Truly Organic

By Angus H Day

Aaron Prekel rescues his family through Pizza and a Micro-brewery. Did he realize he would open up the stars for a segment of the human race in danger of being destroyed? Large forces on Planet Earth move in to thwart his efforts and keep space to themselves. Intrigue, assassination, espionage and risking global nuclear war are just the hors d’oeurves served hot in the first portion of this tale.
I’m pretty sure Aaron had no concept of Cyborg aliens and a planet where anything mechanical would be attacked by flora. He watches from orbit as the colony he seeded takes root and begins to thrive until the day when a sentient creature takes possession of the colony and shoves him and others into a camp.
A couple of centuries later the Interstellar Alliance begins to come under attack in odd places and they have no idea why or from where. Why is my salad attacking me? How come my Next You prosthetics stop working? Who wants ice cream anyway? Finish the story to find out why you really don’t want to be what you eat.
A Next You Universe tale.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Angus H Day
• Release date: Feb 20, 2015
• ISBN: 9781311929990

Angus H Day

I'm married, father of two fine children and I have made Fort Collins Colorado my home. Currently I work as a manufacturing chemist in the pharmaceutical industry, swim and write science fiction.

Book preview

Chapter 1 - Working to Live.

2073 South Dakota.

Ander Prekel was gazing out of the window of the Landscam Enterprises HR office onto the toxic land surrounding what had once been vibrant farming community.

Seven-Oh-Six emitted from the speakers of the ceiling intercom as the woman who had been seated next to Ander rose in response. The voice calling the numbers here was electronic due to labor laws. He watched her move to the interview table only to be told not to sit as she was handed a plastic card. Her shoulders hunched and began to tremble as she turned on her heel and walked hurriedly for the door.

Seven-Oh-Seven the next announcement was as lifeless as all seven hundred and six before it. He rose and walked calmly the same path that the woman who had been seven-oh-six had taken. When he stood before the table he didn’t even make a move to sit, just waited.

A man in his fifties with close cropped salt and pepper hair addressed him from his chair. Seven-Oh-Seven, Ander Prekel. You are hereby released from Landscam employment status. Your benefits card allows you the privilege of paying out of pocket for medical services for two months. He handed Ander the card. Turn in your identification card at security on your way out of the complex.

Ander hadn’t said a word until now. What is to become of this place?

None of your business.

Ander Actually since I worked here for twenty years…it is my business.

The man pressed a button on the table. Three burly security types in military utility uniforms entered surrounding Ander. The man stood from his chair and walked around the table. You’ve violated economic redistribution code forty seven so I’ll be taking this back. He snatched the card from Ander’s limp hand. You will now be escorted the remainder of your journey.

The security guys walked Ander to the complex gate, stripped off his identification card and threw him to the ground. A roar could be heard in the distance as the last of the NERVA engine single stage to orbit (SSTO) ships launched. Ander wept from his vantage point until the rocket image had dwindled to a small gray speck in a perpetually hazy sky. Slowly he rose to his feet and brushed himself off. Twenty years of mining uranium. Three kidney transplants, two children and one previous wife dead from environmental catalyzed cancer. He caught himself looking at his feet and cocked his head back to gaze to the sky once again.

Hatred was simmering in Ander, now that the reality of being let go found traction. He walked to the worker pool van and boarded for his last trip to the town of Pierre.

Ander walked from the van collection point as workers were taking down the sign. Four blocks to get home to Mary and Aaron, his second wife and his only remaining son. What was he going to do? The only thing he had done as a career in life was mine Uranium. He had worked constructing resort condos for a summer in the Colorado Mountains over twenty years ago, but the pain in his joints screamed that away as a choice. Aaron greeted Ander at the door with a bottle.

Dad. Brewed my first batch of lager today and I wanted you to be the first to have one.

Thanks Aaron, I could really use that. How is the job hunt going for you?

Not real well. It seems Landscam managed to become the only thing around here.

I guess we can deliver pizzas or bag groceries…

Dad, we need to move. When I said Landscam was it, I wasn’t joking or being a snob. They managed to get ownership of all the other businesses. Everything in Pierre is shutting down except for the Nursing Home. They are government owned and not taking in any new residents. Once the last one passes they are closing that too.

What the hell? Why is all this coming as news to me?

Ander took a close eye swig of the lager letting the taste work its way across his tongue. The coolness of the liquid took the edge off of his temper as it slid down his throat. When Aaron saw his father relax he continued.

It’s probably news to you because it was news to the business owners also. All of them had their businesses financed through the South Dakota Limited Credit Union. Turns out that was also Landscam.

Ander turned sickly pale as he placed the bottle on a coffee table. We still owe…

Aaron was shaking his head and Mary entered the room. Tears were flowing down her face and she held a cloth to her nose to catch all the moisture. She still couldn’t bring herself to speak.

Ander How long did they give us?

Aaron looked to Mary then to the front picture window. After you went to work this morning a message flashed on the media console that we had a week to find other accommodations. Not long before you walked up a second message came across stating that we had one day to leave.

Ander Did it state why the change?

Aaron looked to the floor before he answered The message stated you had been insubordinate at your termination interview. Doesn’t matter really. We don’t have the resources to do anything but leave.

Ander nodded as he rose and pulled Mary into an embrace. She finally was able to speak after a few minutes of hugging. Ander, let’s leave the US. Other than Aaron we have no one anymore. Let’s start over some where while we still can.

Ander held her at arm’s length and smiled. He had most of his hair and at forty years of age he was pretty fit for an ex-uranium miner. How will we pay to get to where ever it is we…

Mary I have my parents insurance money still. It’s enough to start.

Ander You still haven’t said where you want to go.

Mary took this moment to look down and Aaron took over. Dad, will you consider moving?

Ander laughed Consider? I’m done boy. Pierre and South Dakota…hell the entire US of A can kiss my barely surviving ass. You guys pick a place and I’ll do everything I can to help make it happen.

Aaron laughed a bit and Mary un-tensed. Mary would like to move to Java and I would too. We would have to keep our non-Islamic beliefs to ourselves but they seem pretty tolerant there.

Mary Indonesia was the first of the Islamic nations to institute socialized medicine. We wouldn’t have to worry about pay authorization cards anymore.

Ander considered for a moment What would I be able to do there?

Aaron You remember how you loved cooking those wood fired pizzas for the Elks lodge benefits? I looked at the finances with Mary. She has enough to get us there, down pay on a small house and get us started with a restaurant. It’s weird how the money will go so much farther there.

Ander laughed. Have you appointed yourself accountant yet?

Aaron No, I figured I could start a micro-brewery.

Ander had a serious expression They might buy pizzas Aaron but how are we to sell beer to Muslims?

Aaron’s face fell Guess I better be a good salesman.

They all laughed as they packed up what belongings were deemed worthy of moving on with the Prekel family. Ander’s hatred was now diffused to a smoldering ember that even he no longer noticed.

2097 Bandung, Java, Indonesia

Mary walked with her light flowery scarf covering her face in the mild morning air. The cart she pulled had the ingredients for tonight’s Prekel Pizzeria menu and little boys followed her like it was their favorite game to shadow the white lady. Funny how the name of the game didn’t change even when half of the little boys were also white children of other US ex-pats. Stopped in front of the door to the restaurant she turned her gaze on the little monsters causing some of them to squeal Don’t look her in the eyes or she will possess you.

Mary laughed Five rupiah to the one who does my bidding and takes the food into the restaurant.

All of a sudden instead of trying to escape three of the boys came forward to try and be the one. Mary opened her right hand and passed it over the heads of the boys until she lowered it onto the head of one with brown skin and a beaming smile. His white school shirt was meticulously clean. Today I choose Hector. Try again tomorrow boys. Hector’s smile wattage rose as he busied himself with doing a good job of getting the kind white lady’s food into the restaurant.

As she passed inside she kissed her hand and placed it on the framed picture of Ander that greeted all who entered. Hector stopped to look up. You always do that lady. Who was that man?

Mary That man was my Ander. We started this restaurant. She looked to Hector. He would have liked you. He passed on five years ago tonight.

Hector’s smile vanished I’m sorry lady. I didn’t mean to make you sad.

Mary smiled You didn’t. Put that cart next to the counter and come get your rupiah before your friends call the police. They would say I possessed you and put you in the pizza oven.

Hector laughed I don’t believe they have that much imagination lady.

Mary laughed Don’t you sell them short. Thank you Hector. The boy left.

Aaron arrived with his wife Esther two hours before the Pizzeria was to open its daily service. Esther went into the back to help Mary while Aaron checked on the chilled kegs of Cassava and Mango beer he had been saving for tonight. Five years without Dad. This beats the hell out of where we started though. Mary came over to the bar area.

Mary You’ve made quite a success out of selling beer to Muslims don’t you think.

Aaron laughed You know the Muslims don’t buy it. It’s the miracle of you and Dad’s pizzas that get any business out of them at all.

Mary I know, just teasing you. Remember when Ander got that look on his face when you said what you wanted to do here? I almost peed myself.

Aaron laughed again I guess I was more concerned with trying to keep him from having a heart attack at all the news, didn’t think to check the floor for puddles.

Mary laughed and slapped Aaron with a towel. Esther joined them.

Esther Aaron, it looks like Mary took the news pretty good.

Aaron’s face lost all humor Are you kidding me? Esther, I love you honey but you’ve made an assumption and now…Mary would you sit down for a moment?

All of a sudden Mary was feeling her sixty two years and the idea of having a seat had some appeal. All right, I’m sitting and you are going to pronounce something to me. Go right ahead dear.

Aaron rubbed at his chin as he cast his glance about. Finally I’ve been accepted on the tether project. We move to Klaten in four days.

Mary just nodded and smiled as her eyes began to glisten. I’m very proud of you. Your father would be also. Why were you hesitant to tell me?

Aaron It’s just I don’t want you to think we’re abandoning you. You can come…

Mary shook her head No, the tether is your vision Aaron. Keeping this restaurant part of this community is mine. I will be staying. We make enough for me to take on help.

Aaron slowly nodded I had a feeling you would go that direction. I left someone outside that I would like you to meet. Hang on. Aaron jogged to the front door and let a man in his forties enter. Mary this is Steven Vescow. He’s an ex-pat just in from Indiana. He would…

Mary stood up Thank you dear. I’ll take over. Mr. Vescow is it? What did you do in Indiana?

Steven Vescow stood just under six foot and was well built. Mrs. Prekel, I ran a micro-brewery that was taken by the Credit Union when the last factory closed. I’m afraid I’ve got knowledge but I used all of my means to get here.

Mary giggled like a little girl. It seems that was enough. Tonight you are a guest. Tomorrow are you going to be an employee?

Steven smiled I’m honored. I have no problem with helping tonight though if you wish it.

Aaron smiled You should be a guest and your job tonight will be to see the ambiance of this place. Study hard Steven.

2102 Klaten, Java, Indonesia

The media screen in the front room was on as four children ran around the house chasing each other with comic action figures. The news announcers could just barely be heard over the noise of play but the words still etched themselves in Aaron’s mind. Esther dropped the books she had been carrying when the words struck her.

Virtually the entire western hemisphere is now one body, the American Union. Canada and Argentina are separate though they will likely merge as trade embargoes force them to reconsider. Where once there were many voices now there are few and we should be grateful that Indonesia is still independent. We now return to football.

Esther "What does that mean Aaron? The tether…

Aaron Is funded by Indonesia and Malaysia. Luckily we are the two mostly Islamic nations not under religious control.

Esther relaxed a bit How long until it is done?

Aaron smiled Thirty more years. Emily and Nolan will use it I’m sure.

Esther laughed I’m glad the funding is sound. That long to complete a project might just cause most to lose confidence.

2103 Bandung, Java, Indonesia

Fifty or so people mostly of middle to late age were gathered under a large palm tree facing Southeast in the late of the day. A picture of Mary stared back with her warm smile.

Aaron turned to face the assembly Thank you all for coming and remembering Mary. She loved you all. It is a full life we are here to celebrate today and that is what I believe she would have wanted. Esther took a cue from Aaron and started a media player. The sounds that came out were of a folk tune from the Appalachian Mountains where she had been born but it was not a sad song. All those who listened smiled through their tears and the only disturbance was the passing of a dirigible overhead, it’s engines a background whine. The message on its side proclaimed Earth, home to ten billion. How do you plan to eat tomorrow?

Those who looked up and read shook their heads in disgust.

Back to the top

Chapter 2 - Keeping the Balance.

2103 Bandung, Java, Indonesia

Steven Vescow was cleaning the bar and tables as four men and a woman entered. Odd thing about the woman was her crisp Western business attire in a neighborhood that still observed Islamic dress customs. She seemed un-intimidated and appeared to be leading this group.

Steven Please choose a table. If there will be more in your party I can combine tables.

The woman We are all for this visit. The name outside, Prekel Pizzeria, is that connected to Aaron Prekel?

Steven His family started the restaurant and I took it over after his Mother passed last week.

The group was attentive to Steven’s explanation as they took their seats at a table next to a front window. One of the men held out a chair for the woman to sit and as he did so Steven could see the bulge of a large pistol outlined through his business coat. Once she was seated the man took a seat opposite where it was obvious he intended to watch the window and front door with a wall to his back.

The woman Thank you for answering my question. May we have a moment to review your menu?

Steven Yes, of course. Would any care for a beverage in the meantime?

The woman I feel confident that all four of us would enjoy some cold tea if you have it.

Steven nodded Very good. I’ll be right back with four teas.

As Steven returned to the bar and prepared four teas with his right hand, his left hand tapped out a message on the keypad under the bar. As he finished typing he looked up to see the armed man fixing him with a stare that made his skin itch. Gathering the teas on a tray he was back at the table laying them out for the diners when the armed man spoke.

Armed man Mr. Vescow, do we need to consume the tea in a hurry?

Steven glanced to the man. I don’t…

Armed man We are not here to harm any. We just wish to meet with you and Aaron Prekel at the earliest opportunity. I am aware that you just sent a message. Again I will ask, do we need to drink and run?

Steven stayed next to the table as he considered the odd appearance of these people and the woman’s probing of the restaurant name. And how did this man know his name?

Steven I don’t recall our introduction beyond me showing you to this table. You are in no danger that I know of here but I would like to know your business…beyond lunch, as you appear to be here for some other purpose. Please speak plainly.

The armed man nodded to one of the other men who produced a device with cycling lights he placed on the table then positioned a wired skin tab to his left temple. After a minute he nodded back.

The armed man My name is Arturo Peridore and this is Maria Gamache. We would like to set up an appointment to speak with Aaron and you.

Steven I’m a barkeep Pizza guy and Aaron is Materials Engineer. Are we to design and build you a new pizza box with a micro-brew cooler?

Maria laughed lightly No Mr. Vescow. Please if we could order now and you could maybe let us know our meeting time and location by the end of the meal? We would like to speak with the both of you at once and not she looked to the window and the door not because anyone looked or entered but more as added communication this openly. I assure you we are friends.

Steven seemed to consider this a bit longer then he smiled Alright then, what’s it to be?

Arturo answered I think we would like to share a Supreme Fruit pizza, medium please. What is a Mango beer?

Steven chuckled a bit. A very delightful beverage with an alcohol content of thirteen percent. I would gladly serve you one if you visibly unload.

Arturo Just asking, I think we’ll stick with the teas.

Steven smiled A wise if curious choice among…friends. I will return shortly with your pizza and your answer.

The meal finished and Maria settled the bill using a locally acquired debit card. Mr. Vescow, are we to have a meeting?

Steven Aaron says he’ll meet with you but at the moment he’s working in the Strato-lab. He won’t be back down for two days. Will you be available in that time frame?

Maria smiled as she glanced to Arturo who nodded once.

Maria spoke We will gladly accommodate that timeline. Where do you suggest we meet?

Steven fixed his eyes on Arturo You people seem to think that you know me on some level so you might consider some advice. You stand out here like a sore thumb. Nobody around here dresses and acts like you do so where ever we choose to meet you will have to consider your appearance or we will abort. As for the place, if you will give me your cutout number I will convey that two hours before the meet…friends.

Arturo smiled and the room appeared to get bright. He moved to the register and gave Steven a card with eight numbers on it. Steven nodded.

Aaron had been on the tether at the Strato-lab for twelve hours. He was still listening though he was ready to help the speaker experience free fall. The guy was droning on and on about the difficulty in working with materials at this altitude. Jules Kershaw had developed a reputation, having worked for Heavenly Enterprises for three years. Aaron was just worshiping the magnificent endurance of his other employees when Jules cleared his throat again.

Jules So in conjunction with my earlier statements, I think it would be in our best interests if you could add to my staff so that I can have two working up in this lab while I’m in the ground lab writing the SOPs, Standard Operating Procedures, for the workers who will actually be making the materials.

Aaron stood up and placed his hand on Jules shoulder. Mr. Kershaw. You were up here yesterday correct?

Jules Yes Aaron, as I was saying…

Aaron removed his hand and signaled to forestall any more filibustering I believe I missed the actual details of what you accomplished up here yesterday.

Jules looked to the window facing Japan I had the paint selections and observed their atmospheric interactions with the tether material.

Aaron’s face generated a brief smile until the calculator engaged resulting in him tapping Jules gently on the shoulder.

Jules turned to face Aaron Will I be getting the help I need?

Aaron did smile this time I think we can arrange for something. I’ll get back to you.

Two days later Aaron and Steven sent a text message to the cutout number. Wear something green to the Bandung Lautah Api and walk twice past the kireyflorist. Time so the second pass is at fourteen hundred.

A minute later the response came back.

Received.

Arturo spoke to the others as they walked This may not happen. These two could decide something is off even though we came as requested.

Maria following behind and sporting a green burka responded At least if it doesn’t happen I got a historic piece of male oppression to add to my wardrobe. Might still bring it out on…special occasions. You sure we are on the right path here Arturo?

Arturo smiled processing the innuendos as well as the overt. I believe we are enough to dress like this in a place where…things could go poorly. He was referring to his jeans and button down shirt. No side arms or technological means of defense evident.

Maria laughed lightly I’m here too so if it does flop I’ll own half. Are we on time?

As if in answer, Steven Vescow stepped out of a tri-wheel on the curb directly in front of the kireyflorist, entering the compound without making eye contact.

Arturo I think that was our sign. They entered the gate and Steven spoke to them.

Steven Ah, you came. Good, good. Truly this is the only place in Bandung to get premium hops. I believe you said you wished to brew a dark beer.

Arturo took only a second to catch up Not so very dark. Too much uric acid and my ankles turn into stumps.

Steven laughed a bit. I totally understand. So here are the hops and the brewer we spoke of can be found at this place for the next hour. I took the liberty of telling the tri-wheel outside to wait for a fare. Steven handed a card to Arturo.

It read.

Building 14, Room 318, Jalan Tamansari, 40132, Indonesia.

Steven I suggest sooner would be preferable if you want to avail yourself of his time.

Maria spoke quietly to Arturo, not wanting to dispel the cover of her disguise with odd behavior. We should probably go.

Arturo smiled again and handed a debit card to the nearest attendant to pay for the one pound of hops. They boarded the tri-wheel minus Steven and gave the driver a look at the card.

Entering Building 14 a security guard asked them their business. When she saw the card she nodded her burka clad head and pointed to the escalators, telling them to take both legs and veer down the left corridor after the second. Infrared would be tracking their movements.

Reaching room 318 Arturo knocked on the door. It opened on the third rap to reveal a conference table. At one end sat Aaron Prekel and at his nearest side stood Steven Vescow with an ugly looking machine pistol pointed to the floor held loosely in his left hand. Two burka clad guards appeared behind the four audience seekers and gently ushered them into the room despite their hesitance at seeing Steven armed. All took seats except for Steven and the two guards.

Maria unhooked her burka and spoke. You are Aaron Prekel. We requested a friendly meeting. I guess the first item would be our definition of friendly.

Aaron laughed Friends at least know each other’s names and occupations. Maybe we should change our current relationship terms to ‘non-hostile but wary’.

Arturo smiled and nodded. Understood. What else do we need to do to prove our intentions are not hostile…Mr. Prekel.

Aaron’s complexion paled Mr. Prekel was my father and I would consider it a step in the right direction if you call me Aaron. Landscam robbed Mr. Prekel of most of his productive life so I could do without the reminder.

Maria nodded I am sorry for that. Though my family had some ownership in that when it started we were forced out well before your father…

Aaron smiled Let’s move this along shall we? Who are you…friends? What is it you want?

Arturo picked up We represent two countries still in the western hemisphere not in the union. We would like to help with the project.

Steven nodded and took a seat.

Aaron exhaled and leaned back into his seat. Even if you wanted to, we couldn’t do this in the open. The Union, Muslim Alliance and Cold block would see it as a threat and move to block. Right now they consider it beneath them, as we only have a proof of concept single car to orbit. What kind of help are you proposing?

Maria Funding, materials, any technical help at our disposal. In return we would like preferential consideration when cargo and personnel ratings are established.

Arturo stepped in Also, we have established intelligence networks among the powers you mentioned. Mr.…Aaron, Steven. The population, planet wide, is just short of eleven billion humans. Those powers are not able to feed and care for their people. We have every indication that this is heading down a bad way and our respective nations feel that access to space is the key to relieving the pressure. We want to help, not take it over.

Steven You could likely help with the intelligence and funding. As Aaron will tell you the materials are being invented as the project continues. What behaves one way at sea level doesn’t translate at Strato and above. Either way, those powers we magically avoid mentioning have assets here in Bandung and Klaten. We’ve even left some embedded in the staff, once we figured out who they were. All of them have displayed more field-craft and sense in their appearance.

Maria responded I am to blame for that Mr. Vescow. I thought keeping a normal appearance for us would be the best way to show you we had nothing to hide. If we have alerted any problems for you I am deeply sorry, it was not the intent.

Aaron nodded Very well. We will consider your offer and get back to you in a day. He slid a cutout phone across the table with the logo of a roach on its casing. I’ll call you on that with our response.

Back on the street Arturo spun on Maria with a smile on his face. He startled her with his sudden moves but she relaxed when she saw his face.

Arturo Very nice. Shall we eat out to celebrate?

Maria laughed a bit How about after we get back to our residence and change back into a…protective posture.

Arturo Agreed. Maybe they will let us stay here?

A day later, Arturo and Maria were running through the streets of Bandung staying a block ahead of a group of men firing rounds in the air and burning automobiles. Rounding a corner Maria felt the vibration from the Roach. She pressed it to her ear and heard the words "Brake left into the alley now!"

She grabbed Arturo’s arm and pointed as they changed direction. A door opened and they ran inside.

Arturo had his right hand filled with a large caliber pistol as he scanned the room. The silence broke with another vibration from the Roach.

Maria listened. We will move forward with this effort. Stay where you are and we will collect you in fifteen minutes. Tell Hector thanks. The device went dead; no power and the coding ate itself.

Maria looked to Arturo and then to a diminutive man without legs on a cart. He had been the one to open the door. Aaron and Steven said to say thanks.

The man they assumed to be Hector smiled I’m still under the spell.

A knock on the door Hector recognized and it opened again. Arturo and Maria climbed into a tri-wheel. The ride across town took half an hour during which Maria wisely concealed herself using the burka again.

They arrived at an old house, probably mid-twentieth century but with a whole house veranda. Aaron and Steven were on the porch ready to greet.

Aaron What happened to the other two?

Arturo spoke as Maria was having trouble holding it together They were consumed by the riot. I don’t believe they survived, but I intend to check the hospitals shortly. Vincent was my cousin. Blake was Maria’s body guard.

Steven Please come inside then. We will use the Bandung locater to try and find them.

A half hour later the missing had been found. Vincent was in Central hospital under observation for a concussion. Blake was in attendance waiting for his release papers after losing a foot. At least both were alive.

Back to the Top

Chapter 3 - An idea evolves into form.

The loft office was in a converted warehouse on a back street of Klaten. Heavenly Enterprises Ltd. leased the space and the four surrounding buildings under their contract to Tether Corp. Tether Corporation was a conglomerate funded by all of the major industrial players from Micronesia, Indonesia, Japan, Australia and New Zealand. The goal was to get economical infrastructure to orbit without being enslaved to the major power spheres such as the American Union, Sino-Russia or the collection of zealous Islamic extremist nations guided by Yassir O’Brien. Heavenly Enterpises was Aaron Prekel’s company and the major materials design firm for the tether. Though the counterweight was in a stable orbit, they had yet to get reliable materials to validate human transport beyond the stratosphere. This issue to surmount seemed distant as Aaron locked eyes with Steven finally acknowledging the silence had to end.

Steven nodded This decision to move forward and accept their help may not be simple Aaron.

Aaron I know that very well, and I appreciate your experience helping me to make considered decisions. You mentioned you had something new.

Steven smiled Hector’s uncle and Sarafia were at the coffee kiosk near where the riot started. It appears it was instigated by two individuals who got the crowd all foamed up about western demons, handed out guns then led them until a block before our…friends were engulfed. Sarafia had remained where she was, calmly revising her notes for her Statics exam. She looked up and saw the same two instigators running back from the crowd. They were laughing and jumped into the van they had dispensed weapons from, but not before one of them shed his head wrap. A short pause ensued.

Aaron urged on You are not going to end that story there, are you?

Steven looked up I know how you feel about anyone taking short cuts and how you feel about Sarafia.

Aaron sighed heavily and leaned forward I’ll confide this in you old friend. If I had access to a ‘RETCAM’ when I was trying to get my Engineering degree, I likely would have used it so fear not. I still love her. What did she see?

Steven placed a tablet on the desk surface and turned it so that Aaron could see. The image was of a man with short gray hair, pale complexion and a neck tattoo with an American Union flag. Great. How many times can the Bay of Pigs be reenacted?

Aaron sat back and thought for a moment. How did Sarafia’s exam go?

Steven smiled You can ask her yourself after we are done here. She’s waiting outside to see if she still has a job.

Aaron smiled I think waiting a bit is all the punishment I will award. I’m just sore because I had to regurgitate the hard way. You know what I’m thinking don’t you?

Steven I hope it is the same as me, but I’ll just speak my mind to save some time. I think we need to take their help now that the AU has shown their hand. We need to discuss at least one back up plan that is not so easy of a target. That tether will be an engineering wonder Aaron, but you and I both know it is not defensible.

Aaron nodded soberly Why can’t those sons of bitches leave honest folk alone to seek their fates? He laughed suddenly Sorry, didn’t mean to fall into…whatever that was. I agree with what you just said. We will need the added resources and help to pull off a second plan. Can you set up the decision meet for tomorrow here and let Sarafia enter?

Steven smiled Yes, of course. One other thing though.

Aaron Yes?

Steven The backgrounds on Arturo and Maria came back. They need to be pressured a bit into opening up. Would you have guessed Maria is ex-Canadian Special Forces? Just giving you something to mull over before we bond tomorrow.

Aaron laughed a bit Are you saying they cannot be trusted or that we need to know them better?

Steven smiled but it didn’t reach his eyes Trust is earned through honesty and dependability when self-preservation would lead you in another direction. You know this. I’m just making sure that filter is prominent in your thoughts before we agree to anything formally.

Aaron Well said. Thank you. I’ll be over at eight to check on the latest Mango batch. See you soon.

Steven left shaking his head International intrigue and he’s worrying over his micro-brew.

A diminutive woman in an orange burka entered, advanced to stand in front of Aaron’s desk and waited to be acknowledged. She was trembling some and her right hand bumped his desk surface. He spun back around in his chair and stood up so quickly Sarafia took a quick step back then stopped as she observed the smile on his face.

Aaron Been waiting long?

Sarafia sighed and answered Not so long Mr. Prekel. Was my information she hand gestured toward the door Steven had just used to leave of value.

Aaron It was very instrumental in helping me with a very portentous decision. I can’t believe I just used that word successfully in a sentence.

This elicited a short yet guarded giggle from Sarafia. She regained her composure rapidly at his pretend scowl she did not know was pretense.

Aaron How was your exam?

A tear ran down from Sarafia’s right eye and she looked to the desk top so as not to gaze directly into Aaron’s eyes. The score was good Mr. Prekel, but I will confess I could not get to the point of holding all those equations in my head without help. I have shamed many people. I will go and confess my actions to the ethics committee and turn in my secure fob.

Aaron What is Varignon’s Theorem?

Sarafia The moment of a force about any point is equal to the sum of the moments of the components of the force about the same point.

Aaron Where is the RETCAM?

Sarafia produced a small case from a pocket in her coveralls. Opening it Aaron could see the neat little lenses and smiled.

Aaron So you know the only part of Statics that I or anyone working on this endeavor should have committed to memory. The fact that you were resourceful in overcoming a meaningless hurdle inspires me to offer you more than the internship you currently occupy. Interested?

Sarafia wavered and looked about to collapse under the strain then her brain processed what he had just said You want to hire me on full time?

Aaron smiling still offered his hand to shake Absolutely and I still want you to complete your credentials while learning the essentials. If there is ever any doubt on the difference you will come to me for help eh?

Sarafia started to collapse. Aaron caught her elbow and steadied her, then immediately released her. Regaining his chair he called up the appropriate contract on his tablet and offered it to Sarafia to sign. Shakily she did so.

Aaron Thanks. We will do much good together. I can sense it.

Sarafia smiled, turned and left. Aaron lost his smile in thought after he had seen her close the door.

Maria and Arturo were seated in the conference room on the floor below Aaron’s office in Heavenly Enterprises Ltd. They had both been there for an hour of silence before Steven and Aaron entered roughly ten minutes apart with two new people though hardly unrecognizable. President Milence and his vice-president Sheila Grange entered with a body guard who was definitely oriental. Omar Milence was of average height for an