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  "Ah there you are,” said Uria. “Gentlemen, my engineer, Koss, the designer of our propulsion system."

  As they all shook hands, Pike asked, "How does it look for tomorrow?"

  Koss stifled a laugh. "Scared to death. I know it should work, but as an engineer, I still have my worries. So many pieces that have to function as planned," he said.

  "How well I know," Pike said in support.

  "Would you like to see my design?"

  "Certainly."

  Koss went to a monitor and punched in the instructions to the ship's computer. The diagrams of the systems emerged. Different systems were overlaid with different colors to show their interactivity. The labeling was extensive. Pike looked at the diagrams intently. In some cases, his eyes opened wide at something different.

  Koss watched his expressions, clearly wanting his opinion.

  "Does it meet with your approval?"

  Pike knew from experience what he was going through, but he also knew he couldn't really comment. "You know I won't be able to tell you how to make design changes," he said glancing at Thompson. "But I guess I could look at it from a safety standpoint."

  "Agreed," Thompson said.

  "Thank you," said Koss, obviously relieved.

  Uria took Thompson by the arm. "Come Commander, let's let these two engineers talk of the numbers while we enjoy some other comforts." The two engineers didn't hear them as they left the room. They were already talking shop.

  Chapter 11

  Sparring

  Aboard the Amad Por, Levid was getting a briefing from his closest lieutenants. He sat in a throne like chair in the near center of a round table while his lieutenants sat around him. Being the center of attention appealed to Levid. It also gave him a clear shot. Arrayed next to his chair was an assortment of weapons which he was known to use if an answer was not up to his expectations. Already this week Levid had been angered by the report of one lieutenant, and with the pushing of a button on his seat he watched with some glee as the man convulsed with pain from the strong electrical shocks coursing through his chair. The lieutenant was still in the ship's hospital. So far, this report had not been comfortable. With all the breakdowns during the day the crew had been left exhausted and Levid's temper short.

  "What else have you found," Levid demanded.

  "We have yet to find the computer glitch that caused the shuttles to disengage, but I have reprogrammed the shuttles to rely on internal computers for the time being. Our manufacturing section is building more. They should be replaced in a week," the engineer reported.

  "That's better than nothing," Levid grumbled. "There have been too many things happening today. I can't even go to the toilet without something else going wrong."

  "That's not all, sir," the engineer said with a wince.

  Levid looked at the man with eyes cold as stone. "What else happened?"

  "The sanitary system valves got crossed for some reason, and almost all of deck 12 is filled with waste. All of the crew's quarters are filled with the stuff. That alone will take two days to repair and clean up," he said.

  Levid tilted his head back and let out a primal scream. His hand reached down to the side of his chair and he depressed a button. Instantly arm manacles seized the engineer and held him firmly in place. The electricity flow hit the terrified man like a giant hammer and he began to jerk uncontrollably. Levid's hand remained on the button as small arcs of electricity began to dance along the man's skin. Even glows of arcing could be seen inside the man. Smoke and steam began to appear around him and he began turning a putrid brown. By now the muscles stopped moving and the body simply began to burn from within. Levid watched in a morbid fascination as the body began to disintegrate in front of him. Finally he tired of watching the macabre scene and lifted his finger. Pressing another button, the chair lowered into the deck.

  Looking around him, Levid saw the results of his anger. The other men around the table were truly terrified. Their eyes remained fixed on the space once occupied by the engineer. Some even had their mouths open in shock. After a few moments they shifted their eyes toward Levid. It was there - all the fear that Levid sought. Their fear would keep them in line. He knew they would double their efforts to please him now.

  He turned back in his seat and calmly said, "So much for that." Then he changed the subject to a better one.

  "It sounds as if war will begin very soon. Is there any more trouble from the other visitors?"

  "I am informed the government leaders and their military have been looking for them. I believe several of their parties were attacked. That should discourage them," said one of the men shakily.

  "Hard to believe that one ship could carry them," Levid pondered.

  "Must be really packed in, or they have been going down on several occasions and were picked up each time. There is no indication of another ship anywhere in this system," another offered.

  Levid lifted his head and waived on hand in a dismissive manner. "Then I will rid us of this problem. Send some shuttles over and take that ship."

  The first crewman stood straight, saluted and said, "I will lead the party personally, sir."

  Levid returned his salute. "Good. And bring me prisoners. I would love to see what will break them," he said with an evil grin. He was already anticipating getting one of the people into his experimental chair.

  "At once sir."

  Within minutes, four shuttles disengaged themselves from the Amad Por and began to make their way toward the Lexington shuttle. They came together in a diamond type formation and closed the small ship. Aboard one of the shuttles, Levid's henchmen powered up their weapons and made ready a grappling device to try and attach them to the hull and tow the craft back to the Amad Por. The commander was determined to get the approval of their leader and demi-god by taking that small ship without destroying it. They closed rapidly.

  Aboard the Lexington, the call from the shuttle watch officer was quick and anxious.

  "Jamison to Lexington," the watch officer called.

  "Dickson here. Is there some trouble?" he asked. With the Lexington on the opposite side of the planet, he could not get a visual reference. All Dickson saw was Jamison's face on the screen.

  "Sir, there are four of Levid's shuttles heading this way."

  Dickson sat back in his seat. "I was wondering how long it would take before he started for us. Are your shields up?"

  "Yes sir. All systems are ready. I would like your permission to return fire if fired upon."

  "Only as a last resort. I still don't want him to guess what we are about. But you do have my permission to resist with shields and passive measures," Dickson said.

  Jamison jerked in front of him as the first rounds from Levid's ships struck the shuttle shields.

  "They have opened fire sir," Jamison said checking his instruments. "Shields are holding well. They are forming a circle around me."

  "Very well, keep this communication open. And transmit external views so we can assess this better," he said. Jamison nodded and the viewscreen changed to an external view on the shuttle as Levid's ships continued their assault.

  Dickson knew his crew was a little nervous. He reassured his men. "If there is the slightest worry we will stream you aboard."

  He watched as one of Levid's shuttles launched some sort of cabled device toward the shuttle. It seemed to bounce in mid space and drop away. He watched the energy from the shield generator traverse the cable and envelop Levid's shuttle.

  "Thank you sir," Jamison said. "One just tried to latch on sir. The shields gave him a nice jolt. Two more trying to hook on," he said. There was a sound of something bouncing on the hull. "Nice try." Then Jamison switched the view back to himself. "Captain, what if we lead them back toward where you are and they just never return? We could then take care of these guys and simply move back and sit here. Without answers, he might think twice about attacking again."

  Dickson smiled at Jamison. With the Lexington's power, they co
uld steam the crews into the brig and then do what they wished with Levid's shuttles. "Sounds like a good plan. Begin leading them away. Once here, we can take care of things rather well," he said.

  Jamison grinned back at his captain. "On our way, sir."

  With skill, Jamison piloted the shuttle between two of Levid's craft and began leading them away. All four turned to follow. Jamison kept well ahead of them, but slowed his pace so that they would not get discouraged.

  Aboard one of Levid's shuttles, the lieutenant was screaming with rage and urging the four ships to increase power to catch the small ship. Even the firing of their weapons was halted so that the energy could be channeled to the engines.

  Aboard the Lexington, Dickson watched their pursuit. As they neared the horizon he turned to the watch officer. "Turn off all exterior illumination. When those ships get on this side of the planet, I want those crewmen steamed directly into holding cells in the brig," he said.

  "Aye sir. What about the ships themselves."

  Dickson had a smile on his face. "Oh I have plans for them." He turned and looked at Hadaie.

  Aboard the Amad Por, Levid watched the pursuit with confidence. These people are cowards after all, he thought. No matter, our four craft will easily take care of them. He turned to his watch officer. "Running away were they? Just as I thought." The last of the shuttles rounded the planet.

  "We have lost contact," the officer said.

  "They will chase them down and crush them. It is only a matter of time," Levid exclaimed.

  "Do they have no weapons at all?

  Levid shrugged his shoulders. "Even after we fired from this ship, they never fired back," he said. Despite their technology they didn't have the fortitude to use it. "Typical. They are so passive it sickens me. Probably only have simple defensive measures. They probably lied about their so called conquests."

  A small blip returned from the other side of the planet.

  "One of the shuttles is returning."

  Levid smiled. His lieutenant had done well. Maybe he would give him a small promotion.

  "Call them," he said.

  "Calling," the crewman said. After a full minute he reported, "No response sir."

  "No response?"

  "They are speeding up now. They must have radio problems."

  Levid rolled his eyes back. So much for that promotion. "Idiots. Can't they operate a simple radio?" he said sharply.

  The crewman was watching his panel with some alarm. "They are still speeding up."

  "Then signal them to dock and report."

  "Sending." After a moment, "Still no response."

  "What is that idiot doing?"

  The watch officer said excitedly, “It looks like he's going to ram us!"

  "Then move!"

  It was too late. By the time the thrusters had powered up the shuttle had rapidly increased its speed and slammed heavily into the side of the Amad Por. A flash of flame and sparks shot from the impact point and the whole ship seemed to shutter.

  Inside the ship alarms were sounding and everyone was knocked from their feet. The damage control panels were screaming their own alarms indicating the explosion and then the catastrophic venting of interior compartments into space.

  On the bridge, Levid was furious. Heads would roll for this.

  "That stupid fron," Levid screamed as he regained his seat. "Look what he has done now. And my ship!" Before anyone could react, Levid grabbed one of the weapons from beside his throne and turned it on the watch officer. The energy lanced out from the gun and ate through the hapless crewman. The rest of the bridge crew cringed in horror.

  "And that is for not moving fast enough," he yelled. Then he turned to another crewman. "Prepare to move the ship. I want to see if there is anything on the other side of this planet!"

  The Amad Por responded to her master's commands ponderously. The thrusters began the move with her main engines finally adding the extra push to break the orbit and head toward the opposite side of the planet.

  Captain Dickson watched the Amad Por begin to move.

  "Sir, Levid's ship is underway," said the watch officer. "It looks like he's coming back here to see what may be on the other side of the planet."

  Dickson could play that game. The Lexington sensors could tell exactly what the Amad Por was doing from a light year away. This close maneuvering was nothing at all.

  "Very well. Helmsman, ahead standard speed two. Let's keep ourselves exactly opposite from Levid's ship," he said.

  Although it might cause his ship to be seen from the planet's surface, it was only a remote chance. The Lexington swiftly turned and moved to a position exactly opposite the Amad Por, plus or minus 100 yards. The ship's computers began making the final adjustments until the final position was plus or minus 100 inches. With Levid circling to catch his prey unawares, the Lexington swiftly began moving from night into day.

  Chapter 12

  Common Bonds

  It was the second day after Mike's bandages were removed for good. His wounds were completely healed and he was amazed that he was not even sore. Even Jo had commented on how smooth and unbroken his skin was. After another night in his upstairs bed, Mike felt perfect again. He and Rokka had worked all day in the large garden behind the house, pulling weeds and replanting some vegetables they had harvested that morning.

  It was harder work than Mike had done in a long, long time, but he didn't complain. Instead, he welcomed the chance to work his muscles and be helpful. He and Rokka had done in one day what Rokka had expected to accomplish in two. When Mike reached the end of his row, he looked up from his work and wiped his forehead on his sleeve. It was very hot. The sun had shown down steadily all day and the sweat had almost poured off both men as they toiled. Between the heat of the day, the hard work, and a new row of blisters on Mike's hands, he was nearly spent. Rokka walked over to him and placed a hand on Mike's shoulder.

  "You have done much this afternoon. A natural farmer I think."

  Mike laughed. One of the things he definitely did not want to do was farm, although he was interested in the hybridization process. But he didn't want to disappoint his host.

  "One of my many interests. In my country, we once had a great leader who took pleasure in farming and learning of new things to grow. He introduced new foods to the country and provided many inventions for saving labor time. He is one of the people I admire," Mike said wiping his face again.

  Rokka nodded in approval. Farming was an honorable thing. Most of the people he knew did some farming; even the scientists took the time to grow something, even if just flowers. It was good to know Mike held the same notions. He wondered about some of the people Mike knew.

  "Have you met this man?"

  "Met him?" Mike looked at Rokka in some amazement. Rokka couldn't know the man and of course he supposed that Mike was talking of a personal experience. "No. He lived many centuries ago," Mike said. "His name was Jefferson. He not only invented and farmed but was the architect for a great nation," he continued. After a thoughtful moment he said, "I wish I could have met him."

  Rokka's interest was now focused. "How did he build this nation?"

  "Through his leadership and by writing words. Great words. Powerful words. People believed him."

  Rokka nodded. "I have met such men. What were some of his words?"

  Mike and Rokka started walking toward the house. He thought a moment and then said, "Mostly about what government should be. He believed that government should get its power from the people it serves. That the education of the people benefits all, and that freedom was the key to the future. I guess his most famous words were from his declaration when he said that, (he paused remembering) let's see now," he stopped a second. His eyes turned down and he thought for a moment. "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal. That they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights and that among these rights are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness," he said reci
ting the famous words.

  Rokka listened intently. His eyes were locked on Mike and he nodded in understanding.

  "Good words. What kind of declaration was it?"

  "A declaration of independence," Mike said. We learned in our history that the people were tired of being constrained and taxed by their founding nation without the benefit of their own participation in the decisions made. So they declared their independence and fought for their freedom. The result was a new nation, which ultimately led to much of what we are today.

  Rokka had never heard of such history. It only confirmed some of his suspicions. He kept those suspicions under wraps for now.

  "He sounds like a good man. How many men such as these do you think of?"

  "Oh there are many," said Mike. "Another one of my biggest heroes was a guy named Lindbergh. He took his aircraft and flew across an entire ocean by himself, just to prove it could be done."

  Rokka stopped and his eyes narrowed. Something wasn't right. "What is this flew?"

  Mike immediately recognized his error and remembered he had some responsibilities when interacting with new civilizations. "I'm sorry. You couldn't know about that. Let's just say he performed what many said was impossible all by himself. He proved something could be done when almost a whole world thought it couldn't."

  That Rokka could understand. He too had proved several things that had previously been considered impossible to be very possible indeed.

  "Going across an entire ocean by oneself is a very brave thing."

  "Very. But by his actions the whole world changed. He went on to make transportation easier and more common. I like his daring and courage."

  "These sound like good men. But supper will be ready soon," he said as he took Mike's tools and placed them inside a small tool shed. He noticed Mike was now intent on the antenna just over the trees.