By Robin Miller
Note: List on page 169
Day 88
I woke early enough that even the the sun was not up yet. Kitty was asleep on the sofa, the fire was almost out, and the rain had stopped. I got a cup of coffee and quietly went to my writing room to work. I finished book six, and was now putting some thoughts down for book 7. Then Kitty came to the open door and asked me to come to bed for a little bit, in a sexy way, that told me just what she wanted. It was daybreak before we got out of bed again, and the children were already up and at the table with their laptops. I asked them what they were studying and they said the planets history, but it only goes back about 500 years. I said, "that must be about when they got their first recorders, before that they only the stories they told."
Prowler, "it talks about how they did trade with other people that came here from space, and how they grew crops just to trade."
Kitten, "but an nothing about the time before that."
I said, "you will only find the rest of their history in their poetry and stories." Kitten, "most of that does not have a date on it."
Prowler, "and there is so much of it we may be many years going through it all. Even though we are downloading the voice recordings, so our computer can translate it to writing that we can go through much faster."
I said, "well, you are talking about a thousand years of history about a civilization that developed from a group of travelers from another planet. History has always been a hard subject to get facts on, even when there are records about it, you're still going to find holes. The trick to history isto treat it like a painting, if you stand back far enough, you don't notice the missing parts."
I then got myself a cup of coffee and asked what was for breakfast. Kitty said, "eggs, sausages, fried potatoes and biscuits."
I said, "sounds good," then went out to the porch for a smoke. Owsee was already there and said good morning as I came out. I return the greeting and asked if he had a good sleep.
Owsee, "yes, a very good sleep. I'm feeling much better now."
I said, "I'm done with book 6. I'll stop by the book factory and make up 100,000 or so today."
Owsee, "I'll take a download from your computer. Oh though I don't think I'll have much time to read today."
I said, "sure, I can give you a download, remind me after breakfast." I sat down and lit my pipe, and thought about telling him about the gift the techno sages gave me, but it could be such a powerful weapon even Owsee may treat me differently just knowing I had it. Something that could increase my telekinetic power by a thousand is no small thing. I decided I would try to keep the secret a while longer.
I said, "so, 19 sites, that will keep you busy today. Do you think you will be done in time for supper?"
Owsee, "I don't know, depends on how smooth things go. I sent your computer the exact location of the sites, so you can talk to your contractor about them." I said, "he is just going to love me when I tell him I have 19 sites for him to build on."
Owsee, "and on the day you tell him you want to build 19 hotels he will make you part of his family."
I said, “wait until I call the man that makes and installs the transmission equipment, no doubt I'll make this year too.”
Owsee, "and what about the idea of putting up more clubs? If you want to the multi-colored light panels on the ceiling you better order them now, as it may take a long time to make them all."
I said, "everything will need to be ordered in advance. Why the chairs alone, for the clubs, come to almost 5,000 and that's just the ones in the middle." Owsee, "and we are talking about a hell of a lot a floor tile."
I said, "a lot of everything."
Kitty called us to breakfast, and we took our place at the dining room table. As we passed the potatoes I said, "we will soon beable to take these from our garden."
Owsee, "I bet there are a lot of small ones out there now. They're even better when they are small."
Kitty, "but if we start eating things before they are full-grown it will all be gone soon."
I said, "it will all be gone soon anyway, it's a small garden, just big enough so that children can see what it takes to be a farmer."
Kitten, "don't worry father, we'd definitely appreciate what farmers must go through to bring in a crop."
Prowler, "and what plumbers and welders do."
Kitten, "and what it takes to run a shop like mothers."
I said, "and what about engineering, what do you think about that job?" Prowler, "well, we like engineering, it's fun. I think they are the lucky ones." Kitten, "yes, we could do that job all day and not get bored."
Owsee, "and what do you think of being a captain of a space station?" Prowler, "well, father now has a good crew that don't need him much." Kitten, "unless there is a problem or war."
Kitty, "children!"
I said, "no no, they're quite right. I have a crew that don't bother me with the small things, and Gripper is doing a great job as well. For a captain it's not how much you do, but what you do and when. And if the crew is happy then I feel I'm doing a good job, even if it is part-time."
Owsee, "well, all I got to say is that, when war came to this planet you were the one to step up and do something. You saved us all, and we didn't lose a man. If a vote was taken you would be captain of our defenses for life!"
I said, "don't think I want to do it for the rest of my life, just until someone better comes along."
Owsee, "then you will be doing it for life."
I said, "I think Gripper would make a fine captain, one day, and he will live a good 100 years longer than I will."
Owsee, "but you are from Earth, our mother planet, I don't think we would put our full trust in someone from Tronic."
I said, "well, he has plenty of time to gain your trust. I don't plan on stepping down anytime soon, and before I forget to say it -- -- these are good biscuits." Owsee, "yes, very good."
Kitty, "thank you. Now that I know you like them I'll make them more often." Owsee, "when I was growing up, sometimes we would have nothing but biscuits and gravy for a meal. And it didn't matter what time of day it was, they were good anytime."
Kitty, "in all the time I've known you, you have never made that."
Owsee, "I could never get the gravy right, but my father was good at it." After breakfast we helped Kitty with the scarf orders, then she went to the shop and I took Owsee to the station to talk to Gripper about using his ship. We could've just called, but some things are best done in person, like asking for favors. Then the children and I went to story land Park to see how things were going. They must've worked all night, because the light poles were up and most of the parking lot was done. There were six men in the stone, V-shaped ditch, laying pipe for water and running power lines. Stony, my contractor, was at the end of the road where the main building would go. I could see the steel frame of the building was already in place, and they were pouring some more stone. I walked up to stony and said, "are you trying to get a reputation as a miracle worker?"
Stony, "we did get a lot done overnight. Had to fly in another crew from the other side of the planet to do it, but just because thisis a big job don't mean it has to take a long time."
I said, "you mentioned the other side of the planet, I'm building a radio station there. As a matter of fact, I'm building 19 of them all around the world. If you want the job, you can subcontract it out to the individual sites and I’ll just pay you. I'll have my architect draw up the plans, but they will all be like the one down the road."
Stony, "yeah sure, I can find people to do the job for you."
I said, "good, my friend Owsee is mining the crystals as we speak, but maybe he can show you the sites tomorrow."
Stony, "tomorrow will be fine. By the way, some things came for you, I put them in a cargo container over there."
I said thank you, and went over to see what we had. There were two large boxes of trail lights, and six rolls of rope with buoys, plus one without. A shipping chip said, "extra rope free of charge."
I thought to myself, that was nice of him. I would need extra rope to tie anchors to the buoy line to keep it in place. We then headed over to the small lake to see how the beach looked. On the way we saw the plumber working on the sewer line from the food stands. I asked how it was going, and he said, "I had to come in a few hours before sunup with a helper, to do the plumbing to the building, so they could start the stone pour. So it's going to be a long day, but other than that things are going well. We should be done in a few hours, unless you have something more for me to do."
I said, "what about the rest of the plumbing to the main building?" Plummer, "I need to wait until they get it more done before I can start on that, but yes, I will take care of it."
I said good, and thank you, then the Twins and I went to the new beach. It was just what I wanted, 200 feet long, and no more than 4 feet deep up to 50 feet in. The day labor crew were raking the beach off as we got there. I told them to bring the rope with buoys on it, and the other one, to the beach. I would have the contractor cut some steel up for anchors, and bring them over to the beach as well. Then they should work on filling in the ditches where the plumber is done, rake it all off and call it a day, I would call if I had more work. We then went to talk to the contractor about the anchors. He said, "that's putting some scrap to good use," and that he would put a hole in each one for the rope. Then we went to the book factory to make copies of my new book. It was only then that I remembered I forgot to give Owsee a download. I would most likely see him at supper anyway. Arty had the morning orders done already, so we made up 200 for the space station, 100 for Kitty’s shop, 50 forGoo da wa and the bar, and a hundred for the hotel store and to give away. I would send a few to lunar one and give Gripper a copy as well. Then we started to print out 100,000 to have in stock for Mr. Tem to buy for the schools. I went to my office to call him, but first gave my architect a call and told him I wanted plans to build other broadcast stations like the one I had next door. He said he would get right on it, and I told him to give the plans to my contractor. Then I called Mr. Tem and told him I had a new book. He said he would take 200,000 right off. I told him the first 100,000 would be ready by the end of the day, and he said he would transfer of the credits and have the books picked up. I thanked him and wished him good reading. Then, with Arty's help, we took some books to the hotel store. My storekeeper was glad to see them, and she said a number of people had been asking. Then the children and I took a box of books to the base on the moon. The mechanic thanked me for the silicone like stuff that was sent to him, and said it will cut down on a lot of repairs.
I said, "well, I'm just glad I could help. If you need more just tell Gripper." Then the Twins in the went back to the planet and my club. We were not real hungry, but I needed a sit down and a drink. Still we polished off a cheese platter and a bowl of breadsticks, as well as the nuts on table. The bartender asked if we would like more, and I had to say, "don't tempt us. We can't seem to keep our hands off to them."
Newsy came in and stopped by the table, saying he was here to get a drink while working on the noonday news report. I gave him the credit chip I got from Owsee and said, "here is your expense account, just what you asked for, and your daily wage is now tripled. That was hard for me to get for you, as Owsee is my partner in radio and has a say. But I think you can be worth it if you can put together at least a good 15 to 30 minute show each day for each of the 20 stations." Newsy, "I'll try not to let your down sir, but it will take time to find reporters from each city to give me reports that are local."
I said, "here is a tip. We are building a new station in 19 new cities, Owsee has the list and my contractor will have it tomorrow. The land is already bought, and Owsee is minding the crystals today."
Newsy, "that's a good tip, I can work with that."
I said, "make up a short recording for my announcers on the space station to play, and by the way, my book 6 is now for sale."
Newsy, "people will want to hear that as well. Anything new about story land Park?"
I said, "a 200 foot long beach is in, two food stands, BBQ meat sandwiches and slices of smorgesh pie. We also have a soda stand, and the main building is going up."
Newsy, "sounds like some real progress. Do you have an opening date in mind?" I said, "no, but it should be soon, I'll keep you updated."
Newsy, "this is all good stuff, I'll put it in my report today. By the way, people are asking about the eclipse yesterday. Word is, it was the techno-sages on the move, any comments?"
I said, "just that they were passing by, nothing else."
Newsy, "alright then, I need to go work this into my report. Thank you for your time sir, and thank you for the new job."
Shortly after he left our table we went back to the park’s beach to set up the rope with buoys. The hardest part was to carry out the steel anchors to put in place, so I use my telekinetic abilities to bring the anchors out to me. I didn't like to show off the power, but only the Twins were around and they already knew about it. Though I can't recall ever showing off in front of them, even so, they didn't say a word about it. As if they just knew this was not a thing to talk about. After we were done I stood on the beach and looked at the buoy line. The middle may have been a foot off, but a foot in 200 is still plenty good. It was all starting to look the way I wanted it, perhaps some benches to sit on. Maybe a place to put your clothes while swimming, I would have to think on it. The children suggested a short, one to 2 foot, wall to separate the sand from the woods. It could be made of natural stone, so as to blend in better with the surroundings. I thought that was a good idea, and it would give people a place to put their clothes so they didn’t get sandy. So we went to talk to the contractor about it. Stony was checking the forms as they got ready to pour the first floor of my building. I told him about the stone wall I wanted to build, and he said he could pour a wall in no time. I said I wanted it to look more natural, and he said, "well the stone quarry is only a half hour away. I can get you whatever you want."
I said, "I need enough to build a one to 2 foot high and wide wall, 300 feet long." He said he would call in the order, and I said I would tell the day labor men they had another day or two of work. So I told the workers about the wall, then the children and I went to lunch. I wanted to walk so I could see how the work on a parking lot was coming, but I was too tired. I was always tired after using my telekinetic powers to move things. So we got on my ship for the short hop. We did however take the time to stop at the radio station to get the list of people that called in about the jobs as a storyteller, then it was to the club. It was just about midday by then, and we ordered the seafood platter. While we were waiting I made myself in rum & juice, with a pinch of fire powder, and got online looking for a small transport to use in the park. I wanted something with a seat for one or two people, with a cargo area in back to move things around the park. I found what I was looking for under farm supply equipment, and called the place up to buy one. They said for a small transport charge they could fly it there in less than an hour. I said fine, and told them where to send it. Then I pulled out a radio, I had on me, and we listen to the noon news. Newsy had a lot of interesting things to say. His report lasted a good half hour, and he made everything sound important. I had just started to look over the list of storytellers, that were interested in working at my park, when the food came. So I put it aside, but not out of mind. There were over 30 names on the list, and I’m sure there would be more. I thought to myself that it may be best only to interview the ones that were willing to relocate, or live in town. I should make that clear on the radio before more call in. But for now I would have to call each one on the list and ask the question. I thought about all of this as I ate and drank, and decided to try to do both each and call people. To my surprise 20 of the people on the list were willing to live at my hotel, I thought the number would be less. I had decided that three hours a night would be as much as anyone maycare to listen to, and half a hour per storyteller was sufficient for them to sell themselves. So I gave each one a day and time, starting tomorrow, to come in and tell stories on the radio. We would record and rebroadcast them over each channel, at the proper time, and let people call in to vote on the storyteller of their choice. Even after I had my 10, I would also have a list of storytellers and cities they lived in. It would be handy for callbacks to produce shows at their nearby stations. I was looking down the road with the information I would get. Shortly after we were done eating my beeper then went off, telling me something was wrong at the book factory. So we took a stroll over there, anticipating the lack of paper or ink, but found the computers saying system error.
Arty said, "okay, so what do I do about this?"
I said, "it has never done this before."
Kitten said, "try rebooting the computer."
I said, "okay let's do that. Which button is it?"
Prowler pointed to one and said, "try that one."
So I did, and the computer soon said, “standing by.”
Moments later we were making books again. I asked what could of caused the problem, and the twins said a lack of power or a surge. Arty said, “now I know one more thing to do.”
I told Arty that Mr. Tem had increased his order to 200,000 books. So when the first two containers were full, just put them to the side and fill two more. He said, "big order."
I said, “there are a lot of schools on his list.”
Arty, "well there are more than schoolchildren reading your books. I have been making close to 5,000 books to fill the daily orders, that's about a thousand of each book per day."
I said, "yes, but with more than a thousand cities, that’s only one of each per city per day. When that number gets to 10 then 50 we will be talking." Arty, "for that many I’ll need help."
I said, "when that day comes you'll get it."
The twins and I then stopped by the broadcast station to announce that we were only looking for storytellers that were willing to live in Central city, and that starting tomorrow we would have three hours of stories right after the evening news. Then we went back to story land to put out the trail lights. Stony and his crew were putting the forms on the second story of the main building. They were using instant stone, no drying time. Well, very little that is. They would add something at the last minute and it would get hot then hard. Digger, the man that did my club, said that instant stone didn't get as hard as the kind you wait for. But we used instant stone on my hotel and it seems hard enough. Then again, we were not trying to span a hundred feet without upright supports. My new ride was sitting next to the cargo container, and it looked bigger than its pitcher, yet small enough to drive in-between the trees in the woods. We put the boxes of trail light in the back and drove it to the trails. The information chip for them said they would come on as you got within 15 feet, so we put them 30 feet apart, except where the trails took a twist. We did the trail around the lake, then the ones that went through the woods. There were not many left over, so we just put them back in the cargo container until our new building was done. Then we went back to the club for an afternoon soda. Surprising how fast time goes by when you're having fun. It was nice to drive there on our transport, and I felt I would be getting a lot of use out of it. We parked right out front of the club, next to the door. No need to park in the lot with this small thing. I got myself a ginger ale, the Twins had root beer.
As we sat in our booth I said to kitten, "today was not all that busy, you could've gone to your music lesson."
Kitten, "I like to help you with things. There isalways tomorrow for lessons, or the day after, no rush."
I said, "quite right, a good attitude. That is to say I encourage commitment, but you have already shown that and learned a great deal. So I think you have earned the right to give yourself a break."
Prowler, "you have been working hard lately father. What would you do for break?"
I said, "how about we go home and take the speeders out for a couple of hours? We can go to the mountains behind the house and check out the caves, this time would lights."
The children were up for it. So we finished our drinks and went home to take out the speeders. I grabbed a rock hammer from the barn, just in case we ran into a nice crystal to bring home, and a utility light for each of us. Then we were off to the mountains. Our speeders were the jet skis of the sky, but a lot more dangerous if you fell off. So we wore our safety belts, that went around our waist and into the seats. Before long we were in a set of caves we could not go far into last time, because we didn't have lights. They were not far from where we had found the skeleton of the ecology warier the last time we were here. There were signs that someone had used this cave once upon a time, a small fire pit near the front and a picture of a pipe with a face on it done in charcoal on the wall. It reminded me of the pipes Owsee made as a boy. The cave had a wide crack in the back of it, big enough to walk in to. It didn't go far, but there were signs someone had done some mining. With our lights we could see why, a large vain of gold ran through the wall. I took out the hammer and chipped a piece of it off to take to Owsee, as he owned all land clear to the desert. I said to the Twins, "this should make Owsee happy."
We looked at some other caves, and did a bit of flying around, before it got close to dark and went home. I left the heavy piece of gold on the porch while the Twins helped me make a website for the radio station, I wanted a place for people to call in to vote on the storytellers they like, it didn't take us long. Then we got into a game of tag ball until Kitty got home. Banger was with her, carried a bag from the bakery. He said he got off early today, and had some time before his date tonight, and wanted to know if Prowler would like to learn something new on the drums. Of course he did, and the two of them went to the back porch to play on the drums. Kitty said she had some treats, from the bakery, for after supper and took them inside. Kitten and I went inside as well, and I made myself a drink while she helped her mother in the kitchen. I asked Kitty if she would like me to make her a drink, and she said not until shegot supper started. So I asked what we were having and she said, "a stew with someof the fresh vegetables from the Garden," then sent kitten out to get them. I went as well, and dug up some small potatoes for the stew, Kitten got the rest. We saw Grippers ship come down next to the lake, and I thought to myself Owsee would most likely be on it. Kitten and I took the fresh vegetables inside and gave them to Kitty, then I sat down at the small bar with the opening to the kitchen, and asked how her day was.
She said, "fine, sales could've been better. Got the books you sent, and sold five already. Once the word gets around that I have the new book they will go fast. How was your day?"
I said, "the children and I spent most of it at the park, then we took the speeders out and looked at some caves in the mountains. We saw a Goldmine, and I brought back a piece."
"So you follow my old Goldmine," Owsee said as he walked in the door, "I almost forgot about that place."
I said, "I thought it might be yours, by the pitcher on the cave wall." Owsee, "a pipe with a face on it?"
I said, "that's the one."
Owsee, "it’s not much of a drawing, but it's enoughto lay claim."
I said, "it don't look like you worked it much."
Owsee, "I was on foot in those days, a 3 day walk in and out. I could not carry much gold, and didn't want anyone to know where I got it."
I said, "well we promise not to tell anyone."
Owsee, "well, I own the land now, and can work the mind openly if I want to. With the use of a shuttle, that would not be so hard. It would be nice to see how much is really there."
I said, "so when you left for the stars you knew you could always come home to the gold mine."
Owsee, "yes, but it was the ice mine on the moon in that other system that made my fortune. Just like the one you have."
I said, "yes, the mine does bring in the credits, but it's the crystal trade with the Plexons that bring in the most."
Owsee, "and you would not have that if it was not for the station." I said, "and I would not have the station if it was not for the Plexon that tried to kill me. He was wanted by his planet, so their law then gives me all he had because I stopped him for them. And because he was the last living owner of the station, that’s what I got. Good timing considering we were about to go to war with the swarm."
Owsee, "yes, but you were the one that put the crew together. That was no small job, and you made it work."
I said, "that was a lot of work. Talk about work, how go’s the crystal mining?" Owsee, "got all 19 sites done, it was a lot of running around."
I said, "my contractor wants to get with you tomorrow, so he will know where all the sites are."
Owsee, "I'll find the time. What's for supper?"
Kitty, "stew, with vegetables from the Garden."
Owsee, "I likes stew. My father made a good stew, we would have it at least once a week. I'll go find a good bottle of wine to go with it," and he went to the basement then came back with three battles and said, "this should hold us until after supper."
I said, "I should say so. Real thirsty are we?"
Owsee, "they're small bottles, only three good glasses each. He was right of course, and we drain the first bottle pouring a glass for the three of us. Owsee led the first toast, "to the winemaker, may the fruits of his labor be appreciated." And we all drank to Owsee’s father, then I said, "so Gripper let your use his ship for the day?"
Owsee, "yes, he said I could use it anytime, or until I got the other ships up and running. That should only be a few days."
I said, "so how many loads of crystals went up from the sites?"
Owsee, "they were small sites, but rich in crystals, 23."
I said, "so we paid the port owners, and I make 23 million to split with you." Owsee, "we paid the port owners what the government would have paid to them, 500,000 per container. I take the same, and you still make 23 million." I said, "that’s even better, I can live with that. How will it work with the land owned by those your bank give loans to?"
Owsee, "with that I'm just a subcontractor for the government, they get their share as if they mined it, and the land owners also get their half a million per container. I just get a small fee for the work done, and the 20% on the loan I gave to the land owners. Which if I mine them soon after the loan, it's fast money for the bank."
I said, "yes, a sweet deal all the way around. It’s good for the land owners because the government may not get around to mining private land for a very long time, and you are the only one with a contract with the government. Just like I have the only contractor sell crystals to the Plexons. I told you once, being the dock master on the space station would put youin a place to make good deals for your bank."
Owsee, "that you did, and with the help of my assistance I spend even less time up there than you do most days."
I said, "I've been trying to spend more time up there lately, we need to be ready for whatever comes our way. And I don't want people to think I have more important things to do other than run the station that protects the planet." Owsee, "those techno-sages told you something didn’t they?"
I said, "only that something is coming our way, no clue to what or when." Owsee, "anyone can say something is going to happen, but once a techno-sage says it you know it's going to be big, bad or ugly."
I said, "all we can do is to keep our ears open. I can't plan a defense against something until I know what it is."
Owsee, "it wouldn't hurt to have the explosives company make up some extra bang bang for us just in case."
I said, "good point. I'll talk to them tomorrow, and have Plexon send more ammunition to give the fighters at least five turnarounds. Let’s triple that, just in case we get cut off like last time."
Kitten and prowler came in the room and kitten said, "we have a way to carry five times the ammunition."
Prowler, “but it will make the fighters less maneuverable in an atmosphere like this planets.”
I said, "I forgot what good hearing you two have. Map your ideas out on the computer, and I’ll look them over after supper."
They went back to the dining room to work on it and I said to Owsee, "I'm glad to have their help, but wish they didn't have to think of such things. I still feel they are too young, even though they never act like it."
Owsee, "I have learned to treat them as the prodigies they are."
Kitty, "ever since they learned to walk I have had to learn to let go of them and just hope they were safe. But you don't have to worry about hiding the truth from them, that they are good at handling."
I said, "you're right of course. I guess I only feel this way because I'm from Earth. There is so much madness there that we have to shelter our children from it, so they do not become suicidal."
Owsee, "that word does not translate. What means this suicidal?" I said, "it means to kill oneself, usually becauseyou just can't live with the things you know."
Owsee, "we have no word for that. Can't remember anyone ever doing it, at least not from this planet."
Kitty, "we have a word for it on Catalack, but it translates as brain fever. It's common to those that are hurt to bad to take care of themselves
anymore."
I said, "that can be a reason why some of my people do it as well." Owsee, "well I don't plan to go out without a fight. I'll cheat death as long as I can."
Kitty, "let's talk about something more cheerful shall we. How is story land park coming?"
I said, "the main building should be up by now. Lots of work to be done on the inside yet. Parking lot about done, a swimming area ready with a nice beach, lights on the trails, and the pluming is coming along."
Owsee, "what about storytellers?"
I said, "I have 20 of them scheduled to do 30 minutes spots on the radio, after the nightly news, over the next five days. And a website for people to call in to, and tell us what they think of them. I'm sure more storytellers will call in to get a spot. But I’m only taking the ones that are readyto move near the park. Part of their pay can be to live at my hotel."
Owsee, "that's a nice place to live, there is not a better hotel on the planet." I said, "well I'm glad you think so."
Owsee, "not just me, everyone I talked to says so. You did a first-class job when you built that place."
I said, "I have a good architect and building crew."
Owsee, "well if you put as much care into story book park, as you did the hotel or club, then it will be quite a place."
I said, "there is only one thing I was thinking of doing that I'm not sure I can. Planting a earwood tree there for all to see."
Owsee, "as you know, they only grow in one forest up north, and it is forbidding to dig one up to move it. Even if the government let you do it, I think you could offend too many people."
I said, "you're probably right. It's just that it would be something most would never see."
Owsee, "we don't have many things that I would call sacred, but the earwood tree is one of them. After its death we cut it up and sell it to be put where people tell stories, but we still respect it."
I said, "I've been thinking about the words on the main building, "Story book park," what if I was to do it in earwood? Would that be too much?" Owsee, "I don't think so, some bars have their signs made of it, but if you are going to have the letters a full story tall it will take a lot of earwood." Kitty, "I thought you were going to call it story land Park?"
I said, "did I say that? I'm still not sure. Story land, story book, which do you think sounds best?"
Kitty, "well, story book park sounds like a place where people read to you from a book, but story land sounds like a place where you may hear your stories via a storyteller."
I said, "story land it is, but the main building is still going to look like a big book." Kitty, "I think this is very unique and appropriate."
Owsee, "I still need to pick out a tree to tell my stories under."
I said, "just show me which one and I'll nail a sine, with your name on it, to the tree."
Owsee, "oh no, you must not nail to the tree, some people will feel bad for the tree that it got hurt. Tie a rope around the tree to hang a sign to." I said, "I've already cut the lower limbs on some trees to make things more open, and to take out the deadwood, how will they feel about that?"
Owsee, "some will feel bad for the trees and others will say a pruning makes the tree grow better. As long as you paint the cut with something, so it does not bleed too much, it’s fine."
I said, "that's something I didn’t think of, I'll have it done tomorrow." Owsee, "most likely they don't need it, but it is something people will look for." Kitty, "well supper will be ready shortly, it just needs to simmer for a while." Owsee poured her a glass of wine, and I went to the porch for a smoke. Banger and Prowler were playing the drums on the back porch and kitten was playing her horn. They sounded good, we would have to do another club night soon. I took out my flute and played a little, then put it away again. The sky was clear, and I could see both moons as well as the space station. It was a nice night, but despite its beauty I could not help wondering what danger was out there, and on its way here. If I knew what and when, we could prepare for it. Maybe whatever it was would not come for years, the anticipation would drive me mad, I envied the ignorance of others. I had my smoke, and went back just in time for supper. She had made dumplings to go with the stew, and there was fresh bread from the bakery. Kitty asked Banger to supper, but he saidhe was eating with his girlfriend and had to go. The stew was so good we ate it all,each of us had two bowls then the Twins had another, hard to believe they had the room with milk to go with it. Kitty had sweet pastries from the bakery for dessert. The children said they would save theirs for later and showed me their plans for the fighter upgrades, they were very detailed. I was sure the engineering crew could do it, so we sent the plans to the station for the chief of engineering to look at. If it was as easy as the plans made it out to be, we will refit all 150 ships. A big job, but worth it for the extra firepower. 10 more Plexon heavy fighters would be nice as well, a fullsize warship while I'm at it why not? Because this is not Plexon that's why, I can't spend all my credits on things I may never use. We are just lucky to have the station. We did good against the swarm, without help from others. Maybe it would be different with the next war, I would like to hope so. I went out to the porch, with my wine, to have a smoke. Kitty and Owsee were already there, talking about their favorite desserts. I said for me it was either cream fruit and berry, or sweet nut pie. Kitty made a joke about thinking it may be bud brownies. I asked Owsee how goes the loans to people that want to sell the crystals on their land?
Owsee, "I've already made loans to most of the people in town, and a few farmers that then applied to the government's agriculturaltraining program, for a guest worker to learn on their land. It's all part of the keep producing for five years farming act. Of course the more farmers that take part in it, the less workers there will be, so they all want to get in on it now."
I said, "what about the farmers that can't get into a program?"
Owsee, "then the bank is responsible for seeing the land is worked for the next five years, so some of the loans will come down to the farmer giving me their word that they will see to it the land is worked."
Kitty, "from what I have seen, and heard about your people, they all seemed very trustworthy."
Owsee, "yes, the old laws say a liar shall their tongue cut out, but I don't think that has been used in a long time."
I said, "remember the ambassador to the station that lied about sending the guard to spy on us?"
Owsee, "he quietly disappeared now didn't he?"
I said, "yes, before anyone could start talking about taking his tongue." Owsee, "I'll put my trust in the farmer, over anyone in the government, any day." Kitty, “what above all the off-worlders that now live on this planet? Some may have been here for generations.”
Owsee, "they are not considered true citizens, thatthey are not of our bloodline. We let them live here, and even call some friends, but they can't serve in government or own property that is then sold to another off-worlder." I said, "well then what about Gripper, are you saying his land is not really his own?"
Owsee, "it's sort of in trust from the bank. He can't sell it to an off-worlder or none citizen, but his family can own it."
I said, "and what about me?"
Owsee, "your DNA is from the home world Earth, you are considered a citizen with all the rights, as are your children."
Kitty, "but not me?"
Owsee, "sorry."
Kitty, "while I have a mate I will never leave, so I don't need anything. It can all be in his name, as long as the children are taken care of, that's all that matters." We drank our wine and fell silent for awhile. A short meteor storm presented a few burning their way across the sky. I said I hoped none of them hurt the station. Then before anyone could comment I hit my communication badge, and called the station for a report.
The bridge said, "we got hit but none made it through the hull Sir. We are still checking for damage."
I said, "fine then, let me know if there is anything serious."
Owsee, "Plexons build good stations, it can take a few rocks."
I said, "it's not the size of the rocks, it's the speed that matters, if it's fast enough it can go through anything!"
The children overheard us and came out to look for more meteors. Prowler said the stations Battle armor was made out of a collapsed titanium with Crystal carbon fibers as hard as diamonds, and self sealing gel, then two more walls. Even our EMP guns could not cut through it. That made me feel a bit better, though our satellites no such protection. There were a few more meteors then the sky grew quiet, and it was the first time the Twins had seen a meteor shower. Kitten tried to guess what they were made of by the way they burned up. Soon the fun of it was over and they went back to their studies. Then the station called and said one of the satellites were damaged, and too far away for the cargo robots to retrieve. I said use my big ship Tubby, to get it. They said only I and commander Gripper are able to pass the ships security for use. They asked if they should call Commander Gripper.
I said, "no, I'll be up in a little while."
I turned to Owsee and said, "want to help me snag a satellite?"
He said, "why not?"
We downed what wine was in our glasses and went to my ship, which had just appeared on the front lawn. Once again it had read my mind and was ready to go. That's the thing about these living ships, they are always in your mind. Kitty yelled out, "don't do anything dangerous," as we got on board. Then we were off to the station. After boarding Tubby, Owsee got her ready for departure well I got the location of the satellite from the station, then we were off. Despite knowing where it should be, the satellite was black against the black of space, so my liven ship helped us find it. We pulled up to it with our back end so we could bring it into the cargo bay.
Owsee said, "well I guess one of us needs to get into a zero G. suit and the cargo robot to bring it in."
I said, "let me try something for us," and I took a few drinks of the spice-dew I always had on me, to enhance my telepathic powers. I could now see the satellite as if I were in the cargo bay. So I reached out to it with my telekinetic powers, and brought it in. Then I was pulled back to my body.
Owsee closed the doors and said, "I guess you didn’t need my help after all." I said, "I didn't know if I could do it, it sure tired me out."
Owsee, "you need to practice more to make it easy."
I said, "I guess I'm still afraid of it becoming too easy to do, I don't want to lose control one day."
We took the satellite back to the station, then went home. I called my radio station to tell them about the satellite, after all, it was news. We stayed up long enough to kill that third bottle of wine, then it was off to bed for each of us. But I just could not get to sleep, so I went out to my ship to try sleeping there. As I laid down I just seemed to melt into the ship, and was out in moments.

Day 89
My ship woke me at sunrise, from a very good sleep, and we went to the poets lounge to see Goo da wa. He was setting on a rock, outside the cave, enjoying the sunrise. I told him not to get up, I just wanted to make a private call on the transmitter. He said be my guest, and I went to my booth and tied in to the subspace transmitter. I gave our tall friend the information seller a call, on station E3.
He said, "I wondered how long it would be before you gave me a call." I said, "you once said you knew what the corporatemining company was building so many ships for. The techno-sages told me something was coming, is this it? Do you know?"
He said, "I'm not sure what the techno-sages may have warned you about, but it's not what the CM was worried about. That much I’ll give you for free, but if you want more it will cost you."
I said, "how much?"
He said, "for 5,000 credits I'll get you the who or what and when." I said, "that's not a problem. Call me when you have something."
I then left, saying to Goo da wa, "thank you, and have a good day." I went home, and as I went inside to get a cup of coffee I saw Kitty was on the sofa. “Just getting up,” she said, “have a good sleep on your ship?” I said, "yes, how did you know I was there?"
She stood up with a yawn and said, "when I got up last night you were not in the house, so I asked your ship if you were there. She said yes, you were sleeping. Don't worry I'm not jealous."
I said, "I just had a hard time getting to sleep last night, and did not want any more to drink."
I had the replicator make me a cup of coffee, and Iput some fire-powder in it for a kick.
Kitty came in the kitchen, gave me a kiss and said, "pancakes with berries sound good for breakfast?"
I said, "pancakes sound good, and sausages would be nice."
I then went out to the porch with my coffee and laptop. I worked on getting my log up to date. Owsee was soon up and join me on the porch.
He said, "so what does your day look like?"
I said, "see if we can do the refit to give these fighters more ammunition, work on story land Park, and you?"
Owsee, "show your contractor the building sites for the new radio stations, put my new crew of miners to work on land the bank has already given loans to, check to see how the work on my new ships is coming, put some time in on the space station and whatever else comes up."
I said, "a full day for sure."
Owsee, "have you talked to the station this morning about the satellite?"

said, "not yet."
Owsee, "I'm going to get myself some coffee," and he went inside. I kept working on my writing until Kitty called me to breakfast.
The twins said, "good morning father," as I sat down. I returned the greeting. After the food was on the table, and kitty had sat down, she said, "so what's new for story land Park today?"
I said, "I guess I need to order the earwood for the sign on the Main building. I'm not sure how far they got last night. I need to talk to the chief engineer on the station about the idea of more ammunition, for the fighters, and hope we can do that."
Owsee, "how much ear-wood do you think the sign will take?"
I said, "I'm making a rough guess at 500 ft.²."
Owsee, "that's a lot of earwood."
I said, "each letter will be 10 feet tall, and you will be able to see it from the spaceport or that side of town."
Owsee, "well now, that don't seem to be so much for such a big sign. Of course earwood is still 10 credits per square four, so that's 5,000 just for the earwood." I said, "yah well, I thought doing it in gold would be a bit much."
Owsee, "I would laugh, but knowing you that may have been on your mind, if only for a short time. Good pancakes by the way."
Kitty, "thank you, the berries are getting scarcer, I go farther away each day for them."
I said, "the sausage is good as well, not too sweet, the way I like it." Kitty, "that's good, because they are the only links the store sells regularly." Owsee, "don't let that fool you, he makes them himself. If you want something with more spies in it he will make it up for you."
Kitty, "that's nice to know."
As we ate our breakfast Gripper stopped by to see if Owsee needed the use of his ship today.
Owsee said, "yes please, if it's not a problem."
Gripper, "not at all, I'll just leave it where it is and call for a shuttle." I said, "no need for that, I'm going up right after I’m done eating, have a cup of coffee."
He said, "thank you sir, I will."
And kitty got him the coffee, as I said, "did you see the meteor storm last night?" Gripper, "no, I missed that."
I said, "well, one of them hit a satellite, we brought it in for repairs last night, and we came up with an idea of how the fighters can carry five times the ammunition. We will refit all the fighters as soon as we can."
Gripper said, "thank you," as Kitty gave him a cup,then said, "we ordered enough ammunition for five turnarounds. If we can now carry that much we should get at least three times that."
I said, "yes at least that much, and check the stations ammunition, replace that as well."
By the time Gripper could drink his coffee I was done eating, and we were on our way. When we got to the station the four of us went to engineering. They were still trying to put the satellite back together, it had been badly damaged. The chief engineer said he looked over the plans for the extra ammunition boxes for the fighters, and came up with a cover that would be easy to make and give them back their stability. Other than that, the plans looked good and he would test the upgrade on a ship today.
I said, "if it works, refit all the fighters."
Gripper then went to make a water run, while the twins and I went to buy some earwood. But when we got near the area where I found it before, the fog was so thick I could only see the top's of the trees. But fortunately my ship could see through it, and landed us in the parking lot just out front. The twins thanked her for the ride, and we went inside the building to place our order. As we walked in the man said, "well hello there, need another 1,500 feet do we?"
I said, "not that much this time, just 500."
He said, "still 10 credits per foot."
I paid him and told him where to send it, then said, “could you handle an order for, let's say 30,000 ft.²?"
He said, "that would take about four weeks and it's all up front, also just so you know, you are not permitted to take it off world."
I said, "no worries there my friend, just thinking of building some more clubs." He said, "just between you and me, there is a lot more earwood than most know about. I just need time to cut and dry it. Plus I don’t have a lot of room to store it. So I never have more than 20,000 ft.² on hand at any time. You just tell me what you need and when, and I'll have it ready for you."
I said, "that's good to hear. I sort of want to finish story land Park before starting something new, but some things need to be bought ahead of time. I’ll have my banker call you with a verbal agreement and payment."
He said he would be waiting for his call, and we bid him a good day. We then went to the club to get some buckets of ash from the fire pit outback and mix them with water to paint the cuts of the trees at the park. Then we took a break for a stack before going to the park. We had cheese, nuts and sodas, mine was Ginger ale with some brandy in it, then we went tothe park. My four story high building was done, on the outside at least. No windows on this side, except for one round one in the center of the top floor where my office would be. That would be the center of the “O” in Story. There was a tunnel in the center of the first-floor, for people to walk through to enter the park, and a cashier window to take their credits. Someone could just walk around the building and not pay, but these were honest people, with no need for guards or tickets. And as to the ones that didn't pay, so what, it's not going to hurt me to give a few freebies. Inside the building they were still working on things like the power and water, windows that faced the park, tile on the floors, and even the steps to the upper levels. Half of the first-floor was the refrigeration and the freezer, there were two men working on that. One man said if the parts he ordered came soon he could have it running today. But not to order anything until he had a day to check it out. I said, “no hurry, better to get it done right.”
As the twins and I got further into the park, we saw the day workers raking over the ditches where the power and water ran. The leader of the crew said they only had a few hours of work left, so I told him they could paint the cuts on the trees, then call it a day and I would let them know if I needed them again. We now had some time to kill, so the twins and I went to the top of my hotel and hung around the pool until lunch. We did an early lunch of meat sandwiches, then took kitten to her music lesson. The teacher said that he could spare two hours, so I said we would be back then. Prowler and I went to the space station to see how things were going. The engineers were in the bay working on a ship. We went over to see the new parts, they were fitting well. We sent the ship out to test it, and there were no problems. So we started the work on the other ships. The engineers that were working on the satellite said that it was ready, so Prowler and I took it out, and put it back in orbit. By this time kitten would be done with her music lesson, so I went down and picked her up. Then took her to join her brother on the station to work on the fighters. I asked them if they needed a snack, but they said that they had nuts in their bags and would be fine. So I went on tour of the station to see how things were going, and to just let myself be seen. I covered everything from engineering to the bridge. Sick-bay had less people there than they once had. The doctor said, “now that more cities have the same equipment as we do people are going there.”
I said, “that was the goal.”
When I got to the ships store it was not very busy, less than 10 people shopping. I took a close look at what we had for the crew. Asmy tour took me towards the front of the store the man asked if he could help me find anything, and I said, "just looking. Have you had any problems getting anything?"
He said, "well, some people want hats just like the pilots wear, but I can't get them, other than that no problems."
I said, "yeah, those hats are just for the pilots, how are the books moving?" He said, "the shipment that we got in is almost gone already, they always go fast whenever there is a new book."
I said, "it is nice to know I'm well read by my crew."
He said, "I hear on the radio the news about story land Park, how soon until it opens?"
I said, "not long now. We are trying out some storytellers on the radio to find just the right ones, story time starts at six tonight, right after the news." He said he would be sure to tune in, and I left to go to my quarters. Once there I had a smoke and a brandy while sitting down to think about the new clubs and hotels I would build. I would have to start ordering some of the supplies now, so they would be ready in time. I could sign the acoustic ten as my house band and they could play five nights a week, once at each of my clubs each month with one day off a week. It works out that way because of the six-day week on Laureate. I should have a band once each week for each club, that's three more bands. I would need to hold tryouts, that's one more thing to do. I would have to get the land first, but Owsee said they would be glad to sell to me. Of course they would, a club or hotel next to their port would bring in more people if it were like my club, and only I would spend that kind of money on a club or hotel. That's because I'm not looking for a fast return on my credits. With over 300 million a day coming in from the stations crystal trade, I can't spend it fast enough. Maybe someone else could, but I can't. And everything I put my money into makes more for me. I guess that's because I haven't tried farming yet, now there’s a business you can lose at. I tuned in my view-screen to see what was going on down on the docks. The Twins had earned some respect from the engineering crew, from the job they did on the communication room. They were now part of the crew, fitting in well, and with each hour seemed to grow closer to the other workers. I was sure that one day they would take their place as engineering teachers. No matter what else they may do, engineering was part of them.
I checked with the computer, but Owsee was not on board. I thought to myself, “I'll probably catch up with him at supper.”
After my smoke and a drink, I went to the new communications room to see what kind of local news there was for each area. Alongwith the prerecorded global news was a page or two for each of the 20 areas, and a chip recording in case one of the announcers could not read. I worked my way around the room looking at all the local news, it was all good, relevant and well written. Not bad for his first day at it. Global news is easy, but just try to find good local news day in and out, that's the challenge! I made myself a download of the global news, then went to the landing bay to see how things were going. By now it was starting to get dark on the planet below us, time for us to go. Prowler was doing some welding, I waited until he stopped to tell him we needed to go. I asked where his sister was and she propped up from inside the fighter and said, "here father." They told the other engineer, they were working with, what was left to do and we were on our way home. It was dark by the time we got there, and Owsee was on the porch. The Twins said hello, and after a hello back Owsee said, "we were starting to wonder where you were, almost gave you a call."
I said, "we were on the station, working right up to the last minute." Then we went inside with the children and I said, "hope we are not late for supper, I'm starving."
Kitty, "not late at all, about another half an hour I think. We are having a large baked duck with baked potatoes, parsnips and turnips."
I said, "sounds good to me," and I got myself a beer, saying, "how was your day?" Kitty, "a bit slow. Closed early to go shopping, and your day?"
I said, "slow as well, a little work for the park and some time on the station. It looks like the plans the children made, to give the fighters more ammunition, is going to work out. Did a test and it all looks good, now we just need to refit them all, a big job."
Kitty, "are the Twins helping with that?"
I said, "yes, and they’re loving it, making friends with the other engineers." Kitty, "it's good that they are making friends. How about you, are you making any new friends?"
I said, "not really. I'm friendly with my employees, but there is no one new l would want to go fishing with, or have over for supper. Except maybe Ranger or lunatic, I would like to get to know them better."
Kitty, "well feel free to bring them home anytime."
I said, "we should plan a barbecue with Gripper and Nursa one day." Kitty, "yes, that would be fun."
I then went onto the porch and sat down next to Owsee.
I said, "did you show Stony my contract the sites for the new radio stations today?"
Owsee, "yes, got that done. He put a marker in the center of each one." I said, "you said there is room for a club and a hotel at each site?" Owsee, "yes, and we could have the land for the cost of the crystals under it, if you build. Thinking about it are you?"
I said, "past thinking, planning. Talked to the earwood man about how long it would take to get enough for all the clubs. He said he could have 30,000 feet ready in a month. But he needs the 300,000 credits upfront, and I don't blame him. Told him I would have my banker give him a call with a contract." Owsee, "your past thinking, you're buying. I'll take care of it tomorrow. Then I need to confirm the land deals, I can do half of them tonight, as it is day there now. I'll take it Stony don't know yet."
I said, "just made my mind up as I was getting the earwood today. Don't want to say anything until the land is a done deal."
Owsee, "I can have a contract for each one by day's end tomorrow." I said, "I'll start working on contracts with the other suppliers."
Owsee, "take a contract recorder, and try to get 20 to 40% off. I'll download the contracts at the bank."
I said, "I'm building supply them all the same as the first one."
Owsee, "the man that did the light panels may have a heart attack." I said, "I need to break the news to him gently. I would not want anyone else doing the job, the ceiling is half the club."
Owsee, "and as I recall it was 225,000."
I said, "yes, but well worth it. Being able to turn on and off five different colors to each of the panels in any pattern that is on the computer, truly makes for a great light show."
Owsee, "together with the mirror floor, it's a class act all right. Will you reproduce a solid glass stage for all the clubs?"
I said, "I'm not sure. I have a lot of good ideas about how to make a stage. I may leave central city as the home of the glass stage, and for capital city a thin layer of gold over the stage."
Owsee, "even if it's thin, that's going to be a lot of gold. If you like, I could sell you gold that you still need to mine for half-price."
I said, "that could be fun, I like digging. I don't know why, I just do." Owsee, "it helps if you digging for something, like gold or ice."
Kitty appeared at the doorway and said, "what are you two planning now?" Owsee, "just talking about digging up some gold."
Kitty, "isn't that dangerous?"
I said, "not if you shore up every few feet."
Kitty, "well I don't like tunnels of any kind, not even the one to Grippers wine room."
I said, "did something happen to you when you were young?"
Kitty, "not that I can remember, I just don't like to be under the ground that's all." I said, "well it's a good thing the children don't share your fear, or they would not of had such a great time when we went to the Crystal caves by the seashore." Kitty, "the video you brought back showed it to be a wonderful place, but you would never of got me down there."
I said, "I must admit to a little fear when I was deep into the caves, but I tried not to show it for the sake of the children."
Owsee, "you when a lot deeper than I did when I was there. Most never go that deep, it's too easy to get lost."
I said, "that's why I hired a guide, he was well worth it, even if it was a lot of walking."
Owsee, "some things are meant to be a once-in-a-lifetime thing."
I said, "for some things once is enough, for others it's too many. War is something I could do without, it unleashes a madness I rather not see from myself. Even though I know it's there."
Owsee, "my people do not like war either, and we are not good at it." Kitty, "your people did just fine against the swarm."
Owsee, "they had good leadership and the power of the space station, and its fighters. Without that we would of been done for."
I said, "let's hope we do as well with our next war."
Owsee, "why? What have you heard?"
I said, "nothing yet, except that something is coming. I don't know what or when yet, only that something is coming."
Owsee, "now I'm not going to be able to sleep tonight."
I said, "well as long as you're up, you can make those land deals."
Owsee, "that's what I love about this guy, you can find the good in anything." I said, "we have a saying back on Earth, "anything that don't kill you just makes you stronger, I'm not sure I believe in it, but I try."
Owsee, "and this coming from a man that’s already been dead ones." I said, "and hope not to repeat that for a very long time, thank you." Kitty, "you're lucky they were able to put your head back together." I said, "sometimes I'm still not sure they got it right, so if I make a mistake I can blame it on that."
Owsee, "see, still finding the good in things."
Kitty went in to check on supper while Owsee and I smoked our pipes, and went silent for a bit.
Then I said, "looked over the local news for 20 areas today. Newsy found something to say about each of them, and the storyteller's start tonight. The first one should be about over by now, but there will be five others."
Owsee, "is it being recorded for broadcast on the other stations?" I said, "yes, and we have a website for people to call in to, and let us know what they think about each one."
Owsee, "good, I'll check out their stories later. I have two much on my mind, right now, to enjoy a story."
I said, "talking about stories, I don't suppose you found your tree yet?" Owsee, "never made it past the parking lot. Looks like they did a good job by the way, and I see the main building is up. How is the inside of the park coming?" I said, "it's a getting there, the pluming and the power is done, I'll be looking for people to run the place soon. How is your mining crew coming along?" Owsee, "they know what they're doing. It's just amatter of moving them from site to site now, and both my ships will be ready tomorrow. So things should go faster now."
I said, "that's the trick, to keep them working, not waiting for a ride to the next site."
Owsee, "that's the key all right, keeping them working, and I only need to take containers from land you own to the station. The rest go to the nearest site the government is mining at, and they are worked in three different sites around the planet right now. Before long they will probably ask to buy more robot miners. Right now they need more ships to take their cargo to the station. That's why they are up to 200 containers a day that Gripper brings up, but that is costing them a good price."
I said, "yeah, well owning and maintaining large ships are not cheap, if the government wants to try to save credits they can buy their own ships. I've already given them enough breaks."
Owsee, "yes, they could of kept all three of the swarm ships, but didn't want to spend the credits to fix them. They'd rather just keep one and not pay for the repairs, than three and a repair bill. I on the other hand am thinking down the road."
I said, "your government has never had so much money. It's a public service world, they just don't think like the bank."
Owsee, "the truth is, that makes it easier for me. The bank is all about giving now and making the credits later. Making money work for you is the whole point." I said, "and the government is all about making people work for them, and spending money. I’m kind of doing both."
Owsee, "yes, but all the things you put your credits in to make money for you, even if it is a slow return. And the space station where you keep nearly a thousand workers, on public service, as part of the planet's defense is where you make hundreds of millions a day in the crystal trade. Just like the government, it's your own small city."
I said, "yes, but unlike the government, I toss the workers some extra credits from time to time to keep them more than happy. As a matter of fact, I'm planning to take 10 credits, out of every extra 15, per unit of water I sell to the CM, and give it to the station workers. This way the workers can feel happy about the sale of water to the corporate mining company."
Owsee, "and knowing they are screwing the CM helps."
I said, "yes, I call it my pissed off tax, and tell the CM it’s the only way to keep the crew from mutiny or blowing them out of the sky."
Owsee, "you may be saying it as if it was a joke, but it's not. There are a lot of people that rather push that button than take their credits. It's only out of respect for you that they hold back."
I said, "and it's only because of the alliance of off world dock workers, of which I'm the president of, that I sell to the CM ships that take water to the stations and their dock workers.
Owsee, "the alliance was a good way to keep the peace, and still see to it the workers have their rights, even if we don't make any credits out of it." I said, "it's not always about the credits. Sometimes you got to do something just because it's the right thing to do."
Owsee, "as the president of the alliance of off-world dockworkers you can call for a strike that can shut down two dozen space stations or more. That's a powerful place to negotiate from."
I said, "true, it's a power I hope I never need to use."
"Supper is on the table," Kitty said from the doorway. Neither of us hesitated to get there. What Kitty called a duck was more like a goose, it was large to say the least. It was a golden brown, half carved and ready to serve. There was a platter of roasted potato wedges, turnips, parsnips and something else white that tasted like asparagus; I liked them all. I got a bottle of white fruit wine, from my collection of 300 in 10 different flavors, that I bought a while back. It went well with the duck, as did the biscuits Kitty made and the gravy that went fast. She said leave room for dessert, which was hard to do as it was also good, then she brought out a sweet nut pie. I had a small slice with a scoop of ice cream. By this time we were all very full and sat around listening to the storytellers on the radio. Before long Owsee said he was going to his place to make some calls before he went to bed. The rest of us stayed up to listen to stories until an hour before midnight, then went to bed, and it was not hard to fall asleep that night.

Day 90
Come morning I took a shower while Kitty made waffles. Owsee was on time for breakfast and told me he reached nine of the landowners, and it was a done deal, the other 10 he would talk to later today. I said not to forget to call the earwood man so he can start to cut and dry what I need. He said it was on his to-do list. I told Kitty the waffles were good but I didn't know we had a waffle iron. She said, "we don't, I got these from the freezer at the market. I wanted to see if you like them before I spend the money for a waffleiron."
Owsee, "hey, you two have enough credits to buy gold ones and throw them away because they are dirty, and she is still frugal with the money. Being rich has not changed you."
Kitty, "you should talk, you have more credits than just about anyone on the planet, and yet you still show up for a free meal."
Owsee, "I don't believe in wasting my money either. Besides, you're a good cook and I enjoy your company."
Kitty, "and we enjoyed having you."
When we were done with our breakfast Owsee went to his bank to get some work done, and the rest of us helped kitty with her morning orders in a scarf factory. Then the Twins and I went to story land Park to see what we could get done. The earwood was there, so we worked with the carpenter to make the letters that would go up. With each one being 10 feet tall and made of pure earwood he was happy to have the help. Prowler kept me feed with wood, I cut it, Kitten gave it to the carpenter and he put it up. Outside of one break, we worked up to lunch to get it done, and I think it came out well. The carpenter asked for the scrap wood, and I told him to be my guest. Wethen called kittens music teacher to see which was best for him, now or afterlunch. He said after lunch would be fine, so we went to the club. We were all hungry so we ordered a steak. Moments later the chef came out and asked if he could make for us his stuffed steak that came with cheese, truffles and smoked oysters. We all said that sounds good, and he said, “three stuffed steaks coming up.”
The bartender brought over a bowl of what looked like cherries, and said, "we just got these in today if you would you like to try them? But please be careful of the pit sir."
I tried one, it was sweet but I couldn't put a name to the flavor, it was as if it kept changing.
The bartender said, "they tend to change flavor as you eat them. Their sweetness is the only thing that stays the same."
I nodded my head and took the bow from him, then offer the children some, saying be careful of the pit. They both agreed they were sweet, but could not pin down a flavor. We ate the bow of them while waiting for our steaks, which did not take long. The steaks were the most tender I had ever eaten, and the filling was delicious. The Twins said so as well.
Kitten said, "I want to learn how to make this so I can teach mother." I laughed and said, "I don't know sweetheart, it may be a chef secret, but you can ask."
So after we ate, Kitty went into the kitchen to talk to the chef while Prowler and I ate ice cream. She was in there a good 15 minutes, then came out and said, "it's a bit more complicated than it looks, but I think I can make it now."
I said, "it was nice of him to teach you, but let's not have it for supper tonight." She said she would surprise us one of these days. Then I took her to her music lesson. Then Prowler and I went to a store and some rope and hooks, to put on signs for each of the storyteller trees. We then went to the park and cut signs out of some extra earwood, to put names on latter. Then tied the rope around each of the 10 trees, I had picked out, about head high and hung the blank signs. Then we went over to the toilets, and I put one to use, it worked just fine. It was then that I realized we needed a place to wash hands. I thought to myself a fountain that did not re-circulate the water would always be fresh to drink from or wash hands at. I made a note to myself to go see the fountain man. We then went to the main building to check on the freezer. The walk-in cooler was good and cold and the freezer was ice cold. As a matter of fact the man had left a bucket of water in the middle of the room, and it was frozen clean through.
I said to Prowler, "looks like we are ready to start ordering food now." Then we checked out the rest of the building. Thefloors were done, as was the stairs. Only then did I say to myself, probably could've used a elevator. They were still putting the windows in on the top floor, all facing the park. The light panels were in and the power was on, the place just needed some furniture, so we thought we would go buy some. But first we would go see the man that makes my fountains. When we got there he was out front chipping away at a large stone. He stopped, wiped the sweat from his brow and said, "here comes my best customer. Home many can I sell you today?"
I said, "just one for now."
"Just one?" he said, "I bet you don't leave with less than three."
I said, "well I am planning on building 19 hotels, each with gardens on the roofs with fountains, and I sort of like the ones I have upfront that spit water at each other."
He said, "I may as well pack my bags now. Because by the time I fill an order like that I'm going to need a vacation."
I said, "for right now all I need is a non-recirculation fountain people can drink from and wash their hands at."
He said, "how many people at a time?"
I said, "I'm thinking three to five would be good."
He said, "okay I'm thinking plumbing for main water in and a drain to take it out. Three small stone, fish in the center that spits water when you are near them, and stops when you leave. The bowl should be about five feet across and low enough for a child to use but not walk in. And it will all be made out of blue and white stone with seashell reliefs sculptured on the lip of the bowl. How does that sound?"
I said, "we don't need to get elaborate on the bowl, but the rest of it sounds fine, how long?"
He said, "I already have the parts made, I just need to plum it and put in the censors, about an hour."
I asked how much, and he said, "will I be making all the fountains for all your hotels?"
I said, "if you're up to it. We are talking about a hundred or so in about a two month period."
He said, "I have a lot you have not seen, in shops all over. There are just waiting for home."
I said, "fine, then the job is yours, as long as the price is reasonable." He said, "toss in a lifetime pass to story land andthe fountain is yours free." I said, "it don't sound exactly free, but it's a deal. I'll send someone for the fountain later."
He said he would get right on it and we left to pick up kitten. When we got there kitten and Muser were jamming together. They were swinging pretty good as we came in and didn't stop until they got to a natural pause, at which time a Muser said, “we were just jamming a bit until you got here."
Kitten, "did you like it father?"
I said, "good enough for the stage. Oh wait, you have already been there. Let's say good enough to get paid to play."
Muser, "your daughter is a delight to teach, she picks up on everything so fast, she will soon have no need of me."
I said, "well just let me know when you want me to stop paying for lessons." Muser, "yes, about that, apparently your bank was not told I was her new teacher. A oversight I’m sure you will take of?"
I said, "I'll talk to my banker tonight, would you like me to pay you up to date?" Muser, "I don't wish to seem rude, but my landlord is pressing me and I'm still building my client list. Any help would be hot."
I said, "any help you say. Can you teach drums or flute?"
Muser, "I can teach any instrument made on this planet, and a few others." I said, "well then how about you set up in the back of my music store. There is lots of room not being used, you could work for me. In return for giving lessons to my family and anyone that buys an instrument at my store. I'll give you a room at my hotel plus free breakfast and supper at my club, and 10% of the credits the store makes for lessons for walking around money."
Muser, "how much walking around money are we talking about?" I said, "let's say at least 10 credits per day and no cap."
Muser, "that sounds like a good deal, and that there is no way I can lose, that bothers me somehow. I should say yes, but I'm not sure I know what I'm getting into."
I said, "well here, let me pay you up to date and you can think it over. The offer is open, ask around, check me out. Talk to people that work for me." I paid him and we left to go shopping for furniture. I tried to think of how the building would be used, and the people that would be working in it. There was more room than was needed for the workers that would need a desk. So I decided to just furnish one office on each floor, with the top one just for me. I could use the other rooms as needed. It didn't take us long to pick out what I wanted, and they said they would deliver it tomorrow. We then went to the space station to see how the work on the fighters was coming along. They had 23 done and we're working on five at once as we walked over to them. I asked the Twins if they wanted to help. They said yes and the chief engineer put them to work. I then checked with the dock and cargo masters to see how things were going. I told New-come bee, the cargo master, that I had bought more land and to expect more shipments of crystals from it. I said to him, "I only tell you this because I don't want you to think Owsee is trying to cheat the government. New-come bee said, "Owsee is a banker and knows the tax laws, if anyone should be able to mine their own land without a tax it's you sir."
I said, "just so you know, I'm not trying to keep it a secret, except from those that might be jealous."
New-come bee, "I understand sir, and it's not a problem."
I said, "how goes the flight lessons?"
He said, "rather well, now I'm not so ashamed of touching the wrong thing it's quite a thrill."
As I walked to the door I said, "well you keep flying and you'll earn that black hat." He said, "yes sir, thank you sir."
Then I went to the bridge. Flight control told methere was a CM taker approaching, and I said to clear it for water transfer and tell the cargo master. Then I got on the ships public address and said, "attention, as some of you may know, we are selling water to a CM taker. I do this only because they are supplying stations within a three start gate jump, that have thirsted dockworkers on them. But because of bad feelings towards the CM, or what they have done in the past, I’m charging them a 15 credit per unit screw you tax. And 10 of those credits go into a ship bonus fund. By this time tomorrow each of you will have another 100 credits in your account, so keep up the good work and screw the CM!"
Someone on the bridge turn on the microphones to the station, and we heard a large cheer from the crew. I just smiled and went to my quarters, as the grateful shouts echoed the hallways. Then I called the bank and told the manager to add 100 credits to the accounts of all the workers on the space station. He said he could take care of that for me, but it would take some time. Perhaps noon tomorrow. I said that would be fine, and to call me if it was going to be much later. Then I went to my replicator and made myself a cup of coffee. I put a pinch of fire-powder in it and a shot of brandy, then drink it slow as I looked out the porthole at the ships that came and went. I couldsee the cargo transfer from the government ships to the Plexon cargo carrier, and the CM tanker beginning to take on water. There were also a few local ships buying water before they left, it was cheaper here than down on the planet, because they could avoid the planet depletion tax. I lit my pipe and sat down to make a list of all the companies I would have talked to about what I would need for all the new clubs and hotels I was going to build. Then the bridge said I had a call from Station E3, it was the information seller.
He said, "well I have something for you. It's not what I expected, but is still of great concern. You know those metal eating spider robots you try to stay away from, on Spectronem where you get your star light crystals?"
I said, "yes and I'm not surprised you know about that."
He said, "well those little robots have a home world, or factory if you like. The aliens that made them to protect their interests, went away a long time ago and left things running. So many little robots were made that the planet was covered with them. Somewhere down the line they started to go beyond their programming, and to become somewhat artificially intelligent. But they are still driven by their original programming to scrap metal. Now this where it gets hard to believe. Apparently the robots made the planet explode, so they could drift in space to get to other planets. This all happened three star-systems away from you, and most of them were destroyed in the explosion. But some still cling to asteroids, and some of them will come this way. This could be a problem for ships, and of course your station if they make it that far. I can tell you little else, except that it may take a week or two for them to drift toward you, less for some of the other planets and stations."
I said, "sounds like a problem all right, but at least it's not a war."
He said, "did I mention there are hundreds of millions of them."
I said, "okay, a big problem, but it's still a question of how many will come close to us. Thanks for the information, let me know if there is anything else of interest coming our way that we should be concerned about."
He said, "oh I'm sure there will be, it's just a matter of when."
He ended our conversation on that note and I said to myself, "why did it to be those spiders?"
They were more of a problem than I wanted to admit. They were only about a foot across, too small to be shot by the fighters, but just one could cripple a ship. And despite saying it was just a matter of how many made it to us, that was not true. I could not let the Stargate stations or theStargate be destroyed, but this would be like trying to fight a sandstorm. How doyou fight a storm? I took a drink of brandy and washed it down with my coffee. Then re-lit my pipe and looked out the porthole at the ships moving containers of crystals. Think think think, I must come up with a good idea of how to deal with this new problem. I noticed that the Plexon ships was using a electromagnetic plate to hold empty containers in place until they could be returned. Perhaps I could do something like that to hold and destroy our new problem. I knew the station would not have the supplies to make what I wanted, so I called the best engineers I new, U1 and U2 on the second moon. I told them what we were up against and my idea of electromagnetic mines with a coating of rubber the spiders could not eat thru. They said they knew a company on the planet that makes rubber coated buoys used for deep-sea fisherman, about 5 feet across. A company that makes electromagnetic generators. A company that makes long-range remote controls, and of course the explosives factory. They said they could organize a joint effort to make what I wanted, and I could get the cooperation of all the companies. I said to them to prepare to devote their time to the project and I would get the companies to cooperate with them by morning. They gave me the list of companies, and I told them I would talk to them in the morning. I then got a beep from my computer. It had a tracking download of where the spiders were, their course and speed. Of which was a slow drift, unless some ship gives them a unknown ride. I put the information in the ship's computer so I could find out just where they would be, and by when. But my astrophysics was not up to the challenge. I would have to ask the Plexon engineering teacher for help. Besides, my best guess put the robots passing right through Plexon space. They may be in this one whether or not they wanted to. So I went down to the landing bay were the chief was, then told him what I knew, then what I wanted to find out. He said he did not know astrophysics well, but would call his government and let me know what he finds out. I then asked the Twins if they had read up on astrophysics. They said of course they had, and we went to the dock masters office to use his computer. It took a bit of programming, but before long I had the course the debris with the robots would go. Most of it would hit Plexon, some would pass near Tronex, and some would hit us. That is to say if all the gravitational currents remained the same, a lot of things could change in a week or two. I left a message for Gripper to stop by the house tonight, then the Twins and I went down to my club. After we got settled in at our booth, I called the governor and told him what was coming and what I was planning to do about it. I called each of the companies on my list to get themto work together to make the mines we needed, and each of them said they would work for below cost. I then left a message for Owsee on his computer, saying I now knew what was coming and would tell him at supper. I decided not to let a little thing like a new war get in the way of the other things I was doing, so I started to call all the shops I got things from when I built the club and hotel. If they didn't make enough of what I wanted I got the number of the companies that did and talk to them. During all of this the Twins were on their own computers, trying to figure out how many mines it would take to keep the robot spiders from the planet, and the moons. The numbers were way too high for us to make in time. But they were based on the other planets doing nothing to cut down the numbers. Anything could make a big difference by the time they got here. I was thinking along the lines of hitting them first, while they were still a long ways off. We decided to head home and do our planning there. It was only an hour away from sunset anyway, and I thought about doing an hour of gold mining, but I wanted to be home when Gripper got there so I could brief him on the new war we had on our hands. Although war may not be the right word for it, even if they had become artificially intelligent to some degree. They don't want our lives, our land or property, just some metal to chew on. Yet despite that, it will be war, even if it's just us declaring it on their programming. There will be no negotiation, no thought of living together in peace, they will simply be denied the right to execute their programming. Prowler and kitten called the Twins, U1&U2, to find out what force the electromagnets in the mines would have so we could plan how far away to deploy them. I made some notes for my next book, and wrote down the things we did today. It seemed like another one of those days where I spent a lot of time getting very little done. I then heard a sound in the sky, and looked toward the setting sun to see a silver shape coming down in the field between the House and the mountain. As it touched down I could make it out to be one of the swarm ships Owsee had repaired. It was the first time I had been this close to one, so I called the children and we went over to it. Owsee stood next to the hatch and said, "isn't she a beauty? Well worth the time to fix her up."
He took us on a tour of the inside, and it was mainly open, with lots of room for many cargo containers.
Owsee, "been flying it all day, still trying to get the smell of swarm out of it." I didn't notice any smell, and the children didn’t say anything. He showed us the bridge, a small room in the front of the ship, not much to it.
Owsee, "we changed the controls so a human can fly it, but the engines are still flux driven. Which I’m happy were not damaged, because no one knows how they work."
I said, "she's a fine ship alright. Not as big as Tubby, but you don't need to move two to three hundred containers at a time."
Owsee, "I can put 50 in her, if I stacked them right."
I said, "and now the government has one of these, so they can now start taking 50 at a time up, that will cut down on the traffic."
Owsee, "they may even stop having you take loads up for them."
I said, "that's just fine with me. Tubby is not the kind ship that should be making all those landings."
As we walked out we saw Gripper landing, and Owsee said, "my computer said you have something to talk to me about. Something about what's coming?" I said, "wait until Gripper gets over here, I don't want to repeat myself." So we waited for him on my porch with pipes lit, and as Gripper came to the porch he said, "got a message you wanted to talk about something." I said, "gentlemen, there's a name to our pain, "Arachnid," at least that's what I'm calling it. It don't matter because it's not there anymore, but it was the home for those metal eaten robots, and now they are part of a debris field that is drifting our way in a week or two."
Gripper, "how many are we talking about sir?"
I said, "millions of them."
Owsee, "do you think the other planets will help us this time?"
I said, "they don't have much of a choice. The robots will drift into Plexon space and their planet for sure, if nothing is done. Then close to Tronex, and may be here, we are not sure. A lot can happen in a week or two. The engineering twins, U1&U2, will be working with some companies to make mines for us to use against this new pest. Word about what we're doing, or getting ready to do, is bound to get out soon. I just thought you two should have a heads up first." Owsee, "what did you mean by saying planet Arachnid is not there anymore?" I said, "it blew up! The thought is that the robots did it, because they had no more metal to eat."
Owsee, "a extreme way to get someplace else."
Gripper, "for sure, but they only want to eat metal, not us right?"
I said, "the space station, and all our ships are made of metal."
Owsee, "if we get infested we will be quarantined from the rest of the galaxy." I said, "that about sums up the problem."
I handed Owsee my flask of brandy and he took a drink, then passed it to Gripper who took a drink, then gave it back to me and I took a drink then said, "at least this time we don't need to hide until it's over. The station may need to be moved, and all the ships on the planet may need to take off, but we will not need to hide the people or livestock."
Owsee, "yes, just everything made of metal."
I said, "I'm not even sure if they will make it this far, but if they do I want to be ready. That's why we are making the mines. Each one will have an electromagnetic center to pull them to it, then we blow them up." Gripper, "how many will it take to be sure we get them all?"
I said, "more than we can make, in the time we have, but I'm not out of tricks yet. There are things we can do to stop some of them, and maybe push others away." Owsee, "pushing them into a sun would be my first choice."
I said, “as well as mine, as soon as you figure out how to do it let me know." Owsee, "then we deploy early, and blow the rest of them up as they get here." I said, "of course we can, but what about the others?"
Gripper, "begging your pardon sir, but if we blast all the large rocks, will not the small ones and robots burnt up in re-entry?"
Owsee, "his right, all we have to do is blast all the big rocks the robots may be on, the rest will burn up."
I said, "our pilots will need to be good shots."
Gripper, "and we will need to be careful not to let any of those robots get on our ships, that's going to be hard."
Owsee, "yes, but how can you hit the rocks once they’re surrounded by sand?" I said, "water! We dump water in its path. Small stuff will cling to it while the big things will pass through."
Owsee, "and if the debris is moving fast enough it may be damaged when it hits the water. Have you ever jumped into the water from a tree? That can be like hitting the ground."
Gripper, "and if we are lucky the water may short out some of the robots." I said, "you know, I'm starting to feel like we can win this one."
Just then Kitty walked out of the twilight, on the path to the house, and into the yard. She said to Gripper, "do you or Nursa have any plans for tomorrow night? Because if not I would like you to come over for a barbecue."
Gripper, "not that I know of. I'll check and get back to you."
Kitty, "that would be wonderful, thank you," and she went inside.
Gripper then said, "well Nursa most likely has supper ready for me, if we are not going to war tonight I should get home while it's still hot."
I said, "I don't think we will be doing anything for a day or two. I'll keep you updated, goodnight."
He said goodnight to each of us, and as he walked off, "if I have any ideas I'll send them to your computer."
Then as he walked out of sight into the darkness Owsee said, "we will need more water tankers, and it's going to take time to fill them."
I said, "I'll make some calls. I have already ordered enough ammunition for five turnarounds, with the extra we now can carry. I suppose we could use at least that much more."
Owsee, "and you'll need to recall pilots or train more new ones."
I said, "a bit of both I suspect will be the case. We will also need to make a inspection station away from the space station, for when we come back from a long trip, to make sure we don't have anything on our ships."
Owsee, "we can do inspections with cargo robots."
I got up and said, "I'm going to make myself a coffee, would you like anything?" Owsee, "a coffee sounds good," and he got up saying, "I'll go in with you, I want to ask Kitty how her day was."
And we both went in. I got us each a cup of coffee from the replicator as Owsee asked Kitty how her day was.
She replied, "I had a good day, sold three sets of lightning-crystal earrings, four dresses, five pairs of boots and a number of small things. The books are already half gone and I could use more pens."
I said, "there is a box in my writing room, take what you need."
Kitty, "and how was your day," she said from the kitchen.
I said, "a slow day, but I got the sign for the park up, I think it looks good. The park is almost ready, just needs people to work it, I think we will open in a week or two."
Kitty, "that's good news, and what did Owsee do all day?"
Owsee, "a lot of flying around, moving my mining crew from one place to another, and taking loads to the station. I also made deals for land your husband here will build hotels and clubs on, 19 altogether now."
Kitty, "that's a lot of clubs and hotels."
I said, “it will give us one in each time zone, just like the radio stations we are building.”
Kitty, "well I can guess what you will be doing for while. Supper will be ready in about half an hour, we are having duck soup with dumplings tonight." I said, "sounds good, need any more vegetables fromthe garden?" Kitty, "I have plenty right now, thank you," and she turned the radio on to get the news.
Owsee and I sat around my small bar, with its opening to the kitchen, and listen to the news. I had missed the noonday news, of which this was a rebroadcast of. As usual there was 15 minutes of world news then 15 of local. He mentioned that lightning crystals were the new fad, and that stores were running out faster than they could reorder. Kitty said it was news to her. He said that there were three swarm ships that were repaired and put into service, so if you see one please don't shoot it down.
Owsee said, "I better start flying high, just in case someone didn’t hear the news." Under more world news he said, "the sign “Store land Park,” was up on its new building, and it looks as if the only thing the park needs is an open day." I said, "and some employees."
Then he said, "and in other news, the owners of the station are building 19 new broadcast stations around the world, one in each time zone. So soon local storytellers and other guests will be able to come in to their local stations for your entertainment. And for those of you that have been bad talking the space station for selling water to the corporate mining company, the word on the street is that the captain is charging the CM twice the price, andgiven the extra to his public service workers. What a nice thing to do while screwing the CM, my pardon to our younger listeners, but it is no mystery how we all feel."
He then did the local news, as well as a few plugs for our sponsors. By the time the music started again supper was ready. We left the radio on, wondering what happened to the first storyteller. After a few minutes the DJ said, "our first storyteller just walked in so let's start story time."
The storyteller was so into getting started and making up time, that he didn't tell us his name, but the story was so interesting that we didn’t talk during supper, so as not to miss a word of the announcer telling us who our storyteller was. He ended his story on time and thanked us for listening, then the announcer told us who he was and introduced next one.
I said, "remind me to vote for that guy, he was good," everyone at the table agreed. For dessert we had a spice cake with chocolate frosting, and listen to another storyteller. But this one didn't have me on the edge of my seat, so when I was done with my cake I went out to the porch for a smoke. I could still hear the radio, but only if I listened, and I was not listening at the moment; at least not to the story. I was thinking about war plans, and how if we did dump water in space it would turn to ice fast, because of the cold. Soit would not work the way I wanted it to, unless we added something to it to keep it from freezing right off. Together with the fact that space is a vacuum, I could not think of anything cheap. Even salt water will freeze if it’s cold enough, but if we were to spray the water so it would freeze as very small particles, that may do the job of slowing the small debris, so the large is stuff would end up in front for us to shoot at. It was an idea worth telling the other planets about, as well as the mines. So I called the chief engineer on the station to tell his government what we were going to do, and to ask what their plans were. I told him to get back to me as soon as he could. Owsee soon joined me on the porch, and I told him about how the water would turn to ice, but if we sprayed it we may get the results we wanted. He said, "how stupid can I be, I mined ice for over 20 years and forgot that the water may freeze faster than we like."
I said, "all three of us forgot, but ice will do the job if its smaller. And if the Plexons slow the debris field down a bit, it may miss us all together." Owsee, "now that's something I can get on board with, even if I had to pay for a taker of water myself."
I said, "I'll donate the water, but if the government don't step up I will be stuck with the cost of the mines, we may or may not use."
Owsee, "you can put me down for half of that, eventhough the government has not reimburse me for the last ones we made."
I said, "being a hero can be expensive, but how often can you say I saved the world today?"
Owsee, "I thought once was enough, but here we go again."
Kitty, at the porch door, "here we go again indeed. I thought we were done with being invaded, and now the children tell me they are working on plans for mines to stop medal eating robot spiders. When were you going to tell me?" I said, "by the way Kitty, some medal eating robot spiders may get to this planet in a week or two, or they may not, FYI."
Kitty, "very funny."
I said, "well we are not even sure they will hit us, and it just didn't come up during supper. It’s I told the children not do tell you, I just didn't get to it yet, but don't worry there is no danger. They don't want to eat us, just your cake pan." Owsee, "and her sauce pan, and her frying pan, and her stove."
I said, "that's enough of you."
Kitty, "and my sink, and my refrigerator, and my replicator."
I said, "go on and on if it makes you feel better, I'm just not going to let it bother me, and I don't feel like fighting."
Kitty, "I'm sorry, I’m not picking a fight, I justthought to make fun of it like Owsee."
I said, "yeah well, right now it's just not that funny. I want to make light of it, after all it may not even be a problem, but if they do come out our way this planet will look to me to save it. Can you imagine what kind of pressure, I’m under?" Kitty, "I'm not saying another word about it, but remember, as you said, "they may not even be a problem."
Kitty went back in the house and I said to Owsee, "I should not have snapped at her like that, or you."
Owsee, "it's all right, I understand, you have been through a lot in a short time and now this. You don't think I'm worried? You can move your space station, but my port will be a main target, and if these things can swim or even function under water the World Bank computers may be destroyed. That will be it for the world economy, not just all my money, but the bank and all the credit around the world. That's why the World Bank is under the sea, it's the most important thing/place in our world. So don't think I’m not just a little bit worried myself."
I said, "you're not making me feel better."
He then got up, went in the house and came right back out with a bottle of bud liqueur, saying, "if this don't do the trick we will have to find mushrooms." That at least got a smile out of me, as he poured some into my glass and I drank it down. He then poured me some more then had some himself. I relit my pipe and said, "you’re a good friend Owsee."
Owsee, "thank you. I try to be as helpful as I can to my friends, and to have as few friends as I can, so I have more me time."
I said, "some people say you can never have too many friends, but I think friends are like gold, nice to have but hard to carry too much. I can be friendly without being someone's friend."
Owsee, "I feel the same way. That's why I only have three friends, you, Kitty and Goo da wa. And I sort of feel like the Twins are my little friends as well. I like Gripper, he’s a good man and all, but I would not call him a friend yet. We maybe getting there, but I just don't feel the same way about him as I do about you and Kitty, or Goo da wa."
I said, "it takes time, more with some than others. I'm still getting to know each of you, and deciding how you fit into my life. Even my own children are part of that, “let’s see what we can learn about each other today,” thing that brings people closer together."
I took another drink of my bud liqueur, as Owsee knocked out the ash in his pipe and said, "I'm thinking about the ammunition cases for the fighters. If we jack the suspense on the front wheel up a bit, we can get twice the ammunition in place." I said, "sounds good to me, it's just a matter of how much time we have to make the changes. See what you can get done."
Owsee, "the only problem I foresee is bringing the fighters back in. The fork will need to be stiff or the ammo cases will knock the deck. I'll do some tests to see what we can work out."
I said, "I'll recall the part-time pilots or train new ones for the other 50 fighters we have on lunar-one. And talking about calling people, I talked to all my suppliers today about making enough to take care of the next nineteen hotels and clubs. It's such a big order that both they and I want a bank agreement for COD on a daily basis. So I need the bank to call them for an agreement. We are talking about a 35% discount."
Owsee, "give the list to my assistant, and he will take care of it, don't forget to tell him about the discount."
I said, "with all your other interest, your assistant must be doing more of the main work now."
Owsee, "I still approve high payouts or loans, buthe does a fine job on the dayby-day contracts."
I said, "well just so you know, I gave all the workers on the station an extra 100 credits from the extra I charged the CM for water. And so people will stay happy, each time we screw the CM for the water they need, the extra credits will go to the workers at 100 credits each time, you know I’m making more than enough to cover it."
Owsee, "giving each worker a hundred credits each time the CM comes for water should make them very happy, and screwing the CM while doing it makes me very proud of you."
I said, "I knew you would like that part. Hey, let’s go see Goo da wa for while before I'm too tired."
Owsee, "I'm always up for visiting Goo da wa."
So we took our glasses inside, and put them on my small bar while telling Kitty we were going to see Goo da wa; she said hello for her. We went out and my ship gave us a hop over the short 1 mile to the cave bar in the mountain. Goo da wa was always glad to see us. We told him about the metal eaten robot spiders and our plans to deal with them, while drinking some more bud liqueur and brandy. Goo da wa, "and people wonder why I live in a cave.First the swarm comes, now robot spiders, I'm glad I put a force field in at the mouth of the cave." Owsee, "building the bar in this large cave, less than 2 miles from town, was a great idea. In times of need the whole town can take shelter here." I said, "yes, it's close enough for that, yet far enough out of the away to be private."
Goo da wa, "I could get more business in town, but it would not feel as safe as this place. I like it here, it's home."
Owsee, "that's always the hardest thing to say or feel about a place." I said, "after 30 years of moving around, looking for work and never knowing just how long I would be someplace, this planet is about as close to home as I have gotten. Only it's better than what I left behind, so home is a concept I'm not sure I'm clear on, but I do love this planet."
Owsee, "I think you put your life on the line for it, and us, too many times not to love it. Or do you just travel around saving people and planets, then moving on?" Goo da wa, "and defending people from assassins and freeing oppressed dockworkers."
I said, "if you will remember, I was a cargo pilot looking for work when we first met. I still hold a free gate ticket."
Owsee, "which you never use, you always find a wayto get around it, even when you're moving a fleet of ships."
I said, "I don't like telling the CM where I am, even if I'm with others." Owsee, "I can understand that, but they will not try to kill you again, unless they are sure beyond doubt you will stay dead."
I said, "I am reasonably sure my ship would take vengeance. So they can add that to the list of reasons not to try to kill me."
Goo da wa, "if I may point out, there is also Nova, with the other you in it that may come back upon hearing of your death."
Owsee, “that's right, they would have to make it look like an accident.” I said, "hey! Let's not start thinking up ways for the CM to kill me now." Owsee, "sorry, when we get together we are natural born problem solvers." I said, "well, work on the metal eating robot problem, if you please." Goo da wa, "I don't think the Plexons will do much to stop them, they will think they have plenty of firepower and wait until the very last moment to use it. They are not looking at the problem the way we are."
I said, "so what now? We educate them?"
Goo da wa, "their Plexon pride would not allow it. Maybe if you could bring the Plexon engineering teacher over to our way of thinking, he may be able to reach others."
I said, "how did the universe get so screwed up that our problem is that they don't understand their problem?"
Goo da wa, "Tronex will be most cooperative, if their planet is in danger, otherwise they will just let the problem pass by."
I said, "a fine bunch of neighbors we have. The friendliest ones only stopped by to say goodbye as they left the galaxy, or at least this part of it."
Owsee, "it may be just as well they're gone, their idea of a solution may be to supernova a sun and take out a solar system."
Goo da wa, "I only heard of them doing that once, the ship was damaged so it went into a Sun and it went nova, taking the enemy ships and one solar system out. Yet the techno-sages ship was fine."
Owsee, "luckily there were no people on those planets, although I don't think it would matter to a techno sake."
Goo da wa, "I think you're wrong about them. I think they avoid people so they don't get mixed up in their problems. I think they are smart enough that they just want to be left alone."
I said, "I feel the same way about them, and know for a fact they work behind others to get things done they don't want to take credit for. They told me something was coming, without that said it may have been another week before we heard of the problem, with not much time to do anything about it." Owsee, "it was nice of them to sort of give us some warning, but it would've been better if they left us with a powerful weapon. Or maybe they did? You got more out of the Sages than a hello/goodbye, and by the way, didn't you? I bet they gave you something. Maybe a little something you're not telling us about?" I said, "keep answering your own questions Owsee, it saves me time." Owsee, "I knew it! They did give you something didn’t they? I bet it's powerful, as long as they don't take out this sun I don't care. But all the plans we have been making, must be some kind of if all else fails, last resort, hoping this works, kind of thing."
I said, "no, that would be hitting the robots with a club if they make it down here kind of thing, but if it makes you feel better they did give me a little something that may help. But I don't want to talk about it, and we can't depend upon it to do the job. So we better be ready to fight, any way we can."
Owsee, "we will fight all right, don't worry about that, and if those robots do have artificial intelligence they're going to wish they stayed on their own planet." I said, "we need to protect both moons as well, I don't want to have a problem at my mine, and I don't want the Twins U1&U2 to have aproblem on their moon either. They have been good to us, let's not forget them in this war." Owsee, "they have been good to us, besides that the moon is too close to let those robots take it over, I don't even want them in the same solar system." I said, "I would say the same galaxy, but they are a nice deterrent to any one mining crystals on Spectrownem. It's the only place to get the star light crystals, that I know of, and I have work it out so that I can get a good supply from time to time without hazard."
Owsee, "you could always kill off all the robots, then mine all the star light crystals so no one else will ever get them."
I said, "I could do that, but I just don't feel the need yet. It's such a long ways away I would not be able to keep an eye on things."
Owsee, "I'm just saying, someone else may get the idea, then you would have to buy from them. If you want to keep making scarves and hats, with light-up in the dark star-dust crystals."
I said, "the scarves and hats are a good seller, but it’s not going to break my heart to stop selling them. I have enough money, they're more for kitty to sell than a need for credits. Feel free to mine the star-light crystals on Spectrownem and sell them to me if you like."
Owsee, "like you said, it's just too far away to keep an eye on."
Goo da wa, "there was a time when either of you would jump at the chance to mine anything of value, now you probably would balk at mining gold." I said, "as a matter of fact, Owsee made me a deal to mine his gold in return for selling it to me at half off, for my new clubs. But I just have not found any time yet."
Goo da wa, "now he has a gold mine and neither of you can be bothered to do a little mining. Well pour a round for the bar, and call us rich and lazy." I said, "not lazy, just busy. I'll for sure start mining a bit before my clubs need the gold. Each one will take about 250 pounds just to write the words "The read and drink club" on the floor around each table. A thousand credits per pound is cheap compared to some planets, but it all adds up."
Owsee, "about 5 million to do all the new clubs. That's a lot for something people walk on and hardly noticed."
I said, “but when they do see it, the impression stays with them, it's the little things that make my club the best. Like all the earwood on the walls, that's 15,000 for each club.”
Owsee, "and the light panels for the ceiling ran 200,000."
I said, "225,000. Like I said, it's the little things."
Goo da wa, "you two still know the value of having credits, but you have lost the thrill of making them because you don't need any more. I remember when I got to point where I didn’t need to work anymore for a living. I had to find something to do, to prove to myself I mattered. Just like the two of you are doing by keeping yourselves busy."
Owsee, "you're probably right, but I still get a thrill out of a good deal, maybe not as much as I once did, but it tells me I did something."
Goo da wa, "your life’s ambition was to return as a storyteller, how much time have you spent doing that since we got here?"
Owsee, "not much and you're right, I should spend more time at it." Goo da wa, "and you, the traveler, for 30 years your life has been all about what was over the next hill or on the next planet. Just the thought of a new place was a thrill, and here you are, a planet with all the things you need. Except for the unending horizon, you can't tell yourself there is a better place you want to go to, and you're just not used to not planning on leaving."
I said, "so I’m homesick for the stars, well that makes sense. And what about you, what makes you happy and content?"
Goo da wa, "people, and the small bits of their lives they share with me. It's as if I have been a thousand people, doing all kinds of things. I can travel without moving and be in battles without damage. You two have been a grand adventure for me. Most people can only hear what others say, I can also feel the moment as people recall it. I don't climb into people's minds, but I do see things as I'm told about them, as if I were there."
I said, "well reminding me not to talk about my love life, I may be jealous." Goo da wa, "I probably should not of told you, now you'll feel self-conscious." Owsee, "well you can still read me if you like, after all the years I have known you I have nothing left to hide."
Goo da wa, "you often have things hide, but I don't read minds."
I said, "my ship does, mine at least, all the time. And she knows how I feel about things, that’s the price I pay for having a liven ship."
Owsee, "it is a fine ship all right, but I would not want one in my head. I still like to at least try to keep some things secret."
We drank and talked for about an hour, then I went home. The children had worked out how far away each mine should be. I then told them about the water I wanted to use against the debris field, and how small the spray needed to be. Once we figured it out, we could tell right off itwould take too much time to do much good, and the numbers on how many mines we would need to protect the planet was not encouraging either. We would need 10,000,000 to do the job right, we would be lucky to make a thousand. But not all the news was so bad. We figured any of the robots that came straight down would be sure to burn up. Only ones caught in a long approach may make it down without burning, so we only had a thin circle to worry about, and that would only be if they hit us headon. I was still hoping they would miss us, and it may still be a few days yet before we could be sure where they would be a week or two. Then I came up with an idea, old ships. We could take some old ships and fly them by remote control with a bomb on each. The robots then come to the ships, and when it can no longer fly we just blow it up. I wish I could find some cheap old ships. As a matter of fact the best way to get them would be to tell the world about the threat, and have them donate their old ships to the cause. Fixing them up for their last flight could be done by spaceport and ship yards around the planet. But this would take telling them the threat was real, not just a possibility. To do that I need more information that would only come with time. Time that was get shorter by the hour. At least that's the way I felt, mostly because I was not sure yet how to deal with the threat. The idea about the old shipswas a good one, and we could always use mines. There was also my secret weapon, though I didn't know just yet how I would use it. Fighting a foe that has no fear is always the greatest challenge. I told the twins about the remote-controlled ship idea. They saw it was a good one, and I also said I would give the government the night to hash over the threat, and look to see intelligence from Plexon tomorrow to get a better idea of the course of the debris field the spiders were in. Knowing what the Plexons were going to do would help as well. I told the children to take the rest of the night off from the problem, and study something else like stories of the planet.
It started to rain outside, so I got a fire going in the living room, as Kitty sat on the sofa reading my last book. I could see she was about halfway through it as I sat down next to her, and asked how it read.
She said, "there is a lot in here that I didn't know about. I think I'm beginning to see how another war, so soon, would be hard on you."
I said, "war, at any time, is hard on everyone. And I'm sorry if I was short with you earlier, I'm just worried about this new threat, and I wish it didn’t have to be me that has to come up with a plan. I haven't even told the crew on the station about the problem yet, because I’m not sure what tosay."
Kitty, "I understand. I just didn't like the factthat the children knew more than I do."
I said, "better get used to that, they already know more about more things than I do. They're both like a sponge, anything they see, hear or read stays in their minds. I tend to forget more than I learn, and remember more than I want to." I took a sip of my drink as the sound of thunder outside made Kitty flinch. She put the book down saying, "I can't read during a storm," and turn the radio up a bit. We then listen to the last storyteller of the night. The Twins joined us, and we ate a bowl of nuts. The story was about the first ecological warriors to stand up against the corporate mining company, that was taking the water from their lakes. Draining some of them to their muddy bottom. He talked about how brave the people were at fighting with whatever they had, and how the CM eventually just gave up and left. It was sort of ironic that the story was about the one thing I wanted to put out of my mind for while. But instead of being annoyed, I was inspired by the story of how brave some of these people were. I made some notes I could use later, and when the story was over the children went to bed and I said to Kitty, "that story reminds me I'm not in this alone, these people are willing to fight, it's just a matter of telling them what to do. All I need is to know is, what that is, at least this time it's not abouthiding."
Kitty, "come to bed, you need your rest."
So I went to bed, but knew I was not going to get to rest, at least not right off. I had a dream I was standing at the edge of the world, and in space at the same time. I reached out with my hand, and light came out of my fingers, then arced through the debris field from one robot to the other until they were all fried. I woke up and my right hand felt full power and sparks were coming out of my fingertips. I sat up in bed realizing I had been dreaming I was awake, and my hand was normal. I always hated dreaming I was awake. I was glad it didn't happen too often.

Day 91
The sun was still trying to climb up over the horizon and the Songbird was not up yet. Kitty was asleep on the sofa but the children were not downstairs, so I got a cup of coffee and took a shower. The warm water felt so good I just wanted to go back to sleep under it, a feeling I quickly shock off. When I came out of the bathroom kitty was just waking up. She asked what I wanted for breakfast and I said fried potatoes, eggs and sausages. Then went out to the porch for a smoke and to do some writing.
The air had that fresh smell to it you only get after a rainstorm. I sat down with my ThinkPad and got caught up on my writing. I could start to smell the sausage and potatoes cooking, as the sun found its way over the horizon. Owsee walking over from the barn, and his studio apartment above, and said, "morning! Sausages and potatoes for breakfast if my nose is right."
I said, "and eggs, how did you sleep?"
Owsee, "once I got home I was out in no time. Stayed at the bar until after the last storyteller on the radio was done."
I said, "we stayed up for that too, he told the story well."
I then told him my idea about the remote-controlled ship's we could blow up. He thought it was a good idea, and said his port would do whatever he could to help. I said I wanted to check on the course of the debris field with the robots in it, before I tell the world what we are up against and plan to do.
He said, "good idea, but then how come you were so quick on building mines?" I said, "because they take longer to make, and we can always use them. I feel this is not the last war we will be in."
Kitty called us in to breakfast, then asked what the two of us would be doing today.
Owsee said, "I need to get the banks mining crew started on a few places, including land bought for your husband's hotels and clubs. As well as trying to get some work done at my port."
I said, "I'm not sure yet what my day will be like, but the space station could use two more engineers to work on the fighters, if the Twins are looking for something to do."
They both said it would be a pleasure to work with their fellow engineers again. I thought it was nice they felt that way about the crew. Kitty said that anything beats staying around the shop all-day, but just don't take them out of the solar system.
I said, "don't worry, I won't take them out of the solar system until they can fly a fighter themselves."
Kitten said, "we are nearly tall enough," to which I replied, "the two of you are growing up fast."
The food was passed around, and there was small talk about the storytellers we heard last night.
Then Owsee said, "how long do you think it will take you to be sure whether or not the debris field, or the metal munching robotsin it, will come close to our planet or not?"
I said, "all I need is to find out the direction, and speed of the field, plus the gravitational influence of all the stars and planets between here and there. I'll probably have to make a trip to take some readings."
Prowler, "the station has an astrophysics lab with three probes at its command, they could do the job."
I said, "sounds like you have just been reassigned to astrophysics." Prowler, "it's a big job."
Kitten, "we work better together."
I said, "by all means, you're welcome to join your brother in astrophysics, two heads are better than one."
Owsee, "well, now that we have a team for astrophysics, how long will it take you to figure out if the field is coming our way?"
Prowler, "oh, we already know it's coming our way."
Kitten, "yes, the techno-sages would not have stopped to warn us if it was not a threat."
I said, "the big question is when."
Kitty, "and how prepared we can be by that time, right?"
I said, "yes, I guess that's what really matters."
Owsee, "you all make it sound like once there is a plan it's as good as over." I said, "well I'm sure we will have to do a bit of thinking on our feet, and with any luck we may come up with some new ideas along the way, but when it's all said and done just doing our best is all we can do."
Owsee, "well you certainly sound a lot more relaxed about the whole thing." I said, "well now that I know I will soon find out when, it's like getting the land for my clubs, for me the deal is have over. I can start putting the responsibility for getting things done on others. At least that's what I'm telling myself this time around, because it's likely no one will die. Not like the swarm that wanted to eat anything, include us!"
Owsee, "they are still a big threat, but you're right, it's not like anyone will die if we’re carful."
Kitten, "as long as their programming has not changed."
I said, "now let's not start looking for a reason to worry. We will be getting reports from Plexon about them to confirm their behavior."
Then Gripper stopped by to see if there was any change in the duty schedule today.
I said, “I will be recalling fighter pilots as soon as I can confirm the danger we were in, and that the Twins and I will be in the astrophysics lab for a while doing that this morning.”
He said, “I will need to move 50 ships that have been refitted with the extra ammunition, and swap them with ships from lunar-one to be refitted.” I said, “I suggest you do that, and after I recall the fighter pilots, set up a flight program for new and returning pilots.”
He said he would prepare for that, and that he would see me on the station. Then just before he left he said to Kitty, "oh by the way, Nursa said we would be delighted to come over tonight."
Kitty, "well then we will see you shortly after dark, war plans permitting of course."
Then Gripper left for his ship, and it was not long before the rest of us were done with breakfast, and heard Grippers ship take off.
Owsee said, "I need to get started myself. I'll see you later," and he was out the door.
I told the children to grab their bags, as I gave Kitty a kiss goodbye and a, "see you later."
We got on my ship and soon overtook Grippers on the way to the station. We flew around him once, just for fun, then I spiraled away toward the space station in style. Upon landing I asked the Plexon engineering chief how the work on the fighters was coming. He said, "41 done, another 5 within the next hour or two." I said, "good, we will soon be able to swap 50 for the ones on lunar one. What word do we have from Plexon on our problem?"
Chief, "I have had no word from them, neither as the captain of the cargo ship." I said, "well then I‘m going to send a probe, the Twins and I will be in astrophysics."
And we went off to get started. The lab was just one deck below the bridge. The Scopes could see across the galaxy, but the best way to measure the gravity currents was to send a probe, so reprogrammed a course and sent one out. We then dug up everything we had on the systems from here to there, and put a model together on how the planets were moving. Our telescopes were a great help in making it real-time accurate, and from what we could tell the debris field was less than a day from Plexon. At least that wasour best first guess. We would know more the longer we looked at it. We were ableto make our model show us where each planet or moon would be over the next week. We then had to figure the speed of the field and the pull the planets that may be in its path. There was a lot to think about, and the probe would take a good three hours to get near Plexon. I told the Twins I was going up to my quarters for a smoke and left them to work with the data the probe was sending back. Of course our information would come much quicker if I could of just patched through to a Observatory on Plexon, but they didn't seem to be cooperating with their information at the moment. So we would just have to get the answers our self’s. I got myself a couple coffee and lit my pipe, then called the Plexon head of interplanetary trade. He was the only member of the Plexon government I knew. I asked him what the government was going to do about the metal eating robot spiders coming with the asteroid field. He said their scientist had determined they will burn up on reentry. So they are just moving all the space stations, and ships out of the way until they pass. I said I hope you're right about them burning up. He said we have a large planet and the air is dense, they will burn alright. I thank him for his time and bid him the best of luck.
I wish it could be as easy for Laureate, but this planet is not as great as Plexon. And this plan of doing nothing, from a planet thathas the most firepower in this part of the galaxy, is not going to help us at all. I can only hope a large part of the debris field was caught by their planet. I then gave the planet Tronex a call, and tried to learn what they were going to do, but could not get much help from the people that would even talk to me. So I called Gripper and asked him to find out what he could about his home planet's plans.
He said, "I still know a few people in planetary defense. Somebody is bound to have some information."
I asked him to let me know as soon as he knew something. Looking out my port window I could see the cargo traffic was light, only two ships taking on water and one bringing up crystals to go to Plexon. This may be the last Plexon cargo ship for a week or so, until the shipping lanes open up again. Even this ship will have to take a detour to get back to Plexon safely. I sat down and enjoyed my smoke and coffee, then Gripper called me to tell what he found out. He said that Tronex is still not sure the debris field will come close to them, but they are preparing every ship they have to attacked the robots if it does.
I said, "we sent a probe to gather information on the debris field, and the solar systems. We're still putting it all together, butit looks like Tronex will be in its path."
Gripper, "well then we will be in it all right. How about Plexon? What will they do?"
I said, "their plan is to do nothing. Just let the debris field pass and hope anything that comes will burn up."
Gripper, "not much of a plan, leaves more for us to shoot at. Don't suppose they would think of taken a few shots at it as it passed by? Will we help Tronex try to fight the robots?"
I said, "better to start fighting them as far away as we can, so we can do some damage before they get close, just like we did with the swarm."
Gripper, "maybe if we help Tronex before the spiders get there they will help us before they get here."
I said, "my thoughts as well, let's hope your government feels the same way." I then went back down to astrophysics. Our model was becoming more solid by the hour, just by what the telescopes could pick up. It was sure Tronex was in for it in two days. That gave us a little time to prepare, but not much. I was so hoping for information on whether or not we could get hit. But we needed the final readings from the probe to be sure. So far, a best guess was five days and we take a hit. But a lot of things could change that, include a war on the field. If we shot it up enough we may move it just a little, but no matter how we do it I want to destroy all the metal spiders. Even if we had to follow them pasted our planet, I don't want this threat ever to come back. Our probe finally passed Plexon, and was getting some good readings on the debris field before it stopped working, a snack for the robots no doubt. But we had what we needed, and soon could see the route the debris field would take and what would be in its way. First there was Plexon, with a great part of the debris being pulled down onto that planet, then it would come close to a Stargate and station only a day away. We would have to try to do some about that. Then another day away it would be at Tronex. We would do what we could to cut them down in space, but it would then take another four days to get to us. So we have at least a week to fight where we could, and get ready for the rest. The major problem is the size of the debris field, near 20,000 miles across and likely to grow as it comes. The only good news was that it looked as if it may miss our first moon, where my ice mine is. But it looks like the second moon will be in the path of some of it, I would know more as the days went by. We would have to do what we could to keep the robots from the moon as well.
It was getting close to noon, and I now had enoughinformation to address the people, and I decided to do it from the bridge. Icalled down to our main radio station, and told Newsy to stand by for a special report, then I told the announcers in our communications room to do the same. I had the bridge put me on all channels and station wide, and after asking for their attention I explained the threat and problem that was coming our way, and some of my thoughts on how to fight it. I asked for people to come together, and do what they could or picked up the slack for those that would be put to work in the war. I asked for pilots to come back for duty, and people to donate their old ships to be used as remote control mines. I reminded the people how brave the ecology warriors were, and how I had seen their bravery in our last war.
I said, "time again, to show the galaxy what kind of people live on this planet we call Laureate."
I ended my speech with that, and hoped it would get things started. The Twins and I then went to the club for something to eat, we had not had much in the way of snacks this morning so we were plenty hungry. We knew we were having a BBQ for supper, so we ordered the seafood platter and did away with a plate of cheese while we waited, as well as some nuts and a piece of fruit each. As our order came Muser, Kitty's new music teacher, stopped by.
He said, "I was told I could find you here at thistime."
I said, "hello, please join us, what's on your mind?"
Muser, "I paid my landlord last night, and found myself out of credits for food again, and thought about your offer. I'm thinking it may be best to take you up on your offer, if it's still open."
I said, "of course it is, move your things today if you like."
Muser, "yes, it would be best if I didn't owe any more rent."
I said, "and I'll tell my help here you eat free. Talking about eating, do you like seafood?"
Muser, "very much sir."
I said, "well then, by all means join us. There is plenty, and always more." So he ate with us and we got to know him better, and like so many others his father was from another planet but he grew up here. He had always loved music, and make it a part of his life from an early age. He taught at the government school of music until just a few years ago, then went on his own, and though things have been a bit rough he still enjoyed the freedom to teach in his own style.
I said, "well kitten seems to enjoy your style, and your friendly attitude is what got you the job. I like people that are happy in theirwork."
Muser, "well, it's never been about the money, it'sthe music that makes me happy."
I said, "well what better place than the back of a music store to make music, and it's a good place to meet new students."
After we were done eating I introduced him to the bartender, and told him Muser eats free and to pass the word along to the other chef. I asked if it would take long to move his things, and he said, "not at all, I only have two trunks and they have wheels."
I said, "well then kitten can help you, then you can give her a lesson." He said that would be fine with him, and they left to move his things. I called the store and I toad Miss Juniper about our new music teacher. She thought it was a great idea to have a in-house music teacher. Prowler and I then went across the road to my book factory to see how things were going. Arty was just getting the morning orders together, and he said there had been a lot of orders since my last book came out. I said that will slow down soon. He said, “I heard the news, what are fighting now, metal eating robot spiders? I sure hope none of them find their way in here.”
I said, “I hope none make it to the planet, but we need to be ready if they do.” Arty said, "does this mean we all need to bring weapons to work with us?" I said, "I’m hoping a good club will do the job, but it don't hurt to have an EMP rifle close by."
Arty, "by the way, we are down to just five barrels of ink, should I order more?" I said, "my suppliers will be busy for the next week, if we run out just hold all orders until we get more ink."
Arty, "oh, my parents want me to thank you again for introducing me/us to your banker. Things are a lot better for them now that they sold off the crystals under their land."
I said, "yes, there are a lot of people saying the same thing. Everybody wants to the crystals under their land before the market is gone. But I think the market will hold for at least a few more years."
Arty, "the first thing my father did was go out and buy himself a small tractor, so he can work more land and have more food to sell."
I said, "well good for him, a lot of people are trying to get out of the farming, now they have the credit. I think your father will find the market will be kind to him." Prowler and I then went to story land park to check on things. The freezer was still running well and the new furniture was in place. All we needed was food and people to run the park. There would be three morenights of story tellers on the radio, then I would hire the best 10. The rest I would put on a callback list, in case someone does not work out or I start a new story hour on the radio. Of course it just would not be right to open the park until after this new war was over, people will have other things on their minds, and I don't want a poor showing on opening day. Just after we kill the robot spiders would be a good day to open and celebrate. I would try to get people to start then.
I said to Prowler, "we need to check out the lights one of these nights." He said, "the ones on the trail in the woods as well."
After admiring the view for a moment, we left to go to the port and see how things were going. We did a fly over to see what we could see, and because my liven the ship made no noise or disturbed the air, most did not even know we were above them. After landed we went to the dock master's office. Owsee’s assistant was on the line with someone that wanted to give their old ship for the cause. But like most, that would be donated, it would not fly without some parts. He took the information and said he would see what he could do. He then said to us, "if you're looking for our chief dock master, Owsee, I think he is out mining." I said, "been getting many calls since my announcement?"
Dock master, "oh yes, and even if I could find theparts to make all those old ships fly again, my men are here and the ships are all over the place."
I said, "well, my big ship Tubby can move anything up to four stories high. You're welcome to use it to get the ships you think you can fix."
Dock master, "it's a step in the right direction. Who will be doing the flying?" I said, "Gripper is a good pilot, and I can't think of anything better for him to be doing. These ships will be very important in the war effort. I'll give you his computer's address and you can tell him about the ships you want. We will take it from there."
Dock master, "now if you could only create a worldwide database for all the ship parts, we would be gold."
I said, "this planet does not already have one?"
Dock master, "it would take a large computer like the World Bank. So people just have to check each site one by one. There are at least a thousand of them, so you can see how long it can take."
Prowler, "I can write a program that will locate all the sites, and put them on one database on the space station."
I said, "well, it looks like we are going back to the station for a while. We will call you so you can access the program, as soon as we have one."
Dock master, "that would be great, thank you."
Prowler and I then went to the space station.
After we landed I saw Gripper over by the fighters, so I sent Prowler to do his work in engineering while I talked to Gripper.
As I walked up to him he saw me and said, "some of the extra pilots have called in, but it looks like three days to get all the ships ready, maybe two if we're lucky." I said, "talking about ships. People are calling into the shipyards to give up their old ships, but a lot of them will not fly without some new parts, and the dock master tells me he can't start sending his work crew out to fix them up. So we need to move the ships to him. Tubby should be able to hold all but the largest ships, and I need you to do the flying. I told the dock master to send a list to your computer."
Gripper, "moving ships that have no power is going to be a hard job, even for the cargo robots."
I said, "I can only hope that I can help with the load. Once you get to the yards they will have no problem getting it out. I don't know how busy I am going to get, or I would promise to help with each one. There may be some that just can't be moved without my help, I'll just have to find the time. Believe me, you will be on my list of things I rather be doing."
Gripper, "well, with the speed of your ship and the communication badge we/you always have on, we can make it work."
I said, "well, there are a few that need moving right now, so check your computer and figure out which one we are going for first. I need to get Prowler from engineering, then pick up kitten from her music lessons. So just call me and let me know what things look like."
So I went to engineering to see how prowler was doing. Why he had to work from engineering instead of one of the computers up here I don't know. It was not to get help from the chief engineer, he was working up here on the fighters. When I got to engineering Prowler was on one of the main computers, still putting in data for the program. I asked why he had to use the computer down here, and he said, "you can't just put a new program in the computer from anywhere, safeguards prevent that. This computer checks to make sure the program will not hurt other programs on the ship, before it lets the new program into the main system. Matter of fact, you can't even use this computer without the Plexon encryption code, that I figured out. So we should not be able to do this, but you can keep a secret."
I said, "not a problem, just make a copy and I’ll hide it in the computer under Captains eyes only."
Moments later he was done and said, “it will take the computer a while to download the parts list of every dealer on the planet, but after that it will update itself each day. What name shall we give the program so people can use it?” I said, "call it the world parts list."
We then went to get kitten. When we got to the store kitten and Muser were jamming in the back. Miss Juniper, my store manager, said, "your daughter is very good."
I thanked her for the compliment and asked if it was going to be too noisy. She said, "not at all, and it lets people know we now give lessons." I went in the back to see how things were going, and after they stopped playing I said, "this place is going to need some fixing up if you're going to live here." Muser, "I've done a bit of construction, all I need is supplies and some tools." I said, "just make a list of what you need and I'll call the order in. As far as tools go, I have some at the book factory I can bring over, but for today I think we need to get you at least a bed and a table with chairs. Are you sure you want to live here? I can put you up at my hotel."
Muser, "I like to play late at night, kind of hard on the neighbors unless they are empty stores."
I said, "I understand. My home is a good mile from a town east of here. If we had close neighbors my son would not be able to bang on his drums without disturbing them. Don't worry, we will get this place fixed up proper." We called the furniture store, and I told them to bill me for whatever Muser needed. He then went to pick out his new things while the Twins and I went to help Gripper. I called him, and he told me where he was, and it didn't take us long to get there. He had a towing cable on a small ship only 60 feet wide and 40 feet high, and it was slowly being pulled in. We watched as it made a terrible screeching sound as it was pulled. Gripper stopped as soon as it cleared the doors and said, "I don't think that wrench was made to pull so much, but we got away with it this time."
We then took the ship to the port and dropped it off, then we went to get another. The next two were almost as big, but with the help of my telekinetic enhancer we loaded them up without a problem. And it was good exercise for me, as I didn't use my telekinetic abilities much, but I would soon need to in a big way. By the time we dropped them off it was almost dark, so we left the big ship Tubby at the yards, and went home on my ship. Whenwe got there Nursa was already there with the triplets. I sent the Twinsto gather some dry sticks to start the fire in the backyard pit.
Nursa, "those two have grown in just the past two weeks."
I said, "they wake up every day to a different size in clothes , it's a good thing Kitty has a shop."
Kitty, "now now, they don't grow that fast. As a matter of fact I think it's slowing down, soon they will stop eating so much."
Gripper, "I'm looking forward to the triplets eating, maybe then they will start sleeping through the night."
Nursa, "as if you're the one that has to get up to feed them."
Gripper, "it would just be nice to sleep through the night with my wife." Nursa, "I'm not your wife."
Gripper, "that's right, you're just the mother of my children and the woman I'm playing house with."
Kitty, "now now you two, this is a party, let's play nice."
She then turned to Nursa and said, "we can rag on them when they go in for a drink."
I said, "good idea, then we will see to that fire."
So Gripper and I went in and got a glass each of mybourbon liqueur. Or, "bunk a de bunk" as Captain lunatic calls it. Lunatic, ha! A strange name for a man to make a form himself, but then if you knew him, oh well. We took our drinks out back and got the fire going. Owsee soon joined us on the back porch and we watched a large fire as it burned down to a pile of coals. We spread them out and put the grill over them, then laid out the meat. Kitty and Nursa took it from there, turning the meat over and making sure it didn't burn. They even roasted some large potatoes and a few fish. Which I thought was overdoing it, but somehow everyone found room. And if all that was not enough, Nursa brought some pastries, which went slow even though they were good. All in all it was a feast. But no one ever left Kitty’s table still hungry.
We listened to the storytellers on the radio while drinking some wine, but not much wine as we were all very full, and not very thirsty. With an hour of storytellers still left on the radio, Nursa called it a night for her and the babies, and Gripper went with her.
I said, "drop by after the sun comes up, and we will go get some more ships." He said he would and bid us a good night. Owsee sat down, on the front porch, and said, "how many of them old ships do we have to fix, so far?"
I said, "six, and more to pick up."
Owsee, "do you think the other ports will pitch in,and fix some ships for us to use?"
I said, "I'll shame them into it by talking on the radio each day about how many you fix."
Owsee, "finding the parts in time is going to be a problem."
I said, "the space station has a new program with a list of every ship part, from every dealer on the planet. Just tie into the station’s computer and run a request for program "world parts list."
Then ask what you're looking for. If it's on the planet it will tell you where." Owsee, "now that will come in handy, not just for this job but anytime." I said, "well let's hope we get a big response right off, as we don't have a week, when you figure in the remote controls and wiring them to blow." Owsee, "how many do you think we need?"
I said, "I have no idea. It depends on how well they work, the more the better. Remember, what we don't kill up there, we will have to deal with down here. And talking about things to deal with, I would like to ask two flavors of you in case of my death. I want you to smash the telekinetic enhancer I wear so no one else will ever use it, and I want you to know what is in my deposit box." Owsee, "so what's in the box? Don't make me use mymaster key to find out." I said, "a synaptic reader for making replicator chips."
Owsee, "with that you can make just about anything you can think up." I said, "how do you think I got the program for coffee?"
Owsee, "brain readers are not forbidden on this planet, yet. But it could be dangerous in the wrong hands."
I said, "that's why I'm telling you about it, just in case."
Owsee, "not a problem my friend, and if I should go before you take care of my bank and port, you're in my will. I would not trust anyone else."
I said, "if, is the key word we are both using. Lately I have been living dangerously, not always by choice. Trust me when I say I would love to live a long and happy life, but destiny is written in the stars, and I'm not sure what she has in store for me. I have already been dead once, the next time I may stay that way." Owsee, "I told you the laser saw had a kick to it, if we didn't have a scan record of you, even the Plexons would not of been able to bring you back."
I said, "yeah but I lost all my memories from the station on that moon until that day you brought me back."
Owsee, "that will teach you to get scanned more often."
I said, "and when was your last scan?"
Owsee, "around the beginning of the war with the swarm."
I said, "guess we are both due for another one."
I let my pipe then said, "I've decided to open story land Park the day after we defeat the metal eaten robot spiders."
Owsee, "sounds like a good day for it. Will you have a party at the club as well?" I said, "of course I will. I better book the band ahead of time, just to make sure I get the one I want. I'm thinking of making the acoustic 10 my house band, and have them play at the club at least one night a week."
Owsee, "they are a good band, but with 20 clubs you're going to need a number of bands. Unless you only want to hear from the band only once a month at each club."
I said, "I was thinking of four bands doing five clubs a week, with a day off, because your week has only six days."
Owsee, "it's good to have live music at least once a week."
I said, "say, now that there will be at least a week before any more crystal trade with Plexon, what will you do about the mining? Will you stop for a week?" Owsee, "not at all. Just like the government, I will mine and stack until we can take them up again. I have a spot deep in the desert with two armed guards and a camera to keep an eye on things. You, by the way, have five cities where the crystals have been removed from your land, so you can build on them now." I said, "are they sand or dirt?"
Owsee, "two are sand, the other's dirt. Thinking of making the foundation holes yourself?"
I said, "it would be good exercise. I need to buff up my telekinetic muscles. The more I do, the more I know I can do. I may not want to find out how great this power can be, but with this war that is upon us, I must try to do my best for the sake of the planet."
Owsee, "worried about losing control?"
I said, "if I can move a mountain of dirt, I can also dump it on someone." Owsee, "before you lost your memory, you were working on control by playing with small things. Juggling fruit or catching fish without a net. It helped you learn to focus your power."
I said, "I had a dream I could control lightning."
Owsee, "once, when you were pissed off, we had a bad storm. But could not say you were responsible."
I said, "well, I better get a good night’s sleep, tomorrow is going to be another big day."
Owsee said me too and went to his apartment over over the barn, as I went inside. I said goodnight to Kitty, and the children as they listened to the last storyteller of the night on the radio.
I had no dreams, that I can remember, that night. But I woke up feeling full of energy.

Day 92
Owsee joined us for fish and potatoes, and Gripper was soon there to have coffee with us. Owsee said he would make sure his crew got to work on the ships that needed repairs, and try to mine the rest of the site for my clubs and hotels. He gave me a list of the ones that were mined in case I could get by them today. Gripper asked if we were going to check on things on the space station first, or go right to moving old ships.
I said, "let's see to the station first, Owsee has enough old ships to start with." The children asked what they could do today, and I said how about helping the dock crew with the fighters ammunition refit. They were happy to again be part of the engineering crew. I asked if Kitty needed help with her current orders this morning, and she said she got caught up last night and took care of it. So after breakfast Kitty went to work, Owsee headed for his spaceport at Central city, and the rest of us were off to the space station. When we got there Gripper and the Twins went straight for the fighters, while I went to astrophysics to check on the new data. The chief Plexon engineer was there, checking on what was happening on Plexon. He said, "I didn't know anyone was running a program down here, nice design. Do we have our young engineers to thank for this work?" I said, "yes we do. They're working on the fighters today, but I came down here to look over the data from last night. How are things looking?"
Chief, "the debris field is just now passing Plexon. Can't know how much fell on the planet or is burned up, and no one is returning my call. According to the model the debris will hit Tronex in two days, and us four days later. If there is nothing to change its path that is."
I said, "that's what it looked like yesterday. How wide is the field now?" Chief, "the data puts it at around 10,000 miles."
I said, "it's a little bigger than it was before it swung around Plexon. Well let me know if you hear anything, I hope all the robots burned up. I need to call Tronex to see what they are going to do."
I then went back down to the landing bay to talk toGripper. We used the dock Master's office to reach a friend of Gripper's on Tronex. While he was trying to get through I found a bottle of monk juice in Owsee’s desk and helped myself to a drink. When Gripper reached his friend he said, "you didn't call me back. What's going on there?"
His friend "Newne" said, "it's been hard to find anything out. No one has a clear picture of the problem, or what to do about it. Even Plexon is not talking to us." I said, "you have two days before the metal eating robot spiders get your planet. If they don't burn up on their way down, the things will start eating holes in anything they can find that is metal, and you will be quarantined until they are all destroyed."
Newne, "we make farming and mining equipment, we don't have much in the way of warships. We never even needed a space station because Plexon is so close. But we can't reach them to find out what they will do for us. Can you give us any help?"
I said, "do you have any mines or explosives?"
Newne, "we sell mining explosives, lots of that."
I said, "you may want to start making mines to put in orbit, maybe rig some old ships to blow up. I can send a few ships to fire upon the debris field, we may hit something, but the more we knocked out the less you will have to deal with. What authority do you have?"
He said, "I am the chief of commerce, which is the power over anything that will affect trade or production on or with Tronex."
I said, "well I would say the M.E.R.S. would for sure effect your commerce. So I must be talking to the right man. Is there is anyone else we need to go to before I start toward you with a fleet of fighters?"
Newne, "I am the highest authority for off world negotiations."
I said, "fine then, you start building mines, and we will let you know where the best place will be to do the job. Meanwhile I'll see if we can do some damage, talk to you soon."
I then said to Gripper, "I have a feeling the Plexons may be having a bit more trouble than they thought they would."
Gripper, "if even Newne can't reach them, their communication satellite must be out."
I said, "well if it's made of metal, it's full of holes by now. How about you take a strike force of the fighters that have been refitted with extra ammunition. Use my Plexon heavy fighter for extra power, but don'tget too close. I don't want holes in my ships."
Gripper, "I'd be honored to lead the strike force sir, but what are you going to do that would keep you from it?"
I said, "I'm going to Plexon on my living ship "Id," I want to see firsthand what we are up against."
Gripper, "that ship is the only one that can go there without worry of being attacked."
I said, "make sure all the pilots take all safeguards. They should wear their suits and helmets as well, and stay away from the debris field. That's going to be hard because it's so spread out, but it will be your job to bring them all home safely." Gripper, "I won't let you down sir."
I then went to my ship and started toward Plexon. It would take a couple of hours to get there so I took a nap. It didn't matter that I was not tired, I still nodded off. My ship woke me as we passed through the debris field near Plexon, still in phasecloak, the M.E.R.S. were a bit bigger than the ones I saw on Spectrownem. They were clinging to the large rocks and not moving much. They took no notice of us as we pass through them, then down to the planet. We didn't need to get very low before seeing lots of small arms fire. The Plexons had a problem with the metal eating robot spiders that did not burn up asthey came down. We zipped around checking one place then another, the problem was widespread. I asked my ship if it would not mind if we took one of the broken robots back to look at. It said it would be fine, so we picked one up and headed home. I napped for the trip home as well, as it was the best way to make a long trip short. When I got back I looked up my engineering friends, the Twins U1&U2, they were at the plant that made the electromagnets. I asked them to have a look at the broken robot I had. They did a scan and said it was using some rather large memory crystals, but they could not tell me what was on its mind because it lost power to its CPU. They said there was no backup system, and a large EMP would most likely shut them down.
I said, "that's good to know, but the field is over 10,000 miles wide. It would take a large solar flare to do it, and they won't be coming from that direction." I asked how it was coming with the mines, and they said they could only make a hundred or so a day. I told them the latest model shows part of the field will pass close to the second moon.
I said, ”we don't want the things that close to us, so we need to set up a number of mines there, as well as anything else you two have to take care of the problem.”
They said, U1, “what makes you think we may have anything,” U2, “up there that would be of any help?”
I said, "just between you and I, the factory you have in the old mines in lunar two do not concern me. Unless the metal eating robot spiders make use of it, so let's just say we don't want them, any of them, so close to us. We could just let any that will land on the moon do so, and deal with them later, but I rather wipe them out now so we don't need to deal with them ever again."
They said, “if we did have our secret factory on lunar two, it would be well protected.”
I said, “the Plexons thought they had nothing to fear from the robot spiders, and now they are a quarantine planet with no communications. All I'm saying is that now is the time to make plans. So if you don't see any reason to use space mines around lunar-two, just let us know, I'll use them in defense of the planet. We need all the help we can get.”
They said, well blowing them up before they even reach the moon is still a good idea, but if you think you may need the mines to help protect the planet don't worry about the moon. I'm sure we can rig a few EMP’s that will do the same job. There is nothing on the surface of the moon to be hurt by a large electromagnetic pulse blast."
I said, "you're right about that, and it's a good idea. I'll leave it up to you." As I was leaving I said, "by the way, my book factory could use another shipment of ink before that becomes impossible, when you have the time. 50 drums would do."
They said they had at least that much in storage on planet, and would send it over. I thanked the men, and went to the space station to see how things were going. The Twins were still working with the engineering crew on the fighter upgrades. I asked if they wanted to go to lunch with me, but they said they had got some food from the replicator, and were fine. I said okay and told them what I saw on my trip, and what U1&U2 said about the robot I showed them. They said it was too bad the debris field did not pass through a system without people, or we could set off a large solar blast that would produce a electromagnetic pulse to wipe most of the their CPUs.
I said, “unfortunately we can’t always solve our problems with bigger bombs. I’m going to lunch then working on a number of things. Kitten, do you want a ride to your music lessons?”
She said she forgot all about them and would indeed like a ride. So we went to the music store and found Muser given a lesson to apair of children trying to learn the flute. They were just ending their lesson for the day as we walked in. I told them I played the flute as well, and showed them my white dragon flute. They asked if it was true that there were only five white dragons ever made. I said that's the word. They asked me to play it for them, so I did a short piece for them to hear what a sweet flew it was. The two children then thanked me and left. Muser showed me a list of things needed to fix up a studio for him and a proper place to teach music. He had the estimated cost as well. So I gave him a credit chip with more than enough on it for what was needed, and a advance on his pay so he could get anything he may need for himself. He said he would call the order in right away so he could get started on the work this afternoon. I said I would bring the tools by when I came back to get kitten.
I then left and went to the club. I ordered the soup and gave the band a call to see if they could play tonight, but not all night long. Just four hours, the two before midnight and after. They said they were in negotiations to play at another club, but they would tell them they were now booked.
I said, "good, and while we are at it, I would like to book you for the night after we fight the metal eating robot spiders. All night party, and then one night each week after that, and after I get some more clubs built have you play five nights a week, if you don't mind being my house band that is."
They said they would love to play for me as often as I'd like, and it would be nice to be booked up. I said, “fine, then I'll tell my bank to credit your account.” Newsy stopped by the table saying he was about to go do the news, and wondered if I had anything new for him.
I said, "as a matter of fact I do, Plexon did not do as well as they had hoped against the metal eating robot spiders. The planet is now infested and I would call for a quarantine by any ships coming or going there. Tronex has asked for help in fighting this problem, and we have a fleet of ship's attacking the debris field the robots are in, as we speak. Work on space mines is going well, and the owner of the central city spaceport is working on five old ships, to be used against the metal eating robot spiders as we speak and we are taken more to him today. I hope other stations are doing their part. I'll even pay for the parts if they need me to. Talking about parts, we have a new parts lists for all the ship parts on the planet. Just go to space station programs and look for the world parts list. It will tell you if the part is on planet, and who has it. Remember, we need time to put in the remote controls as well as the bombs, so we no longer have a full week to work on the ships. I hope everyone will pitch in and help us put the fleet together."
Newsy, "I'm glad I recorded it. I'll run it just as recorded."
I said, "also ask the ports to call in to the radio station website, and let us know who is helping out there, so we can say thank you to them on the radio. Feel free to press the point that this is the only city we know of yet that is fixing up old ships for the war."
Newsy, "I'll lay it on thick."
He then said he had to get to the radio station to do the noon news. I said, “by the way, you can tell people that the band the acoustic 10 will be planned at the club tonight.”
He said, "I'll do that," and left to do the news. My soup came, and it was a cream of mushroom with a dumpling. I forgot to ask what kind of mushrooms the chef used, it was good tasting though. I ate bread and cheese with it and have a beer. I wanted to kill some time before going back to get kitten, so I went to one of the sites where I would build a new club and Hotel. It was a sandy place next to a ship yard. There was no one around so I set my mind to moving the sand for the club and hotel basement. I turned my telekinetic enhancer on and started to move the sand. First a little, then a storm of sand flew out and over the desert. When the sand and dust had settled there were two large holes where the club and hotel would go, and I was not all that tired.So I went to another site to do the same. Though it was dirt it didn't seem to matter. After the holes were ready I went to my book factory to get some tools Muser would need. While there I called the man that did the stone bunker we now call my club. I said to Digger that I had two holes ready for a bunker in each, if he had any time. He said, "no digging, that's the fun part, but of course I'll build your bunkers." I told him where the sites were, and that I would soon have many more, at least another 17.
He said, "this is going to be my best year yet, for bunkers."
I then got my box of tools and went to the music store. While waiting for kitten I called my main contractor and told him about the two sites that were dug out and ready for work to start on my new hotels. And said the other sites would be ready within the next few days, I would let him know. He said he would start putting the crews together, and getting things started.
I said, “while you are getting the steel and stone, I will work on deals for all the rest.”
He said, “pluming and power will need to go in hand-in-hand with the construction, but we usually get a deal.”
I said, "then you can handle that part. I'll takebids for everything after the stone is hard. If they come to you with a bid just sendthem to me, it's the only fun I get out of the deal."
After my talk with the contractor I could hear it was quiet outback, so I went to see if kitten was done. As I walked in Muser said, "perfect timing, we were just wrapping up for the day."
I said, "a box of tools is by the checkout counter. I think there is everything you will need."
Muser, "I appreciate the opportunity to show you how handy I can be." Kitten and I then went back to the space station. Kitten joined her brother working on the fighters while I gave Gripper a call, from a dock master's office, to see how things were going. When I reached him he said they were on their way back with all ships intact. I told him I wanted to set up a check station, away from the space station, to make sure they did not bring anything back with them. He said he would hold the fleet halfway between the moon and the station until they had the chance to inspect the ships. I said I was going to move a few old ships, and to give me a call after he had docked. I then went down on the docks and talked to the Plexon engineer. He said he heard I went to Plexon, and wanted to know how things were. I told him what I had seen, and that it may take them a few days just to get their communications back, butthe people should be alright. He said it was good to have even that small bit of news from home. I asked if he had family there and what they did. He said, “five children all grown up, and with families of their own. They have their own parts factory on the planet, and I hope the M.E.R.S. did not give them too much trouble.”
I asked how the work on the fighters was coming along, and he said, “moving along faster now that we have the Twins helping. They are fast workers, and helpful to everyone.”
I said good to hear it, and that I would be back to take them home in a few hours. On my way to my ship I passed the flight director, and asked how training was going.
He said, "only 35 of the old pilots came back, but we filled the empty ships with 15 pilots that wanted to learn to fly fighters. So we have the men but there is a lot of green to them."
I said, "well at lease we don’t have to worry about an enemy that will fire back. If they can fly, push a button and bring the ship back, it's the least I will ask of them. But there is no telling what we may run into one day, so let's not go light on the training."
I then flew down to where we left my big ship Tubby, and flew to the next old ship to be moved to the port for repairs. But it was hard to get to with my ship, there was just not enough room to land. I suppose we could toss down some tow lines, but I could not do that by myself, so I went to the next one on my list. The instructions were to land next to a lake with a nearby farm. I found the landing site and went down, but still could not see the ship.
The farmer came over and said, "I guess you're here for that old ship." I said yes and where is it, and he said, "in the middle of that lake. Been there for 30 years, but it's not deep. If you swim out to the middle you can just stand on top of it."
I said, "it crashed in the lake?"
Farmer, "no, my father put it there after he did a lot of work on it for a man that would not pay up, and there it sat without anyone knowing about it. Figure you may as well have it for the war effort, if you can get it out that is." So I got on my living ship, that had been following me around, and went out to look it over. We went under the water to see what we could see, and it was setting on the sandy bottom but not sunk in. So I ran a line to it and pulled it out, and to the big ship. I thank the man, and took the ship to Owsee’s shipyard next to his port. At lease all this one needed was to be dried out a bit. Having wasted enough of my time, I then went back to the space station to see if Gripper was there yet. The fleet was still double checking their ships for M.E.R.S.. I gave them a hand looking the ships over, then landed on the station. As I got off my ship Gripper greeted me and said, "I don't know how much good we did, but we came back clean."
I said, "we may not make much of a difference before they get to Tronex, but every little bit helps."
Gripper, "when do we go again?"
I said, "first thing tomorrow, and every day until they get here."
Gripper, "we are close enough to go twice a day."
I said, "the pilots need to rest, and we only have enough for five turnarounds for all the ships. But because we are not using all the ships, the ammunition will last until the last day."
Gripper, "thinking about it that way, we don't need the extra 50 pilots." I said, "it's going to be a long week. I like fresh pilots, and the planet needs a few men they can look up to as doing their part. Besides, this may not be the only war we will be in, trained pilots will be needed."
Gripper, "did you get many ships moved?"
I said no, not really. The first one I went for had no place to land, and the one I got was under the middle of a lake. It took a bitto get it out but I think it's in good shape. By the way, the band is playing at the club tonight. I’m thinking of taking the family, if you can get Nursa’s mother to baby sit we would love to have you."
Gripper, "sounds like fun. I'll talk to Nursa above it, but if we go I’ll take my ship, so we can come back when she's ready."
I said, "that's fine with me, and if I'm not there when you arrive us my booth as if it were yours."
I then went over to the Twins, working on a fighter, and asked if they were ready to go home now.
Kitten said, "we could get the job done faster if we spent the night here." I said, "I'm not sure your mother would approve. Besides, with our short ammo supplies, it's not all that important."
They talked to the other engineers, they were working with, about where they left off then came with me to go home. The sun was just starting to go down as we got home, so we landed behind Kitty’s shop, and asked if she would like to go to the club for supper tonight. She said she would love to, and closed up the shop to come home with us to get ready. When we got home kitty and the children change their clothes while I did a little writing on the front porch. Today was not all that interesting, but then I always say that until I start writing down what I did. I guess my trip to Plexon was not a normal daily thing, and though the time I spent pulling a ship out of a lake may not have been what I would call the best use of my time, it could make for interesting reading if I describe it well. And now to top the day off with a night at the club, will make for a full day. Guess there was something to write about after all. The children came out dressed in their tie-dye outfit's, which had become the latest fad or fashion, with hats to match. Kitty took a few moments longer, even though it seemed she took more off than she put on. She always dresses a bit risky, but then that was kitty and I was lucky she bothered to put on anything at all, some people on this planet didn't. We all got on my ship, then went to the club and went to my booth which had its electronic privacy screen up, because there was so many people there tonight. I guess the word got out about the band being there tonight, good. They were not due for another hour, but the place was quickly filling up. Jolly Jack, the bartender, was on tonight and quick to ask what he could get us. The Twins had root beer, Kitty asked for Blis which we had in the booth, and I got myself some monk juice. Jack got the sodas and asked if he could get us anything else.
Kitty said, "I could go for some seafood."
The rest of us agreed. Jack put our order in and brought us some more nuts and a plate of cheese, then said, "so I hear the acoustic 10 is playing tonight, what's the occasion?"
I said, "just a little something to remind everyone what we are fighting for, and to take some of the fear out of it."
Jack, "well any reason to have a good time is fine with me. Let me know if you need anything."
And he went back to work on the busy bar. Having a booth at the end of the bar was the best place to get service. That's why I did it that way, and keep my booth reserved. I also had a keg of beer on the counter that can only be reached from my booth, and there was also a keg or rum and one of juice. And behind one cushion was a nock where my reserve stock of monk juice, which was like cognac, and Eldoring blis, which was like cream vodka, and my bunk a de bunk, which was like bourbon liqueur. There was also some spice dew, that would enhance my telepathic powers, and some bud liqueur that was sure to mellow out anyone. I even had a pound of fire powder if I needed a quick pick me up. Although a pinch would do, so you can see why we kept this booth in reserve, all the time. By the time we had finished our cheese the main meal was ready. I said to kitty, "you know I clean forgot about Owsee."
Kitty, "I left him a note by e-mail and one on the small bar in the living room." I said, "I'm glad someone remembered, don't want him to think he is not invited or wanted."
We had just started on our food when Gripper and Nursa came in and over. They joined us and we ordered some extras. We already had a large platter but seafood goes fast. Nursa was happy to have a night out, and Gripper was enjoying himself as well. The band soon showed up to have a beer before they started playing. All 10 of them filed past our table to say good evening as they went to the bar. I yelled out to the bartender, "the drinks are on the house for the band."
They all said thank you, then Owsee came walking up and said, "how about me, are the drinks on the house for me?"
I said, "always," as he sat down to join us.
Then he said, "got your e-mail, so I stayed at the port a bit longer to look over the last ship you brought in. Looks like you pulled it out of a lake."
I said, "I did, and it was not that easy."
Owsee, "well the engines were flooded, but the computer and controls stayed dry. It may not take much to get that one ready."
I said, "the owner said it had a lot of work done to it but the pilot did not pay, so they dropped/hid it in the lake. I think he said it had been there for 30 years." Owsee, "in good shape for a ship that old and being underwater all that time." I said, "yes, it's almost a shame to blow it up."
Before long the band was on stage, and people were dancing. After we were done eating we all got up to dance as well. First Nursa and Gripper, then Kitty and me, the children as well. Even Owsee found someone to dance with. It was the first time I ever saw him out on the dance floor, and he was looking good too. Then between songs the band asked Prowler and kitten to come up and play with them, we urge them on. Kitten showed her stuff on her saxophone, and Prowler kept beat on the Congo drums, while the rest of the band went with the flow. They were rather good, and the crowd let them know it. Then they asked me to play a little jazz flute. The crowd would not let me slide, so I joined my children on stage. It was lots of fun, and the House made us do an encore before leaving the stage. Then it was back to the table for a few drinks and conversation. Kitty said next time she would have to bring her instrument, a kind of electric guitar on which she is rather good. We all had a good time but did not stay too late, as tomorrow would be another long day for each of us.
When we got home there was still a half an hour of story-time on the radio. Kitty and the children stayed up to listen to it, but I went to bed and fell asleep in no time.
Day 93
I had strange dreams about the robot spiders, that they cried out in pain when we smashed them and they bled. I felt bad for them and woke up. It was almost sunup any way, and I went out to the porch with a cup of coffee to have a smoke and do a little writing. I nodded off in between thoughts and woke to Kitty’s hand on my shoulder, telling me breakfast was ready.
I walked in to find Owsee and the children were already at the table. We had hot surreal with nuts and fruit in it, very filling, yet I had two bowls. Owsee asked what I would be doing today, and I told him I would go with the fleet today, to see if I could be of any help. He said if his ships had any weapons he would be glad to go with us. I told him he could be of more use by seeing that the donated ships got ready in time to be put to use. Kitten pointed out that even if we only got five ships from each of the major ports, that would be five thousand ships, and we needed to start putting the remote control codes into the station's computers. I said, "it would be best to open a website for theports to call-in to, so they could give us the codes."
Prowler said he would take care of that, and I said, "when you're done, send an email to all ports and have the radio announcers tell people of it as well. The M.E.R.S. will hit Tronex tonight, then us four days later. I want to be as ready as we can."
Owsee, "the mines will take some time to put in place as well. When will we start putting them out?"
I said, "I don't want them to drift out of place, so we need to set them out there on the last day."
Owsee, "that's going to be a all day job."
I said, "it is what it is."
Kitty, "can we work on the fighters you don't take with you today, father?" I said, "of course you can. I'm only taking the ones with the extra ammunition, not that it will make much of a difference on such a large target. But at least we will show Tronex we are willing to try to help."
Owsee, "I'm still surprised that Plexon didn't do anything. The scientist that said the robot spiders would burn up is in big trouble."
Kitty, "if they were supposed to protect Tronex, why did they wait? Did they think the things would pass Tronex as well with no trouble?"
Owsee, "like I said, the scientist that said they would just burn up is in big trouble."
I said, "well I'm no scientist, but I figure anything that can survive being launched into space by their own planet being blown up, can take a little heat from reentry."
Prowler, "actually, one may have nothing to do with the other. As we speak we are traveling 36,000 miles an hour through space. If the back part of the planet was to blow, we may not even notice it, except for the loss of atmosphere of course."
I said, "do you think the robots will burn up as they drop?"
Prowler, "I very much doubt it sir."
I said, "and that puts us right back where we started from."
Kitty, "well at least we had some warning, unlike Tronex."
I said, "yes, it was nice of the techno-sages to tell me something was coming. They didn't say just want the danger was, but it got me asking questions so we could prepare. I even gave Plexon and Tronex a heads up."
Owsee, "if the techno-sages wanted to they could have got rid of all the M.E.R.S.. Just goes to show you how much they don't care about what happens to others." I said, "yes, well I don’t think the techno sages have been treated well by many, because they have such great power. Probably if it was not for the fact that Nova had talked to them about me, they would not have stopped at all." Kitten, "isn't there a Stargate between us and Tronex?"
I said, "yes, they will have to moved the station. The gate, however, is anchored in the subspace and can't be moved, but maybe if we cover it in ice the robot spiders will leave it alone."
Owsee, "if we lost that gate it would take some ships an extra month to get here. I sure hope the ice trick works."
I said, "if anyone has a better idea let me know."
The cable went silent as we all ate our breakfast. When we were about the Gripper stopped by, I told him I was going with the fleet today, and he said he would get it ready for me. Owsee said he was going to mine some more of the sites where my clubs and hotels would go, as well as see to the fixing up of old ships to use as space mines. Kitty said orders for scarves were down and she got caught up on things last night, so it was just off to the shop this morning. I told her to have a good day, and she told me to have a safe one. The children and I then went to the space station on my living ship, she was always eager to take us anywhere. It's quite an experience to live with the fact that someone or something knows every thought in your head the moment you do. Even if they will never talk about it, you find you have an extra conscious that can/or needs to be suppressed. You ask yourself if you are thinking the right thoughts. Yes, having a telepathic, living ship that it's always with you and always in your mind is not for everyone. But it can sure come in handy from time to time. And when I die my consciousness will pass to the ship and we will be one, living on to explore the ends of the universe for time untold.
We got to the station shortly after Gripper, and there were 50 ships outside the station already waiting to go, and another 75 being launched. After we landed the chief engineer told me they hoped to have the last 25 ready by tomorrow. I said, "well, I have some help for you here."
He said, “the twins are always welcome.”
And Prowler said, “I have a program to write first, but it will not take long.” The Plexon asked what kind of a program and Prowler told him.
He said, “I’m not much of a programmer myself, but it sounded like a big job.” Prowler said he knew a few shortcuts.
The chief then said, “some reports have made it from Plexon. They still don't have long-range transmission, but Tronex is relaying some. It seems to be a ground war as they try to keep the M.E.R.S. from causing any more damage.” I said, “I wish them luck, we will be doing the same thing before long.” I then went to my Plexon heavy fighter to prep it for flight as Gripper got the rest of the ships out. Sitting at the helm I had a smoke, while watching the ship's launch. After a while I got thirsty, and went to the replicator. I asked for cold water, then remembered I had never taught the computer English, but it made me a glass of water anyway. Just then Gripper walked onboard and said, "by the way, I had the replicator reprogrammed last night with the station's menu, and a translation chip."
I said, "glad one of us thought of it."
Gripper, "it's one thing to be in a fighter half the day with no food or water, but to have a replicator that will not make what you want is just a tease." I said, "hard to believe I didn't reprogram it long ago."
Gripper, "well this kind of ship has a habit of deleting data that is not used often enough, so the combat computer can work faster. I had a chip with the new data put in so it cannot be lost."
I said, "well I hope it don't forget how to find its way to the station." Gripper, "that's another system, but the record of your last trip may be gone." I said, "that's nothing to worry about."
Before long the fleet was ready to go and we led the way. We went as fast as the fighters could, so as not to waste any time. After all, we would soon have a lot of thirsty and hungry pilots. I just wanted to get the job done, and the pilots home safe as soon as I could. It still took a couple hours to get there, and we picked up on some transmission that said the Plexons were wagering a vengeance attack against the robot spiders. But the debris field was so large we did not see them. We got as close as we thought was safe and unloaded all our ammunition, then we turned around. I tried using my telekinetic power on the field, but I was not able to do much damage, like spiting at an ocean. Even the power of Plexon heavy fighter could do little against such a large target, so we just headed home. As we past Tronex we called them to wish them luck. They thanked us for doing what we could, and said they would fight to the last man, woman and child to rid themselves of the menace. They wished us luck in our own fight. On our way home Gripper and I had a few drinks of my brandy and talked, it had been some time since we were able to just sit and talk alone. So much has been going on lately, and the two of us have been doing differentthings. By the time we got back we had a chance to tell each other things we would not tell anyone else. Nothing big, just how we felt about some things. It was good to talk. When we got back to the station we had the cargo robots look us all over before docking. We then ate with the men in the mess hall, everyone was very hungry. I had a steak, so did many, and after eaten Gripper and I went after a few old ships before calling it a day. I then picked the kids up and went home with them. I told Kitten that I was sorry she missed her music lesson, and she said the fighters were more important right now, and they should all be ready by morning. Thanks to the work they get done today. I said it would be good to fly with a full fleet. Prowler said he had set up a website to take the remote control codes, and wrote a short program to e-mail all the ports with the news, as well as telling the radio announcers to put the message on the air. I said that should just about cover it. The sun was not down yet, when we got home, so we worked in the garden a bit. A little hoeing a little pulling, and some fresh vegetables for the house and water for the rest. Truth be told, I felt I got more done in the garden than in space today. As we were watering the garden kitty came up the walk with a bucket in each hand, I sent the twins to help her. The children took the buckets in the house, while kitty came over to me. She gave me a kiss and said, "thank you for not getting yourself killed today."
I said, "my pleasure, what's in the bucket's? Are we painting something?" Kitty, "it's something new called Flarn, Loquacious had some for lunch and gave me a taste. It was so good I just had to bring some home."
I said, "well there is fresh vegetables to go with it."
Then we went in the house, and I made myself a drink, and asked Kitty if she would like one.
She said, “not just yet, thank you.”
I asked how her day was, as she put some vegetables in a pot to cook. She said she spent most of the day with hat orders, and that it was good she had Loquacious to watch over the store.
She asked about my day and I said, “not much to tell, we did what we could with the ships and ammo we had, then came home.”
Kitty, "well every little bit helps I guess. How long did you say before the things get here? Four days was that?"
I said, "four more days at least, they will hit Tronex next."
Kitty, "is there anything we can do to protect the house from them?" I said, "short of putting up a force field there is nothing to do but smash the robots if they come around.”
Kitty, "well, as long as there are not a great number of them at a time, we should be okay. Do you think we should teach the twins to shoot a gun?" I said, "I much rather everyone just use a club, but they are old enough to learn to fire a blaster, maybe tomorrow."
While I was setting there with my drink, I thought about the broken robot I brought back the other day. It did not seem to be watertight, and I wondered what it would take to short it out. I mentioned it to Kitty, and she said maybe we could protect the house and factory with a sprinkler system. I said I would have to capture one of the robots and test it to see if just a little water would do the trick. And if it did, we could just have one of my tanker ships hover over the farm and dump water on to it. The tanker ships hold so much water, they could rain down on the farm for days before the need to refill. Kitty said that sounded like a good idea if it worked on the robot spiders.
I then went out to the porch for a smoke and to do some writing. It didn't take much to get caught up, as I truly didn't do much today, did I?
I closed my ThinkPad, and as if on cue, Owsee came walking up the drive. I said, "your working late hours for a banker."
Owsee, "If I was just a banker I would agree with you, but I have too many other jobs: I am a miner, a port owner, and a chief dockmaster of the space station. Each of these requires a part of my time, so I do what I can where I can, at each of them."
I said, "and which of your many jobs are you coming from?"
Owsee, "the bank, I needed to approve a few loans."
I said, "like I said, late hours for a banker."
Kitty came to the door and called us in for supper. As we sat down Owsee asked what we were having. She said veggies and Flarn.
Owsee, "Flarn, I've heard about that. A lot of people seem to like it, but no one knows just what it is made of."
Kitty, "neither do I, but it's very good," she said as she put a big bowl of it on the table. It was white, and looked like cheese curd. We each took just a little too try, except for kitty who knew what it tasted like, and half filled her plate with it. After trying it we all went for a larger portion. It was sweet, with a light, yet hard to describe spice flavor to it. With each bite I wanted more, the big bowl was soon empty but we were not full yet.
Kitty said, “that's the mystery about Flarn, you don't seem to get full on it,” and she opened the other can. We split it up as even as we could, and it was soon gone as well. We then ate our vegetables. Owsee said he could eat nothing but Flarn for the rest of his life.
Kitty, "that's the one problem with it, even though it has no fat, it also has no nutritional value. So it's not good to be eating it all the time, without other foods.”
I said, "so we can eat as much as we want, and never get full or fat. How's the price?"
Kitty, "each unit cost 20 credits."
Owsee, "not bad for something that tastes so good."
I said, "where does it come from?"
Owsee, "the monks of Silestra make it to support themselves."
I said, "well I don't know what it costs them to make it, but they will have no problems selling it here."
Owsee, "that's the one problem with Flarn, the monks only make enough to pay for what they need for the year, then they stop. The planet is a long ways off the trade route, and everyone wants the Flarn. As a matter of fact, the last time I ever heard of Flarn I was just a boy. It don't make it this far very often." I said, "well, after the war, I'll have to try to make a deal with the monks. This stuff is too good to go without, for years at a time."
Owsee, “you may find that a bit tricky, Silestra issmall but protected by a force field around the whole planet. They don't like people just dropping by." I said, "it's force field is not a problem with my living ship, we can phase out and pass through anything, even a sun."
Owsee, "that's right, I forgot she could do that."
I said, "so what else do you know about Flarn? Does it keep well?" Kitty, "the man at the store said he was told it will keep up to a year, in a unopened can."
I said, "well then let’s try to buy up a year’s supply for us. A can a day times the five of us, times let's say 300 days. I make it out to be 1500 cans. You know the docks Owsee. Can you find out who is bringing it in, and make a deal?" Owsee, "I'll look into it tomorrow, but you may as well buy out the stores supply just in case the trader is out already."
Kitty, "I'll do that tomorrow."
Kitten, "maybe we should not eat so much of it, it may have some long-term effects we don't know about yet."
Prowler, "we could ask the doctor to run some tests. Maybe ask the Plexons about about Flarn, they got hi-tech medical equipment."
I said, "why not, but we can also buy a lot of it,as the price is only going to go up and we can make it up on the resale. The fact thatit has been around for such a long time, tells me it can’t be all that bad for you, and anything that is in demand with short supply will make money fast."
We had some ice cream for dessert, and Kitty took some brownies out of the freezer and warm them up in the oven. They hit the spot and helped to fill us up. Then Banger-do came over to play with Prowler, and teach him some new beats on the drum, while Kitty, Owsee and I sat on the front porch with a bottle of wine. The children played on the back porch, and before long were jamming pretty good, and once again I was grateful to have a house that was a mile from town. Sipping my wine I turned Owsee and said, "you know, now that I'm no longer hungry, I think that Flarn may be a bit narcotic. We went crazy in there, not stopping until all the Flarn was gone, and we had plans to buy all their ever would be."
Owsee, "I don't remember swallowing. I think it just turned to vapor in my mouth, but the taste was good."
I said, "now that I'm thinking straight, I say don't buy any until we analyze it, I want to know what we are eating."
Owsee, "it's just as well, by morning you probably will not be able to find a can of Flarn anywhere."
I said, "there should be enough trace in the cans to test."
Kitty, "I've been resisting licking them clean, I'll save one for you. Better put it in your office for safekeeping."
I said, "yes, my writing room is a good place to put it."
Owsee, "your ship is so fast you could just take it to the station. It would take you less time than it would for me to get up and get another bottle of wine." I said, "oh I doubt that, I can get to the station fast, but then I need to take it to the lab and tell them what I want to know, that takes time."
Owsee, "you’re forgetting your ship can pass through matter, it can take you right to the lab, and let you step off as if you came from thin air."
I said, "that's right, I forgot I could do that, but I still don't think I could do it in less time than you could get a bottle of wine. Although I may as well not put it off." Kitty, "I'll get the can."
Owsee, "I'll get the wine."
I said, "and I'll take my time, thank you very much."
Kitty brought the can, and I took another drag or two on my pipe before getting up and walking out into the yard and on my ship. At the speed of light we were at the station in a heartbeat, she then went cloak-phase and brought me right to the lab. I stepped off her and into the lab with the can, and told the technician what I wanted. He asked to take a scan of my body, to see how the Flarn had affected me.
I said, "okay, but you should know I've been drinking and smoking as well." He said, "that will not affect my analysis."
I laid down on the table, a flash of light and a short hum later I was done. He said thank you, and that he would have the test results of the Flarn by morning. I said thank you and stepped out of the room, and onto my ship, disappearing from site and returned home in a flash.
As I stepped off the ship and into the yard Owsee was just coming onto the porch with the wine.
He said, "see, that didn't take long."
I said, "I would have come back sooner, but I stopped for a body scan." Owsee, "I need to put that on my list of things to do as well."
I said, "any idea on how we are doing on building radio stations?"
Owsee, "as a matter of fact, I was talking to the contractor today. He said the buildings are up, but the electrician is still working on the transmitters. He also said he has a crew working at the capital city site where the hole for the hotel is already dug."
I said, "did he say anything about the club? Because I only want Digger to pour the stone for the clubs."
Owsee, "he only mention the hotel."
I pulled out my ThinkPad and gave Digger a call. I wrote him, “my main contractor should of talked to him, but just in case he did not, I had 19 others sites for bunkers. The first one is ready to work on in capital city near the port. Please confirm you get this.”
I put my PC down and said, "there, that takes care of that."
Owsee, "only 101 more thing to do now."
I said, "and one more after that, there is always one more thing."
Kitty, "with this war on your mind, I can't see how you can get anything else done."
I said, "it's not easy, I try not to forget the important things. By the way Owsee, did you get the message about the website to give the remote control codes to for the ships we will blow up?"
Owsee, "yes, I got that. But why send the information to a website instead of just calling the station with it?"
I said, "because there are over a thousand ports like yours that will call in. The website will make it easy to download all the information or request more." Owsee, "that's right. I forgot for a moment about all the other ports." I said, "with any luck the smaller ports and repair shops will jump in, and donations as well, that's a lot of data."
Owsee, "have you given thought to how we will deploy them?"
I said, "if we have as many as I'd hoped, I'll send them in waves of a thousand at a time. The space station computer can handle that many but, no more." Kitty, "a thousand flying bombs is a pretty good wave."
I said, "I think so, especially if we can do it over and over again. We will just have to see how many ships we get."
Kitty, "it's too late now, but what if all the civilian ships were to join a planetary reserve for us, and we armed them. Now that could be a big wave as a last resort."
Owsee, "we would be talking about 100,000 or more ships."
I said, "let's try to put that together for the next war, shall we."
Kitty, "how will you keep our ships safe from the mines we put up there?" I said, "I'm putting the mines around lunar-two, as it will be in the outside path of the debris field, and we don't want the M.E.R.S. landing their then coming here. Lunar-one will be out of the way when they get here, if things don't change much. The model in the astrophysics lab is becoming more solid each day. At the moment we will get hit by only one side of the field, the rest will pass us and head for our sun. So if we keep hitting that side of the field, there will be less to get us when it gets here."
Kitty, "what about this debris field, is there any big rocks that will hit us?" I said, "there are a few, but we cut them down each time we hit it. I'm hoping it will all be just small stuff by the time we're done with it."
Owsee, "do we know what part of the planet will get it?"
I said, "that's not real clear yet, but it looks to be the South East."
Owsee, "that's the coast. I hope the robots can't swim."
I said, "I'm thinking they will short out. Can't be sure without burning one back to test it. Even then it don't matter if there is no way to make sure they get wet. We can't even be sure yet just how many may make it down to the planet or where, I still think the best weapon will be a good club."
Kitty, "well if their landing so far away, we won't even need that." Owsee, "unfortunately with a field that big, theremay be some in orbit coming down for days, all over the place."
I said, "Owsee’s right, we can only predict where the main part will come down, the rest could be anywhere."
We then decided to listen to the radio for a bit. The storyteller was talking about a man that could tell no lies because they had cut his tongue out, for lying. It was an interesting little story. Then the next storyteller talked about a great man that helped unite the planet into one government, and the use of the Galactic credit. He made trading with other planets much easier. Before that story was over Banger said goodnight, and the Twins joined us on a front porch to listen to the story tellers. Owsee said he was going to talk to Goo da wa a bit, and I said I was going to listen to another story or two before going to bed. The next storyteller was a woman, which was unusual because by tradition only men became storytellers on this planet. But she was good, and had a pleasant voice. Her story was, by her own admission, merely based on facts that she had found and may not be 100% accurate. It was a re-creation of how the first settlers came here, and what happened to them and the brave children. She did a very good job on the story, and it was as close to the truth as I think anyone could come, with the records this planet had keep. I was not sure if it was going to offend anyone, but I wanted her as a story land storyteller. I hoped there would be a great number of people calling in to vote for her, that would tell me whether or not she would be accepted. It would still be okay if her numbers were a bit low, I know a good story when I hear it. The next story teller made a derogatory remark, before starting his story, about how all stories should be completely true like reading the news. Then he started to tell a poor rendition of the boy who cried wolf." He spoke as if he was reading it off a page, and did not know how to read well, I went to bed just so I did not need to listen to him anymore. Kitty and the children stayed up to hear the rest of the story. I was still awake when Kitty came to bed, so we took advantage of the fact that we were both in bed and awake at the same time.
As I've said before, "need say no more."
And I fell asleep in her arms to the sound of her purring. There was something about the purring of a Cadillac that could put you right to sleep, it was more than just a sound, it had a feel to it. Before I knew it I was dreaming, and it was the same dream I had before. I'm in the desert with my hands raised to the sky and lightning comes out of my fingers, the heavens are full of fire and I fall to my knees, then I wake up with a cold sweat on my head.

Day 94
Kitty got up the same time I did, and started breakfast while I took a shower. Now that I think about it, finding Kitty still in bed when I woke up was unusual. Most of the time she got up during the night and did not want to wake me by climbing back into bed. Even after my shower I could still feel a tingle in my body left over from my dream. Maybe in the circle of time, this was something I had already done in the future, a few more days and I would know for sure. Fried potatoes, sausages and eggs was for breakfast, and the scent of cooking did not escape Owsee or the children; which were at the table by the time I got out of the shower. There was a cup of coffee waiting for me, as well as toast and jam, and the rest was on its way.
Owsee, "so my friend, how did you sleep?"
I said, "the sleep was good, it's the dreams I could do without."
Owsee, "bad dreams?"
I said, "not so much bad as powerful, maybe a little disturbing."
Owsee, "is it the same dream over again?"
I said, "yes, but a little fuller each time."
Owsee, "must be something you did or need to do. Your subconscious is talking to you."
I said, "tell me something I don't know."
Owsee, "you can control your dreams by bringing something with you, like a rock in your hand in the dream. As long as you have something you have taken with you, you will have control."
I said, "I've heard of a controlled dreaming, does it work?"
Owsee, "for some, it's really up to you. No fear is the key."
The food came and we passed it around. Owsee asked the twins if they would help out at the Port today, getting the ships ready to fly. They said yes, and I said to Kitten, today you go to your music lesson. She said it’s so close to the port that she could walk there. I glanced over to Kitty for an opinion, and she said, "hard to get lost walking in a straight line. She is old enough for a short walk on her own." And thus a new boundary was set, with more freedom and more responsibility for the Twins.
Gripper stop by for a cup of coffee, and to find out if I was going with the fleet this morning. I told him I would not be of much use, soI would stay behind to get a few things done. I told him to hit the right sideof the debris field, as that would be the part that would hit us. I also said for him to take a tracking beacon and put it in a plastic barrel of water, then send it into the field to see if the M.E.R.S. would go to the trouble to get to it. He said he would take care of it. After he left and we were done eating, Owsee said he could take the Twins with him to the port. I said that would be fine, and that they would probably learn how to fly his ship by the time they got there. I asked Kitty if she needed a hand in getting the scarf order ready, and she said she would not mind help. So we went to the factory while the others went their way. The orders were small, people tend not to spend much during a war, even if they're not in it. In less than a week or two orders would be back up again. When we were done my ship and I gave her a lift to work. We dropped her off by the back door of the shop then were on our way. Our first stop was to go to a club and hotel site, where it was still very early morning, and no one was around. I wanted to exercise my telekinetic abilities, and moving the dirt where the club and hotel would be was a bit of a workout. I then went to another one that had already been mined and moved the dirt. It really drained me this time, but at least I knew I could do it. I then went to the capital city site to see how the work was going. Digger was laying in the reinforcement bars for the floor, and as I walked over he said, "another fine hole you have here."
I said, "well the one thing I have time for is a good hole, but I would have no one else do the stone than you."
Digger, "it's nice to have my work appreciated. Got your message, Stony did talk to me about the job, but he wanted a cut and I was already on another job at the time. But your call was enough of a contract for me to start for you. I'll build your bunkers for the same cost as the first one, and take my payment from you not Stony. If this is not acceptable, this will be the only one I'll do for you." I said, "no no, that's far, I only asked him to call you to save time. I didn't think about the contract or the cost. You just send the bill to my bank, and they will take care of you, don't worry about Stony."
I told him were the other two sites with ready holes for clubs were, and that the rest would be ready in a day or two. He said it would take two to three days for each of them, if there is as little digging as this one. I asked him to put a 3 foot across hole in the center of the roof, for the exhaust fan, and cut the front and rear doors the same as the other club. He said the center hole can be formed out before the poor, but the doors and any other holeslike for water or power, should be cut after the stone is hard. I said youknow best.
Digger, "the next two months will be my best ever. I may even take a vacation after the job."
I said, "I know a nice pleasure planet only three days away, if you want transport I can make it happen."
Digger, "I'll keep that in mind."
I bid him a good day, and went over to the hotel site to see how things were going. They had the first uprights in place, and were working on tying them together with cross beams. Stony had a trailer with a long table on one side for the building maps and a computer. As I walked up he said good morning, and I returned the greeting then said, “I put Digger under a personal contract, so don’t worry about the clubs.”
He said, “fine, one less thing to do.”
I told him about the other two sites that were dug, and that the rest would be ready in a day or two. He said he would send prep crews over to the sites so they could put the upright in as soon as they were done with the steel on this one. I told him to keep the men working but not to rush himself. He said quality first would be his daily motto, and asked how the war was going. I told him what I knew, and he said, "putting in steel may be a problem when the metal eating robots get here, but I’ll put a watch guard on around-the-clock 20/6. Don’t you worry sir, I’ll not let any of those scrapers get at our work."
I said that's the best we can do, and bid him a good day, then went to Central city and my club for a drink. I sat at my booth and made myself a rum with juice and ginger ale. Then called the space station to talk to the lab about the Flarn. The technician said, "it has both a proton pump inhibitor and a saliva reducer, both are needed for good digestion, so you are still hungry and thirsty but the Flarn is 98% air with a sweetener, longtime use is not recommended.”
After hearing this I decided not to eat anymore Flarn, at least not around mealtime. Jolly Jack, the bartender, asked if I needed anything. I told him I just came in for a drink and was fine. He asked how goes the war and I said I was hoping to run into Newsy so he could tell me. He laughed and asked if we were going to have a problem around there. I told him some of the robots were bound to get past us, but most would be on the coast. As to the ones that end up around here, a good club would do the job. He said what about a blaster. I said only if you are in the desert, I don't want any holes in my club. He nodded in agreement and went back to work. I was feeling stronger now, so I finished my drink and went to another site where Owsee had mined the crystals already, and used my telekinetic enhancer to move the sand and make a hole for the club, and one for the hotel. I was tired faster this time, and decided to go get the big ship Tubby and retrieve a ship or two for the port to fix so we could blow them up. My list took me to a repair shop near the coast. The man that ran the place had two ships, about the size of a house, that he said had a number of leaks along the seams and just would not hold air. He said all they needed was the remote controls and a bomb, but he didn't have the parts or money. I told him if he wanted to do the work I would buy the parts for him. He said to be honest I'm not much more than a welder, and don't do much in the way of other repairs. I told him I was the same way, which is why I let others do what they know best. But not to worry, I have some people that can do the job right, and these two ships would blow up a lot of metal eaten robot spiders. He had a kind of bulldozer and helped me get the ships on Tubby. Then I told him he better dig up a hole and put the dozer in it, as a lot of the robots may fall nearby. He said that was a good idea, and I left with the ships. When I got to the shipyards I told them these two should be in good shape except for a few leaks that don't matter. They said they would look them over. I asked where my children were, and they said the Twins went to the club for lunch, about two minutes ago. Lunch was on my mind as well, so Id jumped me over there, as soon as I had taken just a few steps away. We had gotten the take a step and a flight, then another step, routine down well. With her cloaked most of the time, I would look and feel as if I could just fly by will alone, it was great fun. As I walked over to the table I said, "good to see you have the sense to stop for lunch. What are we having?" Prowler said, “we are having a fruit salad, then mushroom stuffed chicken breast with cheese."
Kitten, "and a baked potato."
I said, "and I thought it would be pizza for sure. Jack! I'll have the same." Jack, "right away sir."
I said, "so, how come no pizza today?"
Kitten, "we're getting older, making better choices."
Prowler, "we are eating less and watching what we eat."
I said, "well then don't eat the Flarn, I found out it's not that good for you." And I told them what the station told me about it. They said the report was not that bad, as long as people don't cut out eating real food to eat Flarn. "Flarn," Jack said as he gave us a fresh bowl of nuts. "Did someone say Flarn? It was everywhere yesterday and nowhere today."
I said, "we were talking about how it may not be that good for you." Jack, "anything that taste that good is bound to bebad for you, but then that never stopped anyone from ordering a smorgesh pie, is there anything else I can get you?"
I said I was fine, so did the children. Newsy stopped by and asked how the war was going.
I said, "you tell me, you seem to always have the to-the-minute news." Newsy, "the fighters went out this morning to make another attack, and are on their way back now. Owsee's port has seven ships that they fixed up to use against the M.E.R.S. or “Scrapers” as some are calling them."
I said, "make that nine."
Newsy, "and there is a goal of 1000 mines to be ready to put in orbit against the menus heading our way."
I said, "a thousand, that would be good."
Newsy, "is there anything else I can tell the people?"
I said, "these robots looked to be about four days away, and will mostly come down on the southeast coast, we predict. But there may also be some in other places as well, and a good club is your best defense. Don't worry, these things don't want to eat you, just your ships, your power plant, the sewer pipes and a few toasters."
Newsy, "nice touch, I'll use that."
Then he left just as our food came. As we ate I asked the children how the ship repair was going?
Prowler, "it's going well, we came at just the right time."
Kitty, "there are lot of pilots that want to leave Laureate before the Scrapers get here, and they need some repairs."
Prowler, "so it's mostly just us working on the old ships."
Kitten, "each one is just a little different than the other."
Prowler, "so we are learning a lot, we just got done putting the remote in the ship you pulled out of the lake."
I said, "the two I brought in are in good shape, except for some air leaks that don't matter, all they need is the remotes and an engine test."
Prowler, "the hardest part is breaking into the old computers, the hardware is no problem putting in."
I said, "well then good luck in breaking into the two ships I just dropped off, but I’m sure they will be no problem for two hackers like you, I'll try to get you some more."
We had our lunch without saying much else, then wetried the chef’s spice cake for dessert, I thought it was good. The Twins thought there was too much spice. When we were done Kitten said she was going to walk to her music lesson now. I said I could give her a ride but she said she rather walk. I asked Prowler if he wanted a ride over to the shipyards, and he said why not. So we took my ship for the short hop. After dropping him off I went to another site for my club and hotel to move some dirt. Just digging the hole for the club tired me out, but I also did the hole form the base of the hotel, somehow. Though it left me a bit shaky, so I just went back to the shipyard where I left Tubby, and took off to get some more ships. I wondered how the other ports were doing it, there were not many ships like Tubby that could move a small ship. Mostly you would just have to fix a ship where it was. At least until you could get it to fly, and these were ships that no one ever wanted to fly again, because there was too much wrong with them. No one wants to take off in a ship that is just one short-circuit away from crashing. As a matter of fact, that was a worry on my mind. That when we started to launch the ships full of bombs, some of them may just fail and come crashing down, perhaps on a house or the city. We of course would do our best to see to it that didn’t happen. I can only hope the other ports would do a good job as well. Still it was on my mind to write a program for the remote control computer, to have ships take off in a direction that would be the safest way to go. That would mean to determine where a ship is, and the safest flight plan for that area, such as over water or desert, or even forest until it got into space. Then forwarded to go where we wanted, until we were ready for it to blow up. I was not going to write that program, for sure. Maybe I could do it, but it would take me many week. The Twins were good at programming, I hoped they could knock it out quickly. Once again I would ask my children to do something, maybe no one else could do as well, in order to save the planet. But what if we had a tragedy like a ship falling on a city. It would be said I left the program, that may have been responsible, to my children. But if I ask the Plexon chief engineer who the best programmers are, he would say that they are my Twins. If it was not for the fact that they were my own children, maybe I would have no problem looking at them as the prodigies they were. Even though they only look to be about eight or nine years old. The fact that they had not even seen their first birthday was the thing most did not know. They growth in these past months had been remarkable, though Kitty tells me it's just a katalackeons way and they would slow down soon. But it was not just their bodies that were growing fast, it was their minds as well. They never forgot a thing they saw or read, or heard. I think they may have been passed me by the time they were a month old. Yes it was hardfor me to look past their age, but I most of all knew what they could do. My nextstop put me in the deep desert. I had a map to a ship that had been out there a long time, with no one to claim it, at least that was the information. When I got to where the ship was supposed to be, I could only see sand. I asked "Id" to look for it, and she found it almost completely covered. I used what strength I had to uncover the ship with my telekinesis. It was a large cargo carrier, way too big to bring back. It had a big hole in one side, and a number of the hull plates were buckled. I went inside her to find the main computer was still online, and her last pilot a pile of bones on the floor, must of died in the crash. The readouts said the engines were working, or able to. He most of blown out a panel on the way down, lost his air and soft crashed here. This was a good find, and it was just a tip that led me to her. Most would look at the big hole and figure she was junk, or maybe when they saw the bones they left out of respect. I thought about that for a moment, then took the bones out and put them under the sand. I thanked the pilot, or his bones, for his ship and wished him rest in peace. I then gave the engines a test and took her up a bit. It was much smoother than I thought it would be, and hovered just fine, even though she was more than half the size of Tubby. Or to put it another way, as tall and fat as my hotel and three times that long. It was no Tubby, but then Tubby was a flying mountain! As I checked out thecontrols I found a weapons panel. I played with it and targeted a sand dune, then Bam! No more sand dune, just a blast hole. “That's too good of a weapon to let this ship get blown up,” I thought to myself.
I looked over the controls again, and that was setting one of five. No way was I going to scrap this ship, this one's a keeper. There were other buttons on the panel that I did not want to push until I had something other than sand to hit, why waste ammunition? I took the ship to Owsee’s port, and I told them not to put the remote controls on this one, that it was my own salvage. I then went back to Tubby, on my liven ship, and headed for the next ship on the list. When I got there I could see the ship was in the woods, and no way to get to it by myself. That was the last one on the list, so I flew back to the port to look over the damage on the other ship I found. I wondered if we could make it airtight for space before the M.E.R.S. got here. We could sure use of firepower. Kitten was back from her music lesson and looking over the ship. She said, "I was told you flew this ship in?"
I said, "that's right, no problem with the engines, and she's got some good firepower too. If it can be fixed in time it couldhelp us in this war." Kitten, "the big hole in the side is no problem, but she also has 12 buckled panels and all the seams will need to be checked. Maybe we could get the bridge airtight, but the whole ship is a stretch."
I said, "well no matter what, we are not blowing this one up. I claim salvage." Kitten, "if some of the engineers from the space station could help, now that the fighters are done, we may get her ready in time."
I said, "that's a fine idea, I'll talk to them myself. How are the other ships coming?"
Kitten, "I just got back from my music lesson, but they won't be done today, unless we work late."
I said, "we still have a few days, no need for the two of you to work late." Kitten, "I probably should not take time for music lessons until the war is over." I said, "I think we can still take time for things like music, food, sleep, and a bit of private time. When it's time for everyone to push it to the edge, I'll let you know."
Kitten, "well, if we don't get any more ships in and we get a few engineers from the station to help, I think we could have this one done in three days or less." I said, "that would be good, as it’s firepower is more than any other ship we have. By the way, I have a program that needs to be written, maybe you and Prowler could work on it tonight."
Kitten, "what kind of program?"
I said, "a master program for the remote control computer. One that will see to it they take a safe course into orbit, we don't want one to fall on a city or something."
Kitten, "I can see you're concerned about all these old ships, that no one even wants anymore. You have to wonder how good of a job the ports will do on fixing them, just to blow them up."
I said, "that's what I'm talking about. So if one does drop out of the sky, I want it to fall in the desert or water, even the woods are better than on someone's house."
Kitten, "it's not going to be an easy program to write, but Prowler is very good at programming."
I said, "yes, he may find this one is fun, it will certainly be a challenge." We looked the ship over a bit more, then went to the other ships I had brought in that they were working on. Kitten told Prowler about my new ship, and the program I wanted them to write for the others.
He said, "that should be interesting," and took a drink of his soda. I asked if they needed anything, and they both said that they were fine. So I got on my liven ship and went to the space station to talk to the engineers about helping the Twins. When I got there the dock crew was reloading the fighters with ammunition, but the engineers were in engineering, so I went down there to ask some of them to help the Twins. They were of course happy to help, and we all went down to my new ship, which I was still trying to come up with a name for. I told them not to work too late, there was always tomorrow, and that there was a shuttle to the station every hour from the port. I then went over and told kitten the engineers were at the ship to help, and she said thank you, then went over to talk to them. I went to the club to sit down and have a drink, it had been a long day for me and I was tired. From my booth I checked the website for votes on the storytellers, I wanted to know how that woman did last night. Her numbers were high, some of the best yet. I was glad, as I wanted her for story land Park. I looked over the numbers for the other storytellers to pick the 10 best, and it was not a hard job, there were only two that came in close but did not make the cut. They would be on my callback list for story hour on the radio. I then called the station to ask how many more there were that wantedto try out for story land. The announcer said there were no more, last night was the last of them. I said, “okay then, you can tell people we/I plan to open story land Park in four days.”
She said, “no problem, I'll slip it in.”
I then let my pipe and started to call my top 10 storytellers. I told them I had a room for each of them in my hotel, and wanted them to move there as soon as they could, the park would open in four days. We talked about free food at my club and 300 credits a week. Some of them were not home when I called, so I would call them back later. Each one I talked to was happy to get the job, and ready to move within a day or two. I then called the employment agency and told them I was looking for employees for story land Park, and gave her a list of jobs, and how many I needed for each. I told her to have the people e-mail me for an appointment, and gave her the address. I would have to find time to interview these people for each of the food and drink stands, three people for maintenance, a pair of security guards, someone to take credits as they came in, a lifeguard for the beach, and a manager to run the place when I was not around. I was up to 17 people already not mentioning the storytellers. I made myself another drink then called the box company for the small boxes we would put the pizza and sandwiches in. I called my bottling plant to order the soda we would need. I talked to my chef to find out what it would take to make large amounts of pizza and meat sandwiches, and called the food distributors to made the order, telling them just where to put it so I did not need to be there. I re-lit my pipe and tried to think of what I was forgetting, there is always that one more thing. I walked myself through the park in my mind, then it hit me, trash. If few trash barrels would not do it. I need a trash compactor near the stands, so all my people had to do was to move the bundles of compacted trash. I found what I needed online and put in my order, telling them just where to get it up. There, I said to myself, that should just about do it. I thought I had done all that I could do to be ready for a first day. If there was anything else, I didn't know what it was yet. I then checked the time and found it was about sunset, so I went over to the shipyards to get the Twins. Prowler was working on one of the ships I brought in, and Kitten was with the engineers, doing some welding on my new ship. I told them we needed to call it a day and go home for supper. The others said they would work until they lost the light, which would not be too much longer. I said, "if you all are planning to go to the club, don't worry about what I will say. We all need to have a little fun now and then."
And with that the children and I got on my ship togo home. I decided to fly slow enough to get a look at the countryside, and said, "look at those homes down there, each one of them is expecting us to come up with a way to keep them safe, and the best thing I can tell them is to get a good club."
Kitten, "we are all doing the best we can."
Prowler, "yes, just like with the swarm, the best we can do is to cut their numbers. Some are bound to get through."
I said, "sometimes I wish I could live in a cave like Goo da wa. The most anyone ask of him is to draw another beer."
We made it home just as the sun was setting. Kitty was coming up the road, as we got off the ship, and Owsee was with her carrying a bag of food from the store.
I yelled out, "that's the way to do it, put him to work."
Owsee, "I bet you can't guess what we bought."
I said, "milk, bread, eggs, cheese, jam, ice cream and sausages."
Owsee, "that's remarkable, how did you know?"
I said, "I know what we are low on or out of."
Owsee, "we got one more thing."
I said, "did you get me some candy?"
Owsee, "hey, you're not supposed to be able to readmy mind."
I said, "what kind did you get?"
Owsee, "sweet and sour drops."
I said, "I like them, good for a dry mouth."
We all went in the house, and the Twins got a soda and a piece of candy. Owsee, Kitty and I had a beer, and I asked what was for supper.
Kitty said, “how’s fish?”
I said, “fish is good,” so she handed me a bucket to go down into the basement with, and get some fresh out of the freezer. While I was there I got a bottle wine for the table. After giving the bucket of fish to Kitty she filled it with water to thaw out the fish, and asked if I would get some potatoes from the garden, then gave me a pot to put them in. Owsee went with me, and the last rays of the sun was just about gone as we dug for the potatoes. They were a bit small, but very tender, I liked him that way. After bringing the pot of potatoes in I turned the radio on to get the news, but it was just going off. So I tuned it in to the station above ours, and the news was just coming on. Owsee and I sat in the living room drinking our beers while Kitty got supper, and the Twins were working on the new program at the dining room table. Newsy had some interesting things to say about a number of things, like the government set up a new program that if you farm 10 acres or more for five years you get the land. And government loans to start farming, free schooling of farming, as well as government guarantees on next year’s crop price. Farming had just become so profitable a farmer could hire people to do the work for him, and assume a role as management. Newsy said, "we may see a higher prices at the store, but at least the stores will have the food to sell. Public service jobs will have an increase in their bonus pay by 50%, and one day off each week. Better roads are on their way as well as new housing, and the power grid will be extended to include some towns that were once too far away. That's right people, the government is spending credits as if they could just dig them up from the ground, or wait a minute, that's just what they are doing. The Crystal trade has made your government of very rich, and it has made farmers and other landowners rich as well. But what about the rest of us? All those people that don't have land? Where do we fit into a world that has so many rich people? Tune in tomorrow and we will see if we can find some answers. This is Newsy Owsee saying goodnight."
By this time supper was ready and we were at the table.
Owsee, "he is right you know, the cost of food will go up."
I said, "and everyone’s employees will need more money, and everything will cost more to pay for it. Eventually it will even itselfout."
The fish was breaded fillet, and baked. The small potatoes boiled whole, and there was both cheese sauce and gravy on the table. We also had some kind of beans that had a smoky flavor to them, they were very good and I had extra. Prowler said, "we have been working on that program you wanted, it will take two or three days to write, in order to cover the whole planet. That's working in our spare time, unless I devote myself to it."
I said, "well you're the only ones I want to do it, so if you need to take yourself off the repair crew, do it. It's that important. There is not much in the north or south of the planet, that should help."
Kitten, "yes, we are mainly looked at only 1000 launch point around the planet." Prowler, "the rest can just go straight up to orbit."
Owsee, "a thousand! Sounds like we are not overlooking much."
Prowler, "as father said, it only takes one falling out of the sky to cause a disaster, best to make sure it falls in the water, woods or desert, not a city." I said, "I'm hoping for five to 10,000 ships. With up to a thousand ships taking off at the same time, we want to be as safe as we can."
Owsee, "sounds like one of the most important parts of the war is going to be a computer program written by your children, you mustbe very proud." I said, "we are all doing what we can."
We all ate our food and remarked about how good it was. Then Kitty said, "what happened to the storytelling time? It went from news to music."
I said, "last night was the last audition."
Owsee, "have you picked your ten yet?"
I said, "yes, I have been calling them today, three more to reach." Kitty, "is that women we heard the other night one of them?"
I said, "yes, she got the numbers, she gets the chance."
Owsee, "a female storyteller, a bold move, but if she got the numbers maybe that's what people want. I've got nothing against her, it's just not traditional." Kitty, "things change when you leave a planet for over 30 years."
Owsee, "things change, people not so much."
Kitty made a sweet-nut pie for dessert, my favorite. I got the extra piece and was not ashamed to eat it. We cleared the table so the children could work, and went out to the porch to drink wine and smoke.
Owsee said, "so story land Park will open soon, how many employees will you have?"
I said, "27, to start, including the storytellers."
Kitty, "have you lined them up yet?"
I said, "I called the employment office, and will setup interviews in the next three days. Somehow I'll find the time."
Kitty, "what will the storytellers make?"
I said, "a free apartment at my hotel, free food at my club, and 300 credits a week. All the other employees will just get the 300."
Owsee, "will you have a manager?"
I said, "yes, him I will have to pay more, I'm thinking of 500 credits a week to run the story land Park."
Owsee, "that's good pay, but then you always pay your people too much." I said, "he will earn it, there is the food to order each week, the grounds to keep up, trash to take care of, and if there is a problem with an employee or storyteller, he will have to take care of it. Not to mention all the people, I'm sure he will have to deal with them as well."
Owsee, "just dealing with the people is worth the extra pay."
I said, "well then I guess I'm getting a deal. Talk kin about videos are from a ship we can use in the war without blowing it up. It was in the desert and I claim so which wrights."
Owsee, "the Trident, yes, one of my people sent a photo of it to me. A cargo carrier by the size of it, but then the Trident's never carried anything but weapons. They were pirates in the true form, and the CM had them all killed. Though I think some of them may have got away, you've got a good ship there, lots of power. We could use more of them."
I said, "Trident, that's a good name for her/him. I will call it Trident." Owsee, "that makes four ships for you, not counting your freight company and all its ships."
Kitty, "and he even gave one to Gripper or it would be 5, 6 if Nova had stayed as well."
I said, "we probably should not count the living ships, as they don't really belong to anyone. They chose to stay where and with whom they want." Owsee, "I've said it before and I'll say it again, there are advantages to having a living ship, but I would not want one in my head."
I said, "it's a relationship few would choose, an extra consciousness, not only for what you do but what you think as well."
Owsee, "I’m a banker now, too much of a conscious is not good for the bank. I said, "yes but you grew up as a farmer, that gives you some heart for the poor." Owsee, "yeah well, just don't spread that around."
We laughed and poured more wine and got another bottle, then said, "let's go see Goo da wa at his cave bar."
Owsee, "you read my mind."
Kitty, "why not, I'll get the Twins."
Moments later she came back out and said, "the children rather stay here and work on the program for you. I told them it was alright, as long as they were still here when we got back. They promise not to leave the house, if that's okay with you."
I said, "if you're fine with it then so am I."
My ship just appeared in the front yard, offering us a ride, but we felt like walking and said no thank you. But by the time we got to Goo da wa’s I headed for the garden first and sat down on the bench by the fountain, then said I needed a few moments. So Kitty and Owsee join me in watching the fountain. It was made by Zoos of Trident three. The best interplanetary Stone Carver this world had ever seen. It was one of those things you just could not put a price on, and here it was in the middle of just about nowhere. Goo da wa would not say what he paid for it, only that it was not for sale. Everyone that got to see it felt privileged. After a short while I was up again and we walked a bit more through the garden before going in the cave and to our booth at the end of the bar. Goo da wa came over and said, "it's nice to see all of you again. What can I get you?"
Kitty reached in her bag and said, "I brought you some brownies, they are not bud, but you may enjoy them anyways."
Goo da wa, "of course I'll enjoy them," and he took a bite of one.
Owsee, "we have been drinking to the winemaker and didn't want to leave you out. This is over 35 years old, and as fine as you will come by."
He handed the bottle to Goo da wa, who poured a glass, then said, "to the winemaker," and he took a drink."
One of your father's best he said, and handed us a bowl of nuts.
Goo da wa, "so, how goes the war on the robot spiders?
I said, “all I know is what I hear on the radio, but it sounds like we are making progress. Actually I found something today that may help in this war." Owsee, "he found a Trident cargo ship that can be fixed."
Goo da wa, "a Trident!" And he took a sip of wine then said, "now that's a word I have not heard in over a hundred years, powerful ships they were. Energy collectors in the bulkheads made it so one could fly by a sun and turn its power against another ship. The only ship I knew that could do it."
I said, "so I don't have to worry where its energyis coming from."
Goo da wa, "so what was, or is, wrong with it?"
Owsee, "blown out side panel, pilot probably lost it on the way down. Most likely killed him before the crash in the desert."
Goo da wa, "may have been the CM that shot out the panel. Tridents are tough ships, it would not have come off by itself during re-entry."
I said, "well this is one ship we are not going to rig to blow up."
Goo da wa, "how is the next book coming?"
I said, "well about two thirds of the way done, lots of things to write about lately. Even when I think it's been a slow day my book tells me differently. Writing it down keeps it clear in my head."
Goo da wa finished his wine and said he would be right back, then went to the other end of the bar to draw a few mugs of beer. Owsee filled his wine glass and that killed the bottle, so he said, "I guess we will have two drink store brand wine now."
Kitty, "I've had enough for one night."
I said, "as have I, but I could go for soda."
So as soon as Goo da wa was back I asked him for a ginger ale. He got one out of the cooler and handed it to me saying, "you know, I sell as many of these as I do beers."
I said, "I knew they would catch on, that's why I bought the bottling plant to make soda pop."
Goo da wa, then noticing his wine glass was full, picked it up saying, "to the winemaker," and took a drink. Then they asked how it was going with story land Park.
I said, "we open in four days, I think. The day after the war on this infestation of scrapers is over, at least the one in space. I fear we will be bashing them on the planet for a while, and I want to give people something else think about. I’m also having a postwar/pre-Park opening party at the club. I think there will be a lot of parties that night."
Goo da wa, "the whole town will probably show up here, I'll need to order more beer. I hear the two of you are building radio stations around the world. Why do that when you already broadcast on 20 frequencies from the space station?" I said, "to give people a place to go to, and say this is where the music comes from. A place to go and see the announcer, order air time, do call in shows from and interviews, and keep it all local but global atthe same time. And if the satellite goes off-line we will still have worldwide communications." Goo da wa, "how is the work on the new clubs an hotels going?"
I said, "we have started on one, the steel is going up. Owsee says he will be done mining the crystals on the rest of my sites tomorrow, and I should have those holes done in a day or two."
Goo da wa, "well it sounds like you have been very busy, what with the war and all."
I said, "well I haven't been doing any fishing. You have been keeping yourself busy as well, by the looks of your garden."
Goo da wa, "it does take up some time, but I find I love it. And you my good friend Owsee, how are you, and your bank and your mining company doing?" Owsee, "let's not forget my port, and job on the space station as chief dock master. We are all doing the best we can."
Goo da wa, "sounds like you have not been fishing either."
Owsee, "you got that right, some time to eat and sleep is the best I can do." Goo da wa, "has the port repaired many ships to blow up?"
Owsee, "seven, and two more came in today in fair condition. We will have them ready by the time the metal eating robot spiders get here, and hopefully the Trident as well. The Twins have some engineers from the space station working on it, so the rest of my men can fix the ships that want to be gone by the time the M.E.R.S. get here."
Goo da wa, "and how was your day Kitty?"
Kitty, "not bad, thank you for being the first to ask, people are being a little shy with their money but it was worth going to work."
Goo da wa, "I have nights like that myself, but I'm already home so it's not keeping me from anything."
We talked a little longer then went home on my ship.
The children were right where we left them, at the dining room table working on the program we needed. Kitty got out the ice cream and we all had a bowl, then Owsee said he was going to call it a night, and left for his place. I felt like going to bed as well, but wanted to catch up on my writing first. So I went out on the porch with my laptop, and went through the day in my mind. Trying to write it down in a way that would take my readers with me on a journey through my day. But I was tired and left out a number of details. Just as well, I don't need to take my reader with me to the bathroom, or make a note of each time I farted. I'm trying to write a story here that chronicles my life. I soon put my writing away and went to bed, telling the Twins on the way not to stay up too late. I think I heard Kitty say goodnight just before my head hit the pillow, and I was out.

Day 95
I slept with no dreams and woke to a window with full sun in it, and there was the smell of sausages and pancakes in the air. As I walked to the bathroom I could hear Kitty saying to Owsee, "I'm not waking him, he can sleep as long as he likes or can."
I said, "I'm up!" and went to wash my face. Still feeling half asleep, I found my way to the table and sat down. Kitty gave me a cup of coffee, for which I said, “thank you,” then I went for the pancakes and sausages that had been saved for me, as the others were about half done.
Owsee said, "get a little extra dreamtime did you?"
I said, "no dreams at all last night, and I feel like I got no sleep either." Owsee, "I've had nights like that, you have two choices, work your way through it or go back to bed."
I said, "hard choice, let me think about that for a while," and I drank my coffee then ate my breakfast, still trying to wake up. Then got a call from the station. It was Gripper, wanting to know if I was going with the fleet today. I told him to go without me, that I had preparations to make towards the final assault. He said, “fine, see you later.”
I said, “wait a minute, how did our buoy do?”
He said, “they were on it like Owsee on pancakes, and it lasted just about as long.”
I said, "okay, I’ll have to come up with another way to save the star gate. Call me when you get back."
The Twins were whispering to each other, then said that if I turned the gate on and jammed it open, anything close to it would be sucked into hyperspace and the metal eating robot spiders will not have time to eat the gate. Then they will drift deep into hyperspace.
I said, "I don't like polluting between gates like that, but it may be the only way to deal with the problem."
I got myself another cup of coffee and put some fire powder in it for a pick me up. I asked if Kitty needed help with scarf orders, and she said she did the work last night, then I asked Owsee if he was going to the port. He said yes and would not mind a ride.
So I said, "not at all, I need to take the Twins tothe Trident, just let me finish my coffee."
The children helping their mother clear the table, and put some fruit and soda in their bags, then we were ready to go. I told Kitty to have a good day, and the rest of us got on my ship and went to the port. Owsee's mining crew was waiting for him, and the Twins went to the Trident where the engineers from the space station were waiting for them.
I yelled out, "2 1/2 days."
Then went to the club for another coffee and to plan my day. I had forgot to call the other three storytellers last night, so that was on my list. I sat down in my booth, and the barkeeper got my coffee while I looked at my mail. There they were, all 17 people I asked for to work at story land Park, each one had left a number or e-mail address I could reach them at. So I called the last three storytellers up first, and each was ready to take the job. Then I called the manager of my hotel, and told him to deal with the 10 storytellers, and to make them welcome. The bartender asked if he could get me anything else and I told him my storytellers were to eat for free, but the drinks would cost them, and to pass the information on to the next workers. Then I put some more fire-powder in my coffee and started to call the other workersfor the park. To asked each one to meet me at the park for a tour at midday then we would have lunch at the club, my treat. I was able to reach them all, and they agreed to be there. It was a great bit of luck to reach them all so quickly, to set up the meeting. I should've thought of it the day before, and had the employment office tell them where and when I wanted to meet. But I guess I was too tired to think straight. The coffee and fire powder was starting to help, but by now it was already just over an hour until midday. I decided to go to another hotel site and try to make another hole in the ground. So I downed the rest of my coffee and headed out. It was daylight at the site, but no one around, just open desert off the backside of a spaceport. This one didn't even have a road to it yet, we would have to fix that. I turned on the telekinetic enhancer and moved the sand from where the club would be, I was a little tired but not bad. Then I set my mind to the hole for the hotel's basement. That took a little bit out of me, but I was not on my knees, just tired. I then went to my freight company and asked my manager if we could spare the mechanics for a day or two, to help with some welding at the port shipyard's. He said, "it's your company. If we get a ship that is down for a day or two, waiting for repairs, it will cost you but we are happy to help in any way we can." So I sent two of my mechanics over to the port to help. Then I went back to the club to sit down and have a drink of rum & juice with some fire powder. I had a smoke and some fruit, well rested up. There were enough sites to keep the crews busy for a while, but that's not why I was doing the digging, or just moving the sand and dirt as it be. It was good telekinetic exercise, and I was bulking up for the big day against the scrapers. If the gift the techno-sages gave me would enhance my abilities a thousand fold, I wanted to have as much natural ability as I could to start with. If I was to do the things I saw in my dream it would take every bit of strength I had to do it right. That was something I could not share with others, even if it may look bad that I didn't go with the fleet today. The kind of power I would have is not an easy thing most people could over look or be easy with. But with any luck, only the children would know, and my ship. But I felt they could handle the truth. Newsy came by and I had him sit with me for a drink, as I told him about the Trident, and how useful it would be if we can get it ready in time, and my goal to get 20 radio stations online just in case anything happened to our satellites. I said we were working on a plan to save the star gate to this section of space, as well as a new computer program that will help us launch all the ships we want to use against the invaders, in a safe direction. Newsy said, "this is all great news, anything new on the park?"
I said, "10 storytellers have been hired, and 17 coworkers have an interview with me at noon, we are still looking at opening in three days."
Newsy, "this has been a good day for news."
I said, "you may also tell our listeners I have started construction on a new club and hotel in capital city, for their convenience, and will soon build one in each time zone. That's 19 more."
Newsy, "well if they are as nice as this one, you will sure get that business." I said, "they will be just the same, and each one will have live music at least once a week."
Newsy, "this is a good day for news."
He downed his drink and said he had to go work up his report. Then I finished my drink and went over to my book factory to see how things were. Arty said he was keeping up with orders, and the ink came in the other day, which was a good thing as we were down to our last barrel. We talked for a bit then I went to the park. My ship gave me a ride there, while I talked to her about the Stargate and the metal eating robot spiders. She saw no problem with letting them into hyperspace, as she said, "we smash robots, fun to play with."
I took that to mean it was okay, and asked if her family would help smash the robots that were on their way here.
She said, “no, not in your space, liven ships only protect their hyperspace realm." I thought to myself, well in that case I may as well just leave the gate open as the debris field with the robots in it go by.
She said, "yes, leave gate open."
I had forgotten for a moment she was also reading my mind. When we got there, I had her cloak and hover over the entrance to the park. It was about midday and most of the people were there. I wanted to greet all of them at the same time so we waited a little bit as the rest came. I could see them but they had no idea I was up there checking them out. And a great deal can be learned by watching people as they wait, especially if it’s for you. I keep counting as the rest came, and we got to the 17 I had my ship drop me behind the building, then I came out front to great them all. After a short hello I took them on a tour of the park. I explained their duties, and how they would work with each other. The group was of mixed sex and age, and they all had some training in the jobs they would do. I told the guards we would have to get them both uniforms, and the life guard needed to learn CPR. The manager had to be brought up to speed on how things would work, and who to call for deliveries. I toldthem we open in three days, but for the two food stands I think it best if you start cooking tomorrow, and start putting food in their freezer or refrigerators. I told them they would get paid for the extra two days. The trash compactor came and they put it in place. I told maintenance getting power to it was their first job. They said they would need an expense account, and I told them to see the manager. Then I looked over to him and said, "we will talk."
As we walked through the park I told them to give their account numbers to the manager, so he could make sure everyone got paid. That I didn't expect anyone to get up before the sun, that they all should eat a good breakfast before coming to work, however I expected the park to be open by two hours after the sun is up; and that it would close with the sunset. I said if anyone lives too far away to get to work on time, they should move closer or find another job. I said I understand that sometimes people need a day off, just let us know so we can get some extra help for the day. I then answered their questions the best I could, as we walked up the road to the club. I had the foresight to reserve two tables, and a couple of bar chairs nearby booth. I shared my booth with the manager, security, maintenance and the welcome lady that would take your credits. The two other tables were filled with the workers from the food and drink booths, with the lifeguard at the bar near us. I asked the bartender if my children had been in yet, and he said, “not yet, but Owsee had some smorgesh pie and meat sandwiches sent over, along with a case of cold soda.”
I said, "sounds like they're eating on the job."
Everyone had something different. I just had a meat sandwich, and called Kitty to see if she was in the mood for a seafood cookout tonight. She thought that was a great idea, and that we should have Nursa and Gripper over. I said yes and the doctor as well. She said she would call Nursa, I could talk to Gripper and the doctor, as well as bringing the food we would need. I said I would get the seafood, and she could pick up anything else she thought we may need. Then I told Jolly Jack to have the kitchen prepare me a box of uncooked seafood to serve eight for a cookout, and put in extra. I would pick it up on my way home tonight. He said he would take care of it.
My manager, "Argentum," Ag for short, said, "a seafood cookout, that sounds good."
I said, "yeah well, it’s the best way to get my first mate the commander, and the dock-master all together without cutting into their free time or slowing down their day. Everyone has to eat sometime."
He said, "you got that right."
I said, "talking about eating, you'll have to rotate the work shifts so employees can eat. The food stands will be a problem, as lunch is a busy time. You’ll need to hire an extra person to fill in part time, like three hours a day, that way each will get a full hour off."
He said, "an hour for lunch, got it."
I said, "of course we will not do that the first day. We will wait and see, when and if, it may be necessary. Until then people take their breaks when they can." He said, "three people that can pitch in for as much as three hours a day, but no more. I'm thinking maybe maintenance could help from time to time, until it becomes an everyday thing."
They were setting right there, so I looked at them and said, "what do you think about that?"
The three of them agreed that if it was not every day, and just until the park became busy.
I said, "good, what other problems can we hash out while you have my attention?"
The two guards said, "we were bank representatives, how much force can we use if we need to break up a fight or take someone out?"
I said, "you can keep your guns but I want you to carry shock sticks. As I said before, just seeing you on the job is more than most need. It's likely you will end up with a lost child from time to time, that will be part of your job, and if someone needs a doctor dealing with the situation will be part of your job as well. The clinic is just across the road."
Guards, "will you have guards on the place at night as well?"
I said, "I wasn’t planning on it, but being so close to the port I may as well get a pair."
Guards, "a ship could land behind the woods and take all your food, then be three star gates away before anyone comes in."
I said, "you're right of course, know anyone?"
They said, "we each know someone that will serve you well."
I said, "they can start tonight if they like, have them give Ag their bank numbers. They will get the same as you, I'll stop by to meet them when I can." He said, "we rather wear our own clothes instead of uniforms."
I said, "then you must wear white hats that say security on them." They said that would be fine, and I said, “I will have my wife make up four of them tonight, I would not want to walk into my park at night and shoot my own guards."
They nodded in agreement, then Gripper called me from the space station, telling me he was back. I told him I would be right up, and slipped out of the booth, saying, "by the way, you two can start tomorrow as well, if you like.” They said they would be there. I told my new manager if there was anything else just e-mail me and I will get back to you, then I left.
I got on my ship and went to the station to see that there was a number of fighters still waiting to dock, and the ships that came to get water were stacked five deep in line. Gripper was on the docks as I landed, and I asked how it went. Gripper, "about the same as yesterday, we just don't seem to be doing much damage, and the fact that you were not with us again puts a damper on the man's spirit."
I said, "yes I know, I've thought about that, but there were things I had to do to get myself ready for the big day. I can't tell you more."
Gripper, "I understand that there are times the captain cannot, and need not, tell his commander some things. It's just the morale of the men I am thinking about." I said, "let's do something about that."
I taped my communication badge, and said put me onstation wide, and all fighters both here and at lunar one. A moment later she said ready sir, and I said, "welcome back fighter pilots. The blow we struck today may not have seemed to be a great one, but every bit helps and we shall not give up. For those that have noticed I was not with you, I can now tell you about a weapon we have been working on that will help with this war. A Trident warship, I hope to fly in a day or two. Along with the power of the stations, and the fleet of ships we are gathering, we believe we will be a force to be reckoned with. And as far as the rumor goes about my having a secret weapon of great power, just remember that most of the time rumors are not true. Welcome home brave pilots, victory shall be ours!"
There was a large shout from the docks that made it on the public address to the whole station.
Then I said, "I'll say that get them up a bit."
Gripper, "you think?"
I said, "by the way, we are having a seafood cookout at my place tonight, Kitty has already called Nursa."
Gripper, "sounds good to me, what is this business about a rumor about a secret weapon?"
I said, "there are always rumors, why not let one work for us?"
Gripper, "do you have a secret weapon?"
I said, "like I say, if I tell you, it would not be a secret."
Gripper, "by the way, the station near star gate W1 has moved clean out of sight.” I said, "that's a bit more than was needed. Guess they are not taking chances." Gripper, "have you come up with a way to save the gate yet?"
I said, "the Twins did, we will open it as they pass by."
Gripper, "won't that just pollute Hyperspace?"
I said, "the living ships will take care of the metal eaten robot spiders once they are there."
Gripper, "well it sounds like we have a plan."
I said, "talking about plans, we need to move the three parts of the station to the safe spot to fire from, and I don't want to wait until the last minute to do that but I also don't want to cut off selling water too soon."
Gripper, "I see no problem in splitting the station in two shortly before we need to, but the lunar one base must take the miners with it when we move the station. A day should be enough warning to the outgoing ships, the rest will just have to get their water before they leave the planet."
I said, "then we move the stations tomorrow, I'll put the warning on the radio. I want to check the model in the astrophysics Lab before I go, I would like to start taking the mines to lunar two tomorrow, if the orbit will hold."
Gripper, "I want to see that all the pilots got back before I call it a day." So I went to the ships communications room, and gave the announcers the news about the water, then to the astrophysics lab to see what I can learn. The closer the space debris with the robots got the clearer the borders became. I could now not only see what side of the planet would be in their path, but just where the moons would be as well. Lunar one was still holding a safe place in the sky, but lunar two would get hit by part of the debris field for sure. We would use the mines there to blow up as many as we could. When I got back to the docks I told Gripper I would see him at my place, and flew to the port to pick up the Twins. When I got to the Trident there were seven people welding all over the ship, and the Twins were working inside. As I came up they were showing one of the engineers how to fit an energy coil and a heat dispenser, between the outer plating and the radiation shield. He said to them I got it now and the Twins walked over to me saying, "it has become more than just a patch job, but it will be ready in time, maybe tomorrow."
I said, "that would be great, I'm looking forward to taking it up myself. It's just about sunset, are you ready to go home?"
Kitten, "yes, we are eager to get back to work on the remote-flight program." So we flew over to the club and got the boxes of seafood, then home. Putting them on the back porch, kitten opened a box to find the food was still alive. I said this kind of food is best live until cooked, and the Twins went gathering firewood. I turned on the radio for the news, and it was not quite time for it yet, but just basic music would do. I lit my pipe and got myself a drink, brandy and Ginger ale, but I was thirsty and soon had to make another. I showed the children how to start a fire, and they did a good job of keeping an eye on it until it was burning well. Then I put a few logs on, and I heard something out front, so I went to see what it was. Nursa had just pulled up in a new transport. It was not made for cargo, just people. It had a slick design and seated five. I helped her bring the children inside, as they could not walk yet but they sure could crawl fast. Nursa said, "am I early?"
I said, "somebody has got to be first. That's a nice transport your got." Nursa, "do you like it? I thought blue would be a better color, but he had his eye on the white one. It’s his money anyway so why do I care?"
I said, "I don't know, but it sure looks like it will come in handy no matter what color it is. Can I get you a drink?"
Nursa, "what do you have?"
I said, "a number of things, but Kitty likes Eldoring blis. It tastes a bit like cream." Nursa, "I'll try that."
I poured her a short glass and she liked it, so I left the bottle out.
She said, "have you got that man of my working late today?"
I said, "he wanted to see that all the pilots got onboard safe, I'm sure he will be done soon."
We heard a ship landing nearby, and I said it sounded like Owsee. It was then that Kitty was coming up the road as well, with a bag from the market. Nursa met her at the transport and they talked for a moment about it, then she pulled out a bag of bread and other things from the vehicle, and they went inside. I went out back to check on the fire. When Owsee got to the house, he drew himself a beer and came out back with me. I was turning the logs in the fire pit, so it soon would be ready to cook on, as he walked up and said, "a BBQ, what we having?" I said, "seafood, I got the boxes on the porch."
We then saw Grippers ship on its way down, as Owsee said, "here he comes, Gripper always makes sure the rest of them will get their supper before he goes for his, you have a hard working commander there. And talking about hard work, I got the rest of the sites, for your hotel and clubs, mined today."
I said, "I hired 19 workers for the park today."
Owsee, "the last two ships you brought in were fixed today."
I said, "I figured out how to save the Stargate."
Owsee, "what will you do?"
I said, "jam it open until all the debris with the robots in it pass."
Owsee, "so they can't land on it without being sucked in."
I said, "that's the idea, and the living ships will smash them in hyperspace." Owsee, "it would be nice if they came out and did some smashing before the robots got here."
I said, "yes, but they are not going to do that, we take what we can get." Moments later Gripper came walking up from out of the darkness. I told him Nursa was inside with the children and commented about his new transport. He said it was worth the cost, just so he did not have to carry the triplets around anymore.
Owsee, "that's what credits are for, making things easier."
Gripper then went inside to say hello and get a drink, while Owsee and I sat down on the porch and watched the fire. The Twins even took some time out to play with their light in the dark hover tag ball, whilethe women were getting things ready in the dining room. It was good to see themget some exercise. But they soon stopped and went back to writing the program on their laptops. Kitty came out and asked where the food was, and I told her, “those three boxes over there.” She opened them up to look while I asked her if the doctor was coming. She said, "yes, he said he would come by in a little while."
As she turned to go back inside I said, "how was your day?"
She said just find dear, and went inside. I turned to Owsee and said, "she can't say I was the last to ask her today."
He lit his pipe while nodding, and I could see he had a small smile on his face. Gripper soon came back out, with a drink in his hand, and sat down. Kitty brought a large kettle of water out and set it on one side of the grill, stoking the fire beneath it. Then she took one of the boxes of seafood, and put it on the stand next to the fire pit, then took another box inside. I offered to help but she said she, “I have it all well in hand, just let me know when the water is a full boil.” I cheerfully said, "will do," and took a drink. The doctor showed up and he sat on the porch with us, and had a soda. I asked how his day was and he said, "boring without someone to treat, but I don't wish harm on anyone."
Owsee, "you need a research project to keep you busy."
Dr., "I have thought about doing something along those lines, but not a clue what to do."
I said, "how about a paper on alien DNA, and its affect on pregnancy and off spring growth factors?"
Dr., "that's a good one, I'm sure no one else is doing it."
I said, "you have a good start for a study group with Nursa and Kitty, and their children show a mix from Catalack and Tronex, both known to have easy births and fast growing childhoods. Now my children are starting to show signs their growth is slowing, there may be something you can document there." Dr., "yes, I may be able to run with that. It's a start anyway, and such papers will be needed, if our planet is to keep up with its ever changing medical needs." Owsee, "if you need anything let me know, I don't mind funding research." Gripper, "and I’m willing to be scanned again."
I said, "you have DNA from both Kitty and myself, did you take samples when the twins were born?"
Dr., "yes, I could use new ones to compare to them."
I said, "I'll see they stop by."
Dr., "I have a sampling kit in my bag here."
I said, "prowler, kitten, please come out here formoment."
They came out and I told them the doctor was goingto take a sample. He took a swamp of their mouths and said, “all done, thank you.
They went back into the house, and I went over and stoked the fire a bit, to noticed the water was boiling. So I went inside and told Kitty while getting myself another drink. I grabbed a bottle of bunk a deep bunk, I kind of bourbon liqueur, a ginger ale, then went back outside. Before sitting down I asked if anyone needed anything and they said no, so I sat down with my bottle and lit my pipe again.
Moments later I said, "now that I think of it, I should have got us a bowl of nuts." Owsee, "I'll get it, I need to stretch my legs anyway."
He came back with two bowls of nuts and a bowl of fruit, so we passed them around. Kitty came out with something in a pot and dumped it in the water, then threw some more of something from the nearby bags into the boiling water. After stirred the coals again, she went back inside with the third box, and shortly thereafter came back out with the box and was putting food on the grill. It was then not long before we were eating, and we ate it as fast as she could cook it. That is until the last of it, and we could eat no more, at least not right then. I must tell you it's hard to get full on seafood, I think it's the lack of fat, but there was plenty of food that night. And we still had the treats Nursa had brought from the bakery. Our guests did not stay long after eating, and Kitty put together a take-home bag for the doctor. As Gripper and family were leaving I told him I would see him in the morning, and was going was the fleet.
He said, "see you then."
Kitty remarked it was a good party, and I said, "yes, it's nice to have people over from time to time."
The twins were again hard at putting the new program together, saying they were almost done with the difficult mapping part. Owsee said he was going to bed early for a change and I said I was not far behind him. I then nibbled on some leftovers while checked my e-mail one last time. That's when I remembered the hats for my guards. So I told Kitty and she said she would have them for me tomorrow. I had mail from Governor Stan forit Sphier, asking how bad it may get because of the medal eating robots, and what he could do in this area? I wrote back, "protect water and power stations, as well as shipyards and anything that would become a danger if there was a new hole in it. Hand out clubs for smashing and organize watching groups."
Then I e-mailed it to him, and looked at my mail from U1&U2, it read "parts and explosives exhausted, total number of mines ready 1003."
I thought that to be a good number, considered theshort time.
I wrote a little about my day then hit the bed, hoping not to have another bad dream. So I got back up and drank a bottle of detox water, then back to bed, with my mind filled with thoughts of tomorrow. We would again face the metal eating robot spiders and I would have to hang back, keeping the gate open until all the debris with the robots had passed. I could open the gate, jam the switch and move away until they were gone, but if it does not stay open those things could cause a lot of damage before I went back. Of course my ship could cloak-phase so the robots would not bother me/us, but then the things would not hurt a living ship anyway. But the debris may if we were not phased out, and it would only take a broking moment of my ship’s concentration to be phased back in and vulnerable. But I didn’t want to worry about that and make my ship nerves, or was it just me that was, it was just the thought of staying there while all that went by that bothered me. I felt like a man testing his ship by flying it into a sun. Even if it had worked before it could still make you nervous. Thoughts like what if the machines start attacking people, their programming could have changed, what a nightmare that would be. It was only a feeling, only a dream I didn't want to have. Somehow I slipped away into unconsciousness, but I think I felt Kitty coming to bed. If I did dream, it was gone when Iwoke up with her next to me, kissing me good morning.

Day 96 The sun was just peeking in the window a bit, and it was still kind of dark outside, when we got up. I grabbed a coffee and went out to the porch for a smoke and to write. Kitty came out with a coffee in hand, and stood there looking at the sun coming over the mountain, and said, "no matter how often I look at it, I still find the sunrise makes me feel good. It kind of reminds me of home."
I said, "you have never talked about your home much."
Kitty, "I was very young when I left. We were trying to get away from a war. I don't remember much about it, we moved around a lot. One day I was just on my own. Sometime later I showed up at the moon where you met Owsee and me. But the sunrise over a mountain reminds me of Cadillac."
I said, "I guess even a good memory can bring back bad ones, but if you ever want to talk about it I'm willing to listen. Do you want to talk about it?" Kitty, "I only want to enjoy the sunrise for moment. What would you like for breakfast?"
I said, "omelet’s, fried potatoes, and toast."
She took another sip of her coffee then slowly went back inside. I heard the children come downstairs, but they must've went straight to the dining room as they did not say good morning. A flash of light from the top of the mountain caught my eye, then it was gone, and I went back to my writing. In the, not so back of my mind, was a vague memory of the things I did not want to think about. I told myself right then, that I was not going to let fear or doubt get in the way of the things I needed to do. Even though I had done some writing the night before, I was finding it hard to wrap up the account of my day. It can be that way when there are people in it. Or maybe I was just trying to justify not going with the fleet. No, I'm not going to doubt myself, I did what I had to.
The smell of fried potatoes reached me, and I knew that was a sign that Owsee would soon be there. I went back to my writing, and must've been deep into it, as next thing I knew Owsee was standing there saying good morning. It made me flinch as I looked up.
I said, "morning, by the smell of things I would say you just in time." Owsee, "breakfast is the best meal of the day."
I said, "Kitty makes a damn fine supper as well."
Owsee, "last night was rather special."
He then went inside, and I polished off my recollection of yesterday. I got inside just as Kitty was putting breakfast on the table.
The children said, "good morning father," and I replied, "good morning." Prowler said, "we finish the new program last night."
I said, "that's good."
Kitten, "yes, it will be interesting to see if it works."
I said, "I would rather you say interesting to see it work."
Prowler, "well, after all, it's just a subroutine to get the ships off the planet. The main program will have to make sure they keep their distance from one another, and go where you want them to before blowing up."
Owsee, "no need to point out anything we cannot change."
I said, "Owsee is right, unless you have some idea of how to check out the main program before we use it."
Kitten, "that could take weeks to test."
Kitty, "eat your breakfast dear."
The table then went silent as we ate our food. Then Gripper stopped by, and had a cup of coffee while we ate.
I asked Owsee what he was doing today, and he saidhe was going to work on the Trident, "can't let everyone else have all the fun."
I said, "don't forget to put a food replicator in it."
Owsee, "I’ll even programmed it myself."
When I was done eating I told kitty I would see her at supper, and got a good by kiss for luck. Owsee would take the Twins with him to the port this morning, while Gripper and I went to the station on my ship. We got the fleet ready to go and headed out. I told Gripper that if we had timed it right, we should catch the M.E.R.S. just before they got to the star gate. And after all of them past the gate I would catch up with the fleet. He wished me good luck. At the speed of the fleet we would be there in no more than two hours, so I took a nap. I was not all that tired, but it was easy just to doze off on a ship like this.
Next thing I knew, we were at the gate. The debris field was not far off at the speed it was coming, and I told the fleet to go do some damage, and I would make a stand here. I watched as they flew off, and thought about how I would jam the gate open. I had brought a small ball of clay with me to put in the switch after I opened the gate. My ship could cloak phrase so it would not get sucked in as I did it. Shortly I could see the fleet as they were on their way back, as it didn't take long to unload all their ammunition. As Gripper led the fleet back he wished me good luck again, and moments later I could see the debris field coming. It was about 5,000 miles wide, but only a few deep at this time. I waited until it was closer before opening the gate again, and jam in it that way. The ball of clay held the contacts apart just right. The ship and I, stayed close and cloak-phrased as the field went through us and the gate. I could see the metal eaten robot spiders clinging to the rocks as they went by me. They were helpless as they were sucked in, though I was still a little nervous. I tried to be bored as I waited for all of them to pass, but it was difficult. After the main part went by there was a long trail of debris, spread out for miles, I had to be patient. If even one were to latch onto the gate it would all be for nothing. When it looked like they were all passed, we search the area to make sure. There were a few we pushed towards the gate so we didn't have to wait for them to get there. Id was like a fish playing with something in the water, her family would have a lot of fun smashing all the Scrappers that drifted into hyperspace today. Then one last scan and I let the gate close, as I caught up with the fleet. On my way I called the CM to tell them not to use the other gate to here. That some debris and metal eating robot spiders had made their way through, and they needed to wait until it drifts deep into hyperspace before letting ships pass that way again. The remote gate controller for the corporate mining company was grateful for the information. If they only knew the truth, made their way through the gate indeed, hah! I took another short nap on the way back to the station, and when we got there I helped look over our ships, to make sure we had no extra robots on them. Then I landed and waited for Gripper, he was one of the first. As he got off the ship I said to him, "I think that went rather well."
Gripper, "I still felt like we were wasting ammunition."
I said, "even if that was true, it's best to give people something to do rather than worry. But there is a lot less of them now, than when they hit Tronex." Gripper, "that's true, and it feels good to get some payback."
I said, "another day and a half and they will be here, a lot to do by then. I want to start putting mines out around lunar two, we will first set up a buoy to warn ships to stay out of that space."
Gripper, "there should also be a warning on all shipping channels." I said, "and all radio frequencies as well, but we won't arm the mines until the robots are close to us. That's about as safe as I can make it."
Gripper, "and we move the stations tomorrow?"
I said, "move the stations, start bringing the ships up and putting them in place. A busy day indeed."
Gripper, "so no water tomorrow."
I said, "no unauthorized ships at all."
Gripper, "are we using Tubby to take the mines up?"
I said, "yes, I sent an e-mail yesterday. They should have her loaded by now." Gripper, "I want to make sure all the men docked safely before we go." I said, "you do that and send out the warnings, I'll check on the Trident and bring up Tubby and the mines."
So I went down to the shipyards at the port of Owsee. Owsee was working on the Trident as he said he would. As I walked up I said, "got that food replicator in yet?"
Owsee, "your back early."
I said, "well, they get closer every day, but I think we saved the gate." Owsee, "that's good to hear. It takes a long time to build one of them, especially as far out as we are."
I said, "how's the ship doing?"
Owsee, "it's hard to weld collapsed titanium and Newtonian, but we are getting there. The inside shielding an energy converters are a pain as well, but we are getting them all together. You know when I was a boy, you could not do this kind of work on this planet, I lot of things have changed. I think we will have her back together by morning. We know how to fix her, it just takes time." I said, "well I'm going over to Tubby and taking the mines up. Gripper and I are going to set them up around lunar two."
Owsee, "that's a big job, need any help?"
I said, "I'm sure I do, but don't they need you here?"
Owsee, "not really, the Twins have things well in hand."
I said, "fine then, let's go."
And we went to the big ship.
Along the way Owsee said, "we only put 500 on board, I was concerned about the weight."
I said, "well you know better than I how much she can take. Do you remember the takeoff from the station where I met you, and what you had to drop to get her up?"
Owsee, “about 35 years of un-dumped waste, leaving the place cover with shit and on fire if I recall. That was the rudest take-off she ever made, its good they didn’t want the station anymore.”
There was a bit of shaken on takeoff, never a good thing with a load of mines on board, but she soon smoothed out, and we went up to the station to get Gripper. The fighters were onboard by the time we got there,and Gripper had a warning buoy ready for us to take. He was glad to see Owsee, any help was welcome, as we loaded the buoy and headed for the moon. Owsee had left two cargo container decompression chambers empty, so we put the buoy in one, and when we got to the right spot we just opened the doors and out it went. Owsee flew the ship while Gripper and I keep sending out mines. I think we were only at about 200 by the time I had to take a break. Owsee stopped the ship and we change places, then after 150 we changed again. By the time we got them all out even Gripper was tired. We went down to the planet and left the ship to be loaded again while going to a late lunch. On our way, we stopped to see if the crew working on the Trident had eaten yet. They had ordered from the club and were back to work already. Kitten had gone to her music lesson, and I was glad she took the time. When Gripper, Owsee and myself got to the club we just ordered meat sandwiches, and had a few drinks. We decided we had enough of a workout for one day, and the rest of the mines could go up tomorrow. Gripper wanted to bring another taker of water, from the ice mines on lunar-one, to the stationed today and Owsee wanted to go back to his port to see to it any ships that needed repairs got fixed today or tomorrow at the latest. I had a few things I wanted to do as well. So I told Owsee I would seehim at sunset, and Gripper, I would see him in the morning. Then I flew to Kitty’s shop to get the hats I wanted for the park security, and landed out back. She had them done, and they look good, so I took them to the park. I found the two guards, and gave them the four white security hats. They said they liked them, that they should really stand out in a crowd, and would give the other two to the night men. I then stopped in on the meat sandwich and pizza stands. They were preparing food for opening day, and putting it in the freezer. They both had the same concern, that they were getting too much ahead of themselves. I told them that it will keep, and it’s better that I pay them for their work than have a crew come in nights to do the prep work. But if they wanted tomorrow off, just to tell the manager. They all wanted to work. That’s the one thing I could always count on about the natives of this planet, they never minded working, and they were good at what they did. Each one would try their best to serve in the most helpful way they could, truly a community based society. And yet their ancestors of a thousand years ago were intergalactic hippies from Earth, and one of the few seeds they brought with them was weed. You would hardly think a planet of stoners would be such hard workers, but they were. It seemed that only some of the off-worlders were not to be trusted, but then were was not true. I then decided to check out my hotel, to see how many storytellers had checked in. The daymanager told me we had five that moved in and three more that had come by to see their rooms first, they plan to be back later or tomorrow.
I said, "you can tell them that even though the park is not open, they can feel free to check it out, pick out their spot or whatever. He said he would tell them. I then went to the seventh floor store. I call it that because there really is no seventh floor, it’s just the space that was under the roof pool and had been forgotten until we put it to use. There were five people shopping at that time, all tenants of the hotel, all glad they didn't have to go out for the little things they needed. I look the store over to see it was in order, then went up to the roof pool and gardens. There were a number of people enjoying themselves, and letting their nude bodies get some sun, as was the custom on this planet. I checked out the condition of the plants, and it all look good. So I left to go to one more of my sites for a hotel and club, it was not far away, but already starting to get dark there. It was all the backside of a spaceship port, there were all near ports, and other than the ship's overhead there was no one around. So I use my telekinetic abilities to move the sand and dirt until there was a nice hole for the hotel basement. I still felt like I had something in me, so I made the hole for the club as well. I became tired but not wiped out, so I walked over to the new radio station, to see how it was coming inside. All the equipmentwas in place and looked operational, so I called the space station on it for a test, and was coming in clear. I told myself I would soon need to come up with 19 more announcers for the stations, but not today. I checked on three other radio stations on the way back to the port, two were ready, and one was not yet. It was about dark by the time I made it to the ship yards to find Owsee and the twins sitting next to the Trident. I landed and went to look the ship over. As I walked up Owsee said, "it's finished!" I said, "I thought you said tomorrow."
Prowler, "we thought the coils for the energy converters would come on a spool." Kitten, "but they were in ready to put in sections."
Owsee, "it went very fast."
I said, "well then, how about we take her out for a run?"
So we took off and headed for home. We didn't feel a thing on takeoff, and got up to near light-speed before I knew it, overshooting our town by more than 1000 miles and had to turn around. On the way back I got the handle of it and put us down in a field near the house. On the walk over I asked why we didn't get slammed into the walls when the ship took off so fast, or I put it in reverse. Owsee said, "gravimetric shift plates, they also keep you in place when you're hanging close to a sun."
I said, "tomorrow I’ll have to give her a real shakedown run."
Owsee, "it won't be at full power until you orbit the sun to charge up the systems, providing the shields hold."
I said, "that will be part of the test."
When we got to the house kitty said, "is that the Trident you have been talking about?"
I said, "that's the one."
Kitty, "I thought it would be bigger, still it 10 times the size of the barn." Owsee, "close to 20."
Kitty, "I’m making a seafood stew for supper, if that sounds good to you." I said, "that's why I got extra, sounds good to me," and we all went inside. I sat at my little bar with the opening to the kitchen, and asked how her day was, while making a drink for Owsee and myself.
Kitty, "it was an average day. We sold a dress, some children's clothes, a pair of boots, scarves, hats and three lightning-crystal pendants. Oh, and the owner of the hardware store is having a shipment of ax handles passed around town, so we all would have a good club."
I said, "that was nice of him."
Kitty, "how was your day?"
I said, "I think we saved the Stargate. When I left it there were no more robust around and the gate was alright. We got half of the mines out, and the Trident is ready. The food stands at my park are preparing for opening the day after tomorrow, and a number of storytellers have checked into the hotel." Kitty, "sounds like a number of things got done on your end as well. And how about you Owsee? How was your day?"
Owsee, "oh just fine, I got to do some work on the Trident and got a real workout putting those mines in place. There is nothing like launching hundreds of mines to make you feel glad to still be alive."
Kitty, "was it really dangerous?"
Owsee, "the only safe mine is the one you're not around, sorry to say." Kitty, "well you to be careful, blow the robots up not yourselves."
She got a, "yes ma'am," from both of us, and I walked into the dining room to see what the children were up to. They were on their computers as usual, and I asked what they were studying this time.
Kitten said, “the ships logs from the Trident.”
Prowler, “we downloaded them, but have just got around to taking a look.” I asked if they found anything interesting.
Prowler, "yes, the ship was one of three that was under attack by the CM. It was damaged and trying to land, that was the last entry. There is much more before that, but the pilot had timed to encrypt it, no telling how long it will take to break."
I said, "sounds like you found a challenge, good luck with that."
And I went out to the porch to sit. I opened up my laptop and started writing about my day. It didn't seem to take long to get caught up, and it felt like a slow day. I only went to war, put out some mines, and did a few things. Not much to write about, that everyone didn’t already know. Or perhaps preparing for, or going to, war had become way to common these days, a sad thing to say. After all, I left Earth over 30 years ago to get away from the wars and hardships of violence, and look at what these past few months have brought. Sure, I had more than I could ever dream for, now and here, but it was all getting hard to keep. But then what else was I going to do than fight to keep what was mine, and try to help others to do the same. I’m sure it will all seem important to someone, one day. Supper was ready and the stew was good. I didn't keep track of how many bowls I had, then ice cream and the leftover pastries from last night.
I asked Kitten how her lesson was today and she said, "enjoyable, we worked on some very fast music while trying to keep it looseand light. Muser has an interesting way of looking at music, he always challenges me."
Kitty, "sounds like your get along with him well."
Kitten, "oh yes, not only am I learning new things, but Muser makes it fun, and you should see what he has done with the back of the music store. The studio sounds great, and looks good as well."
I said, "good to hear it, I’ll need to put some time aside to check it out." Kitty, "and did you learn anything new yesterday Prowler?"
Prowler, "I learned that the Tridents were one of the few races to sell weapons to the ecological warriors during the fight with the CM, and that Newtonian is very hard to weld."
Owsee, "hah! You got that right."
After desert Owsee went to spend some time with Goo da wa, and the Twins played around with trying to crack the Trident code. Kitty and I sat around talking in the living room with the fire place burning. There was a light rain outside which reminded me of my dreams, but I didn’t tell Kitty of them.
Kitty asked why, now that the Trident was repaired, I didn't take the ship out tonight to attack the scraping robots.
I told her, “even the Trident would not have much effect on the vast field of debris or the robots clinging to it. Maybe if we had it a week ago we could've made a big difference, but now it's not worth losing any sleep over. The ships we will send to blow up will do more damage than all the attacks so far.” She asked, "then why all the attacks if they're not doing any good?" I said, "I didn't say we were not doing any good, just that it's so small we may as well be saving our ammunition, except for the hope that it’s giving the people. I had to make them believe they could make a difference, even if it was a small one. When it comes down to smashing the robots with club's people will ask, "what did we do to prevent this?" They need to know they tried, and kept on fighting!"
Kitty, "so is it going to be bad?"
I said, "I don't think so. We have done some damage and we will do more, but if the power goes out, the water stops running or someone gets hurt, people need to know we tried to stop them. The firepower of the three parts of the space station will make some difference, and I only tell you because I think you should know, but the techno-sages gave me something that may make a big difference. But I can't talk about it, and you must not tell anyone I even have something. A lot of people are afraid of the techno-sages and what they can do, or anyone that deals with them."
Kitty, "I can understand that, and being left in the dark, for now."
She got up and went to get us another drink. I let my pipe and stared into the fire, there was a flash of light from outside, and moments later the thunder. I said, "if it could only rain all over the world when the robots got here, they may all short out, but that's not going to happen on this planet."
Kitty, "as much as I hate the rain storms, I think I rather have one than the metal spiders."
We listened to the radio for awhile, then the children said they were going to bed. We said goodnight and I added, "get some good rest, I'm moving the space station tomorrow, and I need you at the helm."
They went upstairs to their rooms with a, “yes father, good night.” Kitty and I went to bed soon as well, and after awhile we went to sleep, enough said.
I woke up in the middle of the night to a bad dream I could not remember. As I walked in to the living room I saw that Kitty had moved to the big chair by the fire place, and was curled up asleep. The rain had stopped, and there was a cool breeze that had that fresh smell to it, so I stoked the fire and went to sleep on the sofa.

Day 97
The morning sun woke us both up, and I wanted pastries for breakfast, so I got on my speeder and went to the bakery in town. I could have gone in my ship, but I wanted the wind in my face. I got enough for all of us, and after a short chat with the folks at the bakery, I flew back home. As I pulled up, I saw Owsee on the porch with a cup of coffee, and said, "how do you do that? I just went to the bakery."
Owsee, "I heard you leave, I hoped you were getting pastries."
I said, "you’re a food psychic, that's what you are. Don't worry, I got plenty," and I took the bag in the house with Owsee close behind me. Kitty called the children and we all helped ourselves. Even Gripper was in time for a few pastries. Kitty had got caught up with the scarf orders the night before, so we said have a good day, and the rest of us went to the station in the Trident. The fleet was almost ready to go. I dropped Owsee, Gripper and the Twins off at the station, and said I was going to fly the Trident to the sun to recharge her.
Owsee said, "just don't go too close, the new welds have not been tested yet." Laureate was the fourth planet from our sun, so ittook me a good 10 minutes to get there. There was a large, almost molten asteroid orbiting close to the sun, so I took up a position near it to shield myself from the full force. My liven ship was not far away as I charged the Trident to full power, it didn't take long. When I got back to the station Owsee called me from the Plexon heavy fighter, with Gripper, and said, "good to see the welds held, now let's see if she can fight!" So we headed for our target, that was for us less than an hour away. I put the ship on autopilot, but didn't trust it and stayed awake. Even with the fighters at full speed we were only going half of what this ship could do. The ship Gripper and Owsee was on my have been able to keep up, but neither of us wanted to leave the fleet behind. But as our enemy became close enough to see, I jumped out in front and rushed to get to them. Firing as I went, time after time, after time. The blast reached deep within the field, destroying many. The fleet swept in and unloaded what they had then the Plexon heavy fighter. I fired until my power levels were down but not out, then we all went home. I could hear the chatter on the radio about the Trident, they were all impressed. I left the fleet early to go charge the ship up again, at the sun. After charging up I docked with the station, and had a smoke while waiting for Gripper and Owsee. As soon as they got there we went to put the rest of the mines out, with the help of a few volunteers. It went much faster this time, and noone got tired out. Then we separated the parts of the station, and put them in new orbits that would be best for firing from, without being in the path with the M.E.R.S.. It was then time to do the same with the station on lunar one. The miners had all had enough warning, and were either kicking back in the quarters or had taking a shuttle to the planet. She shuddered a bit on takeoff, but we didn't break anything, thanks to extraordinary skills of my two children. Landing or trying to move a space station of this size was never the intentions of its makers, and only the low gravity of this moon even made it a possibility. With all three parts of the station now in their orbits, it was time to start bringing up the remote controlled ships. I had the communications officer call the ports below to tell them to stand clear, as we were going to start launching the ships soon. While he was doing that, and getting confirmation from all of them, Owsee, Gripper, the Twins, and I went to lunch. The chef in the mess hall was making stuffed steaks and fresh vegetables in a cheese sauce, I enjoyed it.
While we were eating I told Gripper, “we should give all the pilot's the rest of the day and night off, as we are just about out of ammunition, and there is nothing else they can do until after the debris field has passed. The fire power of the stations will be our last great blast of hope.”
He said he had been thinking the same thing and I added, “matter of fact, anyone that's not in engineering, fire control or the bridge may as well take some time off too. Not all the crew, but let's be open to sending people down we don't need right off. They may want to be with their friends when, or if, the scrapers come down.”
He said he would see to it shuttle control get's the word. The chef made chewy bars for dessert, a pilots special, and they all went fast. We then went to the bridge to start bringing the ships up. According to the remote transponder codes, we had over 10,000 ships, near a thousand cities around the world. We programmed the computer to bring them up a thousand at a time, and watched the monitors closely as the fleet of bombs came up, and headed for the spots they would wait at. I can remember forgetting to breath a few times, as I watched the flickering white lights of the screen, hoping none of them fell on anyone. Each old ship was packed with enough explosives to wipe out a good city block, and there was a good chance some of them were repaired properly. But the new program ran just fine, and all the ships held together to go right where we wanted them. Over the next five hours we brought up all 10,000 plus ships without a single one dropping from the sky, thank goodness. We were as ready as we were going to be, and there was still a goodfive hours before show-time. We would send some of the ships to meet them before they got too close, but as for what to do right now, it was time for supper. So I went down and brought Kitty up to the station, there was too much going on for me to eat at home. Owsee and Gripper had gone to the other stations to be in command, and as soon as I got back we sent the first wave of ships toward the debris field with the metal eating robots. I was going to wait longer, but did not want to bunch the ships up. We programmed the ships to blow up as soon as they hit the field. The next wave, less than half an hour later, was to blow up shortly after they entered the field. The wave after that would go just a bit deeper before exploding. Kitty brought us some sandwiches from the mess hall, and they hit the spot. Over the next two hours we sent wave after wave of ships toward the debris field. By the time we had used up all the ships the debris was less than an hour away, and it had been a long day for each of us, I was putting fire-powder in my coffee to stay awake. The robots were less than half an hour away before they came within range of our guns, and all three stations opened fire with all they had for up to 20 minutes. The space and the sky above the planet was full of fire. When we could do no more I went down to a desert, on the planet, near the south coast, and got out the gift the techno-sages gave me. I walked alittle ways away from my ship, and sat on the stand with the large glowing spherein my hands. The sky was starting to light up with all the falling and burning debris the metal spiders would be in. I thought about my dream, and the storm I wanted to conjure up with all its power. The sphere seemed to glow even brighter now as the skies darkened with a mighty storm. The thunder was upon me, and I reached out with my mind to send the lightning into the metal robots that were coming down. There was a mighty crash in the sky like a thousand lightning bolts striking at once. I felt a surge of power from the glowing sphere, and night became day, as the world-sky was filled with lightning. Even the beach around me was melting as slowly sank into a pool of glass. Then it was dark again, and the sphere was dark and out of power. I was nearly unconscious, but a short time later I found myself on my ship. She had scooped me up out of the pool of death I was sinking into, and my Elvinware had protected me once again, even the special gloves I wore had come in handy. She took me to the station, and I had her drop me off on the bridge. I found out the rest of the debris field had past, and was on a course to our sun. Still feeling like some kind of zombie, not fully in touch with this reality, I asked Kitty and the twins if they wanted to sleep at home or on the ship tonight. They said the station would do for tonight, so I said good, and went to quarters. Somehow I managed to get my boots off before collapsing on my bed.

Day 98
But I woke up six hours later with pain in just about every part of my body. I went to sick bay for a sonic massage and a shot of muscle relaxer, feeling much better when I left. After breakfast we put two parts of the space station back together, and returned the 3rd to lunar-one. The ice miners started working again right away. Then I took my family back down to the planet. During all of this I listened to reports of where the pesky robots came down and how many. It seemed almost all of them were dead or destroyed before they hit the ground, and as for the others, a lot of people took the day off so they could hunt and smash the robots. They were still showing up here and there, but not in great numbers, and so far has not caused any major problems. We would likely be finding and smashing them for days.
Kitty went back to work at her shop, and the children wanted to go to the bottling plant to work on a wall painting. After dropping them off and making sure all was right there, I made the rounds of all my businesses. The hat & dye factory, flying fright, the clinic, book factory, radio station, story land Park, White Dragon Hotel and the club, all seemed to be doing fine. Some had seen, or heard of people that had seen a small robot, but there were no problems.As a matter of fact, I seemed to be the only one that almost died in this war.
I decided tomorrow would be best for a grand opening of the story land Park, so I had the radio stations announce it each hour, and told my park workers. It was well into lunchtime by the time I got back to twins. Surprisingly it had only taken them that amount of time to finish the wall painting in the lunch room. It was a very lifelike picture of all the people that worked there, eating lunch, they truly had a talent for painting. We went back to the club to eat, and I was in the mood for a meatball sandwich with hot peppers. The twins said that sounded good to them as well. We also a piece of fruit each, some nuts and a cheese-plate. The hot peppers were not all that hot, but it may have been the best they had on this world. It was just as well for the children, as burning one's tongue is an acquired taste. Jolly Jack, the bartender said he heard we did a good job at destroying those metal eaten robot spiders.
I said, “the fleet of ships we blew up had a real affect.”
He said, “I heard there is so much debris up there, that it will be coming down for months.”
I said, “yes, it should be a real light show at night.”
He said, “I heard there was some kind of freak storm last night with a lot of lightning.”
I said, “I hope it fried a lot of metal spiders, but keep a club handy just in case.” He asked if I was coming to the party tonight, and I said, “the whole family will be here. It should be one hell of a party.”
Jack, “you always put on great parties, is there anything else I can get you sir?” We said no thank you and he went back to his other customers. I then said to the children, "let's go mine some of Owsee’s gold in the mountains behind our house."
They thought it may be fun, so we stopped at the house on the way for some picks, baskets and snacks. Then went to the caves where we had found the gold and Owsee’s mark on the wall.
There was a nice vain to work on, but it didn't come easy. I/we had never dug gold before, and were mostly just playing at it, spending more time resting and drinking sodas than digging. But what better reason to play in the dirt than digging up a little gold. We talked a lot, mostly about Earth and all the places I had seen on my 30 years between here and there. Kitten had missed her music lesson, but neither one of us cared about that today. By the time we were ready to come home we had a basket almost full of gold, that we could not move, and my ship said it would be uncomfortable for her to carry it. So we took only one piece, and left the rest there to be picked up another time. We would have to bring a shuttle craft in to take the load. We then went back to the house, took care of the garden, picked some fruit, made some juice, and played a game of tag ball, all before Kitty got home. Then we all got dressed for the club and went to the party, we even brought our instruments with us. But my ship didn’t complain about Prowlers big conga drums, I suppose to her they were not as offensive as hundreds of pound of gold. When we got to the club the curtain was still closed and the ban was eating their supper, so we took our instruments to the stage. I cut the House music, opened the curtains and got on the microphone to say, "welcome to, “The read and drink club.” Tonight we are here to celebrate our victory over the robot spiders and the opening of story land Park tomorrow. We hope you all have a good time. And now, opening for the acoustic 10, Kitten on saxophone, Prowler on drums, kitty on electric guitar sympathizer, and yours truly on the Dragon flute. Now let the party get started!"
And we begin to jam. We kept it up until the band joined us about 20 minutes later, then we played with them for awhile and surrendered the stage. Back at our table Owsee was waiting for us, and as we sat down said, "sounded good." We said thank you and I asked if he had heard fromGripper on whether or not he was coming.
He said, “I don’t know, I have not seen Gripper all day.”
I said, "how's the port doing? Seen any pesky metal eaten robots?" Owsee, "not yet, but I have heard reports that have been found here and there near the coast."
I said, "here and there is a lot better than plagued by them, I think we got off lucky compared to what Plexon and Tronex must be going through." Owsee, “no small thanks to your brilliant battle strategies. And I heard there was a lightning storm, the likes this world has never seen, that took most of the incoming robots out. Could that have been due to something the Techno-sages left you?”
I said, “if it was, it almost killed me, but let’s not talk about it.”
So we ate BBQ, talked about pleasant things, and listened to the live music for hours. A number of the story tellers stopped by, to say hello and that they were looking forward to tomorrow. I told them I was glad we didn’t have to delay things on account of the war.
As it got late we headed home to stop in on Goo dawa for a while, and it looked as if the whole town was there.
Goo da wa said, “Gripper, Nursa and the triplets were here earlier, and everyone has been looking to thank you for doing such a great job.”
I said, “all the more reason to keep a low profile, there are hundreds of others that deserve their thanks for working so hard for them.”
Lots of people stopped by the table to thank us for doing such a great job during the war. I just keep saying, “thank you, but I had a great crew that deserves all the thanks.”
The band got us to join them for a few tunes, then shortly afterwards we went home to get some sleep, while the rest of the town stayed up to party. I took the time to catch up on my writing before bed, as I looked into the night sky full of falling debris on fire, it was quite a sight. I hoped we had blown everything apart into small enough pieces that none of it came down without burning up. There was a lot of debris up there that could still cause much damage. I must've closed my eyes for a moment, because next thing I knew it was hours later. I got up, stiff all over, and went inside. Not wanting to wake Kitty, I laid down on the sofa and went back to sleep.

Day 99
I woke up early the next morning, and it was not quite light yet. So I took a shower and made my coffee before anyone got up. Then I even made the beaten eggs and milk for French toast, before Kitty took it from there, with sausages and fried potatoes as well. Owsee was on time for breakfast, as usual, and asked what I was up to today.
I said, “other than opening the park, I’m not sure. Maybe get the rest of the sites for my hotel and clubs ready, and bring back the gold we dug out the other day. We may do some more mining, or perhaps even go fishing.”
Owsee, "if you want to go fishing you should try some deep sea fishing, that's where the big ones are."
I said, "back on Earth they got big in the sea as well, some bigger than most house, but there are not many of those left anymore."
Owsee, "we don't have any that big on this planet, but I have heard of monsters as big as 1,000 pounds or so."
I said, "that's a bit more than I'm willing to fight with today, and I'm likely to spend most of the day at the park anyway."
Owsee, "well you can count on me stopping by sometime today, to see the place up and running. I bet it becomes full of people early."
Kitty, "I want to spend some time there as well, late afternoon would be good. Loquacious can close the shop for me."
I said, "I’ll plan on picking you up in the afternoon then, the Twins can spend the day with me of course, I’m sure we will find plenty to do."
Owsee, "oh by the way, the cargo master called me at the bar last night to say Plexon had sent a ship for crystals, and there are two more on their way. He said he was going to stagger the government shipments, so I could slip a few in each day."
I said, "it's nice to have friends on the station. I only hope the Plexons sent me some more ammunition, I don't want to be caught short."
Owsee, "well luckily you have the Trident now, she is a powerful force to be reckoned with.”
I said, "true, I ship like that in the right hands could match our fleet!" Prowler, "with the hull we put on her your EMP projectiles will just bounce off." Kitten, "but we reconfigured her DNA sensors for Owsee, you and family members only, to start your engines."
Kitty, "so I’m on the list? That will be the day when you catch me flying, I don't even like being a passenger."
Kitten, "it’s just to start the engine's mother, someone else could fly it for you, like Gripper."
I said, "it's always good to have a secret backup plan."
Kitty, "well now that I can live with, though I doubt I'll ever be asked." After breakfast the children and I went to my new story land Park. Being a non school day, there were a lot of people in the parking lot working their way in, and the park was filling fast. All the storytellers, and other workers, had got there by sunup in anticipation of a crowd. I had my ship drop us off on the roof of my building. We tried to estimate how many people were down there, it looked like at least a thousand. That would make for standing room only around the storytellers. So we went down to my office, and I got on the parking lot public address and said, "due to the lack of seats in the storyteller area, for the next hour, all children 12 and under may enter free with a adult."
There was a bit of a cheer from the crowd outside, then I got on the Park public address and said, "as a thank you for coming early, I would like to offer the first 500 customers a free soda, welcomed the story land Park."
Moments later my manager, Ag, came in and said, "morning Sir, just wanted to make sure it was you in here giving things away."
I said, "yes, I'm in a generous mood this morning,but don't try for a raise." He laughed and said, "looks like we have a fine start to an opening day sir." I said, "yes it does. Now let's try to keep people happy and the park clean." He said, yes sir, and went downstairs. The Twins and I then went to tour the park to see firsthand how things were going. The free sodas made room for the people that rather sit down to do so, just as I had in mind. There were not many people at the swimming area or in the woods yet. It seemed they were there mainly for the stories, even the Twins wanted to sit in on a few. I wanted to do some running around, so I gave them both a credit chip for food and soda, then said I would be back within a few hours.
I went to the roof of the main building, got on my ship, and went to second moon to see if there were any robot spiders there. I knew the mines would not destroy all of them but the engineering twins U1 & U2 seem to be confident that whatever was left would not be a problem for them. As I flew across the surface I could see parts here and there, first just a few then many. It was not long before I saw the patrol robots, moving around, looking for something to blast. There was no doubt that this moon had defenses no one knew about. Whatever had landed here would soon be blasted to only parts, and give us no trouble. Secret base indeed, you don’t drop in on U1&U2 without an invitation.
I then went to the station to see how things were. As I got close I could see two Plexon cargo ships waiting to be loaded, and four local ships waiting to take on water. After I landed I saw we got a shipment of ammunition, and the dock crew were reloading the fighters.
I asked the cargo master how much we got in and he said, "enough to replace all we used between Plexon and Tronex, plus a few days more. All free of charge. Plexons way of saying thank you."
I said, "well that was nice of them, any word on how Tronex is doing?" New-come Bee, "a lot of the robots burned up on the way down, but there are reports they are still smashing some here and there as we are."
I said, "sounds like they had a bit of luck, no thanks to Plexon and their lack of doing anything ahead of time. But then, we all took what we could get and did the best with what we had."
He said, "that Trident of yours was a lucky find."
I said, "yes she made a difference, a lucky find indeed."
We talked for a bit more then I left to go see how things were at my ice mine on lunar one.
When I got to the moon I called fire control to make sure they recognize my ship, then I did a flyover of the work site. The freshwater ice field was the size of an ocean, and we were already over 100 feet down and three times that wide in our mining. But at the rate we were going there would still be water to sell for most of the rest of my life, and as I say, much longer if I'm not careful. I then stopped in at the station to walk around and see how things were going. I didn’t stay long, just a quick tour and a few hello’s then I went back down to the planet. I stopped in on the site where they were building my new hotel and club. Digger had the stone done on the club and the doors cut out, he would be at the next site now. The hotel was coming along. The steal was halfway done and the stone was up to the second floor. I don't know how they managed to work so fast, on Earth it would have taken months to get so far along. I talked to my contractor, Stony, and he said, “yes, the work is really coming along. We have already started on another site, with a third within a few days.
I said, "that's a lot to watch over," and he said, "well, I have good people." I then went to a site that needed some dirt moved and dug the holes for the club and hotel basement, or should I say blasted it out by the power of my mind, then it was back to the park. I got a slice of pizza, just to see how it was, and a soda. The pizza was alright, there could've been more toppings, but for one credit a slice it was good. I walked around until I found the Twins listing to a storyteller. I listened to the rest of the story with them, before asking if they wanted to come with me to get some gold, or stay here. They said they could listen to stories anytime, but a chance to mine gold with their father will not come along every day.
I said, "you got that right," and we went to the station to get a shuttle to use. We landed the ship not far from the Goldmine, on the only piece of level ground nearby. We brought a small metal cargo box to put the gold in and I use my telekinetic ability to move the box to the ship. Then we dug out some more and took it to the ship one handful at a time, until it was near noon. We went to the house for lunch, and I made sandwiches and a soup. It was just cheese, mushrooms and milk, but we all liked it. After lunch we took half of the gold to the bank of Owsee.
I brought the container inside for the manager and he said, “we don’t get many gold deposits.”
I said, “we did a little mining for Owsee and this is his share, try not to move it without some help.”
He said, “most certainly, this stuff so heavy most people just use credit chips these days, but it does have its uses. I’ll tell Owsee of the deposit for him. By the way, may I not be the last one to thank you for doing such a wonderful job in protecting our planet.”
I said, “thank you, I’m sure you won’t be, but the brave pilots and hard working crew of the space station deserve the praise. As well as all the people that donated the ships we needed, and the ports that helped get them off the ground. We really could not had done it without all their help.”
Then the children and I went to the gold exchanged by the central city port, and I traded the Nuggets for gold flakes to use in my club. While I was making the deal, the man from ear-wood sales gave me a call asking how soon I could take some wood, as he needed a place to put the wood he just cut. I told him I would send someone today or tomorrow. Then I called my contractor and told him not to do any work on the club, as I would need it for storage for a while. Then I called my flying freight company and told them to fly a few loads to that club. We then took the shuttle back to the station, and went down to the park again in my ship. We spent some time with storytellers, moving from one to the other, and come midafternoon I went to get kitty. I landed behind her shop, and when I went in I found there were no customers, and kitty was ready to go. So he told her helper to close at sunset and we left. My ship spared no time in getting us to the park, and we landed on the roof of the main building. After a little bit of looking over the side at the park, as I pointed things out, we went down to my office. Kitty liked the office, saying it had a great view, then took her on a tour of the park. We took our time as we went past the food & drink stands and storytellers. We walked by the swimming area and its beach, around the lake and through the woods. By the time we got back to the storytellers area again we were ready to sit down. Lucky to find two seats together, we listen to the storyteller for more than an hour. Then the children found us and we decided to head home. I told the manager to send the storyteller's home and close the park at sunset, then Kitty, the Twins and I went home. The sun was not yet behind the mountains, but it would not be long. The Twins wanted to go flying on the jet scooters for awhile, by themselves. Kitty said there has got to be a first time for everything, but I should keep a close eye on them. So I made sure they were wearing their safety harnesses, and I went up in my liven ship to play tag with them. She was not much bigger than most people's living rooms, but could maneuver like a hummingbird. This made for great fun as we darted here and there, and I kept a close eye on how well the Twins could fly. But before long it started to get dark and I called an end to the fun. When we got back down I learned Kitty had been watching us most of the time we were up there. Shesaid it looked as if the Twins were using a bit of care.
I said, "yes, despite their natural abilities they were deliberately not showing off. I think we should get them a pair of scooters for themselves."
Kitty, "just don't bother getting me one, you’ll be lucky to even get me on the back of yours."
I said, "no shame in wanting to keep your feet on the ground."
Owsee came out just then and said, "yeah, but they are sure a lot of fun." I said, "I didn't hear your land."
Owsee, "I hired a pilot so as to free up my time, and got dropped off at my bank hours ago. Nice container of gold you dropped off, is that all you dug or half?" I said, "half, I turn the rest into flakes to use on the floor of my clubs. I’ll need a lot more before I'm done."
Owsee, "dig up all you want, just as long as I get half."
I said, "yes, it is too good of a deal for me not to find a little time to do some digging, when I can find the time."
We went inside and I made myself a two-step, a drink kitty invented. It had spice dew, bud liquor, fire-powder and rum in it. She called it a two-step because if you drink it too fast you only got two steps. I drank it slow, with ice in it. Owsee was in the mood for a cold beer, and kitty was waitinguntil supper was started. Tonight she was trying something a little different, baked beans, scallop potatoes and breaded baked fish stuffed with cheese. We were also having some kind of white sprouts that were like asparagus, and rather good. All in all a rich meal, more like my chef at the club would make. Most of the time we tried to keep it simple, because if we ate like this all the time I would have take up jogging, another thing I have no time for. I asked the twins what they were studying, and they said they heard a story today that may have had a tie to the first settlers, and they were trying to find more like it.
I said, “we should also look at stories from other races about the settlers of this planet. There must've been some early trade among the nearby planets.” Kitten said, “looking for a story from another planet that is hundreds of years old, may be near a thousand, will be like looking for a speck of gold in a beach of sand.”
I said, "hey, if it was easy we would already know."
I then went out to the porch and started to write about my day. Today was not a big day for getting things done, but I enjoyed it. I tried to describe the day in the most interesting way I could, even though there was still not much to write about. Owsee came out and said, "so how was the grand opening of story land Park? I meant drop-in but got busy."
I said, "lots of people. I think there was near a thousand at the start of the day. We had seats for half of them, the rest had to wait their turn or pull up a seat on the grass."
Owsee, "well, sitting on the grass is the traditional way to listen to a storyteller, but I would not pass up a seat."
I said, "after I gave Kitty a tour of the park, in the afternoon, we found a pair of seats and listen to the storyteller for more than an hour before coming home." Owsee, "and you still had time for a game of sky tag."
I said, "got to squeeze in a bit of pure fun from time to time. Don't want the Twins to think life is nothing but work."
Owsee, "yes, there must always be some kind of reward for one’s hard work, and it helps us deal with doing things we may not want to."
I said, "well so far I have been trying to show them how hard others work, so they will not take them for granted."
Owsee, "and when do you plan to teach them the value of having a credit or two?"
I said, "as soon as they start asking for things they don't need."
Kitty came out with a glass of wine and asked Owseewhat he did today. Owsee, "I spent some of my day with my mining crew and taking loads of crystals to the space station, then there was some things I needed to do at my port, and the last part of the afternoon I was working at my bank in town. All in all a good day for catching up on things. How were sales at the shop today?" Kitty, "not bad, one of the farmers that sold his crystals to you came in with his wife, and spent just over 800 credits."
Owsee, "that's a good sale."
Kitty, "yes, it was the major purchase of the day. Old by the way, a number of dealers would like to buy some tie dye and camouflage hats from us, if we can sell them at a good price."
I said, "that could come right from our hat & dye factory. You can call them and see what the numbers will be, I don't want to give them more work if we don't make a good profit."
I let my pipe as Kitty said, "we are already doing some T-shirts and pans, we should be able to make the hats cheap enough."
Then she went inside to check on dinner. Owsee, "I thought you were already selling camouflage and tie dye hats."
I said, "to a degree yes, but now her dealers are looking for a wholesale price because they can get them from other places as well."
Owsee, "yes, you only have the market in Stardust and lightning crystals, everything else is a matter of supply and demand. Talking about demand, when will your next book come out?"
I said, "I'm getting close, another 40 pages or so a day. It should be ready in a few days."
Owsee, "looking for just the right way to end it no doubt."
I said, "of course, I'm always looking for just the right ending."
Kitty turned the radio that was inside on, and we listened to the news while waiting for supper. Newsy always had something new to report, and he made it interesting. He said the space station had got a new shipment of ammunition and was ready for anything again, and that there were no local reports of any one finding M.E.R.S. today. He said there was still lots of room for anyone that wants to go to farming school, and that the government was still trying to figure out how to keep farmers from giving up in less than five years. He talked about the new clubs and hotels I was building, as well as how well opening-day was at story land Park. He fit a lot of news into his half-hour report, and by the time the news was over supper was ready. Everything was very good, and could have been a meal in itself. I told her I had not seen baked beans on the dinner menu at the club, and would have to ask my chef to add it. She asked if the club made scallop potatoes or stuffed fish.
I said, “the scallop potatoes are on the menu, but the fish is not stuffed, that could be something new for the club.”
Kitty, "well if you're looking for the recipe for baked beans you're out of luck." Owsee, "that's the deal the women of this town have, never to share their recipes with men, it's a women's only club."
I said, "I understand, and if my chef can't figure out how to make baked beans he is not much of a chef."
Owsee, "my father made some good baked beans, but he would start with dried beans and soak them in sea water overnight. Then boil them for hours before baking them."
I said, "yes it's a lot of work that way, and fresh beans seem to do just as well, when you can find them that it is."
Kitty, "just one of the advantages of having a garden."
I said, "we should expand the garden a bit for a new crop of beans." Owsee, "due to the trade with other worlds, we have 47 kinds of beans you could plant. Each one just a little different, some evenI have not tried." I said, "well we can start with what we know and work our way through the rest all in good time."
Owsee, "yes, otherwise you would have to put in a garden bigger than Goo da wa and Grippers both together."
I said, "I'm not ready to devote that much time to it, what with having to save the planet every other week or so."
Owsee, "it's not easy growing your own food, and trying to make a living at it is even harder. That's why I left the planet after my father died."
I said, "you told me once you had two other brothers, that left to find new stories and become storytellers."
Owsee, "yes, a few years before my father died they also died, I don't like to talk about it."
I said, "I understand, I lost everyone myself, one by one until there was no reason to even stay on Earth. But I was not looking for new stories, I was just looking for a reason to be alive. Thanks to you and Kitty I think I have found what I was looking for."
Owsee, "I said to myself, “this is a man of courage,” the first time I met you, when you landed on that moon I was working on, in that old solar sail ship. I knew you and Kitty would be good together, I’m just glad itworked out for the two of you." Kitty, "now we just need to find someone for you."
Owsee, "I'm so busy these days I don’t have time for myself, let alone a woman, but don't get me wrong I'm still looking."
Kitty, "if you find the right woman you will find the time."
During the rest of supper we were mainly silent as we ate our food, as it was all very good. We had ice cream for dessert, then I went out to the porch for a smoke. Owsee and Kitty join me, and we opened a bottle of wine, then drank a toast to the winemaker. The night sky was full of sparks from falling debris, and it was a site that we would probably see you for weeks. Reminding us of the great battle in space.
Owsee said, "I hope we never see another war like the last one. We will never be able to come up with another 10,000 ships to sacrifice."
I said, "yeah, at least the swarm gave us a target big enough to shoot at, let's hope the next war finds us ready."
Kitty, "do you think there will be another one?"
I said, "there is still something out there that may be dangerous to us, I don't know what or when yet, but we need to keep our guard up."
Owsee, "let me guess, you have been talking to thatinformation seller, that now works on station E3."
I said, "he’s not cheap, but he's good."
Owsee, "so even he don't know who or what it will be next?"
I said, "oh I'm sure he has some idea, but he’s not telling yet."
Owsee, "he knows but he is not telling? Well that's no help."
I said, "he said once he would tell me when the time was right."
Owsee, "oh that will be nice of him, but how do we prepare for war with someone or something we know nothing about?"
I said, "how does one prepare to be a parent? We just do the best we can, and hope it all works out."
Owsee, "too bad we can't just have your ship look into his mind for a few minutes."
I said, "that would be helpful, but she can only read the mind of the person she has linked with for life."
Owsee, "well whoever it is, he must still have a use for them or he would called you already, he’s playing both sides."
I said, "yes, but even he knows he will need to tell me one day. I can only hope he will tell us if we need more ships."
Kitty, "well there must be more to it than money, or he would of asked for payment already. Maybe he’s still gathering information."
I said, "yes, he may have an informant deep undercover."
Owsee, "well we have already had the swarm, that wanted to eat us, and the robots that wanted to eat our metal, what's next? Maybe someone wants our crystals or water."
I said, "both are well guarded, I don't see how anyone could get away with much. It’s easier to trade with us than to make war. We have become too important to both the CM and the Plexons to take us all on. Remember what I did to the CM fleet all by myself."
Kitty, "unless it’s someone you can't see."
Owsee, "oh well now that would be just great, an invisible enemy. We may as well wish to pick a fight with the techno sages."
I said, "let's not drive ourselves crazy over something we can do nothing about tonight. There is always going to be something to worry about, let's have another bottle of wine and forget we care."
Owsee, "you're right, and I'll get the wine, that is at least something I can do." As Owsee went to get the wine Kitty said to me, "doyou really think the next war may be over water?"
I said, "I don't know, it’s getting harder to find water planet that aren’t well protected, but as long as they are not invisible I’m not worry."
I relit my pipe and tried to look not worried, but I was, and knew there was not much I could do about it. Owsee soon came back out with two bottles of wine in hand, saying he didn't want to make another trip and that the bottles were small. He was right about the bottles, three good glasses was all you could get from one. Owsee then said, "by the way, now that all the radio stations are ready, when are we going to train new announcers for them?"
I said, "you know that slip my mind yesterday. I'll e-mail the employment office right now, before I forget again. That way we will have announcers for the stations on the ground, and announcers to back them up on the space station at night. So I went inside and sent the message that I needed 19 people for my stations, and another 19 as front desk workers. I listed the locations of the radio station and said, if an opening is filled work on space station will become available. I said for them to meet me in the garden behind my club, in the central city at noon. When I went back out to the porch I said, "there now, that is done, come tomorrow noon I will be interviewing 38 new people for jobs at our radio stations."
Owsee, "38? How did 19 become 38?"
I said, "we need people for the front desk as well. So there will be someone to talk to customers when they come in."
Owsee, "and how much will we be paying all these people?"
I said, "just five credits per hour, 10 hour days."
Owsee, "five is good, I like five per hour."
I said, "well it's not hard work, and they will be easy to replace if they don't work out."
Kitty, "are you going to keep the announcers on the station there, or give them a shot at a ground job?"
I said, "I was thinking of giving them a shot at the ground jobs, but it may be better to keep them where they are, I'm not sure."
Owsee, "I don't think being on the ground is a better job."
Kitty said, "unless you don't like to be in space."
I said, "I would like to reward my people on the space station by giving them the choice, but they are all locals. They would have a long commute or have to move."
Owsee, "yes, it sounds like it's best to leave things as they are."
I said, "well at any rate, I'll still need them to train with the announcers on the station for a day or two, before I leave them all alone at the new stations. But the secretaries can start right away. If they can sit in a chair, smile and take messages, they’re more than half way to doing the job."
Owsee, "and how do we get new customers to pay for advertisement on the radio? With all these employees we got overhead to think about." I said, "we can have a new customer special, low rates for the first week. Just so they can see how well the radio can work for them. Once we get more customers than we can handle we raise the rates until it balances out."
Owsee, "we don't even have the announcers in place yet and he is already planned on more than we can handle."
Kitty, "well if how well the hat and scarf sales have done is any indication of his advertising skills, I would say he knows what he is doing."
I said, "how many scarves did you send out today?"
Kitty, "47 full orders and a few refills, that's 47 times 10 different colors times 50 in a tube, times 10 credits per scarf."
Owsee, "that's what, 235,000?"
Kitty, "not counting the refills or the hats."
Owsee, "how many hats did the factory sell?"
Kitty, "32 orders of 100 each."
Owsee, “that's another 32,000 credits, yes I’m sold that you know your advertising."
I said, "it's really nothing more than starting with a good product and telling everyone about it, and now that we have radio we have the best way to tell people."
Owsee, "this is why I went in on the idea of radio with him. He knows what he is doing and how to make it work."
I said, "the free world wide advertising of your bank must already be starting to pay off."
Owsee, "indeed it is. I have more loans to review than I have time for, all people wanting a lone against the mining rights on their land. So far I think I have a list so large it will take a month to review."
I said, "well then we need to drop your advertising until you get caught up." Owsee, "that's not a bad idea, I'll get the word to our announcers tomorrow." I said, "you know, with all these new radio stations, I think I need to train someone as our chief of advertising time. To get back to all those customers I don't have time for."
Owsee, "I'm not even going to question that one."
I said, "good, now all I need to do is teach someone all I know about advertisement. Make that two some bodies, so they will be able to devote at least one hour a day to each of the stations. Back on Earth they would have a advertising agent or manager for each station, but we can start with 1 for ten, for now."
Owsee, "I don't want to talk about radio anymore, the more we do the more employees we have. Just make it work."
He opened the other bottle of wine and we filled our glasses again, then drank a toast to the winemaker. The Twins then came out to ask Owsee the question, "how do we get historical information from other planets? Like trade that went on hundreds of years ago."
Owsee, "that's a good one. I guess it would be helpful to know somebody. Gripper may be able to help with Tronex, and perhaps the chief Plexon engineer may be able to help find some records for that. As for other systems, I would try talking to Ranger, at your father’s ice mine on lunar one. He has been many places and knows many helpful people."
The children asked if they could use the transmitter in the house to make some calls, and I said, "Ranger should be working at fire control right now, but Gripper and the Plexon can wait until tomorrow."
They took that to mean yes for Ranger, which is what I intended, and said thank you. Then went inside and called him.
Kitty, "you know, Goo da wa has been around a long time, he may know some people to call."
Owsee, "maybe, but we mostly know the same people for the last 30 years. I'll go ask him, gives me a reason to stretch my legs, and I'll see you in the morning." He then left to go see Goo da wa at his cave bar. Kitty and I were not in the mood to join him, as the day had already been long enough for both of us. After some talk, and the rest of the wine, we went to bed. The Twins, never needing to be told, had gone to their rooms upstairs. After a bit of play and passion Kitty and I felt asleep.
I woke up in the darkness to the sound of many small ships landing outside. I walked to the porch to see what was going on. Small shuttles like ships were landed in front of our house by the dozens and the sky was filled with hundreds more. Out of the ships walked a large number of two lagged people in monk robes, with hoods over their heads so I could not see their faces. They didn't seem to speak but I could hear them in my head saying, "yes, very interesting, let me look, now let me look." One upon another until my head was in pain from all the minds trying to read me as they got closer and closer. Then I sat up with a yell and found myself on the edge of the bed with my head in my hands. Kitty touched me on the shoulders and I flinched, still not sure I was awake. She asked what was the matter and I just said, "bad dream, go back to sleep," and I went to the kitchen for a drink of water. I splashed my face with the water and took a sip from my hands, and dried both with a towel before going out to the porch to look at the night sky. I took a deep breath and looked over at my ship near the side of the house. Knowing she would wake me if there wasany danger. I went inside and got out a bottle bud liquor, then sat on the porch and lit my pipe. I took a drink and tried to decide if I wanted to go back to bed or not. But I was not ready to chance another bad dream at the moment. I could sleep on my liven ship, but that becomes habit forming, and I know it must make Kitty a bit jealous. Besides, I think she feels a bit safer just having me around. Not that she needs any protection, I would stack her frightened skills up against anyone I knew, even without weapons. When a katalackeon lets out their claws they can rip a man's head off. I should know, she saved my life that way once, and Owsee’s that day as well. I took another drink, knowing that it would not take much of this stuff to put me out. So I put that bottle aside and just finished my smoke, then went inside and laid down on the sofa. I think I heard my ship singing to me in my head as I fell asleep. Unusual because she normally remains silent.
Day 100
I woke up a few hours later with a cramp in my leg, and jumped up and shook it off. Fully awake now, but the sun was not too long behind me. So I got a cup of coffee and did something I hardly ever get to do, I started breakfast, cheese and pepper omelets. I was frying up the peppers and beaten the eggs when Kitty came in from outback and said, "what you doing?"
I said, "making pepper and cheese omelet’s."
Kitty, "I can do that for you."
I said, "I got here first, you can help by making some biscuits and white gravy." Kitty, "I would love to, but the kitchen is not big enough for the two of us." I said, "how is it that the kitchen is not good enough but the shower is?" Kitty, "cooking is the one thing I get to do for this family each day." I said, "you do a lot more than just cook, but if it makes you happy I surrender the kitchen to you, as long as it is understood I do sonot because I can't cook." Kitty, "of course you know how to cook dear, now go write."
Which is what I did, back out on the porch with my pipe. It didn't take long to get caught up with writing about my night, then Kitty called me to breakfast. As I stood up to go in, Owsee came up on the speeder with a bag from the bakery. I said, "I didn’t hear you leave."
Owsee, "I just figured out there is a silent mode on this thing. You can't go fast, but it's a great way to sneak off."
I said, “well your just in time as usual.”
Kitty made some hash brown potatoes to go with the omelets, biscuits and gravy. Owsee had brought a miniature pie for each of us. It looked like blueberry, but tasted like Apple, and went well with the rest of breakfast.
Owsee said, "my father used to buy these tiny pies from time to time, for breakfast. It's surprising how much energy one of these and a glass of milk will give you."
Kitty, "I think of pie as a desert, not a replacement for a good meal." I asked the children if they got a hold of Ranger last night, and kitten said, "yes, he said he would check around to see what he could find out about old records and stories of this world."
Prowler, "he said it may take a few days, but he’s sure he can dig something up." Owsee, "I was talking about the same thing to Goo da wa last night, but he said he had not been in this part of space in a few hundred years, and does not know anyone anymore."
I said, "how old is Goo da wa?"
Owsee, "he won't tell me."
Kitty, "he turned 300 last year."
Owsee, "he told you?"
Kitty, "one of the advantages of being a good cook is that people tend to share their secrets from time to time."
I said, "and how old does his species live?"
Owsee, "a thousand years or so, that I know."
I said to Kitty, "does he know how old you are?"
Kitty, "yes, but good luck getting it out of him, or me."
Owsee, "I can make a good guess based on how long I have known you." Kitty, "you do and I will never cook for you again!"
Owsee, "I think I'll just eat now."
Prowler, "how old is Gripper?"
I said, "about 137, but he looks like 30. His kindcan live to be about 300 due to a treatment they go through on Tronex, when they are very young." Kitten, "how long will we live mother?"
Kitty, "I'm not sure dear, Catalacks live to about 30, but you are part human so you should live longer. Eat your breakfast dear."
I said, "well I'm 51 and proud to have lived this long, hope to make another 50 years."
We made it through the rest of breakfast without anyone talking about how long we would live. Gripper stop by before we were done and had a cup of coffee, and talked about what we would do today. The children asked him who they should talk to on Tronex about old stories or records of trade with this planet. He said, “old trade records may be hard to find, and my planet does not have an oral history to speak of. But I will see what I can find out.”
I said, “order me two more speeders, for the Twins, while you’re at it. I don't feel right using Owsee’s so much, and I would like to go flying with my children from time to time.”
He said he would put in the order. I could see the children's eyes light up, but they didn't say a word. The smile they were trying to hide said enough. Then Kitty asked how the triplets were doing.
Gripper, "starting to walk, believe it or not. I had to put a rug down in the living room to cushion their falls, and take the end tables out so they can’t hit their heads on them. I also put a screen over the fireplace and a gate to keep them in the one room."
Kitty, "they are growing fast, have they started to talk yet?"
Gripper, "only to each other, and I can't understand them. I'm not even sure they understand each other but they try."
Kitty, "what dialect do you speak around the house?"
Gripper, "Nursa’s, I even turn off my translator so I can get better at it." Prowler, "we had to learn four languages at once."
Kitten, "yes, yours, Owsee’s, mother’s, and father’s. All at the same time." Kitty, "Catalacks are good with new dialects."
Prowler, "on the station they use seven other ones."
I said, "well I'm glad to have my translator, never been much good at new dialects. Takes me a long time to pick up on it."
After breakfast kitty went to her shop, Owsee his bank, and Gripper his ship to go to the space station. The children and I also went to the station, on my ship, and we probably got there before Gripper even got off the ground. The Twins wanted to talk to the Plexon engineer, and I wanted to look around, to see how things were going and to be seen. It's good for the crew to see their captain from time to time, lets them know you care. I made sure the Twins had their communication badges on before I left them, then I went to sickbay to get a well overdue full body scan. The doctor said I was in fine shape, but it's good to get regular scans in case they need to put me back together again one day. I said, "here's hoping you never really need to doc.."
Then I went to the bridge, sat in my chair, and reviewed the logs for last night to see what’s been going on. According to the log the station could use a minor course adjustment to keep it in mid orbit, but there was too much traffic to do it now. We had four ships taking on water, three ships unloading crystals, and a ship with supplies from the planet.
Then a alarm went off and the computers said, "intruder alert!"
I pressed my communication badge and said, "security, what's going on?" Security, "two Voleons landed on the flight deck and started to run around, we will have them soon sir."
I said, "when you do, take them to the brig and check their ship to see if there are any more of them."
He said, "yes sir," and the computers said, "intruder alert, all decks." Then the communications officer said there was a private communication for me from station B3. I said I would take it in my quarters, and went to my room. When I got there I sat down at my computer and found it was the information seller.
He said, "I have some information now, about to next danger, but I need to trade it for a favor."
I said, "what kind of a favor?"
He said, "on its way to you, the danger will come here. You and the Trident should be able to handle it. The corporate mining company does not have enough ship of sufficient size to handle the problem."
I said, "and just what is the problem?"
He said, "do I have your personal word you will protect the station and my shop?" I said, "do I have your words this is the problem the CM was arming for before I smash their fleet?"
He said, "yes yes, this is what they were worried about, and you will be glad to have your space station and all its arms when it reaches you."
I said, "fine then, I'll do what I can once I know what I'm dealing with." He said, "Pirates! Not the local kind, but a clancalled the scavengers. They have a large mother-ship that holds about 500 small ships they call leeches. The leeches can latch onto a mother-ship or station, cut into it and suck out food, water, air, whatever they can find. Then they fly away very fast back to their mother-ship. They are very good at hit and run, and they never stay around too long. So no one has been able to mount a large attack force against them. They use long-range jammers so you can not call for help, and stay well hid in-between attacks. They will be in range of the station in two or three of your days, and even this small bit of information cost me a great deal."
I said, "these leeches they use, what kind of arms do they have?"
He said, "electromagnetic pulse wave generators. Knocks out most small ships with just one blast, but your Trident can take a solar storm up close, let alone a small EMP blast. They also use a scattering wave so your sensors read one ship as a hundred, that keeps anyone from getting a lock on them, and their ships are painted as black as space so you may not see them."
I said, "can't see them, can't find them on my scanner, how am I to fight them?" He said, "I can't tell you over a open channel, but I'll need half a day to do the work on your ship. Let's just call it a systems upgrade."
I said, "an upgrade, that will be interesting. I'll be there tonight or tomorrow, I don't want to pin down a time to my travel plans over an open channel. Expect me when you see me."
After terminating my communication I got a cup of coffee from the replicator, then lit my pipe and started to look at what was going on around the station on my monitors. On the docks there was a guard next to the Voleons ship. But no guards, on anyone else, in the brig. So I called security for an update. The head guard said, "we just found them in the mess hall sir, we are now taking them to the brig."
I said, "I'll be there shortly."
I then tuned in the monitor for engineering and saw the Twins were still there talking to the chief. They were fine, so I hopped on a transport and went to the brig. When I got there I asked the guard what the two had to say for themselves, and he said, "we don't know sir, our translators don't speak Voleon. I walked over to the cell and my translator kicked in so I could understand them. It's nice to have the top-of-the-line translator. They said they had been attacked four days ago, pirates took all their food and water, plus most of their power. They tried to call for help but they could not reach anyone. The engineer was a able to rig the ship for a starburst that got them here, but not enough power left to take the ship down to the planet. He said, “We are sorry about stealing the food, but we were starving, no one could understand us and we thoughtyou may just put us back on our ship and set us adrift.”
I said, “you're lucky my translator speaks your language, or you could've been in that cell for a long time.”
I motioned for the guard to open the cell and help them to use the replicator, as I asked them to tell me more about the Pirates. But they could not tell me much as the Pirates gassed them before boarding. I asked them why they were so far from their home, and they said they were pilgrims, returning from a sacred journey. I told the guard to let them rest while we refueled their ship. We then gave them food and water for the journey home, and saw them safely off. Before leaving they gave their thanks and handed me a small black stone, saying, "in your hour of need, place this in front of you, so your enemies may trip and fall before you." I thanked him for the stone and the blessed, then bid them safe journey. After seeing them off I went to engineering, gathered the children and we went to story land Park. The children asked about the intruder alert, and I told them it was just two lost Voleons. They said they had not seen or read about them. I said, “From what I have heard, they don't leave their planet much and not a lot else is known about them.”
We landed on the roof of the main building, well ---- more like hovered over it. Id, being a liven ship, was always careful about such things. As we stepped onto the roof I said, "I need to put in that garden up here one of these days. Or maybe I'll just leave it like it is, I'm not sure."
Prowler, "gardens are a lot of work, and if no one's going to see it, what's the point?"
I said, "that’s probably why I have not started this one yet."
We went down to the park and the children chose a storyteller to sit at. The park was not as crowded as it was yesterday, and I told the Twins they good listen until noon, when we would go to the club for lunch. I then toured the park to see how things were. The food stands said they were worried that another day like yesterday and they would run out of prepared food, but they were able to handle to the crowd.
I said, "you all did a great job yesterday, I don't think we will be seeing crowds like that again soon. Try to get ahead when you can, and don't be afraid to ask for help if you need it."
There were only a few people at the swimming area, and I asked our life guard how he liked his job.
He said, “at one time I was a lifeguard at a publicbeach, but this had more shade, and I will not have to swim out that far to get someone.”
I asked him if he knew CPR and he asked what that was. So I told him about it, and he said, “We were taught to raise the hands above the head and back again, and push the legs to the chest and back again, if someone is not breathing it sometimes helps.”
I said, “that could be helpful, but it's good to know my way as well.” So we found someone to help, and I showed him how to do CPR the way I was taught. He picked up on it right off, and said it could be very helpful. Then I walked the trails, and saw maintenance was doing a bit of racking. I asked how the trash was, and they said the only trash was from the small boxes that food came in, and everyone puts that into the recycling bin which is picked up each day.
I said, "well that’s nice, how is everything else holding up?"
They said there was nothing broken down yet, so I said that’s good to hear and went on my way. I headed for the food stands as I thought to myself, “it may seem dumb to ask how things are in a brand new park, but at least it shows I care.” I got myself a meat sandwich, just checked the quality. It was as good as the clubs, but then it was my chef that set up thefood shipments. I then found a storyteller to sit at and listen to a few stories. So far I had seen no plays or movies on this planet, the storytellers were the closes thing that came to an actor, so this was entertainment. Why no one had organized then, and set up a park before was beyond me, but the people were sure enjoying themselves.
Then I wanted to go see how the work was going on my new hotels. So I found the children, and asked them if they wanted to go with me or listen to more stories. They said if it was all right, please, they would listen to more stories and meet me at the club for lunch.
I said, “fine, I'll see you then,” and went to check on the work being done on my clubs and hotels. It was only a few weeks ago that you couldn’t pry them more than a few feet from their parents, and now they seem to be taking care of themselves and socializing, they sure grow up fast. I went to the first new hotel that had been started, and they had the top floor done already. They were working on the pool and roof now, so I flew to the next one. They were about half way done with that, but Digger had the club pored already, oh though the doors were not cut in yet. At the third site only the base of the hotel was done, plus the parking lot, and Digger was working on the rebar and wire, as well as the frame.
As I walked up I said to Digger, "you do good workfor someone that works so fast."
Digger, "it's easy when the hole is already dug, but please don't bother to pre-dig any that are in sand, I had to spend half of yesterday cleaning this one out. Trying to move sand is a tricky business, you need to stick around and keep putting up barriers or it’s all for nothing. So I may as well be digging them right from the start. Everybody wants to save wherever they can, but your time is very valuable, and I would not want you to waste any of it. Of course you could set off a number of fusion bombs that would turn all the surrounding sand into glass." I said, "no problem, I'll leave the rest as they are, most are in dirt and done. Just bill me for the work, and take your time. I want them all to be as well-made as the first."
Digger, "when they are done and have a little sand or dirt over them, you can crash a ship on top and never feel it, and that's a good thing because you seem to like to build next to space ship ports."
I said, "they are a great source of customers."
Digger, "as are your hotels I bet."
I said, "yes, they are, as a matter of fact. And now that story land Park is open my club is doing even more business."
Digger, "are you planning to build a park near all your hotels?"
I said, "let's see how the first one does, before I take another step." I bid him a good day and went over to get a closer look at how the hotel was coming along. Stony was in a chair, next to a table with his computer on it. There was a small trailer behind him and a tarp for shade. He was on a transceiver, talking to the crane operator about where the next piece of steel would go, when I walked up. I lit my pipe as he talked to the crew man, then I said, "overseeing three jobs at once. When do you find time to sleep?"
Stony, "who says I do? By the way, would you happen to have another bud on you?"
I pulled a large dry one out of my bag and gave it to him, saying, "hard to believe you would be out of the smoke."
Stony, "been working too much to go pick any."
I said, "well it shows, by the way these hotels are going up."
Stony, "still a lot of work to be done inside of them, but we're working on it." He broke off a piece of the bud and stuffed it in his pipe, then lit it and said, "ah, now that's the good stuff. Now if I only had a drink and an hour of sleep." I said, "I can't do anything about the sleep, but the drink I got covered." And I pulled out my flask of brandy. He took a drink and said, "you always have the good stuff."
I offered him another, but he said one was enough. I told him most of the other sites were already dug, but where there is sand it will only fill back in partially. So I'm leaving the rest up to you.
He said, "no problem, we will get it done."
I said, “Digger told me the only way to keep all the sand from filling back in, without setting up barriers, would be to drop a few fusion bombs and turn the sand into glass.”
Stony, “a desert of glass, well now that would be pretty, until it starts to break.” I said, “many of your people, as well as some aliens, still walk around without footwear, I don’t want to think about it.”
Stony, “I don’t care how nice your place’s are, no one will be walking on broken glass to get to them.”
I said, "as I said, I don’t want to think about it. I have some things to do over the next few days and you may not be able to reach me, but I'll check in with you as soon as I can free myself up."
Stony, "no problem, after the first one the rest are just a matter of doing it all over again, and again."
I said, "well, I now need to go interview and hire 38 people to work in radio, so have a good day and see you in a few."
I headed back to my ship and we went to my club at Central city. By the time I got there it was almost noon and the children were already at our booth drinking tall glasses of milk. I had a beer and a shot while telling the Twins how the work sites were coming, and that I had to go out back to talk to some new employees for a few minutes, but we would order before I step out. They were in the mood for seafood and that sounded good to me as well, so we put an order in. I then downed my beer and went out back to the garden to see who showed up. As I walked out the back door I saw a large group of people, talking to each other, near the fire pit. I walked over to them saying, “I am Mr. Nibor Rellim. Who is here for a job in radio?’
As I looked around I could see they all had a hand up, so I said, "good, now if you will please all lined up around the fire pit, one next to each so we can have a count of how many are here."
They worked their way around the pit until it was a circle of people, and I had counted 38.
I said, "good, I need just 38 people, and providinghalf of you are here for the secretarial job and the other for the announcer job, you're all hired. Let's see hands for the announcers."
I counted 19, and said, "19, good your hired. Now I know none of you are locals, and for some this may even be the middle of the night, so I'll make this short. Each of you has been chosen because you live near one of the new radio stations, as well as being fit for the job. You have been told your hours, and you have been told your pay. Now you need training. For the secretaries it will be on the job, so all you need to do is show up tomorrow, your time, at the station near you. As for the announcers, you will spend a day on the space station with the announcers there, learning your job. Then you show up at the radio station near your home, come morning the day after. It will be up to you to take a shuttle from your hometown to the space station tomorrow, your time. It will be up to you to a ask a guard where the communication room is. It will be up to you to learn how to do your job. If this all seems too hard, raise your hand."
I looked around and there was not a one with a hand up, so I said, "fine then, if you all would please scan a credit chip into my computer, so I can have my bank pay you, we are done with the interviews."
I pulled my PC out of my bag and they each filed past me to scan the information into my computer, as I said, “welcome to the team,and thank you for coming.” Then I went back to my booth to find Owsee there as well.
I said, "joining us for lunch are you?"
Owsee, "got my bank work done and was going to check on the port, so I stopped in for a bite. The Twins tell me we are having seafood, sounds good." I said, "I just heard 38 people for the radio stations, and on this chip is their banking information."
Owsee, "I'll drop it off when I get home tonight. I thought there would be two more."
I said, "I still need to hire two managers that I will train, but it looks like I'll be away for a few days."
I then told him about the Pirates and my promise to the defend station B3. I said, “I know Gripper would go with me if I asked him, but I don't want to leave the station without someone in command for that long.”
He said, "would it only be two or three days?"
I said I was sure of it, and he said, "and I get to fly and maybe fire the weapons of the Trident?"
I said I was pretty sure there was going to be a battle.
He said, "when do we leave?"
I told him after supper, and he said he would arrange to be gone for a few days. I said, “well then I’m glad to have you along to watch my back, I’m sure Kitty will be as well.”
The food came and we enjoyed it, then after we were done Owsee said he was going to check out story land Park, than tie up some loose ends and meet me at home for supper. I said, “see you then,” and he left.
Kitten said, “father, because you are going away, I’d rather spend the time with you than take my music lesion today.”
So I said, "well then I guess it's a good time for meto go in for a lesson. You can come was a Prowler," and we all went to the music shop. When we got there Muser was happy to see us, and said he wondered if kitten was coming in for a lesson today.
I said, “we are all here for lesson today, if you can do three at once that is.” He said, “we should be able to work something out. Please, play something for me so I can see what level you are.”
So I pulled out my White Dragon flute and gave him a sample. He said I was very good, and he had a piece the three of us could do together. He pulled out a music chip and played part of it for us, then broke it down into our parts. After we got it right the three of us played it together. Then he got out two more for us to learn. We worked on them, and got fair at it before the hour was up. He had someone else coming in for a lesson, so we thank him for the time, and I said, “by the way, I love what you have done with the place back here, it looks professional and sounds great.”
Muser, “thank you, I’ve made music my life, and it’s been both fun and rewarding to build a studio like this. If we ever do get any neighbors that are around at night, they will no longer here my music echoing down the streets of downtown.” I said, “for some, that may indeed be a loss. Good day sir.”
He said, “good day, and go carefully,” then the twins and I went home by way of the space station, so I could tell Gripper I would be gone for the few days and why. He understood why I felt he was needed there, and said he would take good care of things while I was away. When we got home the children asked me to tell them more about Earth, and all the places I had been on my 30 year trip here. I said, “right after I go tell your mother I plan to be gone a few days, I don't want to put this off.”
So I went to her shop and told Kitty the news. She was not happy about it, but understood why I thought I needed to go. She told her helper she was calling it an early day, and left her to close the shop at sunset, while she went home with me. There was still a good hour of light left, asI sat down to tell the twins the story they wanted, while Kitty worked on making us two large casseroles of lasagna. I told the children about the 30 or so different kinds of jobs I had, and the adventures of my travels. I left a lot out because I was not planning this story to take a year to tell. By the time Owsee got there I was wrapping up with the coming here and having them, then I said, "and the rest is in my books." As Owsee got to the house kitty said, "I'm told the two of you are going on a trip for a few days. Well, the least I can do is see you have a good meal to travel on. Come get it while it's still hot," and we all went to the table.
There was really not much talking during supper tonight, and Kitty had made sweet nut pie for dessert, my favorite. Then right after we were done eating I said, “I'll see you in a few days,” and we were off.
We took my ship to the Trident, then headed for space Station E3. My living ship flew next to us the whole way there, and she knew some shortcuts so it only took a few hours. Owsee wanted to get used to the ship, so I let him fly while I took a nap, and he woke me up when we were just about there.
I said, “I’ll find our information seller, and get him started on the upgrades to our sensors.”
So after we docked I went to look for him while Owsee guarded the ship. My liven ship, Id, stayed nearby but unseen. The station was very quiet, as if some people knew of the danger and had fled. The dockworkers were still there, the restaurant was still open, and there were guards walking around, but most of the other shops were closed and almost no one shopping. It’s hard to blend in with the crowd when there is none. I went to the high-tech store of our information seller, and as I walked in he said, "you made good time, you only left Laureate a few hours ago."
I said, "and how would you know that?"
He said, "please sir, selling this high-text stuff and information is my business." I said, "well I hope you're keeping track of the scavengers, as well as you are me." He said, "they are a lot harder, as a matter of fact, but I have a general idea." I said, "so do I, they attacked a Voleon ship four days ago. I talked to the survivors."
He said, "well I should get started on those upgrades to your sensors. They will help you cut through their scattering field."
We took what he needed and went to my ship.
On the way I said, “the station is rather quiet.”
He said, "I leaked the word about the Pirates, so it would be easier to spot any of these spies that may case the station to find the right things to take." I said, "and the fact that my Trident is the only visiting ship will not remain a secret for long either."
When we got to the ship he was surprised to see Owsee.
And Owsee said, "see, he don't know everything."
He said, "there are many people that are not of interest. How is our old friend Goo da wa? Still hiding in his cave, selling beer and meat sandwiches?" Owsee, "Goo da wa was never your friend."
I said, "let's get past all this, shall we? And do what we are here for." The two of them did the work while I kept watch. What would've taken half a day only took a few hours with the help of Owsee. Our shopkeeper may of known a great many things, but he was no engineer. By my clock it was now late night back home, and Owsee and I were worn out. So we got something to eat then some rest. I sleep on my living ship, knowing she would wake me if there was danger. After we got up we talked about strategy, whether we should look for the scavengers or wait until they got here. I always hated waiting, but we also had to decide whether we wanted to force the Pirates to move on, or declare total war on them. Despite the power of the Trident, one ship was a hard match for the power of their mother-ship. And though I did not like the things the scavengers were doing, it was a way of life for them. If they would leave all the stations in this sector of space alone, and move on, I could see letting then go. But we all agree that was not going to happen, so it was fight them now or later. And just how far should we go? Should we try to destroy them or just disable them? If we could force them to abandon their mother ship the small ships would not be such a threat without their power base. Or we could just kill them all, but that was a moral judgment I was not sure I had the right to make. The scavengers didn’t kill people when they rob them, but they were willing to let them die. Perhaps treating them the way they treated others was the moral thing to do. It was understood that I would be the one to decide how much force was to be used, and it was a hard choice to make.
A strong shock wave hit the station and the docking latch came loose. Luckily the hatch was shut at the time or we would all be dead!
Owsee said, "that blast wave had an EMP to it."
But my ships systems were not down because of the great shield we had. Off the port bow was a small pirate ship. It fired at us again as we drifted away from the station, but the shield still held. I was getting pissed off, so I took a reading with the new sensors and fired on the ship. I must of had to setting to high, because I vaporized it!
I said, "whoops, had the damn thing turned up too high, that was setting three." We then re-docked after scanning the area to see if there were any others. I said, "well, we now know that the shields will hold."
Our storekeeper said, "and the new sensors were right on as well." I said, "yes, nice of them to provide a target for us to try them out on." Owsee, "but I thought they were two or three days away."
Storekeeper, "as I said, information on them is hard to come by. This one was a scout, the rest will be less than a day away now. Anyway, what's up with your liven ship not warning us about the pirate ship?"
I wondered about that myself, and she said the ship was small and had no weapons that could hurt us. I told her to let me know of any ships that come our way.
She said, "well then there are 20 ships off your port, just out of your sensor range. They seem to be waiting for something."
I told our storekeeper it was time he went back to his store while we go see what we could do. After he was on the docks Owsee and I went out to meet the 20 ships that were there. We came upon them at high speed, and they scattered and fired their weapons at us. I fired back, destroying seven with the first volley of fire. They tried to surround me as they fired again. I took out another five ships without survivors, then I turned down the power on my weapons and fired on the eight ships that were left, and moved off to return to the station. The last 8 ships were not badly hurt, but they didn’t come after me. So I told Owsee to take the Trident back to the station, and defend it until I got back. I was getting on my liven ship to track the Pirates back to their mother ship. So I crossed over to Id, and we went cloak-phased to follow the ships back to their home. That's one nice thing about having a living ship, being able to phase out so not only are we not seen, but we can pass through anything or let anything pass through us without harm. The scavengers zigzagged until they were sure they were not being followed. A few hours later we came to where they hid their mother-ship. They put it down on a small moon with no atmosphere. The huge ship had a sandy paint job that let it blend in well with the moon, you could fly over it and think it was just another small mountain, except for the ships flying in and out of her. I figured as long as I was cloak-phased I would take a closer look, fly right through her and see what I could see. So I went down and did a pass through the huge ship. There were not many ships on board at the moment. They must've been out looking for places to hit. And there didnot seem to be many men on board running the mother-ship, just a few here andthere. I thought to myself, if I could disable the life support and environmental controls they would all need to get in their small ships just to breathe. And if I could make it look like a core breach, they would move far enough away that I could then steal the ship before they came back. What a prize that would be. I then looked over engineering and the lower decks. There I found the women and children, locked up in a great many cells, hundreds of them below decks. Some with many families in them and others with only one. All of them in ragged clothing and underfeed for sure. This is how they treat their own, slaves. One generation upon another. It was not enough that I stop the scavengers, now I must also freed the slaves. If I was going to take the ship I would need help. I would not be able to fly her by myself, so I went back to station E3 to tell what I had found, and come up with a plan that would serve us best. A number of things ran through my mind on the way back to the station. I could easily make it look as if the engines were going to blow or environmental controls were shutting down, but this would not guarantee that all the pirates would leave the ship. I may have to resort to an old-fashioned boarding party to take control. But finding that many people willing to help these people was unlikely, and there was not much time. Soon the scavengers would be in a realm of space patrolled by the Plexons, and they would not think twice about destroying the mother-ship. Saving people is always harder than destroying them. With the power of my Trident and the help of my living ship, I could make short work of the scavengers, but saving the slaves would take a lot more work and planning. When I got back to the station our storekeeper was helping Owsee boost the scanner's power on the Trident. I told Owsee and our storekeeper what I had seen, and they both agreed with me that it would be best if we could take the scavengers mother-ship and free the slaves. But finding an assault team on a moment’s notice was unlikely. Then my ship told me, over my earpiece, that there were a large number of small ships coming out of the Stargate and heading here. But they were not the same as the scavengers. So we did a scan, but they did not match anything on file. Then we picked up a transmission that said, "we are the children of the Sands. The 100 faithful that live at the foot of the sacred mountain from which the Stone of destiny was taken. We come to stand with the holder of the stone so his enemies may fall before him."
I said to Owsee, "well, this is certainly convenient."
Owsee, "yeah, but how tough are they? It's no good taking a bunch of cowards into battle."
Storekeeper, "I've heard of these children of the Sands, from Voleon, they are not cowards. Their fighting skills are rather good, and though their ships are small they're strong. Do you hold their Stone of destiny?"
I said, "as a matter of fact, I did give aid to a pair of Voleons that gave me a small stone as a token of their appreciation, but I didn't know it was a big deal." Storekeeper, " the Voleons are a proud people, and have always believed the Stone of destiny had a life of its own that could bring prosperity to their people. There are many interesting stories about events that happened around their Stone of destiny."
I said, "well I guess I should be polite and introduced myself to them, perhaps they can help with our problem concerning the scavengers."
So I sent a hail to the ships and told them I would meet with their representative on the docks. I didn't know how much I could expect from these people, but I would try to learn what they and their ships were capable of. I had a smoke while waiting for them to dock, just to take the edge off. I didn’t want to look nervous in front of the men I may be taking into battle, and the weed-bud from Laureate would mellow out anybody. There was, of course not enough room for the 100 ships they had. But they were able to link their ships together as they docked with one another. I found this to be an interesting ability, and wondered what else they could do. As soon as there was no longer movement from their ships, I stepped out of the Trident and onto the docks. There stood the 100, in the sand colored cloaks with their hoods up. Each held a 6 foot power-staff, an old weapon that could drop most beings with a touch, and a fine fighting staff in the right hands. The Voleon that stood in front of me asked if I was the holder of the Stone of fate. I reached my bag and pulled out the ordinary looking small stone, and show it to him. He dropped to one knee, as did all the warriors behind him. They all stomped their staffs twice with a force that could be felt across the station, and with one mighty voice said, "we serve!"
I was properly impressed. Moments later I said, "okay, but there is no need to kneel."
He looked up and said, "we await your orders."
I said, "fine then, have your men return to their ships, you and I need to talk." He stood, and with one word they all ran to their ships. Then he turned to me and said, "how may we serve the holder of the Stone of fate?"
I said, "to begin with you can just call me Captain or sir."
He said, "yes sir, my captain."
We then went into my ship and I asked him to tell me about the Stone, their ships, and what I should call him.
He said, "my name is Kerock. The Stone of fate will sit upon the altar of time, deep within the sacred mountain of our home world of Voleon, for fifty of your years. Then make a sacred journey to the seven colonies of our people, to bless them with prosperity before returning home to rest. Each time it travels it will seek out a worthy cause to bless, so that the ripples of justice and prosperity will return to our people. The children of the sand, and our 100 ships, have been the guardians and servants of the Stone of fate longer than there has been a recorded history for our people. Our ships are small but very strong and can join together to make a flying wall that none may pass. Though we lacked powerful weapons we are very fast and well trained. The wedge shape of our ships, with its Hurkulon armor, allows us to pierce the skin of all ships with but one ram. We are equipped with many mines they can either attach themselves to other ships and send a charge through them that will disable their computers, or deliver a high dose of powerful gas that can knock out most creatures in moments. Each of us is well trained in hand-to-hand combat and is ready to fight to the death without question."
I said, "well fate must have surely guided you to me in my time of need. I have a mission you can help me with, and if we are lucky no one will die." I told Kerock about the scavengers, their mother-ship and slaves, and how it was my goal to free them. I showed him on the computer the layout of the mothership, and he said they could hit it in many places with the knockout gas, then fight their way to engineering and the bridge. He said they had mask that would protect them from the gas, and were well trained in fighting while holding their breath, in case they were lost in battle. He asked if I plan to keep the ship. I told him there were too many races that wanted it destroy, and that as soon as the slaves were free I would do so. Though I was not sure yet where the people would go. We talked about the scavengers 500 small ships and the electromagnetic pulse weapons they had. Kerock said, “the speed of our ships will help, but some are bound to be hit.”
I said, “I can only hope that at the time of our attack, most of the scavengers will be off somewhere else, and that we don’t have to deal with too many of them at once as they return. It is my goal to disable their ships, then rip out their electromagnetic pulse weapons and send them on their way. Without their EMP weapons or the mother ship they will no longer be a threat, and have to change their ways.”
Kerock said, “it is very kind of you not to just destroy them.”
I said, "all life has meaning, killing is always regrettable."
He said, "the Stone of fate has truly chosen wisely."
I said, "may fate be as kind to us."
The storekeeper said, "whatever you do, it should be soon if you want to save the slaves. The Plexons have an eye out for the scavengers, and will destroy them on sight."
I said, "we still need to figure out where to take them once they are free." Storekeeper, "that's not going to be easy as well, it is said that they left their home planet nearly 300 years ago because of a plague that they may still carry. But I doubt they are still sick, as none of the ships they have robbed have ever reported coming down with anything. Still, it's just one more reason so many want to just be done with them. Don't worry my Voleon neighbor, you are of a different species and unsusceptible to anything they may still have." Our storekeeper then wished us luck, and left for his shop while we planned our attack. The plan was simple, I would fly to the mother ship and scout it with my living ship cloaked. Then call in the fleet to attach with the knockout gas mines. Because their mines were self-sealing, and worked with a diamond like drill bit that had a acid-core which could cut through any metal, there would be no air loss. Then after stunning any patrol ships, 70 ofthe Warriors would board the mother ship and plant more gas bombs in the ventilation system to knockout anyone in the rest of the ship. Then it was just a matter of taking control of the bridge and engineering while their other 30 ships patrolled for any incoming scavengers. Owsee would be nearby in the Trident to give support if necessary, while I oversaw the operation. I downloaded the layout of the mother ship to the fleet, and we were on our way. I could only hope they had not re-hid the big ship. The fleet preceded on course while I in my living ship took a shortcut through hyperspace to scout out the situation. Along the way I asked Id if she had heard anything about the plague the scavengers may have had.
She said, "we call them the race of children, because nearly 300 years ago they thought they had found out the secret to DNA manipulation, that is used on Tronex to give their people a life span of 300 years or more. But all they succeeded in doing was to delay their own puberty by 30 years, then they would grow older fast and died within another three years. This made it difficult to successfully breed the continuation of their race. Some say the race of children was once a colony that was founded by the people of Tronex, and then were betrayed, but they do not talk of it."
I said, "sounds like they have good reason not to talk about it. And if this is all true, then they do not have a plague at all, they just carry a unfortunate genetic condition that only affects them. A race of children that grow old and die just three years after puberty, they are short-lived indeed. But that would not explain why they enslave their own. Unless all the children, and people I saw behind bars and in chains, were captives they took during their raids, to work on their ship. We will soon learn all there is to know after the ship is free.”
We came out of hyperspace, near the moon the scavengers had hit the mother ship on, still cloaked and found the ship to to be there. And hundreds of the scavenger ships had returned. There may have been planning to move on soon. This worked into my plan well. If we could catch them with most of the ships on board, and gas them, there would be less to fight in open space. I headed to intercept my fleet, so I could put the attack on hold long enough for the scavengers to dock as many of their ships as were in the area. I did not want to risk a transmission and tip them off. Along the way I try to refine my plan, and figure out how I could best be of help during the battle. But before I got to my fleet I ran into a Plexon battleship that was cruising the area, on a direct course to wear the scavengers mother ship was. I make myself known and talked to the captain.
I said, "what is your business in this part of space?"
The Plexon captain said, "we have been tracking the scavengers and will now destroy them."
I said, "the mother ship is full of slaves, I will free the slaves and destroy the ship myself. Then I will deal with all the scavenger ships, so they will give you no more trouble."
He said, "they have a plague, they are best distorted."
I said, "no one that has been in contact with them has gotten sick. From my information, at best they have a genetic disorder that only affects them. I will free the slaves!"
He said, "we value our trade agreement, but blood has been spilled and we will destroy them."
Just then my fleet showed up and the Voleons quickly joined their ships together, between the Plexon ship and mine, to form a flying wall in space. This brought the Plexon battleship to a stop.
Kerock then said to them, "we are the children of the Sands of Time, the holder of the stone of fate is behind us, you are in front ofus. If you value your lives, be somewhere else."
The Plexon captain said, "no human has ever stood with the Voleons. But out of respect for the stone of fate, we give the sacred warriors three days to walk the path of destiny, then the blood hunt will continue."
The Plexons then turned around and were soon out of sight.
Owsee, nearby in the Trident said, "I'm glad that went well. I have a lot of money invested in the crystal trade. I would not want to harm our relationship with the Plexons by destroying one of their ships."
I said, "we may have wished we let the Plexons have their revenge before this days battle is done. Hundreds of the scavengers have returned to their mother ship. The abilities of our fleet and their weapons will surely be put to the test this day. And just to make things a bit more interesting, I have learned that the scavengers ships may be piloted by children."
Owsee, "things would be a lot easier if we could just blow things up, disabling ships and rescuing slaves is not my kind of fight."
I said, "when we decided to free the dock workers we knew it would take commitment, trying to make our space station work was not a easy test as well. Now we have chosen to do this, and it’s time to put our knowledge and skills to the test. Once more into battle we go for a just cause."
I gave the fleet their last-minute instructions and we were on our way. I could only hope we had been far enough away that the scavengers were not tipped off to our present by our transmissions. We set off at top speed to give them less time to pick us up on their sensors. And when we got there most of the scavengers had docked. This meant less of a space battle, but perhaps more resistance on the mother ship if they had gas mask or were in parts of the ship that were unaffected. My fleet started by launching shock bombs at the launch bays to prevent any more of the scavengers from leaving, while at the same time planted the knockout gas mines along the hull of the mother ship. All this went on as they battled with the scavenger ships that were in the area, stunning them with their shock mines and darting about like flies that just could not be hit. But some of them did catch the blast of the EMP’s and while out of control rammed scavenger ships. With their Hurkulon armor they ripped through the scavengers ships as if they were tin cans, then drifted out to space. I hoped the battle would be short and their rescue would come soon. But a few, out of control, crashed into the moon. Even with their armor, survival was doubtful. I wanted to help with the battle, but everyone was moving so fast that my eyes could not find a target. But a number of scavengers ships had ganged up on Owsee, and were trying to knock him out with their EMP weapons, when he fired on them and took out 14 at once. It was the only time the Trident fire during what was a very short battle. Soon all the scavengers ships in the area were immobilized by our shock weapons, and the gas mines were set off on the mother ship. The scavengers and our people were quickly rescued from their disabled ships, and we boarded the mother ship, still filled with gas. My people, with their gas mask on, sent more gas throughout the ship while securing anyone they found by locking them all up in unused areas. There were, of course, a few that had put on bereaving apparatuses and had to be taken down by hand. But no one was seriously hurt on the mother ship. Within an hour we were in complete control, and everyone was locked up. The Voleons did a complete scan of the ship to see if there was any dangerous viruses, germs or harmful bacteria. They found nothing unusual or dangerous. So I came aboard to talk to the prisoners and slaves. As we were securing the ship, from time to time a few more scavengers would return, and be dealt with quickly.
But after talking to some of the people on the scavengers ship, I found out they did not know they were slaves. They just believed they were members of a community, born to serve the ship that provided for them, and all part of the same family. Yes, life was hard and sometimes evencruel, but that was just the way things were and the only way they knew. The lucky ones would rise to the rank of becoming scavengers for the mother ship, and have first pick of whatever they needed, while the rest would serve the ship the best they could; but they didn't know they were slaves. That word had no meaning to them, so these people could not easily be freed. They would return control of the mother ship to the scavengers as soon as they could. To them, they were their family, and it was their duty. I could not just tell them to stop stealing from other ships, this was their way of surviving, and they saw nothing wrong in it. It was the only way they knew, and would not easily give up. I felt sorry for them, because if I could not find a solution they would soon be destroyed. The Plexons would have no mercy! I had my men placed more gas bombs next to the doors and air intake vents to the areas we were keeping the crew confined. With the scavengers that returned we had near 2,000 people to restrain, until I could get them someplace safe where they could stay after I destroyed their ship. I brought the rest of my fleet onboard, so the remaining scavenger ships that returned would not know what was going on until they landed, and were taken. The Trident, which was too large to hide inside the mother ship, moved around to the other side of the Moon to hide. After researching their computers and talking to more of them, I found out that some of the rumors I had heard were true. These were the descendents of a colony of Tronex, from nearly 300 years ago, while Tronex was still refining the longevity experiments. The people of their colony were given what they were told was a genetic treatment, that would prolong their lives. It seemed to work, and was given to anyone that had not reached puberty, and it kept them young for another 30 years but then they grew old very fast. Within three years of reaching puberty they all died of old age. What was a colony of nearly 200,000 soon were looking at the end of their lives. Tronex, unwilling to admit to their apocalyptic error, quarantine the colony and told people it had a plague. But 5,000 of the colonist made it out on this mother ship looking for help, and a new life with their genetic structure changed so that they only had three years to live after they entered puberty. Reproducing was highly unsuccessful to the point that what was once 5,000 was now less than 2,000. Rumors that they were a plague ship followed them all these years so that they could not find a new home. They did what they had to in order to survive, always on the run and hunted. Upon hearing all of this, Kerock, the leader of the 100 children of the sand said, “the people of Voleon will take this lost county of Tronex children in, and give them a good life on Voleon.”
I said, "can you truly speak for all your people onsuch a thing?"
He said, "I am head leader of the 100 faithful children of the Sands of Time, defenders of the stone of fate, and interpreter of the path of destiny for our people. If you return with me to our sacred mountain, and place the stone of fate upon the altar of time, our people will see this as a great sign of prosperity. These events will be written down in their holy book of journeys, and you will be considered a sage among our people."
I said, "all right, whatever works. But without meaning any insult, please tell me why your people put so much on a simple small stone."
Kerock, "countless years ago at the dawn of our civilization, a time traveler came to us and said he could record our lives with this simple stone of fate. He said that somewhere in the future he would be watching our progress, and returned to us in our hour of greatest need."
I said, "a time traveler with a stone that can record events, and a promise to return when most needed. Sure, I can see the importance in all that. It's not often anyone knows they have been visited by a time traveler, I imagine it can be very valuable to have one looking out for you. I guess that's a good thing, and talking about good things, let's tell these people where they are going, and get the ship on its way."
So I got on the intercom and told all on the ship the good news. Then we got the big ship in motion, well broadcasting a homing beacon for the scavengers ships that had not made it back yet. Owsee and the Trident took point for the big ship, while ID, my liven ship, darted back and forth trying to encourage a game of tag. We let a few of the crew helped fly the ship, but not many and they were well guarded. I was taking no chances on them trying to take the ship back. They were getting what they were looking for, a new home, but the ship had been their home for many generations and some of them would not easily give it up. Even though it may be the only way to save their lives.
I finally had to ask the question, "how many did we lose in the battle?" Kerock, "three brave souls sir, their names shall be written in the book of the honored dead."
I said, "I shall write of their bravery also. The deeds and kindness of all your people will be known by my entire world."
We got to the jump-gate and moved into hyperspace, and my liven ship showed us a shortcut that would cut much time off or travel. During the trip a number of living ships joins us from time to time, and “Id” played with them as we went. It was good to see her having some fun. Once, just a few hours into the trip, there was a security breach and some of the scavengers try to take over engineering. The gas bombs put them out, but for a time there was a real threat that we may lose control of navigation. Without the help of my liven ship we would've been lost in the starless void of hyperspace, few ships have ever returned once lost there. We made an announcement as to where we were, and the dangers of interfering with ship operations at this time, in hope that there would be no more attempts to take over the ship or sabotage it in any way. This seemed to work, as there were no more problems the rest of the way. It’s hard to keep a couple thousand people in check on their own ship, they knew every hidden panel and escape route on the ship, and we were running out of knockout gas. But before long we came out of hyperspace near the planet of Voleon, and made our way down. It was a very green and blue planet, with lots of water and vegetation. The Voleons, however, lived in enormous underground cities. Kerock told me their populated was nearly 3 billion, here. We landed on the desert site of an enormous mountain, that had been carved on every part of it with the most beautiful and elaborate works I have ever seen. Parts of it was like giants looking down upon us, while millions more were of every creature that was ever on the planet and all the plants.
I asked Owsee, on the Trident, to record this wonder in as much detail as possible. As he flew over head he said, "this will take sometime."
Kerock said, "the people will be taken care of while you join me to return the stone of fate, we must now go within the mountain of tribute."
I said, "first disable the ship, shut down the engines and destroyed all the computers."
I reached out, with the help of my telekinetic enhancer, and started to crush all the control crystals in the computers on the bridge. Then Kerock gave the order to his men, even as the scavengers on the bridge protested, saying it was madness to ruin the ship.
I said, "in three days time the Plexons will come for what is left of this ship, and its parts will become like the sand that is outside. Tell your people they have two days to take only what they can carry on their backs. This is the price of your salvation, anyone that lingers or is found on a scavengers ship will be destroyed by the Plexons. I can do no more for you."
I ordered the bridge cleared, then waved my hand and shredded what was left of the bridge controls. The ship was going no wares, and its people had to accept that so they could move on. Kerock and a few of his warriors led me off the ship and toward the mountain. Behind us we could see the Voleons flying off the scavengers mother ship, and into unseen landing-bays within the desert. As we got further from the ship hundreds of Voleons started to appear. It was easy not to see them at first as they were wearing no cloaks, and Voleons though otherwise human like, have transparent skin; though their eyes are of the most beautiful blue. As we got to the entrance to the mountain, I turn to see what looked like a thousand nude Voleon, walking to the scavengers ship. Most had food and water for them. With the sun’s light passing through all those Voleon bodies, it looked like waves of soft energy flowing toward the ship. It's hard to explain such a site, to me at least, the Voleons were Angel like. A beautiful people that had decided to live underground so that they would not spoiled the beauty of the planet. As a matter of fact, this mountain of tribute was the only structure on the entire planet. As we stood at the enormous entrance to the mountain I noticed we were on a transparent platform of crystal with a river under it, that flowed from deep within the cave. It was like walking on water, and it began to take us on a journey within the mountain. The walls were carved, with the likeness of those that had died serving the stone of fate, in a beautiful gem stone that had an iridescent glow to it.
Kerock said, "this is how we honor our warriors."
The semi transparent floor moved quickly over the river below our feet, as it carried us deeper into the mountain. I soon realized there were thousands of likenesses carved into the walls, perhaps tens of thousands. Each holding what seemed to be a simple power staff. These were mostly peaceful people, but this was a testimony to a eon of faith in one thing, a stone given to their ancestors by a time traveler, and his promise to return in their most desperate hour of need. Some may say it was foolish for a world to believe they were visited by a time traveler, and even more so that he would return one day when they were in need of his help. And they thought that a simple stone could record their lives so that someone in the future could see how things were going with them, was also beyond belief. People may say it makes no sense to send the stone on a journey to their other colonies once every 50 years, or to believe there was some path of destiny. But out of three billion or so of them, they have devoted only 100 to walk that path and defend the stone of fate. That's a rather small army to ensure some hope in their future. I once put the fate of my world in the belief that an alien device, given to me by a techno-sage, would somehow save the planet from a shower of metal eaten robot spiders. But it worked, and I'm glad of it, however that just goes to show you that salvation can come in strange forms sometimes, maybe even the form of a simple looking stone. The Voleons had never made war among themselves, or anyone else, in all their recorded history. Perhaps it was the fact that they believe that someone from the future was watching them and their lives, that kept them on their best behavior, and allow them to become one of the most advanced races in this part of the galaxy. I know of a few that could use that kind of a reality check, but like I said, though I have heard of time travelers few have ever revealed themselves.
After the walk we were on had taken us to what seem to be the center of the mountain, we found ourselves in the center of an enormous crystal cave, with what was the floor -- no longer beneath us. I could see only empty space below my feet, and had a slight feeling of weightlessness.
Kerock said, "this is the altar of the stone of fate, you may now return it to its resting place."
I reached in my bag for the stone, unsure what would happen next. I held my hand out palm up with the stone on it, and the stone began to glow, then rise out of my hand and a beam of light hit it. The walls of this enormous crystal theater began to flash with images of the trip the stone had been on, even though it had been in my bag for part of the trip. We were slowly pulled back to the tunnel we came from as the stone revealed scenes of things Ihad not been a part of. Then a door closed, and we were just standing in what seemed to be a ordinary tunnel of stone.
Kerock said, "would you like to see one of our cities before you leave." I said yes, though I was still a bit stunned by my experience. He tapped his staff on the stone floor, and we began to drop at such a speed that I was weightless for a few moments. Then the ride slow down until we came to a stop far beneath the ground. We had passed through hundreds upon hundreds of feet of rock by means I could not understand, unless it was some kind of phase shift, but I thought only my living ship could do that. We now stood on a walkway to a Crystal city so large I could not see its end or the roof about us.
Kerock nonchalantly said, "the ceiling is only a few thousand of your feet high, the rest is a illusion for the comfort of our people, most of our cities are much farther underground."
Not far from where we were standing was a waterfall that came from nowhere and turned just before it hit the street, then flowed up its own backside hundreds of feet up again. Some children were jumping through it and getting wet, so this was no illusion. Kerock said let me show you our marketplace, and he led me through what looks like a mirror that gave no reflection. I took only one step and found the other side to be far from where we started.
He said, "we use these to get around the planet as well."
He showed me an almost endless row of different foods that were for anyone that wanted it. He picked up a small square and said I should like it. Tasted a bit light fig, not bad.
He said, “even though my people have had replicators for thousands of years, they like to get together in the marketplace to talk and shop with one another. Most say that organic food is better.”
I said, "there are no vendors, is it all free?"
Kerock said, "anything you could ever want is free to our people. We have a power source that is practically unlimited. Something about drawing power from a sun in another dimension, it's old-tech stuff and only a few really know how it works. But I'm told it will not work anywhere other than here. We have colonies on other worlds, but none have been able to use this thing there. That’s the problem would drawing power from another dimension, you need to be in just the right place at just the right time or it will not work. For this reason we will not share this with others, because when you start opening portals to other dimensions you just don't know what you will get.”
I said, "someone may open a portal to a black holeor a planet with a disease that has no cure in our universe."
Kerock, "yes, there are many good reasons others should not have this kind of technology. There are many other ways to make power, and no reason for others to take such risks. Matter of fact, that’s the reason some of our people live on one of our other colonies, they don't all believe we will never lose control. Though for most it's just because they want a different way of life, and sometimes they find it’s not too their liking and return. I'm not sure if the scavengers will want to live with us down here. But if not, there are the colonies they could go to."
I said, "why do your people live underground here?"
Kerock, "because as we became more and more aware of the impact we had on our planet, we moved underground to prevent doing any more damage to it. We have a number of creatures on this planet that live nowhere else, and cannot live among us. So we give them the surface of the planet while we live below. We prefer this over killing them off."
I said, "well that's certainly very generous of you, and taking the scavengers in was very generous as well."
Kerock, "that was in the hands of fate, if it was not for the stone we would've never let an outsider on our planet. What I have done with my interpretation of the paths of destiny by the will of the stone of fate, will forever change our lives if the scavengers are willing to live among us. But I think it could be good for our people, they need a change to make their lives more meaningful." I said, "yes, having just about anything you want at any time is not always enough, there must be new challenges to keep the mind alert and free from boredom. I've found today to be a very interesting one."
Kerock, "as did I, and talking about interesting, try this drink. It is both sweet and has the ability to give you strength."
I took the small bottle and downed it. It was like a chocolate milk but made me feel wide awake and able to run. I told him it was very good.
Then a little Voleon girl came up to me and said, "you're a human, are you not?" I said, "why, yes I am."
She said, "we have studied humans in school, but you are different. You are a very long way from your home world."
I said, "you're right, I come from a planet we call Earth. It is toward the edge of the galaxy, a very long ways from here."
She said, "yes, but you have made the planet of Laureate your new home, and I sense you have great telekinetic abilities."
I said, "yes, and you must have telepathic abilities."
Kerock, "she does, but she must learn it can be rude to read people's minds without their permission."
She said, "I apologize if I was rude, I must go out to greet our new guests, thank you for returning the stone of fate to us. May prosperity reward you daily." I said thank you and she was quickly off. Many flashes of balled lightning streaked across the sky of the city, and I asked if this was normal. Kerock said it was just energy transfers, and they would only travel on the ceiling. I said they were a beautiful sight, as was their city of crystal, and asked him why they built out of such a thing.
He said, “the transparent crystals are very strong, and it is easy for us to make anything we want out of them. From a plate to a wall there is nothing too intricate that cannot be made in just a few moments. Besides, we like the way it all looks.”
I said, “yes, it’s truly a beautiful city.”
He picked up a handful of beans and offered me some. They tasted like a sweet nuts, but melted in my mouth as I ate them.
He said, "feel free to fill your pockets with whatever you like, we have plenty." I put a scoop full in one of my pockets, and we left this endless market by walking through another mirror, to another part of their underground world. We were now on a beach to an underground lake, and the nearby mountains seem to hold up the sky.
Kerock said, "I like to come here to swim. The water is all fresh and not too cold." There were many Voleons playing in the water, this place was so grand that it was difficult for me to remember it was all underground. They had taken tens of thousands of years to achieve all this, but that fact made it nonetheless impressive. We then step through another mirror and were looking at vast fields of many different kinds of plants. From low growing ones to mighty nut bearing trees.
Kerock said, "thousands of years ago we discovered that not only were living plants better to eat than replicated food, but that many of our people like to work in the gardens. It's not just something to do, but a way to keep in touch with the living force of the planet."
I said, "your achievements are both wondrous and unique, I hope the scavengers can learn to live in harmony with them."
Kerock, "harmony is a key factor in our way of life, we have no law enforcement's or prisons. If someone cannot live in harmony theyjust go someplace else. While we will find it interesting to have new people here for the first time, they must also respect our way of life or be denied any part in it."
I said, "I understand completely, and hope they can make the transition. If they cannot I am sure they will do well on one of your colonies. Perhaps that has been their destination all along."
Kerock, "yes, I must admit I have been thinking along the same lines, but even a short visit here will do us both good. Our own people are given the choice, and some of them prefer to be elsewhere. I love our life here, and find it hard to believe some chose the hardships of another place, but it seems some must walk another path."
I said, "yes, mine has brought me here and it will take me away, but I hope I may return one day."
Kerock, "as a carrier of the stone of fate, I welcome you to live among us or just visit anytime you like, but before you go let me show you our hall of voices." We stepped through another portal and found ourselves on a tall ledge, overlooking a crystal hall so enormous I could not see its end. There were millions of Voleons below, singing in a solemn chant that filled the hall with a vibration I could feel deep within me, it was quitewonderful.
Kerock said in a low voice, "this is where we come to sing old songs that tell of our history and help center us. This sea of harmony is part of what we are." We sat on a stone bench and listened for a while before returning to the city. I wish I could've recorded the experience in more than my heart and mind. Kerock then took me to the surface. We said our goodbyes and my living ship took me up to the Trident. Owsee asked if I had a good visit and I said, "if it was not for Kitty and the children I would of never left. I may return to stay one day." Owsee, "well they must of certainly made you welcome. Did you take care of that stone of fate business?"
I said, "yes, it's back in its place, we can go home now. Did you get the mountain recorded?"
Owsee, "yes, it took up a lot of the computer's memory, but we can upload it when we get back to the station."
I said, "well then let's go home."
When we got to the Stargate Id showed us the shortest way back to Laureate, but it was still a long trip. I tried to tell Owsee about all the things I had seen, but I found my words to be inadequate to properly describe the wonders. Owsee said I had seen what no other human had ever seen, and hewished he had been there as well. I shared some of the food I had put in mypocket. Owsee thought it was quite good, but it only reminded our stomachs how hungry we really were. So we had the replicator make us a stew.
Owsee said, "just like their food, the Voleons are too good for the scavengers. They will probably end up on the colonies before long."
I said, "even that is more than their home world of Tronex would of hoped for them. The word of what they did will soon get out, and they will have to live with it."
I then told Owsee all I had learned while on the scavengers ship. He said that what they did was the most coldhearted thing he had ever heard of, and lying about it for nearly 300 years was just as bad.
I said, "well maybe they can now correct their mistake, and give these people their long-life’s back. From what Gripper tells me, the genetic treatment his people now get lets them live up to 300 years."
Owsee, "I think Gripper is over 130 years old and don't look a day over 30." I said, "he told me how old he was once, but I forget. Nursa and him are still trying to decide if they want their children to have the treatment." Owsee, "to bad it does not work on Cadillac’s. Their lives are almost as short as the scavengers, but at least they breed at a youngage."
I said, "yes, the fact that Kitty and my children will most likely die many years before me does give me some pain. I have to keep telling myself to enjoy them while they are still here, and try to give them a happy and good life." Owsee, "be thankful you will not live as long as Goo da wa. I think he has buried more than five wife’s and each of them a true soul-mate. For that man love means hundreds of years of pain. It's hardly a wonder that he never leaves his cave."
I said, "I wonder how Nova is doing with having all my memories. A living ship, traveling the galaxy with a lifespan that may have no measure, yet no longer being able to be part of our lives."
Owsee, "that's a destiny that awaits you when your body dies, and your joined with Id."
I said, "true, but by then I hope to have lived a full life, Nova got my consciousness too soon."
Owsee, "if it was not for the scan we took of you back where I met you, we would not have been able to bring your body back to life at all."
I said, "it's good that you did, for Kitty’s sake.But I'm still left with a hole in my memory, and a ship out there that thinks it's partme but no longer can be with Kitty. It's hard to be split in two like this. Worse than split in two, doubled and separated. It's a harder thing to explain than the Voleons."
Owsee, "having a living ship that is always in your mind is not for everyone, nor is the almost immortality that comes with it."
I said, "your immortality will come from what I write about you."
Owsee, "that I can both live and die with."
I then tried to get some writing done, but soon fell asleep until we got back to the Laureate space station.
Owsee woke me up and said, "we are back at the station, stay here or go home, it's up to you. But I am going to my quarters."
I stepped out onto the landing bay and told my ship to take me home. It was no more than an hour before some up as I walked into the house, and laid down on the sofa. I think I remember Kitty stroking my hair and giving me a kiss as I passed out.

Day 101?
By Robin Miller
Words 83,682 of story. Book list on next page. Book 7 list

Day 88: Working on book 7, working on story-land park, finding Owsee’s old gold mine, retrieving meteor damaged satellite.
Day 89: Upgrades for the fighters, looking to buy $300,000 in earwood, Newsy comes up with reports from 20 areas, storytellers start auditioning on the radio.
Day 90: Story land park sign goes up, a trip to the fountain maker, the screw the CM water tax, the information seller’s warning, making plans at Goo da wa’s, story time before bed. Day 91: astrophysics sends a probe, Muser takes offer, Prowler cracks Plexon encryption code, I tell Owsee about my synaptic reader in bank box.
Day 92: Plexon takes hit by metal eating robot spiders, Gripper leads strike force to attack M.E.R.S., U1&U2 help make mines, gathering old ships to use as flying bombs, a family night out at my club.
Day 93: My fleet attack the M.E.R.S. about to hit Tronex, Flarn?, a full body scan just in case, story time, Kitty love, the repeating dream.
Day 94: Morning telekinetic exercise, gathering more ships to blow up, finding the Trident, my children to write master remote control program for flying bombs, ordering things for story land park, a walk through Goo da wa’s garden.
Day 95: More kinetic exercise, workers and story tellers for the Park, Id says liven ships will have fun smashing robots in hyperspace, seafood cookout at my place, 1003 mines ready. Day 96: Going with the fleet to attack the M.E.R.S. and saving the star-gate, placing hundreds of mines around lunar-2, Laureate ancestors were intergalactic hippies and ecological warriors. Day 97: A flying start – the Trident and the sun, another attack on the M.E.R.S., moving the three-parts of the station, 10,000+ flying bombs, war-fire in the sky, using the power of the sphere, another near-death.
Day 98: Starting my day in pain, putting the parts of the space-station back, checking everywhere for damage, mining Owsee’s gold, celebrating victory at my club. Day 99: Opening story land park, Plexon sends free ammo as thanks, gold for Owsee’s bank, Kitty see’s my park, my twins play sky-tag, Kitty brings in over $267,000 today, end of day talk. Day 100: Morning question “two in shower is okay but not kitchen?” Goo da wa over 300, the captain tours the station, intruder alert! Voleons, space pirates, freeing slaves, the shameful Tronex secret, new home for the scavengers, returning the stone of fate, the magnificent underground world of Voleon, home to Laureate.
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I would like to use this space to say I’m assuming you have read my first 6 books of “The Traveler,” and I thank you. It has taken about a year for me to start seeing them sell, so I have not been working hard to put more out; that may soon change. Even as I write this, book 8 is underway and should be for sale by 8thor 9thmonth of 2010. If you go to Blogger.com you can find me at niborrellim369 where I have left 100 post on things of interest, and a link to leave me Email. So far no one knows about my blogs, or they just don’t write me. I would like to use my blog site to take questions, and give answers about my books or myself, until it becomes too much or offensive. Perhaps I could start giving free downloads to my best customers, is it you?