Verron_Birth of a Nation

by Douglas Varnell

  Since everyone was away and they still had a few hours to kill, Paul decided to get Michael out of Mountain City for a while. Hunter had flown everyone to the Spaceship factory in the transport, so Paul decided to use the executive starship to show Michael around. They spent the afternoon just flying around looking at the locations where Paul planned to build cities. They spent a little longer talking about the plans for agriculture, mining and steel manufacturing. Michael couldn’t believe the size of the mines, steel mills or even the refinery. Without a penny of what was in the vault, Michael realized his Uncle was still a rich man. He had had Daniel on his heart lately and wanted to discuss his future with Michael. He wasn’t sure how to broach the subject, but he felt man-to-man in a direct manner would be best. He began, “Daniel is doing great with his cousins. I think it’s doing him a lot of good to interact with other kids. All of them tell me how highly intelligent he is and that he is grasping the simulators and even assembly of the Speeders really well, but I can tell he still struggles with social skills and communicating just what he is thinking about. Michael, I plan to put you and Marcus and your wives in the rejuvenation tanks. Few know this, but they have the capability of also increasing the mental and physical capacity while they heal anything wrong with you; like your bad knees and Marcus’ wound from the Gulf War and Danyel’s heart condition. It would also heal Daniel’s autism. I’ve discussed it with Tlase. Autism does occasionally occur on Xhondar, but is cured 100% of the time, along with any other mental or physical disability.” Michael’s eyes began to tear. “You mean I could have a normal father/son relationship with Daniel.” Paul smiled and told him, “Yep, in no time he will be a typical obnoxious teenager. And since he is already smarter than the average child, he will of course consider himself smarter than his father; perfectly normal.” Michael smiled and replied, “I can’t wait to tell Rach. When will we do it?” Paul answered, “In the next day or two, after we get the others out of the tanks. I intend, if you don’t mind, to increase your mental capacity considerably. You know the statistics about humans using 10% of their brain. I plan to increase yours to 100%. You’ll adjust quickly to it and with all that you will need to know and learn it will make the job much less stressful and time consuming. How would you like to be able to read all the IRS Tax Code Changes in 10 minutes and remember every one of them?” Michael looked at Paul and replied, “I hate to read tax codes.” Paul laughed, “Well, on Verron you will be defining the tax codes, so keep it simple. The IRS is a train wreck, if Verron becomes one we get to blame you.”

  Their last stop was going to be the Spaceship factory. Paul wanted Michael to realize that it would most likely be the single largest employer on Verron, and therefore will end up with a fairly good size city close-by. As they approached the factory, they noticed the one hanger door open and a Speeder and some sort of mini-Speeder, Paul didn’t recognize, parked next to it. He touched down just outside the doors and by the time he and Michael disembarked they were greeted by his Speeder Gang and Marcus. Michael had never seen the plant before and was impressed by what his little brother was going to be responsible for. Daniel couldn’t wait to show his Dad what he had been doing with the others and drug him to the Speeder assembly area. While Michael and Marcus were getting the Daniel tour, Paul couldn’t resist taking a look at the tiny little Speeder that was actually designed like a small fighter. He began to walk toward it and was almost tackled by a high speed Tala shouting, “Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Uncle Paul.” When he finally untangled from the hug, she continued, “It’s the greatest. I flew it already and no one can fly it but me; well 99 could probably fit in it, but no one else could unless they are very little. It’s the perfect size just for me; I love it and it’s all mine.” Paul couldn’t help but laugh at this adorable little redhead as he quietly walked around the little ship, suddenly remembering giving it to her the night before. As she and the others watched him closely to see what he would do, he opened the canopy and looked inside, walked around to the rear and opened the reactor hatch and whistled. He finally looked at Tala with a serious face and said, “Tala, as far I know, this is the only ship like this in existence. It’s obviously some kind of prototype and will have to be studied more closely, so, since you’re the only one who can fit in it, it looks like you will have to be the test pilot.” What was starting to be tears quickly turned to a radiant smile as her cousins were telling her how important it was to be a test pilot. Hunter gave her a hug and congratulated her and so did Amber. Chase punched her in the shoulder and said, “You better not crash it, or Uncle Paul will be mad.”

  This was the first time in a while that they had Paul’s undivided attention. They began to brag on Tala and tell him all about her simulator scores. While they were telling him, he quietly had Lucy verify the scores through his neuro feed. He realized that he had made his scores after being enhanced. This child was definitely some kind of a flying prodigy. He once again connected to Lucy and sought her observation. She informed Paul, “The others learned step-by-step how to control their ship in order not to crash, so they could reach the next level. Tala never expected to crash, nor had any fear of crashing, it was not even a consideration, so she simply did whatever she enjoyed doing. I’ve never seen anything like it.” Paul then asked Lucy, “What exactly is this little ship for?” She answered, “It was intended to be fully automatic and flown as a test drone. It would be used to test the aerodynamics, the new reactor design and would have been fitted with small yield weapons for testing purposes. In its present configuration, the new reactor produces three times the power at one fourth the size. The model ship is capable of Mach 1.4 and also has a new fuselage design which should be more durable than the old design.” Paul tussled Tala’s hair and said, “Well, kid, looks like you have your own mini-fighter.” She smiled and began to brag about her fighter to her cousins. Paul left them to their conversation and headed toward the hanger to join his Nephews, thinking life sure is going to be interesting around here; a 9 year-old with a mini-fighter, only on Verron.

  Marcus and Paul convinced Tala that it would be best to leave her fighter at the factory, at least until everyone else had their Speeders ready. Tala all of a sudden seemed anxious to help her cousins finish their Speeders. Paul, Michael and Marcus flew back to Mountain City in the Executive Starship. Hunter flew everyone else back in the transport. Marcus had convinced Tala that it would be best if she would let him tell her mother about her mini-fighter. With the honesty and innocence of a child and the one-up-man-ship of teens and pre-teens, he doubted it would remain their little secret for long. They arrived back a few hours before the rest of the people were supposed to get out of the tanks, so Paul decided to offer a distraction that hopefully would get everyone’s mind off the spaceships. He encouraged his nephews and the kids to go to the Jxansa Gha workout room. He told them that he had a special surprise for them. When they got there he couldn’t resist the temptation to tease the kids or his nephews. He had the six cousins line up and then began handing out weapons; swords, battle axes, short-staffs and for Tala, a set of daggers. Swords were still just a little too big for her. They were all looking at each other and wondering what Paul was doing. Hunter and Amber had already figured it out, and began to play along when Paul said, “I know you’ve all had the desire to hit your brother, sister or cousin, so now you get your chance. But they get to hit back. It won’t hurt too much and no one has ever had an arm cut off.”

  Chase lightly hit his own left arm with the dull edge of the blade and was surprised at how much it hurt. He was not very enthusiastic about this, and Paul could tell their parents weren’t either. He would have never gotten this far if the Mamas had been around. He then walked to the cabinet and removed six force-field reactors and attached one to each of their belts or waistband. He then said, “Amber, I know you have always wanted to hit your brother, so now’s your chance.” Knowing exactly what to expect she took her hardest swing at Hunter’s head. Katelyn screamed, “NO!�
�� Just before the impact. They were all stunned as Hunter and Amber began to laugh and say, “Gotcha!!” Children learn fast, and before long they were all swinging weapons at each other, unloading years of frustration. Chase and Katelyn had both been avid sword fighters before and had developed a fighting style they used to perform in light sabre competitions at local Sci-Fi conventions. They were soon going at it with real gusto. Tala was going after her cousin Daniel with a pair of daggers, and he was trying not to hurt his little cousin. Finally Chase stepped up and hit Tala with a full swing from a sword. She laughed and stabbed at him with a dagger. Daniel then realized no one was getting hurt and joined the mayhem. Paul let them play awhile, then paired them off, with Hunter and Amber helping him instruct. Michael and Marcus were enjoying the show. Before long Paul got two more swords and two more forcefields and the two brothers started acting like Zorro; their kids loved it. By the time they finished, it had the desired effect. All anyone could talk about was the sword fighting. They soon went their separate ways to get showered and cleaned-up.

  Michael and Marcus had just joined Paul in the kitchen along with Gljarne and Bhlani when the shopping hoard returned. It looked like they had cleaned-out the Mall of America. He soon found that not only did they buy new clothes for them they also got outfits for their husbands and of course the children. The kids soon arrived and pilfered through the bags with their Moms. Uncle Mike and Uncle Les looked like they had just stepped out of G.Q. Magazine. They evidently had made a stop at a hair salon while there and their thick hair looked very stylish. Aunt Sherry looked great beside him in her new outfit. His Mom had several bags of clothes and Yadvega and Xhing Li had done their fair share of shopping as well. Xhing Li handed Paul a thick stack of receipts and his credit card. He turned and handed the receipts to Michael, saying, “Do you think I have enough to cover this?” Michael smiled and said, “Just one less spaceship we can build.” While they were sorting through the bags, Xhing Li handed Paul a small bag saying, “I had to get this for you.” Paul opened the bag and removed a small jewelry box with Chinese writing on it, inside was a beautiful Red Dragon pin studded with rubies. It was just over an inch wide and extremely intricate and it looked like Zeus had modeled for it. Xhing Li said, “For the Dragon King,” and kissed him on the cheek.

  The others turned to see who was talking when they heard, “Oh, sure, while I’m helplessly concealed in a tank of green slime, everyone else goes shopping. You’re not getting off that easy Dad.” Renee was in the front of the small group and even in her ugly blue jumpsuit looked great. Hunter and Amber ran to her and almost broke her bones hugging her so hard. Leona and Donald were right behind, followed by Sylvia, Allen, and Eric; taking up the rear was his Uncle Kenneth and his wife Sarah. Paul couldn’t help but shed a few tears of joy looking at these people. The next to speak was Kenneth, when he proclaimed, “We’ll go shopping later; I need food.” The starving rejuvenated agreed and were soon seated and being catered to by the others. Hunter and Amber were talking a mile a minute telling their Mom and Grandma about what they had been doing the past few days. Paul had to rush to his Uncle and cousin Sylvia’s side. To see them both so healthy and full of hope was a thrill. He hugged Eric who looked like he was 25 years-old and said, “You’re still ugly.” Eric who was diabetic, had COPD, a herniated disk and Sleep Apnea, was now the picture of health, he gave Paul a hug and started crying, telling him, “I would have most likely died in there, thanks for busting me out.” Sylvia began asking about her sister Wilma and her other son Daryl. Paul assured her they could come here too.

  Paul felt someone standing behind him and turned to receive a big hug he wasn’t expecting. Donald gave him a hug and said, “Thanks for giving me and Leona our lives back.” Renee was soon beside him and told him, “When you first told me I could be healed, I didn’t believe you. Now I’m not only healed, but I’m 20 years old again. I look like Hunter and Amber’s sister instead of their mother.” Paul gave her his first hug in over 15 years and replied, “I’ve got big plans for you. I had to have you healthy. There’s also a position waiting for Joshua and your sisters and their families. We can heal Joshua’s heart disease and blood pressure problems, just like we did your cancer.” Renee was crying by then and said, “I don’t know what happened while I was in that tank, but Hunter and Amber have both informed me that they want to stay here. What’s this about them having their own spaceship?” Paul smiled and said, “One of the perks of being the Kings grandkids. I’ll give you one too if you like.” Renee smiled and said, “Can I have a red one, I’ve always liked red.” He nodded yes, and she was gone to see her children and Mom again. Uncle Kenneth and Sarah were sitting at the table quietly talking and eating when Paul sat down beside them. Kenneth had tears in his eyes when he said, “I sure wish your father was still alive. I would have loved to see his face when he got a load of this place.” Paul squeezed his uncle’s shoulder and asked, “I sure hope you will decide to stick around, I have the largest building project in history planned for Verron and I want you to be in charge of it.” Sarah answered for him, “There’s no way you could get us to leave. Can we bring our boys?” Paul smiled and answered, “I’m counting on it.” He got up from the table and announced, “We’ve got several hours before supper. Let these people build their strength up and get settled, I’ve got plans for the biggest meal ever served on Verron. I’ll see you later.” He turned to his Xhondarian friends who were enjoying the reunion and said, “See ya in the kitchen in three hours.”

  While Bhlani, Dalhia and Tlase helped get everyone settled, Paul went out to double check on 99. He was supposed to start the BBQ pit with three Kzki earlier this morning. When he arrived on the terrace, 99 and Zeus were off to the side sampling a small portion of the meat; 99 really knew how to make friends with a dragon. As he approached, 99 offered Paul a small piece for his approval. Paul made a point of letting 99 know just how perfectly it was prepared. This Kzki BBQ was growing on him. It had a taste and texture that was a cross between pork and deer meat. After being cooked for at least a dozen hours, it was so tender it was about to fall off the bone. He handed 99 a big glass of cold sweet tea and told him, “This is the last of it. No one will drink any tea but yours, so I’ll watch the meat awhile and you go make enough tea for 32 people.” He could see the gears turning as he tried to calculate the proper portions to mix. Sweet tea had become his crowning glory. Just before he went back in the house Paul told him, “My Mom thinks your tea is better than hers. I do to, but don’t tell her I said that. And this BBQ is as good as anything I’ve ever cooked.” Ninety-nine said in Cronari, “I had a good teacher” then headed for the kitchen.

  The big dining room was almost a third full, with more than 30 people. All those present from Earth were staring in amazement as drones began to serve the food. Paul didn’t want to leave anyone behind in the kitchen or have them feel less important than the others. It had been a team effort to put the meal together, both man and machine contributed to the effort: BBQ Kzki, potato salad, corn-on-cobb, baked beans, coleslaw, garlic bread, sweet tea and drone baked pecan pies. The women had evidently shared and borrowed each other’s clothes; none were in blue jumpsuits. Renee was wearing some of Amber’s clothes, size 3. Donald commented that he actually would not have to throw-away a perfectly good shoe anymore. He could now wear both of them. Uncle Kenneth was about the size of Uncle Les, so that worked out. Eric, had on a pair of Paul’s jeans and a T-Shirt, commented, “It feels great to not have on white with blue stripes, and I had almost forgotten how to use a zipper.” Paul had Lucy project the hologram of the Capital City at the far end of the table. Renee didn’t quit know what to say when Paul had Lucy project an image of what her office should look like in the new Capital Building. Paul was determined not to cry tonight as he looked at these special people.

  It hit him that Leona had been a very nice looking woman, but he didn’t feel one shred of jealousy or possessiveness toward her and Donald’s relationship. He was
excited to see two people so happy. He asked them briefly if they had considered his deal and if so where they planned to set up office. Donald spoke for them, “Well, if I were a bettin’ man I would bet all our children will end up hear, even Joshua, there’s just too much to offer. Leona and Renee should be able to convince Marie and her husband to come. But, we plan to sell the condo, donate the handicapped van and wheelchair to charity and move to Manhattan. If you want us to handle your finances and not be overly conspicuous about it, that’s the place to be. There, we will be just two more faces in the crowd. We won’t even need a car, much less a van.”