by M. Shaunessy
Chapter 18
Grand Celebration
They told the rest of the Felinoron fleet to meet them back home after they had to make a stop. In an half an hour, Justin and Digan docked the Condor in the hanger bay back on the spaceport, which they departed from. Mike asked Justin to go with him, he agreed. Mike grabbed the bag and walked down the ramp when Tygla stopped them.
“I’m coming too,” Tygla said.
Mike replied, “It’s ok Hun, this only take a minute.”
“But,” she started, but Mike placed his index finger to her soft black lips.
“We’ll be right back, I promise,” Mike said as they kissed. “Why don’t you lie down? You look like you need some sleep.”
She sighed knowing Mike was right. After what happened today, she was exhausted. He let the boys go in to the mall by themselves as she turned and walked back up ramp. Tygla wondered, as she lay on the couch, why Mike did not wanted her come along. Then she figured it out, her lover was going with his best friend without her to a jewelry store. She smiled and knew why.
As they approached the store, Mike saw most of the mess cleaned from the last time he was there. Hazu was coming from the enclosed area of his shop when he saw Mike and Justin. Mike presented the bag to him.
“Here you go Mr. Hazu,” he said as he opened the bag showing him the contents.
Hazu gasped as his eyes widened, “Oh, thank you Mr. Tippin! Thank you very much!”
“You’re welcome,” Mike replied smiling.
“What happened to the Tabby Felinis?” he asked
Mike assured him, “Don’t worry the local authorities of Sadr got him.”
“Oh thank the gods. What do I owe you?” The Lizzian asked curiously.
“Fifty Thousand galactic dollars?” Justin inquired curiously.
Mike slapped his friend’s jacket as Justin said, “Ow, hey?!”
“Don’t mind him,” Mike said. “He’s got always got money on the brains. Look we brought you’re jewelry back, you don’t have give us anything.”
Justin looked at him as if he went crazy.
Hazu looked at him curiously, “No, I must give you something. Take anything in the store, free of charge.”
Justin then smiled looked in the case in front of them, and asked, “Really? What worth fifty thousand?”
Mike turned to him and asked, “What’s with you and money these days?”
Justin looked to his friend replied, “One word, Mama’Halb. Or did you forget we still owe her that money.”
“I didn’t forget, but don’t worry Justin, we’ll find that money for her.”
“Gentleman please,” Hazu said, “In my planet we Lizzians have a custom to offer a gift to those who did a great service for us.”
He looked to Hazu and said, “You know, you’re right. It would be insulting for us not to take your gift.” Mike looked around and saw an encrusted Bimend ring in the display case. He really wanted to present Tygla something before he asked her hand in marriage. “How about that ring?”
Justin looked to him wondering why he would-. Then he knew when Mike smiled to him.
“You know Mike you only known her for a couple of days,” Justin said as Hazu took the ring out and placed it in a box.
“I know. But our love grew so strong in the last couple of days Justin,” Mike replied, “You don’t mind do you?”
Justin frowned, “Not really. I mean this is total commitment Mike. I mean think about our business. Are you gonna have time for it?”
Mike looked to him not believing his words and replied, “Of course I will Justin. Our business will continue, that I promise you. Remember what I said before? I’m not going to let my love for Tygla ruining what we have. Who knows, maybe she can come with us on some jobs?”
“He’s right,” Hazu said handing Mike the small black velvet box. “My wife and I started this business over ten years ago, and we’re still going strong.”
“Where is she?” Justin asked.
Hazu replied, “At home sick.”
Mike looked to his friend, “So what do you say?”
Justin thought about it. Why would Mike break this friendship, He though. He then wondered if having a Felinis on the team could be useful, but then she is royalty and he doubt that she will have time to romp around the galaxy helping them, but what if? To Justin, she did not seem like a princess type; she seemed like another adventure. Maybe this could work out as Mike and Hazu said.
“Well only if I get the same cut,” he grinned as Mike smiled back.
They then heard a clicking sown and a slight chuckle. They did not know who it was, but when they turned around they saw an old acquaintance, Tuskin. He had his modified laser gun aimed at Mike’s face as he said evilly, “And what about Mama’Halb’s cut?”
Mike and Justin were taken surprised as they both raised their hands. Mike did not know what to do. He and Justin completely forgot about Tuskin.
Tuskin continued, “You know it wasn’t easy tracking you down, Tippin. That was until a friend of mine called me, informing that you were here. I waited, figured you be back. Now I can kill you both, compliments of Mama’Halb.”
“Hey wait!” Justin said franticly, “We didn’t desert her. We had the money, but we got side tracked, right Mike?”
“Yeah, and besides, I wouldn’t wave that gun around here if I were you Tuskin,” Mike warned.
Tusking wondered, “And why not?”
They heard another clicking sound and behind Tuskin stood Sheriff Morgan as he aimed his rifle at the Warlian’s head.
“My rifle’s reason, Warlian,” Morgan said as he warned, “Now drop it!”
Tuskin smiled and all in one swift move, he turned his head, and kicked Morgan in the stomach. The sheriff fell back as his rifle went off. Mike, surprised at this, grabbed Tuskin’s gun. Justin remembered that he blasted Tuskin’s right foot when that left Sadr. He then kicked his injured leg as Tusking shrieked in pain. Mike side kicked the Warlian so hard that Tusking fell on the ground out cold. Mike and Justin went off to Morgan and helped him up.
“You ok Morgan?” Mike asked.
Morgan replied, “I’ll be fine, lookout!” Morgan readied his gun as he saw Tuskin was ready to blast Mike, but his attempt failed when Morgan shot him dead on in the chest. Tuskin laid down, now dead.
“Thanks,” Mike said astonished.
“Anytime,” Morgan said then asked, “A friends of yours?”
Mike and Justin looked at Tuskin, as Mike said, “Not anymore.”
“It’s a good thing, Hazu beeped me again, or you two would be six feet underground by now.”
“Yeah,” Justin said as he looked to Hazu, “Thanks.”
Hazu nodded to him.
“Well, I hope you’re mission was a success?” Morgan asked as he went over to Tuskin’s body.
“Yes it was Sheriff,” Mike said, and he then remembered of his ship. He didn’t know how to tell him though.
“And my ship?” he wondered as he check his belonging for any additional identifications.
“Yeah, about that,” Mike started trying to find the right words, “It…it didn’t make it.” Morgan looked to him slightly and frowned. He then took out an ID card from Tuskin’s coat, “We’re very sorry. We’ll make it up to you.”
“Na, it’s alright,” Morgan said, standing up, “As long as she got to fly one last time against the Empire. Besides I was getting tired of the dust that was on her,” he looked at the card and read it out load, “Tuskin Krun, freelance bounty hunter.”
“Yeah, he worked for a client of ours, Mama’Halb.” Mike informed him.
Morgan said, “Mama’Halb, the gangster Slugton?”
“Yeah that’s her,” Justin said.
“Well I wouldn’t worry about Mr. Krun anymore, and as for Mama’Halb, I’m sure she’ll send more of her goons after ya. So if anyone around here asks for you two,” Morgan said, “I n
ever heard of ya.”
“Thanks, well we gotta get going,” said Mike shaking his hands. “Thanks for everything sheriff.”
“It was pleasure, Michael,” Morgan said gracefully, “And if you in this area again, you’re always welcome here.”
Mike and Justin thanked him once last time as they said their goodbyes. They walked down the mall towards the hanger. Mike realized Morgan was right. If Mama’Halb found out Tuskin was dead. She will send another bounty hunter after them. This did not bother Mike as he realized he had great friends protecting him.
Later that day, as the sun fell, they were back in the castle on Felinoron. Everyone gathered in the grand hall. King Rymu was so proud of his children that he has forgiven them. Maybe he thought they were not cubs that he once knew, but now they are full responsible adults. Even though he knew Mike and Justin were nothing more than treasure hunters and not colonial fighters, he gave them honorary metals for their bravery and knighted them. Justin however, declined the offer. He thought he rather be a treasure hunter than knight, it was much more fun. Rymu smiled to him understanding his modesty. He then turned to the crowd.
“Today’s battle was first step towards our freedom against the Xatu Empire.” The crowd cheered then hushed as Rymu continued, “But we far from winning our freedom. As we speak, the Colonials are still struggling to gain more allies to help up in our cause. Together we can overpower these evil aliens once and for all!” The crowd cheered once more and they heard explosions outside as fireworks shot into the night sky as the royal orchestra started to play celebrated melody.
Mike looked at Tygla in her satin mauve royal gown, and smiled as she walked over, to him. She looked around for her father, but he and Xman were talking with Sommanar about today’s battle. She smiled slyly to Mike and guided him to a secluded balcony so they can watch the fireworks alone.
As the sun fell behind the horizon, stars started to appear. The celebration continued of the Colonial’s first victory. The night sky finally filled with stars and blazing pyrotechnics that continued to paint it like a canvas. Xman stepped out on to the balcony and found Mike holding Tygla in her arms as she rested her head on his shoulder enjoying the fireworks celebration. Xman now realized that she truly loves him dearly and he cannot change that.
“Ahem,” Mike and Tygla jumped a little as they heard Xman, “Sorry, I Just wanted to say, uh, Michael,” he said to him uneasily, “I know you are in love with my sister, and I know you’d be true her and everything. What I am trying to say is, if you do ask her hand in marriage, I suppose I’m ok with that. Just don’t displease her. Cause if you do,” Tygla looked at him wondering if he’ll threaten Mike like he did before, “Well, let’s just say, don’t ok?”
Mike smiled at him, “Don’t worry, your sister is in the best hands anyone could have.” Xman nodded to him.
“You didn’t tell father about us, did you?” Tygla inquired.
Xman looked down and replied disappointedly, “Na, I didn’t have the heart.”
Just then King Rymu found them as he stepped out and said, “Ah, so this is where you all are. You know they have just brought the cake out. You better get some before it’s all gone.”
Tygla smiled, “We will father.” Xman looked at her sister, she looked back, and she knew what she had to do, “Daddy?”
“Yes Tygla?” Rymu wondered.
“I want you to know that.” She started as her father looked at her. She then looked to Mike lovingly. She gathered her courage and said “Mike and I are in love.”
“I know that Tygla,” Rymu replied as Xman and Tygla looked at him surprisingly.
“You have?” She wondered.
“Yes,” The king said, “I knew it the first time you two were together,” He smiled and added, “You two do make a nice couple.”
“Then you approve?” Xman asked not believing his ears. “What about the forbidden law?”
King Rymu looked to his son, “Xman, when you become king you must learn that love comes in many forms. I cannot judge ones race over love, but how much care one has for another race. In this time of war, we need all the love we can get whether be humans or Felinis. One day, you will see that Xman, and besides, I think it is time to lift that ban. It was an old silly law anyways. Now come, before all the cake is gone.”
Xman understood as he and his father left Mike and Tygla alone. They both looked in each other’s eyes for a few moments held close to each other and kissed lovingly. Mike broke the kiss and looked deeper in her eyes. It was her dream come true. Now she can be with man she truly loves without any ‘silly law’ as her father puts it, in the way.
“Hey uh, I was just um, was in that jewelry store back on spaceport 88 and uh. Guess what I found?” Mike asked nervously.
“Surprise me,” she replied smiling as she already knew what he found.
Mike took out a small black valet box and Tygla gasped placing her hand over heart as he opened it, she saw the most beautiful ring she ever found. It was a red and blue Bimond, just like the jewel he found on Mota.
“You know before Justin and I met you, I thought my life was full,” Mike said as he snickered, “Boy was I wrong.” He knelt to her and asked, “Will you?”
She looked at Mike’s eyes and continued, “Yes, yes I will marry you.” He placed the ring over her finger. She admired it slightly then Mike stood, hugged and kissed her new fiancée passionately. “Mike, I so happy,” Tygla said as her eyes started to water.
“I knew you would be,” he remarked. He smiled lovingly to her as he wiped her tears of joy from her face. He was about to kisses her once more when they heard another voice.
“Oh, here ya guys are.” Justin said as he surprised them.
Mike said to Tygla, “We gotta find a better spot,” Tygla giggled.
Justin then did understand but said, “Guess what Mike, Digan got us another job.”
“Justin, that can wait,” Mike said.
“But he said it was-.” he stopped and noticed the ring on Tygla finger. He smiled at them both, “I see. Congrats Tygla.”
“Thank you Justin,” Tygla replied grinning like a Cheshire cat.
“I’ll tell Digan to hold that job for us,” Justin said as he left them alone.
Mike held Tygla as they looked out upon the city, when she asked, “Darling? What did you do that you had your former client mad at you?”
He did not want to upset her or make her worry, but he replied, “I don’t wanna talk about right now. It was something…Let’s just say we goofed on, but I’m not going to worry about her anymore. Besides, we have found some great new friends.”
She turned to him and said, “No, you found a great new family.”
Mike smiled warmly at her and the first time since his parent’s death, he now has new family. They kissed deeply once more, and a brilliant flash of colors appeared as the fireworks continued.
Even though the city was still in ruins, the robot builders worked day and night to rebuild, this time stronger and more beautiful than before. The Empire can destroy a city, a planet or even a whole system, but they cannot destroy the hope and love that the Colonials have for freedom. Justin then finally realized what Mike meant before. This adventure had life threatening risks and great rewards. Mike found his reward perhaps Justin will find his.
Epilogue
Somewhere in the deepest space, a space pod floats aimlessly. Inside Hiss was trying desperately to regain control, but it was no use. The engines must have failed during the jettison. He was trapped inside the ship. He sighed and wished that his master Drax were still alive to help him. That was until he heard a clanking noise in the empty seat behind him. He jumped slightly not knowing what it was. He knew that he was alone. Maybe it was the engines kicking in.
“You may want to try the auxiliary engines,” A voice said to him.
Hiss must have jumped out of his seat and turned to the empty
seat behind to see his commander, Lord Drax, filled it. His eyes widened, as he was shocked to see him there. He wondered how he survived.
“My Lord!” Hiss stated, “You’re alive!”
“Yes Hiss, no thanks to you,” Drax replied weakly, “Now, try rerouting the system’s engines.”
“I have tried,” Hiss said turning back to his controls, “They do not ressspond. Ssssir, may I asssk how you essscaped?”
“Not now, Hiss, I am weary and I require rest,” Lord Drax said as he reprogrammed the pod’s controls. He was also an excellent pilot, but he was also a natural when it came to technology. Minutes later, the engines were active. Drax told him to plot a course to the nearest Xatu military station. He knew that the Emperor would not be pleased and would do unspeakable things to him, even worse than death, but he knew that one day he would have his revenge.
Read other books by M. Shaunessy.
Star Raiders and the Pirates of the Black Hole
Knights of the Burning Candle
The Gallows Pole
More books can be found on: https://mshaunessybooks.xtreemhost.com/