The scene shifted. A fur-covered Richard was on a battlefield healing combatants. The battlefield changed to a city. Nickelo saw a long line of people waiting in front of a small table to let a robe-clad Richard heal their injuries. The scene was repeated a thousand times as his wizard scout wandered the land healing the injured and the sick of the various races. Dwarves, gnomes, humans, and even some races Nickelo didn’t recognize lined up to see the Great Healer of the North.
A final scene showed Richard in a dimly-lit cavern. The cavern was filled with thousands of ebony-skinned elves with white hair lying on blankets or stretchers. Nickelo recognized them as dark elves. Other dark elves were hurriedly walking between their brethren wiping the brows of the sick and trying to ease their suffering. Nickelo saw Richard in a brown robe walking beside a group of dark elves carrying staffs. The group walked to the center of the cavern where they formed a circle around Richard.
His wizard scout’s thoughts let Nickelo know the dark elves with the staffs were priests and priestesses. The circle of dark elves fed their Power to their high priest. He in turn directed the combined Power to Richard. Nickelo watched as his wizard scout used the Power of the priests and priestesses to draw the illnesses of the thousands of dark elves into himself. Nickelo watched as those around his wizard scout began to heal. Richard on the other hand fell to the ground. At the same time, thousands of the dark elves who’d been sick moments before rose from their blankets and stretchers. They began to cheer the fallen human. The cheers of thousands of more dark elves echoed throughout the cavern as they watched the healing of their brethren. After a time, Richard staggered to his feet.
Nickelo saw the image of his wizard scout begin to shimmer. He was being teleported out. The elapsed time from his first appearance in the snow-covered field to the healing in the cavern of the dark elves was just shy of twenty-five years. The flow of images in their shared space ceased.
“Oh,” Nickelo said genuinely concerned for his friend. “I’m sorry I wasn’t there to help you.”
“So am I,” said Richard. “Thankfully, most of the memories are starting to fade now. I know there was a lot of pain, but I’m starting to forget that as well.”
“You were a healer?” Nickelo said just to keep the conversation moving. He didn’t need Richard to confirm the question. The images had given mute testimony to his wizard scout’s assumed profession.
“Not by choice,” answered Richard. “But that’s how it worked out.” With a sigh, Richard added, “I really hate emp-healing.”
Nickelo remained quiet. His calculations indicated it was best to let his wizard scout proceed at his own pace. After a few seconds Richard spoke again.
“I did get more efficient at healing,” said Richard. “And I didn’t have to kill anyone this time. That was a pleasant change.” Richard paused before continuing. “I’ll admit I did like helping people. I just hated I was put in a position where I had to do some of it by emp-healing. However, I did spend a lot of time with healers of various races learning how to heal minor wounds and injuries without having to use my Power.”
“And the healing of the dark elves?” Nickelo asked. “What was that all about? Was it your primary mission?”
With a shrug of his shoulders, Richard said, “I’ve no earthly idea what healing those dark elves was about. I guess I must’ve known at the time, but the memory’s gone now. Since I was teleported out right after I did the mass healing, I assume it was my primary mission. I do know I couldn’t have done the mass healing if I hadn’t learned how to heal more efficiently first.”
Nickelo waited a few seconds before saying, “I hate to push you, Rick, but Sergeant Ron needs to talk to you. I get the impression there’s a change in mission. I’m sorry.”
His wizard scout didn’t answer. He just nodded his head and rose to his feet. Nickelo watched as Richard put on his clothes and boots. Once dressed, his wizard scout headed towards the cockpit of the Defiant.
As a computer, Nickelo knew he didn’t have a heart. But even so, he felt as if his heart was being torn apart at the sight of his friend. It had obviously been a rough mission, and he hadn’t been there to help. While Nickelo knew he had no control over his wizard scout’s missions, he still had a nagging feeling he was somehow responsible. It was not an enjoyable feeling.
Chapter 8 – A Proposition
_____________________________________
Richard climbed the steps to the control room. By the time he entered, the memories from his last mission had faded to an indistinct blur with just a few snatches of clarity. He only vaguely remembered the mass healing. Richard felt as if he’d just awakened from a vivid dream, only to have the dream fade away under the harsh light of reality.
The events of the battle on planet X3321 and their mission to return to Risors seemed to override the happenings of the last twenty-five years in the magical dimension. As far as he could remember, it was always thus upon his return. The physical dimension was his reality. Any time he spent in the magical or spiritual dimensions was just a dream as far as he was concerned. His missions could be very realistic and painful at times, but they still seemed like dreams. Richard had a feeling thinking of his missions for ‘the One’ in this manner was the only way he could ever hold onto his sanity.
“Well, glad to see you’re back,” said Sergeant Ron from his seat at the pilot’s station. “I was beginning to think you’d done gone AWOL on me. Now, that would’ve been a shame. I’d hate to have to do all that paperwork.”
Although he was in no mood for jokes, Richard did his best to play along. “Nope, you’re still stuck with me. Uh…, Nick said you wanted to talk to me. He said it was something about a change of mission.”
Richard suddenly realized he’d left his battle helmet and utility belt back on the common room’s table.
Yeah, shows how much you missed me, chided Nickelo. But don’t worry. I can pick up everything through our shared space as long as you don’t block me out.
Sorry, Nick, Richard apologized. I guess it is force of habit. I’ve been kind of sparse on equipment the last few years.
“You going to be okay?” said Sergeant Ron sounding concerned. “You look worse than an ore shuttle working the outer rings on Paltos Minor.”
“That bad, huh?” Richard said giving a hesitant grin.
As the memories of his last mission for ‘the One’ continued to fade, Richard felt his mind returning to normal. He wasn’t quite there yet, but he hoped he would be given enough time.
“Maybe a little worse,” grinned Sergeant Ron. “Any hoot, that’s not the reason I wanted to see you. While you were off to wherever you go, I got a change in orders from the Imperial High Command. They want us to expedite our trip to Risors. They’ve ordered you to report to Councilwoman Deloris at the planetary administration building on Risors by 0800 hours tomorrow standard time.”
The request struck Richard as more than a little strange. It would take multiple jumps in hyperspace to make the meeting in time.
To be precise, said Nickelo in their shared space, the Defiant will need to make four hyper-jumps to get there by 0800 hours.
“Hmm,” Richard said trying to stall for time to think. “What’d you tell them, Sergeant Ron?”
“What do you think I told them?” said Sergeant Ron grinning from ear to ear. “I told them to pound sand. I told them the Defiant was a privately-owned vessel, and we weren’t going to pay for the wear and tear on our hyper-drive just for some politician’s convenience. I also told them we’d be there in ten more days running on standard hyper-drive, and the honored councilwoman would just have to wait. And if they didn’t like it, they could just pay for a complete overhaul of the Defiant’s hyper-drive along with some long-overdue upgrades; because that’s the only way I’d consider making even a single jump without a military emergency.”
Richard gave a little laugh. He was definitely getting back to normal.
“I’m betting they didn’t take yo
ur response too cordially,” Richard said.
“Well…, actually, they surprised me,” said Sergeant Ron as he scratched his beard thoughtfully. “The fools came back and told me the Deloris Armaments Corporation was going to pay for a full overhaul of the Defiant if’n we got back in time. They’re even going to throw in two Zip fighters for our wing pods if we hustle.”
Hmm, Nickelo said into their shared space. A full overhaul is over two million credits. And even small fighters like those zippers are over a half a million apiece. I calculate whatever’s up doesn’t bode well for you, old buddy.
Ignoring his battle computer, Richard flipped the switch on the navigation console. A three-dimensional hologram of the star systems between the Defiant and Risors appeared. A purple line zigzagged between the white point denoting the Defiant’s current position and the yellow point denoting Risors. Richard noticed four red dots along the route marking jump points between dimensional folds in the galaxy.
“Did you tell them you were going to do it?” Richard said. He wasn’t sure whether he approved or not.
“No,” said Sergeant Ron. “I wanted to talk to you first. Something must’ve changed that we don’t know about. And, I don’t like the fact the money’s coming from Deloris Armaments instead of being funded by the Empire.”
“But the meeting’s with the council,” Richard said.
Sergeant Ron pointed his finger at Richard. “That’s where you’re wrong, Rick. Your meeting was originally with the council. Now it’s with Councilwoman Deloris. I would highly advise you not to trust her. She’s more ambitious than is good for her or the Empire.”
“Well, I’ll admit it does seem strange,” Richard said. “But if my memory serves me correctly, the Defiant is down to forty percent service life left on her hyper-drive. An overhaul could come in handy.”
Sergeant Ron rubbed his jaw thoughtfully. “Yeah, a free overhaul could be useful. And if Deloris Armaments is paying for it anyway, the overhaul might be modified to entail a few special upgrades as well. I know some people on Risors who owe me a few favors.”
“I’ll just bet you do,” Richard said with a laugh. “By the way, what was all that about two fighters for our wing pods? What good will they do us? I don’t know anything about flying fighters. Does Charlie or you?”
“No,” admitted Sergeant Ron. “They fly different than the bigger ships. But I don’t pass up free gear when it’s offered.”
“So we’re going to make the jumps?” Richard asked.
“That’s up to you, Rick,” said Sergeant Ron.
“Me?” Richard said surprised.
“Yeah,” said Sergeant Ron. “I told you when we left Velos I’d take care of flying the Defiant, but you’d be the leader of this little outfit. You do remember, don’t you?”
“I told you then I wasn’t a leader,” Richard said. “You’re the Defiant’s captain. I don’t even understand why you insisted on coming with me. What about your wife and family? How do they feel about it?”
“Oh no, you’re not changing the subject,” said Sergeant Ron. “I’m a sergeant, and that’s all I ever want to be. I ain’t no captain. I run this ship, but the why and wherefores are all yours.” With a grin, Sergeant Ron asked, “So, boss, are we jumping, or ain’t we?”
Richard mulled the situation over in his mind.
Nick? Richard thought. What do you–
Oh no, Rick, interrupted Nickelo. This decision is all yours. Make a decision and go with it.
“Fine, Sergeant Ron,” Richard said out loud. “Update the calculations and make the jump.”
“They’re already made,” said Sergeant Ron as he slammed his fist on a large button near the center of the control console.
The Defiant’s hyper-drive sounded its roar. Richard’s cells were torn apart as the Defiant jumped the fold between dimensions. The Defiant was on its way.
* * *
The Defiant landed at berth 103 on the east side of the Aloran spaceport on Risors. The spaceport was crowded. It teamed with life. Starships of every kind were taking off and landing several times a minute from the spaceport’s two hundred and twenty-three berths. From large cargo ships to giant luxury liners to small recon ships like the Defiant, the spaceport was alive with activity.
While Richard knew berth 103 wasn’t the best docking station at the spaceport, he could tell it certainly wasn’t the worst either. He was once again amazed at the number of contacts Sergeant Ron had up his sleeve. With just a couple of calls, the Defiant’s captain had acquired a berth and a maintenance crew to begin the Defiant’s overhaul. By the time Richard left for his meeting, a dozen technicians were furiously working on removing the hyper-drive’s core out of the Defiant.
As Richard began walking towards the spaceport’s eastside transportation building, a half-empty hover-bus pulled alongside and offered him a ride. After some helpful directions from the bus driver, Richard soon found himself on a second bus headed for the planetary administration building twenty kilometers away.
The bus ride was peaceful, and Richard took advantage of the calm to take a short nap. He awoke a half hour later when the bus pulled to a stop in front of the doors of the planetary administration building. It was the home of the Imperial High Council as well as a slew of other government offices.
Once inside, Richard found the reception desk. A male android sat in a seat behind the desk.
“I’m looking for the office of Councilwoman Deloris,” Richard said.
“Yes, Wizard Scout Shepard,” replied the android in the emotionless voice Richard associated with sims. “We’ve been monitoring your progress from the airfield. Councilwoman Deloris is expecting you.”
The android handed Richard a small rod and pointed to a line of clamshell-like chairs on the far wall. “Since this is your first visit to our building, I’ve taken the liberty of programming the route into this destination rod. Just insert the rod in the receptacle on the side of the chair.”
Richard took the rod and looked at it closer. It was about the size of a pen, and it appeared to be a solid hunk of metal. His friend Telsa had told him about conveyances like the transportation chair when they were at the Academy, but this was his first encounter with one.
Since the android hadn’t assigned a specific chair, Richard chose the closest one. He sat down in the thick padding of the chair. It was very comfortable.
I guess they don’t want some high-level politician getting a blister on their bum, Richard thought into his shared space.
Now, Rick, replied Nickelo. Don’t start getting an attitude already. To the best of our knowledge, you don’t have any enemies here yet. Wouldn’t it be nice to keep it that way?
Richard was dressed in the black and silver-trimmed jumpsuit of a wizard scout. Although he wasn’t wearing his battle suit, he did have his utility belt with his phase rod attached. As was typical for a wizard scout, his battle helmet was hooked to the left rear of the utility belt. He didn’t have any other weapons. Building security officers tended to frown on visitors bringing weapons and live ammo into their buildings this far behind friendly lines. Most security officers made exceptions for a wizard scout’s phase rod.
Inserting the direction rod into the obvious receptacle on the side of the transportation chair, Richard was surprised when the chair remained stationary. Instead of moving, a light-red glow surrounded the chair and began flashing. Richard noticed a team of three security guards headed his way. All three wore side arms, but none of them had their weapon drawn.
What now? Richard thought.
“Excuse me, wizard scout,” said the lead guard as he glanced at the computer readout on his forearm. The guard sounded like a person doing their best to be polite but expecting an argument. “I see your destination rod is programmed for the council chambers. That’s a level five restricted area. No weapons of any kind are allowed there. We can hold onto your phase rod if you’d like, sir.”
Richard noticed the trailing guards move the
ir hands just above the butts of their side arms. Richard’s temper started to rise, but he pushed it back in its cage where it belonged. Richard’s temper had always been one of his weaknesses. Thankfully, he was getting much better at controlling it.
Without a word, Richard unhooked his phase rod and handed it to the lead security guard.
“Thank you, wizard scout,” said the guard sounding relieved. Gesturing towards a desk in the center of the reception area, the guard added, “You can pick this back up over there when you leave the building, sir.”
I’m proud of you, said Nickelo. They’re just doing their jobs after all.
I know, Richard thought back. But senseless things get my goat sometimes. I can just summon my phase rod if I need it. They’ve gained nothing.
Well, they don’t know you can summon items, said Nickelo. It’s a time-commando ability, not a wizard scout one. Oh…, and I like your ‘get my goat’ comment. I think you’ve been reading my ‘Quaint Sayings’ book. Good for you.
Whatever, Richard said dismissively.
Richard had actually been reading a copy of the book. To be honest, he found it to be interesting reading, although he’d never admit it to his battle computer.
The guard passed his palm over the readout on the transportation chair. Richard heard a hum. Then the chair began moving towards a chamber in the wall. The chamber was the same size as the transportation chair.
The chair entered the chamber. It was actually a tube more than of a chamber. Magnetic fields running through thin-metal strips along the sides of the tube lifted the chair at a high rate of speed. Richard was pushed down into the thick padding of the chair. A moment later, he was shoved to the right side of the chair as it shot down a side tunnel to the left.
Wizard Omega (Intergalactic Wizard Scout Chronicles Book 4) Page 11