The Empire: Called back to Earth

Captain Zhuó had been inquisitive, wanting to know why Doug had not simply gone directly to the road block and negotiated with Master Fēng. While waiting for Master Fēng’s representative to arrive, Doug had explained his strategy.

We have to negotiate from a position of strength. And Master Fēng was in a position of total control at the road block, Doug had explained.

Doug had then explained to Captain Zhuó that when Master Fēng could not contact him on his vistaview unit he would send someone to find out what the problem was. He further explained that when Master Fēng’s representative arrived, he would offer to pay Master Fēng two hundred thousand credits.

“You have two hundred thousand credits?” Captain Zhuó had asked.

“No,” Doug had told Captain Zhuó. “The two hundred thousand credits is just an incentive to lure Master Fēng to meet me half way on neutral ground. I am pretty sure that the two hundred thousand credits are enough of an incentive to encourage Master Fēng to meet with me. But Master Fēng will send some men ahead with instructions to conceal themselves alongside the road. We‘ll have to run to the meeting place before they can get into place.”

As Master Fēng’s protégé turned the ground vehicle around, Doug said to Captain Zhuó, “All right Captain, are you ready to run down half way so we can intercept Master Fēng’s men?”

“I guess but I am not sure I can run that far,” Captain Zhuó replied.

“Do the best you can Captain,” Doug told Captain Zhuó. “But me and Javelle are running ahead so we will be in position.”

Zenobia came and hugged Doug and said, “Please be careful.”

“Are we ready to go for a spaceship ride,” Aisha asked.

Doug had to smile and then said to Aisha, “Soon sweetie. As soon as I talk to a man down the road there, we’ll be ready to go. Now you stay here with Aunt Issie. Then said to Ossie, “Ossie, please stay with the women and children.”

As they started to leave, Zenobia walked up to Javelle and hugged him and said, “Please keep Doug safe.”

“I cannot permit harm to come to a human being,” Javelle answered.

Doug and Javelle started running down the road. Doug sit a fast pace. He knew that Javelle could keep up, even outrun him. But Captain Zhuó soon lagged behind.

As Doug, Javelle and Captain Zhuó disappeared into the darkest, Zenobia said to Issie, “What did Javelle mean? I cannot permit harm to come to a human being.”

“I don’t know. Javelle talks funny sometimes,” Issie said.

“Uncle Javelle is not funny,” Aisha said. “Uncle Javelle is a robot.”

Both Zenobia and Issie stared at Aisha with a shocked look on their face and Zenobia said, “Robot? What do you mean Uncle Javelle is a robot?”

“Yes, Uncle Javelle is a robot,” Aisha said.

“Robot? What are you talking about? How do you know Uncle Javelle is a robot, Aisha?” Zenobia asked.

“I just know,” Aisha said. “Aunt Issie, show me something else to do the computer.”

“Aisha, what’s this about Uncle Javelle being a robot?” Zenobia asked again. But Aisha ignored any further questions and focused on what she was doing on Issie’s computer.

“Master, the western man said he would give you two hundred thousand credits but you will have to meet him half way on neutral ground,” Master Fēng’s protégé told him when he returned.

“Does this man think I am a fool,” Master Fēng said. “Did you let this man make a fool out of you. He probably does not have any credits.”

“But Master, he had a bag this big (and Master Fēng’s protégé demonstrated with his hands) and I saw the credits,” the protégé said. “It was full of credits.”

“You sure it was credits not a bag full of paper,” Master Fēng said.

“It was credits Master. I looked into the bag,” Master Fēng’s protégé answered.

“And he wants to meet with me alone, half way on neutral ground,” Master Fēng said. “Does he think I am a fool to meet with him alone?”

“He said that I and two guards could accompany you,” Master Fēng’s protégé added.

“Really. And how many guards will he bring with him,” Master Fēng said.

“He indicated that only Captain Zhuó and another man -- another western -- would meet you half way,” Master Fēng’s protégé answered.

“Is this man a fool?” Or simply thinks I am a fool,” Master Fēng said. “Did you find out what this man’s name is?”

“He introduced himself as Doug Kincaid, Master,” Master Fēng’s protégé replied. “And he gave me his vistaview number so you could call him if you agreed to meet with him. He said that Captain Zhuó’s battery had went out in his vistaview unit. That was why you could not contact Captain Zhuó.”

Master Fēng remained silent for some time. Then said, “This man, this Doug Kincaid, must think I’m a fool to meet with him alone. Gather eight men and take them half way and have them conceal themselves alongside the road. Then come back and pick me up.”

“Yes, Master,” Master Fēng’s protégé acknowledged.

“We have run five point three tenths of a kilometer,” Javelle said, as he slowed and then stopped running. “There appears to be sufficient shrubbery alongside the road to conceal ourselves.”

It always surprised Doug how Javelle could provide exact distance or exact time, having never consulted any instrument. Answering Javelle , he said, “Yes, this does appear to be a good location. We should be near enough to apprehend any guards Master Fēng dispenses.”

They waited nearly ten minutes and then saw Captain Zhuó, now walking, coming down the road. When he approached, he said, “Sorry, I could not keep up with you.”

“That’s okay Captain. Nothing is happening yet,” Doug told him. Doug had no sooner stopped speaking than he saw the illumination of lights coming up the road. “That will be

Master Fēng dispensing some guards to lay in wait when we meet with him,” Doug said. “This conceal ourselves behind that brush alongside the road.”

There were two ground vehicles, both HumVees. They stopped back about twenty meters from where Doug, Javelle and Captain Zhuó were hiding. Four men got out of each HumVee. The HumVees then turned around and started back the way they had come.

Doug heard one of the men say, “Okay, you four hide on that side of the road. We’ll hide on this side.”

Doug whispered to Javelle, “Are you ready Javelle?”

“I’m ready,” Javelle replied.

Doug and Javelle got up and walked onto the road. There was just enough light that one of the guards said, “There are some people there. Another man said, “Something is wrong. I can’t move.”

Doug and Javelle had mentally blocked their nerve system so the men could not move their arms and legs. Javelle approached and said, “Please follow me.”

The men followed Javelle to the side of the road, walking like zombies. When they reached the side of the road, Javelle said, “Please lay your blasters down on the ground near that brush and be very careful that they do not discharge.”

The men complied and Javelle said, “Now please step over the embankment, lay down behind that shrubbery, do not move and do not make any noise. You will not move for any reason until you hear me call out: Hey you! Come here. Then you will get up and walk into the center of the road.”

Captain Zhuó had been watching and listening and said to Doug, “How did he do that?”

“What can I say Captain. It’s Javelle’s winning smile and charm. It works every time,” Doug replied, grinning.

Even in the poor light, Doug could see Captain Zhuó shaking his head and then he said, “Well, I have to give you credit. Your plan appears to be working as you predicted.”

“It’s not over yet, Captain. We still have Master Fēng to deal with.” And Doug’s vistaview unit buzzed for attention.

“Good evening,” Doug answered.

“Who am I speaking to,” the male voice asked.

“This is Doug Kincaid. I assume that this is Master Fēng.”

“Yes Mr. Kincaid and I am calling to inform you that I have accepted your offer,” Master Fēng said. “I trust you are not planning, um…how do you say it -- lay a trap for me.”

“Absolutely not, Master Fēng. It will only be me, Captain Zhuó and my friend Javelle,” Doug replied. “And I trust you are not planning to ambush me.”

“I am an honorable man Mr. Kincaid,” Master Fēng said.

“Good, we’ll meet you half way. And do not forget to bring Mr. Yuán with you,” Doug said and disconnected the call.

“Master Fēng may wonder how we got here so fast,” Captain Zhuó remarked.

“Will not be a problem when he shows up,” Javelle said.

Almost immediately, they saw the illumination of a ground vehicle’s lights. Doug, Javelle and Captain Zhuó had moved back up the road a hundred meters or more. And Doug said, “This start walking forward slowing.”

Doug, Javelle and Captain Zhuó stopped in the middle of the road and the ground vehicle stopped in front of them. Doug waited, letting Master Fēng and his protégé exit from the vehicle.

Master Fēng stopped a good two meters distance from Doug. Wary, perhaps, that Doug would attack him. And said, “You got here very quickly.”

“We run fast,” Doug answered.

“Humm!” Master Fēng said, obviously not believing what Doug said.

The two guards had exited, one on each side, permitting Mr. Yuán to exit and he was now standing behind Master Fēng. “Is this the man who attacked you?” directing his question to Mr. Yuán.

“Yes, he man that want throw me in river,” Mr. Yuán replied.

“You can relax Mr. Yuán,” Doug said. “I am not going to throw you in the river. And I am rescinding my earlier instructions. You may once again charge travels to use your section of the road. But you will not rob or otherwise harm anyone. And instructed your men to leave their blasters in the vehicle without you are threatened in some way.” And Doug imprinted his instructions in Mr. Yuán’s mind.

Mr. Yuán mentally relaxed and said, “Thank you Sir.”

“That was very kind of you Mr. Kincaid,” Master Fēng said. “But what about the HumVee you stole from Mr. Yuán.”

“I will leave the HumVee at the transit hotel at the Beijing Spaceport. Captain Zhuó can pick it up there and return it to him,” Doug answered.

“I think not. We’ll take it now and the rifle blasters you stole,” Master Fēng said, still believing he was in total control. “And the two hundred thousand credits you told my protégé you would give me.”

“I lied to your protégé. I’m only going to give you two thousand credits,” Doug answered. “That is still ten times more than you would have gotten otherwise,”

“I think not,” Master Fēng said in a stern voice of one who believes he is in total control of the situation. Master Fēng clapped his hands and yelled, “Guards.”

Javelle said to the guards, “Please lay your blasters on the hood of the ground vehicle and then sit down on the road.” They complied with Javelle’s instructions.

If it had not been so dark, the look of disbelief would have shown on Master Fēng’s face. And Doug mentally detected that Master Fēng’s heartbeat had quicken considerably in those few seconds.

“What is this?” Master Fēng asked in a high pitched voice. He clapped his hands again and yelled, “Guards, come out now.”

When no one appeared, Master Fēng looked at his protégé and asked, “Where are those guards?”

“I do not know Master. They should have been along here,” Master Fēng’s protégé replied.

“Hey you,” Javelle called out. “Come on out now.”

The guards emerged from the side of the road and walked forward. And Javelle instructed them, “Please sit down on the road beside the others.” They complied with Javelle’s order.

“Wh.. Wha.. What’s going on here,” Master Fēng stuttered, realizing that he was no longer on control.

Doug walked up to Master Fēng, reached into his pocket and withdrew the two thousand credits he had placed there earlier and handed it to Master Fēng and said, “Here is two thousand credits. You will forever be very grateful to Captain Zhuó for negotiating such a generous settlement.” And imprinted the message in Master Fēng’s mind.

Reaching into his pocket again, Doug stepped around Master Fēng to face Mr. Yuán and said, “Mr. Yuán, I am sincerely sorry for terminating two of your friends. But they shot a friend of mind. And I thought they were going to shot another friend. Here is fifteen hundred credits. You will give the family of each man five hundred credits and the other five hundred credits is yours.” Just so Mr. Yuán would give the five hundred credits to the families he imprinted the message in Mr. Yuán’s mind.

Returning to Master Fēng, he motioned for his protégé to join him and said, “You two will now return to the road block and you will withdraw all the men you have there and return to some encampment I understand you have nearby. And forever remember the generous settlement Captain Zhuó negotiated,” And imprinted the instructions in Master Fēng and his protégés mind. Then in an ice cold voice said, “If you do not follow my instructions I will terminated both of you. Now go.”

“All of you, go pick up your blasters and run down the road after Master Fēng and follow his orders to return to the encampment,” Javelle ordered the guards.

Master Fēng’s protégés turned the HumVee around and started driving down the road. “I’ll follow and make sure Master Fēng and his protégés follow instructions,” Doug said to Javelle. “You can go back and get the HumVee. Or you follow them and I will go back and get the HumVee.”

“I’ll follow them,” Javelle said.

Doug turned to Captain Zhuó and said, “Captain, you will only remember that you negotiated a very good settlement for Master Fēng.” And imprinted the message in Captain Zhuó’s mind. And then added, “Now this go back and get your convoy back on the road, We’ve wasted enough time. Do you want to run back or prefer to walk?”

“Aw, I think I will walk,” Captain Zhuó said. Then asked, “What just happened?”

“You negotiated a very good deal for Master Fēng who will be forever grateful,” Doug answered.

Following the convey, Doug drove on through the night to Beijing. He estimated it would be midnight or after by the time they arrived at the Beijing spaceport.

Doug noticed that Zenobia would look back at Issie and Aisha. Then start to say something and stop. He mentally detected that she was troubled by something and wondered what. Finally, he asked, “Everything okay?”

“Hum? Ah, yes, everything is fine,” Zenobia said.

“You sure. You seemed troubled by something. I hope it was not anything I done,” Doug said.

“No, of course not,” Zenobia said. “I’ll tell you about it later.”

Doug heard Aisha exclaim, “Who is that woman?”

“Hi Raquel,” Issie said. “I do not know what the time differential is. I hope I did not wake you up.”

“No, I am still up,” Raquel said. “How are you? Is Doug and Javelle okay? Where are you at? And who is the little girl with you?”

“Hi, I’m Aisha,” Aisha said, “Who are you?”

“I’m Raquel. What are you doing with Issie?” Raquel said.

“Me and Aunt Issie are going on a spaceship ride,” Aisha replied. “Won’t that be exciting?”

“Yes, I’m sure it will be,” Raquel said. “Who is taking you on a spaceship ride?”

“Uncle Doug. We’re going to go sailing through the Galaxy and he is going to show me all the stars. Aisha said”

“Well that’s nice but where is Uncle Doug now?” Raquel asked.

Doug had to smile listening to Aisha talk with Raquel, knowing that Raquel was totally confused as to what was going on.

“Uncle Doug is busy,” Aisha replied.

“Busy? What is he doing?” Raquel asked.

“He is upfront with Aunt Zenobia,” Aisha said.

Doug heard Zenobia laugh and he looked at her and smiled. There was a long hesitation and then he heard Raquel say, in a raised voice, “Issie, are you still there? What‘s going on?”

Laughing, Issie said, “Yes, I am still here. Everyone is fine. We’re nearly back to Beijing.”

“Well what is Doug doing?” Raquel inquired.

“Uncle Doug is driving us back to Beijing so we can go on a spaceship,” Aisha answered. “Won’t that be exciting?”

“Doug Kincaid,” Raquel said in an outdoor voice,” can you hear me?”

Laughing and knowing that Raquel was becoming more and more frustrated, not knowing what was going on, said, “Tell her I can hear her, Aisha. She does not need to yell.”

“Uncle Doug said to tell you he can hear you. You do not need to yell.” Aisha repeated.

“Doug, what is going on?” Raquel wanted to know.

“Tell her I will explain everything when we get to her house,” Doug told Aisha.

“Uncle Doug will explain everything when we get to your house,” Aisha repeated.

“Why is Uncle Doug bringing you to my house?” Raquel asked.

“You don’t want me to come to your house?” Aisha asked.

“Yes, of course I do,” Raquel replied. “But I do not understand why Uncle Doug is bringing you to my house.”

“Because my grandmother told him to,” Aisha said.

“Your grandmother told Uncle Doug to bring you to my house,” Raquel stated. “Who is your grandmother? Is your grandmother Lily Ham?”

“Yes, grandmother Lily told Uncle Doug to take me and my brother to your house,” Aisha said.

“And what is your brother’s name?” Raquel asked.

“David,” Aisha said.

“And where is David at now?” Raquel asked.

“He is riding with Uncle Ossie and Uncle Javelle,” Aisha replied.

“Aisha, let me speak to Issie or Doug,” Raquel said.

“You don’t like to talk with me?” Aisha asked.

“Yes, sweetie, I like talking with you but I need to talk to Issie or Doug,” Raquel said.

“Hi Raquel. I’m here,” Issie said.

“Issie, what is going on? Why did Lily want him to bring her grandchildren to my house?” Raquel inquired.

“Lily did not asked him to bring them to your house. Only take them to Trenton where they would be safe,” Issie answered.

“So that is why Lily wanted Doug to come to Earth. To take her grandchildren to Trenton to be safe,” Raquel said.

“Yes, that is what she wanted,” Issie replied.

“When are you returning to….” and Raquel faded out.

“Raquel, Raquel, can you still hear me?” Issie said. Then she said, “I lost contact with Raquel.”

“Issie called me last night,” Raquel said, after everyone had gotten a breakfast plate and sit down.

“Everyone okay?” Ryan asked.

“According Issie they are, when Aisha would let me speak with her,” Raquel said.

“And who is Aisha,” Major asked.

“Aisha, it turns out, is Lily’s granddaughter. And the reason Lily summoned Doug back to Earth,” Raquel said.

“Lily’s granddaughter,” Maria said. “I know she had a couple of children -- a boy and girl I believe -- but as I recall, they were terminated in one of the brush wars on the Asian continent. Or maybe they were murdered.”

“One of them must have had some children,” Raquel said. “But Aisha was very young. She could not have been more than six or seven. She would have to be Lily’s great granddaughter. Anyway, that is why Lily summoned Doug back to Earth. To bring her grandchildren -- Aisha has a brother -- back here to Trenton.”

“Why would a woman give up her children or grandchildren?” Karen asked.

“Karen, Earth is becoming very polluted and sliding into anarchy and chaos,” Major said. “I’m only guessing but expect that Lily wanted her grandchildren to have a chance to grow up in a safe environment.”

“And she trusted them to Doug?” Harvey said.

“Lily would trust Doug to do anything for her, even taking care of her grandchildren,” Maria said.

“Funny, I don’t see Doug caring for any children,” Quinton said.

“Me either,” Garland agreed.

Speaking in her cultured voice, Jenny said, I would not think that Doug would every consider settling down and being a father.”

“Well, don’t under estimate Doug,” Ryan added. “Maybe he and Zenobia will now get married.”

“Yeah, right. I don’t see Doug getting married either,” Garland commented.

“And what do you know about getting married,” Ryan countered.

“Before we get Doug married and taking care of children, we had better wait till he returns and find out what all this is about,” Raquel said. “Major, I didn’t get a chance to asked him if he had gotten any more information about those 7mm rifle blasters. We got cut off again.”

Doug’s vistaview unit buzzed at 0500 hours. He saw that Ossie and David were still sleeping and did not wake them. He had brought one of the sleeping bags in and had spread it out on the floor for David while Ossie took the other bed.

After a visit to the bathroom, Doug made his way downstairs to the restaurant and ordered breakfast. After breakfast he got a cup of coffee to go. He proceeded outside to the HumVees. He did not see Javelle but as he approached, Javelle sit up.

The previous day had been a long tiring day. They had gotten up before 0300 to leave from Changchun. With the mechanical problems on one truck causing delays, the rest stops and finally the nearly three hour delay to deal with Master Fēng, it had been after midnight when they had arrived the night before.

After Issie had called and talked (mostly Aisha had talked) with Raquel, both Issie and Aisha had went to sleep. And when Doug glanced over at Zenobia, he saw that she also had fallen asleep.

Due to the lateness of the hour when they returned, Doug secured rooms at the transit hotel adjacent to the Beijing Intergalactic Spaceport. Because everyone was tired from the journey, rather than carrying everything inside, Javelle had volunteered to remain with the HumVees and make sure that no one would bother them.

“Everything okay, Javelle? “Doug asked as he approached the HumVee.

“No one came near the vehicles last night,” Javelle said.

Doug handed Javelle the key to the room and said, “I will watch the vehicles while you go and get cleaned up and change cloths.”

Doug sat on the hood of the HumVee to drink his coffee. A few minutes later Zenobia came out. Doug smiled at her and said, “Good morning sunshine.”

“What’s good about,” Zenobia said in a groggy voice.

“It’s going to be a beautiful day. The sun will be shining bright. And we’re here to enjoy it,” Doug replied, with an ingratiating smile.

“I think I have enjoyed about all of Earth I care to. I‘m ready to go home,” Zenobia said. “Where is Javelle? I though he had volunteered to watch the vehicles.”

“I came and relieved him so he could go to the room and shower and change cloths,” Doug replied.

“He needs to shower?” Zenobia asked.

Zenobia had questioned Javelle’s idiosyncrasies, particularly Javelle not eating. Doug hoped she was not going to ask more questions about Javelle and simply said, “Of course. After that trip yesterday, we all have to clean up and change our clothes,” Doug replied, hoping that would satisfy her curiosity.

Zenobia remained silent for a long time and then said, “Aisha said Javelle was a robot.”

Doug nearly chocked on his swallow of coffee. He remained silent for a few moments trying to determine how to respond to Zenobia’s comment and finally said, “Well, you know how children are. They have an imaginary friend.”

Zenobia turned and looked straight at Doug and said, “Javelle is not imaginary. He’s real.”

“That’s what I have been telling you,” Doug answered.

“He sure has some strange habits, like not eating, is not real,” Zenobia said.

“As I explained before, Javelle does not eat much,” Doug said. His curiosity got the best of him and he asked Zenobia, “Why would Aisha think that Javelle was a robot?”

“She said that she just knew,” Zenobia said.

Doug had a flashback to Lily immediately knowing that Javelle was a robot and wondered if Aisha had the same ability to detect things about people and know when someone like Javelle was not human.

“Javelle was probably reading her one of his books and it had a picture of one of those shiny contraption in the book,” Doug ventured to said.

“Shiny contraption?” Zenobia said, phasing it as a question.

“I have visited Donovans World where they still have robots. They’re just a shiny piece of metal,” Doug explained. “Obviously, Javelle is not a shiny piece of metal.”

Zenobia just stared at Doug, not appearing to have believed a word he had said.

About then, Javelle came walking out, carrying a cup of coffee. Zenobia looked at Javelle. While Zenobia was focused on Javelle, Doug pointed at his cup of coffee and raised it to his mouth to take a sip. And pointed at Javelle to do the same.

Javelle stopped in front of Zenobia, raised the cup of coffee and took a sip. Then said, “I should have gotten coffee for everyone.”

“That’s okay Javelle. I just came out to get my personal bag,” Zenobia said.

After Zenobia had gotten her personal bag and returned inside, Javelle said, “What was that all about? Why did you want me to take a drink of coffee?”

Doug explained about Zenobia observing and questioning his idiosyncrasies, particularly not eating. Then told Javelle about Aisha telling her that he was a robot. And concluded, asking, “Did you tell Aisha that you were a robot?”

“No, I said nothing to her,” Javelle said. “How does she know that I am a robot?”

“That’s a good question, Javelle. How did her grandmother know you were a robot?” Doug said. “I have known Lily many years. She continuously surprises me by knowing things about people. Perhaps Aisha has inherited her ability.”

“Should we tell Zenobia that I am a robot?” Javelle asked.

“Yes, perhaps we should. No, wait. I’ve got an idea. You have breakfast with Zenobia, Issie and Ossie. Challenge Ossie to an eating contest,” Doug told Javelle.

“I can perform the mechanical operation of chewing and swallowing. But my capacity is quite limited and I have to remove the ingested material from what you might call my stomach sooner or later,” Javelle replied. “And Ossie consumes huge amounts of food. I could not consume as much food as Ossie.”

“Well, you might have to make a trip to the bathroom to empty your container,” Doug said.

“I have never understood why they call a personal a bathroom here on Earth,” Javelle said. “A bathroom is someplace ones baths. These rooms are for other bodily functions.”

An hour or more had elapsed when Doug saw Zenobia, Issie, Aisha and David, followed by Javelle and Ossie emerged from the transit hotel. Aisha saw Doug and ran to him asking, “Can we go for a spaceship ride now?”

“Soon, sweetie,” Doug told her. Then said, “You guys save me anything to eat?”

“I’m not sure if there is anything left. Both Javelle and Ossie had three helpings of everything,” Zenobia said.

Giving them one of his rare smiles, Javelle rubbed his stomach (or the area that would be one’s stomach) and said, “I cannot eat much when I am traveling. I had to catch up.”

Zenobia and Issie just gave Javelle a bewildered look.

Then Zenobia turned to go back inside the transit hotel. Then stopped and stared in the distance at the crumbling buildings of the old city of Beijing. After a moment remarked, “I still find it very difficult to comprehend how, on the world where life first evolved, it could decline into this,” as she waved her hand toward the old city of Beijing. “How did this happen? What factors caused it?”

“In the mid-21st century, the Corporate Socialist Industrial Complex, with the aid of conservative extremist and religious fundamentalist, and their political allies, using patriotism and nationalism, reinforced by religious dogma, gained control of what was then the government of the country once known as the United States,” Javelle told Zenobia.

Javelle continued, “Once in control, they established ’Plutocratic’ rule. The rule of a society by its wealthiest people for their own purposes. The ’Oligarchy’ proceeded to abolish all regulations -- labor, health, safety, environmental; any law or regulation they deemed that encumbered corporations. They proceeded by dismantling all social programs that aided the elderly or less fortunate. The legal system was abolished.

Social justice no longer prevailed. The populace was effectively forced into submission; into servitude. They closed all colleges and universities preventing the average person from all academics. Even high schools were turned into training camps. Libraries were destroyed. An intelligent mind might rise up and resist the ’Oligarchy,’ demanding social justice.”

“But how were they able to do this?” Zenobia wanted to know.

“The appropriate word would be sophism,” Javelle said. “Sophism is an explanation that seems very clever or subtle on the surface but is actually flawed, misleading, or intended to deceive. Coupled with patriotism and nationalism, the capitalist overloads deceived the populace into accepting it was democracy. In fact it was fascism. Fascism is a dictatorial movement: ideology, or attitude that favors dictatorial government, centralized control of private enterprise, repression of all opposition, and extreme nationalism.”

“And once the populace were effectively forced into submission, they had no voice; no power,” Zenobia said.

“That is correct,” Javelle replied.

“But they controlled the entire world. How did they accomplish that?” Issie asked.

“Sometime in the mid-twenty second century, the Great War occurred. That was how the Oligarchy referred to it in public,” Javelle replied. “Scholars today question that. Scholars and historians have uncovered papers that refer to what was called the ’Cleansing.’ Large regions opposed the Corporate Socialist Industrial Complex. The Oligarchy used neutron bombs to terminate the populace in these areas. Scholars estimate that between two to five billion people may have been murdered,” Javelle said.

“And what is a neutron bomb? And if they used one on Beijing, why are the buildings still there?” Issie asked, waving toward the old city of Beijing.

“A neutron bomb is designed to terminate all life by a heavy bombardment with neutrons, but to cause little blast damage and leave relatively low radioactive contamination,” Javelle replied.

“Why would they murder all those people?” Zenobia asked.

Certain ethnic groups opposed the Oligarchy controlled Corporate Socialist Industrial Complex. And…”

“And they murdered them because they were of a different ethnic group?” Ossie exclaimed. Before Javelle could continue.

“Not necessarily because they were of a different ethnic group. These people occupied a region on Earth known primarily as the Middle East. Although there were other regions. Extremist among these people gained control and established what was known as sharia law.

“And what is sharia law?” Zenobia asked before Javelle could continue.

“Sharia law deals with many topics addressed by secular law, including crime, politics, and economics, as well as personal matters such as sexual intercourse, hygiene, diet and everyday etiquette. Though interpretations of sharia law vary between cultures, in its strictest and most historically coherent definition it is considered the infallible law of some supernatural being as opposed to the human interpretation of the laws. Historically however, sharia law has been implemented in its strictest understanding,” Javelle explained.

“You said the infallible law of some supernatural being?” Ossie said.

“The extremist that imposed sharia law claimed that some omnipotent or omniscience being had dictated sharia law. But extremist used sharia law to create a dictatorship; to control the people. For example, women were forced to wear a burqa or burka. A loose garment covering the entire body and having a veiled opening for the eyes. It was usually a black or light blue robe worn by women that covers the body from head to toe. Women were prohibited from obtaining an education,” Javelle explained.

“Wow! I’m glad I was not around during that time period,” Issie remarked. Then asked, “But why would the Corporate Socialist Industrial Complex, or Oligarchy, want to murder all these people? The wealthy or fascist created a centralized dictatorial controlled government of Earth.”

“The Oligarchy did not have complete control of Earth at this time. These extremist opposed the Oligarchy. They carried out a number of terrorist acts against the Oligarchy. They flew airships into some buildings in New York City. Likewise, some buildings in the city of London. They even detonated a nuclear charge in one city, terminating thousands. That was the turning point. The Corporate Socialist Industrial Complex; the Oligarchy, then retaliated using neutron bombs,” Javelle explained.

“Murdering thousands using a nuclear device justified the Oligarchy using neutron bombs to murder thousands,” Zenobia said. “Could this occur on another settled world today?” Zenobia asked.

“It is a possibility,” Javelle replied. “The populace on each of the settled worlds need to be very vigilant what their leaders are doing.”

Aisha looked up at Javelle, smile and said, “Come Uncle Javelle. This go for a spaceship ride.

“First, we’ll have to find Captain Chun and see when he is ready to go,” Doug said. Doug had no sooner said that when he saw Captain Chun walk out of the transit hotel.” Doug pointed and said, “Here comes Captain Chun now. We’ll soon find out when he is ready to leave.”

When Captain Chun approached, he said, “Good morning. When did you get back?”

“Late last night Captain,” Doug answered. “We were tired and got rooms here at the transit hotel.”

“And who is this pretty little girl?” Captain Chun asked, looking at Aisha.

“I’m Aisha. Are you going to take me for a ride on your spaceship?” Aisha asked.

Captain Chun looked at Doug and Doug said, “I am taking her and her brother to Trenton,”

“It’s none of my business and I am not going to object, but I hope you have the necessary papers,” Captain Chun said. “Other worlds we’ll be stopping on will be demanding the proper documentation.”

“I have all the proper documentation, birth certificates and all that stuff.” Doug told him. “By the way, I was asked to give you something.”

Captain Chun gave Doug a puzzled look as he walked around to the side of the HumVee and searched through his personal bag to find the package Lily had given him. Handing the package to Captain Chen, Doug said, “The children’s grandmother ask me to give you this.”

With the puzzled look still playing on his face, Captain Chun hesitantly took the package. He unwrapped it slowly and Doug could see that it was a knife. A bright smile light up his face and he said, “Miss Lily gave you this to give to me? And these are her grandchildren? And Miss Lily is your friend, the friend you visited?”

“Yes, you care to share Captain,” Doug said with a puzzled expression on his face.

Captain Chun told them the story. How he was a young teenager running with a local gang here in Beijing. Miss Lily was with one of the security organizations. We had just assaulted an old man that owned one of the mom and pop stores.

The security forces descended on us, along with Miss Lily. I ran into an alley that was blocked and could not get out. Miss Lily approached and I confronted her, waving this knife at her. Miss Lily said something like, “Put the knife down or I will take it from you.”

I laughed at her and taunted her, “Yeah, you and who else.”

The next thing I knew, I was flat on my back with my own knife held at my throat. I thought I was dead. I still don’t know how that woman, no bigger than she is, done that.

Then Miss Lily said the craziest thing, “I detect that you are really a good person and have the ability to make something of yourself. I’m going to let you go. Now get yourself an education and make something of yourself. This will be your one and only chance. When you make something of yourself, I will return your knife.”

“I can’t believe she still remembered me after all these years,” Captain Chun concluded, holding the knife close to his chest like the greatest gift he had even received.

“Well, you have obviously made something of yourself Captain,” Doug said.

“I wonder how Miss Lily knew I had become a spaceship captain. Or how she knew I was even here,” Captain Chun commended.

Doug wondered that himself. He never told her that it was Captain Chun that had brought them to Earth. But said nothing to Captain Chun.

“Now are you going to take me for a ride on your spaceship as grandmother Lily said you would?” Aisha asked.

With an ingratiating smile on his face, Captain Chun picked Aisha up and said, “I sure am. I will do whatever your grandmother Lily wants me to do.”

“When are you scheduled to leave Captain?” Zenobia asked.

“Not for another three or four days,” Captain Chun replied.

“Why so long?” Zenobia followed up to her question.

“I am loading rice. We have to check each bag for pollution,” Captain Chun answered. “We cannot permit even one bag with the hint of pollution. The distribution center on the world of Waco will reject the entire load if they detect even one bag with pollution.” Smiling, Captain asked, “You getting homesick Madam?”

“I am ready to go,” Zenobia said. “I think I have had enough excitement to last me.”

“You going to your ship now, Captain?” Doug asked.

Captain Chun nodded that he was.

“I’ll drive you over,” Doug said. “I have some things I want to store onboard.”

“Can I go with you?” Aisha asked.

“Sure, anyone else want to go?” Doug said.

Zenobia and Issie shook their head no and David said, “I will stay with them.”

As Doug started to get into the HumVee, he saw Ossie returning from the transit hotel and waited on him. Ossie greeted Captain Chun and them they got into the back. On the drive to the spaceship, Ossie gave Captain Chun the highlights of his trip to Changchun, including being shot.

When they arrived at Captain Chun’s spaceship, Aisha said, “Wow! Is that the spaceship we will be going on?”

“Yes, that is the ship we will go sailing through the Galaxy on,” Doug told her.

After stopping and everyone exiting, Doug got one of the 7mm rifle blasters out and ask Captain Chun, “You have any objections if I put these in the cabin Javelle and I share?” showing the rifle to Captain Chun.

“That is some serious hardware you have there,” Captain Chun said. “Where did you get that?”

Doug told him about taking the 7mm rifle blasters from the bandits. Then explained that they had been manufactured for security forces on other worlds and were never intended to be distributed to Earth.

“How did they end up here on Earth?” Captain Chun asked.

“I don’t know. I was hoping you might have heard something,” Doug said.

“I know things are smuggled here to Earth all the time. But I have heard of no weapons like the one you’re holding,” Captain Chun said.

“I saw three independent cargo vessels here when we landed the other day,” Doug said. And told him about the independent haulers they had encountered that had abducted and or transported women and children. “And I see there is one here today.”

“That is Ol’ Charlie -- Charlie Collins,” Captain Chun answered. “He’s picking up a load of rice for the world of China. Although he is independent, I don’t think Ol’ Charlie would engage in illegal hauling.”

Perhaps being one of the independents, Ol’ Charlie has heard something,” Doug said. “Won’t hurt to ask him.” And started walking over to Ol” Charlie’s spaceship.

“I’ll introduce you,” Captain Chun said and he fell into step alongside Doug. Javelle , holding Aisha’s hand followed.

The name on the spaceship read: ‘Ol’ Charlie’s Transport Service.’

They stopped outside the hatch entrance and Captain Chun called out, “Captain Collins, Captain Collins, this is Captain Chun. Are you in there?”

A few moments later a late middle age man, with a pencil mustache and graying black hair, appeared in the hatch entrance. “Good morning Captain Chun,” he said as he descended to the ground.

“Captain, this is Doug Kincaid,” Captain Chun said.

Doug extended his hand and said, “Nice to meet you Captain.”

“Ol’ Charlie took his hand and said, “Nice to meet you. What can I do for you?”

Doug showed Ol’ Charlie the 7mm rifle blaster and said, “I found some of these floating around. I was wondering if perhaps you had heard of someone smuggling them to Earth.”

Ol’ Charles gave Doug a harsh look and said, “Who are you again?”

“I am Doug Kincaid. I’m an investigator with the Galactic Empire Bureau of Investigation.”

In a raised angered voice, Ol’ Charlie said, “Now hold on a minute Mister. Don’t go accusing me of smuggling. I know the independents have gotten a bad name but I run an honest business. In addition to this ship, I have two other ships. And we do not haul anything but legitimate goods.”

“I’m not accusing you of anything Captain. I am only asking if you may have heard of someone smuggling weapons to Earth,” Doug said.

“No, and I can assure you I have never hauled anything illegal,” Ol’ Charlie said, in the angered tone of voice.

Analyzing Ol’ Charlie’s brain waves, Doug accepted he was telling the truth. Yet there seemed to be some uncertainty in what he had said.

“Sir, I accept you are telling us the truth,” Javelle said, as he stepped forward. “But I detect some uncertainty in your voice.”

Doug knew it was not the tone of Ol’ Charlie’s voice Javelle was referring to but an analyst of his brain waves, the same as he had done.

“Wh… What do you mean?” Ol’ Charlie asked.

“Sir, please tell us everything,” Javelle said.

Ol’ Charlie stared at Javelle, mouth agape. Captain Chun started to protest and Doug touched his arm and nodded no.

Hesitantly, Ol’ Charlie said, “Well… I do sometimes pick up crates that are sealed.” Then, with more confidence said, “You have to understand. I have neither the time nor the manpower to check every crate loaded onto my ship, especially those that are sealed. And most ports have people that load the ships with lifts.”

“He’s right,” Captain Chun said, supporting Ol’ Charlie. “I don’t have time to check every item loaded onto my ship. And I, too, pick up sealed creates and I have no idea what they contain.”

“That’s understandable. We’re not accusing you of any illegal activities,” Javelle said. “We’re only trying to determine how weapons, like the one that Doug is holding, are being smuggled to Earth.”

Handing Ol’ Charlie a card, Doug said, “If you even come upon any illegal merchandise being shipped, please give me a call.”

Walking back to Captain Chun ship, Aisha -- holding Javelle’s hand and leading the way, Captain Chun said, “You don’t expect us to check every container loaded onto our ships do you?”

“No, I understand that would be impossible,” Doug replied. “But I am sure you have suspicions about some of the cargo you haul. And I am quite sure Ol’ Charlie was suspicious about something he hauled.”

Arriving back at the spaceship, Captain Chun said, “I need to catch up on my paperwork.”

“When are we going for a ride on your spaceship?” Aisha asked.

“I have to load that rice first,” Captain Chun answered. “Do you want to come inside and see the ship?” And looked at Doug for approval who nodded yes.

Two trucked loaded with bags of rice were backed up to the spaceship and Captain Chun’s crew were unloading one truck and loading the bags onto the spaceship. “Considering that Captain Chun is not charging us for the ride, this give the crew a hand loading the rice,” Doug said to Javelle.

Walking up to Mr. Choo, Captain’s Chun’s first officer, Doug said, “Me and Javelle will give you a hand loading the rice. What do you want us to do.?

“That is not necessary Mr. Kincaid,” Mr. Choo said. “The crew can handle the job.

“We’re not doing anything else. You can give a couple of the crew a break.” And Mr. Choo explained the procedure.”

“All bags of rice have to be checked for pollution. If the distribution center on the world of Waco fines even one bag with pollution they will reject the entire load. The men on the truck hands the bags down to him (pointing at one of the crew) and he pushes it under that machine. It will detect any pollution but sometimes it fails. Therefore, he (pointing at another crew member) scans the bag with the hand scanner and pushes it up the conveyer belt. He (pointing and another crew member) flips the bag over and scans the other side. Then pushed it to him (pointing to another crew member) who pushed it on to Ossie and the other crew member who take it off the conveyer and load it in the ship.”

“If you want to relieve him go ahead,” Mr. Choo said.

I will relieve him and help Ossie,” Javelle said.

“Don’t go showing off picking up two bags at a time, Javelle,” Doug said.

The other men laughed, accepting Doug’s remark as a joke. But Doug knew that Javelle could pick up half a dozen bags without any problem.

Having to scan each bag for pollution, loading the bags of rice was a slow process. After finishing unloading the first truck, they took a break. And Mr. Choo handed out bottles of water while the second truck backed up into place. When they resumed, Doug changed places with the man in front who was flipping the bag over and scanning it. Javelle continued to help Ossie load the bags on the ship.

One of the men yelled out to Mr. Choo, “Hey! Isn’t it time for lunch?”

“When you get the truck unloaded you can go to lunch,” Mr. Choo replied.

“He’s a slave driver,” another man yelled. Mr. Choo ignored the good-nature teasing.

When the truck was finally unloaded, one of the men said, “Okay, lunch time. This go.”

Doug had completely forgotten about Aisha and wondered what she had been doing.

Mr. Choo said, “Soo Lin will have lunch ready. Please come and join us.”

When Doug enter the galley, he saw Aisha helping Soo Lin and said, “You haven’t been in Soo Lin’s way have you?”

“No, she help me fix lunch, Mr. Kincaid,” Soo Lin said. “She is good worker.”

When they went back outside after lunch, they found two more trucks had arrived. Doug and Javelle continued to help them load the bags of rice.

They had nearly finished the second truck when Soo Lin rolled a cart out and one of the men yelled, “Tea time.” And everyone stopped working.

Aisha helped Soo Lin. Soo Lin poured the tea and Aisha handed the cups to the men. When it was Doug’s turn, Soo Lin said, “I fix you coffee. I know you do not care for tea.” And picked up another pot and poured Doug a cup of coffee.

Doug and Javelle helped unload two more truck during the afternoon. When they finished with the last truck, Mr. Choo said, “There will probably be no more trucks today.”

“This see if we can find that girl (Aisha) and we’ll go back to the transit hotel, Doug told Javelle. Then told Javelle, “That call I received earlier was from Issie.” And told Javelle about Issie calling Major. And Major having told her they had found where the 7mm rifle blasters had been stolen from.

“And Zebulon security has no more information about Wi Péng or where he went,” Javelle commented after Doug finished explained the robbery of the 7mm rifle blasters.

Are we going to try and find out who received the weapons here on Earth?”

“I have been considering the feasible of locating those responsible for receiving the stolen weapons,” Doug answered. “I heard some of the men talking today. Evidentially someone can find just about anything they want -- from illegal drugs to women -- at that nightclub just outside the spaceport. We could probably drop a few subtle hints there and find someone. But taking everything into account; we have limited time, we’ll be leaving in a couple of days. Even if we took out the people receiving the stolen weapons, someone else would only take their place. This hope we can locate the people responsible for shipping the weapons here to Earth.”

On the way back to the transit hotel, Doug said to Aisha, “Zenobia told me that you told them that Javelle was a robot. How did you know that Javelle was a robot?”

“I just know,” Aisha answered. “Did I do something wrong telling them that you are a robot, Uncle Javelle?”

“No, you done nothing wrong telling them that I am a robot, Aisha,” Javelle said. “We were just curious how you knew I was a robot. Did you grandmother tell you?”

“No, Grandmother Lily did not tell me. I just knew,” Aisha said.

Doug looked at Javelle and raised an eyebrow and shook his head. Dumbfounded how Aisha would know Javelle was a robot. Then said, “It would be best not to tell people that Javelle is a robot, Aisha.”

“Why? Uncle Javelle is a robot,” Aisha questioned.

“Yes he is, Aisha. But a lot of people do not like robots. They are even afraid of robots. And Javelle, being a humaniform robot, it could cause a lot of problems for Javelle if people knew. People may try to harm him,” Doug said.

“Why would people want to harm Uncle Javelle?” Aisha asked.

“A few centuries ago, robots were quite populous on Earth. Corporations used them to replace human workers. Greedy capitalist using robots to replace human workers became very unpopular. And it caused strong ill feelings toward robots,” Javelle said.

“The robots Javelle is taking about were not humaniform like Javelle. They were simply robots created to perform rudimentary manual labor displacing the human worker. But taking people’s jobs away, so they could not support their families, led to riots and demonstrations,” Doug explained. “When the settlers (that was what the first people that settled on the new worlds were call -- Settlers) prohibited any robots to be brought along.”

“Uncle Javelle, would people harm you just because you are a robot or because you are a humaniform robot?” Aisha asked.

“Perhaps both, Aisha,” Javelle said. “It is based on prejudice.”

“What is prejudice?” Aisha asked.

“It is an opinion formed beforehand: usually an unfavorable one, based on insufficient knowledge, irrational feelings, or inaccurate stereotypes. Or an irrational dislike of somebody: an unfounded hatred, fear, or mistrust of a person or group, especially one of a particular ethnicity, nationality, sexual preference, or social status,” Doug explained. “Consider Ossie. Because Ossie is black, many people disliked him simply due to the color of his skin.”

“But Uncle Ossie is a good person. Why would anyone hate Uncle Ossie?” Aisha asked.

“Simply because of the color of his skin,” Doug replied.

“But that is wrong,” Aisha said.

“Yes it is,” Doug answered. “That is why we should never judge people on their ethnicity, nationality, sexual preference, or social status. It’s wrong. It’s prejudice. That is why it is best not to tell people that Javelle is a robot.”

“Okay. I will not tell anyone Uncle Javelle is a robot,” Aisha replied.