by Saxon Andrew
“There is one thing I think you’ve missed in all the data that’s been thrown at you.”
The Leader looked up, “What is that?”
“One of the Globes was grazed by that ship’s blaster beam and it scorched its hull. An examination of that damage has shown that it was not that ship’s beam that destroyed the Black Ships in our former galaxy.”
“WHAT?!”
“It appears there is another threat that we’ve not uncovered.”
“We’re back at the start. Where could this unknown threat have come from?”
“I suspect it wasn’t from where that giant warship is located.”
“Why is that?”
“Would you want to confront that thing? It has to have come from another place.”
“Where?”
“I’ve discussed this with the other Elders and used a link of main computers to analyze all the data collected and the odds are it came from this universe we currently find ourselves in.”
“And you arrived at this conclusion by…”
“The burns on the Black Ships didn’t match the atoms of the hulls. The beams used to destroy them were positively charged particles, not negatively charged.”
“That’s just great! Now we have threats no matter which way we turn.”
“I think you should question that new Tool Leader about the existence of advanced civilizations in this universe.”
“Do you think he was not telling the truth?”
“Who can know? Question him and see what he tells you.”
• • •
Levi looked at the Builder Leader on his monitor and saw he was in real danger. The Leader’s expression was clear and the next few minutes would determine his fate. “Tell me about the existence of a highly advanced civilization in this universe.”
“Honestly, my civilization was the most advanced civilization in this part of the universe. You changed that.”
“DON’T LIE TO ME!!”
Levi paused and said, “Leader, you’ve scouted the other spiral galaxy close to us. Did your scouts turn up any civilization that is more advanced than my own?” The Builder Leader stared at him and Levi knew they hadn’t.
“Have you ever heard of a highly advanced civilization other than your own?”
“There’s been rumors.”
“WHAT RUMORS?!”
Levi knew the direction the Humans had left their home world and he wasn’t going to put the Builders on their trail. “This galaxy is a part of a much larger cluster of galaxies. We stopped a ship more than a hundred years ago that was fleeing from the direction of the largest galaxy in this cluster.”
“Are you referring to the ball shaped galaxy?”
“I am. The occupants of that ship told us that there was an advanced civilization there that had destroyed their home world. They said it had warships as big as a moon.”
“DOES EVERY CIVILIZATION IN THIS UNIVERSE BUILD GIANT WARSHIPS!?!”
Levi flinched at the Leader’s volume and said, “Surely none of them are as large as the giant globes you’ve built!”
“And you never went to check out this story?”
“Leader, that galaxy is five hundred million light years away. Why would I send ships to investigate something that is too far away to be taken seriously? It would have taken my warships more than eight months to go there with the technology we had at that time. Have you encountered a large unknown warship?”
“That’s not your concern!”
Levi saw the Leader’s fear and he worried that by implicating the giant ball galaxy, the Builders might move in the opposite direction toward the direction the Human colony ships took. “We’ve lost the file with information about that vessel when the depository of our files was destroyed by the vessel you sent though the black hole long ago. However, I once questioned one of my scholars when I was a child and he said that the ship had tried to throw us off and that the ship had actually come from the opposite direction. I questioned him about why he believed that and he said the support for it was in the destroyed depository.”
The Leader thought about what the Tool said and this last piece of information added credence to what he was saying. A fleeing starship would not send others toward the species it was fleeing; it might bring the ones they feared to their location. The monitor went dark and Levi sat back in his chair; what in the seven moons of Dracow was going on? Whatever it was, he began to worry that it would be having a bad effect on his planets.
• • •
The Leader looked at the hologram of the Senior Elder standing in front of him, “I think the Tool is being honest; at least all the observations and data we’ve collected support his comments.”
“What have you determined?”
“If we’re going to flee, we’ll need to go at a ninety degree angle to that group of galaxies containing the large ball galaxy.”
“Are you sure about that?”
“Of course I’m not sure but we have to start somewhere! We’ll choose a line and find a group of distant galaxies and start going through their black holes until we find one far enough away from our old galaxy to settle in.”
“When are you going to do this?”
“Soon.”
“Are you going to destroy the tools?”
“What would that accomplish?”
“They will see the direction we leave.”
“So will all those civilizations out on the edge of this galaxy. It’s a waste of energy and we’re going to need all we have for the coming voyage.”
“You are right. Let me know when you plan to do this.”
Chapter Seventeen
Kamela sat on the cliff overlooking the ocean far below. The sea breeze blew her long black hair behind her and she sighed as she saw a huge creature jump out of the waves. She exhaled and thought, another predator. This was the first time she had taken time off the Prophet’s Eyes to relax. It was a beautiful day and the combination of the wind and waves centered her. She thought about her grandfather and how he had stumbled on Earth and forced a change in their culture. Humans were also predators. Oh they didn’t go out looking for conquests but it wasn’t a good idea to threaten them. Perhaps that was why Kam had chosen them to be the tool of the Traugh’s destruction.
Her people had vivid memories of life under the Traugh. That’s part of the reason the Traugh’s ancient community was still forbidden ground. Another giant sea creature broke the surface of the ocean about two miles out and crashed back into the water making a giant splash. It was sort of like Humans. You don’t see them and then boom, they appear and destroy you. Her species was too tame to survive in a universe filled with violent civilizations. They needed the Humans to protect them. But unlike the Bosrean, who assisted the Humans wherever they could, all her species had ever done was to send her Grandfather, the reluctant Prophet, to guide them. She looked up at the sun shining overhead and squinted at the large flying creatures circling overhead. Perhaps sending Kam was enough to pay them for survival. One of the circling creatures started a dive toward her and she entered its small brain. It flew away at a rather remarkable speed.
“Her destiny was close to being achieved, she could feel it inside her and she had mixed emotions. If her purpose in coming was close to being complete, would the pastoral life on Kindred be enough for her? She sighed heavily as she looked down at the rocks far below. She frowned and knew she was starting to depress herself with these thoughts. Erica should tell Essay her feelings, life was too short. She stood up and raised her arms over her head and stretched to the left and right. She was being foolish. Life was worth living every moment to its fullest. She smiled and turned to walk back to the colony.
• • •
Timmy sat in his conference room and looked at the pattern of ships on the monitor. He didn’t like it. “What’s up, Sir?”
Tim was startled as he saw Alexandra come through the door, “You’re supposed to be announced.”
“There’
s no one on board to do it.”
“Where’s the bridge crew?”
“Admiral Connor has given all the crews two weeks of liberty. I thought you knew that.”
“I do but I didn’t think everyone would leave.”
“Staring at blinking lights gets to you after a while.” Alexandra looked at the wall monitor, “What’s that?”
Tim blew out a big breath, “I’m trying to develop attack patterns for our Fighters.”
Alexandra stared at the monitor and turned back to him, “You’re not thinking clearly are you?”
Timmy grew angry and his eyes narrowed but then he took a breath and exhaled again, “No, I guess I’m not.”
“You’ve had a lot to distract you. The loss of your brother and the woman you loved. That’s a deadly combination to recover from. I’m surprised you can think at all.” Timmy shrugged and turned to the monitor. Alexandra smiled, “Admiral, why don’t you take a break from this and go visit some of your old friends.”
“And who would that be?”
“Your mother told me that you and John are the ones responsible for having the manatees brought here. I believe you could stand to see them.” Timmy stared at her and Alexandra smiled, “Your mother said for me to insist you take me with you to see them.”
“She did, did she?”
Alexandra smiled, “She told me to not allow you to refuse.”
Timmy stared at her for a long moment and then said, “What happened on your ship? Why were all the requests for transfer withdrawn?”
“After you told me what a terrible person I was, I decided to change a few things. Evidently the changes are what made my crew decide to stay with me.”
Timmy stared at her again and said, “You won’t take no for an answer?”
“No, Sir. I’ve been ordered by a Senior Admiral not to.”
“Why do you want to go with me? I’m miserable company at the moment.”
Alexandra smiled, “Well, I’ve been told I’m not very good company either. Besides, I think a few manatees will change your mood and perhaps I can help you focus on something other than your losses.”
Timmy tried not to smile but couldn’t stop himself, “And how do you intend to do that?”
“Have you ever seen me in a bikini?”
“Uhhh…no.”
“If that doesn’t get your attention, then you are a hopeless case.” Alexandra smiled coyly, “But why don’t we see if it works.”
Timmy stood up and said, “How are we going to get down to the planet?”
“I’ve brought a shuttle with me. Pack a bag and let’s go play, shall we.”
Timmy smiled and walked out of his conference room with Alexandra. A few hours later he found out she was right. Three days later, he stopped thinking about Jenny and, though he was never late for anything, he was a day late getting back from leave.
• • •
“Ali, this is scary stuff.”
“We need to build it and see if we’re right.”
“I don’t see how we can. I don’t know of a substance to make it with.”
“You need look no further than the neutral superconducting metal.”
Gabby’s eyes narrowed, “I’ve not seen anything that would indicate it would work with this.”
Ali hugged her, “You have to be optimistic; it’s worked with every other application.”
“We could get ourselves killed doing this.”
“What a way to go, come on, let’s see if we can stir things up.” Gabby hesitated and Ali’s expression turned serious, “Olivia needs this.”
“She calls herself Erica now.”
“I know, but she’ll always be Olivia to us.”
Gabby hugged Ali tightly and said, “Let’s do this.”
• • •
Erica found Essay fishing on the seashore and she sat down on the sand beside him, “Hey, Erica. Have you come to tell me why you wanted to go on our mission?”
“Yes.”
Essay nearly dropped his rod and reel, “Hey, I was just kidding.”
“I know but I’m not.” Essay wound the line back in on the reel and put the rod in a sand holder. He sat down beside her and leaned back on his arms. Erica looked down at the sand, “You probably won’t remember this but you and a group of second year Cadets went into the city for some R and R. One of the cadets with you was a Jim Rosen.”
Essay looked up and rolled his eyes, “Brazen Rosen. He was an idiot.”
“Well, your group walked up on a young girl wearing glasses and Rosen grabbed her arm and pulled her over to the group and said, ‘Have any of you ever seen anything as ugly as this. The mother bird should have thrown this one out of the nest.”’ Erica looked at him, “Do you remember that incident.” Essay sighed and nodded. “You grabbed Rosen by the neck and lifted him off the ground. I’ll never forget what you said to him; ‘Rosen if you’re going to be an officer in the Navy, you are going to have to learn to treat those that serve with you along with everyone else with respect and dignity. If you don’t apologize to her, I will personally knock all of your teeth out of your head, you got that!”’
Essay lowered his head and nodded, “He was out of line.”
“Yes he was. Essay, that young girl was me.” Essay’s eyes went wide and he stared deeply into Erica’s eyes remembering the event. Before he could speak, Erica continued, “He apologized and I knew at that moment that the young cadet that defended my honor was the one I wanted to spend my life with.” Essay stared at her in silence. “The next day, I had his company called out for inspection.” Erica smiled, “I was the Academy Commodore after all. I walked quickly through the ranks of the company and stopped in front of Rosen. I looked him in the eyes and said, ‘Before you disrespect someone, you should know who they are.’ I took my glasses out of my front pocket and put them on. Rosen looked like he was going to have a heart attack. I leaned in where only he could hear and said, ‘The only thing saving you from a ten mile run around the track is your apology.’ He was shaken and I walked by him and completed my inspection.” Erica looked at Essay, “Did he ever tell you about that encounter?”
“No, he didn’t but something caused him to change his rowdy behavior.”
Erica smiled, “I believe that was me.”
“Erica…”
“She placed her index finger gently on his lips, “I don’t want you to say anything, Essay. I just want you to know that you were my prince charming from that day on. I kept track of you from that moment and I demanded to go on the mission with you. I even had my parents pull strings to get me onboard. I just wanted some time near you to see if I was right about you.”
Essay stared at her for a long moment with a neutral expression and then said, “Were you?”
“No, I wasn’t.” Essay’s eyes closed slightly as Erica said a moment later, “You are so much more than I thought.” She stood up and walked away.
Essay caught her in less than ten yards and pulled her into his arms, “Perhaps we can see if I can do better.” He kissed her and when he broke the kiss her eyes were still closed.
“That’s much better,” she whispered. Essay smiled and kissed her again. When he broke the kiss again Erica said, “Essay, I didn’t tell you this to pressure you into…” Essay kissed her again. This time she didn’t speak and she went up on her toes and put her soul into the kiss.
He held her and whispered in her ear, “I’ve cared about you from the moment I realized you came on the mission because of me. I didn’t know for certain if you cared for me but I hoped you did.”
Erica’s eyes softened, “Kamela was right; I should have told you sooner.”
Essay smiled, “Yes, you should have.”
• • •
Kamela listened to their thoughts and smiled. Now the crew was whole.
• • •
Steve looked at the wall monitor, “It’s not good to have our crews idle. They’re bored and will lose their edge if we don’t give t
hem something to do.”
Amy looked at him and smiled, “Are you aware that the number of weddings has skyrocketed since we came back?”
“No, I’m not.”
“Our warriors have decided that they will make the best of the time they have with those they love. They need this time, Admiral.” Steve stared at her and nodded. “I think that you should also know that I am transferring Scott out of personnel and he will assume command of my Flagship.”
“I thought the two of you agreed that it was a conflict of interest to have him on your ship.”
Amy smiled, “Life’s too short.”
Steve stared at her and then nodded, “Indeed it is.” The monitor went dark and Steve walked out of the room. He looked at Carol and said, “Shut it down and go home; that’s what I’m doing.”
Carol’s eyes widened, “Who will take your calls?”
“I don’t really give a flying flip who takes the calls. It’s the beach for me and no one had better bother me. Shut it down and let anyone who calls scramble to find an answer. It will make them appreciate us more, Carol.”
Carol smiled and recorded a message. She stood up and went home to see her husband and children. Steve had it right, this would make the other Admiral’s appreciate her and heaven knows they needed to learn that lesson.
• • •
Steve reclined on the beach chair with a hat over his face. The sun was high and though the sea breeze blowing cooled him somewhat, the sun was brilliant. This wasn’t like Hawaii but it was close. He missed Earth and though this planet was a close twin…well…Dorothy had it right, there’s no place like home. Lani was reading a book next to him and she heard him say, “We should have another baby.” She raised her head, looked at him, and then punched him on the arm. “OW…that hurt.” Steve took off his hat, “Why did you do that?”
“Have another baby!! You’re an idiot.”
“Why do you say that?”
“Steve, I’m almost fifty years old and you’re lying there suggesting I go through another pregnancy. Why don’t you do it instead!?”
Lani went back to her book and Steve stared at her. He turned over on his side and smiled, “You have to admit, we have some great children.” Lani sighed and looked at him. “Leila is teaching in the Academy’s secondary school and doing a great job. Essay has become the man I always dreamed he would be. I guess I just miss having them around.”