by Max Jager
"More likely fresh victims to bore with stories they've told a hundred times already," he thought.
"Yeah, we're the first earth people they have ever seen," said Mark Danner.
"Well don't let yourselves get talked into anything," cautioned Matt. Suddenly, he felt someone punch his back,
"Kaitlyn Parkinson!" Exclaimed Mark, "Where have you been?"
"Working," which is more than I can say for you guys." Matt turned around and gave her a big hug.
"Thanks for coming Kaitlyn," said Matt, "I was hoping you would."
"Well I'm also here on official business Matt but I'll tell you more about that later on, right now it's party time." Lee Martin then said.
"Sorry about your mom Kaitlyn, I—I didn't get a chance to say anything before. I remember whenever she checked me out at the Wal-Mart she'd sometimes ask me about the classes we had together, I don't know how she knew we were in the same class together but she did."
Kaitlyn made a half-laugh,
"My mom seemed to know a lot of things I never figured out how she knew. I still miss her, but I know that she would be very proud of me and what I'm doing." About this time Patricia and Ellen appeared. They had always looked down on Kaitlyn back in high school, and the fact that Matt had chosen her to accompany him had certainly not endeared her to them. However, the shoe was on the other foot now and the fact that somehow, the tables were turned and she had a certain amount of influence and they didn't bothered them immensely. Both of them attempted a show of civility but Kaitlyn easily saw through their feeble attempts.
"Hello Kaitlyn," said Patricia in an uneasy tone, "What are you doing here?" Since Kaitlyn was now undergoing diplomatic training, she simply smiled.
"Why hello Patricia…Ellen, so nice to see you again. How are you two enjoying life in a different universe?" She wasn't sure how to take Kaitlyn's question so answered it honestly.
"Ellen and I have been helping Doctor Black, one of the NASA people set up a clinic for the elves down in Dinocki." This rather surprised Kaitlyn who had previously believed these girls had no altruistic bones in their bodies.
"Well that certainly sounds interesting." Then addressing Matt again, she said,
"I'd like to see all of you over at New Coryville in the assembly hall late morning; I have some things I'd like to discuss with everyone. Please try and be there, it's very important."
About this time, Slavek and Tiag Slykhor showed up apologizing to everyone for being late. Some of the kids remembered them from Matt's first visit back to earth.
Matt and Slavek vigorously shook hands, as they hadn't seen each other in a long time.
"I apologize for not visiting sooner Matt, said the Ruddorian, "School has kept me pretty busy, has Kaitlyn told you?' Before Matt could reply, Kaitlyn jumped in.
"I was planning on telling everyone tomorrow at the meeting, so don't say anything until then okay?" So for the rest of the evening, everyone listened to Slavek , Tiag and Kaitlyn tell their stories with Slavek expressing his dearest wish was to return to earth and fly the Grand Canyon again.
"You really had the government worked up," observed Patricia,
"At first they thought is was somebody in the air force but after a massive investigation the whole thing was suddenly dropped with no explanation. "
"Well I certainly didn't mean to cause anybody any trouble," he replied.
"Don't worry about it," added Matt. "Mr. Janson of NASA thought if was one of my friends however I neither denied nor admitted anything, but they know."
Before they left, Brand and Neb stopped by, greeting Matt as well as the others.
Justin had to be helped out the door but everyone made it to the shuttle for the trip back to New Coryville.
As expected, everyone woke late and all suffered from hangovers. Kaitlyn suggested a concoction popular on Ruddoria, which met with some success however, the meeting started late. Although originally intended for the kids everyone turned out Kaitlyn and Slavek were the only speakers, and once everyone quieted down she began.
"Thanks for coming everyone, Major Morford I'm glad you and your team are here as well as it affects you as well. Then staring at her former classmates for a moment she said,
"Slavek and Tiag here have to undergo the equivalent of what we know as college finals and I'm kinda involved in the thing as well. Slavek, you can explain this better so go ahead." Standing up he first addressed Matt.
"Tiag and I are just about done with school but we have one more deciding exam to complete. Major Morford, Doctor Frick, Doctor Westcott, I'm afraid we're going to need your help as well. Tiag and I along with Kaitlyn have to travel to your world and establish a diplomatic liaison. Since earth is really too far away for a traditional embassy, we have to meet with certain leaders and come away with basically a document stating that we are aware of each other and should any of our people visit earth they will be treated with all due respect, the same applies to earth people visiting Ruddoria."
Anyway it's a very difficult task we have ahead of us but we have a slight edge in that both Tiag and I have previously visited earth, and that Kaitlyn is also from there."
"That's where I come in," began Kaitlyn.
"I'm involved in their exam as well which is actually an exam for me. I have to smooth the way and help them with protocols and making sure they see the right people. This is where you major, and doctors Frick and Westcott come in. Although Slavek calls it an exam, it's the real thing. The fact that Endor has been officially established as a human world is making some a bit nervous so someone came up with this bright idea."
"So why isn't the Loridian Trading Company involved with all this?" Asked Matt, "Why is this being dumped in your lap?"
"Oh they are," replied Slavek, "In fact they are supplying the spacecraft and fuel, so you see there is a lot riding on this beside whether my sister and I pass our final exam."
"Speaking for my team," replied Morford, "We'll be happy to help in anyway we can, by the way, when do you have to leave?"
"Just as soon as the ship gets here," said Kaitlyn.
"Now do you have to meet with the President?" Asked Matt.
"More like the UN," She replied.
"Ha! Good luck with those people," Snickered Matt, "Just don't give away the farm." After a few more derogatory comments about the world body Kaitlyn finished with,
"Don't worry, Matt, that's one of the reasons I'm going, to make sure Slavek and Tiag don't get suckered."
Before the meeting ended, Kaitlyn announced one more item.
Looking over her former classmates, she announced.
"Patricia, Ellen, and I guess any of you others, as you may or may not know, Slavek and Tiag's mom is the Ruddorian ambassador to Golia. She told me that she's interested in filling two entry-level positions at the Ruddorian embassy. Now…These start out as basically "go-for" jobs but they aren't dead-end jobs by any means, in other words, you do a good job and make an impression you could easily wind up with a job like I have. Now, Patricia, I know that both you and Ellen have always looked down on me, well I'm past that now. I'm offering two positions that could really be a ticket to just about anything you set your minds to." Nobody said anything for a moment until David Coulson spoke up.
"Kaitlyn, could I apply for one of those jobs?" She studied him for a moment then replied.
"Ready to work your ass off?"
"I am," he replied.
"It's up to you, if you're really interested; I give her your name as well as a recommendation."
"Will I have to go to this Ruddoria?"
"No, the embassy is in Khemna, the capitol of Golia. They are the primary race behind the Loridian Trading Company, anyone else?" Slowly Patricia put her hand up causing Matt and Liam to look at each other and shrug.
"Patricia," exclaimed Kaitlyn, "Stepping up to the plate are we?"
"I'm sorry for picking on you or saying bad things about you when you were hanging with Matt."
"You can
thank me by sticking with the job Patricia, but are you truly serious about this?"
"Yes…"
"Well like I said, it will be tough at first but stick it out and make a big impression on everyone and you can go back to our ten year class reunion bragging about a career that would be the envy of anyone."
"Yes, I've thought about it and I'm ready. Don't worry, Kaitlyn, I won't let you down."
"Well it won't be just me you would be letting down but we humans as a whole. Make no mistake, a lot of eyes are on us, how we do out here will determine our standing in this universe, don't screw up."
Chapter 133
Titan Stand Chapter 133
So David Coulson and Patricia Clark were going to work for the Ruddorian government. Kaitlyn and Tiag interviewed both of them laid it all out but in the end, both stated that they were committed.
"It's going to be a lot of hard work but in the end you two will hold some very prestigious positions. Personally, I think we will be the nucleus of diplomatic team dealing not only with Matt and everyone on Endor but earth as well. I'm willing to bet that we're looking at some very exciting times ahead. You guys are going to see some really incredible things. I don't know if any of you read much science fiction, I know I was more into fantasy. It's all real guys. Instead of just watching it on a movie or TV screen you'll actually be living it." Then Patricia began to express concerns about monsters and scary aliens.
"They are just people like us," assured Kaitlyn. "Good ones bad ones, every morning they get up put on their pants and try and get something done. I think that once you get a chance to talk to Tiag's mother all your fears will be laid to rest. She is an incredible woman; I've learned so much…I'm still learning from her." By now Patricia, with tears in her eyes took Kaitlyn's hand.
"I know I've already apologized but…"
"It's all right Patricia, don't worry about it, that was then, this is now. I still have that crazy idea of all of us showing up at our class reunion all having the last laugh." They all had a good laugh at that one.
Plans for the trip back to earth moved into high gear, however, as things go multiple plans soon developed. Returning to earth would be Matt, Holliqua, Patricia, David Coulson, Justin Saylor, Kaitlyn, Tiag, Jezang, Kathy Steel, with his old friends Grak and Karlt being possible candidates as well. There were others also leaving the planet for their own off world adventures. Amber and Gandric along with Gabe Wilkins were planning on traveling to Xandrus then on to Ussen Ommo. Once word got out, they found Major Morford, along with Gary Simmons and Doug Stamford going as well.
"I think you guys are going to find Xandrus and especially Ussen Ommo very…instructive," said Matt, after they asked him about the dead planet.
"I only wish certain people back on earth could see what happens to a planet when wars get out of hand, be sure to take plenty of pictures."
Shortly before they were due to leave on the Ruddorian ship Ilmi and Holliqua arrived. Ilmi and Liam would be "watching the store," while Matt and the others were gone. She also brought along a new "toy" which those that weren't going greatly appreciated. It was an enhanced hologram device that Liam, Ellen, Mark Danner, and Lee Martin took advantage of recording messages to their parents. At the last moment, Donald Falkner recorded a message as well.
He also gave Matt a phone number, adding.
"When you get back to earth, call these guys Matt. They are a couple buddies of mine who might be interested in getting in on the action. Tell them this is all on the level and make sure they see my Hologram."
"Uh, nothing against you," asked Matt, but won't they be kinda old?"
Well Rick is but he's like me and still stays in shape. Bob, the other guy is the grandson of my old captain. Since his grandfather passed away, he's looked to me as sort of a surrogate. Thing is Matt, this guy is an ex-Seal, he's what we really need here. Thad hologram I made is more for him than Rick but tell them this is everything they have been looking for. Oh yeah, if they agree to come, tell them to bring all their "toys." Matt wasn't sure about this, but he had other things on his mind at this point. Brand also made an eleventh hour visit with a request.
Handing him several blue diamonds he asked.
"Do you suppose you could bring back a sampling of earth liquor?"
"I suppose," replied Matt, "But I'm not twenty-one yet so I guess I'll have to have my dad buy the stuff. Whatcha need?"
"Get whatever is strong…and popular, I'll leave it up to you. In addition, would it be possible to return with a selection of earth music for the bar? People are looking for something a little different."
"Wow" Exclaimed Matt, "That's a tall order, but know that it will all be on what we call CD's, small disks that generally hold up to 80 klix of data."
"Don't worry about it," Replied Brand, "We can come up with something. Well you have a safe trip."
The Ruddorian ship Kaalsia left Endor in the early evening hours with a planned fuel stop at Fort Kamata before pushing out into truly deep space. Since it's primary function was hauling passengers rather than cargo everybody had a small room and bunk to themselves. Matt and Holliqua shared one of the larger cabins, along with the passion built up from long absences.
"So, did you and Ilmi have much to talk about?" Asked Matt.
"Actually we did," replied Holliqua, further confessing, "Ilmi is really becoming a true friend to me, on e of the very few I have outside Moriedia. She, like you is also showing me something of life I had been subconsciously rejecting. It's been putting me at odds with not only my instructors, but family as well. I know I shouldn't trouble you with my problems but I'm starting to see a crack forming between my parents and I."
"So when it's time to go to the mattresses they expect you to side with them," said Matt.
"I'm afraid I'm not familiar with that term."
"Well basically," explained Matt, "It means securing someplace where the family can hole up, along with a number of mattresses for the soldiers to sleep on while the battle is going on." Holliqua pondered his words for a moment then smiled.
"I think I like that, it certainly fits in some of the situations I'm familiar with."
Matt grimaced as the theme from Godfather part two began to crowd his brain.
Besides everyone having his or her own room more or less, the ship featured a passenger lounge. It didn't take long for it to become the social hub of the ship.
On this particular cycle, Holliqua had decided to sleep in for a little longer. Matt wandered down to the galley to grab a bite. On long trips like this, you generally didn't go by the clock much. You slept until you woke up ate when you were hungry, and if you were working, performed your tasks until you were done, or it seemed like you needed a break. When he entered the small galley, Patricia was the only other one there.
"Morning Patricia…I guess it's morning, these long distance space flights always screw me up."
"Matt," she replied, "Could we talk?" He finished removing his food selections from the small compartments and sat down at her table.
"Congrats Patricia,' he exclaimed, "I'm glad to see you taking up Kaitlyn's offer."
"Thanks." Then she added, "I just wanted to apologize for the way I treated you Matt, I'm starting to see things in a whole new light, I…" Matt held up his hand
"Don't worry about it Patricia, all that was a million years ago as far as I'm concerned. I'm just glad to see you taking Kaitlyn's offer, knowing what I know about what you're getting into I know that you've got a real career ahead of you."
Patricia looked at him with a sad face,
"You don't think these Ruddorians will look at me funny for being a human?"
"Naww, not a bit," he replied. "Look Patricia, I won't lie to you, in the beginning, I thought about asking you to come with me—even after you took up with Liam but honestly, I was afraid you'd freak over all these aliens. I was wrong and I'm glad that I was. I told you that I only went with Kaitlyn because she was into all that UFO shit and knew a little a
bout aliens and stuff. Look, she's really on her way and I'm really glad for her. Point is, and I think she knows it as well is that if she can do it so can you."
She looked at him for a moment then gently placed her hand on his.
"Thank you Matt." He returned her gaze,
"No problem." Then she asked,
"So what about your…friend, Holliqua?" Matt snorted,
"Umm, well, she just kind of crept up on me."
"I've been hearing rumors that she's some kind of killer or something, is that true?" He sighed,
"I told you I wouldn't lie to you Patricia, yes, it's true, ever see the Godfather?"