by Gary Weston
'I've personally visited the relatives of those killed by the aliens,' said Drakov. 'Always a harrowing duty.'
'Yes. Did you pass on my condolences?'
Drakov nodded and sighed. 'Yes, sir. They appreciated your message and your promise to ensure the fallen will be honoured and never forgotten.'
'Some memorial to them must be commissioned. Once the conflict is over, of course.'
Drakov said, 'Of course. There's no saying how many more names will be added to the list. Sir. Between you and I, the way these aliens were able to land on the moon without our knowledge and remain totally undetected, is most concerning.'
Paul read between the lines. 'We can't match their superior technology. This is what you're saying.'
'Unfortunately, it is. I'm not being defeatist, merely realistic.'
'I understand your pragmatism and appreciate your candour. I've always been able to depend on you to tell me as it is. How are the ships upgrading going?'
Drakov said, 'Painfully slowly. New cannon are being built to add to the grounded ships. We can only work on one ship at a time to ensure at least four ships are able to take off at a moments notice. The new designs should be superior to the existing cannons.'
Muffin had become bored with the human conversation and had fallen asleep on Paul's lap. Speaking softly, Paul said, 'I had a chat with Jazz Belle before they all took off. A remarkable woman. I accidentally caught a glimpse of a scar on her arm. She told me of her many battles as a captain of a fighting ship. Her bravery was awarded with a star, one of only a handful ever being handed out. Typical of heroes, I had to practically drag that out of her. The rest of her crew have similar war experience.'
'And the Romulus is an equally impressive ship. The best of our fleet.'
'A pity our own crews don't have as much battle experience. The wars fought on the other Earth pale ours into insignificance.'
Drakov said, 'But the Romulus is just one ship. We're pinning a lot of hope on her and her crew. At least with them we have a chance.'
'Commander Drakov. I need you to be positive about all this. I appreciate your concerns but any negativity from you will permeate through the ranks.'
Drakov stood up to leave. 'I'm well aware of that, Excellency. I'm off to address the troops right now. They are already angry at the loss of our ship and people. I intend to channel that emotion into one of determination to strike back and teach those damn aliens a lesson.'
'Then I'll join you.' He disturbed Muffin as he stood up and he pressed a button on his desk and a woman entered. 'Miss Fathershom. I'm going with Commander Drakov. Look after Muffin for me, please.'
Fathershom raised one immaculate eyebrow and looked at the primate. 'We do have a zoo which would be more suitably equipped...'
'No, Miss Fathershom. I'll just be gone a few hours. I leave him in your capable hands. I took him on the rooftop garden this morning and he seemed quite at home. His wing seems to have healed up and he might wish to fly off somewhere. If he does, wait for his return.'
Fathershom said, 'Very well, sir.'
With His Excellency and Drakov gone, Fathershom held out her hand which Muffin accepted.
'Looks like I'm baby sitting a chimpanzee. Come on.'
As they approached the steps and door which led out onto the half-acre roof garden Muffin became excited and as soon as the security code was tapped into the panel and the door was opened he raced out and climbed the nearest tree.
'Just don't you expect me to come up there after you.'
'Ooooheeyahhhee!'
'My sentiments exactly.'
'I hope he ain't going to crap all over the place again,' said a voice.
'Hello, Harry. Can't stop nature, I suppose. The garden's looking especially nice at this time of year.'
Harry Potts wiped his hands on the grubby cloth he kept tucked into his belt. 'Yeah. Me and young Tom do our best. His Excellency loves it up here.'
'He calls it his little slice of heaven. Muffin...!'
Muffin wasn't listening as he dived off the treetop and swooped down with his fully extended wings. Both Fathershom and Potts ducked as he flew over their heads and then with a few flaps soared back up again, completing a full lap of the garden before taking off over the city.
'I knew this would happen,' said Fathershom. 'I'll be held responsible if he comes to grief.'
Potts said, 'He'll be back when he's hungry. A flying ape is an abomination to nature, I reckon.'
'Don't you let His Excellency hear you say that. Muffin is practically a member of the family now.'
'He must have heard you. He's coming back.'
Muffin landed on an apple tree, stole an apple and walked over to the humans.
'Come on, Muffin. You take nap and let the rest of us get some real work done,' said Fathershom.
Potts said, 'Think I could teach him how to do a bit of gardening?'
Muffin blew a raspberry at Potts for daring to make such a suggestion then followed Fathershom back inside to curl up on His Excellency's favourite chair.
Chapter 55
Davron and Drakov decided to keep things informal and low key, choosing instead to meet the crews of the ships and the army of engineers and technicians in a walk-about.
'Quite an achievement fitting that new cannon, Lieutenant...?'
'Milo, Your Excellency. Let's just say it's an interesting challenge.'
Davron grinned and said, 'Judging by the amount of swearing we heard it sure sounds like it.'
Drakov said, 'Lieutenant. Explain to His Excellency the improvements compared to the old cannons.'
'Err, yes sir. Well, the new ones are far more accurate, a lighter and more responsive twin trigger action and an increased range of more than fifty percent extra. There's also a twenty-three percent power saving.'
'Fantastic,' said Davron. 'Son. The glory might go to the crews of the ships, but they couldn't do their job without the terrific work done by people like you to give them the tools to do the job. Well done, soldier. Carry on.'
It was a similar scenario everywhere they went, handing out encouragement and praise in equal measure. In the command centre they continued in the same manner, emphasising how each man and woman played a vital part in the effort to fight off the aliens. In a darkened conference room they found all the crew members of the five Earth-grounded ships on a tactical planning session. The room was filled with a holographic display of several colours, depicting the solar system with the Earth in the centre of the display.
'Attention for His Excellency and Commander Drakov,' barked the woman at the front of the group.
'At ease,' said Drakov.
Davron said, 'We just want to wish you every success on this mission.'
Drakov said, 'Group Captain Clithero. Continue where you left off so His Excellency can see how the battle plans are progressing.'
Clithero had been put off her stride with the sudden appearance of His Excellency. Paul could see her discomfort and smiled sweetly to allay her nervousness. 'Please continue. I could tell what an impressive job you were doing as we barged in here. This represents our fleet already in space?'
'Yes, sir. In this scenario the assumption is made the aliens have reached as far as the moon undetected and our fighters are defending themselves. Using that as a diversion, we send in our five ships from a wide arc attacking the enemy from all sides. Effectively we would have them surrounded and hopefully at a disadvantage.'
'Interesting,' said Davron. 'Not keeping a ship or two as a contingency? In reserve, so to speak?'
'Sir. We are the reserve. If we are called into the fray, I think it's safe to assume it will be a final conflict.'
Davron looked at Drakov who shrugged and nodded his acceptance of Clithero's assumptions.
'Then I am thankful we have the best of the best right here. I know you'll do us proud. Carry on.'
Davron left the room followed by Drakov, but his commander was delayed by an officer from the fleet.
/> 'Lieutenant Carver. You have one of the fighters under your command, I understand.'
'Yes, Commander. Sir. May I speak freely?'
Drakov said, 'Yes.'
Carver struggled with the words but was determined to speak his mind. 'Sir. I can't help feeling we have two enemies to fight. One of whom has infiltrated our ranks.'
Drakov pulled Carver to one side away from the others. 'His Excellency has every confidence in Patrick Davron...'
Carver's face screwed up like he was sucking on lemons. 'The man who calls himself Patrick Davron.'
'Now you listen to me, Carver. You know and I know that the Romulus is our best and possibly only chance of defeating the enemy. His crew have already proved themselves by helping to take out an enemy ship.'
Carver wasn't done. 'An unmanned ship. Big deal. What better way of suckering us in? We go out there to fight the aliens, and then this so called Patrick Davron and his crew show their true colours and wipe us out.'
'Enough, Carver. I'm going to have you replaced with an officer I can depend on.'
'Sir. With respect, at least I'll be keeping one eye behind us, in case this Patrick does make a move against us. The others won't listen to me, so let me play devil's advocate.'
Drakov wasn't about to admit to his lieutenant he had also shared such thoughts. 'You are completely wrong, Carver. But you are one of our most experienced officers with ships. Very well. Continue as planned. But I warn you now. You give the crew of the Romulus the benefit of the doubt unless they act against our side. Major Burns is in overall command and you will follow his orders without question. Do you understand?'
'Yes, sir.'
'But it won't hurt to keep an eye on the Romulus, hey?'
Drakov's approval, albeit grudgingly given, was all Carver needed. 'I'll be your eyes and ears out there, sir.'
Drakov frowned at such a notion, then hurried away to catch up with His Excellency.
Chapter 56
Paul Davron allowed Drakov to escort him to his city suite which he entered alone and where he found his rooms empty.
'Welcome home, Excellency. Hmm. Nice to just be me for a change. Muffin. Muffin? Hmm. No patter of tiny feet. Miss Fathershom. Would you come in here, please.'
Fathershom entered and said, 'A productive meeting of the troops, sir?'
'What? Oh. Yes. Well, as much as could be expected. Have you seen Muffin?'
'Who, sir? Oh. Muffin. He was asleep in here a couple of hours ago. The little chap must have tired himself out flying.'
'Flying? His wing has mended?'
'Yes,' said Fathershom. 'I took him up to the rooftop like you suggested, and he took off. I chatted with Harry Potts while we waited and Muffin eventually came back. He was soon fast asleep in your chair.'
'Well where is he now? I promised Patrick I'd take care of him.'
Fathershom knew she would be held responsible for any mishap befalling Muffin. 'He must be here somewhere. Nobody came in here in your absence, and I don't see how he could have got out without assistance.'
Davron hurried up the steps to the door to the rooftop. 'Miss Fathershom. Why is the door wide open?'
Fathershom stood horrified at the open door, feeling the breeze from the rooftop garden waft across her face. 'I swear I shut it. The lock resets itself when the door is pulled shut.'
'I know that. I do live here much of the time, Miss Fathershom. Are you sure you closed the door after you?'
'Yes, sir. Positive. By force of habit I always double check it whenever I've been outside.'
Davron knew this to be so. Fathershom was meticulous about such things.
'I believe you. It seems Muffin is smarter than he looks. He must have remembered the code and let himself out.'
Davron walked out onto the rooftop followed by Fathershom. 'Harry? Harry?'
From a partially camouflaged tool building in one corner of the garden, a sleepy looking Potts walked over to Davron.
'Afternoon, Excellency. I was just...potting a few seedlings. Is everything ok, sir?'
Fathershom anxiously asked, 'Harry. Have you seen Muffin out here?'
'That funny monkey?'
'Ape,' Davron corrected. 'Yes. It seems the door was opened and he got out.'
''tweren't me, sir. I never use that door. I have my own way down from here.'
Davron said, 'I know, Harry. What about Tom? Is he about?'
'No, sir. Had a toothache and knocked off early. Young Tom wouldn't go near that door.'
'I'm sure he doesn't. I just thought he might have seen Muffin come out here on his own.'
Potts said, 'No, sir. He'd have told me if he had.' The old gardener looked out over the city. 'You think he took off somewhere?'
'It's looking that way. What time do you knock off for the day?'
'Five o'clock as usual, sir.'
Davron said, 'Right. Forget gardening for the time being. I want you here waiting for Muffin to come back. We'll leave the door open for now. Call us the minute he returns.'
It sounded like a cushy number to Potts. 'I'll set myself up right here, sir. You can rely on me, sir.'
'Good.' Davron stared out over the city seeing nothing but the odd bird in the air. With a sigh he returned indoors.
Chapter 57
'I hate this part,' said Danders. 'Waiting for the action to start.'
Patrick said, 'I think you mentioned that about fifteen times.'
'I told you a billion times never to exaggerate. How come we don't know where these freaks are?'
Patrick shrugged and said, 'They're shy?'
'Will you get serious?'
'I am,' said Patrick. 'The prospect of an early death tends to make me that way.'
Danders growled back at him, 'I've news for you, buster. You and me are on the same rust-bucket and I've no intention of dying anytime soon. That means you can't either.'
Patrick laughed and said, 'You have no idea how reassuring I find that.'
'How does Jazz put up with you?'
'In small doses by the look of it. I haven't seen her in hours.'
A voice from behind them said, 'Missing me already, hey.'
'He talks about nothing else,' said Danders. 'Jazz this, Jazz that. If I didn't know better, I'd say he might like you or something.'
Belle said, 'I heard that rumour, too. You know, this hanging around is driving me nuts.'
'Don't you start,' said Patrick. 'Dale on cannon duty?'
'Yes. Why is it we don't get a fix on these guys?'
Patrick said, 'Is it just me or is there a bad echo in here? Just be ready for them.'
'Is he always this annoying?' Danders asked.
'Infuriating, isn't he?' said Belle. 'Wanna swap him for Dale?'
'Tempting, but no. Maybe we should go out there and try to find them. Run a few off the dial frequencies to see if we can pick anything up.'
Patrick said, 'We've tried that a dozen times already. We have to stay tuned into our ship to ship frequency for Major Burns.'
'Ignore us,' said Belle. 'We just want to kick ass.'
'And we will,' promised Patrick.
Akrins walked in, wiping his hands on a rag. 'This hanging around is driving me crazy.'
'Shut up, Toby,' came a chorus of replies.
Chapter 58
Muffin liked most people. They took care of him. Fed him. Memories of bad years with the white coats hurting him still haunted his dreams sometimes. But they were becoming less frequent. He now realised there was more to life than bananas. In the garden he had caught a scent that excited him, drifting on the wind. From the top of the tree he was sure of that smell and he found it too irresistible and had followed that enticing scent. At one end of the jungle city, his mind was reeling with the odour and he had flown above it, trying to understand it.
He had landed on the roof of one of the main buildings in the zoo, and the smell of many creatures mingled in the air around him. He concentrated on one particular smell and suddenly he knew wh
ere it came from. Then he heard her calling him, above all the other animal noises.
Below him, unaware of him, people were doing strange people things. Going here, going there. Something told him this was not the time with so many people around.
Muffin had returned to the garden and had curled up on the chair to sleep. This time he dreamt of something new, something good. One part of him told him no. Stay where he was all safe and warm. Another part of him, the yearning for his own kind, had him looking up the steps to the door to the garden. He had to try.
He had stared at the strange panel on the door which he had seen the female human touch. She touched it there. Then there and there. The door clicked open. Below him the city streets seemed less busy as he squatted on the low wall surrounding the rooftop. His nostrils flared as he picked up the scent which seemed even stronger than before. It was time.
Circling the zoo he flew from one rooftop and enclosure to another until he was where he needed to be. She was calling him. Instinct told him to wait where he was until it was getting dark and the pathways the people used were deserted. He swooped down to the climbing frame in the enclosure. From their shelter they came, surrounding him. Angry males screeched warnings at him and threatened him with their gestures.
Females and young stayed further back away from the males, one apart from the others, calling up to him. One large male told him she was his property, not the stranger's. Muffin stood tall and flapped his wings which scattered the group all except the lone female.
Muffin flapped his wings and flew down by her side. Her old mate returned, wanting to show the intruder that he was the alpha male. Muffin stood his ground and yelled back, bearing his teeth. Then he took off and flew around the male which scared him and had the confused ape running back to shelter. The female was unafraid of him. She went up to Muffin, reaching out with her hand to touch his wings. They sniffed each other. Then she took his hand and led him away. Not to the communal shelter, but where the trees and bushes filled one end of the enclosure in a poor attempt to make it look more like natural habitat. The pair hid themselves away from the others in the shadows of the night.
Chapter 59
