by Saxon Andrew
• • •
“Good morning, High Leader.”
“I’m struggling with busting you back to Ensign and putting you to work on a supply ship.”
“I understand, High Leader.”
“Do you? Really?”
“I took a huge risk.”
“You have no idea just how big that risk was. You jeopardized the lives of two of the most important people in the Alliance.” Rocky stood at attention and lowered his head. Claudrel sat down on a chair and said, “Take a seat!” Rocky sat down in the chair next to her and Claudrel stared at him. “Fortunately, your plan worked. That’s the only reason I’m not taking punitive action. I am recommending you and Jack for a medal but do not let this happen again. Why did you do it?”
Rocky shook his head, “High Leader, I was initially against this but I saw that Jack’s invention is more important than I am.”
“No it’s not!”
“High Leader, please hear me out. If we could make his device operational, there will be many more pilots that will be invisible to the Feeders. Jill and I have delayed them; probably long enough to get his device made to send other ships out to confront the Feeders. His success was important enough to take the risk.”
“It nearly killed you.”
“I had no idea those creatures I was trying to control had that level of power in their minds. I’m surprised the Feeders aren’t going after them instead of the local inhabitants.”
“I’ve seen that predator. The Feeders aren’t that stupid.” Rocky shrugged. “What are your plans now?”
“We need to get back to the Feeder Search Fleets and keep them off balance. We bought some time attacking their Central Planet. However, I don’t think we can delay much longer.”
Claudrel stared at Rocky and blew out a breath, “I guess you’ve figured out that there’s not much of a chance of your surviving this mission?”
“We figured that out before we left the first time.”
“Admiral, I hate sending my warriors out with little probability of survival. But I need you to slow them down. Even with Mr. Axel’s device, we would be overwhelmed by the Death Feeders if they find us.”
“We know that, High Leader. Don’t think we hold any blame toward you or the other Leaders. We have the ability to hide from them and there’s no one else you can send.”
Claudrel stood up, “I’m angry at the risk you took but my real reason for coming was to apologize for putting the two of you in this situation. I’m really sorry.”
Rocky smiled and nodded, “Don’t be. I know what I signed up for when I joined the navy.”
“Your partner didn’t.”
“No, but she knows now.”
Claudel stood up and Rocky went to attention. “It is I that should be saluting you, Admiral.”
“No Sir. You have the bigger burden of doing the things to protect us all. I wouldn’t trade places with you.”
Claudel smiled and hugged Rocky, “Thank you.” She turned and walked out of the room.
Jill rushed in behind her and looked at Rocky, “Is everything ok?”
“She was ticked off but she’s forgiven us. We need to get back to the ship and get ready to leave.” Jill nodded and exited the room ahead of him. “Where’s Jack?”
“He and Olivia are working on getting the manufacturing facilities ready to mass produce his mind shield. They demanded to know if anything happened to you.” Rocky nodded and Jill saw his expression. “What’s wrong?”
“I didn’t have a chance to explain to Olivia that it’s over between us.”
“She knows.”
Rocky stopped walking and stared at Jill, “Are you sure?”
“I am and she is as well. She said as much when they left.” Rocky sighed and started walking again. Jill walked with him and knew he was still in pain.
• • •
Rocky boarded his newly modified light ship and heard, “We were wondering if you were ever going to return. Seven days and not so much as a peep out of you.”
“Sorry, Amber. Most of that time I wasn’t making a peep to anyone. It’s good to be back. Willow, are we ready to go?”
“Commodore Nelson has recalled the missile transport we were using back to port and has another one loaded with the new magazines ready to skip out to where we want it.”
“Good. Let’s do a systems check and get ready to go.”
“We need to make a trip first.”
Rocky looked at Jill, “And where would that be?”
“Eden.”
Rocky’s head tilted, “Why do we need to go there?”
“Rocky, you know that we don’t have much of a chance of surviving this mission. I’ve come to know and respect you but I can’t get my head around your pushing your sister out of your life.”
“I didn’t she disowned me.”
“It doesn’t matter what she did; she’s your twin sister. You can’t go out and die and allow her to find out after the fact that your evaluations were false. She’ll live with a pain that will be unbearable. You owe it to her and yourself, to see her.”
“Jill, this is not your concern.”
“Yes it is. If you can do that, you will have a hardened heart that will never mend. I think you’re better than that.”
“Why would you think that?”
“You saved that inhabitant when you could have just dropped him and come to the ship. You didn’t. That told me quite a bit about the person you are. How you’re treating your sister doesn’t match up with what I’ve seen.”
“I did consider dropping him.”
“But you didn’t.”
Rocky stared at Jill and took a deep breath. He slowly blew it out and shook his head. “Amber, skip us to Eden. Contact the government and request Rebecca Stone to report to our ship to have a conversation with a Fleet Admiral.”
“Why don’t you tell her who it is?”
“If I did, she probably wouldn’t come.”
“Skip in one minute. I’ve found the building she works in and we’ll arrive at the front entrance.”
“Tell her the reason for her visit is classified.”
“Will do.”
Rocky looked up, “Willow, you’re being quiet.”
“I agree with Jill. You should do this. If she turns her back on you then it’s on her, not you.” Rocky nodded and sat down in one of the kitchen’s chairs.
• • •
“No, I don’t know why a Fleet Admiral wants to talk to you. I pressed the issue and was told the reason is classified. Now get out of here; his ship is waiting for you at street level.” Rebecca opened her mouth to challenge her boss and he said, “GO!”
She entered the high-speed elevator and pressed the button for the first floor. What was going on? She thought of numerous things it could possibly be and nothing made sense. She exited the elevator and walked toward the front door and saw the large light ship hovering just outside the building. She had never seen a ship like it. The twin bows had to be a new development. As she stepped out of the building a thought entered her mind, “Rocky!” She stopped in her tracks and shook her head. He had been killed and this Admiral was sent to tell her! She started shaking her head and refused to move forward.
• • •
Rocky watched her stop and sighed, “She’s figured out it’s me. She won’t come.”
Jill stood up and headed toward the open port, “Like hell she won’t.” Rocky raised his hand to stop her but she was gone. He looked at the monitor and saw Jill walking quickly toward Rebecca.
• • •
“Rebecca Stone?”
Rebecca looked at the raven hair officer wearing a Commodore’s uniform approaching her and said, “Yes.”
“The Admiral is awaiting your arrival.”
Jill saw the anguish on the woman’s face and wondered if this was a good idea. Rebecca gathered herself and started walking toward the open port. She stepped inside and Jill pointed toward the front of the
ship. Rebecca walked up the narrow corridor that opened into a small space. She looked at the man sitting on a chair and her eyes went wide, “ROCKY!!” Rocky stood up just in time to catch Rebecca as she threw herself into his arms and stared crying. “I just thought you were dead and the admiral was coming here to tell me. Oh thank, God you’re alive.”
Rocky held her tight and felt something in his chest. His tears began and he held his sister tightly, “I’ve missed you so much.”
Rebecca leaned back and punched him on the arm, “Then why haven’t you come to see me!?”
“I thought you were ashamed of me and never wanted to see me again.”
“Are you crazy!? You’re my brother! We may have some disagreements but nothing that would ever stop my loving you.” Rebecca buried her head in his chest again. “That was a good story saying an Admiral wanted to see me but you scared the ever living crap out of me!”
“Becky, it wasn’t a story.”
Rebecca leaned back and looked around. She looked at Rocky and saw the three stars on his collar. Her eyes went wide and Rocky shrugged, “I’m the Admiral.”
“How, what, why…” Rebecca shook her head and Rocky pulled up a chair for her. She sat down and stared at him.
“You’re wondering how I could have ever been promoted with my evaluations?” Rebecca nodded. “The officer that wrote them was court marshaled for it. The High Leader discovered that he deliberately withheld information that would have invalidated them.”
“Why did they promote you to Admiral?”
“Becky, I’m being sent on a mission into Feeder Territory and our chances of survival aren’t good. My Weapons Officer insisted that I see you before we leave.”
Becky looked at Jill, who nodded. “I don’t care what his evaluations said, I’ve always been proud of my brother.”
Jill smiled, “We all are, Miss Stone.”
Becky looked at Rocky as she spoke to Jill, “It’s Mrs. Johanson now.” Rocky’s eyes went wide and Becky smiled, “Would you like to meet your niece and nephew?”
“You’re married?” Becky nodded. “And you have two children?”
“Twins.”
“What are their names?”
“Felicity is my little girl’s name and my son is named John Robert.” Rocky shook his head, “He’s named after his father and uncle.”
Rocky’s eyes turned moist and he lowered his head, “I’ve wasted so much time.”
“Do you want to meet them?”
“You don’t know how much.”
“They’re at school. Wait here and I’ll go get my transport.”
“Not on your life. I’ll take you. Do you think your children might like to see a light ship?”
Becky laughed out loud, “It would make them the hit of their class.”
“What’s the address?”
“14879 Lukas Axel Boulevard.”
Rocky looked up, “Amber?”
“Got it. I hope you don’t mind if I make a grand entrance.”
Rocky smiled, “The grander the better.”
“Jill, turn the force field on to full power.” Jill ran out of the kitchen to her cockpit with a huge smile on her face. She activated the force field and it glowed brilliantly, even in daylight it could be seen from a long distance. Amber lifted the ship and flew at high speed over the city. The ship arrived at the school and slowly lowered to the playground. It hovered a foot off the ground and Amber activated the external loud speaker, “FELICITY AND JOHN JOHANSON, PLEASE COME TO THIS SHIP!”
They waited for a minute and Becky said, “Maybe I should go and get them.”
Rocky shook his head, “Hold on. Someone’s coming out of the front door. Jill, kill the force field.” The bright field disappeared in an instant leaving the twin-bowed ship hovering. The school’s principal came out of the door holding Felicity and John’s hands. Rocky said, “COME ON!” He grabbed Becky’s hand and they ran down the corridor to the port. Rocky opened it and Becky went out first. He followed her and saw the two children break away from the principal and start running toward her. “MOM! THAT’S A SPACESHIP!”
Becky scooped them up and turned to face Rocky, “This is the uncle I’ve told you so much about and it’s his ship!”
Felicity’s eyes went wide and she said, “REALLY?”
“Really.” Rocky walked up and took both of them out of Becky’s arms and hugged them. “Would you like to take a ride?”
Both of them started yelling at their mother, “Take us, take us, take us!”
The Principal arrived and looked at Becky and Rocky, “This is highly unusual.”
Becky looked at him, “Mr. Blaine, this is my brother, Fleet Admiral Stone and he’s shipping out immediately. He insisted on coming to see his niece and nephew.”
John leaned in and whispered in Becky’s ear, “He’s an Admiral?” Becky smiled and nodded. The front door burst open and the entire school erupted out of the door. The children rushed up and the Principal stopped them before they moved too close. Three light ships came roaring in from overhead and Rocky heard on his wrist unit, “Identify yourself and your reason for being here!”
The children gathered around the ship instantly grew silent. One space ship was amazing, four were almost more than they could handle. “This is Fleet Admiral Stone. Who are you and why are you interfering with one of my planned events?”
“This is Captain Malone. I’m sorry, Sir. Fleet Control sent me here to determine what was going on. I apologize.”
“Please offer my apology for not informing them of my plans.”
“Yes Sir!” The three light ships rose almost faster than could be seen and disappeared.
Rocky looked at the Principal, “I am going to take Felicity and John for a quick orbit of the planet and I’ll drop them off afterwards.”
“Mr. Blaine, I’ll just keep them with me.”
The Principal nodded, “Please have them write a paper on what they see to share with their classmates.”
Becky nodded, “I’ll be sure to do that.”
Rocky looked at the two children and saw they really looked like their mother. “Ready to go?”
“YES!” Rocky carried them on board and took them into his cockpit. Becky joined Jill in hers and the ship lifted into the atmosphere as more than three hundred children watched. They all wished they were with the Johanson Twins.
The trip lasted a little more than three hours as Willow and Amber told the children about all the things they saw on the planet. They were wide eyed the entire time and both of them sat in Rocky’s lap as he held them.
They finally went back down to the surface and flew to their home. Becky’s husband was waiting on their arrival and insisted that Rocky and Jill join them for the evening meal. Jill had never seen Rocky so happy.
The children were finally put to bed and Rocky told Becky he had to leave. “They’ll never forget today.”
“Thank you, Sis. Thank you for not giving up on me.”
“Are you going to see mom and dad?”
“I will when I come back.”
“I’ll let them know about everything.”
“I’d really appreciate that.”
Becky hugged Rocky and knew this might be the last time she saw him. She looked at Jill and said, “You will take care of him!”
“So far it’s been him taking care of me.”
Becky looked up at Rocky, “He’s like that. But now it’s your turn. Make sure he comes back to us.”
Jill remembered Rocky’s promise to keep Jack safe, “I’ll do it or die trying, Mrs. Johanson.”
“Call me Becky. You’re part of the family now.” Jill smiled and nodded.
I love you, Sis.”
“And I love you, Rock Head. Come back to us.” Rocky saw the port appear and knew Amber was holding the ship in the barrier to avoid waking the neighborhood.
John smiled, “It’s good to finally meet you. Becky has so many stories about growing up with you.”
<
br /> Rocky extended his hand and John took it, “Take care of my sister.”
“You know I will.”
Rocky released his hand and walked toward the port. Jill turned to follow him and heard Becky said, “Bring him back to us.” Jill turned and looked at her. She nodded and entered the port behind Rocky.
Becky stared at the port until it disappeared. Becky went into her husband’s arms and wept. “What’s wrong?”
“They’re being sent on a suicide mission. I could see it in his eyes.”
John looked up at the night sky, “Don’t sell them short. Those two are much more than anyone I’ve ever met.”
“I pray you’re right, John.”
Chapter Nine
Rocky walked straight to his cockpit and said as he sat down, “Amber, is everything ready for our departure?”
“It is. The new missile transport is awaiting the light signature you want it to skip to.”
“Jill, are the new magazines showing green?”
“They are.”
“Jill.”
“Yes?”
“Thank you.”
Jill smiled, “I’m glad you listened. You have a remarkable family.”
“I know. Do you have the feed from the probe that we left behind at the planet where your brother collected his data?”
“I do but we probably need to take a look at it later. We need to take a look at what’s facing us with the Feeders first.”
“You’re right. Amber, skip us out to intergalactic space outside the galaxy where the Feeders are gathering. Leave it in the barrier. I don’t want it discovered.”
“We could leave it further out.”
“I want it close just in case. Did you mention the thought I had to Commodore Nelson?”
“I did but he says it will take another two weeks to make the modification.”
“What idea did you have, Rocky?”
“We are going to have to persuade the Feeders that more than just our ship is attacking them. The numbers we’re facing are going to make that difficult, if not impossible. We have to come up with a way to attack them on a massive front and I asked Nelson to see if he could modify the missile transports to make that happen. I want you to start gathering light signatures as soon as we arrive and store them for future use. We’ll be skipping out in thirty seconds.”