good to last, him turning over a new leaf. It’s not your fault he is like he is. You did what you could to help him.”
I said, “Thanks, Nunya. I hope you still feel that way when this is over.”
Zoom said, “I think I know what you have in mind, Captain. We’ve both seen it before. If he did something to earn it, he should get what he deserves.”
I said, “That is what we are here to decide.” They went on in. John arrived on the transit. He asked, “What’s going on, Bob? Jane said it was serious, when I commed her. Is it what we were talking about earlier?”
I said, “I wish. We need to put Sam on trial.”
John asked, “For?”
I said, “Rape, Statutory Rape, Sexual Assault, there may be other charges when we see the evidence.”
John asked, “Who?”
I said, “Janet. Jane is getting her squared away, so she can be here.” We went in and waited a few minutes. Jane and Dixie showed up with Janet and got her settled. It wasn’t much longer till Angus and Ian brought Sam in, cussing a blue streak. I stood, got in his face, and said. “The prisoner will be silent!”
That didn’t have much effect. A short right to the solar plexus did the trick. Hard to cuss when you’re gasping. I said, “Gene, please see that the entire crew can see these proceedings. Court is now in session. Captain Bob Wilson, presiding. As master of a ship underway, I am the law. We are here to decide the punishment of one Sammus Makkum, known as Sam. Gene, please play the video record of the events we are here to decide on.”
Watching the video, I had the urge to beat on Sam some more, but I knew I had to at least appear professional. When the video was over, I asked Janet, “Was that an accurate record of what happened to you?”
She replied, “It was.” Sam started in with the usual, ‘She wanted it’ crap. I got in his face again, and repeated, “The prisoner WILL be silent. Angus apply such force as is necessary to achieve that. Do not, however, stun him. I want this slimeball awake.” I turned to Nunya. “Since your Father doesn’t seem to have anything useful to say in his defense, can you offer us any reason for leniency?”
Nunya stood, braced, and looked me in the eye. “I cannot, Captain. What he did is inexcusable. I would ask you to space his ass, to keep him from doing it to anyone else.” I asked, in a loud, clear voice, “Does anyone here have a reason to spare this man’s life?” I got no answer. I said, “Angus, deliver your prisoner to the nearest airlock.”
I followed them out. Sally caught up with me. She said in a low voice, “Sir, the air supply in a uniform is good for several hours. It is customary to give the condemned man the mercy of a small puncture in the collar of his uniform, so that the air leaks out faster.” I said, “Thank you, Sally.” When we arrived at the airlock, I decided to be even more merciful. I said, “Angus, that uniform is ship’s property. Please remove it.” He and Ian did so. I said, “Place him in the lock.” Once they had him inside, I took over the controls. I would scream about it later, but it was my job. Price of sitting in the big chair. I opened the outer door. My finger hovered over the button that would take down the force field. With my other hand, I opened the intercom. I asked, “Any last words?”
He used his opportunity to cuss me and the whole ship’s company. I let him go for probably most of a minute, and when it was clear he had nothing of substance to say, I turned off the intercom and took down the force field. I said, “May God have mercy on your soul.” I turned the force field bac
k on and closed the outer door. I turned to find Nunya, standing at attention. She said, “Thank you, Sir. He hurt someone in my charge. I am sorry I allowed that to happen.”
I said, “None of us see everything, not even Gene.” She relaxed, and I turned to the camera Gene was using to broadcast the trial. I said, “I am Bob Wilson, Master of the B. S. Gene Cernan. All who travel in her are my people. If you do violence to my people, I will, in turn, do violence to you.” Sally made a cutting motion across her throat, and I relaxed. John walked up and said, “Well done, Captain.” Janet strode up to me and said, “Thank you, Captain. It helps to know there are men like you.”
I said, “You go get in the autodoc and get healed up. I’m sure Nunya has things for you to do.”
She said, “Yes, Sir.” Dixie took her off to find an autodoc. Jane asked, “Why strip him before you spaced him, Bob?”
I said, “Couple of reasons. It signifies he’s no longer part of the crew, and it’s a mercy. His uniform would have kept him alive for hours, waiting to run out of air. I may be an asshole, but I’m not a monster.”
Nikki came up to me. “Are you okay, Caveman?”
I said, “I’ve been better, but I think Nunya needs help more than me. She just thanked me for killing her Father.”
Nikki walked off to talk with Nunya. Diego and Bill came up to me. They snapped to and saluted. I straightened up and returned their salute. I asked, “What can I do for you fellows?” Diego said, “We just wanted to know if you needed anything, Sir. That can’t have been easy.”
I replied, “Price of sitting in the big chair, Diego. Surely you know that. Do what must be done, especially when you don’t want to.”
Diego said, “That’s true, Sir, but it doesn’t make it easy.”
Bill said, “If it’s a bad time, we could come back later.”
I said, “Now would be the time to ask, whatever it is. I’m feeling the need to make amends with a good deed or two.”
Bill asked, “Are we headed back to Earth any time soon?”
I said, “Probably. Out of your favorite brand of bubble gum?”
He replied, “No, Sir, but I do have a niece and nephew I’d like to bring out here. My brother’s kids. Their parents died in a car wreck. They’re living with their Mom’s folks. Every time I see them, they ask me to take them in. As long as I was in the secret part of Space Force, that wasn’t possible.”
I asked, “What’s your plan? Retire to Shaved Ape Key and raise a family?”
Bill said, “They’re both teenagers. They managed to get their Grandparents to let them do Vo-Tech, instead of college. They both have skills.”
I said, “Just so I have this straight, you’re not just asking me to rescue these two, you want me to hire them as apprentices, too?”
Bill turned to Diego. He said, “I told you it was too much to ask.” Diego replied, “The Captain just demonstrated something you need to take to heart, Bill. If he’s pissed, you will know. He’s not mad, he just wants to be sure how deep the crap is you’re about to get him into.” I said, “Well said, Diego.”
He replied, “Thank you, Sir.” Bill drew a deep breath and said, “Yes, Sir, that is what I would like to have happen.”
I said, “Well, I can help you with some of that, anyway. Rescues are my department, especially capers, so we can take care of that part, no sweat. Whether or not they can hire on, that will be up to Master Chief Scotti. If she says they are worth the air they suck, they’ll have a place. Otherwise, it’s Shaved Ape Key for the lot of you.”
Bill said, “That’s more than fair, Sir. Thank you.” Diego said, “Sir, I also have a request.”
I said, “You’re getting formal, Diego. I’m going to like this one even less than Bill’s, aren’t I?”
Diego said, “I hope not, Sir. My Grandmother learned to fly at the Happy Bottom Riding Club, from Pancho Barnes. She’s in a rest home, fading fast.” I cut him off. “Your Grandma was trained personally by Pancho Barnes and you are just now bringing it up? Are you ate up? Can you get her transferred to Shady Oaks?”
Diego looked stunned. He said, “Shady Oaks? What’s that?” I looked around and saw John. I said, “Mr. Branham, step over here if you would, please.”
John said, “Yes, Bob?”
I replied, “Diego here has a Grandmother in a rest home. She was personally trained to fly by Pancho Barnes, of Happy Bottom Riding Club fame. Can you talk to him about getting her transferred to Shady Oaks?”
John said, “I can. Dee is already cleaning out rooms. Jim and Janice are coming out with the chickens.”
I asked, “Janice?”
He replied, “Mrs. Parks. From what I hear, you better get your Captain Kangaroo suit squared away. She wants to get promoted to Mrs. Bailey.” He and Diego talked about transferring Diego’s Grandma to Shady Oaks. Soon John was on the comm with Dee making arrangements. Nikki came back over to me. She said, “Nunya is alright. She had given up on him when he couldn’t get a handle on his drinking. She hadn’t had time to get used to him being a reliable individual again. The fact that he took advantage of Janet while Nunya was supposed to be looking out for her was the final straw. She’s tough, she sees that you had no choice, and she’s glad you took care of it.”
I replied, “That’s some of the load off my mind. Thanks.”
Nikki said, “You look beat. Have you eaten lunch yet?”
“I was on my way when this came up. Not sure I have an appetite anymore.”
“Let’s go find out.” We went to get on the transit. I didn’t see Snitz. I asked, “Where did your dog get to?”
Nikki replied, “I think he’s our dog, and he followed Janet when she went to the autodoc.”
I said, “He knows where he’s needed. He’ll be around to lick my ear in the morning, I bet.”
Nikki asked, “Have you ever figured out how he gets into our cabin, when the door is shut?”
“I always figured Gene or one of the bots was letting him in. I never worried about it enough to check into it. He knows where his grass is, he wouldn’t come get me unless he just wanted some company.”
When we got to the galley, Dixie brought out an open-faced roast, well, whatever kind of meat Dingus had been able to get on the last planet. She set it and a glass of tea in front of me, and said, “Eat, Captain. That’s my medical opinion. You look run down, and you need to eat.” I thanked the spirit of the beast, and dug in. It was nice for variety, but it wouldn’t take long to start missing beef, if this was all we could get. When I finished, Nikki said, “You look a little better, Caveman. I was worried about you.”
I replied, “Me too, but it had to be done. We can’t have that kind of behavior.”
I heard the intercom open, and I stood up. Nikki asked, “Are you sure it’s for you?”
I replied, “Is it ever not?” Sure enough, Sally came on and said, “Captain Wilson, to the bridge please. Captain Wilson, to the bridge.” I started for the transit, and Nikki caught up with me. She said, “I want to see what the excitement is this time.” I replied, “I know what I’m hoping for, but it’s awfully soon for that.”
We strode onto the bridge. Topper announced me, and I said, “As you were. I have the conn. Commander Sally, report, please.”
Sally said, “You have the conn, Sir. We have a drive flash in the outer system, transponder is reading B. S. C. W. McCall.”
I said, “Bacon! Hooray! Mr. Topper, music please.”
Soon the strains of ‘Convoy’ were wafting through the bridge. I said, “Helm, jump us in close, so we can get these folks unloaded, and on their way. Mr. Topper, give me intercom, please.” He nodded, and I said, “All crew not otherwise occupied, please report to the landing bay for unloading of supplies. Thank you.” I sliced my finger across my throat, and Topper nodded again. We jumped, and a bot came on the main screen. “Captain Wilson? We have your bacon and eggs. Where would you like them?” I replied, “Follow the blinking lights to our landing bay. We’ll g
et you unloaded and back in the black as quick as we can.” The bot replied, “Be right there, Sir.” It wasn’t long until Topper said, “Unloading is under way, Boss. The pilot says he has passengers as well, he’s asking whether we’ll send a welcoming committee, or should he just tell them to come to the bridge?” I said, “Who?”, but the music on the bridge had already changed, answering my question. ‘Help Me Rhonda’ was filling the air, now. I called out, “Sally you have the conn. Topper tell him the welcoming committee is on its way. Gene, I need transit priority.” Nikki said, “Wait for me, Caveman.” The thing about transit priority, is that we barely had time for any tongue wrestling before the door opened again. Dixie was supervising the unloading, telling other bots where each box should be put in the galley. Diego and Bill were doing their organic best to help out. They had found a couple of pallet jacks and were pulling pallets off the ship as quickly as they could. A side door opened on the ship, revealing Rhonda and her mother struggling with a couple of big rolling suitcases. I saw one of the hall carts and drove it over. I said, “It ain’t a T-bird, but it beats walking.” I barely made it out of the cart before Rhonda hit me with the flying hug. “Bob! I thought you were the Captain of this ship. What are you doing picking us up?” I said, “I’ll tell you a secret. The crew of this boat knows what they’re doing. The biggest part of my job is just to stay out of the way and let them work.” Rhonda said, “Sure, Bob. Those contacts sure look real. What brand do you wear?” I smiled, then I put her down and loaded the suitcases in the back of the cart. I turned to her Mother and asked, “It sure is nice to see you folks, but nobody told us you were coming. What’s the occasion?”
Mrs. White said, “I’m supposed to be the Maid of Honor at Jim and Janice’s wedding. Rhonda is going to be Flower Girl. Dee heard me fussing about riding out with a load of chickens and told me to get our stuff together so we could catch the supply flight.”
Nikki asked, “Won’t Rhonda miss school?”
