by Jim Laughter
“You two be good on the way home!” Robert called, watching the couple climb up the ramp. Jake and Sherry waved back, and then passed through the hatch. Robert and Agnes stayed to watch the transport ship lift off and waved as it soared skyward.
On the way home, they passed the Eagleman farm. The Sabetis had painted the house a light yellow and they could see RoseMary starting on the green trim. Robert honked and RoseMary waved with her paintbrush. A little further on, they saw Daren in the field on the tractor. He waved when Robert honked and then continued watching where he was plowing as he pulled a cutter rig along.
It seemed strangely quiet not to have either the Senders or Delmar around the place. Agnes made dinner while Robert walked to the barn. She watched him and saw that his limp was decidedly reduced. It was good to see him getting around so well, although the cane lent him a certain dignified air when he would use it.
∞∞∞
The weather had graced them with a mild downpour all the way back to the barracks. The unit was getting used to marching, and the steady rhythm of their boot heels on the pavement was almost hypnotic. Delmar managed to avoid stumbling when D.I.A. Stoddard brought them to a halt. “You’ve got fifteen minutes to check your starmail,” Stoddard reported. “Dismissed.”
Sitting on the floor next to his bunk (he didn’t want to wrinkle his dustcover in case there might be an afternoon surprise inspection) Delmar opened the two letters he had printed off the computer. The first was from Daren and RoseMary Sabeti, a report on how the farm was improving. Delmar was glad to see that it was working out for the couple, and the thought that the old farm was seeing happier times was welcome.
The second letter was from the Hassels. Delmar got as far as the opening address and stopped. The word “son” left him speechless. He felt a knot form in his throat and tears blur his eyes. After a while, he was able to finish reading the letter and then just sat there thinking about being a “son”. He remembered being an orphan, and he remembered being an abused younger brother, but being a son seemed special somehow.
Finally, his vision refocused. He saw his friend Stan looking at the floor, a single page held limply in his hand. “Hey, what’s wrong Stan?”
Stan looked up at him, his expression hollow. “Ah, nothing,” Stan finally answered. He crumpled the page and threw it at the trash basket. Delmar watched him walk out of the barracks and sit down on the steps. He retrieved the crumpled page and stuffed it into his pocket. Just then, D.I.A. Stoddard came through the bay and told the trainees to wrap things up in five minutes. Delmar stowed his precious mail in his locker, finishing just in time to hear the call to form ranks. As an afterthought, he also tossed Stan’s letter into his locker. He would have to investigate it later.
“You coming, trainee?” he heard Stoddard’s voice boom from the end of the barracks bay.
“Yes, sir,” Delmar answered, and ran outside to join formation with the other trainees.
Chapter Seventeen
Deagle>gss.3703.775.fwtb
HasselFarm>gss.bv.er
Subject: haircut with hair
Dear Mom and Dad,
Boy, it sure feels great to write that! Life here at Freewater has been very busy. This morning we had our third haircut since arriving. This time was different though, I actually had some hair to cut! D.I. Buckner has been working us hard on close order drill. I think we’re finally getting the hang of it. When he didn’t think anyone was looking, I actually saw him smile. The other guys didn’t believe me and some have started a pool about how long it will be before anyone else sees him smile again.
Our unit has pulled KP (Kitchen Police) seven times since we finished the orientation, and I’m getting pretty good at it. Several of us ended up in the dishwashing room and got a system going. Since that time, we’ve volunteered to work together in there and D.I.A. Stoddard commented that the output of that clipper room has gone up noticeably.
Stan continues to have trouble. He got some sort of letter a couple of days ago that really left him depressed. He threw it away, and even though I know it really isn’t my business, I found it and went and talked to D.I.A. Stoddard about it. I didn’t have the nerve to read it. Stan can do things but seems to have lost any desire, like he has given up inside. I tried to talk to him but he didn’t want to talk about it. Me and a couple of the guys have been covering for him on some of his details but I don’t think we’re fooling the DIs any. I hope D.I. Buckner or D.I.A. Stoddard can help him.
I got a letter from Daren and RoseMary Sabeti. They told me about what they’ve done to the farm. It’s nice to think that it can be a happy home again. I hope he’s not straining himself too much.
Well, I better close. It’s almost lights-out and I still have to get ready. Tomorrow we start vacuum suit drill. Should be fun! Take care and write soon.
Love, Delmar, your son
P.S. What is happening with Dorn? You haven’t mentioned anything in your letters.
Plenty of things were happening with Dorn. The police had some trouble with him while holding him for trial. He’d tried to attack one of the officers but his partner stopped him. Since then he had been confined to his cell, which he trashed in protest. When the officers refused to clean up the mess or move him to another cell, he launched himself into a hunger strike. Ten pounds lighter, Dorn realized that he wasn’t going to change things that way and learned to cooperate.
Robert’s health improved to the point that he was able to attend the trial proceedings, so the date was set. Agnes stood by him as the court came to order and the bailiff led Dorn in. It didn’t take long to run through the testimony both for and against him. After both sides had presented their closing arguments, the judge recessed for a late lunch and to deliberate.
After the recess, everyone returned to the courtroom. The judge brought the proceedings to order and asked the bailiff to bring in Dorn. The judge announced that he had reached his decision. He found Dorn not guilty of attempted murder based on the fact that he told Robert that worse was coming if he kept interfering. That, said the judge, showed evidence that Dorn expected Robert to survive the attack.
The judge went on to further state that Dorn was guilty of aggravated assault and called for him to step forward for sentencing. The bailiff escorted Dorn to the front of the courtroom and removed his shackles, as was traditional on Erdinata. No man could be condemned while under restraints against his will but was to stand and accept his sentence. Dorn stood passively while the judge read his sentence.
Unexpectedly, Dorn turned and fled down the aisle and out the door. Several officers gave chase but Dorn had both surprise and a head start to aid him. They gained on him after several blocks. The officers restrained themselves from firing at him out of concern for bystanders as Dorn wove in and out among them.
A few citizens tried to stop Dorn but he managed to squirm free. It slowed him enough that he dove through a store entrance just before the police could reach him. He grabbed a young woman and dragged her back, using her as a shield against the police advance.
As they passed a hardware counter, Dorn grabbed a knife and held it to the woman’s throat, slightly cutting her in the process. That was enough for her and she drove her fist hard into his groin, causing him to release his grip. As she fell to the floor, one of the officers shot Dorn in the chest and he collapsed. Despite all efforts of the emergency medical team, he died later that night at the hospital.
In court the next day, the clerk entered testimony of the event into the case record and the case closed. Glad that the ordeal was over, but knowing the news would not be good for Delmar, Robert and Agnes went home where she sat down and wrote her letter.
HasselFarm>gss.bv.er
Deagle>gss.3703.775.fwtb
Subject: Sad news
Dear Son,
It is with heavy heart and mixed emotions that I answer your inquiry about your brother. I’ve attached a copy of the court report on the trial about what happened. I know your broth
er brought his destruction upon himself, but I’m still saddened by a wasted life.
Dad and I offer you our condolences and love. We know how Dorn mistreated you, and frankly, we’re amazed that you exhibited no bitterness. I’m so glad your parents never witnessed it. I know Dorn’s end would have disappointed them terribly.
Son, you must continue to keep the faith your parents had in you from the start. Dad and I are proud of you and your accomplishments, and honored to stand as your parents today. We feel your grief. We love you.
Love, Mom and Dad
Delmar read both the court report and Agnes’ letter. Afterward he laid his head on his hands and wept. Until then he did not realize how much he still loved his brother and hoped that someday he would change. Now it was too late.
Delmar wept quietly for a while and then felt a hand on his shoulder. Through his tears, he saw Stan looking at him with a worried expression.
“What’s wrong, Del?” Delmar handed Stan the report and letter and let him read them. When Stan finished reading, he looked wide-eyed at Delmar.
“I thought you had a happy family,” Stan said. “I thought I was the only one with troubles.” Delmar was surprised at Stan’s comments.
“I’ve always had family trouble,” he said quietly. “I never told you because I figured it wouldn’t do any good and that you had enough troubles of your own.”
“Tell me now,” Stan said earnestly. “You need to talk and I want to listen.” Surprised by Stan’s reaction, Delmar found himself suddenly opening up.
After many minutes, Delmar fell silent, his whole story told. Stan sat quietly for a long moment and then went and retrieved something from his locker. Sitting back down beside Delmar, he handed him a framed picture. It was of a beautiful young woman a little younger than Stan. Delmar looked at the picture and then at Stan, puzzled.
“That,” Stan began haltingly, “was my fiancé. She was killed in a shuttle accident.”
Tears coursed down Stan’s cheeks, something Delmar had never seen.
“I received a letter from her brother about it,” Stan said quietly. “We were going to be married after I graduated from basic. When she died, I gave up.”
“I knew something was wrong. Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Because I was afraid to cry, and I figured no one would care,” Stan answered hesitantly. Delmar reached over and squeezed Stan’s shoulder.
“I care,” he said, “and you should too.”
“What do you mean?”
“I mean, you should care about yourself,” Delmar answered. “Your girl loved you and had faith in you. You have to honor that faith and keep going, keep caring; keep living.”
“But what about our hopes and dreams?” Stan asked, tears still coursing down his face.
“We can’t change the past, as much as we’d like to,” Delmar answered. “Your dreams together are over but her dreams about you as a trooper aren’t. Keep her faith, even if she can’t be by your side.”
Stan sat silently for several minutes, tears still staining his face. Finally, he struggled to his feet.
“I’ll make you a deal,” he said. “If you keep going, I’ll keep going.”
Delmar grinned in reply at his friend. Stan gripped Delmar’s hand, a lasting friendship beginning to form through their bonds of grief.
∞∞∞
Robert and Agnes again found themselves seated before the judge. The image of Dorn’s flight from justice was still impressed in their minds in spite of the later trial of Dorn’s friends that had harassed Agnes and assaulted Robert. Now they were here in regards to their role as Delmar’s legal guardians to adjust the title of the farm and deed it fully to Delmar.
“Would the guardians approach the bench and present their papers?” the judge said. Robert and Agnes came forward and gave the judge copies of their guardianship papers, Dorn’s death certificate, and the petition for title change. They turned to retake their seats but the judge motioned for them to remain while he leafed through the stack.
Looking up, he addressed the court. “The court is in recess for ten minutes,” he said and banged his gavel. The Hassels were a little dumbfounded until Robert noticed the judge motion for them to follow him into his chambers. He waved them to chairs and sat down behind his desk.
“We’ve been seeing a lot of each other lately, haven’t we?” the judge commented with a smile. “I thought after all the recent troubles, it might be more relaxing to discuss this thing in here.” The Hassels nodded back.
“I was beginning to think I should have a reserved parking spot and invest in some white shirts,” Robert replied. Agnes and the judge both chuckled.
“How’s Delmar doing?” the judge asked.
“The last letter sounded good,” answered Agnes. “He seems to be adjusting well to the service and even making friends.”
“I knew the news about his brother would hit him pretty hard,” the judge said. “Have you heard from him since you sent the court report?”
“No sir, we haven’t,” Robert replied for both of them.
“I was afraid of that,” the judge said. “I’m uncomfortable doing this title change so close on the heels of the news about Dorn.”
“I agree,” Robert answered. “Maybe we should route this through his DI so the news comes from a different angle.”
“We have to contact the DI in any case,” the judge commented. “Since Delmar is still a legal minor, we need a witnessed statement that he understands what is happening.”
“Sounds good to us,” Agnes stated.
“Okay. I’ll write the necessary letter,” the judge agreed. “Now let’s go out there and do the formalities.”
The three got up and returned to the courtroom. The judge reopened the proceedings and then ruled a continuance in the case until Delmar could submit a statement to the court.
∞∞∞
Deagle>gss.3703.775.fwtb
HasselFarm>gss.bv.er
Subject: re: Sad news
Dear Mom and Dad,
Sorry I haven’t written sooner. Life here has been hectic, as you both would understand.
First, I want to say that the news about Dorn didn’t completely surprise me, considering his violence toward me. I realized how much I still loved him and had hoped that he would eventually change. Now he’s gone and what’s done is done.
I was surprised that you knew my parents. I vaguely recall some other adults from my earliest memories but can’t remember any faces or names. It is comforting to know there is that connection. Thank you for your encouragement.
We just finished suit drill training and I wish you could have seen it. As you know, these pressure suits shrink to fit after you get into them. A few of the guys had trouble getting them on fast enough and got all tangled up when the suits started shrinking early. They looked like poorly wrapped chickens! It took several of us to get them untangled!
Stan is doing much better now, and I’m not worried about him anymore. His fiancé died tragically in a shuttle accident a while back. He took it pretty hard and gave up. We talked it out right after the letter about Dorn came and we’re both doing a lot better. D.I.A. Stoddard seems pleased by the improvement and now pairs the two of us for most drills and duty.
Well, I better sign off. Lights out soon. Take care.
Love, Delmar
∞∞∞
Agnes had just finished clearing the dinner dishes when a car stopped outside the back door. Robert looked out and saw the judge and his wife get out and walk toward the back porch. Greeting them at the back door, he invited them in. Agnes directed them toward the kitchen table while Robert poured coffee.
“What brings you out this way, Your Honor?” Robert asked.
“Oh, we just thought we’d do a little bit of personal investigating. We were curious about how that couple you have taking care of Delmar’s place are doing.”
“I was down there the day before yesterday and the place looks pretty good,” Ag
nes said. “I had a visit with RoseMary and the two of them seem pretty happy.”
“We noticed several improvements in the place when we drove past,” the judge’s wife commented.
“I see they got the barn painted and repaired,” the judge added. “How did he manage with that bandy leg of his?”
“He’s had some help from different neighbors, including us. But he does a lot out of sheer determination,” Robert answered.
“It’s a good thing, especially with winter coming on,” the judge said. “Did they manage to get in any sort of crop?”
“Yes, sir,” answered Agnes. “I know they got one field of late hay and some oats. They moved in too late to have much of a garden, but I know some of the ladies are pooling together some of their canning to stock the pantry as a surprise.”
“So the neighbors around here have taken to them?”
“Yes, they have,” answered Robert. He then changed tack on the conversation. “Why are you so curious?”
“Oh, I was trying to figure out all the options Delmar has open to him,” the judge replied. “A young man in the troopers doesn’t have much time to take care of a farm.”
“Daren is a trooper too,” Agnes said, perplexed. “He’s managing the farm pretty well.”
“I know that,” the judge said. “But he’s on medical leave from the service for now.”
“When he goes back they’ll be moving,” Robert commented.
“He’s not going back,” the judge said. “I was talking with his doctor the last time we played poker. He said the bone injuries are permanent and the boy’s trooper days are over.”
“Does Daren know?”
“Not yet,” replied the judge. “I think the liaison officer will tell him soon.”
“Why hasn’t he been told yet?” asked Agnes.
“Because they wanted him to have a goal for the present to aid his recovery as much as possible. If they told him outright, the boy might have just given up. Leaving the service is hard on a person.”
“So that’s why you came to us first,” Robert said as he started to see where this was leading. “We know what it’s like to have to leave, and how to adjust.”