by Saxon Andrew
E said, “Thanks for that vote of confidence, Doc. I’ll download everything to you and you’ll have everything I’ve got.”
“That would be greatly appreciated, E.”
Ian said, “Ok, we’ll go and see if you can detect our return.” The small ship disappeared and Drey said, “Doc, I want you at full power to the scanners.”
“I’m there.”
Fifteen minutes later Drey said, “Doc?”
“I haven’t seen anything.”
Drey pushed the communicator, “Have you come back yet.”
“We’re actually two miles from you. We arrived fifty miles away and began moving toward you to see if you’d detect us.”
“Well, keep coming.”
“I’ve got them!”
E emerged into space less than a mile from Doc’s position.
Drey said, “E, I want you to come up and go back down, exposing different places on your hull.”
Ian said, “Why do you want to do that?”
Drey smiled, “We might want to fire a blaster or a missile.”
Ian laughed and looked at Violet. She shook her head and said, “I know, I know, I’ll pay off.”
They watched E go up and down exposing parts of his hull. “E, how fast can you do that?”
I think I’ve got it calibrated. Give me a moment.” They waited and E said, “I’m going to emerge, fire a blaster at the planet and go back under cover.”
“Doc, see if you can detect him. E, move away from us about five miles.”
“Alright, I’m ready.”
“Take a shot.”
Suddenly a blaster bolt shot out at the planet. “Doc?”
“I did not detect him. I should have been able to see him if he emerged high enough to expose a blaster.”
E laughed, “I actually rolled the scanner under and brought the blaster port to the surface. There was less above surface with the blaster than the scanner.”
Drey said, “We need to get this information back to Cole before we go anywhere.”
E said, “There’s something else I need to tell you.”
Ian said, “What’s that?”
“I felt something pass close by me a few moments ago.”
The silence was deafening. Andi said, “Tell me what you sensed, E.”
“I’m having difficulty describing it.” There was a pause and then E said, “Ian, do you remember when you went to the beach on Euclid and stood in the surf about eighty yards off shore.”
“I do. Something swam by me. It had to be a huge fish or something.”
“The water rushed by you under the surface.”
“That’s exactly what I felt. It had to be huge to cause that amount of water pressure as it went by.”
“You made it to the beach rather quickly as I remember. However, that’s exactly what I sensed a few moments ago. Whatever it was, it was big.”
Drey said, “Do you think it was larger than the advanced ships we found on the planet?”
“Whatever it was, it dwarfed those ships.”
Drey was silent for a moment and said, “We’re going to have to leave the blasters on the moon.”
Ian said, “Why?”
“If E felt a ship pass close by here, this planet must be on a route that’s regularly used. If we destroy the blasters, someone might see it and start looking for who did it. It’s probably not good that we hit the planet with our blasters and missile.”
Ian said, “We need to calibrate our targeting systems.”
“We’ve done that, Ian.”
“What?”
“I did it when I fired on the planet. I’ve sent the calibrations to Doc. His systems were already locked in. Cole did an excellent job of aligning them.”
Drey looked at Ian on his display and said, “Cole needs this information.”
“You’ll have to deliver it.”
Andi said, “I’m taking the shuttle over to E while he’s gone.”
“Why?”
“Euclid doesn’t know I’m here.”
Violet looked at Andi, “Was that a good idea?”
“Was running away a good idea, Violet?”
“Touché, come over and we’ll wait for Drey to come back.”
“Doc, do you have the download from E?”
“I do and I’ve incorporated it into my systems.”
“Package it into an encrypted message. We’ll be back.” Drey looked around the bridge and it felt somehow isolated. He watched Andi’s small shuttle enter E’s landing bay and he said, “Take us to Euclid.”
Andi arrived on the bridge and saw Doc disappear. She saw Violet staring at her, “I will not go back.” Violet raised her eyebrows. “Not without him.”
“Does he know?”
Andi looked out the view port, “Not yet.”
Violet stared at her older sister and wondered what heartbreak awaited her. She was shocked their brother had allowed her to escape.
• • •
Drey arrived at Euclid and sent a call to Cole. “What are you doing back?”
“We’ve discovered some technological advances that you need to incorporate into any new ships you might build.”
Cole stared at him and said, “Send them to me.” Drey sent the encrypted package and Cole looked up from his computer. He looked at Drey and said, “Have you seen the Princess?”
Drey stared at Cole and knew the conversation was being monitored by the Obelisk. “Which one?”
“Victoria Andgel Montgomery.”
“I saw her a lot during the construction of my ship. Why do you ask?”
Doc said, “We’re being scanned.”
“She’s gone missing. The Crown is concerned about her safety.”
Drey leaned back in his chair and said, “One would think that the Crown could take better care at keeping track of their Royalty.”
Suddenly another face appeared on Drey’s display and said, “I’m Duke Montgomery. We think that the Lost Princess was able to contact her sister and tell her how to escape.”
Drey’s surprise was obvious to both of the ones watching him on their display. “Sister?”
The Duke started nodding, “I know, I know, there appears to be a desire to avoid their Royal duties. However, we need her back.”
“And you thought she would be with me?” The Duke shrugged as Cole watched the conversation. “Your Highness, you’ve seen my history have you not?”
“I have.”
“Do you think any sane person would want to be anywhere close to me?”
The Duke stared at Drey and said, “You make a good point. Please inform us if you see her.”
“You know I’ll be outside the Union.”
The Duke nodded and disappeared from the display. Cole stared at Drey and said, “I’m worried about her welfare.”
Drey stared at him and said, “I got to know her during my ship’s construction. I don’t believe you have to worry about that.”
“You don’t?”
“No, she has a way of making all those around her a better person. I’m better to have met her. Good luck in finding her.”
Cole smiled and said, “Thank you for your concern.”
The display went dark and Drey said, “Doc, get us out or here.”
Cole replayed the recording of Drey’s conversation and saw that at no point had he told a lie. He was given an opportunity to remove Andi from his ship and hadn’t taken it. The Dark Officer was not quite as dark anymore. He leaned back in his chair and thought about Andi using Ariene to persuade him to allow her to leave. He was going to refuse, but then realized that he wished he had run with Ariene. Her sorrow at having to leave him broke his heart. He couldn’t let his sister die a slow death on Euclid. He pressed a button and the Duke appeared, “I seem to remember Andgell had friends on Italia.”
“Thanks for that information. Don’t worry, we’ll find her.”
“I know how good your agents are, Your Highness. If she can be found, t
hey are the best at making it happen.”
• • •
Doc arrived back at the planet in the middle of night ship’s time. He decided not to call E and awaken the crew. He looked at the other ship and saw the landing bay open and a shuttle exit. It flew over to Doc and entered the landing bay. He turned around and Andi walked in wearing silk pajamas. Drey’s mouth fell open. Andi smiled, “I told E to wake me as soon as you arrived without waking Ian and Violet. How did it go?”
Drey shook his head and said, “You’ve caused quite an uproar. Euclid is searching the Union to find you.”
Andi breathed a sigh of relief, “I was afraid they might suspect I was with you.”
“They did.”
“What?”
“The Head of Security, a Duke Montgomery, interrupted my conversation with Cole to see if I had seen you. They also scanned us.”
“What did you tell them?”
Drey leaned back and tried not to look at her. She was too beautiful to bear. “I asked him if he had seen my history and he said he did. I then asked him if any sane person would come anywhere close to me. He decided that you aren’t that crazy.”
Andi stared at Drey, “I know you don’t want me here. Why didn’t you take the opportunity to have me removed?”
Drey shook his head, “The idea crossed my mind but I just couldn’t do it.”
Andi continued to stare at him. She looked up and said, “Doc, I need to get some sleep. Wake me in the morning at eight ship’s time.”
“I will and welcome back on board.”
“Thanks, Doc.” Andi turned and started toward the exit. Just before she stepped out she stopped and said, “Drey.”
“Yeah.”
“The only one that would take the risk of being close to you would have to be someone that loves you.” She turned and walked out.
Drey sighed and muttered, “Where’s a miner when you need one.”
“I heard that!” Andi stuck her head back in the door.
“Does your family have super hearing!?!” Drey shook his head and turned his chair around and looked out the view port. He still saw Andi in her pajamas when his chair was suddenly spun around and Andi sat down on his lap.
“Is this what you meant by needing a miner?”
Drey stared into her eyes and didn’t know what to say. Andi put her arms around his neck and kissed him. After a long moment she stood up and smiled. She started toward the door and heard Drey say, “You just never know when a miner might show up.” Andi stopped and slowly shook her head laughing. Suddenly Drey was behind her with his arms around her. Andi said, “Doc, make that two wakeup calls.” Andi took Drey’s hand and pulled him through the door.
• • •
The next morning, Andi was walking toward the bridge and heard Drey speaking. She stopped and listened. “Ian, you know what we’re getting into with this search?”
“I do.”
“Why are you allowing Violet to go with you?”
“Because I like sleeping indoors.” Drey stared at Ian. “Something has happened?”
Drey gave a heavy sigh, “It has.”
And?”
“I don’t want to see Andi harmed.”
“You’re looking at it from your point of view.”
“What do you mean?”
“What do you think Violet would say about sending me into harm’s way without her? Or, what would you say about Andi going into danger and not allowing you to be with her.”
“That’s different.”
“How?” Drey struggled for a response and Ian said, “If I had to face anything I couldn’t choose anyone better than Violet to protect my back. I’d never have to worry about her leaving.”
“But living with the fear of seeing her harmed is frightening.” Drey stared at his display and said, “Ian, this is uncharted space for me. I’ve never had anything to prepare me for what I’m feeling. I’m lost.”
“What’s really bothering you, Drey?”
Drey slowly shook his head, “Ian, she deserves better. You know who I am.”
Ian smiled, “I believe I do. That’s why I wanted you here with us. Other than Violet, you are the only one I’d trust at my back. I know I won’t have to worry about you holding up your end.” Ian paused, “Besides, I know who you are but the real question is, do you?”
Drey stared at Ian and said, “Thanks for talking with me.”
“Anytime.”
Andi felt her tears and turned and went back to her quarters until she could get them under control. She finally went to the bridge and said, “Drey, I want you to know something.” Drey turned and looked at her. “There are people on Euclid that spend their whole lives there and never live a real minute. I’ve had more joy during the last few months than most people have in their whole life. Even if were to end tomorrow, it would be worth it.” She paused, “Do you understand?” Drey looked at her and rolled his eyes. “What?”
“That damn hearing of yours; you heard me.”
Andi started laughing and completely lost it. She held her ribs and tried to catch her breath but was having difficulty breathing. Drey smiled and said, “I don’t know where this is going but there’s one thing I’m certain of.”
Andi stopped laughing, “What is that?”
“This ship and my life would be empty without you in it.”
Andi stood up from her chair and went to his lap. She put her head on his chest and said, “This is where I feel safest.”
Drey stoked her hair and put his head on hers, “You’re right. For however long we have, it’s worth it.”
• • •
Suddenly Doc yelled, “E, something is coming this way! Drop out of space!” The two ships immediately dropped from view with only their scanners in normal space. A moment later three giant ships emerged into normal space.
Drey looked at the three ships and whistled. Andi said, “Doc, don’t scan them.”
“I’m not. I’ll only use optical systems.”
“Doc, once you get a recording, drop further down so that only the tip of the antenna is in space.”
“Moving now.”
• • •
“I know my sensors detected the presence of a ship here.”
“Well it’s not here now. Did you get an idea of its size?”
“It wasn’t big.”
“Are you sure? You know we sometimes have an anomaly ping our scanner.”
“I’m not certain.”
Well, they aren’t here now.”
“Sorry I wasted you time.”
“You did the right thing. Call us if you need us.”
Two of the ships disappeared and the Commander said, “Show me that sensor return again.” He stared at it and said, “This looks like a ship entering normal space.”
The crewman said, “I think they’re right, it’s an anomaly.”
“What makes you think that?”
“It’s taking too long to enter normal space.”
The commander stared at it again and watched the timer. “You’re right. I should have seen that. Besides who would want to come to this graveyard? Take us out of here.” The giant ship disappeared.
Drey watched his display and after an hour smiled. Andi said, “What are you thinking?”
“I expected Ian to emerge into normal space before now but he’s waiting on us. He’s smarter than I thought. He figured it out.”
“He’s using your experience.”
“No one has any experience in this. I just happen to possess patience. Doc, did you sense anything?”
“I felt the pressure of them leaving.”
“How were you able to sense them coming?”
“I was worried about E feeling the passing pressure wave so I kept the lower decks below normal space. I felt the pressure wave approaching.”
Andi smiled, “You think like Drey.”
“How could I do otherwise? I believe they have left.”
“Take us up.” E
appeared as soon as Doc entered normal space.
“That was close.”
“That it was. Thank Doc for keeping part of his hull in the other space. He felt them coming.”
E said, “I should have thought of that.”
Doc said, “Each of us have different talents.”
Drey said, “Were you able to determine anything about those ships, Ian?”
“I was able to take an inferred reading on their hulls and get a location of their major components.”
Doc said, “I should have thought of that.”
Ian said, “Like you said, different talents. That ship is not an evolutionary step from the two ships we saw on the planet. It comes from a different place.”
“That means there is more than just two intelligent species in our galaxy.”
“The evidence points that way, but unless we’re able to see who’s in those ships we won’t know for certain.”
Andi said, “Their force fields are not that much stronger than ours.”
Drey looked at her and said, “How were you able to make that determination?”
“I read the energy of the cosmic rays that hit it. They were destroyed at the same power level as our field emits.”
Ian, Violet, and Drey stared at Andi. “What?”
“Did you find out anything else?”
“Yes, the reactors that power the ship are located a hundred yards in front of the thrusters at the rear. There is also a weapons bay a hundred yards in front of them.” The three stared at her and she said, “The scan on the cosmic rays showed a high level of gamma rays hitting the inside of the force field just above that location.”
Drey looked at Violet on his display and said, “Your sister is brilliant.”
“She’s older. She’s had longer to learn.”
“Not that much older!” Drey laughed and shook his head. Andi said, “I’m not.” Then she stopped, “How did you know we’re sisters?”
Drey saw Ian turn to Violet and knew he wasn’t aware of that either. “Cole told me.”
“Why would he do that?”
“He wanted to make sure I tried to take care of both of you.” Drey paused and said, “I would have never figured it out; the two of you don’t look anything like each other.”
Violet said, “That’s how genetics work. You just never know what will pop out of the oven.”
Drey raised his eyebrows and Andi said, “In our species, it’s the females that are colorful. The males are just drab.”