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  In a small alleyway between two buildings, well out of site to most on the main road, the four materialized and quickly looked around. Hadaie pulled out his sensor pack and scanned the area.

  "Anyone around?" Dickson asked.

  "It is clear sir."

  The captain then spoke aloud, “Dickson to Lexington, send the car down."

  Within a moment the sparkles began and an automobile that looked as if it was from the 1930s appeared and glistened in what little sunlight was coming from above. Closer inspection revealed it to be a Cadillac limousine built in what was then the United States. It was solid black with a chrome grill and accents. The interior was tan and very well upholstered. The four got in with Lieutenant Hadaie driving and the captain in the front passenger seat. Dr. Nolan and Commander Tosh climbed in the back and were pleasantly surprised at how nice the seats were. Without a word of instruction, Hadaie started the car and put it into gear. The car lurched and stopped in just a few feet.

  Dickson looked over at his officer and grinned. "Is there a problem?"

  Hadaie looked with some curiosity at the steering wheel and the gauges. "No sir. It seems there is more to the operation of the vehicle than I anticipated." He started the car again and eased the clutch out a little slower this time. The grand automobile eased smoothly down the alley and merged into the street.

  Hadaie then fairly smoothly shifted through the gears and was soon keeping pace with the other cars on the road. The automobile seemed to float down the roadway. Hadaie was looking all round him as he drove.

  "I believe I am beginning to enjoy this," he said with a hint of a smile on his face.

  Several cars blew their horns at them as they passed by. Hadaie passed several of them fairly closely, causing them other drivers to shout things as well. Many made gestures with their hands.

  Dickson was getting a little nervous at the close quarters. "Aren't you getting a bit close to these other cars?" he asked.

  "I have observed that the closeness is a necessity within the cities,” Hadaie said as he swerved around another car. This prompted another chorus of honking horns and an alarmed ‘Watch Out!’ from the driver.

  Dr. Nolan leaned forward in the seat. "Yes, but I believe you are supposed to remain between these white lines on the street," he said.

  Hadaie raised his eyebrows and said "Oh," then moved the limousine from the middle of the road back into one of the marked lanes.

  There was a big splash as the body was thrown from the boat. Jo jumped in right behind and began pulling at it. Only a hard look would have told anyone that it was Mike. Where he splashed was already turning slightly red from his blood. Jo struggled to get his head above water as one of the guards from the boat laughed and sneered, “Next time you'll think twice before coming at us."

  "See if you like living on an island for a while," another called out before he engaged the engine and backed the boat away. Soon, it was disappearing around the headland.

  Jo looked around to get her bearings. She and Mike were about 10 yards from shore. Already she was having a hard time holding up Mike, but at least her feet were on the bottom. Mike began to stir. She was surprised. The water was amazingly warm and not something to stimulate. As she pulled him up to help him toward shore, she couldn't help staring at the deep cuts and welts all over him. His clothes were in tatters and soaked in blood. She felt Mike try and lift himself up. His blue eyes opened and looked up to her through the narrow slits left from the beating. His feet found the bottom and together they moved toward the beach ahead.

  "Come on. Help me out here," she said struggling with him. "We've got to get you on the beach at least. I don't know what's in this water," Jo said encouraging him. You could hear the concern in her voice.

  "What happened?" Mike croaked out as he struggled to move.

  "Well, while you've been having your beauty sleep, these cretins have been giving you some homemade cosmetic surgery. You passed out about half way through it. After they got tired, we were put in this boat and you were thrown in," she said softly as they made their way.

  Mike nodded slightly. "I never knew I could hurt this bad," he said as he stumbled along. She could see the pain he was suffering in each step. Then he looked back at her and said with a stronger voice. "Did they hurt you?"

  "Just shoved me around some," she said. "Come on now; let's get you on the beach."

  What would normally have taken just a few seconds took several minutes. Finally both crawled onto dry land and Jo eased Mike down and cradled his head gently.

  "You know I never knew a knight in shining armor before. If you hadn't jumped in, I don't know what they would have done to me," she said softly, stroking his hair back and brushing some clotted blood away from his eyes.

  Mike almost laughed. Just the hint of it actually hurt more than he cared to admit. "It's not all it's cut up to be. The effort is good, but the consequences are pretty rough." He suddenly grimaced in pain as one of his raw nerves reacted to being on the ground. After a second, he relaxed some and looked back at her. "Just let me lie here a minute and catch my breath."

  Jo almost had tears in her eyes. She had been so moved at what he had done. She didn't know where to begin. As she looked into his face and saw his weak smile she almost broke down. Instead, she said, "Mike, I just wanted to say thank you. If you hadn't... If they had...."

  Mike looked up at her and lifted his hand to rub a tear from her eye. "I couldn't let them hurt you. Just call it my good deed for the day."

  They were interrupted by an older man who suddenly appeared around some reeds. He was in working clothes and had the look of a man who had seen many seasons of hard work. His dark hair was well seeded with white specks and his tan was very deep. But his face was one of concern, not of confrontation.

  "Well hello there," the man said. He then motioned to someone and a woman appeared beside him. She, too, was wearing loose fitting work clothes. There were dirt stains on them and they looked well worn. Like all the other clothes Mike and Jo had seen, they rode high on the abdomen just under their rib cage. The woman saw Mike and immediately rushed toward them.

  "I see Brana is up to his old tricks again. Help him up, Papa," the woman said. Both reached down to ease Mike to his feet.

  "Who are you?" Jo asked not knowing what to expect, but sensing they were trying to help.

  "I am Rokka and this is my wife Shala," the man said lifting Mike easily. "We live here on this island."

  They got Mike's arms over their shoulders and began walking him up a small path. Mike grimaced and sucked in air with each movement.

  Shala was very alarmed. "He is in a bad way, Papa. Let's take him to the house so I can work on his wounds."

  "Yes, Mama."

  Mike struggled with the pain and tried to help, but it was not much use. He was on the verge of passing out. Despite it, he smiled weakly and whispered, "Nice to meet you."

  Shala looked at him and grunted. "You do not talk," she demanded like the mother she was. Then she looked over at Jo. "Come with us and we give you a place to stay. Is this husband?" she asked.

  Jo felt useless. She was walking along slowly behind them. The question stirred her. "No. We are students. They picked us up just today."

  Shala got an angry look on her face as she turned back to Rokka. "He is persecuting the students again," she hissed. Then she smiled slightly at Jo. "We fix. Come on."

  All four of them worked their way up the path. Almost halfway to the cottage Mike lost consciousness again. Rokka shifted his weight and effortlessly lifted Mike into his arms carrying him the rest of the way.

  Chapter 7

  Renewal

  The black limousine pulled into a parking space next to several other expensive looking cars. The lot was beside a very large gray governmental building. There were several flags flying in the courtyard near the entrance. All four got out of the car and began walking to the front. As they entered through some large glass doors, they walked into a larg
e carved stone rotunda where they could see every floor and several corridors extending like spokes down each level. The giant room was fairly well lit and they made their way to the center where a young man was manning a reception style desk. He was obviously busy with some project and he didn't even notice when Dickson and his crew approached. Dickson made a slight coughing noise.

  The receptionist looked up wearily, definitely upset that he had been disturbed. "Yes, what can I do for you?" he said in a haphazard manner before looking back at the papers on his desk.

  "We are here to see the Minister of Diplomacy," Dickson said in an official tone. Bureaucrats were the same throughout the galaxy. They always thought they were more important than anyone but their boss. And even that was in question.

  "The minister is very busy. Whom do you represent?" the young man droned on without looking.

  "We represent the United Alliance," Dickson said hoping it would make a difference.

  The receptionist didn't even blink. "Never heard of it. Do you have an appointment?"

  Dickson had not traveled all these light years to be turned away by some low level ego. "We have a standing invitation to see the Minister. And to save you some time, why don't you call his office and ask," he said leaning in towards the man.

  The young man lifted his eyes from his work and glared at Dickson. He lifted an eyebrow. "I think I'll do just that," he said, reaching over and pressing a button on the side of the desk. Then he picked up what looked like a rotary telephone and dialed a number he was well aware of. He kept his eyes on Dickson and his party. In just a moment, two guards appeared nearby, adding their sets of eyes to the receptionist's. After a short pause, the call was put through and the young man straightened up. "Good morning Minister, this is Darcon, the receptionist. I have four people here who would like to see you. They say they have a standing invitation," he said nonchalantly. There was a slight pause and a smile appeared on his face. "Yes sir, I know you are busy, but they are insistent." Another pause as he listened to the person on the other end of the phone. "They say they represent the United Alliance or some sort...." Suddenly his facial expression changed dramatically. He became very serious and almost panicky. "Yes sir, I understand sir. I will bring them personally," he said rapidly. After another pause he said, “Yes sir," and hung up the phone. Some perspiration had appeared on his face as he waived the guards away. "We won't need you," he said to them, then turning back to Dickson, “Please follow me. The Minister will see you immediately."

  Tosh was almost laughing out loud at the change that one phone call had made. She could sense his smugness turn rapidly to satisfaction when the initial answer was given, then sheer terror when the person on the other end recognized the code phrase and let the young man have it. She and the others almost had to run to keep up with the man as he personally escorted them to the Minister's chambers. They entered through a set of wooden double doors into another, smaller reception area. A secretary rose from her desk and greeted them warmly.

  "Good morning. May I get you some refreshments?" she asked with a friendly smile. She then began to lead them to some comfortable chairs on one side of another set of large doors that must have led to the Minister's office.

  "No, thank you," Dickson said warmly. He could tell almost immediately that this woman was used to treating people in a kind and gentle manner and probably would not have it any other way. "We are sorry to come in like this but our task is most urgent," Dickson said smiling.

  The older woman beamed. "Think nothing of it. Seems like for the past few months things happen all too rapidly," she said trying to make them feel at home. "The Minister regrets a slight delay while he ends his meeting with the Orupen Attaché. He told me he has been looking forward to seeing you for quite a while," she said.

  Dickson wondered if she was in on the secret, but let it go. "Indeed. It will be a distinct pleasure to renew old ties."

  She smiled back and excused herself. She returned to her desk and let the Minister know they were there. Dickson looked at Tosh with a questioning glance. She leaned over and said in a whisper, "She has no idea."

  Dickson smiled. It was nice to have someone like Tosh who could answer the worries going on in his mind without him asking. The large doors opened next to them and the Minister and Oreupen Attaché exited and shook hands.

  "Good day to you sir," the Minister said with a smile while he clasped the attaché’s hand in both of his. The attaché nodded to Dickson and his crew as he left. Then the Minister turned toward them and extended his hand. "Welcome my friends. It is good to meet someone from the Alliance. I am Minister Fredo." His smile was genuine, but Tosh could sense his questions. Obviously he was not totally informed either.

  Dickson stepped forward and took the Minister's hand. "I am Fred Dickson, this is Doctor Nolan, Council Member Tosh and my Secretary, Mister Hadaie.

  With the introductions, Minister Fredo greeted each in turn, "A pleasure. Please come in," he said as he ushered them into his office.

  "Thank you for your kindness," Dickson said to the secretary as they went in.

  She looked up with an even wider smile. "You are quite welcome, sir."

  The group entered the Minister's office. After the doors were closed, the minister took them across the formal office and through another door to another room.

  "You know, ever since I got this position I wondered about my instructions regarding you," he said seriously. "Please follow me and we will go and see His Majesty."

  They were led through yet another door and down a set of stairs. At the bottom of the stairs was a bricked platform next to a set of tracks. A short train was waiting for them and Minister Fredo indicated for them to enter. Once they were inside, he followed and pressed a button on the wall. The doors closed and somewhere an operator started the train moving down the tracks and into an underground tunnel. The dim lights of the platform turned to pitch black in the tunnel, but the interior lights bathed them all in light as they sped along.

  Minister Fredo looked uneasy. Dickson turned and asked, "What were your instructions regarding us?" He was curious how much the secret of the Alliance's visit had been kept.

  "I was told that if anyone came to me saying they were from the United Alliance, I was not to ask questions, but bring them to an immediate audience with the King. I hope you realize that there are no other instructions quite like that in my mission. The King's security is quite intense and I have never been allowed such immediate access," he said uneasily.

  Dickson felt that here was a man of honor and loyalty, who, although he did not understand the instructions, would definitely carry them out as ordered. He tried to put the Minister at ease. "I know you must have a million questions as a result."

  The Minister smiled. "I do, but I also follow my instructions. With all that is going on in the world, this must be very important, and I hope that when the time comes, I will be informed."

  Dickson looked at him kindly. "Yes, I believe you will," he said.

  The train lurched and began to slow as it entered a brightly lit station. Two guards came to the train and escorted the party to an elevator. It was an old machine with a cage to contain the occupants. Everyone was silent as the cage silently moved up the tracks. The Lexington crew exchanged glances as it inched upward. When they reached their level, a set of doors opened into a beautifully furnished and decorated drawing room. They all stepped out onto very plush carpet. As if by magic, a butler appeared and greeted them.

  "This way please," he said stiffly.

  They all followed him to a set of very large and ornate doors. When they approached, they seemed to open as if by magic. The butler stepped aside and the Minister motioned for them to wait as he entered and bowed.

  "The representatives from the United Alliance, Your Majesty." Then he motioned for them to enter. The butler and the guards remained behind. As they entered the large office, the King rose from his desk. He too extended his hand.

  "Please come i
n. Welcome to Naceriam," the King said. He was a younger man immaculately dressed but obviously used to carrying the reins of government.

  The Minister led the introductions. "This is Fred Dickson, Council Member Tosh, Doctor Nolan and Secretary Hadaie."

  "It is indeed a pleasure to finally meet you," the King said to each of them. Then he turned to his Minister.

  "My friend, I thank you for doing your duty without question. Please forgive me, but I would prefer to meet with these people alone."

  The Minister looked shocked and not a little hurt, but he gave a bow. "Whatever you wish Your Majesty."

  The King stood before him and grasped his shoulders. "It is nothing against you my friend. It is my plan to fully take you into my confidence in this matter at a later time. But for now you must trust me," he said looking squarely into his eyes.

  Minister Fredo eased perceptibly and smiled at his King. "Thank you, Your Majesty. I will return to my office," he said. The King nodded and Fredo backed to the doors and left.

  After the door closed, King Raterc turned and looked at Dickson and the others. "My God, it's been over 100 years since you people saw us last. That was when my great grandfather was king."

  Dickson addressed him. "It's been too long, sir. We hoped to get better acquainted this time, but circumstances seem a little strained."

  The King grunted. "Strained? An understatement," he said in an exasperated tone. He then motioned for them to take a seat in some chairs away from his desk. He took one with them. "For generations my family has led this nation through peaceful coexistence with our neighboring countries. We made sure all our subjects were housed, clothed, fed and had meaningful work. Then during my father's reign our scientists began developing wonderful new inventions and labor saving devices that improved our lives and our fortunes. Now I seem to be paying for it. People started getting greedy, selfish and cruel. Just one week after I was crowned, our biggest neighbor closed their borders," he said with a sad face. They could tell he was very concerned. "You know, we shared everything with them, and then suddenly they turned on us. If I can't start getting things changed, we will be at war within the week. Your showing up has been the brightest spot on my life in months."