The Empire: Called back to Earth

After Captain Chun and Ossie departed, Doug said, “This secure rooms here at the transit hotel. Then if everyone wishes to do so, Issie can secure us a tour of Jenny City.”

After securing rooms at the transit hotel (Doug and Javelle would share one room and Zenobia and Issie the other), Issie called to tell Doug and Javelle the evening city tour would not depart until around 1800 hours. And they agreed to meet in the lobby of the hotel a little before that.

In addition to Doug and his group, there were four other individuals waiting in the lobby to go on the city tour. A man and a woman traveling together and two men that appeared to be traveling together. None appeared that they wanted to socialize, remaining off to themselves, and Doug saw no reason to encroach.

The tour bus -- more like a large van -- arrived and a young man, maybe in his early twenties, introduced himself as Rennie. Jenny City Intergalactic Spaceport, like most intergalactic spaceports, was located some thirty plus kilometers from Jenny City. As they drove toward Jenny City, Rennie explained that the world of Jenolan had been settled something over four hundred years earlier. That most of the people had migrated from island nations located in the south Pacific Ocean region on Earth, primary Australia and New Zealand.

Rennie had a peculiar vernacular Doug accepted was common for the world of Jenolan. Although Doug wasn’t sure if he understood the meaning of some of the words and phrases Rennie used. Zenobia gave him a questionably look a couple of times, obviously not understanding Rennie. All he could do was smile and shrug his shoulders.

Doug didn’t find the city tour all that interesting. Although Issie appeared caught up wanting to know everything asking Rennie to explain further. Or explain when he used some expression Issie didn’t understand. It soon became apparent Rennie was favoring Issie with all his attention. Always looking at her and smiling while explaining the different places.

The other four individuals appeared to be indifferent to the tour as well. Accepting what Rennie told them without further questioning. Doug reckoned the man and woman were a couple and had a layover on the world of Jenolan before continued on. But the two men were a peculiar pair. A mental scan satisfied Doug they were no threat. The mental scan also revealed they were not interest nor excited in what Rennie was saying. Doug wondered if they were locals.

The driver finally stopped at a restaurant for an evening meal. The restaurant was nothing fancy but the food was good. The service was… well average.

When they returned to the van for the drive back to the spaceport, Doug notices that the two men were not on the van. In fact. he had noted they had not even came into the restaurant. Again Doug wondered if they were locals that had simply taken the tour van into the city after work.

Raquel and Maria had lunch at the Marksville Colonial Hotel before going to the Marksville Convention Center. Darwin Fleischmann, Director of Arcadia Global Bureau of Investigation met Raquel and Maria as they entered.

“Good afternoon Madam Director,” Director Fleischmann said greeting Raquel. “I’m sorry I missed you yesterday. Organizing and coordinating everything has been more of a task than I had anticipated.”

“No problem Director Fleischmann. But please call me Raquel,” Raquel told Director Fleischmann. “And this is Maria Santos, also one of the directors.”

“Nice to meet you Director Santos. Or do you prefer Maria?” Darwin said

“Maria, Please,” Maria replied.

“Raquel, I appreciate you accepting to speak to the assembly today and explain criminal activity, particularly criminal activity that is intergalactic in nature,” Darwin said.

“I appreciate the opportunity to speak to the assembled group. I am hopeful I can persuade them to be more cooperative. When a woman or child is abducted on one world and taken to another it is imperative we have cooperation to rescue the abductees,” Raquel replied.

“And apprehend those responsible,” Maria added.

“I understand your investigators have been successful rescuing some women and children that were abducted and taken to other worlds,” Darwin said.

“We have been successful rescuing a few women that were abducted. But we need security to notify us if a woman or child is abducted. They have to understand this has nothing to do with nationalism. We’ve dealing with a crime. We need to work together,” Maria said.

Before Raquel was introduced, Director Fleischmann introduced other speakers. When Raquel was introduced, she received a standing ovation. Raquel acknowledged Director Fleischmann then begun by explaining the function of the Galactic Empire Bureau of Investigation. Then what she described as intergalactic crimes. Top among the crimes was the abduction of women and children. She urged security organizations to notify the Galactic Empire Bureau of Investigation when there was an abduction. And to cooperate with security on other worlds.

When Raquel concluded her speech, she was given another standing ovation. As she descended from the podium, dignitaries lined up to greet her. And tell her how they enjoyed her comments or how they were honored to meet her. (Raquel reasoned most of them only wanted their picture taken with her so they could impress someone back on their home world.)

A man with a full dark beard came forward a little too aggressive, calling out: “Madam Director.”

Observing his aggressive behavior and the fact he had his hand in his pocket, Corporal Satyam Singh stepped in front of the man and placed his hand on the man‘s chest. It obviously startled the man. “Ah… ah… I only wanted to speak to the Director. I intend no hard.”

“Remove your hand from your pocket and if you withdraw a blaster I am going to break your neck,” Corporal Singh said, maintaining eye contact with the man.

“Sorry. I have no weapon. I only wished to speak to the Director,” the man said after withdrawing his hand from his pocket and holding both hands up to show he had no weapon.

Sergeant William ‘Bill’ Romney was backing Corporal Singh up and now said, “What’s your name? And why do you wish to speak with Director Creed?”

Having recovered his composure, the man said, “My name is Soren Poisson. I’m the President of the Federation of Independent Traders.”

Having observed what had transpired, Raquel stepped forward and said, “How may I help you Mr. Poisson?”

“My apologies, Madam. It was not my intention to create a situation,” Poisson said.

“My security team is very protective, Mr. Poisson,” Raquel said, rewarding Mr. Poisson with a smile.

“I assure you, Madam, I mean you no harm. I only wished to speak with you regarding your remarks about independent haulers,” Poisson said.

Raquel nodded and Mr. Poisson continued, “I mean no disrespect, Madam Director, when I say this, but I take offence when you suggest that all independent cargo haulers are criminals.”

“I was not aware that I had insinuated that all independent cargo haulers were criminals,” Raquel replied.

“I accept, Madam Director, you’re an honorable lady. And heinous crimes such as abducting women and children can create strong personal emotions. But I want to assure you, Madam Director, most independent cargo haulers are honest men trying to make a living and support their families,” Poisson said.

“But there are exceptions,” Maria said.

“Yes Madam. And I am aware that Captain Koori Kapok was recently apprehend and charged with the transportation of abducted women. But Captain Kapok was not a member of the Federation of Independent Traders,” Poisson replied.

“I am not familiar with the Federation of Independent Traders,” Maria said. “Please explain your purpose.”

“We’re an organization that independent cargo haulers may join. We strive to keep members appraised of varies situations. For example, there is a situation on the world of Vulcan regarding landing rights among four or five worlds in that section of the Galaxy. We have been lobbying the transportation Minsters on those worlds to convene a conference to resolve the situation. Other issues involve excessive landing fees. And we produce a publication every thirty days to keep independents advised of problems they may confront on different worlds,” Poisson briefly explained.

“And you’re an independent cargo hauler yourself?” Raquel asked.

“I am, Madam,” Poisson replied. “My home is on Reilly World. As you probably know, Vice Chairman Onward Reilly is from Reilly World.”

“As I previously said, I am not familiar with the Federation of Independent Traders,” Maria said.

“Madam, I don’t know if you are familiar with any of the history of Robert Donovan -- he preferred to be called Robby -- built a fleet of warships or battle cruisers. Captain Regis Reilly commanded the armada of battle cruisers that raided or attacked Earth. After Robby broke the yoke of tyranny that had enslaved Earth people there was no need for the armed battle cruisers. Captain Reilly organized the armada into the Federation of Traders. Except there was no settled worlds to trade with. Captain Reilly, along with the other spaceship captains, begun transporting Earth people, which wanted to migrate from Earth, to other worlds to settle. Captain Reilly run afoul of Donovans World’s government. Donovans World’s government did not want Earth people settling new worlds. History is not clear but there was some kind of space battle. Captain Reilly won out and then settled what is known as Reilly World today” Poisson explained.

“I’m familiar with Robert Donovan, or Robby, and how he made a promise to his dying mother to liberate Earth,” Raquel replied.

“I do not recall ever hearing of this Captain Regis Reilly,” Maria said. “But the first vice chairman‘s name is Reilly; Onward Reilly. Any relation?”

“I understand Onward Reilly is a direct descendant of Captain Regis Reilly, Madam,” Poisson replied. Then continued, “Back when Captain Reilly organized the armada of battle cruisers into the Federation of Traders, they worked for him. Today, the Federation of Independent Traders is just an association.”

“Do all the independent cargo haulers belong to the Federation of Independent Traders?” Raquel asked.

“No Madam Director. As I told you, Captain Kapok was not a member. I don’t know the number of independent cargo haulers. It must be around two thousand. Only around fifteen hundred are members of the Federation of Independent Traders,” Poisson said. “And I am aware that there are those so-called ‘fly-by-night’ haulers that will transport illegal contraband.”

Raquel extended her hand to Mr. Poisson and said, as they shook hands, “I appreciate you taking the time to explain to us about the Federation of Independent Traders. And in the future I will be careful not to insinuated that not all independent cargo haulers are criminals.”

“Thank you, Madam Director, for taking the time to speak with me,” Poisson replied. Then added, “Madam Director, if I may offer, if you will provide me with you contact number I will see that you receive our publication. We’ve not a secret organization. We distribute it to many individuals that are not cargo haulers.”

Maria provided Poisson with one of her cards. Ask him to contact them if he learned of any independent cargo haulers involved in illegal activities. Then shook hands and bid him a good day.

They had just arrived back at the Marksville Colonial Hotel and disembarked from the vehicles when Ryan yelled, “SHOOTERS! I HAVE FRONT.”

Like the well cohesive team they were, each member of Raquel’s security team knew what to do. Corporal Ammon Axelrod pulled Raquel down and covered her with his body. Sergeant William ‘Bill’ Romney pulled Maria down and covered her. As they were exiting from the vehicle, each member had placed they hand inside their jacket with their hand around their blaster.

The abductors obviously had not anticipated Raquel’s security team reacting so swiftly. Ryan terminated two of the adductors before they realized what was happening. One of two remaining abductors managed to get off a shot that went wild as Ryan terminated him. The last abductors managed to get off two shots hitting Ryan in the stomach, where her ballistic jacket stopped it, before she could place a projectile through his left eye.

The abductors behind the vehicles were not doing any better. Corporal 1st Class Rocco Jacopo had eliminated one of the abductors but before he could terminate the next one, he fired hitting Corporal Satyam Singh in the chest. His ballistic jacket stopped the projectile. Together, Corporal Satyam Singh and Corporal 1st Class Rocco terminated the abductor. Sergeant Keith Davies had terminated two of the abductors and as he leveled his blaster on the last abductor, he threw down his blaster and raised his hands in surrender.

Colonel Jacoby was talking with Colonel Wang, security chief for the world of China when Master Sergeant Johnson, who was in charge of Colonel Jacoby’s security team, approached and said, “Excuse me Colonel. I need to speak with you.”

It was inappropriate to interrupted Colonel Jacoby when he was conferring with another security officer without it was important or some kind of emergency. For Master Sergeant Johnson to intrude, Colonel realized it had to be important and said to Colonel Wang, “Please excuse Colonel.” Stepping over to the side, Colonel Jacoby asked, “Yes, what is it Master Sergeant?”

“A hit team tried to abduct Raquel, Colonel,” Master Sergeant Johnson replied.

“Tried? Is she okay?” Colonel Jacoby asked.

“Sergeant Davies and his team eliminated the hit team except for one that surrender. Sergeant Davis said Raquel received a leg wound when Corporal Axelrod pulled Raquel down and covered her. And Maria hurt her arm when Sergeant Romney pulled her down and covered her,” Master Sergeant Johnson explained.

“And Sergeant Davies and his team?” Colonel Jacoby inquired.

“Ryan was hit twice and Corporal Singh once but their ballistic jackets stopped the projectiles. Otherwise, they’re okay,” Master Sergeant Johnson replied.

“Get my vehicle,” Colonel Jacoby ordered.

“Corporal 1st Class Mayo is bringing the vehicle as we speak, Colonel,” Master Sergeant Johnson replied.

As they were exiting from the Marksville Convention Center, Colonel Jacoby saw Director Darwin Fleischmann and informed him that a hit team had made an attempt on Raquel and Maria. Director Fleischmann informed Colonel Jacoby he would be there shortly.

As they were driving to the Marksville Colonial Hotel, Staff Sergeant Levitas said, “Sergeant Davies said that woman Ryan thwarted the ambush and she terminated four of the hit team.”

“She’s that woman Sergeant Davies certified as strike force?” Colonel Jacoby said.

“Yes Sir,” Sergeant Levitas replied. “Sergeant Davies said she was as good as any strike force member he knew.”

“If you can believe the scuttlebutt, she’s terminated before,” Corporal 1st Class Mangham remarked. “I understand she accompanied Kincaid to some world where they rescued some abducted women and children. And Ryan and Kincaid terminated the individuals responsible.”

“I understand that Kincaid rescued her and her sisters. And Raquel hired her as an investigator,” Technical Sergeant Rahn said.

“Sergeant Davies has ask me to approve the selection of women for strike force training,” Colonel Jacoby said. “What’s your opinion?”

“Ryan proves women can make the grade, Colonel,” Master Sergeant Johnson replied. “I have to think there are other women that would qualify.”

“Colonel, we certainly need some women on security teams. When a security team have a female charge, it causes problems when they check the ladies room,” Technical Sergeant Rahn added. “Sergeant Davies said that was why he asked Ryan to accompany them. Check the ladies room before either Raquel or Maria entered.”

Exiting from the vehicle, Colonel Jacoby saw Sergeant Davies being questioned by two Marksville security officers. As Colonel Jacoby approached, one of the security officers -- a Lieutenant -- stepped forward and said, “Sir, this is security business. Do not interfere.”

Colonel Jacoby showed the Lieutenant his identification and said, “I’m Sergeant Davies commanding officer. Please permit me to confer with Sergeant Davies.” The Lieutenant didn’t appear to be too happy but stepped aside.

“Everything okay?“ Colonel Jacoby asked Sergeant Davies.

“Colonel, that Lieutenant is saying we have to surrender our blasters and ever member of the team must go to Marksville Security Headquarters to be questioned about the shooting,” Sergeant Davies replied.

Colonel Jacoby turned toward the Lieutenant and said, “Lieutenant.”

“Yes Sir,” the Lieutenant replied.

“Sergeant Davies is in charge of Doctor Creed’s security team. If you are not aware of who Doctor Creed is she the Director of the Galactic Empire Bureau of Investigation. Sergeant Davies will give you a statement here. But none of the security team will be taken to Marksville Security Headquarters for questioning. Nor will they surrender their blasters,” Colonel Jacoby told the Lieutenant.

“Sir, they terminated eight people. It is Marksville Security procedure to escort them to security headquarters to obtain written statements,” The Lieutenant said.

“As I said Lieutenant, Sergeant Davies will give you a statement. But you will not take them to security headquarters. They are to remain with their charges. That being Doctor Creed and Doctor Santos,” Colonel Jacoby said.

“Sir, I have to insist. It is Marksville Security procedure,” the Lieutenant replied.

Colonel Jacoby saw Darwin Fleischmann, Director of Arcadia Global Bureau of Investigation and waved him over. He explained what the Lieutenant was demanding. Director Fleischmann said he would have a word with the Lieutenant.

While Director Fleischmann was speaking with the Lieutenant, Colonel Jacoby motioned for Sergeant Davies to step over to the side and then said, “Master Sergeant Johnson told me that you took a prisoner. Where is he at?”

“Corporal Singh and Sergeant Romney took him to their room to question him,” Sergeant Davies replied.

“Does the Lieutenant know about the prisoner?” Colonel Jacoby asked.

“No. I considered it best to question him first,” Sergeant Davies replied.

Colonel Jacoby nodded and said, “Good thinking. Find out why they attacked you. We’ll turn him over to Marksville Security later. Now where is Raquel and Maria?”

“Raquel and Maria are in the mobile medical van. Ryan is inside with them. Rocco and Ammon are outside by the door,” Sergeant Davies replied.

“How bad are they injured?” Colonel; Jacoby asked.

“Raquel has a gash in her leg and a scraped knee. Maria is complaining about her arm or wrist,” Sergeant Davies replied.

Colonel Jacoby looked around and saw Director Fleischmann talking on his vistaview unit. And said to Sergeant Davies, “That is Darwin Fleischmann, Director of Arcadia Global Bureau. Hopefully he can resolve this controversy. Regardless, you’re not to go to Marksville Security Headquarters with him. And you will not surrender your weapon.” Then said to Master Sergeant Johnson, “You stay with Sergeant Davies. Any problem. Call me. I’m going over and check on Raquel and Maria.”

“Yes Sir,” Master Sergeant Johnson replied.

After Colonel Jacoby departed, Master Sergeant Johnson said, “You doing okay Keith?”

“I doing okay, Ray, except having to deal with that yahoo over there (nodding toward the Lieutenant). Thanks for getting here so quickly. I was about ready to punch that yahoo out,” Sergeant Davies replied, grinning.

Laughing, Master Sergeant Johnson said, “Yeah, I hear you. Rookie Lieutenant wanting to show his backside. But you were lucky confronting nine shooters.”

“Credit has to go to Ryan. She reacted first,” Sergeant Davies replied.

“You trained her for strike force, Keith,” Master Sergeant Johnson said.

“Training is one thing. Its experience that really counts. And she got her experience from Kincaid,” Sergeant Davies replied. After a moment added, “She doesn’t like to talk much about it but after Kincaid rescued her and her sisters, she went back to help Kincaid. They were outnumbered something like ten to one. She terminated a number of them before she was wounded. Kincaid found her on the battlefield and patched her up. Then she stowed away and went with Kincaid to some world where they rescued some women and children. Like Kincaid, she is a stone-cold killer. She must have over twenty confirmed kills. And Kincaid, according to Raquel, has way over one hundred confirmed kills. I wouldn’t want my team to have to go up against those two.”

They saw Director Fleischmann walking toward them, and Master Sergeant Johnson asked, “What’s the verdict Sir?”

“I managed to contact the Lieutenant’s superior. You will provide the Lieutenant with an incident report; answer his questions,” Director Fleischmann replied.

“What about our weapons?” Sergeant Davies asked.

“You will not be require to surrender your weapons,” Director Fleischmann replied. Then asked, “Where did Colonel Jacoby go?”

Master Sergeant Johnson pointed toward the mobile medical van and said, “To check on Raquel and Maria.

“How is Raquel and Maria?” Colonel Jacoby asked Corporal Axelrod.

“Sir, Raquel received a cut on her leg when I pulled her down. And Maria injured her wrist or hand,” Corporal Axelrod replied.

“Where is Ryan?” Colonel Jacoby asked.

“Inside the medical van with Raquel and Maria, Colonel,” Corporal Axelrod replied.

Colonel Jacoby tapped on the door and Ryan open it. Then stepped outside.

“How bad are the wounds?” Colonel Jacoby asked.

“Raquel had a cut on her leg that requited four or five stitches. And Maria only had a sprained wrist. The doctor put what he called a soft cast on her wrist, Sir. They’ll be out in a minute,” Ryan replied.

“I understand you were hit. Are you okay?” Colonel Jacoby asked.

“It stung but the ballistic jacket stopped the projectiles. I’m okay,” Ryan replied.

“Sergeant Davies said you done good,” Colonel Jacoby said.

“Thank you, Sir. I was just doing my job,” Ryan replied.

The door opened and Maria exited from the medical van. Colonel Jacoby offered his hand to assist her. And ask, “Are you okay?”

“Just a sprained wrist. I’m okay,” Maria replied.

A moment later Raquel exited and Colonel Jacoby offered her his hand to assist her. “Then asked, “Are you okay?”

“Just a scratch on my leg. But the doctor insisted on some stitches,” Raquel replied.

Major Justice’s vistaview unit buzzed for attention. He saw that it was Harvey calling from the world of Wagoner. “How is everything on the world of Wagoner?” Major said answering the call.

“We apprehended the perpetrators that were breaking into warehouses. It was some teenagers. All security had to do was stake the warehouses out. They really didn’t need me. But security officers here leave a lot to be desired,” Harvey explained.

“What you’re telling me, security there should have been able to take care of their problems,” Major said.

“Right. But their training program leaves a lot to be desired. And Captain Allison is wanting me to remain a few more days and set up a training program,” Harvey said.

“Okay, your call,” Major replied. “There is not much happening around here.”

“I’ll give it five days and then return,” Harvey said.

“Okay, whatever you need to help them out,” Major replied. “Keep me advised.” And severed the call.

Major no sooner severed the call to Harvey when his vistaview unit buzzed again. He saw that it was Maria calling. “Hi. How is the conference going?” Major said.

“Okay I guess,” Maria replied.

“Okay? You don’t sound too excited,” Major replied. “Is everything okay?”

“We… we were attached,” Maria said.

“Attacked? Are you okay?” Major said is a concerned tone of voice.

“I‘m fine. Just sprained my wrist when Sergeant Romney pulled me down,” Maria replied.

“And Raquel?” Major asked.

“She received a cut on her leg when Ammon pulled her down.

“You sure you’re okay?” Major asked again.

“I’m fine Major. The team eliminated the attackers. Ryan terminated four of them,” Maria said.

“Four? How many were there?” Major asked.

“There were nine. They terminated all but one,” Maria replied.

“What were they wanting? To assassin you and Raquel?” Major asked.

“According to the one that surrender, they’re a separatist group from the World of Edinburgh. Some fifty standard galactic years ago the terrestrial government ousted the governor of one of the continents. They planned to hold Raquel hostage until the terrestrial government reinstated the governor of that continent,” Maria explained.

“Why did they oust the governor?” Major asked.

“That man that surrender didn’t know why they ousted the governor,” Maria replied.

“So they wanted to abduct you and Raquel and didn’t know why they were doing it?” Major said.

“Doesn’t make any sense does it?” Maria replied.

Captain Chun was exiting the gravitational pull of the world of Jenolan when Doug’s vistaview buzzed. He saw it was Sergeant Davies. “Hello Keith. Enjoying your vacation?” Doug said, answering the call.

“No vacation. A hit team tried to abduct Raquel,” Keith replied without preamble.

“Is Raquel okay?” Doug asked, concern radiating in his voice..

“She’s okay. Maria is okay. Raquel received a cut on her leg when Ammon pulled her down and covered her. And Maria sprained her wrist,” Keith replied.

“And you and your team?” Doug asked.

“We’ve good. Ryan took a couple in the abdomen but her ballistic jacket stopped the projectiles. And Satyam took one in the chest. Likewise, his ballistic jacket stopped the projectile. But credit has to go to Ryan. She took out four of them,” Keith said. “She’s good.”

“Well, you trained her. She should be,” Doug replied, grinning, although Keith could not see him.

“Training only goes so far. I credit the experience she gained working with you,” Keith replied.

“What did this hit team want?” Doug asked.

“They were from the world of Edinburgh. According to the one that surrender, some fifty galactic years ago the terrestrial government ousted the governor from one of the continents. They planned to hold Raquel hostage until the terrestrial government reinstated the governor of that continent,” Keith explained.

“They ousted the governor some fifty years ago and they’re now seeking revenge?” Doug said frowning.

“Yeah, crazy isn’t it? The man that surrender said they had appealed to the Empire Governing Committee but they refused to do anything,” Keith said.

“I’m glad everyone is okay. And thanks for calling me,” Doug said.

After severing the call from Keith, Doug called Raquel.

“Hi,” Raquel said. “Have you arrived on Earth yet?”

“This is a cargo spaceship. Planet-hopping like the time we traveled from Earth to the world of Trenton,” Doug replied. “But I understand you had some excitement?”

“Who told you that?” Raquel replied.

Smiling, although Raquel could not see him, Doug said, “I have my sources.”

“Ryan,” was all Raquel said.

Rather than acknowledge who had called, Doug said, “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine. Just a scratch on my leg when Ammon pulled me down,” Raquel replied.

“And Maria?” Doug asked.

“She sprained her wrist when Romney pulled her down,” Raquel replied. Then asked, “Have you been able to contact Lily and find out what she needs?”

“No. Intergalactic communications is terrible. As Issie explained it, Earth only has one hyperwave band wave. It’s hard to establish a connection,” Doug replied.

“When do you expect to arrive on Earth?” Raquel asked.

“Not sure. Another twenty plus days. Like I said, this is a cargo ship and it stops on every world it comes to. But when we arrive on Earth, we’ll land at Beijing,” Doug replied. Then asked, “What about you? How much longer are you planning to remain there?”

“We’ll be departing tomorrow. We should arrive back on the world of Trenton in six days,” Raquel replied.

“You be careful. And listen to Keith. He knows what he’s doing,” Doug said.

“They won’t let me out of their sight, especially Ryan. She stays with me and Maria. And speaking of Ryan, she’s here and wanting to speak to you.

A moment later Ryan said, “Hi.”

“Hi yourself,” Doug replied. “According to Keith, you thwarted the ambush. Keith has nothing but high praise for you.”

“Hey! Just doing my part,” Ryan flippantly replied.

“I understand you got hit. You okay?” Doug quizzed Ryan.

“It stung but I’m okay,” Ryan replied.

“If I forgot to tell you, you’re okay in my book,” Doug said.

“Thanks. I really appreciate hearing that from you,” Ryan said a little emotional.

“Take care of Raquel and Maria, and yourself, and I’ll see you when I return,” Doug said.

“You take care of yourself. I won’t be there to protect you. And next time you go to Earth you have to take me,” Ryan said.

“Deal,” Doug replied and severed the call.

It was the fourteenth day after departing from the world of Jenolan. And they had landed on the world of Waco. Captain Chun had already made two stops. Doug was not sure if it was to unload or take on additional cargo. On each stop, Captain Chun had explained that they would probably be there no longer than twelve hours. He further explained that the terminal arcade area provided showers for spaceship crews and there should be no problem if Doug and his companions wanted to use the facilities.

Doug, Javelle, Zenobia and Issie had all took advantage of the showers and the opportunity to get off the spaceship and stretch their legs.

Captain Chun met them at the hatch door as they started to descend. “We’ll have an overnight delay here on Waco,” Captain Chun said. Then went on to tell them that Waco was also the name of the city and that they should encounter no problems if they wanted to take a for-hire ground vehicle into the city.

“You can stay in the transit hotel here at the spaceport or there is a very nice hotel as you enter the city of Waco,” Captain Chen told them. “Just be back here no later than noon tomorrow.”

It was the early morning hours when they had landed. By the time they had cleared customs and walked outside to catch a for-hire ground vehicle, it was daylight.

The driver seemed to be one of those talkative fellows and Doug did not feel in the mood to talk so he held the front door open and indicated that Issie should ride up front. Issie, being inquisitive and always asking questions, would be happy to engage him in conversation, Doug guessed.

Doug was not sure who was the most talkative, Issie or he driver. Issie had asked him something about the world of Waco and the driver was telling her that most of the population had migrated from some country on Earth that produced cattle. And how Waco was the major beef producing world in the Galaxy.

Doug blocked out most of their conversation as they drove into the city of Waco. He did notice large herds of cattle in the fields that past.

When they arrived at the hotel, Doug was going to suggest to Zenobia that they share a room but before he could, Zenobia announced that she and Issie would once again share a room as they had been sharing a cabin on the spaceship.

Doug looked at Javelle and rolled his eyes and shook his head. Javelle gave him one of his rare smiles. Then leaned forward and whispered in his ear, “I’m going to take a walkabout around the city. You and Zenobia will then have some privacy.”

They arrived back at the Waco Intergalactic Spaceport a little before noon. Doug walked out on the spaceship landing apron and saw three more Reilly World transport spaceships sitting on landing pads. And he saw Captain Chen talking to a woman, wearing a billed cap with an emblem that read ‘Reilly World Transport.’

A few minutes later Issie came out and was looking at the spaceships.

Doug saw the woman turn, and as she did, raised her hand and waved back at Captain Chun.

Ossie had joined Issie and was asking her what she had done the night before. She was telling him about the city tour they had taken the evening before. And about stopping at a fancy restaurant and having a great steak dinner.

Captain Chun had joined them now and listened to Issie a minute and then walked over to Doug and said, “If you are wondering, the word of Waco is a major producer of beef. And Reilly World Transport is the major transport company because they have self-contained refrigerated containers that can transport meat products. I don’t know how many refrigerated container ships they have but ships arrive and depart daily. That woman I was talking to was Captain Iraheta. She is one of a very few female cargo spaceship captains.”

They had landed on the world of Gallagher twelve days after leaving the world of Waco. Captain Chun had made two stops in between Waco and Gallagher to unload or take on more cargo. Captain Chun had again explained that they would probably be there no longer than twelve hours. He further explained that the terminal arcade area provided showers for spaceship crews and there should be no problem if Doug and his companions wanted to use the facilities.

Before landing on the world of Gallagher, however, Captain Chun had summoned Doug to the flight deck. When Doug had arrived, Captain Chun had explained that they would soon land on the world of Gallagher. And it would be an overnight stop.

“The world of Gallagher is not one of my favorite worlds to visit,” Captain Chun had said. “These people will steal you blind if you’re not careful. And I definitively discourage you from going into the city, especially at night. There are gangs that will slit your throat for a credit.”

“What do you recommend, Captain?” Doug asked.

“I’m aware that one gets the closed-in feeling traveling on a spaceship, particularly a cargo ship, for so many days. But I would recommend that you spend the night onboard,” Captain Chun said. “I won’t even permit my crew to spend the night even in the transit hotel at the spaceport. We‘ll be spending the night onboard.”

“Thanks for the advice Captain,” Doug said. “I’ll tell the others we’ll be staying onboard tonight.”

As Doug started to leave, Captain Chun called out after him, smiling, “Look on the bright side, we’ll be on Earth within the next four days.”

Everyone was becoming weary from so many days travel in a spaceship, especially a cargo spaceship that did not provide for luxurious. It did have a galley and Soo Lin (the only woman crew member) was an excellent cook.

Even Issie, normally always excited and looking forward to the next stopover, which would provide a new adventure, had become moody and withdrawn. And Zenobia said little more than hello when she seen Doug. The only one in the group that appeared to be unfazed was Javelle. And Doug thought: Being a robot, he could have probably sit in the corner, with his legs crossed and hands raised in the air, the entire trip and would never complain.

It shook Doug out of his reverie when Javelle had proclaimed, “I’m glad this trip is almost over.” And Doug had to smile at the thought of a robot becoming depressed.

Javelle had made the comment after Captain Chun had announced over the comm system that they had made the final jump and was now on the final approach before landing on Earth.

Before disembarking at the Beijing Intergalactic Spaceport (although Doug was not certain if it could be called an ’intergalactic spaceport), Doug had visited each crew member and gave them a five hundred credit tip.

He had waited until last before entering the galley where Soo Lin was still busy finishing cleaning up and storing things away. “Soo Lin, I wanted to come by and thank you for all the great meals and all you have done for us,” Doug said. Then placed ten one hundred credit notes in the pocket of the apron Soo Lin always wore.

Doug turned to leave and Soo Lin pulled the credit notes out of her apron pocket and saw how much it was. And called after Doug, “No, no, too much, too much, you take some back.”

“For all you have done for us, Soo Lin, you have earned it,” Doug hollowed back over his shoulder.

Doug saw Captain Chun standing by the galley door. Captain Chun extended his hand to Doug, and said, “Thank you. Soo Lin still has family in the Beijing area she helps financially. That will go a long way to help them.”

Doug again offered to pay Captain Chun for the ride. But Captain Chun had again declined. Doug had offered to pay Captain Chun back on the world of Jenolan when they had first met. But Captain Chun had refused then, saying that anyone willing to travel in a spaceship, especially a cargo spaceship, for thirty days or more, and contend with all the stops should not have to pay. “Just be sure and take care of my crew,” Captain Chun had said.