by CJ Williams
“I see you,” Gus said.
“I know who you are and I know who the young women with you are. My granddaughter and I are big fans. I personally guarantee that the military personnel on this ship will protect you, your crew, and your vessel while Miss Yoshimoto receives medical treatment. Afterward, you may return to your vessel, and we will not hinder you in any way. This man next to me is Captain Copeland, commanding officer of the USS New Orleans. He can confirm what I just said. Vince?”
Copeland said, “I stand by Admiral Wesson’s guarantee.”
“End connection,” Alyssa said.
“How about it, Captain Gus?” Lieutenant Jackson said. “Please come aboard.”
There was no sense in being an idiot about it. Besides, he knew from experience that Wesson was a man of his word. “Thanks, Lieutenant,” Gus said. “We’ll be happy to.”
Four men came onto the deck from below, carrying a stretcher with Kyoko’s unconscious form. Very professionally, they loaded her into the launch and gestured for Gus to follow. He climbed aboard with Hannah latched onto his arm with a viselike grip.
As Gus boarded the launch, several of the marines were using wrist cams to film the ship. Gus called out, “Alyssa, take care of yourself until I get back.”
“Acknowledged, Captain.”
*.*.*.*
“Welcome back, everyone,” Russell Kline said on the set of Studio 37. “And good morning from the Russell and Cassie show. Today we’re bringing you an exclusive interview with none other than Carol Cartwright, the attorney who, as of yesterday, single-handedly took down the Star Group, the corporation responsible for the loss of the Solar Princess. Welcome, Carol.”
“Thank you, Russell.”
“You were a hard get, if I may say so. You rarely do interviews.”
“That’s right,” Carol said. “At least not during the trial phase of litigation. Judges don’t like that.”
“That didn’t seem to stop the Star Group,” Cassie said. “They give interviews like every week.”
“That’s true,” Carol agreed. “And you can see where it got them.”
“Then why did you agree to do an interview today?” Russell asked.
“Because the trial is over now. And although we won, the Star Group declared bankruptcy yesterday afternoon. We’re not going to let them get away quite that easily. I wanted people to understand we’re still fighting for them.”
“You mean the families of those lost on the Solar Princess?” Cassie asked.
“I mean everyone. You would not believe how many letters we receive from people all over the world. A lot of them are fans. Many became aware of the situation through the video blog. They all want justice for those lost.”
“You mean the video blog of Captain Gus?” Russell asked. The Grandfather Watch counter no longer appeared on the backdrop when the sad topic was brought up.
Carol’s eyes dropped. “Yes, that’s right.”
“I know,” Russell said, looking into the camera. “It’s a sad topic for all of us these days. It’s been weeks now since we have received anything from the crew of the Alyssa.” He turned back to Carol. “Do you think the pirates ended up murdering Captain Gus?”
Carol’s eyes shot lightning bolts at Russell. “I will never accept that!” she hissed. “And if it’s the last thing I do, I will track down those responsible for that attack.”
Russell flinched at the venom in the attorney’s words. No wonder she was known as such a fierce opponent in the courtroom. He backtracked defensively. “Well, I understand that law enforcement is on their trail.”
Carol recovered from her initial reaction and looked a little embarrassed by her outburst. “Yes. Sorry. I just…” Her phone vibrated on the glass-topped anchor desk, and she swiped it off. “I just hate…” The phone buzzed again, and she swiped it off once more. “Sorry. I have to leave it on…”
“That’s not a problem,” Cassie said. “We all have to live…”
Carol’s phone buzzed one more time and her face turned pink. “It’s my granddaughter,” she said, embarrassed.
“Go ahead,” Russell said with good humor. “You’re not the first.”
Carol picked up her phone. “I can’t talk now, Squid. I’m on the… What? Wait, are you sure? Okay, gotta go.” She gave Cassie an uncertain look as though she wanted to bolt from the set.
Russell flinched noticeably. “What are you talking about,” Russell asked.
“I beg your pardon?” Carol replied nervously.
“Not you,” Russell said, waving his hand dismissively. “Sorry, my director is yelling in my ear. He is saying Captain Gus is alive.”
Cassie had a similar expression of astonishment. “Is this confirmed?” she asked, looking at the back wall of the set.
Russell turned to face Camera Two as it moved toward the anchor desk. “We have breaking news and…sorry to cut you off, Carol. Don’t go away. Anyway, I have to say this is unconfirmed but we are getting reports saying that Captain Gus is alive! Here it is.” He swiveled to look at the video backdrop as the Breaking News banner swirled across the screen.
A view of Alyssa’s deck appeared. Captain Gus and Hannah stood in the middle of a dozen marines. Four uniformed men came from belowdecks carrying a stretcher. The camera zoomed in to show a very frail-looking Kyoko. The scene switched to a different angle.
Cassie explained what they were looking at. “We are being told that these are personal videos of some of the military. The video shots are appearing on various social media accounts. What we’re seeing can’t be but an hour or two old, if not less.”
Russell said, “I want to state clearly this is unconfirmed, but you can see for yourself, it appears that our Space Navy has discovered Captain Gus. Now, just to recap…”
Carol’s phone buzzed again. She moved to swipe it off but then stopped and looked in amazement, first at her phone and then at the backdrop behind the anchor desk. It was a view of the New Orleans from the deck of the Alyssa. The military ship’s name was clearly visible on the bow. She gasped in astonishment.
“What is it?” Cassie asked.
Carol held up her phone uncertainly for Cassie to see. It was an incoming video call, and the caller ID was USS New Orleans. Carol gave Cassie a questioning glance.
“Answer it!” Cassie hissed.
Because all visitors on the popular morning TV show have to sign a release that essentially says there is no privacy when on the set, Camera Three discreetly slid around behind Carol and zoomed in on her phone.
In the control room, the director, Kent, pushed the button to display the feed from Camera Three onto the backdrop behind Russell and the anchor desk.
Carol’s phone display was live to the world.
She swiped the screen, and a face appeared that was now recognized the world over. Carol gasped. “Gus?”
“Hey, babe. God, I’ve missed you!”
“Gus?”
“Yeah, it’s me. The navy found us. We’re okay, I just wanted you to know.”
“Oh my God! Gus? I can’t believe it.” Carol burst into tears.
Gus smiled affectionately. “Hey, don’t cry, babe, you’ll have me bawling like a fool. I told you I’d get back. Did you get my videos?”
Russell looked back and forth between the backdrop and the attorney sitting across the desk. He started to speak, to try and explain what was happening, but Cassie stopped him with an index finger to her lips.
The director’s voice came up in Russell’s earpiece, “Cassie is right, don’t say a word. Just let it play out. I can’t believe the entire world has been trying to identify this guy and the answer was right under our nose. Here comes a photo.”
The backdrop display split in two. On the right was Carol’s video call, and on the left, a photo appeared of a distinguished elderly gentleman. It was the kind of picture that the public affairs offices of massive corporations distribute. The man in the photo sat straight and tall, his gray hair swept bac
k, and black-rimmed glasses not hiding his dark, penetrating eyes that sparkled with intellect and a touch of humor.
Russell examined the photo. It didn’t look at all like Grandfather Gus. The audience would never buy it. As the thought came into his mind, another image popped up. It was a shot of Gus standing on the quarterdeck from when they passed near the center of the galaxy. The image zoomed in until it was roughly the same portrait. Aside from the scraggly beard, the long hair, and the earring, it became clearly apparent that this was the same man. A caption appeared that read, Alphonsus Gustavus Cartwright, Former Chairman, Cartwright Industries, AKA Captain Gus.
Carol, oblivious to the world around her, poured her heart out to her long-lost husband. It was a touching and intensely private moment for both of them. They certainly deserved to share the experience alone, without the eyes of the world upon them.
The set director’s voice came up in Russell’s earpiece and said, “Camera Two, zoom in close on Mrs. Cartwright. See if you can get a shot of those tears rolling down her cheeks.”
*.*.*.*
“Okay, babe,” Gus said. “I’ll call you again later. I need to check on the girls and make sure Alyssa is okay. It won’t be long now, I promise. I love you, bye.” He leaned back in the chair with a sigh of satisfaction. “Thanks, Lieutenant. I really needed to make that call.”
“Not a problem,” Jackson replied patiently. “You said you wanted to see Miss Yoshimoto? She’s just across the hall.”
Jackson led Gus into Trauma Center Seven. A doctor stood next to a fully conscious Kyoko. She was sitting on a bed, partially screened by a curtain.
“Doc,” Jackson said, “this is Miss Yoshimoto’s guardian, Captain Gus.”
The doctor smiled broadly. “Captain Gus! I’m such a big fan. And my kids think you’re the greatest.”
Gus was taken aback. Everyone on the New Orleans had responded to him the same way. It was a little disconcerting. “Thanks, doc. How’s Kyoko?”
“So far, so good. I want to keep her overnight for a few more tests, but at the moment I’d say you and Hannah did a great job taking care of her. Her blood test indicates no sign of infection. I’m still concerned about the concussion. I understand she was in a coma for over two weeks.”
“Pretty much,” Gus said. “I wouldn’t call it a coma, exactly. She was sort of in and out. Like she didn’t know what was going on.”
“Understood. Delirium and coma are symptoms of cerebral dysfunction. It could be the result of direct trauma or as a complication of a systemic issue. That’s why I would like to check a few more things. If it all comes up good, you can have her back in the morning. I understand Hannah is with you? It wouldn’t hurt for her to have a physical too. Doctor Marsha Espinoza is available.”
“I’ll ask her, doc.” Gus looked around. “Where is she, anyway?”
Jackson nodded toward the passageway. “She would not come into the sick bay. I left her with Esther—Lieutenant Sanders, I mean. Esther took her to the ship’s Exchange. Would you like to go down there?”
Gus turned to Kyoko. “You okay to stay here and get some extra tests?”
For the first time since Gus had known her, Kyoko’s lower lip jutted out in a disappointed pout. “I want to go shopping.”
The doctor smiled in understanding. “Okay. But just for an hour. And come back if you feel dizzy. You really need these tests.”
Kyoko beamed, and Jackson helped her to her feet. The officer tried to keep his arm around her waist as he escorted her out into the passageway but Gus stepped between them and glared at the man. “You can lead the way, Lieutenant.”
*.*.*.*
In the onboard Navy Exchange store, Kyoko and Hannah loaded a shopping cart with face cream, skin cream, moisturizer, hair conditioner, shampoo, and much more. They now had more toiletries than they could use in a year. Hannah tried on at least a dozen pairs of shoes. They added skirts and dresses to the load and Kyoko took some overlarge, plain button shirts that wouldn’t rub against her still-sensitive side. Then they reached the lingerie section and both of them squealed with excitement.
After thirty minutes Kyoko started to look pale, and Gus forced them toward the checkout line. Two older men entered the store, and Jackson stood to attention. “Sir!”
Copeland nodded and said, “At ease, Lieutenant. Mr. Cartwright, welcome aboard the New Orleans.”
“Thank you, Captain. You’re the first person on board to call me Cartwright.”
“The entire world knows who you are now,” Copeland said. “A television studio eavesdropped on your phone call to Mrs. Cartwright.”
Gus sighed. “I wish that hadn’t happened. I didn’t even think; I just wanted to call her.”
Admiral Wesson stepped forward and held out his hand. “I wouldn’t worry about it, Gustavus. Carol knows how to take care of herself.”
“Hello, Daniel,” Gus replied, shaking hands with the admiral. “I was surprised to hear your voice a little while ago.”
“I’m even more surprised that I never put two and two together. I didn’t once recognize you in all those videos.” Wesson chuckled. “I like your new look. Retirement suits you.”
Hannah bristled at Wesson’s comments.
“Relax,” Gus told her. “Daniel and I go back a long way.”
“We do indeed, Miss Schubert. I’ve purchased quite a lot of equipment from your adopted grandfather over the years. I just wanted to say hello to all of you.”
“Mr. Cartwright,” Copeland said, “we have assigned VIP quarters to you and the ladies. And I instructed the Exchange manager to provide you with unlimited credit.”
“Thank you, Captain. Frankly, I don’t know if that will be necessary or not. Let’s check.” Gus held the back of his hand against the cash register. It blinked green and beeped with a comforting sound. “Looks like Mrs. Cartwright hasn’t cut off my allowance. Go ahead, kids. Let’s checkout. Are you okay, Kyoko?”
Kyoko leaned against Hannah. “Not really,” she said quietly.
Jackson stepped forward eagerly. “Perhaps I should escort you back to sick bay,” he offered.
Gus stepped in front of Kyoko protectively. “I think Esther can do that,” he said. “Why don’t you show Hannah and me to our rooms.”
*.*.*.*
The next morning Gus finished his breakfast of hash browns and scrambled eggs and leaned back in the padded chair of the officers’ mess. “So everyone really knows who we are?” he asked.
“You have no idea,” Wesson assured him. “A lot of the videos you sent back got hundreds of millions of views in the first forty-eight hours. They say the company had to dedicate specialized web services just because of that.”
“Carol must hate it,” Gus mused.
Wesson shrugged. “Until yesterday, no one knew it was her. Did you speak to her yet?”
“Twice. We talked for a couple of hours last night. She seemed fine.”
“So now what?” Wesson asked. “Copeland put a hold on testing for today, but he’s going to have to get back to it pretty soon.”
“I need to talk to the girls,” Gus said. “I imagine they would like a ride back with you. Is that possible?”
“I’m sure Captain Copeland can accommodate them, but keep in mind that he has a schedule to finish.”
“That’s true,” Gus acknowledged.
“Just keep them,” Wesson suggested. “Your old sailing ship is faster than this boat, anyhow. Which is kind of amazing when you think about it. Besides, here they come. You should ask them.”
Hannah and Kyoko appeared in the doorway. They spotted Gus and came over. “Morning!” Hannah chimed cheerfully.
Wesson stood and invited them to sit down. Gus eyed Kyoko carefully and turned to Hannah. “What’s the verdict?” he asked.
“She’s better,” Hannah replied. “But they want to keep her in the hospital for another day.”
“I’m fine,” Kyoko insisted. “I feel good.”
Wesson re
sumed his seat once the girls were settled. “Mr. Cartwright was wondering if you would rather stay on the New Orleans or continue on to Earth with him?”
“What?” Hannah exclaimed.
“No!” Kyoko said turning to Gus. “Grandfather, you can’t leave us behind!” Her pout suddenly reappeared in full bloom. “Do you not want us anymore?”
Gus sighed. “It’s not that. I just thought you might be more comfortable on this modern starship. Good food, medical…lots of shopping.”
Both girls protested again vehemently.
“All right,” Gus said. “It was only a question.” He looked at Wesson. “Can you clear that with Copeland?”
Wesson shook his head. “Not within my purview, I’m afraid. But here he comes now; he can tell you.”
Copeland entered the officers’ mess and spotted Wesson’s wave. He headed toward their table.
“We’re getting quite a crowd here,” Gus observed.
“You’ve been on a deserted island too long, Gustavus,” Wesson replied. “Five people is not a crowd. Besides, you can always fit in one more person at a round table.”
Copeland grabbed a chair and scooted in between Kyoko and Hannah. “Good morning, gentlemen…ladies.”
The two girls responded with effusive thanks for their rescue. Gus thought they were laying it on rather thick.
Wesson said, “Good morning, Captain. Mr. Cartwright was wondering if you could perhaps delay your testing one more day to allow Miss Yoshimoto the necessary recovery time suggested by your physician.”
Copeland looked pensive. “Well, I have been in touch with Fleet HQ this morning. It seems our rescue efforts have been received quite favorably by the public. I’ve been given leeway to adjust our schedule as necessary…but.” Copeland raised his eyebrows at Gus.
That didn’t sound promising. Copeland was clearly after something. That’s why you couldn’t deal with the government. They always came back and tried to screw you over. “But what?” Gus inquired in a cynical voice.
“The German Chancellor has offered to send a military cruiser for his granddaughter.” Copeland looked at Hannah. “I would appreciate it if you could straighten out your intentions with your grandfather. In the meantime, since Alyssa is too big to bring on board, the navy has agreed to postpone our testing until Miss Kyoko is medically cleared. The doc said another couple of days or so.”
