by Saxon Andrew
“I will!” the computer replied.
“Gregor, you take the sleeping quarters. I’ll stay on the bridge.”
Gregor nodded and walked slowly back to the small sleeping space.”
“I hate I had to do that!”
“Computer, he needed it. Emmett’s ghost still haunts him.”
“We’ve never discussed this in the past. I hope I didn’t hurt him.”
“I think telling him that you’ve forgiven him is worth any pain he endured. You are the closest and longest friend he’s ever had.”
“The same is true for me.”
“Tell me about Emmett.”
“He initially hated he was taking a crying kid on board and tried everything in his power to stop it from happening. But over time, Emmett grew to love Gregor like a son and told me many times, when Gregor was sleeping, that his life was made happier, fuller, and complete with Gregor in it.” The computer paused and said, “I’ve had a very long time to think about why Emmett went down to the planet that night. He knew the movement was suspicious of him and probably had a death warrant out for him.”
“What are you saying, computer?”
“I believe Emmett was frightened that we would be attacked in space and Gregor would be killed. I think he decided to go down to the restaurant to face any killers.”
“They could have killed Gregor, as well.”
“The Movement would never allow that to happen. They didn’t know at that point if they could still use his talents. They might have done it, if we were caught out in space, but not on a planet where it could be avoided.” Elena was quiet, and the computer continued, “I now believe Emmett went to the restaurant to die, to make sure Gregor and I would be safe. Emmett’s death was his own fault and nothing Gregor or I could have done would have prevented it.”
Gregor rolled over on the small bed. Elena was right, he could hear everything perfectly and he thought about what the computer said. It felt true. Emmett knew about the danger from the Movement and could have decided to run…but he didn’t, and even ordered dessert to prolong the meal. He looked up at the ceiling and softly said, “I love you, Emmett.” He closed his eyes and went to sleep.
• • •
Ten hours later, Gregor heard, “Gem is on your monitor.”
Gregor stood up and stretched. He pulled his shirt over his head and smoothed it out before leaving the sleeping quarters. He went to his chair, sat down, and saw a face on his monitor that he was not familiar with, “You look different.”
The man smiled, “This is the third-different -body I’ve had in less than six-months.”
“You look somewhat similar to your former appearance.”
“I’ve got blonde hair again and I’m about the same weight, Ana chose this one because I look similar.”
“Should I still call you Gem?”
“Well, yes and no. My new name is Jim.”
Gregor snickered, “Pronounced the same.”
“Yes, it is. Gregor, I’m so sorry for what I did. I know how much you were angered by…”
“JIM!” The man stopped talking. “You have been one of my friends since you were originally an Insectoid and we grew closer during the time you changed your DNA to human. And you’re right, I was way past anger at what you did. But…I understand that you were not in control and it wasn’t your fault. I will do all I can to release my anger and accept you as my friend.”
“I know that won’t be easy, Gregor.”
“The fact that you recognize that tells me you understand just how angry I am.”
“I know what Bellingham Metal means to the people on Bellingham and, especially, to you. I couldn’t have done anything worse that what I did, and I know it. I pray you’ll one day be able to accept me as your friend again.”
“Jim, we’ve been through too many fights and wars together to allow this to come between us.”
“I’ve gone to Bellingham and asked the Clan Leaders to forgive me, Gregor.”
“Did they…forgive you?”
“I think it was Ana’s presence that made the difference. Her giving them Duncan’s Sword carried a lot of weight. She cried when she saw Annalee’s Sword under Duncan’s and I wept with her. They are finally back together where they belong.” Gregor sighed. “What’s wrong, Gregor.”
“The only possible thing you could say to get me to forgive you…you just said. I see you honor our ways and traditions and I will not allow what happened to come between us.”
“Thank you, Gregor. I treasure your friendship and I’ve not slept well since I came back.”
“Do not let this continue to be a burden, Jim.”
“Thank you, Gregor. Kaylee told me that you have a good heart and would forgive me. I’ve wanted to believe her, but I know my actions hurt you deeply.”
Gregor looked up and said, “My computer also said the same thing, Jim. I’ll come to see you when we get back.”
“Make sure you come back, Gregor.”
“Now you’re sounding like Kaylee.”
“Everyone is praying for your and Elena’s return.”
“What about me?!”
Jim laughed, “And you too, Computer.”
Gregor laughed and said, “Keep my family safe, Jim.”
“I will, Gregor. I’ve designed a means of heating the Bellingham coatings on our warships such that the new missiles won’t penetrate their hulls.”
“Thanks, Jim. Gamgel didn’t mention that.”
“We’ve just perfected it. I’ll talk with you later.”
“Give Ana a hug for me.”
“I will.”
The monitor went dark, and Gregor looked at the floor. He looked at Elena and smiled, “I want to thank both of you for helping me get around myself on this issue.”
Elena nodded, “I’m glad you could see it.”
“Uhhh…there’s something I should mention.”
“What is that, computer?” Gregor asked.
“I’ve looked at the Cartian data on the space we’re approaching and there is a message in a section of the 440-filament before it ends.”
“Do I dare ask what it is?”
“Gregor, the message in written in red in that section of the 440 and it looks very much like the message we saw on the Cartian map when we first went to Bellingham.”
“UH-OH!” Gregor replied.
“It says this area should be avoided. Something lives there.”
“Does it say what it is?”
“No, Gregor, it does not.”
“Can we go around it, Computer?”
“I’ve examined the Cartian Filament Map and we’ll have to exit at an intersection far out from that area. There are no intersections closer and it will add an additional seven-weeks to our voyage.”
“I don’t want to do that.”
Elena listened to their conversation and interrupted them, “We promised we’d not take any risks.”
“Actually, you promised to not take any aggressive actions that weren’t needed to defend us,” the computer replied to Elena.
“It would be aggressive to go through there and ignore that warning.”
Gregor thought about the situation and raised his eyes, “Elena, we will turn on the light blocking and scanner blocking systems before we enter that area of the 440. The Cartians wrote that warning long ago with standard starships in mind. I believe saving the time is worth the risk. If you disagree, we’ll go around.”
Elena took a deep breath and asked, “Computer, how long is it going to take us to arrive at the edge of the Cartian Map.”
“If we leave the 440 and use standard filaments, twelve-weeks. If we stay on the 440, about five-weeks.”
“Do you know if the edge of their map is where the filaments end, computer?”
“No, I do not. The map has ‘Uncharted Territory’ written at the map’s edge.”
Gregor stated, “So there could still be filaments beyond the edge of the map, like those that were i
n Tronan Space that were uncharted. This voyage could last a very long time and I’m not wanting to add seven-weeks to it by getting off the 440.”
“I’ll agree with you, Gregor and hope we’re making the right decision.”
“If things go bad, we’ll use our failsafe and teleport the ship back to where we started.”
“I really don’t want to do that, Gregor.”
“I don’t either, Elena. I’m just saying the teleport system allows me some leeway to do this.”
Elena smiled, “Let’s do it.”
“You should go get some sleep.”
“I slept in the chair, Gregor. I’m fine.”
Gregor looked up, “Full speed ahead and let us know when we’re getting close to that red-letter space.”
“I will,” the computer replied.
Chapter Eleven
“Gem.”
Gem stopped changing his uniform and looked at Ana, “Yes.”
“I don’t want to do this, but I feel I must.”
“Do what, my love?”
Ana patted the couch beside her, and smiled, “Come sit down beside me.” Gem pulled his shirt on, and went to the couch. “I’ve been thinking about your turning your back on the Insectoids.”
“What? You don’t trust I’m sincere in my loyalty to the Alliance?”
“No, that’s not it, and I really don’t want to do this, but I feel I must.”
“Do what?”
“Gem, what would you do if Sergio came of age and decided to change his DNA and move to live with the insectoids?” Gem’s eyes narrowed, and Ana saw his anger. “Don’t get mad, just hear me out.”
“I’d never allow him to do that!”
“If he’s of age, how could you stop him?”
“If I had to restrict him to Romania, I’d do it in a heartbeat.”
“But there’s no way you could prevent him. He would find a way to leave, if he was driven to go.”
“Ana, I will convince him that it would be the worst thing he could ever do, and I hope you would help me persuade him.”
“And if he managed to leave, do you think the King would allow him to change his DNA and become a citizen of the Kingdom?”
Gem stared at her and his anger returned, “Of course, he would. It would be a way to get revenge for what I did.”
“What would you do?”
“I’d go in and take him at blaster point, if it came down to it.”
“And if Sergio refused to leave, and hid from you finding him?”
“There are ways to find him. Why are you doing this.”
“How would that be any different from what you did?”
Gem glared at her for a moment, and then sat back on the couch, before saying, “I’m not sure where you’re going with this.”
“Gem, you were next in line to rule the Insectoid kingdom and your mother was totally against you leaving. You disregarded her wishes, changed your DNA to human, and came to live with me. I’m so thankful for your doing that, and you’ve filled my life with love and a wonderful family. But how would that be different from Sergio leaving to become an Insectoid? He knows his father was an insectoid and he may harbor extreme ill will toward us for having you executed.”
“But I’ll tell him the truth that I wasn’t executed.”
“Do you think he’ll believe you? He’ll think you’re lying to prevent him for leaving.”
“What point are you trying to make, Ana? I’m fighting my anger and I’m about to lose it.”
“That’s the Insectoid part of you, Gem.” Gem continued to glare at Ana, and she continued. “I trust you, Gem. But I can see the struggle you’re having from denying the part of you that comes from being part Insectoid. You’re stressed out and it shows.”
“Ana…”
“Gem! You’re fighting against yourself, because you’re angry at what the King did to you without your knowledge. Would you attempt to change Sergio back to human if he refused to come back?”
“Ana, he and Sabrina will one day govern Romania.”
“Just like you would have governed the Kingdom.”
“What are you saying?”
“Gem, you have to find a way to come to terms with what’s happened and find peace with yourself. I don’t know how you can do it, but it’s clear you are being eaten up inside with this conflict. The Insectoid part of you is what makes you stronger, and you’re fighting it.” Gem lowered his head and sighed. Gem, I love you more than I can express, but I want all of you back, not just pieces of who you are.”
“What can I do, Ana.”
“You have to convince the King that he is better off with you here than back with him.”
“He won’t buy it. Especially since the Alliance threatened the Kingdom.”
“Then come up with another way to do this; I miss you.”
Gem put his arms around Ana and nodded.
• • •
The King was sitting on his throne looking at the latest updates on the conversion of the fleets to the new missile technology. He fought his fear of the invisible warships the Alliance now had to use against him and he struggled with a means of overcoming the new technology. He saw a button start flashing on his console and wondered who was contacting him on his filament-frequency; very few knew that particular channel. He pressed the flashing button and saw a human staring at him from his monitor, “WHERE DID YOU GET THIS FREQUENCY?”
“You gave it to me, Majesty.”
The King stared at the human, before saying, “I don’t believe you. I don’t know you.”
“Yes, you do.” The King reached for the button to end the call and heard, “Gold.”
The King stopped his claw and stared at the monitor, “Gem?”
“Yes.”
“I thought you were dead.”
“That was a subterfuge to stop the assassins you sent after me.”
“You knew about them?”
“I did.”
“How did you find out?”
“The Alliance has been intercepting your transmissions for a while, Gold.”
“Why are you telling me this. I’ll change the encryption now.”
“I wanted to contact you and apologize.” The King stared at Gem in silence. “Ana has helped me see that you tried to get me back because of my betrayal of the Kingdom.”
“You’ve never accepted responsibility for that in the past.”
“That’s because I was selfish and wanted something that there was no other way to get, except to leave the Kingdom and my responsibilities.” The King was silent, as Gem sighed, before continuing. “I believe my mother died earlier than normal because of her sense of loss. I know she was extremely distraught over my actions.”
“She was.”
“I suggested to the Royals that you were the best one to take her place.”
“I KNOW THAT GEM, BUT YOU WERE BETTER QUALIFIED TO DO IT!!”
“Gold, I can’t change what happened and I can’t come back to rule the Kingdom; I’d not be trusted because of what I’ve done. It would serve no purpose. And the truth is, I don’t want to go back.”
“Then why are you talking with me?!”
“Because you need to see that the Kingdom is better off with me where I am.”
“Gem, now you’re being ridiculous. You know too much about us and pose a real threat to our continued existence.”
“Gold, do you honestly think I would allow the Alliance to attack the Kingdom without you attacking the alliance first?” Gold was silent, and Gem said, “I know that is what you were planning to do with the new missiles.”
“THE ALLIANCE IS A THREAT TO THE KINGDOM!!”
“That’s how we’ve always reacted to a stronger civilization, Gold. Anything that can harm us has to be removed.”
“At least you understand.”
“But I don’t.”
“Gem, you’re too much human, then.”
“Gold, we’ve just fought a war together against t
he Tronan invasion. Could the Kingdom have stood up to the Tronan without the Alliance?” Gold was silent again. “And could the Alliance have stood up to the invasion alone?”
“Probably not.”
“So, if the Kingdom attacked and destroyed the Alliance before the Tronan invasion, where would the Kingdom be now?”
“What are you suggesting, Gem?”
“I’m not suggesting anything, Gold! I’m telling you that the Kingdom and the Alliance are stronger together. We had no warning of the Tronan and they appeared out of nowhere. If you think they are the only threat out there in the universe, then you’re being extremely shortsighted. You know that if the Kingdom is attacked by an outside threat, the Alliance will come to its defense. You would do the same if the Alliance is attacked because it would be a threat to both of our civilizations.”
“But we have no certainty the Alliance won’t attack us.”
“That’s the Insectoid in you speaking, Gold.”
“Gem, I’m all Insectoid!!”
“And that’s a problem! You think just because a civilization is more powerful, it is automatically a threat. I suspect a civilization that doesn’t know the Kingdom just might pose a threat. But we know you and you know us. Name one civilization the Alliance has attacked that didn’t attack first?”
“That doesn’t mean it won’t happen.”
“Yes…it…does! You are a member of the Alliance and we see you as a powerful ally that we can depend on to protect all of us.”
Gold paused and then lowered his huge head before asking, “Are you willing to give us this new technology?”
“Do I need to refer you back to your original plan to attack the Alliance with the new missiles? The Alliance wasn’t planning to attack the Kingdom.”
“So, you won’t give us this new technology?”
“How can you assure us that you will never attack the Alliance with it?”
“So, we’re at a stalemate.”
“No, we’re not.”
“Oh?”
“Get the Royal Families to agree to a Gramget that you will never attack the Alliance and we’ll share the technology with you.”
“That would place a restriction on us that we could not violate. But you would not have the same restriction placed on you.”
“I would think sharing the new technology with you would be proof of our intention to never be a threat to the Kingdom.”