by K. L. Wallen
“Ah,” Nolan shot a glance at Conall. “I think he said his name was Crawdad or Crawford? I’m assuming he is probably assigned to a precinct where she lives, if he has the time to follow her around.”
Blaize picked up his data pad and sent a second message to Ivanoff and Varun.
*.*
“This is so exciting,” Sherry stated as she and her husband stood next to Adal on the bridge.
On the commander’s orders, Varun had the satellite positioned over the park and zoomed into the area where the fireman’s booth was. Favian was already suited up in his fireman outfit, waiting to transport down. He stood on the other side of Adal.
“Varun, when Favian transports down, split the screen,” the Commander ordered. He followed up with, “Set the conference room up with the projections.”
Some of the crew understood that was their cue to move off the bridge and into the conference room. Commander Gharm doesn’t like to be crowded.
Gharm signaled for Adal to remain at her station.
“What do you mean by split-screen?” Sherry asked.
“Warrior Bax, Favian, has a monitor on his uniform. When he transports down, Varun will display both the satellite feed and the monitor on the screen,” Dorn explained.
Blaize and Warriors Mrirux and Ivanoff materialized on the bridge. “Conall, Sherry, and the younglings are in place. We should see them entering the park now,” Blaize reported.
Varun spanned out just a hair and saw the MacKenna family, except Robert, walk to one of the nearby booths. “Where’s Robert?”
“He’s in the tree line, watching for this Logan to change into his gear. Once Logan changes, Robert will ride his bike into the crowd and ram into,” Blaize walked up to the front screen and pointed, “this booth. It is not well constructed. Robert will be fine.” He said it in a way that assured Nolan and Sherry he would immediately transport down if needed.
Nolan and Sherry elected to remain on the ship when told that the entire event would be broadcast via a satellite on the bridge screen. They couldn’t resist seeing something so Trekky, first-hand. Neither of them could see anything wrong with a fireman carrying a woman down a ladder as a demonstration but kept their opinion to themselves.
The MacKennas’ are well aware how crazy protective Pzianian warriors are, and none of the warriors aboard this transport appeared to hold values different from Breneem, Bolano, and the other warriors on Slotan’s ship. Nolan and Sherry were glad their daughter Moira was in good hands and with such a good family, even if they wouldn’t see her but once every four or five years.
“Look. There goes that fireman,” Sherry lifted her hand and pointed. She turned her head to find Favian and Blaize gone. “Where’d,” she didn’t bother finishing her question.
“Dr. Randall is very pretty” Sherry commented as she watched the doctor hand brochures to passersby and speaks with them.
*.*
“Hey,” Robert welcomed Favian and Blaize. “Tell me when.”
Blaize sped away and assumed a position where he could watch the fireman. He softly spoke into his communicator, “Tell Robert to go now.”
Using Pzian speed, Blaize rushed to the fireman seconds after Robert crashed into the booth, and Aideen started screaming about her mom. He heard two of the other fireman call out, “We got it.”
As Logan turned in his direction, Blaize reached out and rendered him unconscious. Favian sped to where Blaize had just been with Logan.
Sherry gasped when Blaize materialized on the bridge carrying the unconscious fireman.
“He’ll be okay?” Nolan asked.
“He’ll be fine. Blaize will return him as soon as this is over,” Adal replied.
Favian strolled out from behind the firetruck and saw two fireman attending to Robert. He appeared fine, and was busy apologizing and giving his thanks to the fireman. They were now examining his bike. Stacy went to help the fallen woman. Before Stacy made it two steps away from the booth, she was turned around by one of the firemen. He assured her another was attending the fallen woman and instructed her to climb the ladder.
They had constructed a makeshift three-story building for her to be rescued from. Favian inspected what the males had built and was glad he was there. The structure, in his opinion, was built to be torn down quickly. This was not good. He positioned himself on the inside of the contraption, near the bottom of the ladder, which was being held in place by one of the fireman as Stacy climbed up. As soon as she pulled herself on top of the structure, Favian walked quickly with the other fireman to the front.
“Ladies and Gentlemen,” the fireman announced over his bullhorn. “Fireman Logan Hunter, will demonstrate how we rescue a damsel in distress,” he chuckled at his joke. “Yes, ladies, the handsome Logan is available.”
Favian straightened from his partially bent form and began climbing the ladder. He sped up when he heard the boards on the wooden structure creak.
Stacy looked down and wished Logan would get his ass up there. Had she known this thing they built would be so rickety, she’d have hired a contractor to fix it. She mentally compared being a fireman is to a carpenter, as a fisherman is to a hot air balloonist.
The so-called roof began to shift and Stacy called out, “Hurry! I think it’s coming down.” She balanced herself as the roof shifted a little more. “Move out of the way,” she yelled.
The crowd cheered her on as if she was acting. Favian knew she wasn’t and picked up enough speed to not give himself away but enough to reach her before the structure buckled.
“Oh, thank God,” Stacy exclaimed and reached out for Logan just as the structure shifted. She heard the gasps from the crowd, braced her hands in the small of his back, and raised her head so she could see the commotion below. She saw the crowd being moved back, and she heard the shouts from the other fireman. Stacy could have sworn she heard Favian say, “I said I’ll always keep you safe and I will.”
“Logan?” she queried and didn’t receive a response.
*.*
“Blaize, here is the stimulator.” Ivanoff handed him the shot Favian left behind to revive Logan.
He accepted the cylinder and picked up Logan as if he were a child. Blaize didn’t notice Nolan’s glance of astonishment.
“They’re being surrounded,” Adal spoke.
“Ivanoff, take the male and follow me down.” Blaize handed off Logan and disappeared from the bridge.
Adal ran and opened a panel and returned with a transporter, which she clipped on Ivanoff’s uniform.
“Put me in the tree line,” Ivanoff called out to Varun. He too disappeared.
“Wow,” Sherry exclaimed with a lot of enthusiasm.
Blaize sped past the structure and kicked at a plank. He was gone before the plank toppled onto the grass. The building swayed and came down. He heard shouts and ran to the tree line to collect Logan from Ivanoff.
Ivanoff administered the shot, handed him to Blaize, and transported back.
Blaize was having the time of his life. He used his Pzian speed to get the stirring Logan down behind the firetruck. Blaize saw Favian speed behind a couple of trees, and transported up.
Favian materialized on the deck and removed his helmet. “Stacy and the MacKenna’s are fine.” He turned to Blaize and thanked him for the final distraction.
They all turned to the screen and watched as Logan walked out from behind the truck, removed his headgear, and shook his head.
“Poor thing,” Sherry remarked. “He has no idea he’s been had.”
“Give it a minute,” her husband chuckled. “That was better than a soccer game. So when do you bring up my brother and his family?”
“As soon as they move into position,” Blaize replied. He waited while Favian removed the uniform and then he, Ivanoff, and Favian transported down and returned with Conall, Bridgett, Robert, and Aideen.
Blaize was holding Robert’s bike with his other hand. “Come, I’ll help you fix it.” He walked to the li
ft with Robert.
Ivanoff smiled at the commotion and decided to bail out his commander. “Let’s take this to the cafeteria. I’m starving, as you humans would say,” he gibed in a playful manner.
Once the bridge was clear, the Commander, Favian, and the other warriors turned to the screen and watched as Logan threw his arms in the air.
“He appears angry,” the Commander commented. “Is he a threat to Stacy?” he asked as he watched Stacy take a step back. She was shaking her head and pointing to the ladder.
“There’s that awful Dr. Bill Carter,” Adal pointed. She watched as he approached Stacy. “Excellent,” Adal whispered when Stacy shrugged off both Bill and Logan.
Favian watched as Stacy turned and walked out of the park. “She’ll run and be home in about four minutes.”
Varun entered a few codes and angled the satellite so they could follow her home.
As soon as she was opening her door, Favian thanked the Commander and his fellow warriors, then left for medical.
Chapter 19
Adal helped transport the MacKenna family back to Bridgett and Conall’s home. Bridgett gave her a tour and they talked about having a barbeque at the beach sometime soon. Adal enjoyed her brief visit.
Commander Dorn also accompanied the MacKenna family to their residence and properly thanked them for their assistance. He was surprised when Aideen presented him with a large, 18-inch, marble bust. She had to have her father carry it for her, since the weight was too heavy and she was fearful she would drop it.
“It’s Zeus. You two look alike,” Aideen remarked.
“Who is this Zeus?” Commander Dorn looked intrigued and noticed similarities.
Aideen smiled. “Zeus was an ancient, Greek, immortal god. He is said to have ruled from Mount Olympus and was the ruler of all the other gods and goddesses, demi-gods, as well as humans, and most mythological creatures. Those that refused his rule, he struck dead. He was not to be challenged, and if he felt he was being displeasured or disrespected by humans, he would destroy entire villages. He was able to create lightning bolts from the palms of his hands and hurl them at his targets with ease and accuracy.
Zeus had other attributes, such as being able to transform himself. Besides being known as a ruthless god, he was also known to favor those who worshipped him and did his bidding. He had a notorious reputation with the ladies, which didn’t go over well with his wife. Zeus had two brothers, equally as powerful, but they ruled different areas. There was Poseidon, who ruled the seas, and Hades, who ruled the underworld. His sisters were not as powerful and didn’t have their own realms, as far as I can recall.
As I said,” Aideen continued, “this was in ancient times, when we believed in multiple gods and goddesses. Humans had no knowledge of sciences and attributed natural catastrophes to the displeasure of the gods and goddesses. To appease them, humans would build temples in their honor and provide offerings. The better the temples, statues, offerings, the more favorable and protected your land and cities would be, unless of course, people slacked off.
I know you guys like marble and I’ve collected other pieces that you can distribute to your crew. I can work on collecting more significant pieces, if you would like,” Aideen concluded, unsure of how her gift was being received.
Dorn looked down at the young Aideen and smiled. “I will treasure this. May I compensate you for this?”
“No, these are gifts from our families to you and your warriors.” She paused and added, “But if you want larger pieces and a lot of other stuff, then I’ll take you up on your offer.”
She darted to her bedroom, calling behind her, “I’ll get the other pieces too, they’re not as grand, but still nice.” Aideen pushed a box out into the hallway. “It’s too heavy to carry,” she called out. In no time, she had two warriors beside her. Tyce picked up the box she pointed to, while the other warrior entered her bedroom to retrieve the second box.
Aideen airily flounced down the stairs ahead of the warriors. “I’ve been doing some shopping for Moira and the babies. For the other guests too. What’s come in so far is in the garage.” She waited while her dad took Ivanoff and his son Rort to the garage before she turned to Adal. “Here, this one is special, for you. I thought you might like it in addition to the marble.”
Adal was handed a box. In the box was a necklace.
“The cross and box chain are 14K gold. I hope you like it,” Aideen softly spoke. “Maybe you could spend some time here and I’ll show you all kinds of Earth goodies that you might like for yourself, your family, and your home.”
Adal noticed that it was nearly identical to the one Aideen wore around her own neck. “I love this. Thank you, Aideen. I hope I will have the opportunity to procure more items you feel would suit me.” She was surprised when Aideen gave her a hug. Adal hugged her back. She then received hugs from Bridgett, Sherry, Nolan, Conall, and Robert.
Nolan heard his cellphone buzz and grabbed it from off the kitchen counter, and checked for messages. “Interesting,” he mumbled.
“What is it?” Conall asked.
Nolan turned to Blaize and raised his eyebrows. “An informal A.P.B. is going out for Ms. Powers.”
“What does that mean?”
“She’s missing. Some officer or detective, probably the one who is trailing her, is sending out calls to watch for her. Like a chain letter.” Nolan suddenly realized they had no idea what a chain letter was and explained.
Ivanoff reentered the living room and signed to Blaize that he could likely track Gabriella.
*.*
“I have the coordinates to Ms. Powers home and am moving a satellite in place,” Varun announced. He was showing Warriors Bylt and Mrirux how to take control of an Earth satellite without detection.
The Commander nodded his approval to Blaize.
“Ivanoff, how are you able to track her?” Blaize asked with urgency.
“I have her bank records. I can track her when she uses her credit or debit card. Olivia showed me how to do this. Also, here is a picture, with the correct color, of the transport Ms. Powers operates.” Ivanoff sent a picture of her car to both the screen and to Blaize’s data pad. “I’m tapping into her bank now.” He studied the readout and announced, “She withdrew five hundred dollars from her account last night. She used her debit card at a gas station in her hometown last night and again this morning in Las Vegas, Nevada.”
Ivanoff calculated the miles between the two places. “I’m not pulling up any hotel reservations, she has either paid cash for a room or is still driving. Blaize, I’m sorry, that’s all I have right now. I set up the system so you’re alerted when she uses one of her cards.”
Blaize turned to Adal. “Position us over her residence. I’m going to transport in and see if she left anything that will indicate what she’s up too, or where she’s going.”
“Yes, Officer Pulten,” Adal responded to Blaize’s order. She entered the coordinates Varun sent her, into her navigation workstation. “We’ll be in position in two minutes. She resides less than four hundred miles south of the MacKenna’s.”
Blaize put on a transporter and monitor. He grabbed a second transporter and tossed it to Ivanoff.
“I’ve entered the coordinates into your transporters,” Varun announced. “The satellite is almost in place.”
“We’re here. You’re safe to go,” Adal acknowledged.
Blaize didn’t wait for the satellite. He and Ivanoff transported and landed in Gabriella Power’s backyard. They stepped to the back fence and scanned the eaves.
“There,” Ivanoff said. He noticed the direction of the lens and stated, “I can take care of this one.” Using his Pzian speed, Ivanoff came around to the side of the camera, reached up, and re-angled the camera. He then sped with Blaize to the side of the house. He waited while Blaize unlocked the door. “Wait,” Ivanoff’s hand shot out and stopped Blaize from opening the door any further than the few millimeters it was. “There’s a wire.”
> Blaize waited while Ivanoff pulled out his data pad and entered a few commands. “Okay, we’re good to go.”
“What did you do?” Blaize asked as he cautiously opened the door.
“Radio waves. Just like at Dr. Randall’s residence, only this time we’re using them for a different section of the alarm system. L.C. and Olivia showed me how to interrupt an alarm system with them. It’s just a matter of finding the right frequency. Olivia also taught me how to remotely erase video feeds, among other things. She’s very skilled at what they call breaking and entering,” Ivanoff rambled as he worked.
They looked around the garage for any hints before moving to the next door.
“Are we still good?” Blaize asked Ivanoff. When he received acknowledgment, he opened the next door. Blaize pushed it open and it slammed shut. “Fried balls, what the crutts?” He tried again, only to have the door push back against him. “Ivanoff?” Blaize stood in the garage staring at the door.
“I have no idea,” Ivanoff replied. “I didn’t see any spring-loaded arm at the top. Someone must be on the other side.”
They both stood still and heard no sounds, not even breathing or a heartbeat.
“No human is there,” Blaize said and tried to open the door again. Ivanoff put his hand on the door and helped him push. It did them no good. Whoever or whatever was on the other side, was stronger than the both of them.
Ivanoff flashed back to some of the mixed martial arts moves Kodiak, L.C., and Olivia taught him. He signed to Blaize to step back. This was going to hurt. Ivanoff took several steps back and with the use of his Pzian speed, he spun as he leapt in the air and kicked in the door. Ivanoff came down hard on the garage floor and grunted. “I’m getting too old for this.”
Blaize helped him up and they made their way into the house. Nobody was home, nor was there anything to indicate why the door resisted Blaize and Ivanoff’s entrance. “You’re going to have to teach me that move,” Blaize informed him as they canvassed the kitchen.