The Empire: Called back to Earth

They had traveled another hour or more when Javelle stopped. Javelle waved for Ossie to drive up alongside. Doug could see another road to the left and there was a road sign with an arrow pointing left and an arrow pointing straight ahead.

It appeared that Javelle was conferring with Ossie. A few moments later, Javelle continued forward and turned left onto that road.

“Is Javelle lost?” Zenobia asked.

“I don’t think so. There is an arrow on that sign pointing to the left and it reads Changchun,” Doug answered Zenobia. “That is the way we want to go. Javelle was probably double checking with Ossie that that was what the sign said. “That other road goes to Dandong.”

They had traveled nearly another two hours. Zenobia said she was getting hungry and wished that Javelle would stop. “We should be nearing Changchun,” Doug told her. “That is where Lily lives.”

It was not more than ten minutes later when Javelle stopped. He exited from the HumVee and walked back to Doug. “My GPS indicates we should turn there on that road. Is that the right road to turn on?” Javelle asked.

“I don’t know, Javelle. It has been so long since I was at Lily’s place. And I was not driving and did not pay much attention to the roads.” Doug took his vistaview unit and checked the GPS reading. “My GPS indicates we should turn left but also looks like we should travel a little further. Drive ahead and see if there is another road to the left.”

Javelle started walking back to his HumVee. Ossie and Issie had exited from their HumVee. Javelle stopped momentary, obviously because Ossie had asked him something. Javelle continued walking and Ossie and Issie got back into their HumVee.

Javelle drove for another kilometer and then turned left onto a dirt road that looked as if it was frequently traveled. Javelle stopped and Ossie stopped behind him. Doug continued and stopped alongside Javelle. “I can’t be certain, Javelle, the place looks like it has changed. But I think this is the right road.”

“You should drive ahead. No one will recognize me,” Javelle said.

Doug drove ahead and had traveled nearly two kilometers. He keep trying to identify landmarks but he could not recognize any landmarks. He had driven nearly another two kilometers when he saw the first house. Then begun recognizing where he was. He remembered the bridge they would have to cross but there was a barricade blocking the bridge with some sign he could not read. Doug assumed that it read ’bridge out’ or something like that.

He stopped back from the barricade when he saw an elderly man sitting outside one of the houses. “Excuse me, how can I drive ahead?” Doug asked the elderly man, hoping he understood Galactic Standard. Otherwise, he would have ask Ossie to translate.

“Where do you wish to go?” the elderly man asked in reply.

“I have come to visit Lily Ham,” Doug said.

“And who are you?” the elderly man asked”

“My name is Doug, Doug Kincaid,” Doug answered.

“Ah, yes,” the elderly man replied. “Miss Lily said to expect you. You will need to park your ground vehicles over there,” pointing. “Everything will be safe. I will watch after them.”

Doug pulled over and parked in the area the elderly man had indicated. “Are you sure these vehicles will be safe here?” Zenobia asked.

“I don’t like leaving those weapons in the vehicles, but yes, I’m pretty sure everything will be safe,” Doug said. “Take your personal bag with you. If we need anything else I will come back and get it.”

Doug exited and waved and pointed for Javelle and Ossie to park their HumVees. Then walked over to the elderly man, still sitting his chair. “I have a lot of stuff in the vehicles.”

“Sir, I assure you that everything will be safe. Miss Lily would probably terminate me if I permitted anything being stolen,” the elderly man said.

“Is Miss Lily okay? I have been unable to contact her.” Doug said.

Displaying a wide smile, showing a missing front tooth, the elderly man said, “Miss Lily, she is as naughty as ever.”

Doug smiled hearing the elderly man say Lily was as naughty as ever. He also felt a sigh

of relief knowing she was okay. Doug bowed to the elderly man and said, “Thank you Sir.

Everyone had gotten their personal bags from the HumVees. Issie’s enthusiasm had returned and she wanted to know which way to go. Doug indicated the foot bridge and then follow the road. And she raced ahead.

As Issie stepped off the foot bridge, a flock of guinea fowl started screaming. If one never herd guinea fowl before it could cause a cold chill run down your spine. Issie stopped dead in her tracks as Zenobia exclaimed, “What is that?”

Doug had to smile seeing their reaction. His grandfather had a flock of guinea fowl and if a stranger came by they would start their screaming. “Guinea fowl,” Doug told Zenobia. Seeing Issie still standing, obviously wondering what was making the noise because she could not see the guinea fowl in the brush and trees, Doug yelled across the bridge, “Guinea fowl, Issie. They won’t harm you.”

Across the footbridge, Zenobia slipped her arm into Doug’s and asked, “How far do we have to walk?

“About a kilometer or two. Not far,” Doug said.

Javelle and Ossie were bringing up the rear. Doug could hear them taking but not what they were saying. “Does your friend know so many people are coming?” Zenobia asked. “She might not appreciate seeing so many people.”

“No, but one thing I know, if Lily likes you she will make you feel right at home,” Doug said. “Of course, if she does not like you…” He left the sentence unfinished.

Doug and Zenobia had walked and talked for nearly fifteen minutes when Doug saw Issie stop and look. Then she looked back at Doug. Doug mentally detected the brain wave signature of Lily. He quicken his pace, literally pulling Zenobia along.

When Doug saw Lily, he dropped the bag he was carrying, rushed forward, scooped Lily up in his arms, whirled her around and said, “Lily Ham, how have you been?”

“I would be fine if you would put me down Doug Kincaid,” Lily commanded.

“I see that your spies called ahead and told you I had arrived,” Doug said smiling. “Probably the elderly man where we had to leave the ground vehicles.

Lily only looked at Doug and made no reply. Issie had approach and Lily took her hands in hers and looked into her eyes, then said, “Yes, you are a wild and adventurous one. I can understand why you would want to travel with Doug. What do you do my Dear?”

Smiling, Issie said, “I am Raquel’s office manager, when I am there.”

“I am not sure Raquel needs a wild one but otherwise she chose wisely,” Lily said. “Welcome Dear.”

Lily then took Zenobia’s hands in hers, looked into her eyes and said, “Yes, you are a very important woman. What do you do, my Dear?”

“I am the Ambassador for the world of Maple World,” Zenobia replied.

“Yes, and a heart full of love for that one,” Lily said, nodding toward Doug. “He is absolutely and totally loyal but you may find it difficult to tame him, my Dear.”

Doug could see that Zenobia was blushing.

Lily then took Ossie’s hands in hers and looked up into his eyes. Ossie’s wide signature smile light up his face. Lily said, “You are one very intimidating man but also a gentle giant. And you have recently been wounded.”

Ossie lost his smile and it was replaced by a questionable look. “I will attend to your wounds shortly,” Lily said.

Lily then went to Javelle. Took his hands in hers and look up into his eyes. Lily stared into his eyes for the longest time. She released Javelle’s hand and said, “Soo Shi

made sandwiches and fixed tea. Everything is on the table. Please go and help yourselves. I want to speak to these two alone,” indicating Doug and Javelle.

When Zenobia, Issie and Ossie left, Lily turned back to Javelle and said, “I am sure Doug knows you’re a robot. Do the others?”

“No Madam,” Javelle replied.

“I have heard stories about a humaniform robot. His name was R. Javelle Jovok. He disappeared. You are R. Javelle Jovok.”

Lily said it as a statement, not a question. But Javelle answered, “Yes Madam, I am R. Javelle Jovok.”

“Come, Soo Shi has prepared food and refreshments,” Lily said, leading the way. “I am sure you do not require food Javelle. I am also sure you are capable of pretending.”

“Yes Madam,” Javelle said.

“My friends call me Lily, Javelle. You may call me Lily,” Lily said.

“Yes Madam,” Javelle replied.

Soo Shi had prepared a large plate of sandwiches, including sweet rolls and fruit. And there was a pot of hot green tea. Doug saw that Ossie was eating with gusto. And figured he had been half starved on the trip here.

“Sorry I could not get here sooner, Lily,” Doug said. “Now what is this problem you want me to help you with?”

“There is no hurry. I will tell you in the morning,” Lily said.

Everyone looked first at Lily and then Doug. Doug picked up another sandwich and begun to eat. He knew there was no need to argue. Lily would tell him when she was ready.

Everyone ate for a few minutes and then Zenobia asked, “How did you and Doug meet?”

“When I visited a military base. I recruited him?” Lily replied.

“She abducted me,” Doug remarked. Then took another bit of his sandwich.

They had finished eating and Lily said to Zenobia and Issie, “Come Dears, I know just what you need. And bring your personal bag.”

As Zenobia and Issie followed Lily into the house, Ossie asked, “What are we supposed to do?”

“I don’t know about you but I think I will have another sandwich and cup of tea,“ Doug said. Doug would have preferred a good cup of coffee but green tea was all that Soo Shi had provided.

“How did she know I had been wounded?” Ossie asked.

“I really do not know how that old woman knows a lot of things Ossie, she just seems to know,” Doug said. “But she likes you and you are her friend. Otherwise, she would never have invited you to lunch.”

“Perhaps I should not have eaten so much,” Ossie said, with a guilty sound in his voice.

“Soo Shi fixed plenty of food, Ossie, I am sure Lily wanted everyone to have plenty to eat. Here, have another sandwich,” Doug said, as he pushed the plate with sandwiches toward him.

Lily returned shortly and said to Ossie, “Come, I will look after your wounds now.”

Lily and Ossie were not gone long until they returned. Doug heard Ossie say to Lily, “That feels better already, Miss Lily. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome Ossie.” Then said to Doug, “Try not to get him shot again.”

“Tell me again,” Master Fēng said, “where you found them.

“Master Fēng, we found those two walking back toward Beijing,” Master Fēng’s protégé said. “When I questioned them, all they said was that their ground vehicle had gone over the embankment and they were told to walk back to Beijing.”

“They wrecked their ground vehicle? How?” Master Fēng inquired.

“It did not appear that they wrecked, Master Fēng,” Master Fēng ’s protégé said. “When I found the ground vehicle, it looked as if it had been driven over the embankment.”

“Were they injured?” Master Fēng asked his protégé.

“They did not appear to have sustained any injuries Sir,” Master Fēng ’s protégé answered. “Although their ground vehicle had overturned and received considerable damage.”

“Their ground vehicle goes over the embankment, receives considerable damage but they are uninjured,” Master Fēng recited. “Were they drinking, were they drunk? Had they been smoking that wildweed?”

“No Master Fēng,” Master Fēng ’s protégé replied. “I could not smell alcohol or the after odor of wildweed on them.”

“And you say they have no knowledge of wrecking. Only that they were told to walk back the way they had been driving. Strange,” Master Fēng. said. “What about those five? What is their story.”

“Stranger still, Master Fēng. I found them alongside the road. They appeared to have collapsed from exhaustion,” Master Fēng ’s protégé said.

“From exhaustion? Explain,” Master Fēng ordered.

“When I questioned them, they said they were ordered to run until they could run no more,” Master Fēng ’s protégé said. “Apparently, that is what they done. They could not even stand without assistance.”

“What about the weapons they had? What about the HumVee?” Master Fēng asked.

“I found no trace of the weapons or the HumVee they were supposed to have had,” Master Fēng ’s protégé replied.

“What did they say happened to them?” Master Fēng questioned.

“All they would say was that that were ordered to run until they could run no more Master,” Master Fēng’s protégé answered. “I repeatedly asked them what happened but that is all they would say.”

“All they would say? Go question them again. I demand to know what happened,” Master Fēng ordered. “Hang them up by their thumbs if you need to. But find out what happened,” Master Fēng ordered his protégé.

Clearly becoming uncomfortable, Master Fēng ’s protégé said, “Master, I do not believe torture will provide us with answers. They acted like, like, like their memory had been erased. Like, like, like they were hypnotized.”

“Hypnotized?” Master Fēng said, as he looked sternly at his protégé. “No one can be hypnotized against their will. Question them again. They have obviously concocted some scheme so as to not pay they share of tribute taken from travelers.”

“Master, I will do as you order, but I do not think they are faking nor is this a scheme to get out of paying. They had collapsed from exhaustion and their feet were so blistered they could not even stand,” Master Fēng ’s protégé said. “And there is more.

“More? What do you mean more?” Master Fēng said, his voice clearly indicating he was becoming highly agitated.

“Yes Master. A truck driver that freely pays tribute, reported that something similar happened to Mr. Yuán,” Master Fēng ’s protégé said.

“Explain,” Master Fēng ordered.

“According to the truck driver, he came upon the stretch of road controlled by Mr. Yuán. Mr. Yuán’s HumVee was not blocking the bridge as usual. Instead, the truck driver saw, back from the bridge, three HumVees parked alongside the road. He slowed down, not sure what was happening. He then saw a man walking across the road carrying a rifle blaster. The man was tall and did not look oriental. When the man saw the truck, he waved for it to continue and never tried to stop it,” Master Fēng’s protégé explained.

“Then what happened?” Master Fēng asked.

“About a quarter of a kilometer further down the road, the truck driver came upon Mr. Yuán and the other members of his group,” Master Fēng’s protégé replied. “He stopped and asked Mr. Yuán why he was walking. Mr. Yuán only said that he was told to stop charging travelers to use the road and to walk home.”

“What did the driver say happened to Mr. Yuán?” Master Fēng prodded his protégé.

“Only that Mr. Yuán said that he was told to stop charging travelers to use the road and to walk home Master,” Master Fēng’s protégé answered. “Mr. Yuán did tell the truck driver that two of his men had been terminated. And when he got back to the village he could get another ground vehicle and come back and retrieve them.”

“Two of his men terminated! Who terminated them?” Master Fēng wanted to know.

“I do not know Master. And the truck driver said that Mr. Yuán did not know. He only knew that they had been terminated,” Master Fēng’s protégé answered. “The truck driver said he had volunteered to go back and get the bodies. As he approached the three HumVees, the same man walked back out front, still carrying the rifle blaster. Mr. Yuán had yelled at him he was going to retrieve the bodies and the man waved for him to continue. While they were retrieving the bodies, the three HumVees pulled out and continued north on the road toward Shenyang Provenance.”

“How many men were there?” Master Fēng asked.

“The truck driver said he saw two men and one woman. But he thinks there was another man there,” Master Fēng’s protégé replied.

“What about Mr. Yuán’s weapons and HumVee? Did this man -- or those men -- take them?” Master Fēng questioned.

“The truck driver said he had no knowledge about any weapons but thought that one of the HumVees was Mr. Yuán’s. But when he asked Mr. Yuán if the HumVee was his, Mr. Yuán only said that…”

Master Fēng’s protégé was interrupted when Master Fēng said, “Yes, yes, I know. He was told to stop charging travelers to use the road and to walk home.”

“Yes Master,” his protégé acknowledged.

“Did you call Mr. Wèi at the ground vehicle rental agency to find out what kind of man he rented that HumVee too,” Master Fēng asked his protégé.

“Yes Master. He said it was a ‘western’ man, a foreigner,” Master Fēng’s protégé replied.

“Then go to the road and question every truck driver and convoy that passes. Find out if they saw a ‘western’ man or foreigner driving a HumVee north toward Shenyang Provenance,” Master Fēng ordered his protégé. “I want to know where that man or men went.”

Lily asked Doug, while they waited for Issie and Zenobia to return, if he had encountered any problems traveling from Beijing to Shenyang Provenance.

Doug told her about encountering the bandits and about Ossie being shot at the second road block. And about terminating the two bandits that had shot Ossie. Then explained about the bandits having the 7mm rifle blasters.

“To my knowledge, these 7mm rifle blasters were never supposed to have been shipped to Earth. Only to security forces on other worlds,” Doug told Lily. “I’m guessing they were stolen from a security force on one of the worlds. Then shipped to Earth.”

“You have any idea who is dealing in black market blasters here on Earth?” Doug asked Lily.

“No, I have no knowledge of anyone dealing in black market blasters,” Lily replied. “Law and order is declining here on Earth. There are no security forces to investigate any type of black market activity today. Nor any other type of illegal activities, for that matter. You have any idea how they are being smuggled to Earth?”

“My guess, some independent hauler delivered them. Probably involved in the black market of weapons,” Doug said. Then told Lily about the independent haulers engaged in transporting abducted women and children. And concluded, saying, “And I saw three independent spaceships at the Beijing Spaceport when we landed.”

“How are you dealing with finding where the weapons were stolen?” Lily asked.

“I gave the serial numbers to Major. He is trying to find where they were shipped to,” Doug told Lily.

“You may find where they were shipped but that will not necessarily provide a lead as to who stole them,” Lily said. Then she changed the subject and asked Doug about the Galactic Empire Bureau of Investigation; about Major and Maria, and finally Raquel.

Doug answered the questions Lily had about the Galactic Empire Bureau of Investigation; about Major and Maria, and finally Raquel.

After Doug told her about Raquel’s experience at the Galactic Empire Convention, Lily said, “Yes, I finally received a copy of that hyperwave broadcast. Raquel has done a great job. Tell her how proud I am of her.”

Doug then told her about the trip to the world of Ryye and rescuing the women and children. (Because Ossie was present, he did not mention Ma and Pa and the encampment they had built). And Sir Grayson coming to meet him when they had made a stopover on Racine, where Sir Grayson now resided with his children. “I am sure Sir Grayson was very happy to see you,” Lily commented.

He then told her about the mysterious ‘Controller’ and how he and Javelle had first thought that the ‘Controller’ was behind the plot to discredit Senator Murrell Dived from becoming Chairman. And finally about the ‘Controller’ calling him.

Zenobia and Issie emerged and Doug saw that they had changed into clean cargo pants and clean shirts. They had combed their hair and even applied a little makeup.

Ossie stood up, whistled and explained, “Who are these beauties?”

Zenobia and Issie posed and smiled. Issie said, “Guess what she has? She has a hot tub.”

After the evening meal, Lily motioned for Doug to accompany her. They started walking down the dirt road, back toward the village where they had left the HumVees. As they walked, Lily said, “I learned of George Gonzales being murder on the world of Dwyer. You did not say anything about George or the world of Dwyer. Did you make the ‘midnight run’ to settle the debt?”

Doug then told Lily about going to the world of Dwyer. About terminating D’Angelo and his crime syndicate. About rescuing the women and Lynda Ryan. And Ryan’s part in eliminating the crime syndicate and how Ryan was now an investigator. Then told her about Ryan stowing away on Captain Nelson’s spaceship to accompany Doug and Javelle to the world of Ryye. Then told her about Ma and Pa and the encampment they had created on the world of Ryye.

“Don’t Ma and Pa and the others want to return to their home worlds?” Lily asked.

“As I explained Lily, most were abducted at a young age. Ma, for example, does not even know what her birth name is or what world she was born on. Except for Pa, who went to the world of Ryye to work, most of the others do not know what world they came from,” Doug explained to Lily. “No, they have resigned to the fact that the world of Ryye is now their home world.”

“It is kind of you to assist them, especially with medical supplies,” Lily said. “Do you plan to go back to the world of Ryye and visit them?”

“I would like to go back and check up on them,” Doug replied. “But except for some needed items -- like medical supplies -- they are quite adapted at surviving on their own. And, of course, I get called away on other matters.”

“Like an old woman summoning you back to Earth,” Lily said, with an enigmatic smile playing across his lips.

“You know I would come and help you Lily,” Doug answered with an ingratiating smile. “And just when are you going to tell me what you need my help with?”

“Soon,” was all Lily said, with the enigmatic smile still playing across his lips.

“Ah! The mysterious Lily Ham,” Doug said, grinning.

They walked in silence a few minutes. Then Doug said, “Oh! I have something I want to show you. Doug retrieved his vistaview unit from his pocket, scrolled through it until he found the pictures. Then scrolled through the pictures until he came to the panda pictures and handed the unit to Lily.

Lily gasp in surprise as she covered her mouth with her right hand. After a moment she reached out to take the vistaview unit and said, “Are… are those pandas?”

“They are Lily. Me and Javelle stopped on the world of China. Having a day layover, we took a city tour that included visiting the zoo,” Doug replied.

“I have read about the pandas. There was supposed to have been a panda sanctuary in the old city of Chengdu,” Lily said.

“Someone rescued and protected them. Then they were transported to the world of China. The lady at the zoo said they now had over five hundred located at different zoos,” Doug replied.

“I am very happy to know they have been saved,” Lily said as she handed the vistaview unit back to Doug.

The birds gave up an endless cacophony of sound as Lily and Doug resumed walking toward the village, as the sun was slowing setting in the west. “So you have no idea who this mysterious ‘Controller’ is, where he is or what he wants?” Lily asked.

“As I before explain, Lily, me and Javelle had first thought the ’Controller’ had engineered a plot to discredit Senator Murrell Dived from becoming Chairman of the Empire. But eventually discovered that it was Ambassador Darren McClan from the world of Dwyer,” Doug replied. “I did not ask D’Angelo, before I terminated him, but suspect D’Angelo was actually the one behind the attempt to discredit Dived.”

“What would D’Angelo have gained by discrediting Dived, other than getting another Ambassador elected Chairman?” Lily prodded.

“I don’t know, Lily, without Ambassador DeMont Witzberger of BaBar was in his pocket. Witzberger was the next leading candidate after Dived,” Doug answered. “But when the attempt to discredit Dived failed, Witzberger left Trenton immediately or the world of BaBar recalled him. I am not sure which. Anyway, I wish I would have had an opportunity to question Witzberger before he left.”

They were approaching the house where the old man lived that said he would watch the ground vehicles. The old man was still sitting outside. When they approached, Lily said, “Doug, this is Mr. Liáng.”

Doug bowed and said, “Good evening sir.”

“Good evening Mr. Kincaid,” the old man answered. “Your ground vehicles are safe. Miss Lily will tell you that I will not permit anyone to touch them.”

Doug bowed again and said, “Thank you sir.”

Lily had moved ahead and when Doug caught with her, she said, “Mr. Liáng will not permit anyone to bother anything in your ground vehicles.”

As they approached a house further down the road, a younger man, about Doug’s age, walked outside. He had dark black hair and was almost as tall as Doug.

Lily said, “Doug, meet Captain Zhuó.”

Doug extended his hand and Captain Zhuó accepted it and Doug said, “Nice to meet you Captain Zhuó. It that a military rank or are you a security officer?”

“Neither, Investigator Kincaid. I am the captain of one of the convoys that travel between Changchun and Beijing,” Captain Zhuó replied. “I understand that you had a run-in with some of the highwaymen.”

Addressing him as Investigator Kincaid and knowing of his run-in with the bandits, Doug reasoned that Lily had contacted Captain Zhuó and informed him. And he wondered why she would have done that. Captain Zhuó supplied the answered.

Miss Lily contacted me and asked me to check at the Beijing spaceport, when I was there, to see if you had arrived. Sorry I missed you, Investigator Kincaid, or you could have traveled back with my convoy,” Captain Zhuó said. “You would not have had any problems with the highwaymen.”

“That’s okay Captain. And please call me Doug. We passed a number of convoys on our way. But how do you manage with all the bandits or highwaymen, as you refer to them?” Dog asked.

“We pay Master Fēng tribute, as he refers to it, to travel the roads,” Captain Zhuó replied.

“You might call it tribute but it is nothing more than robbery, Captain” Doug said.

“I know but we cannot confront Master Fēng. Did you happen to see those blasters they have?” Captain Zhuó asked.

“Yes, I, um… how should I say it -- borrowed a few of them,“ Doug said.

“And did you -- as you said, happen to borrow those HumVees, parked back there, also?” Captain Zhuó asked.

“Two of them. The other one we rented in Beijing,” Doug answered.

Captain Zhuó gave Lily a questionable look.

“I told you Captain, Doug is very resourceful,” Lily said. “Doug, I asked Captain Zhuó to permit you to travel in his convoy back to Beijing, when he leaves day after tomorrow.”

Captain Zhuó gave Lily another questionable look. “You have not told him yet.” Captain Zhuó said to Lily.

“Is there going to be a problem Captain?” Doug asked.

Captain Zhuó briefly hesitated and then said, “I do not know. After you, um… borrowed some things from his people, Master Fēng will be, um… upset.”

“And what have you not told me Lily?” Doug asked.

“Come,” Lily said as she tuned and continued walking down the road.

Doug gave Captain Zhuó a questionable look and then followed Lily down the road. He looked back and saw Captain Zhuó following.

Lily stopped at the fourth house she came to. An elderly woman walked out followed by two young children -- a boy and a girl -- that looked as if they could be no older than six or seven.

Lily did not introduce the elderly woman. Instead, said, these are my great grandchildren, Aisha and David Wong.”

“Hi guys,” Doug said with an ingratiating smile. “I’m Doug, what is your names,” as he extended his hand.

The little girl barely touched Doug’s hand and said, “I am Aisha Wong. Nice to make your acquaintance Mr. Doug.”

The little boy tried for a more manly hand shake and said, “I am David Wong. Nice to make your acquaintance Mr. Doug.”

“Nice to make your acquaintance, too, but you may call me Doug,” Doug told them. Then said to Lily, “You have some beautiful grandchildren Lily.”

Aisha and David had walked over to stand alongside their grandmother. And Lily had wrapped an arm around each of them.

Doug could tell Lily was beaming with pride. “Yes, they are my pride and joy,” Lily replied. “That is why I want you to take them back with you to the world of Trenton.”

Doug, in a state of shock, looked at Lily, not sure if he fully comprehended what she had just said. “Ah!” Doug mumbled, staring at Lily with his mouth hanging open. Then turned his head to stare at Captain Zhuó. He turned back to stare at Lily and said, “Ah.”

“I have already discussed it with the children. I explained that Uncle Doug would be coming to take them back to the world of Trenton with him,” Lily said.

“Ah!” Doug said, shaking his head and looking at the children.

“I have explained that Earth is becoming too dangerous and soon no life will exist. The children understand that they will have no life here on Earth. How is it better for them to go to the world of Trenton. How you will take care of them,” Lily said.

“But…” Doug said, shaking his head and then he looked at Captain Zhuó who rolled his eyes and shook his head as if to say, leave me out of it.

“But Lily…” Doug started to say but was interrupted by Aisha, who said, “Oh, it sounds so exciting. When can we leave?”

Smiling at Aisha, Doug momentarily thought of Issie’s exuberant enthusiasm and then said to Aisha, “Soon sweetie, soon, but I need to talk to your grandmother.”

“Please return to the house, Dears, while I talk to Uncle Doug,” Lily said to Aisha and David.

When the children returned to the house, Doug said, “In an agitated voice, raising his arms and waving them, “Old woman (no one dared call Lily ‘old woman’ except Doug), what do you mean you want me to take your grandchildren to Trenton, Lily. Good Galaxy! Had I known that was what you wanted I would never have come.”

“In a calm and pleasant voice, (even smiling) Lily said, “I know you would come, Doug.”

Doug looked at Lily sternly and said, “Oh, you know me that well do you?”

“You would have come, Doug,” Lily said.

Shaking his head, Doug said, “Lily, Lily what in the Galaxy am I supposed to do with your grandchildren? How can I take care of them? There just children. If I take them to Trenton you will never see your grandchildren again. They will never see their grandmother again. How old are they?”

“Aisha is six and David is seven,” Lily answered. “And they are very smart children.”

“And probably as devious and conniving as their grandmother,” Doug said.

“No need to be sarcastic, Doug, Lily said. “I have explained everything to the children. They understand that they will never see me again. Call me a selfish old woman if you like, but I want to know my grandchildren will be able to grow up and have a safe life. They can never have a safe life here on Earth.”

“What about their parents? What do they have to say about this?” Doug asked.

“Their parents were killed,” Lily said.

“Sorry, I recall you telling me that once,” Doug replied.

“As you very well know, Doug, Earth is becoming overly polluted. We do not know how many more years until all life on Earth ceases to exist. There is little or no law and order. Earth is declining into chaos. It will only become worse. You must take the children to Trenton, where they will be safe, and will have an opportunity to grow up,” Lily lectured.

“But the bandits, the highwaymen, as Captain Zhuó calls them. The children could be harmed, even terminated before I can get them back to the spaceship,” Doug said.

“I am confident you will overcome any obstacle,” Lily said. “Besides, you have Javelle to help you.”

“I am only human, Lily. There is only so much I can do,” Doug answered. “Although Javelle is… (Remembering that Captain Zhuó was standing there, Doug caught himself before saying ‘robot‘) well… he can only do so much.”

“I am confident that will be enough,” Lily said. “Now, come, this walk back to the house.”

As they started back to Lily’s home, Doug said to Captain Zhuó, “Captain, we need to discuss the trip back to Beijing.”

Captain Zhuó nodded he understood.

On the way back to Lily’s home, Doug asked her how he was supposed to care for her grandchildren. And Lily explained. Laughing, Doug said, “Lily Ham, you are one devious old woman.”

Still somewhat in shock from what Lily had asked him to do, Doug sit down in one of the outdoor patio chairs to ponder the situation, when they arrived back at Lily‘s house. Zenobia came and sit down beside him and asked, “What have you and Lily been up to?”

“Do you know why that old woman called me back here?” Doug said.

“No, what does she need to you do?” Zenobia asked.

“Do you know what that scheming old woman wants me to do?” Doug said.

“No, and I will not know without you tell me,” Zenobia said.

“Humm, ah, sorry. My mind was a thousand light years away,” Doug said. “You will never guess what she wants me to do.”

“I am sure I can’t. So why don’t you tell me,” Zenobia said.

“She wants me to take her grandchildren (Actually, they are her great grandchildren) back to Trenton with me,” Doug said.

Zenobia just stared at Doug and finally said, “You’re kidding.”

“Nope,” Doug said.

“And how are you going to take care of two young children?” Zenobia asked.

And Doug told her the devious plan Lily had concocted. And Zenobia asked, “Do you think they will?”

Doug and Zenobia talked for a while and Doug put his arm around her shoulder and said, “Why don’t you and I spend the night in the HumVee?”

Jumping up, Zenobia said, in an outside voice, “Did you bring me clear across the Galaxy, to some isolated world, just to take advantage of me Doug Kincaid?” And she began walking away.

Hum! What did I say to make her so mad, Doug thought.

Zenobia called back, “Well, what are you waiting for. This go.”

Doug looked back at her, got up and started walking to catch up. And mumbled to himself. Women! I will never understand women. And now I have two children to look after.

Doug and Zenobia returned to Lily’s house early and found Soo Shi fixing breakfast. “I fix pot of coffee,” Soo Shi said. “Miss Lily tell me you like coffee.”

“Yes, thank you Soo Shi,” Doug replied.

After breakfast, Doug told them that he needed to go see Captain Zhuó and see if they could plot a strategy to avoid the bandits or highwaymen as Captain Zhuó referred to them. Everyone decided to walk to the village.

Javelle and Ossie led the way, followed by Issie and Zenobia. And Doug walked alongside Lily. “Your girlfriend said her father was one of the Vice Chairman of the Empire,” Lily said.

“Yes he is,” Doug replied. “I don’t think the Empire has gotten its act together yet. But Vice Chairman Kennedy is a knowledgeable and reasonable man. I believe he will strive to do what he believes is best for the Empire.”

“Zenobia also told me that they could trace their ancestors back over two thousand years to Earth ,” Lily said.

“That is what both Vice Chairman Kennedy and Zenobia both told me. And that they had been well known and active in the government. One of their ancestors had even been President of what was then referred to as the United States of America,” Doug explained.

They approached the house where Lily’s grandchildren lived and Aisha and David ran out to meet them. David stopped to greet Javelle and Ossie but Aisha ran straight to Issie. “Hi, I’m Aisha. Who are you?” Aisha asked.

“I’m Issie.” Issie replied.

“You’re a very pretty lady,” Aisha said.

Blushing, Issie looked around at everyone but said nothing. Issie never took much time with her personal appearance. Doug had only saw her dressed up one time when she had attended the Chairman’s victory party. When dressed up, Issie was a very beautiful and attractive woman.

Aisha broke the stalemate, saying, “I’m going to take a ride on a spaceship. Uncle Doug is taking me. Isn’t that exciting?”

“Yes, it sure is,” Issie replied.

“Are you going, too?” Aisha asked.

“Yes I am and it will be very exciting,” Issie answered. “Do you like computers?”

“Yes, but I only have an old one and I cannot do must with it,” Aisha replied.

“Well, I have a new one here in my bag. This go over there and sit down and I will show you how to do lots of fun things with it,” Issie said.

“Do you help Uncle Doug do fun things with your computer?” Aisha asked.

“Yes I do. I even helped him catch an assassin once,” Issie said.

“Can we catch an assassin today? Aisha asked.

“Not today,” Issie said, as she took Aisha’s hand and led her over to sit down.

“Can I call you Aunt Issie?” Aisha asked.

Doug could see that Issie was blushing again as she looked back at him. He nodded yes, and Issie said, smiling, “I would like that very much.”

“I think you have just lost a granddaughter, Lily,” Doug said. “Those two will be inseparable. Now I have to find Captain Zhuó.”

Doug walked back to find Captain Zhuó’s standing outside his house. “Good morning Captain Zhuó. How are you today?”

“Good morning Doug, I am find. Yourself.?” Captain Zhuó said.

“We need to discuss the trip back to Beijing,” Doug said.

“I know Miss Lily said you would be in control but…” Captain Zhuó started to say but Doug held his hand up to interrupt him.

“I know what Lily said Captain Zhuó.” Doug said. “But I have no intention of taking charge of your convey. I do hope, if we encounter any problems, you will consider my advice to deal with any problem that might arise.”

Doug could mentally detect that Captain Zhuó was relieved to know that he was not going to take command of his convoy. And Captain Zhuó said, “I would be happy to accept your expertise. And we very well may need it. Master Fēng has been calling the convoy captains wanting to know if they had seen a couple of HumVees with foreigners.”

“What did you tell him Captain?” Doug asked. “And talking about HumVees, you can have that one.”

“I lied. I told him I had not seen any HumVees with foreigners,” Captain Zhuó said. “As for the HumVee, they have trackers attached.”

“Not anymore. Javelle destroyed them,” Doug answered. “And there are also nine 7mm rifle blasters in that HumVee. You can have them, too. Do you have any idea how these 7mm rifle blasters are ending up on Earth. They were made for security forces on other worlds. I am not aware that they were ever supposed to be distributed to Earth. I’m guessing they were stolen.”

“No and I have no idea where Master Fēng obtained them,” Captain Zhuó said.

“Do we have to travel the same road we used traveling here to Changchun or is there another road we can use?” Doug asked Captain Zhuó.

“There are other roads but it would take us twice the time. But I understand they are not passable. The bridges are out,” Captain Zhuó replied. “Again, I am sorry that I was unable to meet you are the spaceport. Had I done so and you had traveled back with the convoy, you would not have encountered the problems with the highwaymen.”

“I tried to called Lily when I first landed at the spaceport and consulted her before leaving to drive north. But I now understand the battery in her vistaview unit was dead,” Doug said. “But the past is the past. No need to play the blame game. Any suggestions, Captain.”

“All I know to do at this point is start driving south. Perhaps I can negotiate with Master Fēng. He has always been a reasonable man,” Captain Zhuó replied.

Doug considered Master Fēng nothing more than a bandit. Someone that robbed unsuspecting travelers. But mentally detected that Captain Zhuó had respect for Master Fēng. And wondered why.

“Do I detect, Captain, that you respect Master Fēng? I thought he was nothing more than a bandit, a highwayman as you referred to him. Someone that robbed unsuspecting travelers,” Doug said. “As you told me, you and the other convoys pay him tribute to be able to travel the road.”

Captain Zhuó looked at the ground, seemingly collecting his thoughts before answering. “It’s true he charges us tribute to travel the road, Doug. And that first bunch of highwaymen you encountered may very well have robbed you. They give the convoys a hard time sometimes. We only have to call Master Fēng and he will order them to stop harassing us. Mr. Yuán, who you encountered, would have only charged you to pass. I don’t know why his men shot your friend.”

Captain Zhuó continued, “But you have to understand, Doug, humanity is in a state of decline. There is no law and order anymore. Master Fēng maintains some semblance of control over the Beijing to Shenyang Provenance road. Sometimes some of them get out of control at times. Like that group that first stopped you.”

Doug looked at Captain Zhuó who averted his gaze and looked at the ground. He was not sure what to make of Captain Zhuó’s comments. A mental scan of his brain waves told Doug he was being sincere in his comments.

“So you’re telling me that Master Fēng is really a good guy, although he requires you to pay to travel the road.” Doug said.

Looking back at Doug, Captain Zhuó said, “Compared to those that control the roads west of Beijing, where convoys are regularly ambushed, the drivers terminated and the loads stolen, then, yes Master Fēng is a good guy.”

Lily had joined them and asked, “Have you developed a strategy for getting back to Beijing?”

“I’m not sure. Mostly, we’ll play it by ear,” Doug answered. He started to ask her if she had any suggestions for dealing with Master Fēng when his vistaview unit buzzed. When he looked, he saw that it was Raquel calling.

“Hi Raquel. How are you today?” Doug said.

“I’m fine. I have tried to call a few other times but got a message -- no service available -- or something like that,” Raquel said.

“Earth does not have the more advanced hyperwave communication equipment that the other worlds have,” Doug said. “I guess the conditions have to be just right. Or the worlds aligned just right. Major and I got cut off last evening when I called him.”

“Where are you at now?” Raquel asked.

“I am here at Lily’s,” Doug replied.

“How is Lily doing?” Raquel asked.

“Here, you can ask her yourself,” Doug said, handing the vistaview unit to Lily.

“Hi Dear. How are you today.” Lily asked.

“Hi Lily,” Raquel said. “It’s so good to talk to you. How have you been?

“I have been fine Dear,” Lily said. “I saw the hyperwave broadcast from the Galactic Convention. I’m proud of you Dear. I know we made the right decision appointing you Chief Director.”

“I wish I had your confidence, Lily,” Raquel answered. “I hope Doug has been able to help you…”

The last Lily heard was, help you… And Lily said, “Hello. Hello Raquel. Are you still there?”

Lily handed the vistaview unit back to Doug and said, “I believe we lost contact.”

Doug took the vistaview unit and saw that they were no longer connected.