Serve and Protect

by Douglas Varnell

  There was a special made 150 inch Curved UHDTV on the front wall. It had been made on Xhondar I and Paul knew would soon be the envy of everyone that saw it. In front of each lush-leather chair was a drawer under the table that revealed a personal computer and access to the big screen in front. It was designed on Verron using a combination of Verron technology and Earth technology, Daryl Powell and John Graham had done an excellent job of installing the most advanced technology available on Earth in the showcase of a Boardroom. Everyone was pleased with their office. Michael and Renee had the largest of the staff members and rivaled the best executive suite available anywhere on Earth. The group headed for a 12 foot tall gold plated door adorned with a carving of a dragon. It opened to reveal the 5000 square foot office of King Paul Verron. Benny and the people had truly outperformed anything Paul had ever seen before. Everyone knew he was fond of woods and wood grains, and every table, chair, desk and door was either made from or accented with lush natural woods. Paul had never seen these wood grains before. He turned to Benny, and before he could ask, Benny told him, “From Verron. A group of my people and the people from Salenzo scouted our forests for what we now call the Emperor Tree. We felt it would be more appropriate for the Emperor of Verron to have a tree from his home planet than one from somewhere else.” Paul smiled and asked, “What’s this Emperor nonsense, Benny?” Benny smiled and replied, “It’s what the people on Salenzo started calling you. I’m afraid the tag is spreading to at least Xhondar II. Someone there referred to you mistakenly as Emperor Verron and it stuck, sort of like Dragon King.” Paul was flattered but concerned. He did not want his allies to believe he thought of himself as an Emperor. He politely asked, “It’s a good name for a tree, but King is more than enough for me. Please, don’t any of you ever call me Emperor.” Renee gave him a hug and said, “I don’t even call you King – Dad.” He shook his head and laughed, “I hope I get a bit more respect from the rest of you.” Michael grinned and commented, “Yea, right, Uncle Paul. We’ll all keep that in mind.” The small group walked to the wall of windows and looked out over the complex that was being called by the press, “The Verron World Trade Center.” Paul couldn’t believe he once lived 150 miles northwest of here in a small mobile home down a dirt road. He quietly thanked God for what He had done for him and his family.

  Paul and his party exited the elevators on the ground floor. He was first to step out of the elevator to the sound of an Uzi being fired on full automatic; thirty rounds at 15 rounds per second aimed at King Verron and those with him. Thirty rounds suddenly stopped inches from King Verron and his party. The entire staff was wearing their forcefields, but none of the construction workers diving for cover were protected, and deflected rounds may have found an innocent target. The 30 pieces of lead fell to the ground as the assailant attempted to flee. He could not move any part of his body. Before Paul walked across the large lobby of the building, 8 to 10 construction workers had the man on the ground beating him. They parted when King Verron walked up to them to reveal a young black man with multiple cuts and bruises on his face. Paul released The Power enough for him to speak, but held his body firmly in place. He looked down and asked, “Do you want to tell me who you are before you die or do you want me to let these people finish what they started?” The young man’s spit didn’t quite make it to his intended target as it suddenly flew back into his own face. He began to shout, “Allahu Akbar” the recognized cry of terrorist the world over. Before he could say it the third time, his heart stopped beating as he slumped lifelessly to the floor. The construction workers were just beginning to realize that King Verron had stopped 30 - 9mm machinegun rounds in midair, made a man completely immobile and then killed him by stopping his heart. They began to move away from the body.

  Four armed Verron Marines soon arrived and took statements from the witnesses and made sure none were injured. The body was removed and transported to the town of Success where it would be picked-up by the FBI terrorist identification agents. There would be no investigation on the Verron property. The entire incident had been videotaped by the newly installed security cameras and 15 witnesses came forward to provide statements. The FBI had hoped to keep the incident quiet, but there was no way to silence the 15 people when they left to tell their friends and family of what they had just seen. Homeland Security and the FBI studied the security film over and over to try and figure out exactly how King Verron had done what he did. The film was placed in a Top Secret file, never to be shown to anyone else. Further investigation linked the 19 year-old to a terrorist cell in Mobile, Alabama. After storming their safe-house and confiscating their computers, it was discovered that the group was tied to ISIS and were planning an assault on the Pensacola Naval Air Station. Renee was a bit upset with her Father when they returned to Verron asking, “How could you kill a man who was in no position to fight back. You could have just turned him over to the FBI or something.” Paul had a very serious expression on his face as he told her, “I made a public announcement to the world about my position on terrorism and especially those who attacked my Nation or my family. That young man knew the consequences for his actions and was willing to die for them. If he had been left alive he would have probably become a hero as he helped recruit other young men in prison. Prison has become one of the top recruiting grounds for Islam and it’s all protected by the freedom of religion laws. If a member of my own family attempted to do what he did, I would have done the same thing.” Renee left the room knowing that he would in fact do what he just said.

  When Tala returned to Area 51 with her BMW Transport and her new Ducati, she was soon the envy of everyone there. Lieutenant Colonel Malone now had his Security Officers riding Crotch Rockets around the restricted area and easily keeping an eye on Tala and Katelyn during their morning exercise routine. The first morning Tala had some time off and was preparing for a nice long ride through the mountains, Brad Williams pulled-up beside her on his black Kawasaki ZX-10R. Tala couldn’t help but get excited about the fact that the man she adored also liked motorcycles. They headed north on Extraterrestrial Highway then took Hwy 6 Northeast towards Ely, then headed West across the mountains to intersect Hwy 379 South and across the mountains again to Hwy 6. There were way too many long straight flat sections of road and not near enough curves to please Tala. The two did get several chances to see what the top-end was on their bikes, but neither was pleased with the 186 mph Federal mandated electronic restriction. Tala would have to take care of that. By the time they returned to Area 51 both were ready for a shower and a good meal. While Tala was in the shower, Katelyn suggested taking the car/transport into Vegas for dinner. She phoned Brad and got Cruz instead and had him shout at Brad to see if they would like to go out together. Katelyn was surprised that Tala wanted her to drive, but quickly figured out that Tala and Brad were much cozier in the back seat than in the sporty bucket seats up front. Not wanting to violate Nevada speed laws, they decided to take the most direct route across the desert and avoid the 100 mile and 65 mph drive to the city.

  Bringing the Transport back down to street level and posted speed-limits, Katelyn joined the traffic headed into Vegas along the strip. It was already beginning to get dark and everyone was starved. Then Tala started yelling from the back seat, “There, there, there.” Looking to the right of the strip was the Stratosphere Hotel and looking up 800 feet above the strip was the Top of the World restaurant and amusement park. Katelyn pulled the sporty looking vehicle up to the front and the valet parking attendant stepped forward to take control of the sleek looking BMW. Then it dawned on him, “This vehicle has no wheels.” He looked again and observed, “And there is no sound of an engine.” Katelyn informed the man, “I’ll park it myself, if you don’t mind.” The sharply dressed valet looked around, knowing he was about to break a rule, then he looked at the controls on the inside of the peculiar vehicle and motioned her through to the parking area reserved for valet parking.” The four of them came back to the front of the hotel
laughing and having a good time, “Brad handed the man a twenty and asked, “Keep an eye on it please. It was a birthday present for the young lady.” The valet had gathered three others by his side and asked, “What is it?” Tala informed him, “This is the first Verron-BMW to ever be driven on Earth. One day millions will have them, but for now, I am the only one.” Smiling she said, “Zero to Mach 1 in 60 seconds, maximum cruising altitude of 10,000 feet, seats four and uses no gasoline.” As they walked away, she added, “By the way, if someone tries to steal it, the self-destruct will level a city block.” She laughed all the way inside. It had no self-destruct; but did require retina scan before it would start.

  Taking the elevator to the tower above, they exited and were greeted by a very elegant looking lady that could have been a showgirl at any show in Vegas. Her first words were, “Do you have a reservation?” They obviously didn’t have one and it was also obvious that at least three of them were too young to enter unless accompanied by a parent or guardian. While Cruz was about to bribe her with a $50.00, a young man who looked like hotel security, walked over and spoke to the hostess. He then turned to the four people without reservations and told them, “This hotel has the most advanced facial recognition system available. We constantly update the records with photos of celebrities, politicians and people of note. According the message I just received from the security team operating the system, you two are either members of the Verron Royal Family or a very close likeness.” Tala and Katelyn looked at each other, surprised that their picture was in a facial recognition database. They reached into their purse and removed their Verron Passports. The Hotel Security Officer looked them both over and commented, “That would account for the vehicle in our Valet parking that has no wheels and sits six inches off the ground with no visible means of support.” Tala replied, “Got it for my 16th Birthday.” He then looked at both of the men with them and asked, “Either of you over 21?” After confirming that the two minors were accompanied by two adults, he turned to the hostess and informed her, “Give Princess Katelyn and Princess Tala the best available table. Dinners on the house, compliments of Mr. Geodinaro. They were following the hostess into the Top of the World when Katelyn turned and asked, “Any relation to Leonardo Geodinaro?” She turned to leave as she said, “His little brother. Welcome to the Stratosphere.”

  Leonardo Geodinaro was an 88 year-old disabled WWII veteran who fought in the Italian underground for the Allied forces as a teen. He and his wife, Lucila had moved to Verron from Italy in the first wave of European immigrants. After rejuvenation and regeneration, the happy couple, with his new leg, had opened the finest Italian Restaurant on Verron along with Theresa Verron, Kary’s wife.

  The two couples where admiring the view of the Las Vegas strip and waiting on their desert when a dignified looking man in his early sixties approached the table. He introduced himself as Valentino Geodinaro. He looked just like his brother. He asked to be seated and the waiter brought a chair quickly to the owner of the Stratosphere. He spent the next few minutes asking about his brother and how he was doing. Katelyn told him that he and his wife of fifty-six years were expecting a baby. He was dumbfounded. She quickly added, “After regeneration, the two of them are more like 35 again and will live considerably longer than they would have on Earth. His restaurant is wonderful. We see him every Sunday at church.” Valentino was actually shedding a tear and informed them, “I was just a toddler when our parents were killed by the Nazis. Leonardo raised me himself. I fell into a different crowd than he did. I would like to come see him on Verron if possible.” Tala reached over and touched his hand and told him, “We’ll take you now if you like, or just let us know when you’d like to go. Uncle Paul, I mean, King Verron, will be opening the gateway in Mississippi soon and travel will be opened between our two planets.” He thanked them and prepared to leave, then turned back to ask, “Any chance I could get a ride in that car of yours?”

  Every eye in the restaurant and the casino downstairs were glued to the four youngsters escorting one of the richest and most powerful men in Las Vegas across the hotel lobby to the front exit. The valet parking attendant thought he was about to get in trouble for not parking the BMW himself. Valentino stood patiently at the curb while Tala went to get her transport. She opened the door for Mr. Geodinaro to take the passenger seat. The other three decided to wait behind. They still wanted to try out the rides on top the 800 foot tower.

  As soon as Tala cleared the parking lot she began to drive down the strip with the slow moving traffic. She looked over at the man next to her and asked, “How’s your heart?” He smiled, knowing he was in for a treat. His only comment was, “I’ll take care of the tickets.” The little BMW began to lift straight-up until it was about ten feet above the traffic then shot off down the street at aircraft speeds, soon leaving the city limits of Las Vegas. It suddenly became pitch black. Tala hit a switch on the dash panel and the world outside the windshield looked just like it was midday. The man smiled with perfectly white capped teeth when he experienced his first sonic boom over the Nevada dessert. He turned to Tala and asked, “My brother have one of these?” She informed him, “They just came into production. This is one of the first ones.” He made a request that only a Princess could make happen, when he asked, “Make sure my brother gets one. Send me the bill.” Tala asked, “Mine was a gift. Do you realize they are probably over two million Earth dollars?” He smiled, saying, “Makes no difference. He loves fast cars and he deserves it for all he endured raising me after the war.” Tala assured him that she would make it happen. By the time she landed in front of the Stratosphere, she was best of friends with the 3rd most powerful Mafia leader in the United States. He told her, “Enjoy the shows and restaurants anytime you want, just stay out of the casinos and away from the booze. I could get into a lot of trouble for letting you do either of those.”

  That evening the four people from Area 51 had the best seats in the house at ARIA Hotel and Casino. It seemed Mr. Geodinaro owned more than one hotel. It was the last show of the evening for Zarkana by Cirque du Soleil. The four were escorted directly to front row center and given hateful looks from the six people who had been asked to move to another table. Watching the unbelievable acrobatics made Katelyn and Tala miss their freestyle runs on Verron. Katelyn made a mental note to find out what time Amber made her gateway to Verron to run, she and Tala were going to be joining her. At intermission several of the performers came out and met the VIPs in the center seats. For the next several days the trip to Las Vegas was the talk of Area 51. Tala sent a message to her Uncle Paul about the BMW for Valentino, compliments of his brother. The response back was typical Paul Verron, “Done.”

  Mallala Motorsport Park north of Adelaide Australia was the host for the final race of the Australian Superbike and Supersport series. Petty Officer Mark Sloan was a nervous wreck. Only one point separated him from his rival for second place. He knew that the advantage was his on this track. The Ducati was not as maneuverable in the tight turns of several of the courses where they raced, but this track had almost none. Long sweeping turns, high-speed straightaways and few really tight turns was what his bike loved. He was about to mount his bike for his first warm-up lap when Tala arrived accompanied by 38 people from Area 51. There was a handsome young man with blond hair holding her hand. She only introduced the young man named Brad and headed into the nearby camper to change into her leathers. By the time she returned there were a dozen people from Verron mingling with the people from Area 51. Everyone wanted to see Tala race. She made sure they knew that her goal today was to be second place, pushing Sloan to first and his competitor to third. Neil Hodgson approached the group and nicely informed them that they could not all remain on pit-row. He pointed them in the direction of the VIP seats and returned to his team.

  Sloan and Tala were impressive looking during the warm-up laps and both returned to change to a softer front tire. The weather had cooled off and they felt like it would give them a grip ad
vantage on the cooler pavement. The Suzuki team vying for first place was turning some excellent lap times, but Tala and Sloan both managed to secure front row positions. The Suzuki and a Kawasaki finished out the front four. Everyone got a kick out of Brad donning a pink team shirt and replacing the Umbrella Boy beside Tala’s bike. It was obvious the young seaman who had been doing it all season was a bit protective, if not a little jealous, about the sudden change.

  The racers start your engine signal was given and the support teams left the track. Tala sat with her short legs dangling to the side of her perfectly erect Ducati. The starter light ran-down to green and the race was on. Sloan usually made a good start and Tala was going to make sure he got the hole-shot. She drifted a bit to her right and made a point of getting between Sloan and the Suzuki rider. Sloan made the corner first, but Tala was out of position and allowed two members of the Suzuki team to slip by her. In a battle for second and third she changed positions several times with the two riders chasing Sloan. Her plan did not go as she intended, it was working better than she intended. Both of the Suzuki riders were so focused on the race with Tala, that lap by lap Sloan expanded his lead. When Tala was certain he was too far ahead to be caught by his opponents, she did a 175 mph draft down the long back straight behind the two Suzuki’s and shot past them at the last second when they began to brake for the turn. Everyone, including them, thought Tala had too much speed for the corner and had waited much too late to hit her brakes. They were wrong on both accounts. There had to have been two hundred photos taken of Tala rounding the corner at 120 mph with her knee and elbow dragging the pavement. Corner observers noted that she hit full throttle while still leaned over as she exited the turn, gaining even more distance between her and the two team members now fighting each other for third. There were only three laps left and Tala made certain to maintain her lead. On the last short straight before the finish line, she got the bike into a wheelie and rode it at 130 mph the entire length to the finish line. It was Sloan’s day for the win, but it was obvious who the crowd favorite was. Sloan gave her a hug and a kiss on the podium and Brad gave her another after the trophies were handed out.