by Don Foxe
“Of course, those who wish to remain on Earth will be welcome to do so,” he added. “We will limit access to sensitive work until they have been fully vetted, but no one who remains will go hungry.
“It is not strictly a military matter, but you should know the Board of Governors set aside the treaties and agreement made with the aliens on Rys. They are temporarily suspended for review. The King of Rys has been informed, and until we have a better grasp on trade arrangements, we’re breaking off diplomatic relations. Our people on Mars assure me we have enough crystals to last for a number of years with those added from Rys. It provides us with ample time to review our arrangement, and consider options more fair to Earth interests.”
The Star Gazer disappeared, replaced by another PT Class ship.
“Captain Amanda Black will have command of the new SFPT-89, the John Alexander Macdonald, as soon as it is space worthy.”
He pushed the Macdonald over to join the rest of his fleet.
“Chief Claflin, make sure the alien redeployments continue without interruption. I do not want anyone not human on a flight-worthy ship. Have you had any luck locating Daniel Cooper, or discovering exactly how he was moved from a secure medical facility?”
“Yessir, I will follow-up on redeployments, and no to Coop’s whereabouts. Someone altered the security systems before he was moved, just like the false orders for the guards’ replacements. It was all done by an effective intruder. I suspect people extremely high up the UEC or Space Fleet command line had a hand in his removal, but no proof.” The bald, ebony-skinned, man stood. “I will keep looking, Admiral.”
Hawks turned to Harrington. “Captain, you are senior officer among our space-capable fleet personnel when I am not aboard the Fairchild. I expect you to follow the guidelines set forth by Admiral Singletary and myself. Keep your fellow officers in line.”
“Coop is missing, presumed dead. I hear Kimura is staying on Fell. Casalobos, Tal, and Paré are assigned ships under your command,” Harrington said. “Benny and I are on board. That leaves Anton Gregory and Senait Kebede. What are the plans for them?”
“They will receive proper assignments on their return. As you are aware, they are competent operators and experienced troop commanders. I’m sure Space Fleet will find the right place for their talents. If there is nothing else, I think that sums everything up,” the Admiral concluded.
The two Space Rangers came to attention, received their permission to depart, and left. With the room to himself, he pulled the five battle ships to the center of his display. A man pleased by his plan.
DOJO
The door to the storefront training center was unlocked. Rosz and Billy had never found it locked. Many of the weapons Sensei displayed on his wall were ancient and valuable. Equally, anyone with such weapons might know how to use them.
A smart thief would turn around and leave. A stupid thief would not stand much chance against the Master.
They travelled to the strip mall through snow and across slush, but everyone stomped and shook so nothing tracked past the front door. Billy took Chaspi’s winter coat and placed it with his on wall hooks. Rosz did the same with his and Stacey’s outerwear. Just to make sure the studio remained debris-free, Billy and Rosz removed their boots and asked the girls to do likewise. Billy handed out woolen socks from a storage box to slip on over their own socks.
“Come join me.”
The words, spoken clearly and close by, startled the girls. Stacey spun into a defensive position. Chaspi jumped into Billy. The boys, accustomed to the Japanese instructor’s invisible comings and goings, barely reacted. Well, Billy did wrap his arms protectively around Chaspi; a reaction to her, not to Sensei.
The lithe man left the door to his private chambers ajar, providing the invitation with passage. Rosz and Billy went first, allowing the two young women the opportunity to gather their wits before following.
Despite acting confident, this would be the first time either boy ventured beyond the confines of the workout studio and locker room. The doorway led to a large, modern, gleaming kitchen. Sensei sat at the head of a table, ceramic cup with steam lofting over the rim sitting before him. Four more cups rested on the table top.
The four young people took seats, the boys closest to the Japanese, who gave a short bow of the head, and lifted his cup. “Please,” he said, and the four joined him. The tea gave warmth and the simple act of hospitality relaxed everyone.
“I am Ishihara Kaito,” he directed at Chaspi and Stacey. Another first since Rosz or Billy never knew he had a name other than Sensei. “Please call me Kai.”
“I am AStasaei of Fell. My friends on Earth call me Stacey.”
“I’m Chaspi.”
“You are welcome in my home,” he informed the girls. “If it is less than clean, you must blame your two friends. They are not particularly good at chores, but I make do with what life provides.”
Before either student could voice an objection, Chaspi asked, “How do Rosz and Billy know you? And what chores?”
Sensei sat quietly drinking his tea as Rosz and Billy tried to explain their desire to learn self-defense techniques, and how it led them to the store-front dojo.
“You kept this a secret because why?” Chaspi asked Rosz, her childhood lifelong friend and confidant.
“They were fearful of failing,” Sensei answered for them. “If you did not know they tried, you would not ridicule their failure. As it happens, both performed better than expected. I must admit, it taxed my abilities as a teacher to their limits, but the two demonstrate potential. It is pleasant to meet the reason for their desire to learn how to fight. A woman’s honor is always a just cause for battle.”
Billy turned red, and Rosz smiled and shook his head, entertained, but not embarrassed by his teacher’s comments.
“Someone dangerous must search for you,” Kai said. “This is the first time I have seen Rosz-kun without music filling his ears.”
“I’m the only one they’re looking for,” Stacey said.
“Not after the raid on the dorm,” Rosz countered. “Whoever has Admiral and Sam Patterson, and wants you, will be looking for us, too.”
“Admiral Pamela Patterson?” Kai asked.
“You know Pam?” Stacey asked.
“Reputation only,” the man replied. “A fine reputation. A warrior. An honorable person. She is in danger?”
“I don’t know,” Stacey admitted. Deciding to trust the Sensei, and unburden herself with the others, she informed them of the hack she performed on the research facilities in Mississippi. She explained the discovery of Titus Barnwell, Jr. alive and a prisoner. The four allowed her to talk uninterrupted, ending with the warning from Genna and the escape before the arrival of UEC security.
“If those holding Col. Barnwell believe someone discovered their secret, I fear they will make the Colonel disappear again. This time permanently,” Sensei Ishihara said.
“I don’t know if they know, but all of the security, the intrusion scans, and now, Pam and Sam under arrest make me think they will be worried,” Stacey said. “Pam can’t help, and without my trans-com I can’t contact anyone who might be able to do something. Genna was right, no one on Earth can help me.”
“Daniel Cooper,” Rosz said.
“Who may be dead,” Billy said. “If not, then he’s hidden somewhere we can’t find him. Stacey can’t use her com chip, and I bet if he has one, it’s turned off, too.”
“He’s alive,” Stacey said. “Somewhere on Canada’s west coast,” she added.
“How do you know this?” Sensei asked.
“Pam told us, only she didn’t realize it when she said it,” Stacey answered. “After I first met Rosz, Chaspi, and Billy, we were held at campus security until Pam could come get us released. When she realized Rosz and Chaspi did not have proper winter clothing, she told Chaspi she must care for them, or ‘Coop would swim to the mainland, cross the continent, and kick her ass.'”
“You remem
bered that?” Billy asked.
“I remember, too,” Chaspi said, once again deflecting questions that might lead to Stacey’s secret eidetic memory. “But it doesn’t help. There are hundreds of islands along the Pacific coast.”
“You are welcome to use my computer if you care to search for clues,” the Japanese told them, rising from his seat. “Your spirit appears to enjoy puzzles, and you certainly know how to coax information from a computer.”
The college students followed the martial arts teacher through an open arch into a den fitted with comfortable leather chairs and a large executive desk. The center of the desk contained an embedded system with the latest holo-tech.
“Not exactly traditional Japanese,” Billy said, looking around the comfortable, masculine space.
“I keep that in the front,” Sensei said. “For tourists and potential students,” he added.
Accepting the invitation, Stacey sat behind the massive desk and quickly became acquainted with the high-end data sourcing system. She immersed herself in research. The others watched holo-map after holo-map come and go. After two hours, Rosz slept in a leather chair, while Chaspi and Billy feel asleep on a matching sofa. Chaspi’s head on the sofa arm, and Billy’s head nestled on her hip.
Sensei Kai disappeared. Stacey never noticed.
At two minutes after midnight, the Fellen announced “Got it!”
The two words forceful enough to wake the other three, and startling enough for Billy to not notice or be embarrassed that his head used Chaspi’s hip as a pillow.
“Fin Island,” she told them. “Local native tribe gifted the island to Elliott Fairchild after the Pandemic. He provided them with medical facilities, schools, and work. In return they gave it to him as a thank-you, and as a place he could remain secluded while off Mars.”
“You think this is where Daniel Cooper is hidden?” Sensei, having reappeared, asked.
“Logical. Fairchild. Secluded. On-site medical and research facilities. Who on Earth would question Elliott Fairchild?” she asked. “No one,” she answered. “They go way back together. Has to be Fin Island.”
“How do we get to Fin Island without getting caught?” Billy asked. “We’re talking over two-thousand miles.”
“Decide tomorrow,” Sensei interrupted the discussion. “It is late and you are all tired. I have two guest rooms. You will need to share a bathroom, and sleep on futons, but you will be safe here. Come. I will show you to your rooms. Make plans tomorrow.”
CHAPTER 18
Dojo
In spite of the tension brought on by potential dangers, the four college students, nearing exhaustion, fell to sleep quickly.
The next morning required patience and good humor as they took turns using the Sensei’s single bathroom.
They congregated at the dining table adjoining the modern kitchen, joining Sensei, seated at the head of the table with a steaming cup of tea, toast, and fresh fruit spread. At his invitation, they collected their own breakfast from items laid out on the counter.
No pertinent talk occurred between them as they jockeyed for plates, cups, and food. Mainly morning grunts and good natured jibes universal with teenagers.
Taking seats at the table, Billy first noticed their host’s smile.
“Sensei, is something funny?”
The black-haired, normally stoic Japanese master gave a quick negative with a shake of the head and a purse of his lips.
“No, Billy-kun,” the man assured him. “I am happy to have young lives surrounding me. Since my own children moved into their own lives, I have missed the pleasure of this much (he hesitated) spirit in my home. I am also honored.”
“Honored?” Chaspi asked.
“You are still new to our planet, Chaspi-chan, as are Rosz and Stacey. There is a history of intolerance, distrust, and, I am ashamed to say, bigotry that shadows all of our cultures. To see the four of you, exceedingly different beings, act without consideration beyond friendship, is rewarding.”
“There is bigotry in the galaxy,” Rosz said. “Species do not trust each other. Planets where non-habitants are forbidden to visit because of their stain. Races who refuse to interact with others beyond what is required to complete a trade. Earth is not as different as you may think, Sensei.”
“Which makes the four of you even more special,” the elder replied. “It proves there is hope for all the universe to set aside external differences, and recognize we share more as sentient beings than we count in our differences.”
“Five of us,” Billy said. “Japanese, Canadian, Fellen, and Bosine having breakfast together. It is kind of cool.”
“Unexpected. But not a surprise.”
The four students, startled by the voice, shook the table as they turned to discover a woman standing in the doorway between the apartment and the dojo.
Japanese, average height, with straight black hair pulled back into a ponytail. She wore a tight black sports bra, lycra tights, and traditional sandals. The towel across her shoulder used to wipe sweat from her taut, sinewy form and face. The blush of exercise and sheen of perspiration still created a glow.
“My daughter, Aya,” Sensei said. He had not reacted in any way to his daughter’s appearance.
She crossed the short distance, kissed her father on the top of his head, and continued to the kitchen. Her walk similar to the way Stacey moved. She flowed, but not like a dancer. More like a predator.
“She practices her katas in the morning,” Ishihara told them. “Normally at her own apartment, or in a park. Sometimes she uses my dojo. She does not ask permission, nor announces her intentions.”
“I’m family,” she replied, her back to them. Rosz and Billy unable to remove their eyes from her perfectly rounded rear. Older by at least a decade, still an arresting, exotic beauty.
Chaspi watched, worried their presence compromised by the unexpected arrival of their host’s daughter.
Stacey watched, one predator accessing another. An interloper in the other’s territory.
She returned with hot coffee, several slices of toast, and blueberries. She sat at the far end of the table, facing her father.
“I do not have to ask permission to visit. I hope I never need to call before coming home,” she said.
“Never,” the elder man said. “I should introduce our guests.”
Before he could continue, she said, “Chaspi and Rosz. Bosine refugees from Osperantue. Formerly aboard the Star Gazer. Relocated to New Zealand with their families. Currently enrolled in college in Toronto studying environmental engineering.”
She faced Stacey, her black almond-shaped eyes displaying no challenge, and no fear.
“AStasaei of Fell. Sister of ASkillamentrae and ASparquilla. Cousin of AStarmalanlan. Captured, with her younger sister, ASarasha, during the Zenge invasion of Fell. Freed by Captains Cooper and Casalobos. Relocated to Rys. Brought to Earth to also attend college in Toronto. Aeronautics. Currently lives with Admiral Patterson and her husband, Sam.”
Finally, she looked at Billy. “I’m afraid I do not know you. Only that you are Canadian, and, I assume, attend the same college.”
“Billy,” he stammered. “Environmental engineering.”
“Aya is the newly appointed Exo-Legal Affairs Department Head for the United Earth Council,” the older Ishihara informed them. “She was a brilliant student of the law, and developed a reputation as an attorney and a counselor in Japan. Our representative on the UEC brought her to Toronto. Her talents were quickly recognized by the other members. With the arrival of extraterrestrials, it was decided an agency would be needed to provide Earth with legal advice when dealing with other worlds. Aya, despite her youth, was asked to create and direct that agency.”
Sensei’s spoke with unmasked pride in his daughter.
“Which places me in a dilemma,” she said. “I work for the UEC. UEC security is currently looking for three aliens attending university in Toronto who fled their dormitory moments before a detail arri
ved to take them to UEC HQ for questioning. I was informed by Security Director Cassel to prepare to deal with issues regarding alien civil and legal rights, should questions arise following their detainment.”
She finished a fourth piece of toast, recovering carbs from her workout, before continuing.
“I found it interesting he used the word ‘detainment’ and not ‘arrest,’ she said. “He also would not explain the exact nature of your detainment. Global security. The catch-phrase for government overreach.”
“What about the Patterson’s?” Stacey asked. “Are they safe?”
“I don’t know anything about the Admiral or her husband,” the legal expert replied. “Why shouldn’t they be safe?”
“You now face a greater dilemma, Aya-chan,” Sensei said. “You must decide between your loyalty to your office, and your trust in family. If you feel your primary duty is to act for the UEC, I cannot allow my guests to say anything more. I would only ask, as your father, to allow me time to move them before you inform security.”
He stopped talking. Aya stopped eating, but did not respond. The others, the subject of the family discourse, remained quiet.
The younger Japanese made no verbal commitment. She placed her elbows on the table top, and rested her chin on her raised fists. Not a Japanese position to take at the family table. It spoke to the woman’s independent spirit. She said nothing, allowing her body language to convey the question (“Or?”).
“Or you can trust your father’s wisdom and provide assistance to four young people in need of guidance from someone well-versed in political hanky-panky.”
“Hanky-panky.” She repeated the words as half-question and half-surprise. “My father, the great Sensei Ishihara Kaito, former commander of the Royal Guard, with an advanced degree in philosophy from Kyoto Imperial University, calls government intrigue ‘hanky-panky?'”
The four, watching and listening, were unsure if they should laugh, grimace, or remain unnoticed. They remained unnoticed.