by T. R. Harris
“We are being returned to Formil. They have hired a ship to take us back!”
“You sound excited about that,” Adam observed, concern in his voice. “I thought you were an outlaw back on Formil?”
“No longer. After our adventures in the Sol-Kor universe, the Order has offered to grant me complete immunity and a position of authority. Things have not gone well for them recently, and now that I am famous, they wish me to be the new symbol of Formil. Granted, there will no longer be the position of Speaker, since the truth about that has been disclosed. However, they plan on instituting a presidency, and I am to be the first President of Formil.”
Lila hugged her mother tightly, even showing a fair amount of emotion on her pretty face.
“Prepare, Lila. The ship arrives tomorrow.”
“Mother, I’m afraid I can’t join you, at least not initially.”
Arieel was shocked. “Why not?”
“It is crucial I accompany the Najmah Fayd back to Earth and assist in teaching the Humans all her secrets. I am the only one who can. Rest assured, once that task is complete, I will join you on Formil.”
Arieel’s face lit up. “Excellent. Do what you must, but hurry. I will miss you. It will be exciting to be part of the Order again. There is so much to do.”
Adam was at her side. They embraced for several moments. “I’m so happy for you, Arieel. This sounds like a new beginning.”
“It is, and I am ecstatic for the future.”
Sherri and Riyad took turns hugging the voluptuous alien, before letting her scamper off to pack her things. Adam wasn’t aware she had things to pack; she’d left Formil two months earlier with barely the clothes on her back. Nevertheless, she had other places to be.
********
And so the days began to slowly drift by.
Andy spent most of his time in communication with Earth, discussing the Juirean crisis, while the five men in his staff kept to themselves. Benefis would disappear into the wilds of Panurland for hours on end, usually after another wealth of gold turned up missing from the walls of the palace. Riyad discovered a tranquil lake nearby where he revived his love of fishing, while Lila spent most of her time either in quiet contemplation within her quarters in the palace, or aboard the Najmah Fayd tinkering with things.
Sherri and Adam spent most of their time on long walks among the verdant forests near the settlement. Even though they were in the lowlands, the crisp air and scent of tree pollen reminded Adam of Lake Tahoe.
“You’re going to rebuild, aren’t you?” Sherri asked.
“Have to, insurance is paying for it.”
“So your homeowner’s policy covers damage caused by alien invaders? I wonder if Ricky is aware of that?”
“Are you going back with him.”
There was a slight hesitation before Sherri answered. “Probably not.” She smiled…a sad smile. “Even though I thought I missed this life—” she waved a hand at the alien planet beneath her feet—“I see now how dangerous it can be.”
“You’re just now coming to that conclusion?”
“No, it’s just that when you’ve been away from it for a while all you remember are the fun times, the exciting times.”
“Funny…all I seem to remember are the times I was almost eaten by some long-fanged alien.”
She took his hand and they continued their stroll with a comfort level that came from having experienced nearly every emotion two people could share. “Riyad’s discovered a little restaurant in town where they serve that huge ostridge-like bird we see around here. He’s tried it and he didn’t die. He wants the three of us to get together there tomorrow night for dinner.”
“I’m game. I’ve been curious if those huge birds taste like chicken or not.”
“Everything in the universe—all universes—taste like chicken.”
“Thank whatever gods there may be for that. Makes me almost believe in a superior being.”
Chapter 23
The town near Panur’s palace was the largest on the planet. Prior to being discovered by the rest of the galaxy, the natives already had rudimentary space travel, so they were accustomed to aliens frequenting their eateries and other businesses, if even rarely.
They were also aware of the Sol-Kor, having been just as susceptible to harvest as anyone. So when they learned of the exploits of the Humans staying at the god-mutants’ palace, they made it a habit of laying out the red carpet for them nearly everywhere they went.
The following evening, a special section was provided for the trio of heroes in the restaurant—and the feast began. Not only was the huge bird served, but so were dishes featuring the local bovine-like beasts, along with the softest, most fragrant bread they had ever tasted.
Yet it was the local alcoholic beverages that made the most impression. In their drunken stupor, the Humans began to chant S-T-P—and not for the fuel additive, but rather for Smooth, Tasty and Potent.
That was when they noticed him.
Sherri saw him first, sitting at the end of the bar, watching the boisterous revelers with a steely gaze.
“Who’s Mister Intensity over there?” she asked, focusing her stare across the room.
Adam and Riyad unabashedly turned to look.
“Fuck me…it’s another Human!” Adam exclaimed. “Hey, dude…come join us!”
With only the slightest hesitation, the man took his drink and crossed restaurant floor. Having heard the invitation, the natives allowed him to enter the reserved section. The man slipped into a seat next to Sherri.
“Damn, you’re a handsome one, aren’t you?”
“Thank you, Ms. Valentine.”
“And he knows my name!”
“I know all your names. I’ve been meaning to come over here and introduce myself, but you seemed to be having way too much fun for me to intrude.”
“So do it, dude, introduce yourself,” Adam said, tumbling forward slightly when he nodded, his sense of balance affected by the intoxicants.
A moment later, Adam let out a thunderous retort.
“Copernicus! Your name is Copernicus?”
“Yeah, who names their kid Copernicus?” Riyad asked.
The man bristled. “Don’t blame me, I didn’t name myself. My parents were into astronomy, and they thought that with a boring last name like Smith, they needed to do something to set me apart.”
“So they saddled you with a name like Copernicus Smith?” Sherri burst out laughing. “I hope you got back at them, by becoming some misfit outlaw or something like that.”
“Actually, I run a very successful starship repair and towing service, CS Systems Repair and Hauling.”
Adam pretended to pat the pockets of the shirt and pants. “Damn, and here I left my Triple-A card at home.”
“Very funny, Mister Cain—”
“That’s Captain Cain to you, my friend.”
“Yeah, whatever. The truth of the matter is I came to this backwater world specifically looking for you—all of you.”
Even in his drunken stupor, Adam detected something sinister in the comment. Instinct took over and he fought to regain his senses.
“You came looking for us? What for?”
“I need your help.”
Adam snorted. “We’re about as helped-out as we can be, buddy. If you haven’t heard, we just spent the past several months putting an end to the damn Sol-Kor threat. If you need our help now, you better check with our booking agent. But don’t hold your breath.”
“Ah, c’mon, Adam, let’s at least hear what the man has to say,” Riyad blabbered. “He might be willing to pay top dollar for our help.”
“If you hadn’t noticed, dickhead, we’re living in a palace made of gold, and still you’re looking to score a little extra cash.” Adam held up his hand and nodded emphatically when Riyad continued to insist. “All right, fine. Go ahead, Mister Copernicus Smith—sorry, I have to laugh every time I say the name—lay it on us. What do you need our help for?”
Copernicus studied the inebriated trio, shaking his head. “I’ll tell you, even though you may not remember any of it in the morning.”
“Sir…are you implying that our memories are…are shit?”
“No, he’s saying we’re shit…faced,” said Sherri, laughing again.
“If you don’t mind, let me get through this? As I said, I run this starship repair and towing service. A little over a week ago I sent my best repair crew out to check on a ship belonging to one of my most loyal clients. As it turned out, the ship couldn’t be repaired on site, so I was authorized to tow it to my yard for repairs. Along the way, in a region of the Kidis Frontier about ninety light-years from here, my employees were stopped, arrested, and the ship they were towing was confiscated. I figure that with your clout and notoriety you could hop over to the capital planet of Visidor, have a chat with the locals, and get my ships and crew released.”
“They must have been carrying drugs.”
“Not that I know of. Besides, it’s not my concern what cargo the ships are carrying.”
“Sounds like it should be. The local fuzz wouldn’t take such action unless they have cause,” Adam said.
Copernicus snorted. “You don’t know the Frontier very well, do you, Captain? But my real problem is that I was required to sign a surety bond before towing my client’s ship.”
“What does that mean?” Sherri asked.
“It means that if I don’t get the ship back, I have to reimburse them for the full value of the vessel, including lost cargo.”
“Ouch!” said Sherri.
“Ouch is right. It could bankrupt me.”
“Why the hell did you sign a thing like that? That’s just crazy,” Riyad added.
“They’re one of my biggest clients, with a fleet of over two thousand ships. Whenever something goes wrong—and they do often with these ships—they call me.”
Adam leaned over toward Copernicus and motioned with his index finger for the businessman to come a little closer.
“You can’t kid a kidder, Mister Smith. It has to be drugs. Only drug runners maintain such large fleets of beater ships that break down constantly. And they also tend to pay quite well for people to keep their mouths shut. If you’re going to take possession of one of their drug-running ships, they make you responsible for its safe passage. Admit it, Coop. I’m right…right?”
Copernicus bit his bottom lip and nodded. “Damn, Captain Cain, you pretty much nailed it on the head.”
Adam sat back suddenly, nearly toppling over backwards before Copernicus grabbed his arm and pulled him back. “So I was right!” Adam cried out, his voice filling the room. “So why do you think we’d help you recover a drug runner’s ship, along with your complicit crew. I like that word—com…pliss…it.”
“Because you know my repair crew.”
“I’m pretty sure I don’t.”
“Do the names Kaylor Linn Todd and Jym—well, I could never pronounce his last name—jog your memory?”
All three inebriated Humans sat up straighter, if not steadier.
“Kaylor and Jym! They work for you?” Adam exclaimed. “Why the hell would they do that?”
Copernicus frowned. “Why shouldn’t they? They’re two of the best starship repairmen I’ve ever seen, and as you guessed, my clients pay pretty well. Kaylor and Jym share in any overrides I get.”
“And now some local yokels are holding them prisoner, just for towing a ship carrying contraband. There has to be more to the story.”
“There may be, but right now I’m trying to get my client’s ship back before I’m forced out of business.” Copernicus tightened his square jaw. “Will you help, or am I just wasting my time?”
“We’ll help get Kaylor and Jym back, but no guarantees about the drug ship.”
“I told you I don’t know what was aboard. However, fair enough. But be forewarned, Kaylor and Jym were about to make a pretty hefty bonus on this tow and repair. They’re probably going to insist that you include the ship in any deal you cut with the locals.”
“We’ll see about that, but first things first. Let’s hop on over and throw our weight around, then see what happens.”
“Excellent. When can we leave?”
“We?” Adam asked.
“Yep, I’m coming with you. These are my employees and my ships. Besides, only I know where we’re going.”
“Fine, then tomorrow morning. Meet us at the private spaceport next to the golden palace. Eight a.m.…sharp. Be there or be square.” Adam laughed.
“I’ll be there.” Copernicus Smith then surveyed the other three Humans at the table before shaking his head. “I just hope the three of you can make it. Right now I have my doubts.”
Chapter 24
It’s a sure sign you drank too much the night before when you wake up just as drunk as when you went to bed. This was the case with Adam and Riyad.
It was probably the same for Sherri, but the two men couldn’t tell for sure. They spent an inordinate amount of time shouting through her closed bedroom door attempting to get her to join them.
“The two of you can handle this on your own,” she yelled from the other side of the door. “Besides, Kaylor and Jym are more your friends than mine.”
“Jym always liked you,” Adam countered, leaning his throbbing head on the door for support. “C’mon, get ready…we’re going to be late.”
“No way, Jose. I’m staying here. This bed is way too warm and comfortable.”
Riyad tugged at Adam’s sleeve. “Let’s go, my friend. You know how stubborn she can get. Anymore shouting will just make my head explode.”
“Roger that,” Adam said. “Fine, Sherri, you stay here and miss all the fun.”
“My loss…now leave me alone!”
As it turned out, it was closer to nine, rather than eight, before the pair staggered onto the tarmac of the small spaceport near the golden palace. They squinted painfully against the bright morning sun with bloodshot eyes, seeing an impatient-looking Copernicus Smith already there. He had his arms crossed and was tapping his right foot on the ground.
“It’s about time. I was thinking you weren’t coming.”
“We’re here now, so let’s go.”
“You must be joking, right?”
“What do you mean?”
Copernicus stared disbelieving at the hungover pair. “Aren’t you missing something?”
“What do we need?”
“A starship might come in handy.”
That’s when Adam and Riyad began to look around at the empty expanse of the spaceport. “Are we in the right place?’ Adam asked.
Riyad looked around some more. “Pretty sure. There’s the palace over there. This has to be the right place.”
“So where’s the Naj…yo-mamma?”
“What are you two, the Cain and Tarazi Comedy Act? Where’s your goddamn ship, Captain Cain? Captain of nothing, it seems.”
“Tobias!” Adam and Riyad said in unison.
Adam nodded. “That’s right. He probably took it for safekeeping. Let me call him.”
Adam took his portable communicator and opened a link to Andy back at the palace. The admiral came on the screen immediately, even if he didn’t speak right away. When he did: “Damn, Captain, you look like shit! Can you even see through those eyes?”
“Not very well, Admiral.” Adam tried to smile, but all it did was scrunch his face into a mass of frowns and other painful-looking creases. “Eh, sir, you didn’t take the Najmah Fayd anywhere, did you?”
Now the admiral’s face turned rock hard and pink. “Why do you ask?”
“It’s just that we’re at the spaceport…and the ship doesn’t appear to be here.”
“Are you sure?”
Adam took his phone and used it to scan the surrounding area. Then he turned it back to his face. “You see, it doesn’t seem to be here.”
“Who’s that other guy with you?”
“That’s Copernicus Smith.
He needs our help to get Kaylor and Jym out of a little local law enforcement problem.”
“Did I hear you right? Copernicus?”
“Yeah, I know. Kinda funny, isn’t it?”
“Fuck you,” a voice in the background was heard to say.
The admiral’s stare turned into laser beams. “You better not be screwing with me, Mister. You mean to tell me that the only trans-dimensional-capable starship in existence…is missing?”
“Don’t worry, sir, Lila probably has it. Took it out on a little test run is all. Let me call her.”
“Captain…don’t you dare cut this li—”
Adam cut it anyway. Then he grinned in Riyad’s direction. “Yeah, Lila has it. Who else?”
Riyad nodded emphatically.
Adam opened the link to his daughter. Her image came on the screen immediately.
“Lila, good morning! Hey, you wouldn’t happen to have the Najmah Fayd with you, would you?”
“Greetings, Father,” spoke the image on the screen. “As you are probably aware, this is a recording I made for you which will explain many things.”
Riyad and Copernicus crowded closer to Adam so they could watch the video as well as hear it. “It’s a recording,” Riyad repeated.
“Shush,” Adam said.
“By now you will have discovered that the Najmah Fayd is gone. I am in possession of the ship and will be using it to meet Panur at his current location. Yes, I know where he is and where he’s keeping J’nae. I have known all along.”
She hesitated as a pained look came over her face. “It is not easy for me to say this, but I will not be returning the starship, nor will I be returning to the Milky Way. It was decided long ago that neither the Sol-Kor nor the Humans—or anyone else for that matter—should have the knowledge of the TD-transit drive, at least not yet. There would be too much risk and temptation among the parties to exploit it for personal gain and advancement. The ship, and all its secrets, will remain hidden until Panur decides otherwise.
“As for the events of the past few weeks, it was decided that I was to use the Najmah Fayd to safely return you, my mother, and the others to the Milky Way. At that point I was to take the ship…and disappear. Leading up to that, I was also instructed to assist you in using the ship and its technology to defeat the Sol-Kor fleet, an event which Panur set in motion during his conversation with Edei Fran while on Silana. I was to suggest to you the strategy, if you did not come upon it yourself.” Lila smiled. “To your credit, you realized the tactic on your own, which gives me much pride.