The Empire: Called back to Earth

Director Major Justice was in charge of the Galactic Empire Bureau of Investigation while Chief Direct Raquel Creed and Director Maria Santos attended a security conference on the world of Arcadia. Mostly the job entailed only filing reports and providing information to security personnel from other worlds when requested. Or dispatching information about some relevant criminal activity. They had sent numerous alerts recently about the abduction of women and children.

He was pondering one request. Security on the world of Wagoner had requested the GEBI sent an investigator to assist them with a series of robberies involving the break-in of warehouses. According to the information provided, these warehouses were used to store freight arriving from other worlds or stored freight to be shipped to other worlds.

Major contemplated telling them that their local security should be able deal with some simply robbery. The more he thought about it, the more he reasoned that it would generate some goodwill if he sent an Investigator. But who to send?

If he sent Doug Kincaid, Doug would want Javelle to go with him. And vice versa if he sent Javelle. Although they would jump at the opportunity to go gallivanting around the Galaxy, he really did not want to send Doug and Javelle to investigate a simply robbery.

He could send Harvey Braden. Harvey had over twenty years’ experience with the Trenton Security before he retired and now worked for the GEBI. Harvey had only been off-world once when he had assisted Doug and Javelle with a murder case on the world of Zillow. But Harvey was experienced enough to undertake an investigation into a string of warehouses robberies.

Major had his finger poised to hit the intercom button to summons Harvey when there was a knock on the door. Doug walked in and said, without preamble, “Me and Javelle are going to Earth. Lily contacted me and wants me to come to Earth and do something for her.”

Major knew that Lily was Lily Ham. A former Director with the old Global Bureau of Investigation on Earth. She was now retired and living someplace on what was once known as the Asia continent on Earth.

“Why does Lily need you to travel all the way to Earth?” Major asked.

“I don’t know, Major. She only sent this text message,” and Doug showed Major the text message on his vistaview unit.

Major read: “Doug, please come to my home in the Shenyang Provenance. I have an urgent matter and I need your assistance. Signed Lily.”

“Sounds serious,” Major said. “Keep me advised.” Major knew he could not stop Doug from going. Had Lily summoned him he would have been on his way. When Lily Ham made a request you did not refuse.

As Doug tuned to leave, Issie rushed in, excited and said, “Javelle told me you are going to Earth. I want to go with you. Can I go? Please, I want to go.”

Doug threw his arms up to silence her and then said, “Major needs you here. Besides, this is a personal matter.”

“Yes, but you may need help. I will take my computer and will be able to find any information you may need,” Issie explained, excitingly. (Issie had accompanied Doug to the world of Zillow to investigate a murder case. And Issie had done all the research.}

“I’m sure Javelle will be all the help I need,” Doug said. “And I don’t think I will need a lot of information this trip.”

“Yes, but you might,” Issie said. “And I have heard so much about Earth. I want to visit Earth at least once.”

“I can’t authorize you going to Earth. Only Major can do that,” Doug said. “As I already told you, Major needs you here.”

Issie descended on Major. Major bowed his head and rested his forehead on his hands until Issie finally stopped talking. Then threw his arms up and yelled, “GO. GO. GET OUT OF HERE. I HAVE WORK TO DO.”

Doug looked at Major who rolled his eyes and said, “What? I would never have any peace around here had I not permitted her to go with you. She’s your problem now. Good luck.”

As Doug turned to leave Major’s office, Issie escorted another girl into Major’s office and said, “Major, this is Ryan’s sister Karen. Raquel hired her. Then said to Karen. “See Major there. Bye. I’m going to Earth.” And left her standing there, opened mouth and totally confused as to what was going on.

Major waved and said, “Please come in. Now who are you?”

From all the commotion, Karen was still in a state of confusion but managed to say, “Ah, I‘m Lynda Ryan‘s sister, Karen. Director Creed hired me and told me to report here this morning, Sir.”

“Yes, I recall,” Major said. “Excuse the madhouse here this morning. See the black girl in the commons area. Her name is Jenny. Jenny will explain what your duties are?”

“Yes Sir. Thank you Sir,” Karen said.

As Karen turned to leave, Major called out after her. “Karen, we’re not too much on formality around here. You can call me Major. And if you see someone out there that looks like a ‘Harvey’ tell him to come to my office.”

“Yes Sir,” Karen answered, as she left Major‘s office.

A few minutes later Harvey entered Major’s office. “What’s going on around here this morning Major?”

“I wish I knew Harvey,” Major answered, and waved for Harvey to have a seat. “Raquel has not been gone a day yet and the place is in total chaos.

“Issie was all excited. Something about going with Doug and Javelle to Earth. What’s that all about?” Harvey inquired.

Doug received a text message from Lily Ham. Lily is a former Director with the old Global Bureau of Investigation on Earth. She requested that Doug come to Earth and help her with some urgent problem,” Major explained. “And that girl would not stop until I gave her permission to go, too. At least she is out of my hair. Let Doug worry about her. Although Raquel will probably raise the roof when she learns I let her go.”

“Issie was really excited when she went with us to the world of Zillow to handle that murder case,” Harvey said. “I’m sure she is thrilled to have the opportunity to visit Earth.”

“Yes I’m sure she will be,” Major replied. “But I called you in for another matter. I received this request (and Major handed the copy to Harvey) from the security people on the world of Wagoner. Seems they have been having a rash of warehouse robberies and have requested the assistance of a GEBI agent.”

Harvey read the message and said, “Seems like their local security personnel could handle a warehouse robbery,” Harvey voiced.

“My thoughts exactly,” Major replied. “I had considered telling them to do just that. But we have more-or-less promised to assist when requested to do so. I would like for you to go to the world of Wagoner and see if you can lend them a hand.”

“Okay, but it seems a waste of time to me,” Harvey said.

“I know. They’ll probably have the matter resolved by the time you get there. But maybe we can garner a little goodwill by sending an agent,” Major commented.

“Okay, anything else?” Harvey asked.

“Just be careful. We’re assuming this is a simply robbery. It could turn into something else. So you just be careful and watch your back,” Major told Harvey. “Have Issie -- excuse me, Issie is probably gone now -- have Jenny make the necessary travel arrangements.”

As Harvey started out the door, Major called after him, “Harvey, I’m serious. If this is something more than a simple robbery, you get on the first spaceship and come back here. Any fallout and I will handle it. And tell Garland and Quinton I want to see them.”

Harvey nodded okay as he left.

“Did you find us a spaceflight to Earth yet?” Doug asked Issie.

Issie shook he head and said, “I have only found one spaceflight that would get us to Earth. And that spaceflight would not get us there until ninety days from now. Why are there no spaceflights to Earth?”

“Earth is a dying world,” Javelle said. “It has become so polluted most of the people on Earth have migrated to other worlds.”

“But there is still people there, right? Issie said.

“Yes, the elderly that did not want to relocate. And some ordinary people that, for whatever the reason, did not want to leave their home world.” Javelle said.

“Why did this Lily Ham want to stay?” Issie asked as she continued searching for a spaceflight to Earth.

“Lily is nearing her ninth decade,” Doug answered. “She said she wanted to live out her remaining years where she was born.”

“She must be quite a lady for you to drop everything and rush to Earth when you don’t even know what she wants,” Issie said.

“She is Issie,” Doug replied, “she is.”

“Well, that appears to be the only spaceflight that I can find,” Issie remarked.

Doug started pacing the commons areas, thinking. He heard Issie say to Javelle, “You and Doug were born on Earth, right.”

“Doug was born on Earth, the home world. I am from Donovans World.,” Javelle answered.

Doug glanced at Issie and Javelle. Javelle was a humaniform robot and had been created on Donovans World, not born. Issie had learned that Javelle was a robot, a humaniform robot, when she had accompanied them to the world of Zillow.

Doug stopped his pacing, took out his vistaview unit, and dialed a number. When it was answered, Doug said, “Hello Captain Nelson. I hope it is not the middle of the night where you’re at and I woke you up.”

“It is the night period (There was no sense of night and day on a spaceship. Time was divided into a night period and a day period.) but I am still up,” Captain Nelson replied. “I’m sure this is not a social call. What can I do for you this time? You have more women to rescue?”

“Does Reilly World Transport have any spaceships that goes to Earth?” Doug asked.

“Earth? You wanting to go to Earth? There is nothing there. I thought you had enough of an adventure going to the world of Ryye with me,” Captain Nelson said.

“I know Captain but I really need a ride to Earth,” Doug replied. “Are there any Reilly World Transport spaceships that do go there or near Earth?”

There was a long hesitation and Captain Nelson finally said, “As I recall, there is one spaceship that goes there quite often but I have no idea what his schedule is. When do you need to go?”

“As soon as possible,” Doug answered.

“Hmmn, tell you what, let me do some checking and I will call you back,” and the called ended.

Harvey entered the commons area and said, “I thought you were already gone Issie.”

“Not yet. I cannot find a spaceflight to Earth,” Issie said. “You needing something?”

“I need to make travel arrangements to the world of Wagoner,” Harvey said.

“I’ll do that for him,” Jenny spoke up and said. “And I can explain to Karen how we do it. Harvey, if you have not already met her this is Lynda Ryan’s sister Karen.”

“Hi Karen,” Harvey said. “Nice to meet you and welcome aboard.”

“Why are you going to the world of Wagoner, Harvey?” Doug asked.

“Major received a request for an agent to come and assist them with some warehouse robberies,” Harvey said.

“Warehouse robberies. Why can’t their local security personnel handle something like that?” Doug asked.

“That’s what I said to Major. But Major said we might generate some goodwill by sending an agent,” Harvey replied.

“You be careful, Harvey, Some of these simple assignments have a habit of blowing up in your face,” Doug said. “Don’t take any careless chances.”

“I don’t plan on doing so,” Harvey said. “Hey Garland, Quinton, Major wants to see you in his office.”

“Should we go pack?” Issie asked.

Laughing, Doug said to Issie , “Not so fast young lady. We don’t even have a ride yet. By the way, I would recommend you get yourself a couple pair of cargo pants and matching jackets. And a good pair of hiking boots.”

“You mean we will have to walk?” Issie inquired, frowning.

“May have to do some,” Doug answered. “Hey! You were the one wanting to go. You can always back out.”

“No way. I’m going to Earth even if I do have to walk,” Issie said. “After all I have read about Earth -- the home world -- I would not miss the opportunity to visit Earth.”

Doug retired to his office and kept himself busy reviewing reports. Getting hungry, Doug noted that it was going on 1200 hours and decided to call Zenobia to see if she wanted to have lunch. As he reached for his vistaview unit it buzzed. The identification said Captain Gregory.

“Hello Captain Gregory. This is Doug Kincaid. How are you today?”

“I’m fine Sir. Thank you for asking,” Captain Gregory replied. “You’re the Empire agent I gave a ride to the world of Dwyer awhile back aren’t you?”

“That’s correct Captain,” Doug said.

“Well, I have been talking with Captain Nelson. He tells me you want to go to Earth. That right?” Captain Gregory inquired.

“That’s correct Captain,” Doug answered. “Are you going that way?”

“No but maybe I can help you out,” Captain Gregory replied. “Captain Nelson has been in contact with Captain Chun Li. Captain Chun makes regular trips to Earth. As it happens, Captain Chun is scheduled to land on the world of Jenolan tomorrow sometime. I‘m scheduled to land on Trenton tomorrow evening around 2300 hours. I’ll pick up some freight there and my next stop is the world of Jenolan. You be at the Trenton Intergalactic Spaceport around 2300 hours and I will take you to the world of Jenolan so you can connect with Captain Chun.”

“Sounds good to me, Captain, but is Captain Chun going to be there when you arrive?” Doug asked.

“According to Captain Nelson, Captain Chun will be there for four or five days,” Captain Gregory replied. “And, according to my navigator -- barring any unforeseen delays -- I will be there in four days. So Captain Chun should still be there. If I understood Captain Nelson correctly, Captain Chun has a number of stops between the world of Jenolan and Earth and it will probably take him twenty days or more.”

“Sounds good, Captain,” Doug said. “I will see you tomorrow evening around 2300 hours.”

“Okay, I’ll see you tomorrow evening then,” Captain Gregory replied. “Here is Captain Chun’s vistaview number. You might want to contact him.”

Doug wrote down the number and said, “Thanks Captain. See you tomorrow evening.” And ended the call.

Doug walked out into the commons area and saw Issie explaining something to Karen.

“Good news. We got a ride,” Doug proclaimed.

“When?” Issie wanted to know.

“We have to be at the Trenton Intergalactic Spaceport tomorrow evening at 2300 hours,” Doug replied.

“I couldn’t find any flights leaving tomorrow from Trenton,” Issie said.

“Ah. You did not check the right ones, Issie,” Doug said, kidding with Issie. “There is a Reilly World Transport landing there tomorrow evening. It will take us to the world of Jenolan where we will catch another Reilly World Transport that will take us to Earth.”

“Directly to Earth?” Issie wanted to know.

“No, there will be a couple of stops but it is going to Earth,” Doug replied. “Now… don’t forget the stuff -- the cargo pants -- I told you to get.”

Doug dial Captain Chun’s vistaview number. After two buzzes, an accented but pleasant voice said, “This is Captain Chun.”

“Hello Captain Chun. My name is Doug Kincaid. I understand that Captain Gregory or maybe it was Captain Nelson called you about me catching a ride with you to Earth.”

“Yes, Captain Gregory had called me. He said that you would meet me on the world Jenolan. That correct?” Captain Chun said.

“Yes, that’s correct. Captain Gregory is supposed to stop here on Trenton tomorrow evening. We’ll (there will be three of us) catch a ride with him to Jenolan. Captain Gregory said it would take him about four days to reach Jenolan but you were going to remain on Jenolan for four or five days. That correct?” Doug said.

“That is correct Sir. So there should not be any problem for you to reach the world of Jenolan before I leave,” Captain Chun said.

“Thank you Captain. I will see you on the world of Jenolan,” Doug replied.

“Sir, I don’t know if Captain Gregory or Captain Nelson explained it to you, but I will be making a number of stops before reaching Earth,” Captain Chun said. “I hope you are not in a big hurry because it will take me as long as thirty or more days to reach Earth with all the stops.”

“That will be no problem Captain,” Doug answered. “Just as long as I can reach Earth.”

“Okay. By the way, where exactly are you planning to go on Earth, if I may ask, “Captain Chun asked.

I am going to the Shenyang Provenance on the continent of Asia. That is located in the country once known as China,” Doug explained.

“Then this is your lucky day, Sir,” Captain Chun said. “I will be landing at Beijing, the former capitol of China. Do you have relatives there?”

“A very dear friend that needs help,” Doug said.

“Ah. Captain Nelson said you were a fellow that likes to help those in need,” Captain Chun replied. “It will be a pleasant meeting you.” And the call ended.

Doug next called Zenobia and agreed to meet her in the Ambassadors Building 5 coffee shop for lunch.

Doug had been waiting over half an hour and Zenobia had yet to arrive. He considered calling her but reasoned that she had some last minute business that came up and could not wait.

He waited another ten minutes when Zenobia came walking into the coffee shop. She looked around and saw Doug and made a bee line to the table. When she approached, she said, “I’m so sorry for being late. A group of people -- tourist from Maple World -- came in while I was still talking with you on the vistaview unit. Of course they had to have their picture taken with their Ambassador. Then ask me all kinds of questions,” she said as she sit down. “Oh, I am so sorry for making you wait.”

“No problem. I expected that you were busy,” Doug said. “Were the tourist enjoying their visit to Trenton?”

“They said they were really enjoying their trip. They were elderly couples and this was the first time they had even been off-world,” Zenobia said. “I handed them off to Regina and Regina is going to take them to a couple of the other Ambassador’s offices and get them some souvenirs. I told her to take them by the world of Brazilla office and get them some coffee. I don’t know if Vice Chairman Urbina will be in the Ambassador’s office or over at the Capitol. If he is in he always enjoys meeting people regardless of which world they are from.”

The waitress came by and took their order. Then Zenobia said, “I’ve been doing all the talking. What have you been doing all morning?”

“Making plans to travel to Earth,” Doug said.

“To Earth. Why would you want to go there?” Zenobia asked.

Doug explained about the message from Lily Ham. Who Lily Ham was and how she was a great friend. And how, if she needed help, he was going to help her if he could. And concluded, saying, “Why don’t you go with us. Earth is the birthplace of civilization. The home world where all our fore parents originated from. Everyone should visit Earth at least once.”

“Oh, that does sound exciting but I don’t know if I could get away for that long,” Zenobia said.

“Regina can handle things while you’re away. She will probably enjoy playing Ambassador while you’re gone,” Doug said.

Laughing, Zenobia said, “Yes, she does that now when I am out of the office. But if something really important comes up, I don’t know.”

“If it is something important, that Regina cannot take care of, she can always take the matter to your father,” Doug said. (Her father being one of the Vice Chairman of the Galactic Empire and former Ambassador from Maple World.)

They continued to eat in silence. Finally Zenobia said, “Visiting Earth would be a very interesting and educational experience. I just don’t know if I could get away for that long. Of course I will have to confer with my father.”

“I would enjoy you going with us,” Doug said. “I have been away for extended periods before but that was official GEBI business. But this is more a personal trip. May not be much to do but you will have the opportunity of visiting Earth. Most people will never have the opportunity to visit the home world.”

“Let me discuss the matter with my father. If he is satisfied that Regina can handle things until I return, I will consider going,” Zenobia said. “What would I need to take?”

“As I explained to Issie, you will probably need a couple of pair of cargo pants and jacket, and a good pair of hiking boots,” Doug replied. Then went on to explain that they may have to walk some to finally reach the village where Lily lived.

Major had agreed to drive them to the Trenton Intergalactic Spaceport. On the drive to the spaceport, Doug had asked him if Raquel had called and if he told her that Issie was going. And Major had replied that neither Raquel nor Maria had called yet. I hope you don’t yet into too much trouble by permitting Issie to go, Doug had told him.

They had arrived at the Trenton Intergalactic Spaceport a little after 2300 hours. And found that Captain Gregory had not yet landed. Doug had checked with the flight supervisor and learned that Captain Gregory was on the final approach to Trenton Intergalactic Spaceport but it would still take him an hour or more before landing.

It was 0020 hours when Captain Gregory’s ship settled on landing pad five. It was another twenty minutes before Doug saw Captain Gregory entered, followed by what looked like all his crew, carrying overnight bags.

Captain Gregory saw Doug and walked toward him. He shook hands with Doug and then Javelle. And Doug introduced Issie and Zenobia. (Doug did not tell him that Zenobia was an Ambassador.)

After the introductions, Captain Gregory said, “It should only take them a hour or so to load the freight I am supposed to pick up here. But I promised my crew they could use the transit facilities to shower and wash their dirty clothing.” The transit facilities here on Trenton are one of the better ones for flight crews to clean up and wash their dirty laundry, Captain Gregory had explained. And we may not have another opportunity for a while. But we should be leaving no later than 0400 at the latest.

They had stored their bags on board and then returned to the restaurant to await Captain Gregory. The freight section of the spaceport did not offer the luxury accommodations the commercial side of the spaceport did. Only a restaurant and a few small thrift shops.

It was a little after 0230 when Captain Gregory came to the restaurant entrance and waved for them. When they met him outside, he said, “Better go and get onboard. I have a few reports to fill out and sign and then we will be on our way. The crew is already onboard making preparations to blast off.”

It was the third day of the five day trip to the world of Arcadia. Raquel and Maria had lunch in the galley and then retired to the commons area.

Raquel saw that Private Singh, one of the members of the security detail that Colonel Jacoby had assigned to watch over Raquel and Maria, had come into the commons area and had taken a seat on the opposite side. Raquel was confident no one onboard was going to harm them. But Sergeant Davies took his job serious and always assigned one member of the team to be present.

“I haven’t called Major since we left,” Raquel told Maria. “I’m sure everything is okay or he would have called. But perhaps I had better call and say hello. You don‘t think he will think I am checking up on him do you?”

“He’ll probably welcome being interrupted from reading reports,” Maria said, smiling.

“Hello Raquel,” Major said, answering the vistaview unit. “How are you enjoying your trip?”

“Issie was right. These Zillow K Class spaceships are really luxurious,” Raquel replied. Holding the vistaview unit so Maria’s face was shown, Raquel said, “Here’s Maria.”

“Hi Major. I miss you,” Maria said.

“Hi. I miss you, too,” Major replied.

Turning the vistaview back, Raquel said, “How is everything at the office?”

Major explained about the request from Wagoner security and that he had sent Harvey to see if he could assist.

“Sounds like Wagoner security should have been able to handle a warehouse break in themselves,” Raquel said. “But it could generate us some goodwill, as you said.”

“Did Karen Ryan show up?” Raquel asked.

“Yes, she appears to be adapting to the job quite well,” Major answered.

“Issie is a good teacher,” Raquel said. “I’m sure Issie will have her up to speed soon.”

“Well… Actually Jenny is showing her the requirements of the job,” Major said.

“Why isn’t Issie training her?” Raquel asked.

“Issie? Well… Issie is busy,” Major said.

“Busy? You‘re not telling me something, Major. What is Issie doing?” Raquel asked, glancing at Maria who raised an eyebrow.

“Ah, she is helping Doug,” Major said.

“Helping Doug! Why does Doug need her help?” Raquel asked.

“Well…. Ah, Doug had to go to Earth,” Major replied.

“Doug had to go to Earth. EARTH! Oh good Galaxy. Are you telling me that you permitted Issie to go to Earth with Doug,” Raquel said in a raised voice that was attracting the attention of other travels in the commons area.

“Ah, yeah, Issie went with Doug to Earth. She wanted to see Earth.” Major said.

“And you just let Issie go to Earth. Oh good Galaxy, Major, why did you let her go,” Raquel said louder than she had planned to do.

“Why didn’t you stay here and you could have stopped her,” Major said in raised voice. “Issie was determined to go with Doug and I could not stop her any more than you would have been able to.”

Raquel started to rebuttal Major’s comments but saw all the passages in the commons area glancing her way. She took a deep breath and said in a calmer tone of voice, “I’m sorry Major for yelling at you. Why did Doug have to go to Earth.”

Major told Raquel about the text message Doug had received from Lily Ham. And concluded saying, “And if Lily requested Doug’s help, no force in the Galaxy could stop Doug from going.”

Maria leaned over and asked Major, “And Lily did not say what she needed Doug‘s help with?”

“No, just that she needed Doug’s help.” Major said.

“And, as you said, if Lily asked Doug for help, no one would be able to stop him from going. Did Javelle go with him?” Maria asked.

“Yes and his girlfriend,” Major said.

“His girlfriend? You mean Zenobia? The Ambassador?” Maria asked.

“Yes, Zenobia, the Ambassador,” Major replied.

“I just hope Doug knows what he is doing permitting Zenobia and Issie to go to Earth with him,” Maria said. “That is not the safest place to go.”

“I know, Maria, but what could I do? Major said.

“It’s not your fault Major,” Raquel said. “You’re not to blame. Let me know if you heard from Doug.” And the call ended.

“I can’t understand that girl (referring to Issie)” Raquel said.

“Issie was really excited when Doug requested that she accompany him to the world of Zillow to assist in that murder case,” Maria said. “She is the adventurous type and you will never stop her from going without you want to fire her.”

“That would be like cutting my nose off to spite my face,” Raquel replied, smiling. “And Doug credited her with solving the Palin murder case. I guess I will just have to resign to the fact she has become Doug’s assistance. Anyway, we now have Jenny and Karen to manage the office.”

Laughing, Maria said, “If you don’t lose them to Doug’s charm.”

“Oh, please, don’t say that,” Raquel remarked.

Ryan came into the commons area, approached Raquel and Maria and said, “Hi. Are you enjoying your trip on this luxurious spaceship?”

“Yes, Issie was right,” Maria said. “These Zillow K Class spaceships are fabulous.”

“They are an improvement over those spaceships me and Doug traveled on when we traveled from Earth to the world of Trenton,” Raquel remarked. “They were more like cargo ships than passenger ships. And we stopped on every world we came to.”

Ryan sat down opposite Raquel and Maria and asked, “Have you talked with the gang back home?”

“Yes.” Raquel said.

“How are they doing? Are they able to get along without us girls?” Ryan said, grinning.

“Evidentially, quite well,” Raquel said. “Doug and Javelle went to Earth.”

“And Issie went with him,” Maria added.

“Oh, wow, and to think I could have went with him had I not volunteered to come with you two,” Ryan commended.

Raquel and Maria looked at one another and Maria said, “I guess we’re just a couple of boring people to be around.”

Smiling, Ryan said, “Well, there is never a dull moment when you are with Doug and Javelle. There is always something exciting happening.”

Raquel and Maria looked at one another and shook their heads.

Unlike commercial spaceflights, where the captain gave frequent updates over the public address system, Captain Gregory never made any such announcements. It was on the fourth day and he did summon Doug to the flight deck. Javelle had accompanied him.

Captain Gregory explained that they would be landing on the world of Jenolan within three to four hours. And I called Captain Chun and he will meet you there, Captain Gregory had told them. Captain Chun informed me that he would not be leaving for another day or more. He did not explain the reason, Captain Gregory had further explained.

Although he had paid Captain Gregory for the ride, Doug gave each crew member a hundred credit tip and thanked them for all their help as they were exiting the spaceship.

Captain Gregory walked with them as they entered the freight terminal. He said that he would introduce them to Captain Chun. Introductions would have been unnecessary. Doug saw a stocky man, with oriental features, wearing a billed cap with an emblem that read Reilly World Transport walking toward them. Alongside walked a giant of a black man. He was narrow at the waist and broad at the shoulders and his head was shaved bald.

When they approached, Captain Gregory extended his hand to Captain Chun and said, “Hello Captain. How have you been?”

Captain Chun accepted Captain Gregory’s hand and said, “Fine Captain. I hope you had a pleasant trip.”

After exchanging pleasantries, Captain Gregory said, “Captain, these are the people that want to catch a ride with you.” And he introduced Doug, Javelle, Zenobia and Issie. Then told Captain Chun that he had to go and oversee the unloading of his ship.

Captain Chun shook hands with each and then said, “This is one of my crew, Ossie.”

Ossie’s face light up with a one of the widest and brightest smiles Doug had even seen, displaying perfect white teeth. He extended his hand to Doug and Doug saw that his hand looked twice as big as his. Doug was expecting one of those bone crunching, challenging handshakes. Although Doug could feel a strong, calloused hand, the hand shake was soft and gentle. Not the knuckle popping hand shake he had expected.

While Ossie shook hands with Javelle, Issie and Zenobia, Captain Chun said, “I am sorry to tell you but we will be laid over here for at least another day.” Captain Chun went on to explain that he was waiting on another cargo ship that was carrying supplies and equipment that would be transferred to his ship. And the cargo ship is not expected to arrive until sometime tomorrow afternoon.

“Meanwhile, I would recommend that you obtain rooms here at the transit hotel,” Captain Chun said. And went on to explain that the transit hotel was not the greatest he had ever seen but it was clean. And the restaurant serves decent food. “And the city here is fairly safe and they offer some city tours if you like those kind of things,” Captain Chun said.

When Issie heard Captain Chun mention city tours, Issie said excitingly, “Oh, this take a city tour.”

Captain Chun smiled at Issie and asked, “Is this your first time off-world?”

“Ah, no Sir, it’s the second time,” Issie said, smiling.

Still smiling, Captain Chun turned back to Doug and said, “Anyway, I would recommend that and your group assemble here tomorrow evening around 1800 hours. Barring any other delays, we should be able to leave tomorrow evening sometime.”

Then Captain Chun added, “As I previously told you, I’m going to be making stops on a number of worlds to unload freight or pick up additional freight. There could even be overnight delays. Don’t be surprised if it doesn’t take us thirty days or more to reach Earth.”

“I understand, Captain, and you will get no complaints from us,” Doug told Captain Chun.

A short stocky oriental man and a towering giant of a black man made a strange sight as Captain Chun and Ossie walked away.

“Hello Harvey,” Major said. “How was your trip?”

“The trip was fine,” Harvey said. “I arrived late last evening. I went to the security headquarters this morning and met with a Captain Allison. He is the Chief of Security here.”

“What does the situation look like, Harvey?” Major asked.

“From what I learned from Captain Allison, it’s a simply string of warehouse robberies,” Harvey answered. “I ask him why he had not posted some stakeouts around the warehouse area. He told me that he had done that but never saw anyone when there had been stakeouts present.”

“You think someone in security has been tipping them off,” Major said. “Wouldn’t be the first time a security offer was on the take.”

“I don’t know, Major, I need to get a better feel of the situation here before I start making accusations,” Harvey replied. “Captain Allison promised to take me to the warehouse area and show me around later today. Maybe I will have a better understanding of the situation then.”

“As I told you before leaving Trenton, if this turns into something more than a warehouse robbery, you get on the next spaceship home,” Major said.

“I understand but I need to evaluate the situation before making any decisions,” Harvey replied.

“I understand, Harvey,” Major said. “Any problems, you call me. Call me at home if you need too.”

“I will,” Harvey answered, and severed the call.

Raquel, Maria and Ryan had arrived on the world of Arcadia (the city of Marksville, the capitol city for the terrestrial government of the world of Arcadia) the previous afternoon. Sergeant Davies had ridden in the ground vehicle with them from the Marksville Intergalactic Spaceport to the Marksville Colonial Hotel while the other members of the security team had followed in a separate ground vehicles.

At the Marksville Colonial hotel, they found that rooms had already been assigned to the delegates attending the Security Conference. When Raquel, Maria and Ryan started toward the lift to take them up to their rooms, Sergeant Davies approached and said, “Please wait while Corporal Jacopo and Private Axelrod check your rooms.”

“Really, Sergeant Davies, is this necessary,” Raquel had protested.

Colonel Jacoby had entered behind Raquel, Maria and Ryan and had heard Raquel’s protest. He stepped over to Raquel and said, “May as well get used to it Raquel. Even Sergeant Johnson will not permit me to go to my room until one of his team checks my room.”

“Really! But you’re a Colonel. You can order him to do what you want,” Raquel said.

Smiling, Colonel Jacoby said, “Raquel if you’re going to be the leader you have to learn to follow.”

Raquel gave him an askewer look, not quite understanding what he was saying.

Sergeant Davies had stepped away and was talking with one of Colonel Jacoby’s security team members. He stepped back over to Raquel, Maria and Colonel Jacoby and said, “Madams, Sir, your rooms are clean.”

“I should hope that a hotel like this would provide clean rooms, considering what we are paying,” Raquel said.

“What he means, Raquel, is that there are no surveillance devices in your room,” Colonel Jacoby said, smiling.

“Ah,” Raquel acknowledged.

Raquel, Maria and Ryan walked to the lift and entered. Colonel Jacoby had accompanied them. Before the lift door could close, Corporal Rommy stepped in followed by another man Raquel knew to be one of Colonel Jacoby’s security team.

Corporal Rommy and the other security person did not even acknowledge Raquel or Colonel Jacoby. They took positions immediately in front of the doors and were chatting away as if they were old business acquaintance.

But when the lift started to come to a stop, each held a hand up. And Raquel could see Corporal Rommy’s hand snake into his jacket where he obviously had a concealed hand blaster under his left arm.

Ryan stepped up behind Corporal Rommy and the other security guard. She had her hand in her jacket and Raquel knew she had a blaster. She had protested when she learned that Ryan was carrying a blaster but to no avail. Ryan had alleged she would need the blaster should there be any trouble and Raquel knew it would be a losing argument to protest longer with Ryan.

When the doors opened, Corporal Rommy and the other guard took a step outside and positioned themselves on each side of the door. Ryan took up a position just inside. Corporal Rommy turned, nodded and pointed down the hallway. They exited and followed Corporal Rommy down the hallway. Raquel looked back and saw Ryan and the other guard walking backwards, obviously watching that no one came up behind them.

“Colonel, are you sure all this is necessary?” Raquel asked.

“Better to err on the side of safety, Raquel,” Colonel Jacoby said. “This Security Conference has been well publicized. No telling what someone may try to do.”

“And I am sure Sergeant Davies, Sergeant Johnson and their teams are enjoying a free off-world trip,” Maria added.

Male heads turned to stare at an attractive brunette haired woman, walking with a military barring, as she entered the convention hall (Marksville Convention Center) where the Security Conference would be held. Had they not focused on an attractive woman in superb physical condition with an athletic body, they may have noticed a slight bulge under her left arm where a 9mm hand blaster was concealed. They would have been even more surprised to have known she had achieved a level of proficiency she never missed with the hand blaster. That she was now a member of the elite group known as ‘strike force.’ A highly trained special force group. Lynda Ryan was one very dangerous woman.

Then all male heads turned to stare when two strikingly beautiful women entered behind her.

Raquel Creed was a classical beautiful woman whose face would have graced any fashion magazines. She is tall -- 177 centimeters. Although young, she was the Chief Director of the Galactic Empire Bureau of Investigation. Many remarked how a woman so young could head up a major organization in the Galactic Empire.

Maria Santos was a stunning beautiful woman. Although not tall, only 165 centimeters, she had an athletic body. She had long, jet-black hair, combed out straight but fluffed up on top. Swept away from a high forehead that suggested strong intellect. Academically she was a psychiatrist. She was Earth-born and she had served in one of the intelligent organizations on the continent of Europe before joining the old Global Bureau of Investigation on Earth. Then relocated to the world of Trenton where she now served as one of the directors.

No one pay any attention to the two men that had entered before them. Nor the three that had followed. All separated upon entering as if they did not know one another. Had they been observing, someone may have noticed a slight bulge under their jacket suggesting a concealed blaster. Nor did they notice the ear buds indicating a comm link between them.

The five men were Director Creed’s personal security detail headed up by Sergeant Keith Davies. They remained close enough to their charges -- Doctor Raquel Creed and Doctor Maria Santos -- they could react instantly should the need arise.

Security teams checked everything, especially before their charge exited from a vehicle or entering a building. That included rooms in a building. Currently, security teams were all male. No problem if their charge was male. No one blinked when another male entered the restroom. But it created a problem when their charge was female and they entered the ladies room to check before permitting their charge to enter. Sergeant Davies had requested that Ryan accompany them. No one would question Ryan entering the ladies room. With two female charges, Sergeant Davies appreciated having Ryan on his team.

Colonel Jacoby was talking with Colonel Donovan from the world of Ford. Colonel Donovan remarked, “Wow! I did not realize that there were security chiefs that beautiful.”

“I’ll introduce you when they come over,” Colonel Jacoby said.

“Ah, I heard you were quite a ladies man,” Colonel Donovan kidded.

Raquel and Maria stopped at the buffet bar and got a cup of coffee and breakfast sandwich. As they ate their breakfast sandwich, Maria pointed out Colonel Jacoby to Raquel.

Having finished their breakfast sandwich, Raquel and Maia made their way toward Colonel Jacoby.

“Good morning Colonel,” Raquel said to Colonel Jacoby.

“Good morning Raquel, Maria. I would like you to meet Colonel Donovan from the world of Ford. Colonel Donovan, this is Chief Director Raquel Creed and Director Maria Santos with the Galactic Empire Bureau of Investigation,” Colonel Jacoby said, as he made the introductions.

Raquel extended her hand to Colonel Donovan and said, “So nice to finally meet you Colonel. We have talked a few times on the vistaview unit.”

Maria shook hands with Colonel Donovan and then Colonel Donovan said, “Yes, and it is nice to finally meet you Director Creed; Director Santos.”

Raquel and Maria spent the next couple of hours mingling greeting the security officers from various worlds. One remark started to become a theme. I’m surprised you’re so young.

“I am starting to develop a complex due to their ’young’ remarks,” Raquel remarked to Maria after the last security officer had made that remark.

Maria grinned and said, “And if you have not noticed, we’re in a male dominated profession. We‘ve only met five other women that head up some security unit.”

“Director Creed,” Raquel heard a cultured voice say.

Raquel turned around and saw a distinguished looking man whose hair was turning white. He was accompanied by an attractive middle aged, dark-haired, woman.

“I am Vaclav Angarita, Director of Willow World’s Bureau of Investigation,” Vaclav said, displaying an ingratiating smile. “And this is my daughter and personal assistant Maria Talwar.”

Raquel shook hands with Vaclav and Maria and said, “And this is Director Maria Santos.”

After Maria greeted Vaclav and Maria, Maria Talwar said, “We watched the Galactic Convention. I wish to commend you, Director Creed, on a job well done at the convention.”

Raquel nodded but before she could speak, Vaclav said, “We had the opportunity to meet two of your agents, Mr. Kincaid and Mr. Jovok when they stopped in the world of Willow World.”

Before Raquel could reply, Maria Talwar asked, “Are Mr. Kincaid and Mr. Jovok accompanying you? We have observed the other five gentlemen that are obviously your security detain. But we have not seen Mr. Kincaid and Mr. Jovok.”

“And the very attractive young lady,” Vaclav remarked displaying another ingratiating smile.

“I will have to tell them they are not as inconspicuous as they thought they were,” Raquel replied, smiling.

Smiling, Maria Talwar said, “My father is a profiler. He observes every little detail. I serious doubt most here even realize they‘re your security team, especially the young lady. She is really good.”

Maria Santos said, “I thought that a profiler was someone who analyze and classify somebody as it pertained to criminal investigation?”

A man walked up and joined Maria Talwar and Maria said, “My husband, Mark Talwar. He’s a Captain in Warkack Security.” Then Maria said to her husband, “This is Directors Raquel Creed and Maria Santos with the Galactic Empire Bureau of Investigation.”

Captain Talwar greeted Raquel and Maria and said, “I had the opportunity to meet a couple of your agents when they were transiting through the world of Willow World.”

I was asking Director Creed if Mr. Kincaid and Mr. Jovok were accompanying her,” Maria Talwar told her husband.

“Doug was summoned back to Earth,” Raquel replied.

“As I recall, Mr. Kincaid said he was Earth-born, I believe that was the term he used,” Vaclav said.

“Yes, Doug was born on Earth,” Maria Santos replied. Smiling, added, “Or as Doug is fond of saying, Earth-born.”

“Me and Maria were both born on Earth,” Raquel added.

“And decided to relocate to the world of Trenton?” Captain Talwar said.

“We relocated to the world of Trenton to organize the Galactic Empire Bureau of Investigation,” Raquel replied. “Then to my total surprise, I was appointed director.”

“I understand you will be addressing the convention tomorrow,” Maria Talwar said to Raquel.

“Yes, Darwin Fleischmann, Director of Arcadia Global Bureau of Investigation, asked me to address the assembly,” Raquel replied.

“We will be sure to be present,” Vaclav said. Then added, speaking to Maria and Captain Talwar, “We should mingle and see who else we may know.”

Raquel and Maria also mingled for the next fifteen or twenty minutes when Raquel heard a male voice call out her name. She looked around and saw Sir Grayson Crandall and Alex Semenov (former directors in Earth’s old Global Bureau of Investigation) hurrying toward her. A smile was splitting his face. Sir Grayson was almost running, with his arms spread open, to embrace Raquel when he ran into an outstretched hand of a big man giving him a menacing stare. Sir Grayson lost his smile as he stared up at the man that had his hand on his chest.

Sir Grayson heard Raquel saying, “It’s okay Ammon. He’s a friend.”

Corporal Ammon Axelrod, a member of Raquel’s security team, was a large man. He was 195 centimeters tall and weighed 94 kilograms. Being broad at the shoulders and narrow at the waist, he had the appearance of being a body builder. Ammon was one of the nicest people you would want to meet. Seemingly, always with a bright smile. But when he was on the job (the job being protecting Raquel), he could be one of the most intimidating people you ever wanted to come face to face with.

Eyeing Ammon, Sir Grayson said, “Whose that chap?”

Smiling, Raquel said, “That’s Ammon. He’s my protector,” as she hugged Sir Grayson.

“I certainly would not want to meet him in a dark alley,” Alex said, as he stepped up to hug Raquel.”

“He’s really nice, Alex, when you get to know him,” Raquel said.

After Sir Grayson and Alex greeted Maria, Sir Grayson said, “So you have your own security guard?”

Smiling, Raquel said, “I have a security team of five. They think we’re some important government officials and they will not permit me and Maria out of their sight.”

“You are important government officials,” Alex said.

After reminiscing for a few minutes, Raquel asked, “Have either of you seen Gilbert Faber? (Gilbert had been an investigator in Earth’s old Global Bureau of Investigation) He was supposed to meet me here on the world of Arcadia.”

“I understood Gilbert had not yet decided whether to remain with security on the world of Racine,” Alex replied.

“I contacted him. He told me he would like to join the Galactic Empire Bureau of Investigation. And I explained we would meet him here,” Maria said.

“Not really a security officer, they probably would not permit Gilbert to enter the convention center here,” Sir Grayson replied. “I didn’t think they were going to permit me and Alex because we’re retired.”

“He’ll probably contact you at your hotel. By the way, what hotel are you staying?” Alex wanted to know.

“We have rooms at the Marksville Colonial Hotel,” Maria replied.

“They have private dining rooms at the Marksville Colonial Hotel. I’ll reserve a room and we’ll all have dinner there this evening,” Raquel offered. “1900 hours okay?”

“1900 hours will be fine. And we’re staying at the Marksville Plaza,” Sir Grayson replied.