Moon Escape: Book Two in the Adventures of Bobby Regal Space Commander

by Michael Berg

  “Leave them Beth. I think they have the message now.”

  “Listen to Valeena Beth, and follow me. I have more sour mash at my place.”

  He took them on a walk through the maze of streets of central Masquerdon for a short time until arriving at a small building featuring a stout large wooden door.

  “In here.”

  “Thanks Arthren.”

  “Hey, don’t mention it Valeena. I know what it is like to be outcast with almost nowhere to turn. You can stay here until you find yourselves. Masquerdon can drain you.”

  “You read my mind well.”

  “It is all in your eyes.”

  “We shared some wonderful times didn’t we?”

  “They were and I hope this time is a continuation of the feelings we shared.”

  “Nothing can make me forget Arthren.”

  Beth found herself feeling an element of jealousy as Arthren and Valeena talked about old times, obviously without her. She felt excluded to her detriment. Valeena noticed immediately as her eyes skirted from Arthren to Beth.

  “Be at peace sweetie. Arthen and I have known each other a long time.”

  “She is right Beth. Have no concerns.” Arthren handed her and Valeena a large sour mash. It began to ease the tension Beth felt – visible from the outset and pleasing to him as host. He knew Valeena and Beth needed a lot of help and there were no gains to be made if they all were not on the same level together.

  “I must say you demonstrate a type of grit or determination most Vindor men would find hard to muster Valeena.”

  “Most Vindor men have gone soft Arthren. They are too worried about their appearance, their status, and their sense of pride.”

  “We all share those virtues, but not to the extent of some.”

  “Valeena and I have been through…”

  “Enough together to spirit your tenacious future I would think.” The spark of suggestion hit the mark as Beth reconciled herself and refrained from finishing her ‘poor me’ statement. Despite progress at the park, she was still relenting to doubt.

  “Test your mettle as humans put it,” Valeena added.

  “And tests bring outcomes bringing you here to Masquerdon.”

  “You live here?”

  “Most of the time. I travel at others.”

  “We want to fight back Arthren. This disgrace is not befitting to Beth or I and we need to re-establish some sense of self.”

  “In authority eyes and those of the many, your failure has sent our war with Earth back to the doldrums. Our objective to find Earth’s gold has not advanced. Personally I don’t care. This planet doom thing doesn’t play on my mind as much as others. The planet could die today, in many days, or well after my lifetime.”

  “Nobody knows when, but don’t you have some desire to make sure our culture as Vindors is not lost?”

  “Many aspects of our greedy and self indignant culture are worthy of being left behind Beth. Just ask Valeena. She and I met at a crossroads for both of us as we disassociated ourselves from the main ways.”

  “We were chosen for the mission at the bordello because of this Beth. Vindor high command saw us as perfect fits into human society as we were not as stoic outwardly as most Vindor people and so could pass as human.”

  “I know why we were sent Valeena, and as you know, we still both have those cultural traits we aspire to achieve.”

  “They are different though. I share your concern of Arthren perhaps not showing, but…”

  “Hey my concerns are my concerns. I have a wish to see us continue, but without the hang-ups. If you allow time to pass and experience to make decisions, then I consider our future safe because we determine it and are not just at the mercy of our red star.”

  “Our biggest need is for gold. Not only as a means of self indulgence, but for the ships and weapons to carry us to a new home world or to save our star.”

  “I know of these things Valeena. Gold has a lot of power on Vindor and on Earth I imagine,” Arthren appeared resolute, determined to show his strength of feeling. “It is why I am here, and if I might guess, is why you are here.”

  “It did cross my mind.”

  “More than once I would say. What would do with any gold if you were able to obtain enough?”

  “Build a time weapon for ourselves…”

  “Time weapon? Who has a time weapon?”

  “Beth jumped in ahead before I could tell you Arthren. We were given an experimental time weapon for the mission we failed.”

  “So the technology exists?”

  “Only just beyond the test phase. We were the first ones to actually use it.”

  “How does gold come into it?”

  “Resonance harmonic properties. The time element phase shift is most pure when gold is used as transceivers for the spheres generating the gravity wave sound vortex. The more pure they are, the better and stronger, and…more accurate the weapon. Its’ preciousness is universal.”

  “How would you use it? We are far from Earth or Dealas and both planets require significant space travel to reach.”

  “Planet Dealas is not in our objective at this time. We know Earth has more gold than high command know about. Do you know of any space sphere we could use covertly? If we succeed, we won’t need status. We will be free to make our own lives. It is time we lead our own destiny instead of following their collective garbage.”

  “I thought you were beyond such things Valeena.”

  “We are, but there is something else about to happen. Energy is growing. If you take time and calm yourself, you can sense it Arthren. It being there is part of the reason I want to see you. Your ability to sense something…precognition. Both of us suffered a great loss we have not told you about during our failure on Earth. It set a course in motion and we have to explore it for the destiny to unfold. It is our way and as you know, such meaningfulness requires closure or our lives will be forever in torment.”

  “Something has to be in it for me. Your presence again in my life at whatever level, is not enough for the risks I need to take in helping you.”

  “Surely you still have a fondness for my company Arthren,” Valeena flashed him her most loving eyes.

  “Of course, but you know how it is, especially here at the fringes. Life is not as comfortable as those who find abode in the cities.”

  “You would be the last person I expect to be looking for comfort.”

  “I don’t, but if you put it in perspective…” he trailed off giving Valeena time to consider how her request would cause him concern and take him away from his normal run of business.

  “We want you to show us where we might find gold here near Masquerdon.”

  “I know of a few places. It will be a stretch though. Those places are well guarded by secretive types who kill before they are known to exist. You might think I am in on it all, but you are wrong. People far more powerful than me control the gold. Nobody in high command knows about it and it is the way these people want it to stay.”

  “I realize the veil of secrecy, which is why Beth and I know we can trust you.”

  “You are going to need a lot more than just trust. First of all, we are going to have to arrange a meeting to see if we can propose an idea to these people on how we are to use their gold for their benefit. Despite anything you might want to make happen, considering their benefit is your main priority.”

  “Good. I have a sense of synchronicity. We will be able to deal with them. It was easy to find you and I think our path ahead is being laid aware to us each moment. We need this together Arthren. It is why we gather now and as we go, there are discoveries awaiting all three of us.”

  Chapter 6

  Day two at Moon Base involved the on-going training of Bobby and his crew for the specified mission ahead. As they all worked on building the confidence required for an effective team, more details of their mission became available when seen fit by the commanding officers. Their first task was to fly the newly
equipped rocket on a mission to the outer regions of the solar system and obtain Vindor technology.

  “We are scheduled to take to our simulation again today with our focus being on the operations required to narrow in for a covert Vindor contact for details on using gold. Our scientists have identified gold as playing a significant role in deployment of sound technology.”

  “Gold? I know it has pure conducting properties Mister Regal.”

  “As do our science team Mister Weston. The device we put together for passage to this time from yours, was to an extent very fortunate as it was quite unstable and could have sent us to dimensions out of time. Lucky our work was as good as it could have been with the resources available. Gold will give us the capacity to render a much more powerful and reliable device.”

  “Are you saying we are to time travel again Mister Bobby?”

  “In effect Miss Candice, but not as you may think. It ties in with our flight training and the distances we will have to cover.”

  “Are you talking about an assault on Vindor Bobby?”

  “It will be our primary mission Jonathon. Are you able? And you Miss Candice and Mister Weston?”

  “We are headlong into this now Mister Bobby. I expect to continue with wherever this journey takes me.”

  “As am I Mister Regal. Imagine visiting another inhabited planet.”

  “Incredible Mister Weston when you think of our previous lives.”

  “Indeed Miss Candice, and then some.”

  “I have no reason to leave now Bobby. Where would I go?”

  “You have a house…”

  “It was only ever temporary on the way to being here.”

  “Then we are all good to go. My superiors…and yours for this mission, asked me to see how you felt with this information. We look at the emotion, the logistical, the ability – you are all ideal for this mission.”

  “Surely Earth has operatives trained for these endeavors Mister Regal.”

  “It is the time factor Mister Weston. Remember we are the only people aside from our superiors and scientists, to know of this technology. We must prove its worth before we can train others.”

  “Then proof is what we shall provide.”

  “As long as we are successful Mister Weston.”

  “Do you have doubts Miss Candice?”

  “Not at all. I have full confidence in all of us.”

  “Bobby and I have talked over contingencies we might need as a means to ensure it is as close to being certain as possible.”

  “At the time, Mister Weston and I did wonder what it was you discussed during our simulation yesterday Mister Livingston.”

  “Then I suggest we take some leisure time for an hour after breakfast, and then report for training.”

  “You are the captain Mister Bobby, so we follow your orders.”

  “Not so much as orders Miss Candice. Think of it somewhat casually yet pertinent.”

  Bobby took some time alone thinking of Miss Candice after they had all finished eating. He had spent an hour trying to sleep the previous night, only to lay awake with visions of her in his mind. It was not his way to become romantically inclined towards a member of his crew, but her effect on him was becoming undeniable. She was endearing, striking a chord deep within reassuring him of comforts only to be found within close relationships. They had not encountered each other as such – he could feel this building of emotion and meaning.

  His removal from the group during this brief respite before duty, allowed him a sense of perspective and to recollect his pledge as Steward of Earth Defenses. Bobby could not allow it to interfere with his work and their mission, so he decided to let it flow its natural course without forcing any issue, particular through undue psychology.

  After a deep sleep permeated with dreams of time travel, of Miss Candice, and of shiny electric rockets, Bobby awoke to the sound of the intercom, “Captain Regal. You and your team are required in five minutes.”

  “Acknowledged sir. I will advise the others.”

  Bobby left his quarters to find the others at the space window gazing out at the Earth bathed fully in sunlight. It was bright, blue, and benevolent – a sphere of life giving and providing, taking and at cell level, dividing, and so unlike the spheres of Vindor seen mostly as being associated with war. Bobby knew there must be similar wonders and more to be found on the planet to which he and the others would soon strive to visit, and he hoped they would be in a position to marvel in the least at some of the spectacle.

  “Are we all ready for the day?”

  “Certainly Mister Regal.”

  “Are you sure Mister Weston? It is only going to become more and more surprising to you and Miss Candice. I am sure Mister Livingston will find similar, but as he is from this time, what he will see, he can reasonably expect.”

  “Lead the way Mister Regal.”

  “By all means.”

  Flight simulation took them beyond the outer reaches of the Saturn’s moons. As they caressed its rings, Miss Candice changed their heading on a trajectory past the moon Mimas and towards a destination near Uranus’s orbit. The experience of simulated speed for their trip to the moon had been increased to cover the vast distances of the solar system – they were travelling at just over fifty four million miles per hour and it would take them most of the day to reach their target. Mister Weston was amazed during their lunar voyage, only now to be taken well beyond himself with the concept of this speed he almost felt as inconceivable.

  Electric rockets contain a variable space drive based on accelerated ionic energy manipulation. With added graviton plasma pulses, the electric engines were capable of generating acceleration and force of immense proportion. By mid afternoon, the rocket had traversed their course for them to arrive at the designated co-ordinates with the distant aqua colour disc of Uranus in their sights.

  “Slow to ten meters per second please Miss Candice.”

  “Aye Captain.”

  “Standby tactical Mister Livingston, and Mister Weston, please attend engineering for radar masking. We don’t want them to know we are nearby.”

  “Our presence is undetectable Mister Regal.”

  Under the guise of invisibility, Miss Candice guided the rocket into position for the mission to penetrate the Vindor outpost and retrieve the data they had set out to acquire. Jonathon came into his element as he and Bobby took to the simulated shuttle rocket they boarded and launched from the main ship. Under the same veil of stealth, they were able to close in on the Vindor craft, don space suits for a short space walk to board the silver sphere, enter, and steal the data to help humanity refine its time travel technology. Upon return to their ship, Bobby immediately ordered a return to Earth.

  “Sir, we have acquired gold conducting data and are on a trajectory for arrival within twelve hours.”

  “Excellent work Bobby. You and your team can stand down.”

  Jonathon was a little relived at being granted this early release – he had hoped they would not have to endure the entire journey home in the simulator. The flight outward required their full attention for all events leading to Vindor contact, including running mission specifications past them as an advisory measure for actions they would require should they be detected on their homeward voyage. In particular, he focused on the maneuvers and actions required by Jonathon at tactical station. Fortunately for them all, their rapid learning and the fact Space Command had decided to forgo return spaceflight training, they could relax from the anticipated long hours in space.

  Meal time came around sooner than any had realized – it was seven in the evening Earth time and they had spent a good ten hours in the simulator. As they ate, they discussed their day in low voices. Whilst there was no security risk present, Bobby thought it best they maintain a degree of secrecy as a means to practice confidentiality amongst each other.

  Personally, all bided well between them where the mission time had bonded them in respect to their duties. Mister Weston and Jona
thon found commonality and friendship in their being of sound mind developing a mindful respect for each other. Their styles though being different through cause, experience, and somewhat in time – as strange an idea it was for them all to become used to, they met at a level where trust was forthcoming since their first meeting at Jonathon’s house.

  Bobby had allowed himself to find his way as it was for mind trained space commanders. This way of being and finding his course, proved successful as

  Earth’s steward and in finding these people who came at a time when right to alter the course of the battle with Vindor. The surprise element was a factor within his training, and upon realizing their ability to take surprises in their stead, he allowed himself again to let events find their way.

  Weston and Miss Candice were long time friends and this enabled them to find comfort with each other especially given their being cast through time. With an understanding well beyond life in Jonstown, both found deep moments of relation with Jonathon and Bobby, feeling a sense of ease and one of trust they need never question. Admiration for each came to them authentically and far from Vindor ways. Mannerisms and respect free from being embroiled by ego gave in giving as second nature – a strength they would require together in the future for each other and for Earth.

  “Your mark on our crew is very evident Mister Livingston. I regard your style as most befitting to my understanding of your role…and mine too.”

  “I’m used to seeing things get rough Miss Candice. There has been plenty of times I wish I was someplace else, but nobody can put one over Jonathon Livingston. I’ve seen them try. I find integrity and ingenuity work together well to dispense with…”

  “Their…how do you say, ‘bullshit’?”

  “Play as they will, in the end it is where they go Miss Candice.”

  “And deserving too. I have seen examples of precisely what you say as a space commander. How many times Vindor has tried it is beyond counting. Their latest trick was the dirtiest though.”

  “Yet in a way Mister Bobby, it brought us together, and so I am thinking we could be grateful they have set us upon this path.”