by Max Jager
They also paid close attention to world news as well watching for any news concerning their attack on the terrorist camp, as well as their buzzing of area 51. The media was still working the Israeli attack on the Palestinian refugee camp which had now led to a rocket attack on Israel. However there was nary a peep concerning area 51 which Matt thought very curious.
Next stop on the itinerary was Matt's hometown with a possible visit to the site of Coryville where Matt planned time for some target shooting. He called his parents one more time over the "burner" he had left for them only to hear;
"You might want to be careful," advised his dad. "We got a visit from some government types who were asking if you were back in town. Have you done something that might cause them to think that?"
"Well, uh…Yeah dad, we buzzed area 51 again but it was all in good fun."
"Yeah well they didn't think so, now why did you do that?"
"Uh I don't know dad, it just seemed like the thing to do at the time."
"Well as much as your mother and I would like to see you, maybe it might be best to wait until some other time. Besides I've been told that there are reporters sniffing around town as well."
"Well I'd really like to see you and mom, say, I've got an idea, you remember
Where we went shooting at that place up on Junction Creek road? You know, that open area up against the hills."
"Yes I remember," Replied Mr. Grainger, "Why, do you want to meet there?"
"Yeah," replied Matt, "As I remember, it's open enough for us to land there and it's set back in so you can't see it so well from the road. Why don't you and mom meet us there?" "I suppose we could do that," replied his father, is there anything you need?"
"Yeah," replied Matt, "Four or five boxes of slugs and ought buck. A big bottle of Hoppes number 9, and a bunch of cleaning patches, a couple things of deodorant, and a couple canisters of coffee."
"I didn't think you liked coffee," said Mr. Grainger.
"Well I do now," replied Matt.
They certainly don't have Mountain Dew, or Red Bull out here."
"Well I'll see what I can do. Okay, we'll drive up there and meet you up there around seven in the morning."
"Great dad, just make sure you guys aren't being followed."
"Yeah…Right."
The place Matt had in mind was kind of a "no man's land" running parallel to the low foothills where people often went to shoot. There was a large open area facing the hills that would make a perfect landing area. As they sat around the galley table eating Matt informed them that the government people were stirred up and had visited his parents.
"Are they in trouble?" Asked Slavek,
""Well it wasn't them that buzzed that base," replied Matt, I think they are watching them so we'll have to be careful, that's why we're going to land at a shooting range northwest of town."
It was snowing fairly steady when Matt's parents drove up to the impromptu shooting range early that morning. Mr. Grainger took a number of precautions to make sure they weren't being followed, but when the government was interested in you one could never be totally sure. By the time they arrived at the range, the snow had lessened considerably. As they drove past the outside berm, Mrs. Grainger pointed to their right.
"Look at that is it what I think it is?" She was speaking about a large white mound sitting low to the ground towards the end of the range.
"If that's Matt's ship," replied Mr. Grainger, "It sure doesn't look like the one he was in before." Cutting through the snow covering the unplowed road, they slowly approached what now was clearly a spacecraft covered in snow.
There were also what looked like people standing around near the front of it.
Pulling up nearby, they could see Matt waving at them as he and the others started to come their way.
"Mom, dad, It's great to see you." He then started scanning the road behind them.
"I made sure we weren't being followed son," said Mr. Grainger,
"Well you can never be too careful," replied Matt. After hugging his parents Matt turned to the others.
"I've got some friends here I'd like you to meet, of course you've already met Slavek. This is Vasta Tramik, his father's personal assistant." It quickly became a reception line as his parents shook hands with everybody.
"This is Rekton, Orlak Klo'Ax, it's his ship we're in. His parents gasped when Jezang stepped up,
"Don't worry, she's okay, this is Jezang, here is Gyod, he's the ship's engineer, Ifwol here, and finally Skart Grexie."
"Well you certainly have an interesting group of friend's son; it would appear that there are quite a number of different races out there."
"Quite a few, dad, quite a few."
"Well that's fine son but we brought a number of things for you and some things for Kaitlyn as well. By the way where is she?"
"She didn't come this trip dad, she and Slavek's sister and mother had something planed back on Ruddoria." His father looked at him,
"You two aren't fighting are you?"
"Nooo dad, she's got her own thing going, but I'll be sure to thank mom for the stuff she got." As Mr. Grainger started to take some grocery bags out of the car, Matt spotted a gun case.
"What's in the case dad?"
"It's your Christmas present son. Actually I bought it not long after you were last here. We weren't sure if you would make it home for Christmas which is only two weeks away, but now that you have, I'm giving it to you now"
Then his mother returned from talking to Orlak and Rekton.
"I took the liberty of getting a few things for Kaitlyn along with a little gift for Christmas. I heard you tell your father she didn't come with you so you can give it to her with my thanks."
"Thanks mom," he replied, "I'm sure she'll like it very much."
The snow was starting to come down a little heavier now, so everyone made for the hatchway, with Matt's parents gaping in awe as they examined the ship's interior. They placed all the bags on the galley table with Matt's friends looking inside them curious as to what they were. Along with essentials like the deodorant, shaving cream and disposable razors, Matt's parents had bought three canisters of Folgers, two six packs of Red Bull, several packages of assorted cookies, raisons, and several packages of Matt's favorite beef jerky.
There were also six boxes of shotgun shells, along with the requested Hoppes bore solvent and cleaning patches, and gun oil.
"I really appreciate all this stuff mom and dad, here, take these," he handed his father two of the solid gold sticks.
"They weigh a little over an ounce, so have a gold dealer check them out." Hid father held up his hand,
"You keep them son, we're still cashing in those blue diamonds you gave us last time, it's the least we can do."
"Well thanks dad, but take them anyway, you never know when they might come in handy." He then opened a package of chocolate chip cookies offering them to his friends.
"So what brings you and your friends back this way?" Asked his father.
"Well Orlak over there is curious about big game, and Rekton has been here before but got shot at, everyone else is either along for the ride, or as that old song says; Looking for adventure and whatever comes our way."
Chapter 68
Titan Stand Chapter 68
Rekton, Orlak, and Skart all seemed quite interested in Matt's parents and what they had to say about life. Matt suspected it was because he was the only human they had occasion to talk to. Subjects he considered mundane and boring seemed to strike the alien's interest, although he wasn't sure if they were really interested in what his folks had to say, or were just humoring them. However when Orlak began to ask about dangerous wild animals all he could do was shake his head.
"Well Mr. Klo'Ax," said Mr. Grainger, there are bears and probably a number of mountain lions up in mountains, however this is the winter season, and I'm afraid the bears are all in hibernation."
"I'm not sure I understand," replied Orlak.
"Because there isn't a lot of food for them this time of year, bears generally find a cave somewhere and sleep until spring." Orlak looked crestfallen, turning to Matt.
"What about these brown and grizzly bears you were telling me about. Are they sleeping as well?"
He was on the spot and didn't like it; clearly some fast thinking was required.
"Well uh, the grizzly and brown bears aren't around here, but it's winter up in Alaska as well, although when I told you that, I wasn't sure what season it was here. Don't worry though, I know where we can find a bunch of bears that are big, mean, and don't hibernate.
"Well let's go to this place as soon as we can, exclaimed Orlak. By now Jezang and Slavek had joined the conversation with Slavek asking about the other people who were here the first time.
"Well that last experience was a little rough on Mr. Kensington, the media and the government wouldn't give him a moment's peace. They tried to do the same with us, but I got smart and make it clear to any reporters that come sniffing around that information is a commodity, and I need to see a lot of "green" before I say anything. I also get very nasty if they pretend they didn't hear me.
"I'm sorry for putting you and mom through all this," replied Matt.
Mr. Grainger dismissed his comment with a wave of his hand.
"Ahh…Don't worry about it son, the smart ones don't come around anymore, and the dumb ones get an earful double quick."
"Well we buzzed area 51, so they might show up again…Sorry."
"Gee thanks son."
"I'm sorry dad, it just seemed like the thing to do, look, maybe I could explain to them we're no threat and if they are pissed about something talk to me, maybe we could set up a meeting someplace?"
"Is that wise?" Replied his mother, who had been talking to Jezang.
"Probably not," replied Matt, but if say; only two guys came and talked with us we might be able to straighten things out."
"Where would you want to meet?" Asked his father. Matt thought a moment, then replied.
"Why not over at that old ball field near the house. With all the nearby houses around they won't dare try anything stupid."
"When do you want this meeting?" Asked his father.
"Day after tomorrow, we'll set down in the field. But dad, make sure they understand that this is the only meeting they are going to get take it or leave it. We won't talk to their boss, or the President, or even the head cook, just two people period. Make it clear to them this is the only chance they will get."
"Well I can't guarantee anything son, you know these government types and how pig-headed they can be
"FBI?" Asked Matt. His father shook his head,
"Naww, I don't think so, my guess is they are NSA, or somebody like that. Just be careful son, don't screw around with them."
"Believe me dad, we won't."
Then his dad said,
"I brought a bunch of your DVD's which I assume you can play them on your computer?"
"Yeah dad, thanks a lot, did you get all the Star Wars ones?"
"Yes, I also got "Close Encounters" Armageddon and I think I grabbed "Terminator" and "Forbidden Planet as well."
"Thanks dad, "These guys are going to get a kick out of them.
"Before we have to go, take a look at what we got you for Christmas. I know it's a week and a half away, but I doubt you'll be here on Christmas."
"Sure dad," he replied, staring at the tactical gun case his father was handing him. Unzipping the bag he pulled out something he never thought he parents would spring for. It was a Benelli M4 semi-auto shotgun.
"Dad, you too mom, thanks' but…Jeeze, these things cost a fortune and it looks like it has the extension tube on it."
"Don't worry about it Matt, thanks to you, we've got the money. Besides, we want you to stay safe, nothing but the best here. Oh, and you're right, I had the gun shop add that extension tube."
By now his friends were all hovering around curious as to what this Christmas was, as well as the weapon his father had given him. Holding the shotgun up for everyone to see, Matt exclaimed.
"Fires as fast as you can pull the trigger, our marines use these in Afghanistan.
Gee thanks dad, this is incredible. But wait, I've got something for you, just a moment." He headed back to where they had stored all the guns and ammo retrieving a pistol out of one of the crates. Then stopping by his bunk took out a small metal box from his locker. Returning to where Rekton was examining the shotgun he handed his dad the pistol.
"CZ75 dad, brand new. If you want an AK we've got them as well but they are full auto, and if they catch you with that it's your ass."
"Oh and mom, here's something for you, Sorry it's not wrapped." While his father was admiring the pistol, his mom gasped when she opened the tiny case containing a beautiful blue diamond encased in a silver-like mounting that was more like a fine mesh that held the stone like tiny fingers.
"Oh my god Matt! This is incredible; it must have cost you a fortune."
"Well…Uh not quite mom, we…Uh, captured a transport ship back from raiders, their uh…Captain had it. That setting is made from "Trebilium" It's like our platinum, very valuable." His attempt to change the subject, as his father looked up staring at Matt.
"Raiders?" What's this all about?" Jezang immediately jumped to his defense.
"Your son was with us when we happened to land on Dall Kella, where we found a transport that had landed there. Turns out, it had been previously been captured by raiders. Myself, along with Rekton, and the others here quickly overpowered them. That diamond was part of the contraband we took from them."
Suddenly a "voice" in his head spoke to him.
"Don't say a word, I will allay their fears."
"Wow!" Thought Matt, "I didn't know she could do that, boy she can sure tell some "whoppers." That diamond came from a dead raider's pocket, one that he had shot.
Although Jezang's "explanation" seemed to satisfy them, he could tell they still wore looks of concern.
"Where did you get this pistol son?" Asked his father. After all his parents had done for him he couldn't lie to them.
"Have you seen anything on the news about a refugee camp being attacked?"
"Yeah," said Mr. Grainger, "The Palestinians are blaming Israel for killing a whole camp of women and kids." Matt grimaced,
"That wasn't a refugee camp dad, and the Israeli's had nothing to do with it, nor were there any women and children there, and it wasn't anywhere near Israel. That's all I'm going to say about that. But since that pistol isn't registered, I'd keep it someplace safe." His father looked down at the CZ and replied.
"Well thanks' son. But look, I don't know what you're involved in here, but please, stay safe, and don't do anything illegal, we want you back in one piece."
Orlak than spoke up,
"As far as we know, your son hasn't done anything illegal Mr. Grainger. Raiders are fair game for everyone, and this camp we "liberated" all the weapons from never knew what hit them."
"He's right dad," added Matt, "It was a terrorist training camp, and…Well this ship has some pretty amazing firepower."
"We won't let anything happen to Matt," added Rekton, "Matt is our guide as well as our friend." He could still see uncertainty in his parent's faces, but they said no more.
"Well the longer you stay here somebody is bound to come along," said Mr. Grainger.
"I'll be sure to speak to those government guys, but pleas, Matt, stay safe okay?"
Hugging his parents, Matt replied,
"I will dad…Mom, I'll be sure to give your present to Kaitlyn; by the way, what is it?"
"A ring and earring set with her birthstones."
"I'm sure she'll like it.
"Oh one more thing Matt," said his father.
"I'm going to get a new phone just for your calls. The next time you come, call Aunt Willow for the number okay?"
"Yeah sure dad, will do." After saying goodbye to Matt's friends, Mr. and Mrs. Grainger exited
the spaceship with Matt following. The snow had eased of a little, but the flakes were still coming down. As they moved away from the ship, Matt's father turned to him and said,
"We won't lie to you son, we worry about you I suppose it's because we aren't really sure what you're doing out there."
"Your friends seem like nice people," added his mother, "I was a little frightened of that Jezang at first, but I wasn't aware she was a robot."