Second Perception: Secundum Perceptionem Placidus

By Nicholas-Bear

Whom did President Obama and Chancellor Merkel secretly host in 2011? To answer this question, follow adventures of Dave (US Army Major David Anderson) on his alternate reality mission to the fictional Newlands Archipelago, the old realm of Atlantis, risen again from the bottom of Atlantic Ocean. With its absolute neutrality, permissible morals encompassing equality of all types of sexuality and quasi-total freedom of adult body,
Electocracy – a horizontal democracy allowing its citizens to exercise direct daily control over civilian and military
spheres of life, efficient cashless economy, outstanding science, opposition to traditional values and influence of religions, unmatched military power and prowess, and breathtaking natural and artificial vistas and gigantic active volcanoes, Newlands can be heaven or hell, depending on your point of view.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Nicholas-Bear
• Release date: May 17, 2018
• ISBN: 9781773706887

Book preview

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Table of Contents

About Newlands English

List of prominent characters for Perceptions:

0. Introduction

00. Prologue

01. Mess on Ceti II – A

02. Mess on Ceti II – B

03. At Dr. Pardagh’s

04. DFQL

05. Bogdan’s Wedding

06. In Command

07. Cybercommand

08. Next Mess on Ceti II

09. Labyrinthium Day – Peace Day

10. Peace Day

11. Candid in Canada

12. HERO AGAIN

13. Dow

14. General

15. Crash

16. The Ball

More of Dave’s story in Third Perception

(Tertio Perceptio cum Papilionibus)

Appendix

Copyright

This is an invented story about the lost realm of Atlantis, and a nonexistent modern-day archipelago. It comprises fictitious weaponry, paranormal abilities, homosexuality, polyamory, and alternate social and family structures, as well as direct democracy. Those cringing at their mentioning, or not willing to contemplate such ideas, need not try to read it.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, and incidents are either products of author’s imagination, or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events, is purely coincidental.

Among other themes, novels about Newlands purport to describe relationship between this imaginary state and some of the most important countries of our world. To this extent, political leaders of those countries, civil servants, and prominent soldiers, appear as characters on these pages, in a completely fictitious manner.

About Newlands English

One of the official languages of Newlands, English is mother tongue of more than a third of its population, as well as being the chosen language of communication for most Newlandeans. English is therefore lingua franca of Newlands Archipelago. During decade of wars with coalition of Arab states, English became the only official language of MANATO. Newlands English exists in a form more flexible than any other variation of English language, as all existing accents, dialects, phonetics, phonology, vocabulary, grammar, and spelling are equally accepted (and thus used in this manuscript). On Newlands, English also acquired numerous words from other spoken languages (list of some of those is provided in the appendix). Typically, Newlands English relies on American spelling, and British grammar (use of passive forms being common, for example). Some new words have also been coined; others are spelled in a different manner than elsewhere. Hence words like Newlander / Newlandean, Electocracy, Airforce, Coastguard, Firefighters, Cophot, Crabtown, Lobsterville, airboat, fireboat, and waterpolo can be encountered. Often employed in this novel will be words like: defense, color, center, harbor, favor, labor, gray, mustache, and traveling – although defence, colour, centre, harbour, labour, grey, moustache, and travelling may equally be used.

It is not this author’s intention that my readers continuously flip to rear pages of this book in order to translate bywords and swearwords used. My hope is that you’d accept them as part of spoken Newlands English, and simply go with the flow.

The Flag of Newlands and the MANATO flag

List of prominent characters for Perceptions:

David (Dave) A-H Anderson – Lionheart (originally Major David Anderson of US Army), General of Newlands Army, Commander-in-Chief of MANATO, which he attains by advancing through various ranks and various MANATO positions, member of CCofGHQ, member of privilege of twelve and privilege of five cliques. This is his story, one of a massive life change. Set foot on Newlands as an enemy agent bent on sabotage and destruction. Became one of the greatest Newlands heroes. In possession of considerable supernatural powers.

Alan Wykes, Inspector of Newlands Police, Camp Solaris detachment. Developed telepathic abilities after a serious traffic accident in which he injured a young girl. Partially transferred to GHQ, to use his abilities in resolving psychic threats to Newlands.

Alexander Edwards from Ipswich, deep-ocean oil-field computer specialist, and an agent of DFQL. English-born, migrated to Newlands when his Newlands girlfriend and future wife disclosed her pregnancy. Working for Newlands oil and natural gas companies. Taoist by conviction, since his student days.

Alisa Tomić – Lionheart, Komodor of Newlands Navy, MANATO intelligence. A natural empath, able to key into emotions of people emotionally close to her, even at considerable spatial distance. Chief analytical member of Lionheart intelligence team. Mother of Mansur, Dave’s son.

Andrew Lighthouse, Constable of Newlands Police (Highway Patrol). Possesses powerful telepathic abilities, albeit unaware of those until mid-life. At forty decided to transfer from Newlands police to TP Brigade. His telepathic abilities allow him to become a member of privilege of five group.

Angela Merkel, German Bundeskanzlerin (Chancellor). One of world’s most prominent leaders and one of the most important political friends of Newlands. Merkel’s Germany and Newlands are good trade partners, exchange lots of tourists, and work on military cooperation, as well as joint research in space.

Barack Obama, the Forty-forth President of United States. Was faced with sudden re-emergence of a powerful, albeit tiny Atlantic neighbor onto the world scene. During beginning of his presidential mandate ordered covert attacks on Newlands defence systems, but later becomes a steadfast friend, though never shedding core suspicion of truly malevolent Newlands intentions.

Bogdan Petrović, Petty Officer of Newlands Navy, son of President Nemanja Petrović; Dave’s blood brother. His life trekked from one of an irresponsible teenager into a promising young sailor of Newlands Navy. Married with three wives. Their family includes three female children.

Dr. Aldevant Bradley, MANATO chief of behavioral analysis. Analyzed Dave’s DNA for inherited psychic powers, and instrumental to bringing Dave to Newlands.

Dr. Amanda Ross, the youngest heart surgeon on Newlands, from Fiona Stanley Hospital in Paloma. Feeling eternally in debt to General Mansur Al-Hammadi, her Maecenas and protector, she cared for him until his final day; then transferred her care to entire Lionheart family.

Dr. Lenko Zdravkov, MANATO Weapons Design Bureau. Mover of many astonishing military projects, he’s a scientists and designer who’s not afraid to step out into the field and test his creations under the most realistic conditions of use.

Dr. Irena Panj, chief MANATO’s geneticist in Golden Angel Facility (MARC) on Ceti II. Love of General Al-Hammadi’s later-life, she transfers her love and professional care to Dave, as General’s adopted son, and his family.

Dr. Philip Kieron Pardagh, chief MANATO historian. After an early start in academia, marked by pedophilia, through redemption, became one of the most important secret policy makers of Newlands. Cofounder of group of three.

Fanta Lionheart, Warrant Officer of MANATO, member of Lionheart intelligence team, holding various ranks. The most cheerful member of family Lionheart, albeit an independent thinker and schemer.

Fran Lionheart (born Steiner), Komodor of Newlands Navy, GHQ Intelligence, various MANATO positions and ranks, member of CCofGHQ, privilege of five and twelve. A thinker endowed with calm logic, holding considerable ability for remembering details; he’s Dave’s main support in Central Command, as well as founding pillar of family Lionheart.

Henri Deladin, Komandir of Newlands Marines, commanding officer of TP Brigade. Has devoted his whole military career to solving primary Newlands’ military riddle: how to defeat huge numbers of potential enemies with but a handful of soldiers armed with futuristic Newlands weapons.

John František, best Newlands Olympian in history. He won nine Olympic medals in biathlon over ten years, while participating on four different Winter Olympics. After ending his career in sport, he entered foreign service, and is currently Newlands Ambassador to Egypt.

Li Lian, the Ninth President of Newlands. Her two terms in office spanned from 2001 till 2011. Active and important member of privilege of five. With a voracious sexual appetite, she falls in love with Dave, and becomes his pillar of strength in dealings with DFQL.

Leo Hunter, chief strategist of National Bank of Newlands. Instrumental in providing financial backing to Newlands Government and MANATO. Married Sue Campbell, Dave’s American ex-girlfriend.

Mansur Al-Hammadi, retired General of Newlands Army, member of CCofGHQ, privilege of twelve and five. Long-time commander of MASP and MALD. A great friend of Bundeskanzlerin Merkel. Dave’s adopted father. Died just a couple of months after Dave’s arrival.

Marino Marino, Komodor of Newlands Coastguard, member of CCofGHQ. One of the closest allies of Dave in Central Command. Able to carry out various important projects.

Mario Dražić, Marshal of Newlands Army, Commander-in-chief of Newlands Armed Forces, main member of CCofGHQ for more than forty years. Presided over the rise of MANATO from a war-weary force, to world’s preeminent military power.

Mary Petrović, current First Lady of Newlands, wife of President Nemanja Petrović, mother of Bogdan Petrović, Dave’s blood brother. Gave up her own career to promote her husband’s quest to become President of Newlands.

Mietje Dobrašinović, daughter of Robert and Zelda, developed supernatural abilities after a childhood accident which left her a mute paraplegic. Possesses the most powerful psychic abilities on Newlands, being able to, besides her telepathy, directly interact with computers and internet.

Miodrag Raonić (Miki), General of Newlands Airforce, Commander of GHQ Intelligence, member of CCofGHQ. Main coordinator of all secret projects and services of MANATO and Newlands. Dave’s great friend. Married with two wives.

Nemanja Petrović, since 2011 current President of Newlands. Became socially adopted father to Dave, once Dave become blood-brother to his son Bogdan. Conducting a proactive presidency, forcefully thrusting his country back onto the world’s political scene.

Nikola Tomić – Lionheart, second in command of Swift – 1 and all MANATO shock troops, MANATO intelligence, Newlands Secret Service, holding various ranks in Newlands Army. Of enormous physical strength, Nikola is the epitome of a soldier able to remain cool and logical in any given situation.

Pavel Varina, center-forward of FC Paloma. Member of a famous, wine-producing family. When not battling ankle injuries, one of the greatest football players of Newlands, ever. Though mostly gay, married Cleo Novotny, a famous football player, with whom he has a son named Dave.

Raj Chahal, Colonel-Pilot of Newlands Airforce, various ranks, various MANATO positions, CCofGHQ, Newlands Secret Service. From his office on Newlands Cosmodrome, he assumes his role of Dave’s guardian angel. When not performing his duties, inventor of useful military gadgets.

Robert Hadži-Janković, Major-Pilot of Newlands Airforce, test pilot, and commanding officer of 100th GHQ Squadron. Through a chance pregnancy with Alisa became an associated member of family Lionheart. His special abilities, including his sensibility to telepathy, made him ideally situated to command elite Newlands Airforce pilots.

Robert Magyar, Airforce General of Newlands Airforce (retired), member of CCofGHQ, privilege of twelve and five. Flew as a pilot in Libyan Wars. He’s one of the least publicly exposed decision-makers of Newlands.

Robert Prosinac, Pilot of Newlands Airforce. A young flyer whose approach to service got noticed by his CIC, allowing him to become part of one of the most elite Airforce squadrons. Demonstrates some paranormal skills of his own.

Rocco Stelle, the most famous male Newlands actor, Major of Newlands Army (Intelligence Branch), member of Newlands Secret Service. The most enigmatic personality in Newlands Archipelago. Unmarried father of seven children. Against all odds, Rocco becomes one of Dave’s best friends, as well as Nikola’s co-worker.

Ron Sparks, Major-Pilot of Newlands Airforce, commanding officer of 33rd Experimental Squadron Hawk. Best friend of Sam Roberts – Lionheart. Enjoys major successes in readying revolutionary Newlands warplanes for service.

Sam Roberts – Lionheart (originally Sam Roberts), Major – General of Newlands Airforce and other various ranks, various MANATO positions, member of CCofGHQ. The shadow ruler of MANATO, promoted to such a position to be able to help Dave’s work and take over in case of need. Always ready to sacrifice his limb and life in service to his country. Possesses some minor telepathic ability.

Sue Campbell, Dave’s American ex-girlfriend, wife of Leo Hunter. A freelance American photographer, Sue delights in embarrassing her own government through exposing American secrets.

Thom Vigo – Lionheart, Commanding officer of Swift – 1, MANATO intelligence and all MANATO shock troops, holding various ranks. The strongest pillar of Lionheart family, man of fast reflexes, tested courage, and swift impulse for action. In his unique, direct, way Thom can resolve any problem.

Toša Popović, leader of Newlands Atlantis Party. As the head of the least popular political party of Newlands, through personal courage and character, becomes one of leading Newlands politicians.

Yoshi Soga, Sergeant-Pilot of Newlands Cybercommand, after reform of his unit becomes Cyber-captain. Developed and built his Cybercommand from bottom up into an outfit able to monitor the world and its leaders, and protect MANATO from cyber threats.

Yulia Linares, Pilot of Newlands Cybercommand, after reform of her unit attains rank of Cyber-commander. In her youth an avid hacker, she transformed herself into the backbone of Cybercommand, protecting MANATO and Electocracy from internet threats.

Zoran Tasić (Taske), Rear-Admiral of Newlands Navy, commanding officer of Nordporte Naval Command, member of CCofGHQ and privilege of twelve. Dave’s closest friend in MANATO outside of Lionheart family.

0. Introduction

Summary of First Perception (Primam Perceptionem Mansuetus), the first book of NL:2011 Trilogy

David Anderson, a Major of US Army employed by CIA, arrives to Newlands on a mission of sabotage and destruction. Though situated on a small Atlantic archipelago, recently risen from oceanic depths (probably in very place where legendary Atlantis once stood), the young Newlands state developed peculiar materials and technologies, allowing it absolute immunity against nuclear attacks. Its perfect political neutrality prevents it from being seen as a wider threat to the world and its existing order. However, MANATO, the acronym describing Newlands armed forces, is becoming stronger with every passing day. Under proactive guidance of President Obama, America decides time has arrived for something to be done about this Atlantic thorn in the side of the West. Infatuation of Newlanders with direct democracy, their abhorrence of rule of law and all international treaties, their cash-free society, legality of all drugs and prostitution, massive but benign state surveillance, polyamory, and a nation-wide mustache fetish, don’t endear their country and society to the Western powers, either.

Hence Dave’s mission.

Things don’t go as planned, though. Major Anderson immediately falls in love with a local woman, goes through a full-blown romance, and is almost shattered when she mysteriously disappears. When he finally decides to embark on his mission, to kill the lynchpin of Newlands defense program General Mansur Al-Hammadi, and wreck his Labyrinthium Shield, the preeminent defensive structure of Newlands, he manages to penetrate to his target only to fail at the last hurdle.

Convicted by a military tribunal to death by firing squad, Major Anderson is sent to National Prison of Newlands, situated on archipelago’s furthest island.

Then his luck changes. He’s pardoned, granted Newlands citizenship, and incorporated into MANATO itself. According to Newlands polyamory laws, he marries into an all-military family, in the process gaining two wives, four husbands, and two babies on their way. He’s instituted as Commander of Newlands Space Program. With one of his husbands, he performs the most heroic deed in Newlands history since the end of wars against the Arab coalition, a third of a century ago. For his feat, he receives top military decoration MANATO is able to dish out. Finally, famous politicians of the Western world, such as President Obama and Bundeskanzlerin Merkel, befriend him.

Pretty classic hero stuff, right?

However, nothing is as it seems. In the first place, David learns that he wasn’t much in control of events which took him to Newlands, nor is he able to influence happenings to come in his future. Secondly, accumulating are manifestations of some developing strange abilities of his own, seriously troubling his sense of satisfaction with his new position in life.

At the end, our hero decides to dig for some definite answers….

00. Prologue

I woke up; again!

I carefully extracted myself from the pile of intermingled bodies, sleeping peacefully after tumultuous events of yesterday. All my four hubbies, and our guest, FC Paloma attacker Pavel Varina, formed this slumbering human pile. Just a look at their graceful figures brought a smile back to my face. But this smile couldn’t last very long.

My mood was dire.

Full moon was shining brightly, its silvery light penetrating through wide-open windows, clearly illuminating our whole suite in a somewhat Gothic way. Air temperature fell a bit, and wind picked up. The air permeating our Superhotel suite was fresh and moist, carrying with it salty twang of not–so–far–away Atlantic Ocean.

It would be glorious to just enjoy this refreshing tropical night. To get out to our balcony, and watch night bustle of this large city, which I got to increasingly admire with each visit. To collect my thoughts, arrange them in right order and put them in perspective.

But I couldn’t.

A profound feeling of imbalance suffused all my senses. My skin was surging through cyclical changes, from goose bumps to relaxation, then back through that whole cycle again.

Of late, too much has happened in my surroundings to allow me to continue in a serene belief that nothing was out of ordinary.

Nothing wrong....

Or was wrong an awkward word to describe what was happening around me?

Or to me?

How about: extraordinary?

Or even.... dare I think.... dare I say it loud.... well, supernatural?

Too many times of late have I accurately been forewarned about extraordinary impending events, by something inside myself; some strange, dark mechanism. Without spending much effort to remember, I could count numerous such events on the fingers of my hand: first time seeing a Cophot, the night in Nake, the night above Bermuda, my visit to MARC, the attempt on my life in Germany (which almost cost Fran his life) and, finally, my improbable assistance shout to Varina yesterday. And many more times, during events of lesser importance.

Whatever this mechanism was, it couldn’t be all bad, as it was obviously saving lives, especially of those dear to me.

It was also reshaping my life, as well as destiny and futures of others.

That was it!

The most disquieting thought!

It was changing the future. Or the present, depending on how you regard it.

This idea led me to acknowledge what was bothering me the most; incidentally, it was what I feared the most. This obvious loss of myself, at least the way I was accustomed to accepting myself. This new ability, which I somehow acquired, was profoundly changing me!

All these events happened after my arrival to Newlands. I could probably argue that they were happening because here, on Newlands, in new surroundings, which I still wasn’t fully adjusted to, I was much more alert to subtle changes in my environment, and thus prone to observe with more care. Especially compared to the United States, where I felt at home since childhood. If being more aware of my surroundings, and paying more attention to them, was the simplistic answer to this puzzle, then I could safely forget about everything, and go on with my life as if nothing strange ever happened to me this year.

I seriously doubted that the answer was so simple.

How could I have been aware, and even certain, thirty thousand feet above the ocean, that an attack on our charter plane was pending and about to happen immediately? As I certainly was, on the fateful night of our flight to Washington DC.

How could I have been aware of a terrible danger hiding inside our trip to Germany, two days ahead of the moment when it would manifest itself and thousands of kilometres away? As I certainly was, when I decided to brake rules and tell Alisa and Fanta about the essence of research which MARC scientists were carrying out on Ceti II.

Which natural sense warned me of impending crises in Germany, way before I turned the fateful corner and could spot assassin lurking by the tank? Whichever sense it was, it allowed me to be certain of whereabouts of that assassin, enabling Fran to jump in front, and block the deadly bullet meant for me. Once again, we were lucky; KGZ uniforms protected us against assassin’s bullets. If he had enough time to aim for our heads, at the short distance separating us, I wouldn’t today be here at all, pondering my fate.

What was the sentence which Alisa used during the night episode in Nake?

Trying to remember as hard as I could, I was failing, and growing more paranoid with every passing minute. Did she state, simply, that Dr. Bradley determined my apparently high ESP potential from my DNA? Or did she say, in a more complicated way, that it has been genetic analysis by Dr. Bradley, together with some events from my past (obviously recorded in my US Army military records which MANATO managed to fully penetrate), which made them suspect my high ESP potential?

Which one was it?

Simple.... or complicated?

Simple.... or complicated?

To verify my line of thinking, I needed to dwell deeper into my memories, and try to clearly remember, then re-evaluate, events from my years spent in the United States. Especially those which could have found their way into my military record.

I thoroughly blamed myself for been careless and dismissive of what was happening to me. Why didn’t I analyze my past before?

I needed to think.

I needed to clear my mind.

Suddenly, our bedroom was too crowded and stifling.

I needed to be alone; alone with my doubts.

I stepped out to the balcony, fully nude. Nobody would pay attention to a shadowy figure of a naked man so high above ground on a hotel balcony at three after midnight, I was certain of that!

Not in this city, and not in this culture.

Fresh, salty, night air enveloped my body from all sides, with a gentle, almost erotic caress. After a minute or two, I felt invigorated, like after a long, pleasant massage. I gulped pristine air deep into my lungs. I tried to slow down the runaway train of my turmoil, fuelled by troubled thoughts.

And try to think logically, for once.

ESP equals premonition, to the best of my understanding.

Did I have episodes of premonition in the US Army?

It would have been easy to answer with a no – and close the door to doubt.

Unfortunately for me, the true answer happened to be the opposite.

Memories rushed back into focus. Episodes, which I never had a reason to re-examine since my arrival here, my new tropical home. Stories, which I probably didn’t remember often, or pay much attention to, even when I lived in the States. Memories.... some of which I’ve forgotten existed.

Long time ago, when I was but a grunt; a beginner, like my blood brother Bogdan was today; during initial tactical training. I got convinced that one of training hand grenades, which we were using, was dangerous. I voiced my complaint to our Sergeant.

Ah! What was his name?

Schultz!

He laughed at me. I persisted. I was so persistent, that he had to withdraw this grenade from use. I remember hazing the rest of that day, and the following night, as some of my worst moments in the US Army. Then, the very next morning, Sergeant Schultz brought the whole squad to attention, and gave us a short speech about soldiers always needing to trust their gut feelings, especially in battle conditions. Then he made me step out in front of the whole unit. I feared the worst. Instead, he congratulated me. Grenade, which I complained about, was live. It could have killed! From a butt of jokes, I was instantly transformed into squad’s hero.

I’ve completely forgotten this event, but it did give my career a tremendous push forward, and made Schultz a career–long friend.

Next!

When I was being transferred to Texas, I booked a flight which I was to share with a friend. On the airport, I took one glance at the airplane parked at our gate, and immediately felt mortally afraid to set a single foot in. The plane appeared identical to any other airliner on the airport. Still, I couldn’t shake my painful premonition of danger. I faked sudden stomach trouble, and both me and my friend got rebooked to the next flight. The original plane, which we were supposed to fly on, burst two tires on takeoff, and had to return to the airport.

(sigh)

I never told anybody about this premonition.

So, it couldn’t have been in any records, could it?

Still, it did happen.

Then, in Hawaii....

I was stationed in Kauai, near Pacific Missile Range Facility and Barking Sands airport, in the southwest of the island. My best buddies badly wanted to get to one of the more touristy beaches, closer to island’s eastern coast. There were no scantily clothed women on the beach near our base, which was powerful enough incentive to make them drive all the way to the other side. And, for once, it wasn’t raining. I remember that I felt dread of driving east, causing me a strong nausea. It took me an hour, but I managed to convince them to stay on our side.

Next day, we could all read the news: a tiger shark took a leg off a tourist swimming on the very beach my friends intended to visit.

Unfortunately, my friends got rather spooked by my premonition. They talked so much about it, to eventually cause me summons to the office of our Base Commander, to explain my behaviour. I blamed it all on coincidence and some bad indigestion.

Eventually, my former friends grew rather distant.

At the time, I considered these events as simple coincidences, certainly not unheard of, and present in everyone’s life. The best way, it seemed, was to dismiss them, and thus stop those memories from tormenting me and invading my private thoughts.

Now I wasn’t so sure, anymore.

Suddenly the floodgates opened. I started remembering increasingly more of those peculiar instances of premonition: from my days at school, dating, sports.

Then I remembered the evening when I convinced myself Sue was planning to leave me the very next day. I was even certain, ahead of time, which words and sentences she’ll use to justify her decision! When we finally met on that fateful day, I was so despondent and pessimistic, that I never even tried to stop her from leaving.

Was it all just knowing Sue well, or was it much more?

It was probably more!

So, somehow, Alisa was right?

Dr. Aldevant Bradley and other MARC scientists were right?

Maybe I do have an ability which people surrounding me don’t?

But this was all about premonitions.... even Bermuda.... or Germany. How the hell could the way in which I helped Varina score yesterday be tied to any aspect of a premonition? Or ESP? Unless ESP can be manifested in more ways than just premonitions?

For some reason, this intervention of mine into a football game, albeit without changing its outcome, was frustrating me the most of all.

Why did it happen?

How did I manage to do it?

I felt the need to again clarify my thoughts. I tried gazing at the town below me. I could easily spot magnificently lit Central Train Station of Old City. Suddenly, a certainty crystallized in my mind. Was this another premonition? Or simple, logical deduction? Whichever it was, I’ve made up my mind. I need to be there, as soon as possible. I need to take a train to New Belgrade. But first, I need to make a phone call.

I had three numbers to choose from, the realization hit me. The first belonged to Dr. Irena Panj, MANATO Chief geneticist in Ceti II’s Golden Angel Facility, and long-time lover of my departed adopted father. The second was Dr. Aldevant Bradley’s, who was MANATO’s Chief of behavioural analysis in MARC, and was also the scientist who analyzed my DNA. And the last belonged to Dr. Sanja Korolija, MANATO geneticist, who liked me so much.

I desperately needed to talk to one of them.

One or more.

Immediately.

And talking of the scientist who liked me so much, another realization hit me. The way in which I was influencing people around me to like me so much; was it simply force of my personality? I was too successful for it to be mere coincidence. How did this emotional manipulation of mine tie-in with my heightened ESP?

Or, was it ESP at all?

Or something else?

I shook my head. Too many paradoxes for such an early morning!

I moved to the room furthest from our bedroom, in order not to wake up my beloved with a phone conversation. And not to bother them with my troubles.

I fiddled a bit with my cell, trying to decide which number to dial.

Then I dialed Dr. Bradley’s number.

His phone rang. Two, three, four times. Then it went to the mailbox. I was about to leave a message, when a voice croaked in, hardly recognizable as Dr. Bradley’s.

Aldevant Bradley. How may I help you?

Dr. Bradley! It’s Major General David A–H Anderson–Lionheart.

Oh, Dave! Sorry.... (muffled sounds) .... what time is it? Ah.... 3AM?

I’m very sorry for waking you up.

He cut me off, his voice gaining strength.

So, it happened, again?

One second.

Five seconds.

Ten seconds.

You’re aware?

You didn’t contact any of us after Germany.

Oh, you heard about Germany, too?

Are you still in Old City, Marka mu?

For a moment, I was utterly convinced that Dr. Bradley must be in possession of some astounding psychic abilities of his own, and could read my mind. But he was faster than me, immediately recognizing what was confusing me.

Yesterday, I watched the game on TV; so, I’m prc aware where you are. Or were.

Yes, of course.... I.... I.... – I stumbled; how could I explain my role in influencing Cup Finals score?

Not over the phone! How soon can you be here?

Probably within two hours, depending on train availability; before dawn or just a bit later. From my hotel room, I’m looking down on Old City Central Train Station.

Tabarnaque, excellent!

Dr. Bradley proceeded to provide directions to his home in New Belgrade. From Union Station, I’d need to take the brown metro line, then a tram, then walk two blocks. I was certain I’ll find my way.

I quietly returned to the bedroom, somehow managing to collect all my clothing from the pile of discarded items on the floor. Then, in adjacent room, I put my small bag on a corner table, and hurriedly began packing.

I was almost finished, when a pair of strong arms encircled my body. A mustached mouth started chewing my left ear.

It felt so good!

I whispered:

Thom! Don’t stop!

He did.

Sorry, can’t talk and lick your ear at the same time, can I? Spasitelju, are you planning on giving us all a slip?

I turned and gave my hubby a kiss.

Yes.

He seemed hurt.

I must. I’ve no choice. Step out to the balcony with me, and I’ll tell you why. Hopefully, if we keep our voices low, we won’t wake up others. And, as hopefully, I won’t need to explain my problem in detail to everybody.

He followed me.

We relaxed together, in the lounge chairs provided on our balcony.

Then I started from the beginning, and told him my whole story.

Silence reigned for a couple of minutes.

I see.... I understand, tabarnaque. Yes, you need to go. You need to seek some answers from our science community. But, you’re not going alone. I’ll be going with you.

Suddenly, I felt glad for his offer.

Glad and relieved.

However, I couldn’t seriously contemplate accepting it. This was my burden; my cross to carry.

Needless to say, Thom was adamant about following me; so, after five minutes of discussion, I caved in. I realized that I’ve caved in too easily; maybe, from the beginning, I subconsciously wished him to escort me today; I just needed some convincing.

Do you think that you can extract your belongings without waking the others?

Yakamashii, assuredly so.

All right. Please do. In the meantime, I’ll write a note to everybody, and book us tickets on NLRaiL website.

It’s a deal, hubby.

I felt as if a new page of my life was being turned. Since there were so many changes of late in my life, I wasn’t looking forward with much enthusiasm to this newest one.

Nor was I contenting to sit at home and do nothing about it.

And I sure was glad to have Thom by my side, during my time of challenge and trial.

01. Mess on Ceti II – A

It was still dark in Old City, though hum of town life never stopped. Sky to the east was showing some traces of pink. It was warm, but air temperature fell a bit more, and wind picked up to almost gale force.

Alarm on Fran’s cellphone sounded. Though melody was nice and compelling, it was an absolute stranger in this quiet room, completely out of place. Fran was enjoying a very deep sleep when the melody started, but he was fast to react and turn his alarm off, hoping that nobody else would be awaken.

Then he got up, practically immediately awake, a habit stemming from his long career as a soldier.

A bit of light was penetrating into their hotel room. In retrospect, Fran will blame himself for not reacting faster and noticing the obvious. Where five people should have been, all around him, in suit’s large bed, now just three remained. Unfortunately, Fran had already decided, before falling asleep the previous evening, on his morning course of action. Therefore, he proceeded to execute his plans without any additional thinking and analyzing.

He wished to be the first to get up, enjoy freedom of having suite’s magnificent bathroom all to himself, as well as the leisure of a long shower. Then wake up everybody else, so that nobody gets late for their duties. While they cavorted in bathroom and bedroom (as they certainly will), he’d prepare a refreshing starter for everybody from foodstuffs available in their kitchen.

Which was the reason he didn’t immediately notice my note, left on the kitchen table, until he decided to finally start on fridge’s inventory.

Mrdat what? – he asked aloud nobody in particular. Then, being a lefty, he took my message in his left hand, and started reading my words, written in printed block letters, obviously in my proprietary (ugly) handwriting. And to Fran it appeared as if I was in a rush:

"My beloved hubbies and Pavel! Whomever reads this message first, please don’t be alarmed. You’ll easily notice that Thom and I are missing. There was a development during last night, and now I urgently need to visit Dr. Bradley in New Belgrade. Thom is travelling with me as support. We’re taking a train to NB as soon as we can get dressed, pack our luggage, and get to the station. We both agreed not to wake you up, to allow you to grab a bit more sleep, which you all need.

Fran; I’ll try to send, from our train, both to you and GHQ, orders covering Thom. Please see with CIC for them to be approved. I will also send a message to Alisa and Fanta, to avoid getting them worried when they wake up.

Sam, enjoy your test flying.

Nikola, please take care of Swift – 1 until Thom returns.

Fran (again); I hope you won’t find a way to beat us to NB :–) .

Pavel, mind your ankle and congrats, once again. I think that we all enjoyed watching you play, as well as getting to know you a bit better.

As well as.... mmmmmmmm!

Hugs, everybody, have a marvellous day.

Dave"

As he was finishing reading, Nikola entered the kitchen.

Fran, have you seen Dave and Thom?

Without saying a word, with a perplexed look on his face, Fran handed his husband my note.

Nikola quickly scanned it.

Why wouldn’t he wake all of us, Marka mu? And what’s this development? It must be an emergency! Why didn’t he wake up everybody, just Thom?

I’ve been thinking.... and I believe he didn’t wish to wake anybody up, Thom included. Calisse de merde, he planned to go alone. Thom must have woken up, and surprised him on his own. Then insisted on going along.

No message from Thom, dodjavola. He was satisfied with Dave’s message.

It’s an important fact to be considered, I agree. Dave must have been ready to go. Then Thom discovers him. They talk it over. Dave decides to take Thom along. While Thom is getting ready, Dave writes us a message. They leave together.

Sakra! Sounds logical to me.

Multitax, what sounds logical? It’s way putz too early in the morning for logic. – pronounced Sam, arriving from the bedroom – Can’t wake Pavel. He’s still in bed. I wanted to greet him in my unique penetrative manner, but....

Sam stopped as his mind finally noticed perplexed faces of his hubbies.

Vai a morire ammazzato! What’s wrong?

Nikola handed him my message. Sam read it twice.

Dr. Bradley? From MARC? Why him, Marka mu?

Sakra, I’m not sure. Maybe because he managed to reach Dr. Bradley first. I’d expect him to contact Dr. Panj.

I find myself so stupid. Vai a morire ammazzato! Idiot! I was there alone in bed with Pavel, and it never occurred to me Dave and Thom could be missing. What should we do? Did anybody yet try their cells?

Fran was startled for a moment. It never occurred to him to simply call either of us.

They might still be in their train, or somewhere along the way, commuting. I doubt that Dave would talk openly in front of an audience. Tabarnaque, let’s wait a bit. I believe that’s the best. He didn’t mention any emergency, after all.

What should we do then, Marka mu? – asked Nikola, sounding worried.

Dave is right. Nikola, you need to take care of Swift – 1. So, you’ll be off to airport to catch your Ceti III flight. Sam, you have your Nordporte test flights to attend to. I guess you planned to get there by train?

Yup, hub.

Good. Have a nice trip, then! As for myself, I’ll go directly to GHQ and coordinate with all of you. I’ll keep you informed, be assured.

What do we do with Pavel? – asked Nikola.

"Well, let him sleep a bit longer. First the game, then his injury, then us, and our unique penetrative manner; he’s probably beat.

(chortling from Sam and Nikola)

I’m almost ready for the day, so while you two are using our bath, I’ll write him a note inviting him to use our suite until he’s ready to check out. I’ll also regulate his stay with hotel’s reception."

Sounds good, Fran. And thanks, orcae ita. We should be helping you instead of being lazy.

"No worries. Next time you can be the first to get up. We seem to have loads of mango juice.... hope you all enjoy it as much as I do. There’s a whole Crabtown Brie in our fridge, some eggs, and some toast bread. Anybody with cravings for a different breakfast? Remember, food can be ordered, if you wish for something extra.

(blank stares, no replies)

Food?

Drinks?"

It sounds fine to me; what we already have in the fridge will do. And these mysterious developments have abolished my appetite. Hell, yeah! Hold a moment hubby, I’ll be as fast as I can, then I’ll help you with our breakfast. – answered Nikola.

Concur! – exclaimed Sam, and they rushed to the bathroom.

As he watched them go, Fran couldn’t stop thinking of Germany.

Siemens–built ICE–2 train was streaking towards New Belgrade.

This was not, by far, my first trip on one of the highspeed NLRaiL trains. However, it happened to be the first time that I felt full speed of this mode of transportation. For whatever reason. Maybe my anxious psychological state contributed, in an important way, to such perception of speed of our movement.

I was aware of the top speed limit for trains on highspeed rail in Newlands. It’s only 240 km/h. I emphasize only, because several European and Asian countries do use faster versions of highspeed trains. Still, at this speed, travel time between Old City and New Belgrade amounts to less than thirty minutes, there including slower parts of the trip.

While Thom was having a snack, I tried to concentrate and work as fast as I could.

I pulled out my netbook and accessed Newlands MANATO Intranet Network System. I speedily concocted orders for Thom to escort me from Old City to Ceti II, remaining as my guardian for the duration. I sent them to Fran and to the Office of Commander – in – Chief.

Then, on Newlands Messenger, I left messages for Alisa and Fanta, briefly explaining this change in my plans, factually giving details of my itinerary, without explaining what caused this perturbation.

Great nature around us, this morning po’boy made by Chimi Express Food Delivery from Old City is excellent, my man. You’re making a big mistake. We should order one for you, too. This day could prove very long, indeed, and there may not be much time for food.

Not hungry, luv. Though, I’m amazed by its name. Are you, by any chance, aware where term po’boy derives from?

Sakra, not really. No.

It’s a specific, very rich, and spicy sandwich from New Orleans. The origin of its name is expression poor boy, but it got shortened over time.

Thom laughed.

Then somebody from Old City must have visited New Orleans, and borrowed its name.

Or arrived from there to live here.... like me.

True.

For a moment, I got distracted with some pop music playing on TV screens strewn all over our car. We opted not to go for the silent car, which was the next one, to be able to chat. However, I couldn’t say this choice of music was to my taste, or pleasing in any way. One thing was certain. I’ve adapted well to many facets of life on Newlands, but their taste in music remained…. well…. strange.

So far, during our trip, a couple of new music videos of a singer called Oxanne Telur were shown. She sang generally in French or Ukrainian (I remember this because I’ve asked Alisa about her), and her songs were reminiscent of contemporary European pop music.

Then followed Moana quartet, a group of four female singers; one Oriental, one Indian, one Nordic, and one African. Their music was haunting, and sounded vaguely Punjabi to me.

Currently, the screen was showing Otac Milivoje (father Milivoje), a huge, bearded, older guy, in a full business suit. His looks belied his flamboyant gay performance, during which he regularly exchanged kisses with other bearded guys of his troupe. He sang, or performed, only in Serbo-Croatian, making it difficult for me to divine meaning of his lyrics.

Alas!

I owned a brilliant selection of contemporary Western pop and rock music. It was stored on my iPod. It was mostly American, of course (maybe some Brits and Canadians sprinkled in, for variety). I had also recorded quite a lot of awarded and best-in-charts music, starting from late sixties, until the end of twentieth century. I even sported a fair collection of classical music, and some golden era jazz music.

And some movie music; an obviously burgeoning musical field.

My family adored my iPod selection, whenever I got to play some of it, or share it with them.

Yet, in general, they stuck to their proper Newlander music.

It had to be a cultural thing; sort of sticking to their own. Because, my selection was undeniably superior to what local artists were producing, without any doubt. Coming to think of it, even in the most touristy places of this archipelago, music which you could hear would be domestic.

Caught deep in thoughts about this serious problem of my nonconformity with habits and tastes of people whom I shared my life with, my face must have appeared terribly worried.

So, Thom leaned over and kissed me.

Dodjavola, do not worry. It’s all going to turn out well.

I couldn’t just tell him about my dislike of Newlands music, could I?

So, I switched back to my original concerns.

Thanks for your optimism. I mean it. But, I’m worried. I never tolerate well those situations when I feel like loosing control.

It happens. You must accept them, and ride them through. Woodla halum, it’s certainly much better than the time you spent in our jail.

I just sighed and peered through the window. I wanted to write a personal e–mail to our Commander – in – Chief, Marshal Dražić. I was stumped. What should I tell him? I couldn’t talk about my extrasensory perception in an e–mail, could I?

Besides, it does sound great, don’t you think? My husband, the real–life superhero!

What was Thom talking about?

Then I understood. And laughed bitterly.

Thom, don’t jinx things, please. I don’t want to be a superhero. Just a normal soldier, and a good husband to all of you; and a happy father, hopefully soon.

Thom’s hand grabbed for my shoulder and squeezed gently.

Which is what we all want for you, and from you. The same, Marka mu. But mother nature might have other plans. She might have bestowed you with some unusual gifts, which you might not be able to ignore. Not any more. In which case, it will be your responsibility to master them, and use them for the best. And it would be our responsibility to get used to you having those abilities.

Hi, Sanja! Sakra, good morning! Did I wake you up? – asked excited Dr. Aldevant Bradley, MANATO Chief of behavioural analysis of Ceti II MARC facility, in a whispering voice.

On the other side of that connection was his co-worker, and best friend, Dr. Sanja Korolija, MANATO geneticist in the same facility.

No, actually you didn’t. I just got up a couple of minutes ago. I needed to finish some home choirs before leaving for our morning flight. How come you’re calling at this hour?

I think some congratulations are in order. – said Dr. Bradley.

To whom? What for?

Ah, my dear friend. To me! I won!

Won what?

Our little wager, Marka mu. Dave called. He’s on his way. I expect him here in about.... (he consulted his cellphone timer) .... half an hour or so.

Kuš! He called you?

Yep, in the middle of night. He may have managed to skip calling any of us after events in Germany, maybe even convinced himself that everything is all right, but something happened yesterday during Cup Finals game.... Now he wants to talk to the MARC team.

Dodjavola! And, he called you first?

I guess this time my advantage was my gender, him being considerate enough towards ladies in our team not to wake you up in the middle of night.

Mrdat! You think you can coax him to.... perform?

Everything is ready here. I can’t fail. And there’s lots of time before our flight. Which reminds me. I need to book a ticket for him. Shouldn’t be a problem. See you on the flight, Sanja.

Yes, Aldi. But, inta shaz, I’ll hate you for winning, forever and ever after. – Dr. Korolija disconnected, laughing.

Next Dr. Bradley dialed the number for Dr. Irena Panj, MANATO Chief geneticist of Golden Angel Facility, and his direct boss, staying overnight in MARC’s guest facilities on Ceti II. Her phone rang sufficient number of times to inform him that Dr. Panj was still sleeping.

Finally, her tired voice answered.

Sorry for waking you up, Dr. Panj. But a curious thing just happened, and it’s going to disrupt our whole schedule….

Fran was sitting, all alone, in a corner of a second-class car of one of frequent highspeed trains from Old City to New Belgrade. Since schedule between these two destinations isn’t too dense this early in the morning, he figured being in the next, or maybe just the second train behind the one Thom and I boarded.

On purpose, he opted for a deserted area of this car. He wished to be alone. He placed a call to Marshal Dražić, Commander – in – Chief of MANATO.

Good morning, sir.

Good morning, Fran.

I apologize for waking you up this early.

You didn’t, Fran, I couldn’t sleep last night. You’re aware why.

Which now makes me feel twice as bad for disturbing you, Marshal. I’m sorry about it.

Nothing to be done, son. Our doctors have everything under control, and they say my pain is unavoidable. So, what’s happening?

Something curious happened, CIC.

As concisely as possible, but with military precision, Fran explained about my note and his general conclusions.

I prcat understand. – answered Marshal Dražić – And, Fran, I mean it! I’m certain that I fully understand what’s happening with your husband.

Could you enlighten me a bit more, Marshal, Marka mu?

I believe in necessity of now informing you thoroughly and completely. Probably today, Fran. Some of those things which I’ll disclose may come as a shock, ochen balshoy. In the meantime, I’m glad Dave took Thom with him. I will immediately approve his orders.

DFQL? – asked Fran cautiously.

Yes. DFQL is always my main reason for disquiet.

Despite all my activity in the train, and despite its speed and the interesting, fast changing scenery.... and the fact that I could admire the looks of my (apparently) worry–free hubby sitting across from me, I fell asleep.

And I had a brief dream.

I dreamt of Doctors Sanja Korolija and Aldevant Bradley. They were chatting. I couldn’t place their whereabouts with certainty, but they appeared to be spatially close to each other. Dr. Bradley was triumphant about something. Apparently, he won a wager against Dr. Korolija.

I dived deeper into their conversation.

Damn! He was certain of being the first of the two to have sex with me!

Then I felt my body rock, back and forth, somewhat resembling sitting in a boat on a choppy sea.

Next moment I realized that somebody was gently shaking my shoulder.

We’re entering Main Train Station in New Belgrade, love. Time to rise and shine, tabarnaque.

Thom.... why did you let me sleep?

You needed it, hub. I guess that you didn’t get much sleep last night. Today might prove to be a very long day, indeed.

A strong feeling of déjà vue hit me. Then I realized that Thom used the same sentence a couple of minutes earlier, when trying to coax me to eat.

Well, there was no way to counter his statement. Because, he was right. I couldn’t predict what this day will bring. Instead, I gathered all my belongings, and concentrated on leaving the train while following Dr. Bradley’s instructions.

All the time I vividly remembered my dream.

Chat between the two MARC scientists seemed strange. My dream must have simply been a projection of my previous conclusions; existence of a wager IS my conclusion, based on impressions formed during my visit to Ceti II; with my own lust added in.

Well, no time today to think of such trifles. Something seemed to have gone seriously wrong with me. I need to find out what it was. I need to get back in control. I hoped to embark on a veritable quest for truth.

Dr. Bradley’s instructions, jolted on hotel-provided notepad, were simple and precise. We boarded the metro, for two stations enjoyed a fast ride, then returned to street level to catch a tram for further six stops. Next, we had to walk two city blocks to reach his apartment building. Walking felt great; weather was gorgeous, dawn was starting to splash all tones of pink and magenta over this large city, and wind was, in short gusts, moving lukewarm, moist air about.

At the end of our walk we stood in front of our goal. We’ve reached a modern, fifteen–floor condominium building, constructed of bleached concrete and lots of blue glass.

By the main door was the ubiquitous welcome screen. I searched briefly, then pressed the appropriate buzzer and scanned my CREDIT.

Come in, Major General. Fifth floor, apartment 509.

The main door unlocked with a loud click.

We were in.

Alisa couldn’t sleep. On the surface, she could swear her slumber was disturbed with a premonition, a feeling predicting that this day would bring some grave news. Her logical mind understood that such anxiety could be normal, stemming from, and being an integral part of her pregnancy.

Still, she was restless.

She wanted to get up and kill some time until Fanta woke up as well.

Alisa rose carefully from the bed, which she was sharing with Fanta, without disturbing her wife’s deep sleep. Instead of walking to her new intelligence center bellow our garage, she proceeded into our private, in-house office. Once there, comfortable seated on a bosu ball (which she preferred over a computer chair), Alisa turned her big and rather powerful private four-monitor personal desktop computer on.

At first, she started some online searches, mostly for baby clothes and other motherhood paraphernalia. (She also checked a page designated for promotion of new sex workers in Paloma’s bordellos; some of men were yummy!) But, within moments, she discovered my NLM message.

Alisa was curious about words which I’ve chosen. To her, they sounded very much like a big white lie, a cover-up for something else. She was certain that I was avoiding mentioning unpleasant details, just to spare her needless worry.

Alisa prided herself on being able to feel my emotional state, even when a whole ocean separated us, like when I was on another continent (such as during my visit to Berlin). She sincerely believed in this link of hers with my inner being. She often told me how she was aware of Fran and me being all right, after the attempt on our lives in Germany, even during the initial confusion immediately after the attack, simply because she could reach our minds. Which allowed her to stop worrying and patiently wait for our return.

Now she concentrated on projecting her inner being far, far away, to the other side of her volcanic homeland. Her spirit soared like an eagle, pushed ever upwards by mighty thermals. She recoiled in a stunned shock. My mind was completely impenetrable and closed to any contact. My worry has managed to hide all my feelings from her scrutiny.

Alisa immediately retraced her steps back to bedroom to fetch her cellphone.

Dr. Aldevant Bradley, MANATO Chief of behavioural analysis, was waiting behind the partially opened door of his apartment. He was cladded in an exquisite Japanese kimono, decorated with traditional imagery rendered in gold and burgundy. I should have said that he was half-dressed, though. Kimono was not tied in front, more displaying, than hiding, his whole slight, but proportionate body. Dr. Bradley’s kimono was also not hiding the very proof of his sexual arousal.

He was probably rather surprised with my reaction, for the first sight of his body froze me in my tracks. Not because I didn’t like what I saw, but because my early morning train dream now flashed in front of my eyes.

It couldn’t be! It has happened; again.

I must have, somehow, eavesdropped on a real–life conversation between Aldevant and Dr. Sanja Korolija.

Thom was, however, right behind me, and now stepped in full sight.

Thom! – exclaimed Dr. Bradley, childish surprise mirrored in his voice.

With a guilty feeling, I remembered never telling Dr. Bradley that I wasn’t alone.

Thom is my bodyguard for the day, Dr. Bradley.

Of the three, Thom had the highest presence of mind, and ushered us all into Aldevant’s apartment.

Then it was Dr. Bradley’s turn to cover for his initial confusion. He retreated to his kitchen to produce some orange juice for Thom and me. When he returned to the living room, where he left us comfortably seated, his kimono was modestly tied.

Marka mu, I didn’t expect Lieutenant Vigo–Lionheart today, I apologize. – said Dr. Bradley, as if his words explained the whole situation.

No need to apologize, Aldevant. You couldn’t have known that, after Germany, MANATO GHQ ordered me to always move about with a guard. – What a glib lie! Dealing with all those foreign politicians, I was becoming an expert liar.

Thom, however, hit by my false statement, didn’t bat an eyelid.

Oh, sorry for misunderstanding, Dave.... I wasn’t thinking along those lines, though German experience must have been prcat unsettling for you. I felt that I needed to apologize because I have booked only your flight ticket, and none for Lieutenant Vigo–Lionheart.

Thom, Marka mu! – said Thom. He was thinking the same as me. When surprised by his door, Dr. Bradley used Thom’s first name, and only reverted to his rank and family name once his calm returned.

Thom. – said Aldevant and smiled – Just a moment!

He disappeared into a back room and returned with a large, very thin tablet, which I recognized as a MANATO Surface, an ultra–powerful tablet developed for our armed forces by the American Microsoft, based on its much weaker commercial model. (Each one delivered, even before being turned on, was first broken down into components, cleared of potential bugs, modified, reassembled, and reprogrammed by MANATO electronics department; all just in case some American agency decided that those Surfaces would be a good way of spying on us.)

We will fly MINT.

I didn’t comprehend: – Candy?

Darn, Thom was right, I was hungry, thinking of food; too late now!

Thom laughed: – Nope hubby, hiljadu mu mučica! MINT stands for MANATO Internal Flights. It’s code name for Old City Cargo flights from New Belgrade and Old City to Ceti I and II. Ochen balshoy Old City Cargo is half-owned by our government and operates only military transport planes. Which, despite their daily cargo-plane role, in emergency, or wartime, revert to MANATO control, tabarnaque. There were various models employed during its history, but nowadays OCC flies only Lockheed Hercules planes, I think. Sakra, Sam would be better informed, of course.

No need to check with Sam. You’re completely right, Thom; you’ve nailed it one hundred percent right. – said Aldevant playing with his Surface – Here we are, orcae ita.... let’s see.... plenty of seats still empty.... OK.... one seat for Lieutenant Vigo–Lionheart.... So, we’ll all be flying on a Lockheed Hercules of Old City Cargo, flight MINT98, departing New Belgrade Capitol at 9:20, and landing in Cetitown around 10:00; just forty minutes of flight time, Marka mu.

I was surprised by his efficiency and magnanimity.

I’m really grateful, Dr. Bradley. You must allow us to reimburse you for those tickets.

Oh, no, Dave! Dormi mecum! MANATO members and employees fly for free. Nothing to repay for.

Thom stepped behind Aldevant, who was sitting on a chair by the dinning table.

Maybe we should still repay you in some way, Dr. Bradley.

He started massaging Aldevant’s shoulders, then bent over and deftly untied his kimono. A light push, and the colourful silk dress slipped over Dr. Bradley’s shoulders, exposing his whole body. Aldevant never uttered a word of objection. Next Thom got him to stand up, and gently turned him towards the rooms in the rear of his apartment. As the two of them were turning, Thom nodded in my direction, almost ordering me with his head’s movement to join