“Now,” she choked up wiping a tear from her eye. “I guess this is goodbye. I’d ask Herbert to get out and properly say his farewells but you know—”
“We know,” laughed Nanette.
Martha gave Sir Giles a hug. “You are more amazing in person than what the Galactic Channel could ever portray, the reenactment vidi-films don’t do you justice. It’s a shame you’ll be going back into cryo-sleep. I’d certainly love to have the chance to hear of your next adventure. But I’m afraid Herbert and I will be long gone before you are awakened again.”
Sir Giles grinned mischievously. “I wouldn’t be so sure about that.”
“What do you mean Grandfather?” asked Nanette. “My orders are to return you ASAP back to the Terran System for your repacking.”
“It means—” he paused for effect “—that I’m not ready to be put back into the freezer. I do believe I’m going to enjoy myself for a while. I have to go to your wedding, see some new grand babies being born and solve some ordinary crimes. And if the Galactic Guild no longer wants my services, then to hell with them.”
“That’s wonderful, sir,” roared Smythe.
Martha was ecstatic with the news. So was Nanette but she didn’t quite know how she was going to tell her superiors that her grandfather was now a loose cannon rather than an asset to be put away until the next mission.
The RJX-45 Worldcruiser rumbled into life, sputtering until its fusion drive warmed. Its left turn signal blinked incessantly. “That’s my cue to be leaving,” said Martha. She patted Nanette on the hand. “You have a good man there. Treat him right and he’ll treat you the same.”
“He better or I’ll kill him.” Everyone looked startled at her response. Then she broke out in laughter. Martha got a good laugh out of her joke and got into the passenger side. Sir Giles, Nanette and Smythe moved back as Herbert coaxed the old spacecraft into the exiting lanes and crept along the runway to the phasemic field at the end of the strip. The RJX-45 Worldcruiser blasted off, roaring into outer space perpetually signaling left.
Nanette pulled Smythe down slightly and whispered in his ear. “Don’t think I was joking. I meant every word.”
The End
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
SCOTT A. Combs is an artist, graphic designer, software engineer and writer. He resides in Chandler, Arizona, with his family, one fat cat and his best little buddy, Maxine, an Amazon parrot.
To connect with Scott visit: scottacombs.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/scottacombs123
Twitter: https://twitter.com/scott_a_combs
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
HERE WE ARE again at the end of another novel reflecting on all the people who made it happen. I think back to when I started Murder on Euripides as a novella and found there was so much more to write about. So the journey began to enlarge the story into what you have here today. In no specific order, these are the people whom I wish to thank:
My wife and family foremost for allowing me the time to write. To Kim Halleck Finder, the Optimistic Crank, who carries the eternal torch of encouragement and has suffered through many scenes out of order. How she even saw the plot line alludes me? I want to send a special thank you to the crew of the Carnival Cruise Ship, Carnival Valor, for their hospitality. And especially to our valet, the real Roderick. I hope he doesn’t mind his fictional counterpart even though I changed his nationality to fit the story. And lastly, to my editor, R.W. Jensen, whose wordsleuthing talents and insights have polished my meager efforts.
A CALL FOR HELP
I WANT TO THANK YOU for reading this far. You, the reader, are why I write; I couldn’t do it without you. I would be grateful if you’d leave a review. It’s truly the best way for me to grow as an author. Each and every review is deeply appreciated. Thanks again. — Scott.
HAVE A LAUGH ON ME
READ FOR FREE!
Things aren’t looking good for his Holiness, the Supreme Spiritual Leader of the Galactic Guild. Glup III, an aging Podil, is about to be dethroned by the evil Cardinal Nog’nik and get Podil-napped all in the same day.
The Galactic Guild dispatches their top agents, George Shooters and Sali Terri, to restore Glup III to his righteous position. First, however, they need to find out where he is and how a couple of bumbling pilgrims were able to abduct him.
It’s a fun, hilarious ride and bound to make you laugh right out loud!
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OTHER BOOKS FROM SCOTT
SERIES
GEORGE & SALI ADVENTURES
The Kili Wanna Affair (Coming Soon)
The Feel Good Affair
SIR GILES THACKERY MYSTERIES
Murder on Euripides
REV SMALLEY, GALACTIC P.I.
The Beast of Tsunam
Mom Be Lost (Coming Soon)
STANDALONE
Tapper
Notes
1. Uranium 238 is the galactic standard element used as universal currency. A pellet is approximately equal to 1 million atoms of reactive material suspended within a neutron absorbing coating.
2. Space, Land and Sea Protector. The Galactic Guild’s elite assassin corp.
3. Spiral Arm Treaty Organization.
4. See The Feel Good Affair for the full story.
5. Judge Advocate General.
6. Bluttergloins are a native Flimian foul, so timid that they can die from fright if any thing emits a loud noise in their presence. They’ve become so scarce on Flim that conservationists have domesticated the beasts in small soundproof pens.
7. Parade rest means the legs are spread slightly with the arms brought the small of the back with the hands nested flatly against the spine.
8. Point-a-rally scoring system. The game gains points by winning a rally to a score of eleven (11). At that point the winning team must be ahead by two points. If not, the game continues until a team pulls ahead by two rallies.
9. Spinning the racket is the way in which players determine who starts the rally. A player will spin the racket and the other team player will call out which way the logo on the racket will be, up or down. The winner then chooses which side of the court to serve the ball.
10. A player can call LET when there is questionable interference. The outcome of which is one of the following. 1) to replay the rally when interference occurs outside of 1 meter distance to the ball. 2) to award the STROKE when interference is within 1 meter distance to the ball.
11. The Galactic Guild Communication Commission.
Murder on Euripides Page 24