TROPHY

by Paul M. Schofield

  “Thank you, I appreciate your concern. It would be best if I went back to my quarters now.” She turned and walked up the corridor to the front of the ship.

  As Estelle walked along the long central corridor she marveled at the Guardian's method in forcing Galen to reveal his plans and motives. Estelle could fully remember everything now, including her original assignment to capture or kill Bestmarke and Franelli. But the Guardian had stopped her. Why? Has the plan changed?

  **********

  Dressed in her dark colored fatigues, Estelle crept out of her room and down the small passageway, past the bridge to the mess hall and general quarters. It was 02:00 hours and all were asleep as she stealthily made the way to Louis’s private quarters. The door was unlocked. She quickly went in, it was vacant. She set out for his lab, cat-like through the shadows and dim corridors.

  The only sound was the slight hum of the ship’s climate control as it pushed the stale reprocessed air through the system. The big ship was coasting now, its mighty engines silent, having reached cruising speed hours ago. Their destination was somewhere in the Asteroid Belt, a few weeks distant.

  Estelle found the lab door unlocked. Louis was at the far end, absorbed in his work with his back to the door. She drew her battle knife and crept toward him, the fifteen centimeter black titanium alloy blade gleaming dully. She swiftly pulled him backwards to the floor and jumped on him, pinning his arms with her legs. She set the knife firmly against his throat. His eyes were wide with anger, he could utter no words, only gasp.

  “I will not allow any harm to come to the Guardian,” Estelle said in a harsh whisper. “I will not let you or Bestmarke harm her in any way. I am sworn to guard her with my life. I will kill you and Bestmarke if I have to, starting with you. I am not bluffing. You have thirty seconds to tell me why you should not die.”

  “I have never killed anyone,” he said with a croak.

  “Yet you approve of what Bestmarke accomplishes, don’t you? You do his bidding, you make his hideous trophies – right? I heard you say you would do whatever he wants to the Guardian, to Sondra. You said that, didn’t you?”

  “Yes, yes, I said that!” He grimaced as he felt more pressure on the blade at his throat. “But I only said it to stall him. I could never hurt Sondra. Never!” He started to tremble.

  “Why should I believe you?” she said. “Fifteen seconds left.”

  “Because – because I – I care for her. Because I love her!” he said, trembling more. “I can't hurt her. She's the only person that has ever cared for me and helped me, really helped me. I may have to take unusual means to save her.”

  “I'm listening,” she said, without backing off.

  “Bestmarke wants to take off her head and keep it alive as a trophy. I don't have the materials for the nuclear power unit. She'll die if the chamber isn't ready. He is an irrational, impatient man, he may order me to remove one of the animal trophies and use that chamber. I can't do that. I have a plan to stall him.”

  “What's your plan?” Estelle said, still not moving.

  “I'll convince him that the connection between the living tissue and the power unit is different for humans. I may have to put Sondra into a cryogenic state to protect her.”

  “Freeze her? Won't that harm her?”

  “No, it will buy us time, time for Star-Commander to find us. I know how to send a locator signal without Bestmarke’s knowledge. You could help me.”

  Estelle pulled back the deadly blade and was silent for a moment. “I will risk giving you a chance, Louis.” She jumped up and quickly moved out of reach, the battle knife still in her hand, and waited for Louis to stand. He struggled up and sat in his chair.

  “There is one more reason, Estelle,” he said. “I know how to use the Keyhole – to travel through time.”

  “You can really do that?”

  “Yes, I finally worked out and perfected the formulas. I realize now that if used properly, time travel could save the human race. It's wrong to use it like Bestmarke has done. Sondra helped me appreciate that. I have to save her.” He sighed deeply and looked into Estelle's eyes. “I told her in the space-plane that I have to play this out. She understands that, she trusts me.”

  “I hope that's true,” Estelle said, the knife still in her hands. “If it is, I will help you. If you are lying, I will take you out, and then Bestmarke.”

  “I'm not lying. Be careful with Bestmarke, he is dangerous and ruthless, don't underestimate him.”

  “Don’t worry about me.” She sheathed her knife and started back to her quarters.

  **********

  “Well, Brother, how are you feeling this morning?” Terran said.

  “My head hurts – stomach, too, but I can't remember why,” Galen said. “I must have had a good time – right?”

  “You can't remember, can you? You can't remember because you're a stupid, drunken idiot! Fool! All you can think of is yourself!”

  “You can't talk to me like...”

  “Shut-up! I will talk to you any way I feel, you deserve it!” Terran said, hissing his words through clenched teeth. “If you give me any more trouble now, I'll take you down like I did last night! Just remember, I'm tougher than you, and a lot more patient. Otherwise you would be dead by now!”

  “I was that obnoxious?”

  “Your complete memory loss when you drink is your perfect alibi,” Terran said. “Someday I will make a recording so you can personally see how revolting you can actually be. It's no wonder we are either shunned or wanted by the law everywhere in the Solar System.”

  “Oh, my head.” Galen groaned, holding his head with both hands. “What did I say?”

  “If you can't remember, then I'm not saying. You'd better be on your best behavior and make some apologies. I'm sure you can figure out to whom.”

  “Oh, my head.” Galen moaned again, slowly getting up and returning to his quarters.

  **********

  “Hello, boss,” Louis said in his deep voice. “I did not expect to see you today. Are you feeling better?”

  “Yes, Louis, I am,” Galen said. “Ah – Louis – ah – I wanted to – to apologize for last night. My brother informed me I was out of control.”

  “Apology accepted, boss,” Louis said, with no change of expression. “Is there anything else, boss?”

  “Yes – yes there is. This Guardian – what do you know about her?”

  “I already told you, boss. We worked together years ago, nothing more.” Louis continued his indifferent expression. “Why? Do you want me to prepare a trophy chamber for her like you mentioned last night?”

  “Did I say that last night? I admit, I can't remember.”

  Louis noted Galen's uncommon embarrassment. “I told you I would help you. But now I have discovered a complication. I don't have the materials I need for the proper kind of chamber and interface connection.”

  “What do you mean, Louis?”

  “The chamber controls are somewhat different for a human than an animal. I don't have the materials I need for a human's chamber. Didn’t I ever tell you there was a difference?” Louis said, staring at Galen.

  “No, you didn't,” Galen said, bending under Louis's gaze. “What can we do? She might cause problems or send a message to her fleet. The more time she has, the more trouble she could cause.”

  “I could put her in cold storage, boss.”

  “Really, would that work?”

  “Yes. We have a cryogenic system on board. It would take a few modifications, but I could have it operating in a day.”

  “Are you sure it will work?” Galen said.

  Louis stared at him, expressionless.

  “Right!” Galen said, lowering his gaze. “Let me know when it is ready.” He turned and walked out of the room.

  “I will, boss,” Louis said, smiling faintly.

  **********

  “Mr. Bestmarke, did you bring me here to this lab to apologize for the threats you made three days
ago, or to carry them out?” Guardian V said, showing no fear.

  “I can only offer vague apologies because I cannot remember what I said or did, Guardian. But I will soon be giving you a place of honor. You will be unique, the guardian of my trophies, the envy of the Solar System. Think of it! I am almost giving you immortality. Almost, because you will soon wish you were dead.”

  She looked to Louis, then to Galen. “I have always used my life for good, Mr. Bestmarke. I would never wish to die, but I am prepared to do so for what I truly believe in. Can you say the same about yourself?”

  “Does it really matter to you what I think? Your precious Empire cares little for those of us who don't agree with you.”

  “That is not true, Mr. Bestmarke. We do care. Freedom of thought and expression is encouraged. But breaking the laws and living outside them is not. A peaceful and just society must be based on laws and principles. The greater good of all people depends on that.”

  “The only good I am concerned about is what is good for me. Deep down we are all animals, completely selfish, and sooner or later that trait manifests itself in all of us. Your ‘greater good’ is just false sentiment that will eventually be exposed,” Galen said. “Entropy, Guardian, entropy. Everything eventually runs down, wears out, or is lost. Even your precious Empire will go back to the dust someday. It will be gone forever, including all your laws, principles, and greater good.” He sneered at her. “You know I am right. That is why I believe only in myself. Everything else is hopeless, everything else is futile.”

  “I have never known anyone as negative as you, Mr. Bestmarke. Your lack of joy and the shallowness of your existence sadden me. Real happiness comes from giving of yourself and your talents to help and enrich others. I am afraid you will never be truly happy unless you change your way of thinking.”

  “You sound like my mother with all of her high principles. My brother and I both left home when we were old enough to make it on our own. We've been happy, and we've never looked back, not for her, not for you, and not for any other part of your wretched Empire,” Galen said. He turned his back to the Guardian and stared at Louis. “Do what you need to do, Louis. The next time I want to speak with our Guardian, I will just touch the power switch on her pedestal. I'm going back to the bridge. Let me know how it all works out.”

  Louis listened to his departing footsteps, closed the door, and quietly locked it.

  “I told you that I had to play it out, Sondra. Do you still trust me?”

  “Yes, Louis, more than ever,” she said, gazing into his eyes. “My life will be in your hands.”

  “I am going to put you into a cryogenic state. Do you understand what that involves?”

  “You will freeze me, instantaneously. Is there a great risk, Louis?” she said. “I am not afraid of death, what I do fear is not ever seeing you again.”

  “The risk is minimal and there is no pain involved. You will have no thoughts – it will be like a deep, dreamless sleep. I'll take care of you and guard you with my life. Estelle said the same.”

  “So, you have talked to Estelle? What convinced her to spare you, Louis? She would have to be sure before she turned back her weapon. She is one of the Protectors – the highest level.”

  “I told her that I care for you, Sondra,” he said, a tender expression on his face. “I really do. In fact, I love you very much.” He took her in his arms and held her.

  Chapter XXXXI

  Earth Date: 475 N.V.A.

  Location: Earth, CENTRAL

  “How are you feeling, Martin?” Guardian VII said, standing next to him and Panther in the cybernetics lab. “You seem to have suffered no ill effects from the explosion.”

  “I guess our android bodies saved us, Guardian, and CENTRAL, too. Me and Panther were able to run without tiring.” He absently scratched behind the big cat’s ears. “Since our brains are connected with the link, it speeds us up and we make faster decisions. The more we use it, the easier it gets. I never thought in a million years I could talk with an animal like him. I’m really blown away.”

  “You are not the only one who is ‘blown away’, Martin. All of the Guardians are fascinated with the progress of you both. How often do you use the link?”

  “Most of the time I forget that it’s on and we stay linked for hours. Neither of us is afraid. We seem to have accepted each other completely. It’s kind of weird to have that close of a relationship with someone, especially an animal. I guess we have a special bond, with our minds being connected. Does that bother you, Guardian? Is it unnatural?”

  “It does not trouble me,” she said, folding her hands together. “Is it unnatural? Technically, yes. It has never been done before at your level. For years we have had guider/pouncer teams with no negative effects, but their links have not reached the level yours has. I am thinking of making his side of the link more accessible to him.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Right now, only you control whether the link is activated. I would like to try giving Panther an equal choice. However, both you and I will still have control as to whether he is awake or asleep. That will not change.”

  “Why give him more freedom of choice?”

  “Call it research, my dear, pure research,” she said, smiling at him, a twinkle in her dark eyes.

  **********

  “The Guardians tell me no structural damage has occurred and that CENTRAL is in perfect condition,” VanDevere said, standing before the fireplace in the Chambers. “You, though, have suffered hurt again, Lieutenant. Are your burns healing without too much pain? We owe you a proper vacation, but I am afraid it will again have to wait.”

  “I'm in little pain, Star-Commander. The burn medication works well, except for the odor, it really stinks!” Rogerton said, making a sour face. “With all of their advances in medicine, couldn't they make it smell nice?”

  “You pose a good argument,” VanDevere said, risking a smile. “Seriously, you, Martin, and Panther have averted a great catastrophe. The Empire is indebted to the three of you. I personally want to thank you for your courage and presence of mind.”

  “Thank you, Ma’am.” Rogerton began to flush.

  “Our assignment now is obvious,” VanDevere said, beginning to pace in front of the fireplace. “We must concentrate on the safe return of Guardian V, as well as Franelli and Martin’s father, still trapped on Bestmarke’s ship. We know Bestmarke’s final heading before he cloaked his ship. No doubt he will change that. We do not know his destination, but someone on his ship may contact us. We are not sure how, so all sensor stations and ships in the Solar System have been placed on heightened alert. Even the faintest clue will be taken seriously.”

  “Is there any hope at all, Star-Commander?”

  “Very much so, we feel. I cannot say more at this time, but we can be optimistic.” She stopped pacing and turned to the Lieutenant. “You are going to need a new ship. Would you like to see it?”

  “Yes, I would, Ma’am, very much. But how, it's not here at CENTRAL, is it? I thought they were assembled at the Space Assembly Plant in high orbit?”

  “That is correct. However, all the assembly work is monitored here at CENTRAL. We can watch them working on it right now, it is almost finished.” They walked to a small side office with a monitor screen on the wall. VanDevere spoke again. “Computer, show us PCCSAP, dock C-17. There it is,” she said, proudly pointing to it. “What do you think of it?”

  The Lieutenant stared, mesmerized by the ship on the large screen.

  “Well, Lieutenant?”

  “Oh, Ma’am, it is unbelievable! What is it? I have never seen anything like it before. The design is so sleek, so radical, so different. It almost looks alive.”

  “It almost is, Lieutenant. The pilot and commanding officer are both linked with the ship’s computer, although still remaining separate from each other. They do not have a joined consciousness. I do not fully understand, I am only repeating what the Guardian told me. The Guardian
s have made tremendous strides from their success with Martin and the great cat. You will, no doubt, understand what they mean more than I.”

  “What's it called, what model is it?” She stared at the screen, thoroughly fascinated.

  “It is an entirely new design called a Clipper,” VanDevere said. “Of all the ancient wind driven ships, the clippers were the fastest. This one is the same. It is even faster than a cruiser.”

  “Is it as fast as Bestmarke’s ship?”

  “Faster! Look at this close-up of the engine and you will start to see why.” She commanded the computer to zoom-in.

  “Zenkati, D-Class.”

  “The very latest and best. It has cloaking ability, is guider/pouncer capable, and has a host of weaponry, almost as much as a cruiser. But it is small, fifty meters in length, and carries a crew of ten. Do you think Pilot Kolanna will approve?”

  “She'll be so happy her face will split apart from grinning,” Rogerton said with a laugh. “Will I still have the rest of my current crew, Star-Commander?”

  “Yes, if that is your desire. We will add what we need, but three will be special members.”

  “Special members, Ma’am?”

  “Yes, in fact the Guardians recommended it, even insisted. Can you not guess, Lieutenant?”

  “Are two of them Martin and Panther?” Rogerton said, silently hoping.

  “That is correct! The third is a Medical Specialist hand-picked by Guardian VII to care for the unique needs of Martin and Panther.” VanDevere paused for a moment. “I envy you, Lieutenant. You are young, in the prime of life, and in command of the fastest, most advanced ship in existence. And you are teamed up with a handsome, dashing young man, and a dynamic and unforgettable black panther.” She sighed and smiled at the Lieutenant. “It does not get any better than that! Oh, that I were your age again,” she said, turning back to the screen.

  “But Star-Commander, you deserve to command that ship. Why should I be given such an honor?”