by Saxon Andrew
“You’re doing this for him.”
Gregor smiled and thought over his link to the computer, “And for Kaylee.”
• • •
The next morning, Gregor looked at Kaylee and said, “I have a shuttle coming to take me to meet with Gamgel.”
“Is he expecting you?”
“He is. I made the meeting before we left Bellingham. He told me Gem wasn’t here, so this was a good time to come.”
“Good-luck, my love. Let me know how it goes.”
Gregor looked at her with soft eyes, “I know if our positions were reversed, I’d be out of my mind with fear. I can’t tell you how much this means to me and how much I love you for understanding.”
“Gregor, I am a warrior as well. We’ll get through this.” Gregor nodded and left the bedroom.
• • •
Gamgel looked up, as Gregor entered his office and smiled, “What’s so important it couldn’t be put off a few weeks?”
“I need you to make something happen.”
“What is that?”
“I need you to transfer my computer into the most modern computer you’ve constructed.”
“That’s not possible.”
“Tell me why?”
“The circuits aren’t close to being similar. I assume you want the computer to maintain its identity, personality, or whatever you want to call the electronic organization it possesses.”
“I do.”
“I can transfer the data but not the electronic organization.”
Gregor stared at Gamgel and sat down. After a moment, he said, “You are the smartest scientist on this planet of brilliant scientists and engineers. Are you saying you’re not up to the task?”
Gamgel stared at Gregor and was silent. Gregor returned his stare and Gamgel finally spoke, “Insulting me or challenging my skills will not make this happen.”
“Answer my question, Gamgel.”
“Doing what you want done is similar to moving the brain from one human to another body. The process is…well…difficult to the extreme.”
“Is it possible?!” Gregor demanded.
“Why would you even want to attempt this? You can just use another ship with a modern computer.”
“Gamgel, it must be done.”
“Do you want to tell me why?”
“I can’t.”
Gamgel stared at Gregor and sighed. “Then it has to be something dangerous.”
“Why do you say that?”
“I know the relationship you have with your computer and you wouldn’t be taking this risk without good cause. Am I right?” Gregor nodded. “And you don’t want anyone to know you’re doing it?” Gregor nodded again. “Ordinarily, I wouldn’t even consider it. But when Heaven was destroyed, I learned that danger can take everything from you. My species were the original inhabitants of Heaven and we abhorred war. Now, I am one of the few survivors of my species. Are you doing this to protect us?”
“I am.”
“And you believe you will be stopped if this information gets out?”
“I do.”
Gamgel stared at Gregor and pressed a button on his computer. He stared at the monitor and said, “I have six-months of vacation I’ve not used. I’ll do what you ask but I will not promise it will be successful. Are you willing to take that risk?”
“I am.”
“Is your computer willing to take the risk?”
Gregor paused and heard over his link, “I am, Gregor.”
Gregor turned to Gamgel, “It is.”
“Leave your ship with me and I’ll make the effort.”
“How are you going to hide what you’re doing?”
Gamgel snorted a laugh, “Have you looked around at this planet. You could hide a million-ships and they wouldn’t be noticed. You’ll need another ship to go back to Bellingham.”
“Why do I have to leave?! I don’t want to leave him here without me.”
“I can hide the ship, but you are a completely different story. Your presence would cause an uproar among the others.”
“Gregor, I’ve contacted Kaylee’s ship and it’s on the way to take you back to Bellingham.”
“But…”
“You know he’s right!”
Gregor closed his eyes and exhaled a slow breath. He looked at Gamgel and saw him nod. “I’m going to need a new ship to put my computer in.”
“What exactly are you looking for in that ship, Gregor?”
“I want one that’s undetectable in a filament.”
“The ships we have now fill that requirement,” Gamgel replied.
“No, they don’t. They’re not detectable with scanner beams currently used. I want one that won’t be seen by any scanner beam regardless of the power being used.”
“Do you have the necessary technology to make this happen?”
Gregor smiled, “No, but you will come up with something to make it happen.”
“You’re putting a lot of faith in me that may not be justified, Gregor.”
“Gamgel, I know you don’t just sit around and do nothing. You’ve thought of ways to do this but haven’t done anything to make them happen, especially since we’re no longer at war or in danger. I need you to come up with something extraordinary.”
“Gregor, the only way to reduce the signature of this ship you want is to make it smaller. It won’t be able to carry the fuel you’ll need for a long trip.”
“Then come up with a way to refuel it without having to return. I would recommend you look at teleporting it in.”
Gamgel’s expression froze, “Teleportation is illegal.”
“So is losing one’s life, but it still happens.”
“What makes you want to use teleportation?”
“It could provide a means of escape if everything goes bad.”
Gamgel’s nod was barely visible but Gregor saw it. “I’ll see what I can do.”
Gregor stared at Gamgel and then asked, “You know what I’m going to do?”
“No, and I don’t want you to tell me. As it is, I can say we were simply working on developing our future warships. Your plan would not be accepted by most reasonable people.”
“Then why are you doing this?”
“Heaven was lost because our leaders were reasonable people. They refused to be unreasonable and it led to their destruction, along with all of those on the planet. I suspect you and I are not that different in what causes us fear. I’ll see what I can do.”
“Thank you, Gamgel.”
“No…thank you. You’re the one that’s going out to face the unknown. I wish our other leaders were as brave…and wise.”
Gregor nodded and left the room to go back to the mansion. He hoped his plan would remain hidden long enough for him to make it happen.
Chapter Two
Ana looked at Kaylee and smiled, “I really wish you would stay just another day; Gem will be back tomorrow, and he’ll hate having missed you.”
Kaylee glanced at Gregor, as she replied, “We have an important clan meeting in the morning. We need to get started back. I’ve really enjoyed seeing you and we’ll come back soon, I promise.”
Ana hugged her and kissed Deuce on the cheek. “Be safe and maybe we can come see you.”
“That would be wonderful, Ana.” Gregor hugged Ana and took Deuce from Kaylee as they entered the ship’s portal. “Tell Gem I’m sorry I missed him.”
Ana smiled, “I will.”
• • •
Gregor and Kaylee went to the bridge and Kaylee said, “I don’t think she noticed we’re leaving in a different ship.”
Gregor nodded, “They both have the same wings and fins.” He looked up, “Get us out of here before she does, Computer.”
“Lifting now. What’s going on?”
“My computer is being modified.”
“Exactly what is being done to him?”
“Computer, he’s fine. Get us home,” Kaylee responded quickly.
“
Home it is.”
• • •
Life settled in to a normal routine for Gregor and Kaylee. He spent most of his time with Deuce and Kaylee and he appeared to be happy. They took trips around Bellingham to visit the sites of the clan communities and spent a week with Anderson and Ellie MacGregor. It was almost like old times and they laughed as they relived the memory of Gregor’s arrival on Bellingham. Anderson didn’t remember how easily Gregor had handled him in the initial sword fight, until Ellie reminded him of Gregor cutting off his hat, belt, and shoes without cutting him.
“Woman, can’t ye leave me with me memories?!”
“If ye remembered true, I could.”
Gregor laughed, “He really did have me going, Ellie.”
“Get real, Gregor! Are ye also losing ye mind? Anderson was lucky ye didn’t harm him.” And so, it went far into the night. At the end, Anderson shook Gregor’s hand and whispered, “I wish ye had a war or something to end this boredom.”
“Be careful what ye wish for, Anderson. Remember those lost when the Movement attacked us here.”
“I’ll never forget them. But I’m a warrior and this life is…well…so boring.”
“Go out and fight a Nagsta.”
“Even they don’t pose a challenge anymore; most of them run away the moment they see me. Oh well, come back, my friend.”
“I will, Andy.”
Gregor and Kaylee went to her ship and they heard the computer say, “I’ve received a message from someone named Romel.”
“What does it say?”
“He says he’ll be arriving in twelve-hours and he needs you to have a coating tank ready for him.”
Gregor’s eyes widened, and he jerked his head around to Kaylee, “It’s only been three-months.”
Kaylee felt her heart sink and she forced a smile, “Perhaps he’s managed to get it done faster than he expected.”
Gregor looked up and ordered, “Computer, get us back to the Clan City.”
• • •
The ship landed in the clearing and Gregor ran out of the port. Kaylee followed him, carrying Deuce, and arrived at the giant coating tanks as Gregor was speaking animatedly to Wilson Connor, “I need one of the coating tanks prepared for a delivery.”
“We keep one tank operational at all times, Gregor. Why do ye need it?”
“A ship is being delivered from Romania to be coated; it’s due to arrive in twelve-hours.”
“The tank is ready. It’s the one located at the end, closest to the edge of the forest.”
“Thanks, Wilson.”
Gregor walked over to the edge of the clearing closest to the community and took Deuce from Kaylee. Deuce grabbed Gregor’s hand and he smiled broadly, “He has the grip of a warrior, Kaylee.”
Kaylee nodded slightly, “Just like his father.” Gregor turned to her and saw her eyes before she could change her expression. Gregor put an arm around her and pulled her into his chest. Kaylee began weeping and Gregor held her close, before saying, “Kaylee, I’ll call this off before I hurt ye.” Kaylee wiped her eyes and giggled. “What?” Gregor asked.
“You spend one week with Anderson and Ellie and you come away speaking like them.” Gregor chuckled and pulled her tighter. “I mean it, Kaylee. I can’t bear the thought of hurting you.”
“Oh, Gregor. You’re a warrior and you can’t bear the pain of sitting idly by and doing nothing. I’m going to weep because I know you’re going but I now know it must be done.” Gregor’s eyes narrowed. “Gamgel convinced me. If he’s frightened by the Filament Makers, then I know they are a real threat. I may not be able to see the big picture, but I know he can. You have to go.”
Gregor released her and sat down against the log at the edge of the clearing. Kaylee sat down beside him and took Deuce. She pulled a bottle out of her baby-bag and began feeding Deuce. “I love you, Kaylee. It’s my love that’s driving me to do this.”
“I know.” He put an arm over her shoulders and hugged her. She snuggled in and they sat in silence as daylight faded and the stars came out.
• • •
Gregor felt his communicator vibrate and he sat up in bed, “This is Gregor.”
“Sir, we’ve arrived and I’m coming down in a shuttle. Are you able to meet me?” Gregor saw Kaylee was awake and she nodded. “I’ll go out to the clearing and you need to land close to the coating tank next to the forest.”
“I’ll be there momentarily.”
“Why are they coming now?”
Gregor looked at his wrist and said, “I don’t know. It’s two in the morning. I’ll let you know when I come back.” He leaned down, kissed Kaylee, and got dressed. He left the house and ran toward the clearing. He kept looking up for the shuttle but didn’t see or hear it. He was surprised when he arrived and saw the shuttle was already next to the coating tank. The Cryan was standing outside the shuttle when he arrived. “You look too young to be a Cryan.”
The alien smiled, “I was a baby when we left Heaven. Gamgel sent me because he knew I would keep this a secret.”
Gregor hated to ask but forced himself to do it, “How is my computer?”
“Gamgel is still working on it. However, he believes the ship it’s going to be installed in must be done before the change can be successful.”
“So, you’ve brought the ship?”
“Yes.”
Gregor pointed toward the giant coating tank, “This tank is running, and the metal is in liquid form.”
The Cryan looked at the tank and lifted his communicator, “Bring it down to the tank next to my shuttle and lower it in.”
Gregor looked up and waited for the roar of thrusters but heard nothing. He looked at the sky and suddenly saw a dark, giant, form appear. It was a military freighter and it was more than ten-miles long. His eyes widened because it was moving toward the tank without making a sound. He looked at the Cryan and saw him smile, “We’ve developed gravity thrusters to move the ship.”
Gregor looked up again and saw a huge block of metal suspended by cables hanging below the freighter. “That’s not a ship.”
“No, it’s not. The mold for the ship and all the parts needed to construct it are cut out inside the block of metal. The passages are sealed by a powerful vacuum and the seal will be burned off by the liquid metal. The vacuum will then pull the metal into the passages and completely fill them.”
“I thought Gamgel said the ship was going to have to be smaller than our current warships. That block is more than a mile on each side.”
“The ship occupies the central area inside the block. There are hundreds of other cutouts that will be used to complete its construction.”
“What sort of cutouts?” Gregor asked.
“Well, the armored coverings for the viewports, thrusters, missile ports, and blasters are just a few of them.”
Gregor nodded and was amazed by the silence. The gigantic freighter hung motionless above the tank and made no noise. After an hour, the freighter rose and pulled the block of metal out of the coating tank. The cables were retracted, and the block moved up into the freighter’s cavernous landing bay.
The Cryan smiled, “We’ll keep you notified on the status of the project.”
“Thank you.” Gregor looked up and the freighter was gone. He suddenly realized that no one knew what had been done. He went over to the main feeder tank and opened the valve to the active coating tank. He kept an eye on the level of the metal and shut the valve off as it reached the top line. He looked for the shuttle and it was gone. It appeared Gamgel had technology no one knew about…yet.”
• • •
Gregor arrived back at his home and went into the bedroom. Kaylee sat up, “When are they coming down?”
“They’ve come and gone.”
“WHAT?”
“They used a new form of gravity thruster to do it. You need to tell your ship to keep the arrival of the freighter secret.”
“It asked me about it over an hour ago. I’ll tel
l it to keep it secret.” Gregor undressed and got into bed. He closed his eyes and Kaylee asked, “How big was the freighter?”
“About ten-miles long.”
“That’s not possible, Gregor. I should have heard something.”
“Gamgel must have been secretly preparing advanced technology.”
“I don’t feel as frightened now, Gregor.”
“Me, either, Kaylee. I won’t be going out without being properly prepared and Gamgel is going to make sure I am.”
Kaylee snuggled next to him and smiled. Things didn’t feel so dire anymore.
• • •
The next morning, Gregor and Kaylee were awakened by loud knocking on their front door. Kaylee jumped up, looked at Gregor, then put on a robe and went to the front door to find a red-faced Angel and her daughter Elena, with a stubborn look on her face. “KAYLEE, TELL HER SHE IS NOT GOING WITH HIM!!”
Gregor appeared behind Kaylee wearing a robe and he said, “WHAT?”
“TELL ELENA SHE IS NOT GOING WITH YOU!!”
Gregor’s head went back, “How do you know I’m going anywhere?”
Elena snickered, “We’re telepaths of a sort, Gregor.” Gregor’s head went back, and he rolled his eyes.
“TELL HER!!”
Gregor looked at Elena, “You’re not going with me.”
“I had a vision that says otherwise.”
Angel’s head jerked around to Elena, “WHAT VISION?!”
“Mom, will you stop all the yelling!”
Gregor looked at the houses around his and saw the occupants were at their front doors staring at them. “Why don’t you come inside.”
Angle looked around and nodded. They walked in and Kaylee said, “Why don’t you discuss this, while I go get Deuce. You’ve woken him up and frightened him.”
Angel sighed, “I’m sorry. My daughter has that effect on me.”
“I’m just like you.” Elena responded.
Angel opened her mouth and Gregor quickly said, “Hold it down!”
Angel closed her mouth and then took a deep breath. She visibly pulled herself together and turned to Elena, “What vision are you talking about?”