The Empire: Called back to Earth

“Issie called me yesterday evening,” Major announced after everyone had gotten a breakfast plate and had sit down. “She said they should be leaving Earth in the next couple of days. When I asked her what Doug was doing, she told me that he and Javelle were helping the spacecraft crew load rice.”

“Loading rice? What do they do with rice?” Garland asked.

“Rice is used in a lot of dishes,” Ricardo said. “I use rice in a lot of dishes I prepare for the evening meal.”

“Why would Doug and Javelle have to help load the spaceship?” Harvey asked.

“According to Issie, each bag has to be scanned for pollution,” Major answered. “And they load the bags one bag at a time.”

“Why would they have to scan the bags for pollution?” Jenny Asked.

“I don’t know for certain, Jenny, but Earth is very polluted with hazardous chemicals.” Major answered. “I suppose they could be growing rice in areas that have become overly polluted. Some kind of substance like a chemical or waste product that will contaminate the air, soil, or water. If they are, it could contaminate the rice or other products they are raising.”

“May have to stop using rice in dishes I fixed,” Ricardo voiced.

“Is Earth the only world that grows rice?” Karen asked.

“I don’t know,” Ricardo answered, frowning. “I would guess that there are other worlds that grow rice. And Major is saying bags. Like in large bags. But the supermarket here sales rice in small packages. Not large bags. If the rice comes from Earth -- or any other world, for that matter -- they must repackage it someplace. Strange how we just take it for granted the items we buy in the supermarket and never ever think about where something comes from.”

“Did Issie say any more about Lily’s children?” Raquel asked.

“We got cutoff again before I could ask her. I did ask her if Doug and Javelle had tried to locate who was receiving those stolen rifle blasters,” Major replied. “She said she did not know what Doug and Javelle were doing about finding the people responsible for receiving the stolen rifle blasters.”

“Has Zebulon Security provided you with any more information about the stolen rifle blasters?” Gilbert asked.

“I have not heard any more from Zebulon Security,” Major replied.

“Did Issie say how long it would take them to get back to Trenton?” Maria asked.

“No, she did not say,” Major answered.

“They still plan to travel with that Reilly World Transport?” Maria asked.

“I didn’t ask but I guess they will come back with him,” Major replied. “Few, if any, commercial passage spaceships go to Earth anymore.”

“How many people still live on Earth? And what are they going to do when the planet becomes too polluted?” Jenny asked.

“I do not know Jenny. I cannot answer that,” Major replied.

“What about this lady Doug went to meet? Does she plan to die there?” Jenny inquired.

“Lily is quite elderly, Jenny,” Maria answered. “She is nearing her ninth decade and has made it clear to us she plans to live out her remaining years on Earth. Obviously, fearing for the safety of her grandchildren, she wanted to know they would grow up in a safe environment.”

“Everyone always speaks highly of her. She must be quite a lady?” Jenny said.

“Yes she is, Jenny, she is quite a lady,” Gilbert said. “I regret I was not here when she summoned Doug back to Earth. I would have liked to have gone with him. I would have liked to seen Lily one last time.”

“I have to make up a budget request today. Maria is going to help me and we’re going to stay here and work out of my office here at the house,” Raquel announced. “Jenny, give that report you received about those women being abducted to Major and Gilbert when you go over to the GEBI office. I’m sure you two can handle everything at the office today,” directing her comments to Major and Gilbert.

“They’re going on a shopping spree and leaving all the work to us Gilbert,” Major joked, smiling.

Doug and Javelle helped Captain Chun’s crew load rice the next two days. On the second day, Captain Zhuó came by and Doug gave him the keys to the HumVees. “I will see that the HumVees are retuned to Master Fēng,” Captain Zhuó said.

“It’s your call what you do with them but one of them belongs to Mr. Yuán,” Doug informed Captain Zhuó.”

“What about those rifle blasters?” Captain Zhuó asked.

“Again, it is your call Captain. But I would suggest you hold on to those rifle blasters,” Doug told Captain Zhuó. “You may encounter a situation where Master Fēng cannot protect you and you will need those rifle blasters. Besides, Master Fēng will not ask for them back.”

Aisha wanted to accompany Doug and Javelle so she could help Soo Lin. David asked if he could go along. The bags of rice were too heavy for David to handle but he helped Mr. Choo. David would ferry bills of lading and other paper work between Mr. Choo and the truck drivers. And run other errands Mr. Choo would assign him.

Late in the afternoon, on the third day, after unloading all the trucks, Mr. Choo announced, “We still have space for two, maybe three more truckloads of rice. I will consult with the Captain when he gets back. But the Captain may decide to leave tonight rather than wait another day for only two or three more trucks. Doug, you might want to inform your people we may be leaving tonight.”

“I want to see all the stars,” Aisha kept requesting.

“You have to wait until we’re free of the gravitational pull of Earth before we can go roaming around the spaceship,” Doug told Aisha. “You’ll still not be able to see many stars until we’re out of the solar system and in deep space.”

Aisha was impatient to see the stars and finally Doug escorted Aisha and David to the bridge. “Captain, okay if we come onto the bridge? The children want to see the stars.”

“It’s okay but you will not see many stars. But come, I will show you a sight you will not long forget.” Captain Chun led them to one of the port windows and pointed, and said, “See that large planet. That is Jupiter. Now look past Jupiter. See that planet with rings. That is Saturn, You can hardly see the next two planets but they are Neptune and Uranus”

“Do people live on those planets?” Aisha wanted to know.

“No, those planets are uninhabitable. Those are what are known as gas giants,” Captain Chun said and then explained why they were uninhabitable.

Doug had seen all the planets on previous trips but the view was spectacular. A once-in-a-lifetime sight for most space travelers.

Captain Chun continued to point out various objects, the moons of Jupiter and Saturn. “And that is Titan, the largest moon of Saturn.”

Doug found the view mesmerizing. And realized that Aisha and David had to be totally fascinated by the sight.

Concerned that they may be interfering with Captain Chun operating the spaceship, Doug said, “Perhaps we had better go and stop bothering Captain Chun.”

“The children are welcome to stay here on the bridge,” Captain Chun said, assuring Doug that they would not be in the way of the operation of the spacecraft.

It was after the first jump that Doug made his way back to the bridge. He found Mr. Choo pointing out the port window telling Aisha and David about the star system. Mr. Choo would explain that that star system is the Little Dipper and that star system was something else. Doug had never learned the names of the star systems but found it fascinating how Aisha and David were totally absorbed in learning about the star systems.

“Where is the star we’re going to?” Aisha wanted to know.

“I cannot point out the star that the world of Waco circles. That is the star where we’ll be stopping first. Then you will continue on to the world of Trenton. Neither the stars that the world of Waco or Trenton circle are visible,” Mr. Choo answered.

Mr. Choo finally noticed that Doug had entered the bridge and said, “I was explaining to the children about the different star systems.”

“I noticed that they are totally absorbed in your astronomy lesson. I hope they are not getting in your way and causing problems for you,” Doug replied.

Mr. Choo answered with an ingratiating smile, “The children are very good and eager to learn.”

“Thank you, Mr. Choo, for explaining the star systems to them. But if they get in your way send them back to the cabin,” Doug replied.

Doug was not sure if it had been nine days or ten since they had left Earth and landed on the world of Waco. Captain Chun had previously told them that he was unsure how long they would have to remain on Waco. When they finally settled on the landing pad, Mr. Choo came to the cabin and reiterated that they did not know how long they would have to remain on Waco, explaining that the bags of rice would be unloaded one bag at a time and the Waco Distribution Center would again check the bags for contamination.

Doug offered to help unload the bags of rice but Mr. Choo explained that this time all they had to do was place the bags on a convoy. And the Waco Distribution Center workers would check them for contamination, then load them on a truck to be taken to the warehouse.

Doug rounded everyone up and explained that he did not know how long they would have to remain on the world of Waco. “We’ll go to the Waco Continental Hotel and get rooms,” he told them.

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

The driver was the same talkative driver that had driven them to the hotel when they had stopped on the world of Waco on the way to Earth. He remembered them and had made a bee line to intercept them as they emerged from the Waco Intergalactic Spaceport.

Doug held the front door open and indicated that Issie and Aisha should ride up front. This time Aisha was the inquisitive one asking the driver questions. The driver again told them that most of the population had migrated from some country on Earth that produced cattle. And how the world of Waco was the major beef producing world in the Galaxy.

The first field they passed with cattle, Aisha asked, “What are those?”

Laughing, the driver said, “Why, those are cattle, little girl. Haven’t you ever seem cattle before. Where are you from?”

“I am from Earth and we’re going to the world of Trenton,” Aisha replied. “And I have never seen cattle before. What do you do with them?”

“We butcher and eat them,” The driver answered.

Aisha gave the driver a questionable look and said, “But they are too pretty to eat.”

When they arrived at the Waco Continental Hotel, Doug secured two rooms and then told them, “If you are not too tired we’ll see if they have any sightseeing tours.”

“First thing I am going to do is have a nice hot bath after all those days cooped up on a spaceship,” Zenobia announced. “Then I am going to visit the hair saloon,” pointing to a sign across the hotel lobby.

After four days of sightseeing tours, both day and evening, Doug decided he had had about enough tours. For that matter, enough of the world of Waco and was ready to continue on to the world of Trenton.

But Issie, along with Aisha and David, were all excited and wanting to take another tour. They were sitting in the Waco Continental Hotel coffee shop and Zenobia leaned over and whispered to Doug, “Does Issie and the children ever get enough sightseeing tours?”

Doug smiled and said, “I think they could go on ever tour available and still want to find another. How about you? Are you getting tired of the sightseeing tours?”

“I have found them enjoyable, even educational, but I am ready to go home,” Zenobia said and then added. “Visiting Earth was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I am glad that I went but I do not think I even want to visit Earth again.”

Javelle had excused himself without saying where he was going or what he was going to do. He returned and announced in an excited voice, “I have a great treat for everyone.”

Javelle, showing emotional characteristics was a distinctive and very noticeable characteristic. Robots were not supposed to demonstrate attitudes, express interests, behavioral patterns, or emotional responses. Epitomizing such traits immediately alerted Doug. But Javelle had said ‘…treat for everyone…’ and Doug just as quickly accepted there was nothing wrong.

“I was able to purchase tickets for the Waco Symphony Orchestra,” Javelle, still expressing a level of excitement uncommon for a robot, announced.

Doug recalled how excited Javelle had been when they had attended the Davenport Symphony Orchestra and had wondered then why a robot would become so excited and express such interests, and emotional responses to a symphony orchestra. Perhaps it had something to do with the way his positronic brain had been constructed, Doug had thought. Now he was demonstrating similar behavioral patterns. Doug made a mental note to ask Javelle. Perhaps those that had created Javelle, had a love of classical music and somehow built that love for classical music into Javelle‘s positronic brain.

“What is a symphony orchestra?” Aisha wanted to know.

“A symphony orchestra is a complex musical composition: a major work for an orchestra, including wind, string, and percussion instruments, usually composed in four movements, at least one of which is in sonata form. It is a harmonious composition or arrangement,” Javelle explained to Aisha.

Doug could picture Javelle as a professor lecturing a music class. But wondered if Aisha and David understood what Javelle was saying.

“What is harmonious composition?” David asked.

“Harmonious composition relates to having a pleasing combination of parts,” Javelle answered. “I am sure you will enjoy the symphony orchestra this evening.”

Aisha asked, “What is a sonata?”

“A sonata is a piece of classical music for a solo instrument or a small ensemble,” Javelle told Aisha.

Doug had observed that when Javelle had explained literature, like Shakespeare, or math problems to Jazzlyn and Izek (Raquel’s children); they always seemed to be totally absorbed in what Javelle was explaining. Now David and Aisha were exhibiting the same interest when Javelle explained the different parts of a symphony orchestra.

Before attending the Waco Symphony Orchestra, everyone wanted to have dinner at the Rancho Steak House again. They had had dinner there the past three nights. But Doug was not going to object. The charcoal grilled steaks were excellent.

During the symphony orchestra performance, Aisha and David continued to asked Javelle questions, only to have those nearby shoo them to be quite. They had an intermission break and Javelle (still exhibiting a high emotional level of excitement) explained what had transpired thus far in the performance.

Issie returned from wherever she had gone and whispered in Doug’s ear, “I need a hundred and fifty credits. I will pay you back.”

Doug was confused why Issie would need a hundred and fifty credits but said nothing. Instead, he reached into his pocket and counted out three fifty credits notes and gave them to Issie. And she turned and left.

Zenobia had seen the exchanged and questioned Doug with her eyes. Doug shrugged his shoulders and shook his head to say, I don’t know.

Two thirds of the way through the performance Doug’s vistaview unit vibrated. He extracted the unit from his pocket and saw that it was Captain Chun. He showed it to Zenobia and said, “I need to go outside so I can take this call.”

“Good evening Captain,” Doug answered. “You’ve unloaded and ready to travel on?”

“No, but I do have a ride for you,” Captain Chun said. Then explained that Captain Iraheta was scheduled to land on the world of Waco tomorrow night sometime to pick up a load of beef. “She will be making a stop on Trenton,” Captain Chun said.

“That sounds great, Captain. When will she be departing the world of Waco?” Doug inquired.

“It will probably be day after tomorrow sometime,” Captain Chun replied. “You will need to come to the spaceport and transfer your things to her ship. And she can tell you when she plans to leave Waco.”

Doug was not sure how much longer the symphony orchestra would continue but decided to remain in the lobby. Doug never liked to be in an enclosed space with a large number of people for an extended period. The brain waves pulsating through his mind was very annoying. He wondered how Javelle could stand it. But Javelle had once told him he could shut the brain waves out. Doug guessed, being a machine, he could simply flip a switch. The wait was not long. Maybe twenty minutes.

They returned to the Waco Continental Hotel and stopped in the coffee shop. Aisha and David wanted one of the ice cream floats. Issie and Zenobia ordered a soft drink and Doug ordered a Rocky Mountain Spring beer. As usual, Javelle declined ordering anything.

Issie rummaged through a bag she was carrying and laid some tickets on the table and said, “My treat tomorrow night. The Waco Opera has a performance tomorrow evening.”

“What is an opera?” Aisha wanted to know.

“It’s a musical drama: a dramatic work where music is a dominant part of the performance, with the actors often singing rather than reciting their lines. It is usually highly stylized and typically has recurring themes intensified by musical repetitions developed as the piece progresses,” Issie explained. “It will be similar to the symphony orchestra we attended this evening except there will be actors singing rather than all instruments.”

“Do you like the opera Javelle?” Issie asked.

“I do,” Javelle replied. “The quality may not be as good as the symphony orchestra. It will depend on the play they have developed for the opera.”

“We should be getting all the cultural we’ll be needing for a while,” Zenobia vocalized, smiling.

“It will be a great educational experience for Aisha and David,” Issie added.

Doug thought they had taken all the tours offered in Waco city but Issie had found another daily sightseeing tour and announced at breakfast that it would pick them up around 800 hours here at the Waco Continental Hotel.

The sightseeing tour went to the city (more like a village) of Lerado. The village of Lerado was pretty much a tourist trap. There was little there. The major industry was a meat processing plant. “I do not think a tour of a meat processing facility would be an educational experience for Aisha and David,” Doug voiced. And everyone decided they did not want to see cattle being slaughtered.

Steak houses seemed to be very popular and Lerado was no different. The Lerado Steak House was equal, if not superior to the Rancho Steak House in the city of Waco. And it had one fabulous soup and salad bar.

After lunch at the Lerado Steak House, which was included in the price of the tour, they made a roundabout trip out through the country. It was some very spectacle scenery. The tour guide pointed out plants she called cactus. Other plants she said were yucca plants. The tour guide explained that the yucca plants were an evergreen plant widely grown for its sharp lance-shaped leaves and clusters of white flowers that grow in vertical spikes. And the lance-shaped leaves were used to weave baskets.

That evening, after returning from the sightseeing tour, Doug inquired where they would like to have dinner. After all the steak houses, Doug thought they may like to visit another type of restaurant. But everyone, except Javelle, yelled out ‘Rancho Steak House.’

Doug found the opera to be enjoyable but had no idea what they were trying to portray. Even Zenobia seemed to enjoy the opera more than she had the symphony orchestra. And David and Aisha keep asking Javelle and Issie questions until those near them started shooing them to be quite.

After breakfast the next morning, Doug announced that he and Javelle were going out to the Waco Intergalactic Spaceport to transfer their belonging from Captain Chun’s spaceship to Captain Iraheta’s spaceship and find out when she was blasting off from the world of Waco. Everyone announced they wanted to go so they could say goodbye to Captain Chun and his crew.

Weather by luck or by design, (Doug was beginning to believe by design) they got the same talkative driver they had the other two trips.

He wanted to know if they were now leaving the world of Waco. What all they had been doing. Had they enjoyed their stay on the world of Waco.

Between Issie and Aisha, they told him about the tours, the opera, the symphony orchestra and how they had really enjoyed meals at the steak houses.

“Didn’t you take the overnight tour to Wichita Falls?” the driver asked.

“No, we were not aware of that tour,” Issie replied. “If we do not depart today maybe we can go tonight.”

Zenobia leaned close to Doug and whispered in his ear, “Let us hope we leave today. I cannot take another tour.”

As they exited onto the spaceship landing area, Ossie met them and scooped Aisha and David up in his arms. “We’re going to miss you guys. You sure you do not want to continue sailing through the Galaxy with us?”

It dawned on Doug then that this was going to be an emotional goodbye. Captain Chun, Mr. Choo, Ossie, Soo Lin and the entire crew had developed a close bond with David and Aisha.

Captain Chun met Doug as they neared the spacecraft. Captain Chun shook hands with Doug and Javelle and then said, “I will walk with you over to Captain Iraheta’s spacecraft and introduce you.”

Captain Iraheta was a petite woman. Had you met Captain Iraheta on a street you would never have guessed she was a spaceship captain.

Captain Iraheta extended her hand and said, “Nice to meet you Mr. Kincaid,” after Captain Chun made the introductions. “Captain Chun said you were a hard worker but will not be needing any physical labor this trip,” Captain Iraheta said, smiling.

Doug told her there would be six people and they would need two cabins.

“Captain Chun already informed me,” Captain Iraheta said. “We have prepared two cabins already.

Doug explained that he had some items on Captain Chun’s spacecraft and he needed to transfer the items to her spacecraft.

After collecting the items (the 7mm rifle blasters, sleeping bags and other items), Doug found Ossie with a wagon loaded with bags of rice. The Captain said you may like some rice,” Ossie said.

Doug was not sure if Ricardo used any rice in the dishes he cooked but did not refuse the rice. When they arrived back at Captain Iraheta’s spacecraft, Captain Iraheta told Ossie to place the bags of rice with the others. Doug guessed that Captain Chun had given Captain Iraheta some bags of rice.

“I have a flight plan filed to depart Waco at 2200 hours tonight,” Captain Iraheta told Doug. “The ship should be loaded long before that but be here no later than 2000 hours.”

Doug assured her they would be there. Then his curiosity got the better of him and he asked, “Do they pack beef in those contains there?”

“Those particular containers contain individual orders,” Captain Iraheta explained. “Then went on to explain that individuals could order the three hundred kilogram containers of beef. How the orders were made up of steaks, roast and ground beef. And how they were sealed in vacuum packed bags and stored in the containers for shipment. If you like beef you should order one.”

Doug was not sure how much space Ricardo would have to store beef but asked, “Who would I need to see about placing an order?”

Captain Iraheta called a man over and told him that Doug was interested in placing an order. The man explained that they had all steaks, all roast or a combination of steaks, roast and ground beef. And when the man said it was only three hundred and fifty credits for the combination steaks, roast and ground beef, Doug had to ask him again to make sure he had heard the man correctly.

The man verified that was the cost and Doug reckoned that had to be a great bargain for three hundred kilograms of beef and told him he would take one container and paid the man. Javelle had overheard the conversation and told the man he would also take one container.

The ‘goodbyes’ were emotional. Soo Lin was weeping as she hugged David and Aisha. Even Mr. Choo had to wipe his eyes as he said goodbye to David and Aisha.

Captain Chun remained back while his crew said their goodbyes. As they left, Captain Chun shook hands with everyone and told Doug, “If you every need a ride back to Earth don’t hesitate to call me.”

“Thanks Captain, for everything,” Doug told him, and if there is ever anything I can do for you don’t hesitate to call me.”

The talkative driver said he would wait on them. And he drove them back to the Waco Continental Hotel.

Doug had told Issie they needed to call Raquel on the ride back to the hotel and ask her what the time differential was between the world of Waco and Trenton. Issie played with her computer a minute and then announced, “It is a little before 0700 on Trenton.”

They went to the hotel coffee shop and Issie initiated a call to Raquel through her computer.

“Good morning Issie,” Raquel said. “How is everyone doing?”

“We’re all fine,” Issie said. “We’ll be leaving the world of Waco directly to Trenton this evening.” And explained that there was another Reilly World Transport that was going directly to Trenton with only one stop in between.”

Aisha wanted to speak to Raquel and said, “Hi Aunt Raquel. We’ll be at your house soon.”

“I am looking forward to seeing you sweetie,” Raquel said. “What have you been doing?”

And Aisha started telling her about all the tours, and you will never guess where Uncle Javelle took us,” Aisha said.

“No, where did Uncle Javelle take you?” Raquel asked.

“He took us to a symphony orchestra. Then Aunt Issie took us to an opera,” Aisha told Raquel and continued to tell Raquel all about the symphony orchestra and the opera.

Doug finally interrupted Aisha and said, “Hello Raquel. Is Ricardo there?”

“I’m here Doug,” Ricardo said. “Can you hear me?”

“I can hear you Ricardo,” Doug replied. Then told him about the containers of beef they had purchased. “Hope you have someplace to store it.”

“Wow! I will have to get another freezer to store that much beef,” Ricardo said.

“These are self-contained unit, Ricardo. No need to purchase another freezer,” Doug explained.

“Doug, did you have an opportunity to find who was receiving those stolen rifle blasters?” Major spoke up and asked.

“No, we did not have sufficient time to do an investigation, Major,” Doug replied. “Hopefully that blaster manufacturing company will initiate better security measures in the future.”

“When are you arriving here on the world of Trenton?” Raquel asked.

“According to Captain Iraheta, we should reach Trenton in about ten days,” Doug told Raquel. “We’ll call you when we are one day out.”

They landed at the Intergalactic Spaceport on Trenton something after 1300 hours.

Raquel had cleared it so Ricardo could drive a rental van onto the cargo vessel landing area and they were waiting on them when they descended from the spacecraft. Issie and Aisha disembarked first and when Aisha saw Raquel she ran to her and said, “Hi, I’m Aisha. You must be Aunt Raquel. My grandmother told me all about you and how you are an important lady.”

Aisha’s outgoing personality took Raquel by surprise for a moment and then she squatted down so she would be on eye level with Aisha and said, “It is nice to meet you to Aisha but I am nowhere near as important as your grandmother. Did you enjoy your space trip?”

“Oh, it was fabulous. I saw Jupiter and the rings of Saturn. And the millions and millions of stars as we sailed through the Galaxy. Then we stop someplace and went on a lot of tours,” Aisha told Raquel. When she started telling Raquel about the tours, Raquel interrupted her and said there were some other people that wanted to meet her.

David had approached with Javelle and Aisha said, “This is my big brother David.” David extended his hand to Raquel and said, “Hi.”

Aisha leaned in close to Raquel and whispered in her ear, “My brother is a little bashful until he gets to know you better.”

“Oh! I see,” Raquel said. Then said to Aisha and David, “Come, I will introduce you to Aunt Maria and Uncle Major.”

After introducing Aisha and David to Major and Maria, Raquel walked back to Doug and said, “Aisha is quite the extrovert. She reminds me of her grandmother.”

Regina had gotten a ground vehicle and driver to pick Zenobia up. Zenobia came back and Raquel asked, “Did you enjoy your trip to Earth, Ambassador?”

“Yes, it was quite an educational experience but I do not think I want to every go back,” Zenobia replied.

“I don’t blame you,” Raquel said. “I know I never want to go back.”

Then Zenobia asked Doug if he wanted to ride into Trenton with them. “If you can wait a few minutes while I help them unload everything from the spacecraft I will go with you,” Doug told Zenobia.

With the help of a couple of the customs officials, they finally got Ricardo’s van loaded. Doug knew that customs officials were not overpaid and gave each one a fifty credit note. And they cleared the way for Ricardo to exit the area without further inspections.

Ricardo had invited everyone to a cookout that evening. Zenobia had first declined, alleging she had to confer with her father. And Raquel told her to bring her parents.

The cookout was scheduled for 1900 hours. Doug stopped and purchased an economy pack of Rocky Mountain Spring beer from a convenience store. Then he and Zenobia continued to Raquel’s house arriving about fifteen minutes early. Quinton Irons and his family were already there, as well as Javelle.

Ricardo had built a large outside covered patio, with a built-in grill. Javelle and Quinton were helping Ricardo. Someone had already brought some beer and put it in a large tub with ice. Doug added the pack he had brought and asked Ricardo if he needed anymore help.

“We’re good for now,” Ricardo replied. “And thanks for all the beef. And thanks for all the rice but I am not sure what I will do with that much rice.”

Over the next fifteen to twenty minutes, everyone else arrived. Major and Maria had taken David and Aisha home with them. When Major and Maria arrived with David and Aisha, they introduced them to Raquel’s children Jazzlyn and Izek and Quinton Iron’s children Pricilla and Quinton Jr. Jazzlyn and Izek told David, Aisha, Pricilla and Quinton Jr. they would teach them how to ride a bicycle.

First Vice Chairman Joseph Kennedy and his wife Martha were the last to arrive. Raquel met them and welcomed them to the cookout.

Doug and Zenobia walked over to greet Zenobia’s parents but Aisha arrived first and said, “Hi, I’m Aisha. Who are you?”

Zenobia smiled at Doug, knowing her parents were not accustom to being greeted by a little girl. But her father recovered immediately and said, “I’m Joe Kennedy and this is my wife Martha.”

“Are you Zenobia’s parents?” Aisha wanted to know.

“Yes, and you must be the little girl that came back with her from Earth,” First Vice Chairman Kennedy said.

“Yes,” Aisha acknowledged and starting telling them about the space trip.

Doug interrupted her and suggested that she go and play with the other children. Them greeted Mr. Kennedy and his wife.

Martha looked at her husband and said, “Honey, wouldn’t it be nice if our daughter gave us some grandchildren.” Then looked at Doug and Zenobia questionably. Doug could feel himself blushing and saw that Zenobia was too. Raquel, who had heard Martha’s comments was smiling but saved Doug and Zenobia, saying, “Come, I will introduce you to everyone.”

Zenobia went with her parents and Raquel. Doug went to get a beer and saw Gilbert Faber who he had not seen for a long time. “Hi Gilbert. How have you been,” Doug asked.

Doug and Gilbert engaged in small talk catching up on the past. Doug saw First Vice Chairman Kennedy walking their way. And Doug said to Gilbert, “ Did you meet ever First Vice Chairman Kennedy?”

“Yes, Raquel introduced us. First Vice Chairman Kennedy said, “Please call me Joe,” when Doug addressed him formally. “Zenobia told me about your trip to Earth. What is the situation on Earth now?” Joe wanted to know.

“Earth is very polluted and declining into anarchy. With the absence of any formal system of government, it has created a situation where there is a total lack of organization,” Doug told Joe.

Doug, Joe and Gilbert continued to discuss Earth. First Vice Chairman Kennedy had numerous questions about Earth, wanting to know everything. Doug answered, or tried to answer, all his questions to the best of his ability.

First Vice Chairman Kennedy excused himself to go talk with Raquel. Doug and Gilbert walked back to the patio and Doug retrieved a beer and handed it to Gilbert. He retrieved two more and took one to Ricardo.

Doug and Gilbert continued to talk about old times. After a while Raquel joined them. A few minutes later Major and Maria joined them. After a few minutes Maria asked, “Who is going to care for Lily’s grandchildren?”

“I don’t know,” Doug answered. “Issie is going to call someplace tomorrow -- human services, I think it is -- to see if someone wants to adopt them. Of course if someone wanted to volunteer….”

Before Doug could finish his sentence, Maria said, “We’ll take them. Major and I discussed it. We’ll adopt them.”

“Good,” Doug said nonchalantly. “See Issie. She already has all the paper work ready. And I am sure Gil here (slapping Gilbert on the back) will be glad to assist you with any legal requirements.” And Doug excused himself to go get another beer.

Maria said to Raquel and Gilbert, “Why do I feel like we were set up? I hate it when Doug does those mental gymnastic games.”

“Knowing Doug, you probably were,” Gilbert replied with an ingratiating smile. “Let me know what legal help you need.”

After getting another beer, Doug saw Ryan and said, “Hey, I hear you had an exciting trip to the world of Arcadia?”

“You wouldn’t take me to Earth with you so I had to do something for excitement,” Ryan said, an enigmatic smile playing across her lips. “You remember my sister Pamela. She now works for Captain Jacoby in Trenton security.”

“Hi Pamela. Nice to see you,” Doug said. “Hope everything is going well for you.”

“Very well, thanks to everything you have done for us,” Pamela replied.

Doug excused himself and went and found David and Aisha and told them that they would be living with Major and Maria.

Aisha, leading her brother by the hand, came running up and asked, “Is it true we can stay with you Aunt Maria?”

After dinner Ricardo and Raquel stood up and Ricardo said, “Can I have your attention please.” When everyone stopped talking, Ricardo said, “Raquel has an announced to make.”

“Before leaving Earth, we’re giving some credits. We did not need all the credits to get settled here so Ricardo used the remainder of the credits and purchased the estates on each side of us. Maria, Major, we’re giving you one of the estates to you,” Raquel announced.

“And being an architect, I will assist you in designing your home,” Ricardo added.

Everyone cheered and Doug saw Maria bury her head in Major’s shoulder weeping.

It had been over thirty days since returning from Earth. “I am about ready to call it a day and go home,” Doug said to Javelle when his vistaview unit buzzed.

Doug saw that it was Captain Charlie Collins, owner of Ol’ Charlie’s Transport calling. “Hello Captain. How are you today?”

“Er, is this Investigator Kincaid?” Ol’ Charlie asked. “The man that I met on Earth?”

“Yes Captain, this is Doug Kincaid, the man you met at the Beijing Spaceport,” Doug acknowledged.

Doug had his vistaview unit on the speaker and Javelle walked closer to hear.

Ol’ Charlie sounded nervous when he said, “I, ah, think I may have found something that would interest you.”

“What did not find Captain?” Doug asked.

“Ah, I’m not going to get into trouble am I?” Ol’ Charlie wanted to know.

Doug gave Javelle a questioning look and then said, “I do not know why you would get into any trouble Captain. If you found something and are reporting it that is not grounds to get you into any trouble.”

“I, ah, well; you know the load of rice I was picking up? (Doug did not interrupt Ol’ Charlie and gave him time to continue.) Well, I delivered it to the world of China. And I picked up some freight to bring back to Earth. You know, I deliver something to one place and pick up something there and take it someplace else.”

Doug wanted to tell him to hurry up and tell him what he had discovered, but Ol’ Charlie already being nervous, he did not want to spook him anymore and simply said, “I understand Captain.”

“Well, I almost always go to Peking. That is the capitol city on the world of China. They named the capitol the same as the old capitol city on Earth,” Ol’ Charlie said.

Doug and Javelle had once visited the world of China and was aware that they had named the capitol Peking like the name of the old capitol on Earth. And he simply said, “Yes, I understand Captain,” Doug acknowledged.

“Well, anyway, I have been picking up sealed crates that are being shipped by Sòng’s Import-Export on the world of China to be delivered to Earth. They are always marked machine parts. I have been curious about Sòng’s Import-Export shipments for some time. I picked up six crates this trip. All sealed. Being curious, I pried the crates open. Guess what I found?”

Ol’ Charlie hesitated but Doug said nothing, waiting for Ol’ Charlie to continue.

“Two of the crates had those rifle blasters in them like the one you showed me on Earth,” Ol’ Charlie said.

Doug was half expecting Ol’ Charlie to tell him that he had found rifle blasters but it still shocked him when Ol’ Charlie finally acknowledged that was what he had discovered. Doug motioned for Javelle to follow him. As he walked out the door headed toward Raquel’s office, he stopped briefly to wave for Major to follow him. Gilbert was with Major and he followed Major.

As Doug entered Raquel’s office, Ol’ Charlie was saying, “Hey! I’m not going to get into any trouble over this am I?”

“No Captain, you’re not going to get into any trouble,” Doug confirmed. Raquel, Major and Gilbert was looking at Doug, not sure what he was talking about but did not interrupt.

The speaker was still on and Raquel, Major and Gilbert could hear but were totally ignorant as to what was going on. “Where are you at now Captain? Are you at the Beijing Spaceport on earth?” Doug wanted to know.

“No, I am about a day out from the world of Waco. I’ll be stopping on the world of Waco before continuing to Earth,” Ol’ Charlie replied.

“Okay, I’m in Director Creed’s office. Stay with me a few minutes, and don’t hang up Captain, while I confer with Director Creed to determine what to do,” Doug told Ol’ Charlie.

Doug left the speaker on so Ol’ Charlie could hear and said to Raquel, “This is Captain Collins. He picked up some crates on the world of China and discovered a couple of them contain those stolen rifle blasters.”

“Captain, this is Director Creed. If I understood your conversation with Investigator Kincaid, you are scheduled to stop on the world of Waco?”

“Yes Madam, that is correct,” Ol’ Charlie replied. “I’m not going to get into any trouble am I?”

“No Captain you will not get into any trouble,” Raquel confirmed. “But we do not need those weapons going to Earth. Here is what I am going to do. I am going to contact Waco Security and they will meet you when you land on the world of Waco. Give them the crates with the weapons. Can you do that Captain?”

“Yes Madam, but are you sure Waco Security will not charge me with transporting illegal cargo,” Ol’ Charlie inquired again.

I assure you Captain you will not be charged with transporting illegal cargo,” Raquel assured Ol’ Charlie. “But this is what I need you to do. Contact Investigator Kincaid just before you land on the world of Waco. And Investigator Kincaid will have Waco Security there to pick up the weapons. Call Investigator Kincaid regardless of the time -- day or night. Okay?”

“Yes Madam,” Ol’ Charlie acknowledged.

“I guess you already told Investigator Kincaid where you picked you the crates containing the weapons but tell me again,” Raquel ordered.

“I loaded on the world of China -- the capitol -- Peking. The invoices listed Sòng’s Import-Export. In fact. someone from Sòng’s Import-Export personally delivered the crates. He was scary looking fellow. Had a bad temper and demanded that I make sure the crates were delivered,” Ol’ Charlie told Raquel.

“Where were the crates supposed to be delivered to, Captain?” Raquel asked.

“The invoice read Sòng’s Import-Export, Beijing, China, Earth,” Ol’ Charlie answered. “I always assumed they had an office there.”

“How many crates did you pick up?” Raquel asked.

“I picked up six crates, all marked machine parts,” Ol’ Charlie replied. The other four crates had what looked like some kind of machine parts. By the way, I‘m going to be in trouble with those people in the Sòng’s Import-Export on China if they find out I told you about those weapons.”

“You’ll not be any trouble with Sòng’s Import-Export, Captain,” Raquel said. “We’ll handle that end, too.”

“Raquel, send him that picture of Wi Péng and see if he recognizes the guy,” Major said.

“Hold on a minute Captain. I am going to send you a picture. See if you recognize this person,” Raquel said. Then said to Gilbert, “Gilbert, have Issie come in here. No wait, Karen has the picture. No, I need to take this (Doug’s vistaview unit) out there so she can connect it to her computer. Hold on a minute Captain.”

Raquel walked out to Karen’s desk and said, “Connect this to your computer and send Captain Collins a copy of the picture of Wi Péng,” Raquel instructed.

Karen complied with Raquel’s instructions and found and sent a copy of the picture to Captain Collins.

“Did you receive the picture Captain?” Raquel asked.

“Yes Madam,” Ol’ Charlie replied.

“Do you recognize this man?” Raquel asked.

“Yes Madam. That is the man that delivered the crates to be shipped to Earth,” Ol’ Charlie said.

“Do you know his name?” Raquel inquired.

“No Madam, I do not know his name,” Ol’ Charlie answered.

“Okay Captain. Don’t forget to call Investigator Kincaid just before you land on the world of Waco. And don’t worry about the people at Sòng’s Import-Export business,” Raquel said and disconnected the call.

“Well, we now know where Wi Péng went after he hijacked those 7mm rifle blasters,” Major commented. “All we need to do now is sent the information to security on the world of China and have them arrest Wi Péng and close that Sòng’s Import-Export business down.”

“That may not be enough for China Security to act,” Gilbert added.

“Oh, why not?” Raquel wanted to know.

“Although Wi Péng worked at that trucking company on the world of Zebulon, then disappeared, it’s all circumstantial evidence that he actually stole the 7mm rifle blasters,” Gilbert replied. (Gilbert, having a law degree, everyone yielded to his expertise on legal matters.)

“Wouldn’t the information we have be sufficient for China Security to search that Sòng’s Import-Export business?” Major asked.

“Maybe, but if I was the judge, I would be hesitated to issue a search warrant based on the information you presently have,” Gilbert answered. “Here is what I would recommend. Contact that Captain and make sure he has sealed the crates back up. When you contact Waco Security, inform them that this cargo ship captain suspects there may be illegal counter band in the crates. If they question you, tell them you are looking for illegal weapons that were stolen on the world of Zebulon. Make sure they understand they need to document (take pictures) opening the crates. The pictures, along with copies of the shipping documents should provide China Security with sufficient evidence for China Security to obtain a search warrant to search the Sòng’s Import-Export business,” Gilbert explained.

“Issie, can you access the security cameras at the intergalactic spaceport on China?” Gilbert asked.

“I’m sure I can,” Issie replied. “What am I looking for?”

“See if you can find the segment where this Wi Péng delivered the crates,” Gilbert answered.

A few minutes later Issie asked, “Is this what you are looking for?”

It was a video feed showing Wi Péng talking to Captain Collins and pointing at some crates on a four-wheel cart.

“Javelle and I once stopped on the world of China and met Colonel Wang, head of security for the world of China,” Doug said. “Although we stopped on the world of Waco we never met anyone from Waco Security. You don’t happen to know who heads up security on the world of Waco do you?” directing his question to Raquel.

“Jenny, check that list of security personnel I gave you from that Security Conference,” Raquel instructed. “I do not recall meeting anyone but if they attended the Arcadia Security Conference they should be listed.”