Freedom

by Maureen Toonkel

  “Is that you, Captain?” said Keith Hampton.

  “Yes, is that you, Lieutenant Hampton?” answered the Captain with a chuckle.

  “Yes, sir, and Commander Andrews,” responded Keith turning off the flashlight. He examined the chains around the Captain’s hands. “I will have you freed in a moment, sir.” He took off his backpack, opened it up, and retrieved a bolt cutter. Using the cutter he was able to snap off the chains from both the Captain and the doctor’s wrists.

  While Dr. Berg used the bandages in the backpacks to repair Josh’s head and wrist injuries, Dave Andrews explained how he and Keith were able to find the Captain with Penelope’s help.

  “That was an excellent idea, Keith,” said Josh.

  “I don’t think so,” admonished Marlana. “Penelope could get hurt down here.”

  “I am sure she will be OK.” Josh winked at Keith. “Lieutenant Hampton, help Dr. Berg put Penelope into a backpack and on to the good doctor’s back. We need to get out of here.”

  “Where are we going, sir?” asked Dave.

  “I have been thinking. Something is very strange down here. Obviously Captain Torgenson is not following his orders to free the slaves and rehabilitate Brisula. Lieutenant Shasta is not acting as himself. There are so many questions. What happened to General Platt? Is he still here on Brisula? Is he still in control? What has been happening since we left? What I am thinking is that perhaps Colonel Flax could give us some information. So I propose that we head to Salton’s apartment and see if we can talk to his master.”

  “That is a very interesting proposal, sir,” said Keith. “It makes a lot of sense.”

  “Good. Then let’s get started.”

  With Keith leading the way the four Gladiator officers left the Construction Site. The fence that Keith and Josh, with the help of the other escapees, had torn down using the buckskin whip was still lying on the ground. They crossed over it onto the H Lane and headed north up the 11 Passageway.

  CHAPTER NINE

  June 24, 0100 Hours

  “Lieutenant Evans and Ms. Glenna, I am going to return to the other side of the Lake where the rest of the Architectural Engineering crew is camped out,” said Commodore Naper. “Evans, you and Ensign Glenna will remain here and watch for Captain Stoner and the others. Please continue to try and establish contact with the Gladiator and with Captain Stoner and also with Captain Torgenson.”

  The Commodore took off on foot. Soon his flashlight beam was no longer visible. Colin walked over to where Beverly was seated on the ground and wrapped his arms around her waist.

  “Alone again, at last,” he said as he squeezed her gently. “I was worried he was going to stay here all night.”

  “So was I,” giggled Beverly.

  “Should we finish what we started this afternoon?” laughed Colin. “You know, before we were so rudely interrupted.”

  “Sure.”

  “You know, you never did tell me who that guy was.”

  “Yes, he was introduced. His name is Keith Hampton.”

  “I mean how do you know him?”

  “He’s a lieutenant on the Gladiator.”

  “And?”

  “And what?”

  “And he seemed upset to see us together, and you seemed upset that he was upset.”

  “No, it was just, just,” stammered Beverly, “embarrassing. That’s all. After all I was naked.”

  “I suppose. But it seemed like more than that.” Colin leaned over and kissed her on the forehead. “Were you friendly with this guy?”

  “A little, I guess. He’s the navigator and we were on one mission together.”

  “Did he come on to you?”

  Beverly was about to nod affirmatively when she noticed the anger in Colin’s eyes. She quickly shook her head to indicate no.

  “Good. He better have not,” growled Colin making a fist. He kissed her again.

  “One more question before we move inside. How come everyone was so surprised that I was your fiancé?”

  Beverly was actually prepared for the question. She had anticipated that Colin was going to eventually ask that and she had spent the evening thinking of a logical explanation.

  “Being new aboard the Gladiator, word hadn’t spread yet to everyone that I was an engaged woman. Of the landing party crew, the only one who knew was Dr. Berg.”

  “That makes sense,” said Colin standing up. He scooped Beverly up in his arms and carried her into the James K. “Poor Hampton.” The space pod door slammed shut.

  “Just a little further ahead,” announced Captain Stoner. “Then we take a right at the 7 Passageway.” In his mind he was walking alongside Joban. They were going to get Salton and take him back with them to the Gladiator. After entering the 7 Passageway they would go up to the Traffic Corridor and that is where they would find Dr. Loring lying unconscious in the intersection. Sometimes Josh would wish he had never found Paul. If he had not found him, he might never have learned that Paul was a Tradian and a traitor. Would it be better to think he lost his best friend to death than to betrayal? Which would be easier to live with?

  “How do these people live here with these shiny walls?” asked Dr. Berg to no one in particular.

  “I thought you said it was beautiful down here,” remarked Josh looking back over his shoulder. The image of walking with Joban had faded.

  “It seemed that way at first,” the doctor murmured.

  “It grows on you,” grinned Josh. “Believe me it does.” He turned back around and patted Keith on the shoulder. “Right, Hampton?”

  Lieutenant Hampton was about to agree when something up ahead caught his eye. It was a reflection in the roof of the silver tunnel on the opposite side of the intersection of the H Lane and the 7 Passageway.

  “Sir,” Keith said very softly. “Someone or something is approaching us from the west.”

  “Quickly everyone, to the left,” directed Josh.

  “NO!” yelled Keith. He had just spotted reflections in the tunnel on the Traffic Corridor as well. “Captain, we need to go south.”

  “Follow Keith,” shouted Josh. With the others following, Keith emerged out of the H Lane tunnel and took a right turn onto the 7 Passageway. He flattened himself against the silver panels and began inching his body along the wall.

  “Sir, we may have to hide out for a bit. In the school?” Keith asked. Josh nodded. “Do you think we should run for it or take it slow?”

  “ZAP!” The distinct sound of a zip gun being fired blared from the tunnel north of them. Without waiting for an answer, Keith, running at top speed, led the way to the G Lane, through the gate, up the path, and into the School.

  “These bolt cutters are sure coming in handy,” he told the Captain sliding them back into his backpack as he ushered the group down the Silvergate Tunnel to the gymnasium. “I was able to cut open the School House gate without any trouble.”

  The closet was a little more cramped with four of them and a cat but it was doable. Both Marlana Berg and Joshua Stoner were close to being dehydrated and while neither would admit it, they both were physically and mentally exhausted from their ordeal in the Construction Site. While the two napped on the gym mats, Dave Andrews and Keith Hampton took turns keeping watch.

  Dave sat lazily against the closet door. Penelope, realizing that he was the only one awake was rubbing her head against his knee. He reached down and stroked her ears and she purred gently. The rhythmic sound was almost hypnotic, and his eyes started to droop. Suddenly he heard footsteps outside the door. Andrews bolted upright. He nudged Keith and the two of them barricaded the door with their bodies. They felt the door being tugged but it didn’t budge. Then they heard two voices, and one definitely was Lieutenant Shasta. Wayne was telling the other person, who they were pretty sure was Captain Torgenson, not to worry.

  “We are going to find these Gladiator intruders and when we do they will be eliminated. United Galaxy Command will never have to know the truth,” remarked Wayne.r />
  “Let’s go. They are not here,” ordered Captain Torgenson.

  “Sir, everyone is getting pretty weary. Even the caffeine isn’t working any more. I am wondering if we can get some shut-eye and get a fresh start in the morning.” Jackson Greene stood in front of Dennis Pearson trying to stifle a yawn. It was almost 0300 hours. He had been up and on duty for nearly 21 hours.

  Dennis eyed the warrant officer. He looked haggard. Giving Jackson a pat on the back he said, “Sure. You and your team report back at 0900.”

  “Thank you, sir, but I can be ready by 0700.”

  “I’ll leave that up to you.” Dennis picked up his coffee cup and took a swallow. Jackson was right, the caffeine wasn’t working any longer. He was exhausted. He looked around the Bridge. He had dismissed the regular Bridge crew about two hours ago but stayed on himself. Fighting to keep his eyes open and his head up, he realized he really wasn’t doing himself or his crew any good by not getting any sleep. Finally he told the Bridge crew he was going to his quarters to get some rest.

  Diane was already asleep when Dennis slipped into bed alongside her. He cuddled up next to her under the blanket and stroked her thick red hair. She stirred slightly. Dennis sighed. They obviously were both too tired to do anything else. Despite how worn out Dennis was, sleep did not come easily. He laid awake thinking about the force field, about the Captain, about the broken telescope, about the missing shipment, and about the Admiral’s phone calls. As he stared bleary eyed at the ceiling panels above his bed, he asked himself, so is this what you wanted when you stormed out of the Conference Room the other day? Having to deal with all of these problems and make impossible decisions? He shook his head and finally closed his eyes. To his surprise when he opened his eyes he found it was 0700 hours and he was alone in his quarters. He had actually managed to doze off for a couple of hours.

  CHAPTER TEN

  June 24, 0700 Hours

  Captain Stoner and his officers crept slowly down the 7 Passageway keeping close to the tunnel walls. They had all gotten up early and gathered up their belongings making sure not to leave anything behind. Keith used the water cooler to refill their water supplies and grabbed some extra cups. Dave told them about Shasta and Torgenson’s visit during the night. Hampton also relayed the strange encounter he and Andrews had had with Shasta.

  “Sir, I cannot understand why Wayne did not know who Beverly was,” Keith had said.

  Dr. Berg had jumped in and explained that Wayne also did not know who Joban was, which she said was simply due to the concussion he suffered when he bumped his head.

  Josh had looked at Keith and could tell from the expression on his face that he was not convinced with that explanation. And to be honest, neither was he. Concussion or not, Wayne Shasta could not be capable of killing his Captain and fellow officers.

  They had reached the Traffic Corridor intersection. It was still early morning, hence there weren’t any people in the corridor. The four officers dashed across the roadway and headed left down the J Lane. They took a right at the tunnel leading to the 600 - 660 Apartments.

  Josh stopped at number 642. He knocked softly on the door. Within a minute a tall man with bushy hair dressed in ragged purple clothes opened the door. His eyes bulged wide with surprise as he murmured, “Hello.”

  “May we come in?” asked Josh.

  “Of course.” The slave opened the door wider so the group could enter into the foyer. “Has Joban sent you to rescue me again?” inquired Salton.

  “No,” smiled Josh. “But the offer still stands.”

  “Thank you, but I am afraid I must still decline.”

  “I understand. I do have a message though from Joban and Fabiana. They asked to say hello. They are both currently aboard our ship and are doing exceptionally well.”

  “So is that the reason for your visit, to give me a message from Joban?” asked Salton.

  “Not entirely. We would like to speak to Colonel Flax.”

  “Wait here. I will get him. It was nice to see you again, Captain Stoner, and you too, Lieutenant Hampton.”

  After just a couple of minutes a stately middle aged man with dark black hair dressed in a multicolored military uniform walked into the entryway and greeted the Gladiator officers.

  “Gentlemen and lady, Salton informed me that you wished to speak to me. Is there something that I can do for you?” He smiled at Captain Stoner. “Perhaps you need another chair?”

  Josh smiled back. “No, sir. Not a chair this time. We need information.”

  “Ah, I see. I am not sure I can give you the type of information that you want.”

  “Sir, it is imperative to the welfare of all the citizens of Brisula and the slaves that we get this information.”

  “I don’t doubt that. And it is not that I don’t want to give you information. I just don’t think I have the kind of information you seek.”

  “If we can ask you some questions you may be able to give us some answers.”

  “Yes, of course. Let us go to my office. Follow me.” Colonel Flax led them down a narrow hallway past several closed doors. At the end of the hallway he opened the last door on the left and beckoned them to enter. Inside was a plush velvet green couch with two matching arm chairs, a lavish wooden desk with ornate carved legs, and a metal folding chair standing upright in front of the desk.

  Josh eyed the flimsy folding chair. “You haven’t gotten your desk chair back. I am sorry.”

  “I know where it is,” piped up Keith Hampton. Everyone turned to look at him. “It is at the gate on the J Lane and 11 Passageway before you get to the Construction Site.”

  “It’s still where Joban and I left it?” questioned Josh.

  “Thank you,” said the Colonel. “I will send Salton to retrieve it. Now please have a seat and tell me what questions can I help you with?”

  Josh sat down on the arm chair closest to the folding chair where the Colonel had seated himself. “When we left here two weeks ago,” he began, “the plan was to install an electric elevator and begin evacuating the slaves who want to leave. Captain Torgenson is in charge of the project in Brisula City along with Commodore Naper on the planet’s surface. Shortly after our departure, I received several distress calls from one of my officers, Lieutenant Wayne Shasta, reporting that things did not appear to be going as planned. But he could not give me any specifics. Then we lost contact. I decided to return, only to find out that the elevator had not been installed. In fact the pulley elevator has been taken down. I have been assaulted and along with Dr. Berg chained up in an abandoned construction site. So, do you have any idea at all as to what is going on?”

  Colonel Flax stared for a moment at Josh. Then looked down at his feet before he looked back up at Josh.

  “I honestly do not know for sure what is happening. You must believe me. I have always been against the slavery system in Brisula, but it is not something one can say publicly, especially in my position. I have a wife and children to care for. I have tried to use my position to do what I can for the few slaves I come in contact with—the ones who work for me at the Zoo and the Deliveries area. And, of course, in my home.” He stopped talking and closed his eyes.

  “Yes, Salton and Joban have both talked highly of your kindness as their Master,” said Josh.

  “It is nice to know they feel that way,” the Colonel said opening his eyes. “I tried to help Joban but he kept running off and the authorities eventually ordered me to return him to the Cages.” He shook his head. “I am glad that he found you and has finally made his escape.” He smiled and nodded. “Since Captain Torgenson’s arrival the atmosphere in Brisula has been very tense. His officers use guns to keep people in line, both the slaves and the Populace. Even the Wealthies, like myself are being threatened by the Captain and his men, particularly Lieutenant Shasta.”

  “What?” gasped Keith Hampton. Josh looked over at the Lieutenant who was seated on the couch alongside Dr. Berg.

  My thoughts exactly,
thought Josh. Yes, Wayne is a good officer and follows orders but would he follow outrageous and obviously unethical orders? Especially ones against his own moral beliefs?

  “I’m sorry, sir,” Keith was saying as Josh turned his attention back to Flax.

  “As you can see Lieutenant Shasta’s recent behavior is puzzling to us. He is acting quite different than um, shall I just say normal.” Josh glanced over at Dr. Berg who was looking at him quite sternly. “You wouldn’t happen to know if Lieutenant Shasta recently had an injury? Bumped his head maybe?”

  “No. Not that I know about. Why?”

  “He told us he hit his head and we think he may have had a concussion, which could account for his strange behavior.”

  There was a knock on the door, followed by the door being opened just a crack. Then they heard Salton’s voice.

  “Master, the apples have arrived.”

  “Excuse me. I will be right back.” Flax rose and quickly left the room.

  When Flax returned he was carrying a small box with four large shiny red apples.

  “I was able to secure some extra apples.” He held them out to Josh. “Please have one.”

  Josh took one and passed the box to Keith who selected one and handed the box to Dr. Berg.

  “I’m allergic to apples,” she said. “But thank you.” She gave the box to Dave Andrews who took an apple and laid the box down on the floor.

  “Thank you, Colonel Flax for the apple,” said Andrews. “Did you have to sign for the delivery?”

  “No,” answered Flax. “One of Captain Torgenson’s new laws for Brisula is the Apple Mandate. Every Brisulan citizen and slave over the age of five is required to eat a minimum of one apple per day. Infants and children are to be fed apple juice or apple sauce for their morning meal. Apples are delivered every morning and the delivery guards must watch and document that the apples were eaten.”

  “But why?” asked Josh.

  “It is to maintain our health.”