The Empire: Called back to Earth

Everyone had assembled at Raquel’s for breakfast. After everyone had gotten something to eat and sit down, Raquel said, “I got busy and forgot to tell you yesterday, but I was able to contact Doug, while you were at lunch.”

“He called me the night before,” Major said. “Said they had arrived at Lily’s that afternoon. He said that he had captured some more of those 7mm rifle blasters and started to give me the serial numbers and we got cut off.”

“I hardly got to say more than hello to Doug and Lily and I was cut off, too,” Raquel said.

“Earth does not have the more advanced hyperwave communication equipment that the other worlds have,” Major said. “I’m surprised that we can even connect with him at all.”

“Did you have time to ask Doug when he was returning?” Maria asked.

“No, I got cut off before I could ask,” Raquel replied. “Major, have you made any progress on finding where those 7mm rifle blasters were stolen from?”

“No, not yet. Karen has been searching but she has not found anything yet,” Major replied. “And no security force on any of the worlds have reported having any of their 7mm rifle blasters stolen. I did learn that they were manufactured by the Windfire Corporation on the world of Zebulon. That was late yesterday afternoon. But according to the time differential, it was night on the world of Zebulon. Karen is going to call them first thing this morning when we get to the office. They should have a list of serial numbers and can tell us where they were shipped to.”

There was a knock on the door and Karen walked into Major’s office. “Major, I was able to contact the Windfire Corporation. And I was finally able to reach a Mr. Mocyunas. I gave him the serial numbers of those blasters and ask him if he could tell me where they were shipped to. He told me that they could not give out that kind of information,” Karen said.

“What does this Mr. Mocyunas do?” Major asked.

“He is the information officer or Vice President of Information. Or something like that,” Karen answered.

“Contact him again,” Major told Karen. “Here, use my unit.”

Karen dialed the number. When it buzzed, she handed the vistaview unit back to Major.

“Windfire Corporation. May I help you?” a female voiced answered.

“I need to speak to Mr. Mocyunas,” Major said.

“Who shall I say is calling?” the female voice asked.

“As I am sure it shows on your identification view screen, I am Director Major Justice with the Galactic Empire Bureau of Investigation,” Major said.

“One moment please. I will see if he is in,” the female voice said. A few moments later the female voice said, “Sir, Mr. Mocyunas is not in today.”

“Mr. Mocyunas is in. He just spoke to my assistance a few minutes ago,” Major said.

“I’m sorry Sir, I meant to say he was in a meeting,” the female voice said.

“Then get him out of the meeting. I need to speak with him. It‘s important,” Major said.

“I’m sorry Sir. I cannot do that,” the female voice said.

“Fine, I will just forward this search warrant to Zebulon Security and let them search Windfire Corporation,” Major threatened.

“Sir?” the female voice said.

“I said, I will just forward this search warrant to Zebulon Security and let them search Windfire Corporation, if Mr. Mocyunas does not want to speak to me,” Major repeated.

“One moment Sir,” the female voice said.

A few moments later a male voice said, “This is Mr. Mocyunas. How may I help you?”

“My assistant gave you a list of serial numbers for 7mm rifle blasters. I need to know where they were shipped to,” Major said.

“And who is this?” Mocyunas asked.

“I’m sure your assistant gave you my name and who I represent. Now are we going to continue to play games or are you going to give me that information,” Major said.

“As I told your assistant, I cannot give out that kind of information,” Mocyunas replied.

“Fine, I’ll just send this search warrant over to Zebulon Security and they can search your records,” Major said.

“Now hold on one minute Director Justice. There is no need to go that far,” Mocyunas answered, obviously sounding nervous.

“Then talk to me,” Major said.

“Can you at least tell me what this is all about and why you need that information? Mocyunas asked.

“It’s about stolen 7mm rifle blasters,” Major said. “But I’m guessing you already knew that. Now where were they shipped to?”

There was a hesitation and then Mocyunas said, “They were not shipped. They were stored from one of our warehouses.”

“So what your telling me is that they were stolen out of one of your warehouses,” Major said. “Did you report the theft to Zebulon Security?”

“Yes, we reported the theft to Zebulon Security,” Mocyunas answered.

“How many 7mm rifle blasters were stolen?” Major asked.

Two thousand,” Mocyunas replied.

“Two thousand? Any other weapons stolen?” Major asked.

“No, only the two thousand 7mm rifle blasters. But there were twenty cases of ammunition,” Mocyunas answered.

“Does Zebulon Security have any leads about who may have stolen the weapons?” Major asked.

“No, they said they have no clue as to who may have stolen the rifle blasters,” Mocyunas said. “Can you tell me how you found out about the missing rifle blasters?”

Major hesitated a moment but knew of no reason why he should not tell him. “One of our agents found them on Earth,” Major replied.

“On Earth! How did they get there?” Mocyunas asked.

“That’s what I am trying to find out,” Major said. “If you even have another robbery, I would appreciate it if you would notify the Galactic Empire Bureau of Investigation.” And disconnected the call. And said to Karen, “Find me a number for Zebulon Security. Check with Raquel. She made a lot of contacts when she went to that security conference. Perhaps she has someone for Zebulon Security.”

Karen nodded and started to leave. Then turned back to Major and asked, “Could you have just sent a search warren to Zebulon Security and had them to search Windfire’s records?”

“It would not have been as simply as I made it sound. But, yes, I could have gotten a search warrant and had Windfire’s records searched,” Major answered, grinning.

A few minutes later Raquel entered Major’s office followed by Karen. “Karen told me that you found where the blasters were stolen from,” Raquel said.

“Yes, from Windfire’s own warehouse,” Major replied. “Zebulon Security has not confided in Windfire. I was going to call Zebulon Security and see if they have any information they are not releasing to Windfire. Did you happen to meet anyone from Zebulon Security at that security conference?”

“Karen, dial this number,” Raquel said, handing Karen her vistaview unit and pointing at a number in a notebook. “And put the call on the speaker.”

“Hello Director,” Lieutenant Owego answered. “Are you calling to accept that dinner date?”

“Lieutenant Owego is a big flirt,” Raquel said grinning and directing her comments to Major and Karen. “As I told you Lieutenant, I’m a married woman and this is an official call. This is Director Justice. He needs to ask you some questions.”

“Hello Lieutenant,” Major said. “I was just talking with Mr. Mocyunas at Windfire about those stolen 7mm rifle blasters. Who is handling that investigation?”

“Actually, I am Director Justice,” Lieutenant Owego replied.

“Mocyunas told me that Zebulon Security had not confided in him about any progress that has been made,” Major said. “Understandably you would not keep him abreast of all the progress. But can you tell me if you have made any progress.”

“We have been keeping an eye on two of the employees that work at the warehouse,” Lieutenant Owego answered. “They seem to be spending more credits than one would expect them to have working at a warehouse. And we’re trying to find a truck driver that supposedly made the delivery.”

“This truck driver work for Windfire Lieutenant?” Major asked.

“No, Windfire contracts with a local trucking firm,” Lieutenant Owego said.

“So what happened to the truck drive?” Major asked.

“Apparently he has just disappeared. When we checked with the trucking firm, they informed us that he had not shown up for work. We then checked the apartment where he was staying. All of his belongings were gone,” Lieutenant Owego explained. “We even checked the flight manifest to see if he had fled the world of Zebulon. There is no record of him leaving.”

“Did you check independent haulers? Two thousand rifle blasters packed twenty five to the case. That is eighty cases plus twenty cases of ammunition. A hundred cases total. Obviously they had to transport them off the world of Zebulon someway,” Major inquired. “These independent haulers are some shady characters that will transport anything.” And Major told him about the independent haulers transporting women and children that had been abducted.

“We’ve have had no reports of women or children being abducted,” Lieutenant Owego said. “But we did check the independent haulers. We could not find any manifest listing two thousand rifle blasters -- not that any manifest would have listed two thousand rifle blasters -- even being shipped. By the way, how did the Galactic Empire Bureau of Investigation learn of these stolen blasters?”

“One of our agents is currently on Earth. They are showing up there,” Major said.

“On Earth! How are they getting to Earth?” Lieutenant Owego asked.

“That is the big question. And what I am trying to find out Lieutenant,” Major said.

Karen whispered to Raquel, “Ask him if the truck driver was oriental.”

“Lieutenant, by any chance, was the truck driver oriental?” Raquel asked.

“Why yes. His name is Wi Péng. How did you know that?” Lieutenant Owego asked.

Looking at Karen and smiling, Raquel said, “I have some very sharp people working for me that can think on their feet. Please keep us advised of any progress and if we learn anything we will let you know.”

Looking at Major, Raquel asked, “What can we do now?”

Leaning back in his swivel chair and placing hands behind his head, Major said. “I don’t know Raquel. Maybe Doug can come up with some additional information on Earth.”

The vistaview unit woke Doug a little before 0300 hours. He got up and dressed. Then shook Ossie’s shoulder and said, “Time to rise and shine big guy.”

After a visit to the bathroom (They still called it a bathroom on Earth. Not some swanky name like personal as most of the other worlds did.), Doug gathered his personal bag and exited the room. He knocked on the bedroom door where Issie and Zenobia were sleeping. One, Doug was not sure if it was Issie or Zenobia, said “yeah, we’re awake.”

Doug entered the kitchen area and Soo Shi already had breakfast ready. “I fix coffee this morning, Doug. I know you like coffee,” Soo Shi said.

“Thank you Soo Shi,” Doug said. “Where is Javelle and Miss Lily?”

“Miss Lily and Javelle went to the village. Miss Lily wanted to say good bye to the children,” Soo Shi replied. “I offer fix breakfast for Javelle. He say he not hungry. I hope he not find cooking bad.”

“Your cooking is great Soo Shi,” Doug said. “Javelle does not eat much. Please do not be offended because Javelle did not eat.”

Soo Shi handed Doug a cup of coffee and a breakfast plate. “I am going outside to the patio area and eat,” Doug told Soo Shi. “Ossie and the girls are supposed to be awake. If they are not here in a few minutes you might want to check on them.”

Soo Shi came out on the patio carrying the coffee pot. “I thought you like more coffee.”

She filled Doug’s coffee cup and said, “You like more to eat?”

“Yes, a little more please,” Doug replied.

Soo Shi took his plate and went back inside. A few minutes later she emerged and handed Doug the breakfast plate. “You take care of children. Okay,” Soo Shi said.

“I will take care of the children Soo Shi,” Doug said. Before Doug realized it, Soo Shi was hugging him with her head resting on his chest. He heard her whisper, “Thank you,” and could tell she was weeping. She released him and returned inside.

Doug realized it was going to be an emotional departure. He hoped the children did not become too emotional when they finally realized they would never see their grandmother again.

Doug finished his breakfast and walked back inside to return the plate and coffee cup. He saw that Ossie, Issie and Zenobia were having breakfast. “I am going on to the village. Ossie, please help the ladies. And don‘t forget your blaster proof jackets.” Then walked over and placed his arm around Soo Shi’s should and said, “I will take very good care of the children. Don‘t worry.”

Part way to the village, he met Lily returning. “Everything okay Lily?” Doug asked.

“Yes, I was just saying my final good byes to the children,” Lily replied.

“You sure you want to do this Lily?” Doug asked.

“Doug, we have been over this before. The children will never be safe growing up here on Earth,” Lily said.

“Why don’t you go with us Lily,” Doug stated.

“I’m an old woman. I have had a rich and full life. I want to die here where I was born. And I can now do that knowing that the children will be safe,” Lily said. “Do you expect trouble with Master Fēng and the highwaymen?”

“I don’t know Lily. Captain Zhuó thinks we can negotiate with Master Fēng and reach a peaceful resolution. I hope we can,” Doug told her.

“And if not?” Lily asked.

“If not… well… I will do whatever needs to be done Lily. But I promise you I will keep the children safe,” Doug answered.

“I know you will,” Lily said and then hugged Doug. Releasing him, she turned and started walking home. Then turned and said, “Oh, I almost forgot,” handing Doug a wrapped package. “Give this to Captain Chun.”

Doug gave her a questionable look but she tuned and continued walking on.

When Doug reached the village, he saw a number of trucks lined up on the road. Across from the fourth truck sat two HumVees. He guessed that Captain Zhuó had taken charge of the other one. As he approached, he saw Javelle sitting with Aisha and David. When he got closer, he heard Javelle reading to them.

Aisha saw him first and ran to meet him. “Good morning Uncle Doug. Are we going on spaceship ride now?”

Doug took her hand and said, “Soon sweetie. First we have to travel to Beijing. Do you know where that is?”

“No,” Aisha said.

“Good morning David. How are you?” Doug asked.

“I’m fine Sir. Uncle Javelle was reading us a story. He said that it was written a long time ago by some man -- Shakespeare -- that lived here on Earth,” David said.

“David, Aisha, you stay here with Uncle Javelle. I have to find Captain Zhuó.” Doug told them. He walked over to the HumVee that he would drive. He placed the package Lily had given him in his personal bag and then placed the bag in the HumVee.

The eighth truck he came to had the hood raised and two men were doing something to the engine while the third held a light for them to see. Doug continued walking to the front of the convoy.

Doug saw a group of men and finally was able to see Captain Zhuó, who was talking with them. He saw a number of men carrying the new 7mm rifle blasters and guessed that Captain Zhuó had given them to the men.

Captain Zhuó saw Doug and waved. After a few minutes, Captain Zhuó turned to walked toward Doug but someone called him back. After a few minutes, Captain Zhuó started walking toward Doug but was once again called back. On the third attempt, no one called him back.

“Good morning Doug,” Captain Zhuó said as he approached. “As soon as they finish with the repairs on the truck back there we will be ready to leave. Are you ready?“

“We’re ready to go Captain,” Doug answered.

“Follow the convoy. You have my vistaview number. Any problem and you can call me,” Captain Zhuó said. Then turned to walk back to the group of men he had been talking with.

Doug walked back to where Javelle was still reading to David and Aisha. Although there was a couple of old street lights that gave off shadowed light, no one except a robot like Javelle could have seen to read in the poor light.

Ossie, Issie and Zenobia had not yet arrived and Doug wondered what was taking them so long. He saw the old man – Mr. Liáng -- that had watched over the HumVees. He took a hundred credit note out and walked over to the old man.

Doug bowed and said, “Good morning Sir.” Then extended his hand and the old man took it and Doug placed the hundred credit note in his hand and said, “Thank you Sir.” Then turned and walked back to where Javelle and the children were.

Doug heard the trucks starting up and Ossie, Issie and Zenobia had still not arrived. “Where is Aunt Issue?” Aisha asked. “She wanted to take a spaceship ride.”

“She will be here shortly,” Javelle assured her. Then said to Doug, “I topped the diesel fuel tanks off.”

The last truck was rolling out of sight when Doug saw Ossie, Issie and Zenobia walking down the road.

Aisha saw them and ran to meet Issie. When they got to the HumVees, Zenobia said, “Sorry, we did not mean to be late. But Soo Shi insisted on fixing us something to eat on the way.”

“Whose riding where?” Ossie asked.

“Ossie, you drive this HumVee while I read to David,” Javelle said.

“I guess we will take the other one,” Issie said. Taking Aisha’s hand, she said, “Come on. We’ll get in the back and I will show you some fun things to do on the computer.”

“Perhaps we can catch an assassin today,” Aisha said.

“Not today,” Issie said. “Now come on.”

When Issie and Aisha had gotten into the HumVee, Zenobia looked at Doug and asked, “What’s this about you catching an assassin?”

“I’ll tell you all about it later. We had better go,” Doug answered.

“And what about the children? This has to be an emotional rollercoaster ride for them,” Zenobia said. “Knowing they will never see their grandmother again.”

“I know. Aisha appears to be handling it okay. She is excited about going on a spaceship ride. And Issie is keeping her occupied with her computer,” Doug said. “It’s David I am more concerned about. He does not appear to be all that excited about leaving. At least Javelle is keeping him occupied.”

After making sure they had placed all their bags and personal belongings in the HumVee, Doug backed out and started down the road after the convoy, with Ossie following behind.

Doug saw the sign indicating the main road to Beijing. The same place where Javelle had stopped and conferred with Ossie on the trip north. The trucks in the convoy started pulling to the side of the road and stopping. Doug pulled over and stopped, too.

His vistaview unit buzzed and Doug saw that it was Captain Zhuó. “Yes Captain,” Doug answered.

“They’re still having some mechanical trouble with that truck. They’re going to check it,” Captain Zhuó said. “It should not be long.”

Doug saw some of the men going off into the wooded area. And Aisha told Issie she had to go to the bathroom.

The stop lasted nearly forty five minutes. Doug saw some of the drivers walking back and getting into their trucks. In a few minutes, the trucks were pulling back onto the road and moving forward.

The next stop was at the little village where they had stopped and gotten diesel fuel on the way to Changchun. Captain Zhuó had stopped while the trucks continued forward and stopped. When Doug got adjacent to Captain Zhuó, Captain Zhuó said, “We’re going to top the fuel tanks off. I would recommend you do to. And fill up any jerry cans that are not full. No more stops for fuel until we get to Beijing.”

Javelle and Ossie filled the diesel fuel tanks and jerry cans. While they were doing that, David wanted to use the bathroom and Doug had escorted him behind one of the building. As they walked back, Doug saw some of the drivers going into one of the building and returning eating something.

“I want some Uncle Doug,” David said. Issie and Aisha had walked over and joined them and Aisha said, “I want some to Uncle Doug.”

Doug was not sure what the men had bought and were eating. Or whether it was safe to eat the food. He saw the driver from the truck he had been following. A middle aged man with a pony tail and a patch over one eye. He was not sure if the man understood Galactic Standard but walked over and asked, “What are they buying and eating?”

“This is a rice cake,” the man said. “Others are getting noodles. Food safe to eat. Lady keep place real clean.”

“Does she accept Galactic Standard credits or only local currency?” Doug asked the man.

“Only local currency,” the man said. “I can exchange some local currency for credit notes if you like.”

Doug hand him a fifty credit note. The man counted out a number of bills. Doug was not sure if it added up to fifty credits but said nothing.

“He says the food is safe to ear and the place is clean,” Doug told the others. “If you want something to eat come up.”

“In addition to the noodles, Doug saw they also offered chicken fried rice and ordered a plate. Aisha and David wanted a bowl of noodles and a rice cakes. Issie and Zenobia said they would have a bowl of noodles and would share a plate of chicken fried rice. Ossie ordered a bowl of noodles and two plates of chicken fried rice.

Javelle had not came inside with them. Zenobia asked, “Why didn’t Javelle come in?”

“I’m sure he is not hungry,” Doug answered her.

“Maybe we should get him something anyway,” Zenobia said.

“I’m sure Javelle is not hungry. Now this eat,” Doug said.

Zenobia gave him a questionable looked.

Zenobia was becoming very observant of Javelle ’s idiosyncrasies, like not eating. Doug hoped she would not pressure him for more information about Javelle . They could always block her memory if she found out that Javelle was a robot but Doug hoped it would not come to that.

Doug found that the chicken fried rice plate was very good and considered getting another plate. Ossie finished his last plate of chicken fried rice, stood up and said, “I have to have one more plate of chicken fried rice. Anyone else want anything. Zenobia and Issie declined but Doug said, “Yeah, bring me another plate.”

After they finished eating, Doug handed the wad of bills the man had given him to Ossie and said, “Your familiar with the local currency. Will you pay the lady.”

It looked as if Ossie had only given the lady a third of the bills. And he handed the rest back to Doug. Knowing there would be no more stops until they reached Beijing, Doug handed all the bills to the lady. A broad smile appeared on her face and she said, bowing, “Thank you. Thank you.”

Outside, Doug saw that some of the men were still eating. Captain Zhuó passed, going back inside to return his noodle bowl. When he came back out, he said to Doug, “That convoy that passed us earlier going north evidentially called Master Fēng and told him you were in my convoy.”

“How do you know Captain?” Doug asked.

“Master Fēng called and asked me if you were in my convoy,” Captain Zhuó said.

“I hope you told him that we’re just following you, Captain,” Doug said. “I don’t want you to get into any more trouble than necessary with Master Fēng. Any idea what Master Fēng is planning to do?”

“No. When I verified that you were following my convoy, he hung up,” Captain Zhuó said.

“Any sign of trouble you call me immediately,” Doug instructed Captain Zhuó.

It was after 1400 hours when the convoy stopped at the rest area where they had stopped on the way north. The drivers exited their trucks and walked out into the woods. “I guess the women we’ll have to go across the road,” Zenobia said.

When Zenobia, Issie and Aisha returned from the trip into the woods, Zenobia asked Doug, “Do you want one of the sandwiches Soo Shi fixed for us?”

“No, I am still full after eating those two plates of chicken fried rice, but I will have a bottle of water,” Doug answered.

“Do you think Javelle wants a sandwich?” Zenobia asked.

“No, he probably does not want anything to eat,” Doug said.

“Of course he does not want anything to eat. He never eats,” Zenobia said. “I never saw him eat anything on the trip north. Not even drink a bottle of water. And only ate a small portion of food at the evening meal Soo Shi fixed and a small glass of water. What does Javelle live on?”

Doug shrugged his shoulders and said, “What can I say. Javelle does not eat much.” Doug wanted to change the subject from Javelle’s eating habits but felt stuck.

Zenobia said, “Yeah right. Ossie, you want another sandwich? I‘m sure Javelle does not want his sandwich.”

Doug was saved when a convoy coming from the south pulled into the rest area. He saw Captain Zhuó walk over to meet the man that exited from the lead HumVee and guess that the man was the captain of that convoy.

Doug moved away from Zenobia, Issie and Ossie and considered joining Captain Zhuó. Then decided it would probably be best not to interfere. The man might be reluctant to talk if he was near.

As they talked, the man would point in Doug’s direction and Captain Zhuó would look that way. Javelle had come and joined Doug. “Obviously they are talking about us,” Javelle said.

“Yes, obviously,” Doug answered. “Can you hear what they are saying?”

“No, the distance is too great,” Javelle replied. “I would venture to say he is telling Captain Zhuó that Master Fēng has sit up a road block.”

“Yes, that is what I would do,” Doug said. “And Master Fēng has probably gathered all the men he has.”

“You confident your plan to separate Master Fēng from his men will work? Javelle asked.

“I cannot be confident the plan will work. But the incentive I will be offering should stimulate his interest,” Doug replied.

“And if the plan does not work?” Javelle asked.

Doug hesitated before answering. “I really do not want to go there, Javelle. I’m trying to be optimistic that we can resolve this in a peaceful manner.”

“If not, you know I cannot help you. I cannot harm a human being,” Javelle said.

“I know Javelle,” Doug replied. “But if we fail to find a peaceful resolution, I will be depending on you to keep the children safe and get them to Trenton if I do not make it.”

“How much of the plan are you going to explain to Captain Zhuó?” Javelle asked.

“I more or less trust Captain Zhuó. But at this point, I do not want to tell him anymore than necessary. Master Fēng will no doubt contact him. I do not want him to let anything slip,” Doug told Javelle.

“We can mentally control Captain Zhuó,” Javelle said.

“Yes, but I would prefer not to do anymore mind touching than necessary,” Doug said. “We will have to make sure Captain Zhuó stops this convoy back from the ambush site a kilometer or more. We may need to imprint that command in his mind.”

“I will imprint the command in his mind,” Javelle said.

Zenobia walked over and joined Doug and Javelle and asked, “Is everything okay?”

“I’m guessing that man Captain Zhuó is talking to is the captain of that other convoy. And he is telling Captain Zhuó that Master Fēng has established a road block ahead,” Doug answered her.

“What are we going to do? I hope you have a plan,” Zenobia said.

“I have a vague plan but this wait until Captain Zhuó confirms that Master Fēng has established a road block ahead,” Doug told her.

Ossie had joined them and asked, “What is going on?”

“As I was telling Zenobia, that man Captain Zhuó is talking to is probably the captain of that other convoy. And he is telling Captain Zhuó that Master Fēng has established a road block ahead,” Doug told Ossie.

“What are we going to do?” Ossie asked.

“He said that he has a vague plan,” Zenobia said. “”I hope he knows what he is doing.”

“Ossie, if this plays out as I am expecting it to do, we’ll be stopping back about a kilometer from the road block. I want you to get one of those 7mm rifle blasters and stay with the women and children. You do what you have to do to protect Zenobia, Issie and the children,” Doug said. “Can I depend on you?”

“Yes, I will do whatever I can,” Ossie answered. “What are you going to do?”

“Javelle and I are going ahead to meet Master Fēng and hopefully negotiate a peaceful settlement to this dilemma,” Doug told Ossie.

“Why stop back a kilometer? Why not continue to the road block?” Zenobia asked.

“We have to negotiate from a position of control. Master Fēng will be in a position of total control at the road block,” Doug explained. “I have to lure him away from the road block is possible.”

“How do you plan to do that?” Ossie asked.

“By offering him enough of an incentive to make it worth his trouble,” Doug said.

“Do you think it will work?” Zenobia asked.

“At this point, I can only hope it will work,” Doug replied.

“And if not?” Zenobia asked.

Doug could mentally tell that both Zenobia and Ossie were becoming very nervous but could not think of anything to do other than be honest with them. And told Zenobia, “I prefer not to think of the alternative.” With an ingratiating smile playing across his lips, added, “Everything will work out okay.”

Doug saw Captain Zhuó shake hands with the man he had been talking to and start walking toward them. When Captain Zhuó approached, he looked at Zenobia and Ossie.

“It’s okay Captain. You can speak in front of them,” Doug said.

“That man I was talking to is the captain of the other convoy. He told me that Master Fēng has established a road block at the bridge where you first encountered the men on your way north,” Captain Zhuó said. “The Captain said that Master Fēng has over thirty men with him.”

Doug nodded he understood and Captain Zhuó continued, “I will stop at the road block and meet with Master Fēng. He is a reasonable man. I’m sure I can work something out with him.”

“We’re going to change the plan slightly, Captain,” Javelle said. “You will stop the convoy back a kilometer or more.” Unbeknown to Captain Zhuó, Javelle had imprinted the command in his mind to stop a kilometer or more back from the road block.

Captain Zhuó looked at Javelle and then Doug and said, “Hey! You promised me you were not taking command of my convoy.”

“I’m not taking command of your convoy, Captain,” Doug said. “But you cannot stop at the road block and expect to negotiate Master Fēng. Master Fēng will be in total control at the road block. We have to persuade him to meet us on neutral ground.”

“I have a vague plan. I just need to stop the convoy back a kilometer or more“ Doug said.

Extending his hand, Javelle said, “And I will need your vistaview unit.”

In his outdoor voice, Captain Zhuó said, “Hey! This is going to far.”

“Captain, you promised to work with me if we ran into trouble,” Doug said.

“Yes, but this is going too far. First, ordering me to stop the convoy a kilometer back from the road block. Now demanding my vistaview unit. This is too much,” Captain Zhuó said in an agitated voice.

“I am sure, if I asked you not to call Master Fēng, you would not do so,” Doug said. “However, when you do not show up at the road block around the time Master Fēng expects you to do so, he will be calling you. You may or may not be able to resist the temptation to answer. I want Master Fēng wondering what happened to you. When you do not show up, and he cannot contact you, he will send an emissary back to find you. We’ll then deal with his representative.”

Still extending his hand, Javelle said again, “Now please give me your vistaview unit.” And Captain Zhuó handed it over to Javelle.

“What am I going to tell the drivers?” Captain Zhuó asked.

“One of the trucks was having mechanical trouble earlier today,” Javelle said. “He will have mechanical trouble again. And I will go and explain to him that he will have mechanical trouble when you stop the convoy.”

Captain Zhuó stared at Doug and said, “I hope this scheme of yours work. And for the record, I’m not happy with you taking over my convoy.”

Doug started to rebuttal Captain Zhuó but stopped. “He’s right,” Doug thought, “I am taking over his convoy.”

The convoy started slowing and then pulling off the road. Rather than stopping behind the convoy this time, Doug swung out and continued forward, passing all the trucks, until he came to Captain Zhuó’s HumVee. He slowed and pulled in front of Captain Zhuó vehicle. Ossie had followed and pulled in front of Doug’s HumVee.

Doug exited from the HumVee and saw that Captain Zhuó had done likewise. “I estimate we’re about one and a half kilometers from the road block,” Captain Zhuó said. “Will this be okay?”

“This should be fine Captain. Thank you,” Doug said.

“It’s going to start getting dark is about an hour or so,” Captain Zhuó said. “How long will we have to wait to see if Master Fēng sends someone to check?”

“I would say just about dark,” Doug answered. “Please inform the other drivers that one truck is having mechanical problems again.”

Captain Zhuó went off to inform the drivers. Doug asked Issie to hand him a bottle of water.

Issie handed him a bottle of water and then she and Aisha got out of the HumVee. Aisha walked to Doug and asked, “Are we going on a spaceship ride now?”

Doug reached down and picked her up and said, “Soon, sweetie, soon. I have to talk to a man up the road there first.”

“Then we go for a spaceship ride,” Aisha said.

“You bet.” Doug told her. Then pointed up toward the sky and said, “It’s not dark yet. We cannot see much. But that is space. Soon, we’ll be sailing through space. And we’ll find us a port window and look at all the stars. Do you like looking at the starts?”

“Yes, I look at them sometimes, Aisha said.

“Well, when we get into space, you will see millions and millions and millions of stars,” Doug told Aisha. “They will look like pinpoints of lights. And they will be everywhere. Doesn’t that sound exciting?”

“Yes, Aisha squeaked. “I can’t wait to see all the stars.” Then in a serious tone of voice asked, “But how will we know where we are going?”

“Captain Chun (he is the Captain of the spaceship we’re going on) and his navigator know the way. They will not get lost,” Doug told her. Then sit her back down and said, “Now go help Aunt Issie with her computer.”

Slipping her arm into Doug’s, Zenobia said, grinning. “You would make a great daddy.”

“Why darling, whatever are you suggesting,” Doug said with an ingratiating smile playing across his lips.

Issie had placed her computer on the hood of the HumVee and she yelled, “Hey! Look who I found.”

Doug glanced at the computer screen and saw the face of Captain Chun.

“Good evening Captain Chun. How are you this evening?” Issie said.

“I’m fine. Where are you guys at?” Captain Chun asked.

“We’re on the road back to Beijing,” Issie replied. “Some man has the road blocked and we cannot pass.”

“You mean bandits have the road blocked,” Captain Chun asked for clarification.

“Yeah, I guess that is who he is,” Issie answered.

Doug stepped over so Captain Chun could see him and said, “Good evening Captain. I hope we are not holding you up from leaving.”

“No, it will be another two, three days before I can leave,” Captain Chun said. “Now what’s this about bandits having the road blocked?”

“A temporarily sit back, Captain. Nothing to worry about,” Doug replied. “I am getting ready to talk with him. Should have the matter resolved here in another hour or so.”

“Where are you at now? Are you going to make it back tonight?” Captain Chun asked.

“I’m not sure how far we are from Beijing. But we’ll make it back tonight. Just as soon as I clear this problem up,” Doug answered.

“You be careful Doug. Those bandits will rob you blind,” Captain Chun said.

“I will Captain. Here is Issie again. You can talk with her,” Doug told Captain Chun.

Doug took Zenobia by the arm and walked over to Ossie. “Ossie, Issie is in contact with Captain Chun. Perhaps you want to go over and say hello.”

Doug released Zenobia’s arm and held his hand out to David, who had been standing with Ossie. As they started walking down the road, Zenobia took his other hand and the three of them walked down the road.

“Sorry I have not had time to talk with you since we left this morning, David, How have you been doing?” Doug asked.

“I miss my grandmother,” David said.

“I know David. I miss her too,” Doug replied.

“I will never see my grandmother again, will I?” David asked.

Doug was half expecting the question. He looked at Zenobia, then back at David. And decided it would do no good to lie to David and said, “No David, we will never see Lily again.”

David’s next question took Doug aback and he stopped dead in his tracks.. “Should I forget all about my grandmother?”

“Oh, no, David, no. You must never forget your grandmother. Your grandmother was a great lady. You can be very proud of your grandmother. She gave you a photo album with pictures and there are some letters and cards from your grandmother. Treasure this gift she gave you and forever remember your grandmother.”

“Will I see my grandmother in the afterlife” David asked.

“I do not know David, I am an agnostic,” Doug replied.

“What’s an agnostic?” David asked.

“Agnostic is a fancy word meaning that I do not know,” Doug explained. “They are people who do believe in the afterlife. However, we have nearly ten thousand years of recorded history. But we have no empirical or scientific data to support the theory of afterlife.”

Javelle appeared and held up Captain Zhuó vistaview unit. Doug nodded and said to David, “You go with Zenobia and join Issie and your sister. I need to speak with Javelle.”

When they were out of hearing, Doug said to Javelle, “So far our plan is working. Now that Master Fēng could not reach Captain Zhuó on the vistaview unit, this hope he sends someone to check. This go fine Captain Zhuó.”

Master Fēng tried three more times to contact Captain Zhuó on the vistaview unit. Almost thirty minutes had gone by after the last attempt and it was now dark. In the distance, they saw the illumination of light coming up the road.

Doug and Javelle had been sitting on the hood of the HumVee. Captain Zhuó was nervous and had continuously walked back and forth. Doug stepped down and said, “Okay Captain, this is it. Are you ready?”

“Yeah, I guess so,” Captain Zhuó said. Then added, “I have to commend you. You guessed right that he would send someone.”

“It’s not over yet Captain,” Doug said. “Remember, when they get near, step out so they can see you.”

“What am I support to say to them?” Captain Zhuó asked.

“Nothing, as soon as they stop, me and Doug will take over,” Javelle said.

“I just hope you know what you’re doing,” Captain Zhuó said. “When are you going to explain the rest of this plan?”

“Soon Captain, after we confer with Master Fēng’s representative,” Javelle said.

The ground vehicle approached slowly. It appeared to be another HumVee. Captain Zhuó stepped out nearly to the center of the road. The ground vehicle came to a stop and someone called out, “What’s the trouble Captain Zhuó. What is taking you so long.”

Javelle appeared alongside the ground vehicle and said, “Please shut your vehicle off and step outside.”

Doug had walked over so he could watch the passage side of the vehicle. Two men with rifle blasters stepped out. “Place your blasters on the hood of the vehicle and then sit down on the bumper guard.”

“Keep your blaster pointed at the ground,” Doug heard Javelle say,” Then Javelle said, “Which one of you is the spokesman?”

“I am,” one of them said.

“You (meaning the one with the blaster), place your blaster on the hood and sit down with the others,” Javelle ordered.

“Hey! What is going on here?” the other man said.”

Doug had walked back to the front and looked the man in the eye and said, “Who are you? What’s your name?”

“Ah, I’m, I’m Master Fēng’s protégé,” Master Fēng’s protégé said. “Who are you?”

“My name is Doug Kincaid. I am the man that had the run-in with Master Fēng’s highwaymen and took the HumVees. I’m guessing that Master Fēng wants to be paid for the HumVees I took. Is that correct?”

“Ah, yeah, he wants them back, the rifle blasters, plus being paid,” Master Fēng’s protégé replied.

“Fine. I am willing to pay Master Fēng,” Doug said. “I have two hundred thousand Galactic standard credits in that bag,” pointing to the bag Javelle was holding.

Javelle had went back and picked up the bag from the hood of the HumVee. Doug did not have two hundred thousand credits but Javelle had placed some items in the bottom of the bag and then placed bundles of credit notes on top making it appear that the bag was full. Javelle opened the bag so Master Fēng’s protégé could see the credit notes.

Master Fēng’s protégé reached for the bag but Javelle pulled it back and closed the bag.

“Now you go back and tell Master Fēng he can have the bag with the two hundred thousand credits. (Doug emphasized two hundred thousand credits and imprinted it in Master Fēng’s protégé’s mind.). The battery in Captain Zhuó’s vistaview unit went out. Here is the number for my vista vie unit,” and Doug handed Master Fēng’s protégé a piece of paper with the number written on it.

“I’ll take the credits back and give them to Master Fēng,” Master Fēng’s protégé said.

“No, you go back and tell Master Fēng I will meet him half way to the road block on neutral ground. I will only deal with Master Fēng. In addition to you, he will only bring two guards,” Doug instructed Master Fēng’s protégé and imprinted the instructions in him mind.

“Master Fēng may not want to meet with you,” Master Fēng’s protégé said.

“If Master Fēng wants the two hundred thousand credits (and Doug pointed at the bag in Javelle’s hand and Javelle opened the bag again so Master Fēng’s protégé could see the credits), he will meet me half way on neutral ground,” Doug told Master Fēng’s protégé. “Now go back and tell Master Fēng. And have him call me if he accepts my offer. By the way, is Mr. Yuán with Master Fēng?”

“Why, yes he is,” Master Fēng’s protégé answered.

“Please ask Master Fēng to bring Mr. Yuán with him,” Doug said. “Then said to the guards, “Pick up your blasters and get back in the vehicle. Now go back and give Master Fēng my offer,” Doug instructed Master Fēng’s protégé.