Star Dancer: Talosian Chronicles, #2

By Ben Winston

Discovering a threat to Star Dancer and Earth, Ian and his people get ready for an attack by the enemy that destroyed the planet Talos. Ian and his people realize they are horribly out gunned and outnumbered when the aggressors arrive in a planet killer type vessel that dwarfs Star Dancer. How will Ian overcome this enemy and save the day?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Blue Space Publications, LLC.
• Release date: Nov 10, 2014
• ISBN: 9781501455254

Ben Winston

Ben Winston (1965 - ?) was born in Iowa and grew up in Minnesota on the family dairy farm. Upon reaching adulthood, he joined the United States Army as a communications technician. Before getting out of the military, he decided to go to school for computer electronics. Shortly after getting out of the military, and after getting a new job with an over-seas company, he was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease. A month after beginning the new job, he was laid off due to budget over-runs on the project he was hired for. Upon returning to the United States, he had difficulty maintaining employment because of the chronic illness. He began writing as a form of stress release, from being home bound and not being able to work, and found he liked writing erotica. Ben wrote a trilogy called the Talosian Chronicles (Currently in rewrite to remove the graphic sex and finalized his vision of the story). The first book, Star Dancer, won awards and was nominated for many others by the online communities where it was posted. Ben Winston returned to school for literature, after completion, he began writing professionally. Being an avid fan of science fiction he focused on this genre. He was, and still is, influenced and inspired by Gene Roddenberry, Anne McCaffery, David Weber, Isaac Asimov, and Ray Bradbury. Some of his favorite movies and TV shows are; Battlestar Galactica (both versions), Andromeda, Star Trek, Firefly, Star Wars, and many of the B-rated movies that were actually box-office bombs.

Book preview

The story so far...

Roughly forty-five hundred years ago, a Talosian Federation warship, the Heavy Cruiser, F.S.S. Olympus, crashed on Earth’s moon as the result of an attack. Faced with almost irreparable damage to the ship, the loss of ninety percent of his crew, and the total destruction of their ‘race’, Commander Zeus came up with a radical plan to try and save his race.

His plan was to leave Olympus on the moon, go down to the beautiful blue planet, and breed with as many of the inhabitants as possible. Olympus, under command of the AI, would remain on the moon, make repairs, and then begin searching for someone with the correct genetic markers to assume command of the great ship.

A beautiful young pilot trainee that was orphaned in the attack asked the Commander for permission to take her own life since she no longer wished to continue without her mother and girlfriend. Zeus didn’t have the heart to grant her request, so he asked her to instead go into cryogenic suspension and assist the new Commander, once one was found. Believing that she would never wake-up, Talena agreed.

After watching the last of the crew depart, the ship’s AI had his hologram walk young Talena to the Cryogenics bay. He told her he would be there when she awoke. She just smiled sadly at him, and said good-bye.

With Talena safely in cryo-sleep, the lonely computer set about his first task of repairing and decontaminating the ship; it took far longer than he had estimated. Nine hundred years later it had finally completed all the repairs it could. However, he remained on the moon for the simple reason that since she was never intended to land; the ship had no method of lifting its large, multi-megaton mass off the surface.

Hoping his new Commander would have an idea, he turned his full attention to the planet his crew had emigrated to. After an exhaustive (even for him) survey, he was dismayed. It appeared that only a few of the natives showed traces of his former crew. Fearing that the Commander’s plan had failed, but bound by his final commands, the old computer resigned himself to monitoring the small planet and awaiting his eventual core systems failure.

In an effort to occupy his time, Olympus rechecked for the proper genetic sequences once every fifty or so years. Realizing that the planet needed help, but knowing that interference could very well make things worse, he avoided politics and religion. He began to influence man in small subtle ways that, while not correcting major issues, kept mankind from killing themselves long enough to learn how to fix it themselves.

Then one day, one of his probes reported finding two young people that were almost exact genetic matches for Commander Zeus and Colonel Hera, the ship’s second in command and bond mate to Zeus. Taken somewhat by surprise, the old computer shifted his full attention to the young couple. The fact that they lived only four blocks apart and were best friends amazed him. Excited, and full of anticipation, he continued to monitor them as they grew and directed his remotes to continue to check the entire populace – this time with far more optimism. Shortly before Ian Williams graduated from high school, Olympus convinced him of his heritage, and Ian accepted the responsibility. He immediately began recruiting a crew after taking his best friend as bond mate. Suspecting that the ship had sustained further, possibly undetectable, damage, Ian ordered diagnostics run on the ship. After rescuing young Talena from her impossibly long four-thousand-year stasis, the small group finds out how badly damaged the ship actually was, and even Olympus was surprised by how close to killing his new crew they had come.

Not letting the unwelcome report deter him, Ian orders major sections of the ship to undergo emergency repairs, to include the total destruction and replacement of its primary power reactor. While waiting for the ship to become safe for occupancy once again, Ian and crew set up a corporate township in New Mexico as a cover for recruiting new crew members, as well as forcing the introduction of suppressed technologies and ‘green’ research.

The ship finally gets finished and a method to lift off the lunar surface was devised. Shortly after officially assuming command of the newly rechristened Star Dancer, Ian and crew launched the old warship back into the heavens where she belongs. 

Chapter One

Far away, near the center of the galaxy, two beings review the report from a distant probe.

It seems the humans have not only found the old Talosian warship, they have managed to repair and relaunch it.

Yes, we must report this to the Council. The question is, do we report it to the Talosian Ambassador?

No, the first being replied. Although the Council may disagree; the Talosian people believe the ship lost. I say, let the humans keep it, and we will see what they do with it. If it looks like they are going to use it to make war on others of their kind, then we should intercede and seize the ship. Since it was an individual, and not a government that discovered it, this could be a good thing for the Earth.

If you are wrong, this could very well wipe them from the universe.

Then it is most fortuitous that I am not wrong.

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Since the completion of the massive moon base only two weeks before, there had been constant shuttle flights moving a good portion of the Eggheads (scientists) from Talos. However, enough stayed at the town to actually begin to produce viable products.

The 'Eggs' finally produced things like cold fusion, and room temperature super-conduction. They also produced a completely fossil-fuel free automobile, as well as upgrade kits for existing vehicles. Of course, the government immediately began to try to block production. Several times, security had to escort ‘lost hikers’ off the property. In one case, it really was a lost hiker that had been trying to find the complex so he could try to get a job. Janet Laskar and her recruiters took him aside and spoke to him.

However, the rest were neither lost nor were they hikers. Intruders ranged from NSA agents to private contractors hired by the Oil and Automobile industries. There were a few others as well; more mercenaries, formed into assault teams that were armed to the teeth, also tried to get into the compound.

Ty’s research showed that all of those teams were supposed to be on assignment in either the Persian Gulf, South America, or South-East Asia. Each of those teams was supposedly employed by oil-funded conglomerates. Why?

The public relations team at Talos decided to hold a tech fair in order to showcase their products. While invitations were sent to all of the auto manufacturers and a few defense contractors, only a few actually responded, with only half of them accepting the invitation.

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Talos, New Mexico.

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I’ve been asked to move up to Selene (the moon) to continue with my research for my degree! Isn’t that great? Brittney asked Valerie. Alma Punjab is sponsoring me!

That’s wonderful news, Sweetheart! When do you leave? Valerie asked.

We can leave as soon as we can get packed up. Once we’re packed, all we have to do is call flight ops down in the base to get booked onto a shuttle, Brittney replied, not noticing what Valerie had said.

Well, we better get you packed and ready to go then. I’ll see if we can get one of the men to haul your stuff down when we’ve finished, Valerie said, smiling sadly as Brittney finally heard what she’d said and looked at her.

You’re coming with me aren’t you?

Valerie shook her head sadly. No Honey, this is something you need to do on your own. I can’t go with you. This is your time to fly. My life is here.

Then I’ll stay too. If you can’t go, then I don’t want to either, Brittney said petulantly.

Baby, you need to go! You need to get out and stand on your own for a while. I’m not going anywhere. We can still visit each other, but you need some time on your own, making your own decisions.

Brittney had tears in her eyes as she replied, But, I love you! I want to be with you!

I love you, too Baby. That’s what makes this so hard for me to do. You’ve never been on your own. You’ve never had a chance to be free. I know you won’t believe me now, but I knew you’d eventually begin to resent me for that. I don’t think I could stand that, Valerie explained. Besides, it isn’t like we’ll be all that far apart, really; just a short shuttle ride.

Brittney argued with her for another hour, accusing Valerie of not loving her anymore and trying to send her away again. Finally, Valerie fled the house in tears.

Almost spitefully, Brittney quickly packed her things, called the flight officer, and booked a flight on the next shuttle.

Forty-five minutes later, when Valerie returned to the home she and Brittney had shared, she found it empty. Horrified, she hurriedly called the flight officer and found out that Brittney had already left the planet.

Valerie went to her room and cried.

Although the medical computer in the underground base wasn’t an AI, it was still ‘smart’. Sensing the high levels of distress in one of the residents of ‘top-side’, it sent an alert to the medical staff.

After consulting Dr. Johnson, a team was sent to the Benson home to administer an anti-depressant and a sedative. The two Nurse/EMT’s got Valerie onto an antigravity stretcher and lead it back down to Medical.

Being a small community, Valerie’s neighbor called another of Valerie’s friends and told them what had happened. When Valerie finally opened her eyes late the next evening, four of her friends were there to greet her and offer their support.

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F.S.S. Star Dancer.

Selene Orbit, (Earth’s moon)

Earth, Sol Sector.

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As Ian sat in his office dealing with reports and the ‘paperwork’ that came with being the commander, he came across a request for permission to launch a class IV planetary survey probe for a mission to the Alpha Centauri system.

XO; do you know anything about a planetary survey probe to go to Centauri? Ian asked through his com.

Yes Sir, if I understood correctly, Anna Shostokovitch has jumped into the stellar cartography section with a vengeance. She would like to start exploring, if she could, Jenny replied from the bridge.

Ian looked surprised. How’s she doing that with a newborn?

Jenny chuckled at her husband. Serge isn’t a newborn anymore, Ian. He’s over a month old. Besides, she simply takes him with her now so she can feed him. He’s the unofficial head of the section.

Oh! I, uh, didn’t know that, Ian admitted. Well, I have an official request from her for a probe. Since she has her munchkin with her, I’m going to head down there to talk to her about it.

I’m sure she’ll appreciate that, Sir. I’ll give you a call if anything comes up.

Ian grinned in reply. Or if one of you ladies goes into labor, right?

I think you already know the answer to that, Ian. Besides, if I ‘forget’, I’m sure one of the nurses or orderlies you bribed will contact you.

What? Ian said in a mock offended tone. I would never ‘bribe’ a fellow officer!  You wound me!

Oh? What would you call an exclusive night at ‘the cove’ with a private dinner served by nude marines if they contact you the second anything happens to one of us? Jenny asked archly. On the bridge, the crew was grinning as they listened to the mock spat. Any outside observer would be able to tell that the command staff was well liked by the crew.

That isn’t a bribe! That’s simply rewarding someone for a job well done, Ian replied. ...and it was four naked pilots of their choice, not Marines.

Uh huh! A rose by any other name...

I’m not going to win this one am I? Ian asked.

Nope! You’re busted.

Would you at least tell me how you found out about it? Ian asked.

Hah! Now, I know you didn’t just ask me how I found out. Hello? Clairvoyant; remember? Jenny replied, teasing.

Well, how about we pick this up later, I need to get going.

It’s your turn to cook tonight, Lover, Jenny replied.

Like hell it is! I cooked last night! It’s Cindy’s turn, Ian said as he left his ready room and headed to the maglev.

No, she has a hard time doing that in the hover chair. I swear, if she doesn’t pop soon, Beth’s gonna recommend a C-Section!

Ian left the bridge and made the short walk to the maglev. Sitting down in the maglev, Ian said, Atrium level, near Stellar Cartography. As the car took off, he continued talking to Jenny via the comm. Okay, I’ll help. But I think you’re right, I always thought twin births where usually slightly premature.

I don’t know, you’d have to ask Beth about that. I’ll let you get back to work. Have fun, and don’t spoil your namesake too much.

Smiling, Ian let the channel close as the car announced its arrival. Ian got out and felt his body automatically relax as he entered the huge park that was the Atrium. The whole level wasn’t a park, just most of it. There were offices and labs here too. In addition to StelCart, Main Environmental was here, as well as Julie Laskar’s office. Janet Laskar had a ‘work area’ here too, although it was more like a secluded and sound proofed meadow than an office.

Looking up into the simulated afternoon sky, Ian sighed and headed down the path to StelCart.

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Hello Commander! Welcome to Star Country! What can we do for you? Anna asked cheerfully. Nearby Serge squealed and tried to clap his hands.

I’ve come to discuss your request, if you have the time? Ian asked.

Certainly! I should feed Little Bear anyway, She said smiling. She picked up the little one and led Ian over to a lounge area. Ian recognized it as a semi-private viewing area since the table in the middle was a full function holo-table.

It’s really good that you could come down here, so I can show you what we want to do more easily. She grabbed a small controller off the table, before opening her shirt to nurse the baby.

Once Serge had his favorite food in his mouth, Anna punched a code into the controller and a picture of a star system appeared over the table. Ian realized that it must be the Centauri system when he saw the two stars. He was surprised at the definition that the display had.

"This is the Alpha Centauri A/B solar system. With the help of Star Dancer’s telescopes and sensors, we have made a few observations that NASA would never believe. First off, as you can see, there are planets. NASA seems to be correct about no gas giants, however, they were way off base about atmosphere and liquid water, at least we think they are.

Two of the planets, and a few of the moons, show visual evidence of a life supporting atmosphere. We would like to launch the probe to investigate our theories.

Ian nodded in agreement with her. I have no problem approving an exploratory mission to the Centauri System. However, I do need to ask; have you considered how long it will take the probe to get there?

I don’t think I understand the question, Commander, She said, and moved the child to her other breast.

Well, the probe you requested is a sub-light probe. Which is to say, it can’t travel through hyperspace. Alpha Centauri is four and a half light years away. It’ll take almost a decade for the probe to get to its ultimate destination at its top speed.

Anna looked thoughtful for a moment, but shrugged, At least we will know. If it takes ten years or a hundred I feel the information is important enough for us to wait.

Ian got a playful, thoughtful look on his face. I don’t agree. You see, we seem to be a rather amorous group of people. Our overall population has already grown considerably if you consider the number of pregnancies.

Anna looked crestfallen when he said he didn’t agree, but got a confused look on her face as he said the rest. She would have asked about it, but he wasn’t finished speaking.

I think the information you seek will be of vital importance to us in our immediate future. So much so, that I think I should request a special shuttle be built so we can get the probes where we need them much faster.

Although she had followed what he’d said, she was having a hard time speaking and was spluttering, trying to get a question out. Since this request was important to everyone in the section, they had also gathered a few eavesdroppers. They had questions of their own, which was good, since it gave time for their boss to untangle her tongue.

Can you tell us what you have in mind, Sir? a young looking boy said.

Ian nodded. "I’d be happy to, but please keep in mind, I’m not the explorer; you folks are, so you’ll have the final say on what you want the probes to do.

What I had in mind was to have a special shuttle built to carry multiple exploration and survey probes. It could jump to the Centauri system and drop the probes. The shuttle could make the jump in a week or less, and you could have hard data as early as a week after that.

Off-handedly one of the older women replied. It takes the probes at least a month to do minimum survey of a planet. Atlas will probably take much longer considering its size. However, the other planet and the moons shouldn’t take as long. Besides, we can always monitor the probes from here. She started getting excited about the prospect, and Ian could see that the rest of the section was getting revved up too.

In a way, Ian envied these folks. This area of research was one he knew he could sink his teeth into, but like his granddad had been fond of saying, ‘someone had to drive the train’.

Finally getting the knot out of her tongue, Anna asked, So, what happens now? How do we proceed?

Simple, I’ll ask for the shuttle to be built, but will have the designer give you a call before sending it to the fabricators. I’d give a lot of thought to what I’d like included in the probes and computer system of the shuttle. Just remember, once you approve the design, that’s it. As soon as you say so, the fabricators will lay the keel for it.

Anna nodded her head. We will not forget, Sir. Thank you for answering our prayers!

Don’t thank me, Anna; I’ve a very good reason for wanting you to get that system surveyed. I plan on eventually founding a colony there, as well as building a ship yard with dry docks, Ian explained. So, please let me know when you have the data, as we’ll need to figure out where to put what.

Ian had no more than returned to his office and finished ordering the shuttle when his communit beeped urgently.

Captain, Sir, would you please come to Main Medical right away? Your wife has gone into labor, a woman’s voice said in his ear. There are complications, she needs an emergency C-Section now!

Chapter Two

F.S.S. Star Dancer

Selene Orbit, (Earth’s moon)

Earth, Sol Sector

When Ian arrived in Medical, he was directed through a set of doors and into the portion of the bay that actually looked like a hospital. One of the staff nurses saw the panicked look on his face and took pity on him. Boldly grabbing his hand, she very quickly led him through what seemed like a maze to a waiting area where he found Beth and Talena.

He'd expected to find Jenny as well, but she waddled in shortly after he arrived.

As Jenny was entering, Ian cornered Beth. How is she?

Emilio just took her in. She and Talena were in Flight Ops when her waters broke. Alpha Bay ESAR got her up here fast. When Emilio checked her she hadn't even started to dilate. The computer reported that Cindy wouldn't dilate fast enough considering the stage of labor she was in. It recommended immediate surgery to remove the fetuses before they went into distress, Beth explained.

Is surgery really necessary? Ian asked, worried. He knew that surgery was rare in Talosian medicine, and only reserved for very serious cases.

Yes it is. Look at it this way; what happens to a watermelon if you push it through a keyhole? Beth answered. Ian paled even more.

Relax Ian. Even in Talosian medicine, this is a common procedure. It's been refined and perfected about as far as it can be. Unless or until someone discovers a way to safely use a transporter, there is no other way to do this.

Yeah, I guess I just hear the word surgery and panic. Did you get to see her before they took her in? How was she doing? Ian asked.

She was fine – a little scared, but otherwise, just fine, Beth replied. I think in her shoes, I’d be a little scared too. No one wants to hear the words emergency C-section when they’re pregnant.

Jenny, are they going to be alright? Do you know what we’re going to name them? Ian asked.

Ian, calm down! Jenny said, seeing how worried he was. If I had seen anything about this, don’t you think I would have told everyone by now? Before you ask, Janet hasn’t seen anything either. As for what we’re going to name them, of course I know, you know too since we all talked about it and chose names for them, she said in as soothing a voice as she could use.

Beth took his hand and pulled him over to the chairs set up in the waiting room. Are you going to calm down, or do I need to give you something? I swear! Nerves of steel when it comes to the ship and danger, but you fall to pieces when we go into labor?

If the ship’s in danger, I can usually do something about it! Ian replied, but grinned slightly and started to calm down. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath to finish finding his center. Okay, so how long will she be recovering from this?

Beth shrugged. It’s hard to say, it depends on too many factors that I don’t know. It could be anywhere from a couple of weeks to a month.

Oh, she’s not going to be happy about that! Jenny replied. She’s going to be chomping at the bit to get out and about long before that.

Beth nodded. I know. But this time she’ll listen and rest when we tell her to, otherwise, I’ll tell Star not to let her out of our quarters!

Jenny and Ian both chuckled at that.

Talena said, I don’t think it would work, she’d charm Star into letting her out!

She most certainly would not! Star said from the door. She’d formed her hologram near the door so as not to surprise the people in the room. It was a habit she was getting into since Ian had remade her avatar. Although I do have to admit, she can be pretty persuasive.

Ian snorted. Tell me about it, how do you think she got pregnant in the first place?

Come on, Ian, you have to admit, she didn’t have to try all that hard to talk you into it. Of course, I can’t say anything, because I wasn’t exactly playing hard to get either, Beth replied.

None of us were, Jenny said.

Well, I just hope everything’s fine, and I can see the babies before I have to go on patrol later today, Talena said, sounding a little depressed.

You’re still in charge of the patrol rotations, assign someone else to it, Ian suggested.

I don’t think that would be fair to the squadron. I’ve been skipping patrols already in order to help Cindy out here. The wing never said a word, but I know it‘s got to be bothering a few of them, Talena explained.

Beth, how long does this normally take? Ian asked.

Never more than an hour unless there are complications. Emilio was just taking her into the O.R. when you got here, so about another forty-five minutes or so, Beth replied. Why?

As a reply, she got a smile from Ian, as he reached up to activate his comm. Major Harris, please. After a second or two, Ian spoke again. John? Could you please have Gold squadron assemble in their ready room? It’s not an emergency, but it is important. When the other man replied, Ian grinned. Excellent! Talena and I’ll be right there, please include Major Brighton as well as yourself.

Ian nodded as the communications ended, then took Talena’s hand. Come on Cutie, let’s go talk to your wing. He turned to the other two women. We’ll be right back.

Beth nodded acceptance, but Jenny tilted her head and grinned at them. You’re going to go down there and throw your weight around aren’t you?

Nope, just gonna have a little chat to find out if what Talena’s worried about is an actual problem. See ya in a few minutes. With that, he and Talena left the medbay for the flight deck.

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Ian thought he and Talena would have to wait for the wing to finish assembling after they got to the ready room, but was surprised when he found everyone already there and waiting, even Chloe Brighton, the Operations Chief.

Commander on deck! was yelled when Ian walked into the room, bringing everyone to attention.

As you were! Ian replied automatically. "Thanks for coming together, everyone. My wife, Cindy has gone into labor and is currently undergoing an emergency C-section in med bay.

Talena told me she has been fudging a bit on the patrol roster so she has less patrol duty in order to stay close to Cindy and help her out. What I would like to know is, how many of you were aware of this, and do you mind?

Before he had finished speaking, he could see a lot of the folks nodding their heads, but no one looked mad. One of the older pilots stood in the rear of the room.

Sir, we’re all aware of what’s been going on, and no, none of us minded at all. However, we would like to know if everything’s alright with Lieutenant Williams? he said and sat back down.

"So far everything’s fine. She needs the C-section because she isn’t dilating fast enough to accommodate the passage of the babies through the birth canal. So, in a little under and hour, I’m going to be a daddy.

Since she has been taking advantage of you to help take care of Cindy, I was wondering if anyone would mind her doing it just a little bit more so she can be there for the birth and for when Cindy comes out of the anesthetic? Ian asked.

I’m on the schedule for close-in patrol and CAP later tonight. Would any of you be willing to take my next two duty rotations? Talena said and bit her lower lip.

Surprising Talena, the whole squadron stood.

I think you have your answer, Leftenant, Major Brighton said. With your permission, as well as the rest of the squadron, I’ll make sure the rotations get covered in such a way as to see that no one gets over-burdened. You need to go take care of our lady.

Seeing the happy agreement of the squadron, Talena hugged Major Brighton. Thank you! She turned back to the room. Thank you everyone!

I’ll go start replicating the cigars for you, Sir! Major Harris said, smiling.

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Ian and Talena arrived back at med bay and Talena was smiling.

I take it everything went well with the pilots? Jenny asked.

Oh yeah, I wouldn’t be surprised if flowers and other junk don’t start showing up soon! John Harris said he’d get busy getting the cigars replicated! Ian said chuckling.

Flowers, teddy bears and everything you could think of began arriving at medbay as well as at Ian and family’s quarters. Star told Ian that the entire ship was aware of the births of Joshua Michael and Angela Jean Williams.

The official birth announcement was in the small community newspaper along with the winner of the ‘baby-pool’. Emily Conlith, the youngest daughter of one of the construction people, won a six-foot-tall teddy bear. The whole thing had been organized by Janet Laskar’s office and there were pools on Beth and Jenny’s upcoming dates as well.

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Ian was in his ready room reading reports on some of the new innovations completed by the research teams. There were a few new weapons systems, as well as upgrades to existing ones. In addition to weapons technology, there had also been a great deal of research done on underwater housing as well as millions of ways to clean up the planet while eliminating solid waste in an environmentally responsible way.

In with that report was a note that Doctor Amal Punjab would like to speak with Ian as soon as would be possible. Ian could almost hear the Indian accent through the note, and smiled at it.

Construction was still underway on the moon base, even though there had been large portions of the base already completed, it still wasn’t ready for prime time yet. Only one of the huge residence modules had been finished, as well as the main connecting hub of the base. The small administration area had been completed, as well as the medical area, but the first research area was only about half completed.

After the research area gets finished, the next item was for a very large, mostly automated assembly and fabrication area for building the small agile fighter craft that Star Dancer carried, which would be used for defending the solar system from attack.

The construction drones were amazingly fast workers, but even with them working continuously, the research area would still not be ready for another week, and the fighter assembly area would take another month. Of course, not all the drones would be working on a single project; the assembly area had already been started and was progressing, but for now the main focus was on the research area. Once that was completed, some of the drones would switch over to building another residence unit, then another research area, and then more residences for the flight school would be built near the small space port.

Ian asked to be connected with Doctor Punjab and was surprised when his wife answered the comm. Doctor Punjab’s office, how can I help you? When she saw who it was, her smile brightened considerable. "Commander Ian! How nice of you to call! What can I do for you today? She asked again in her excitement.

Good Morning Alba, I got a note that Amal wanted to speak with me, is he in? Ian asked.

Alba nodded. Yes he is, he has been going over some of the engineering reports for the construction project here. I’ll let him know you are calling.

Thank you, Ian said grinning at the woman.

Very shortly the smiling face of a greying, elderly Indian gentleman came on the screen. Commander Ian! Thank you for contacting me so quickly! I only sent that note this morning!

It’s not a problem, Doctor. What did you need to speak to me about? Ian asked.

Amal Punjab seemed to deflate on himself for a moment. I am afraid I may have made a mistake in accepting this position without thinking it through more completely. I am fearful that I will not be able to perform all the duties that will be required of me.

What duties would those be, Doctor? I don’t understand? Has something changed? Ian asked.

No, nothing has changed, Commander. I did not stop to think that part of the duties of my office would be the authorization for the building of weapons. I am afraid I cannot do that. I abhor violence of that nature. I have spoken of this with Alba, and we can see no way around this impasse, Amal said sadly. I am truly sorry to be letting you down in this manner.

The light dawned for Ian as he realized that Amal and Alba were both devout Hindus, and that their religion did not condone violence of any kind.

Doctor, you and Alba have not let me down at all, I’m afraid it was I that let you down. I should have known that the weapons section of the base would go against your ethics and beliefs, and made allowances for it. Don’t feel badly about this, it isn’t your fault. He said thinking quickly. Doctor, is there any other part of the base or your duties that would violate your beliefs?

"Just the military flight school, and I was lead to believe that would have its own commander and only require support from us,’ the Doctor replied.

That’s correct, you shouldn’t have to worry about that at all. I would very much like you to stay on there and be the administrator as we discussed earlier, so why don’t we find someone else to handle the weapons facility for you? Ian suggested.

You would do that for us? Amal asked.

Doctor, from everything I’ve seen so far, you are the perfect person to be in the position you now have. The failure to see the issue you would have with the weapons area was mine, not yours, so if you would consider it, please stay and continue as you have been, and I will speak to Janet Laskar about finding a person to handle the weapons and military portions of the base. Would that be satisfactory?

That would be very satisfactory, Commander! Both Alba and I very much like the situation we now find ourselves in. I was dreading speaking to you about this because of that, however, I knew I had to in order for the project to proceed through to fruition, the man replied.

In case it takes a little while, would it be acceptable for you to continue supervising the construction until we can get a military liaison officer for you? Ian asked.

That should be fine, Commander. As long as no weapons get made under my authorization, I feel my conscience will be clear, Amal replied.

Okay, I’ll get right on finding the officer then. Of course, knowing Janet, she probably already knows and has someone picked out! Ian said grinning.

She does seem to have an uncanny ability to know what’s going on. If I weren’t so busy, it would be an interesting subject to research, Amal replied, obviously relieved now.

I will let you back to work then, Doctor. Good Morning, Ian said.

And to you, Commander. Thank you. Amal said as his smiling face faded from the screen.

As Ian was about to ask for Janet, the door chimed a visitor. Ian grinned and called ‘open’.

Just as he thought, Janet Laskar walked through the door, however, she wasn’t smiling. Ian, I think we might have a problem.

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Many light years away...

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Quilcab strode purposefully into the control center. Looking out of the large windows into the bay, it saw the slaves scurrying around to get the big ship loaded as quickly as possible.

Report, it commanded.

We are slightly ahead of schedule getting the ship loaded. However, this load will all but deplete the raw ore we have stockpiled from our mines. We...

I know all that, subnick! What of the message I sent to Command? What is their reply? Quilcab said shortly, it really hated it when its questions didn’t get answered.

There has been no reply to your message, Sire, the underling replied. However, I can confirm that it has been received by the Council.

That makes no sense. We have confirmed sightings of Talosian ships operating in this system, yet Command does nothing about it? What are we supposed to do if they discover the shipments? One of these ships could lead an alliance fleet to our exile! Quilcab said to itself. What kind of game are they playing at? If we lose this planet, we lose the last food producing planet we have.

The underlings in the Command center knew better then to answer their superior; the blood stains were still on the wall from the last time someone did.

Tell my agents on the surface to get us more slaves for the mines. Destroy our current overseers and implant new ones, these are getting too violent and are damaging too many workers. Where is the Captain of that ship?

I believe it is in the pleasure center, Sire, the underling replied. Do you have new orders for the team investigating the human community in New Mexico?

"No, they have their orders. If they cannot carry them out, I will find someone who can, now get back to