Space Dream Three: A New Dina Galaxy

By Jeff R. Spalsbury

The war with the NiLTs is over, but the damage done to Nat-Sat, and the resulting death cloud is slowly strangling the life out of the planet. Only two groups of people remain, the Boowanskyvia and the remaining Nat-Sats residing in and around Nggraa.
Rick Allen, the Chosen One, has left the Dina Galaxy and returned to Earth to heal from the loss of his love, Tavia, killed on Nat-Sat. After a year, the Travelers complicate his life by flashing a young child from Swartz into his bedroom. They had saved her from being a living sacrifice to the Harvest God, but he must decide what to do with her.
He returns to the Dina Galaxy with the child but what he finds is not what he expected. There are problems and conflict everywhere. His task as the Chosen One has become even more complex as he flashes back and forth from Earth to the Dina Galaxy.
The Sun Master Coe's team (asleep for over 400 years) is not awaking as planned. The Great One refuses to leave Nat-Sat even though her people are dying from the dust and pollution on the planet. A major earthquake destroys the Kut-All's world and the whole population must be resettled. On Earth, mercenaries are determined to get Rick's laser weapon by threatening Drs. Larry and Jenny Webco again.
And on top of all that, Clip, Hawk, and Earl are determined to persuade Rick to import cows from Earth. With all his problems, now he must find a way to bring cows to the Dina Galaxy.
Cows!

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Jul 9, 2018
• ISBN: 9781543936414

Book preview

pleasure.

CHAPTER ONE

Planet Aryu

The NiLT Prison

As the three Boowanskyvia ships settled through the ugly pink-buff colored sky, NiLT Curative Kewe sensed his stomach muscles quivering, his internal dread starting to grow. He ran his hand over his stomach to try to calm it. With his other hand, he ran his fingers through his greasy, light-brown hair. He recalled being captured in Bay, on the planet Swartz. He was sure they were going to be executed, but now seeing where he and the other NiLT prisoners were being exiled to, he pondered if that might not have been a better alternative.

At the sound of a commotion behind him, he turned to look. He saw a large man beating a smaller man. The guard yelled at the bigger man to stop, but it was too late. The little man was dead and had been thrown out of his seat and into the middle of the aisle. Kewe heard a man ask what that was all about. The big man wanted to look out the window.

Kewe turned around and squeezed his eyes shut. He hated being a NiLT. He hated what he’d turned into. He hated who he had become. He’d betrayed family and friends for the glory of the NiLTs, but there was no glory; only hunger and death.

Kewe watched as two other ships hovered over the flat landscape lowering crates and pods to the ground from the ship’s bottom bay doors. It became their turn as the ship with their load of 135 NiLT prisoners and the dead man in the aisle, touched down on the ground. The front nose-cone door opened and the front ramp unfolded down until it touched the ground. Put on your coats and hats, it’s cold out there, came the command, followed by a harsh, Get off.

He heard a Boowanskyvia guard yelling, Take that dead one with you. We buried our dead, and we’re not going to bury yours.

The Boowanskyvia people herded the NiLTs off the ship. Aryu was a cold, lifeless planet with high stone buttes and spires, and occasional waterholes in hidden gullies. There were many caves off to the right of where the ships landed.

The Boowanskyvia pilot QueKickO stood on top of the ramp after everyone had left the ship and said in a loud voice, On this planet you are free. You can build homes and start a new life. We realize your food is scarce, so four times a year we will bring you additional food supplies. We have placed a geosynchronous orbiting satellite around this planet. You can request needed supplies, like medicine and other critical provisions. The computer systems we’ve left will contact the satellite and then transfer your messages to Swartz.

Kewe pulled his long brown overcoat around his neck and wondered how the pilot could stand up there with only a short-sleeved shirt on. Perhaps the dense black fur on his arms kept him warm.

QueKickO continued, "Your way of life on Nat-Sat caused you to destroy not only your homes and way of life but even the planet.

The Blue Ghost told me that he hoped you had learned from your mistake and could start over in a new and harmonious direction to build a new life for yourselves. If not, then he told me to say, ‘May God have mercy on your souls.’

As the three ships took off, Curative Kewe watched them leave with trepidation. He had been allowed to keep his medical bag, and he slung it over his shoulder. His hands started to shake. He took the gloves given to him and pulled them on. It wasn’t the cold, but the growing fear he felt.

The daylight was an ugly pink-buff color. With the toe of his shoe, he scraped the sand under his foot. A red, rusty dust cloud swirled around his boot. He could see for miles in all directions, but the dirty pink sky made it seem like walking in a bad nightmare. The emptiness frightened him. This would be a difficult planet to survive on, he thought.

Kewe limped away from the people. He’d seen what was about to happen before. Soon an out of control mob scene would fight over all the supplies. He was a tall, rugged man, so Kewe seldom had problems with the other NiLTs, even if he had a bad hip that caused him to limp when he walked.

The rags he wore under his overcoat itched and scratched. Kewe tugged on his long, unkempt beard. He hated being so dirty. Was it only two weeks ago they flew into Bay? The Divine Furker told them all to go downtown and eat and drink as much as they wanted. The Blue Ghost was dead, he proclaimed with a dramatic flourish.

What a convoluted day, at first ebullient, then dispiriting. Driven to a restaurant by a robot woman, this restaurant served them all the food and drinks they wanted. It turned into a drunken/eating orgy. Two of the men wanted to attack the women waiting on them, but they soon discovered that these women were not only robots but were also stronger and adamant about stopping any unacceptable advances.

Kewe ate his fill, then sat and stared at all the food and drink available to them. The last time he’d eaten that much was on the Smoking Moon. He’d taken a window seat in the restaurant and daydreamed of being in the park across the street. He pictured himself walking on the grass, placing his hand on it and feeling its life. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d seen grass, perhaps never. Maybe he’d only seen pictures of it. However, he could not leave the restaurant. He had been given strict instructions to remain inside with the group.

Kewe choked up and hated the tears that formed in his eyes. His memory snapped him back to the time after graduating from medical school. For the glory of being a NiLT, he’d betrayed his mother and father in Prime and became a NiLT curative. His parents were probably taken from their home and killed. His lips tightened. For the glory, but there was to be no glory. Only pain and regrets. Soul suffocating sorrow and misery.

They received a signal at the restaurant to return to the ship. Many of them were too intoxicated to move, so he and the robot women carried those who couldn’t walk to the carriages. Once at the ship, they waited for the Divine Furker to come out of the bathroom, but before he did, they had all been rendered unconscious.

Later, when he woke, he discovered that instead of the Blue Ghost being dead, it was the Divine Furker that was dead, and they were all prisoners. That’s where he learned the NiLT forces had all been destroyed. The NiLT reign of authority and terror had ended. Only 136 NiLTs survived, and they were sentenced to Aryu for the rest of their lives.

Kewe watched the people mobbing the shipping crates, tearing open the boxes. Their cold white breath contrasted with the red blood spraying everywhere as they fought over the boxes. Kewe sat on a rock up on the side of the hill and shook his head at the frenzy. In a few moments he grew sick of seeing the people killing and hurting one another, and he limped to the many cave openings on the side of the mountain. Kewe wanted to find one that would offer some safety. At the end of the hillside, he found a large empty cave with a small entrance that he believed would work. Kewe bent and went inside. Up high above him, a crack to the outside would allow the smoke from a fire to vent. It was dark and forbidding, but it would do. He moved smaller rocks on the ground to clear an open space and laid out a spot for a fire.

An hour later Kewe returned to where all the large crates had been. Sprawled everywhere on the rusty colored sand were torn open boxes with food, blankets, clothing, cooking utensils, and other household goods. He counted 23 people dead. The cold would soon freeze the bodies so they wouldn’t decay. Kewe hated the stench of death. He’d seen and smelled too much death.

All the other people had raced toward the 130-living/sleeping pods dropped by the Boowanskyvia ships along a sheltered mountain cove a mile from his cave.

Kewe read the labels of two unopened boxes marked medical supplies. These he carried back to his cave. He spent the rest of the afternoon hauling box after box back to his cave. He ignored the dead bodies except for a few that blocked his path, and those he pulled out of his way.

By early evening, Kewe had packed his cave with food boxes, clothes, blankets, and furniture. By accident, Kewe discovered a black rock that would burn. The cave was warm from the fire.

He stepped outside the cave entrance and took a deep breath. The cold air caused his nostril hairs to tingle. The air smelt metallic and had a burnt taste to it. Kewe shook his head in disgust. It was a dim ominous pink color outside, but he could still see. He decided it was time to find the boys. Kewe guessed they were probably 12 and 14 years old when he first found them. He felt sorry for them. They were among the NiLTs asleep on the planes that crash landed on Swartz. They went to sleep in a world they didn’t know and woke up in one they didn’t understand. Kewe had hoped they would come to him after they landed, but he’d not seen them. He limped to where the ship had unloaded the prisoners, checking the dead bodies to see if any of them were the boys.

Two smaller men jumped out of the shadow of a large boulder with stones in their hands. Give us your bag, one man demanded, or we will beat you to death. Their nervous white breath puffed in and out rapidly.

Kewe reached in his medical bag and pulled out an ominous scalpel and waved it in front of them. How eager are you to die? His grim, hard face and stature he used to his advantage.

The two men glanced at each other and without saying a word, rushed back into the shadows.

He walked on.

Kewe, a hurting voice called out to him.

Kewe went to where two young boys lay on the ground. Will you never learn, AsGeir? Kewe bent and examined the wound across AsGeir’s forehead. I told you to find me first.

Everyone was going after all the stuff in the crates, his brother HaKon said beside him. We figured we should, too.

How badly are you hurt?

HaKon pointed down at his leg. They threw a rock and hit me on my leg. It’s not bleeding, but it hurts to stand on it. I’m so cold. His coat was torn in front. A big man tried to tear off my coat, but AsGeir jumped on his back and hit him with a rock, so he took off. HaKon’s chin quivered as he lifted the pieces of his coat. I’d never had a new coat before.

Kewe opened his medical pack and cleaned and wrapped AsGeir’s head wound. "All right boys, it’s a walk to my cave, but my cave is warm.

"HaKon, look at the dead bodies we pass and see if anyone is about your size. We’ll strip their jacket off for you.

I’ll fix you a good dinner and get you out of this cold. The gravity is less here, so it’s easier to walk.

When they returned to the cave, Kewe fed them a thick soup and had them lie down on the beds and blankets he’d scavenged. HaKon ran his hands down the new coat they’d taken off a dead body. It’s a fine jacket, huh? I don’t see any blood on it.

It’s like new, and there isn’t any damage to it. Do you want to leave it on?

Yes. He hugged the jacket around him.

Kewe placed a blanket over HaKon and the jacket.

How does your head feel? Kewe asked AsGeir.

It hurts a little. I’m sorry we didn’t find you after we landed. Are you angry with us?

No, I’m not angry. But learn from your mistakes. When I tell you to do something, do it, or it might be worse next time and I won’t be able to help you.

I understand.

Try to get some rest. I have to get more supplies.

Why can’t you do that tomorrow morning? HaKon asked.

If the wind keeps picking up as it is right now, there won’t be anything left to gather. It will have all blown away.

As he stooped to go outside, four men entered and pushed him back. They all carried makeshift clubs they’d made from the crates.

One man grabbed Kewe’s medical bag and handed it to a taller man.

Do you understand that I am the new NiLT Divine Furker? the man said as he went through Kewe’s pack.

I do now, Sir. But do you know who I am? Kewe asked

Why should I care who you are? He held up the scalpel from the pack. This is good. I can use it to kill anyone that tries to overthrow me.

I am the only curative on this planet. What happens to you if I am gone or not allowed to use my medical tools? All the Divine Furkers had a doctor and a historian who were sacred. Under no circumstance were they to be killed, hurt, or interfered with.

The man nodded in thought. I knew about the historian, but not about the curative.

Kewe shrugged. He was lying, but would this man know? Could he pull off this sham?

This is a good cave. I will use it as my home.

The people will not trust a Divine Furker who is living this far away from them.

How would you know?

I was with the last Divine Furker in Bay.

The man stopped and stared at Kewe.

Then you are dangerous.

My oath is to protect the Divine Furker.

Nah, I don’t think so. Kill him, and those two as well.

CHAPTER TWO

Rick Allen’s Home

Half Moon Bay, California

The nine-year-old girl made a terrifying, paralyzing scream that stunned all the people sitting outside on the patio. Was that Bunnie? Rick said as he jumped to his feet.

Jenny shook her head. She’s right there with Snoopy inside the door.

Bunnie yelled at them, It came from your bedroom, Uncle Rick. She turned and ran to the bedroom with her dog Snoopy right behind her. Another shrill vibrato scream occurred after she entered, even louder and more frightening than the first.

Rick, Larry, and Jenny rushed to the room and stopped. At the head of the bed, a terrified little girl dressed in white had pulled the blankets and pillows up around her. Her black eyes darted around the room in fear. Rick perceived the outline of a heart painted on her chest with red ink.

The little girl pointed at Snoopy and yelled in great fear.

Rick waited for his translator to click in, but Bunnie’s clicked in first. She turned to Snoopy and said, Sit. Then she turned to the girl and said, Don’t be afraid. My dog won’t hurt you. Are you all right?

The girl shook her head as tears flowed down her face.

Bunnie said in a reassuring voice, It’s all right. We won’t hurt you. We care about people.

The girl stared at Bunnie in puzzlement. Who are you?

I’m Bunnie. Who are you?

I’m Traeh. Where am I?

At Uncle Rick’s home.

What is that? Traeh asked, pointing at Snoopy.

That’s my dog. His name is Snoopy.

He frightens me. Will he eat me?

Oh, no. He’s very friendly. Don’t they have dogs where you come from?

No.

Bunnie nodded. That’s my Mom. She is holding my baby sister Barbara. Barbara is sick. She won’t hurt you either.

Jenny spoke slowly as she tried to say the words correctly, We are all your friends. She told Bunnie in English, Bunnie, please tell her that it takes a while for me to learn new words, but I understand her.

I’m so frightened, Traeh said in a quivering voice.

Do you want me to hold you? Bunnie asked Traeh.

Traeh asked, Are you allowed to do that?

Of course.

No one has ever held me before. I was not allowed to be touched. I’d like you to hold me. Traeh said.

Bunnie crawled on the bed and put her arms around Traeh. Everything is going to be just fine. Bunnie felt Traeh shivering.

She’s shivering, Mom, Bunnie said.

Just hold her tight, Bunnie. If she’s never been held before, it’s important her first time is with someone who cares about her.

I do care about her, Bunnie said. How sad to never have been hugged before. You and Dad hug me all the time.

Yes, we do, dear. We hug you because we love you. Jenny turned to Rick. Do you know what’s going on here?

No, but I’ll find out. There was a flash of light, and Rick disappeared.

What happened? Traeh asked. Her eyes were huge in fear at Rick’s exit.

Oh, not to worry, Bunnie said. Uncle Rick is always doing that. In a few moments, there will be another flash, and he’ll pop back. He’s lots of fun.

Traeh looked at Jenny. They were going to cut my heart out.

How horrible, Jenny said. Who?

The Harvest Ruler, Moloch. I remember him standing right over me with his knife ready to cut my chest open and pull out my heart. Then I woke up here. Is this heaven?

No, this is Earth, Jenny said. And here we never allow rulers to cut out the heart of beautiful little girls.

Rick flashed back and smiled at Traeh. Well, the Travelers are up to it again. They snatched you away just seconds before they would have cut your heart out.

It’s all right, Uncle Rick, Traeh already told us, Bunnie explained. A horrible Harvest Ruler was getting ready to do it.

Rick glanced at Jenny. Jenny shrugged. She’s my girl. Caring and smart.

Hmm. Like her mom and dad. Well, I found out that Traeh is from the jungle region of Swartz. Traeh, are you still frightened?

Traeh nodded her head.

All right. Why don’t Larry and I go back out on the patio, and take Snoopy with us? Then you girls can talk and try to help Traeh calm down. Rick motioned for Snoopy to follow him. Snoopy glanced back and forth from Bunnie to Rick.

Bunnie laughed. Go on with Uncle Rick, Snoopy. This is a girl’s only party. She flicked her hand for Snoopy to go. Give him a treat, Uncle Rick. He’s like most men and can be bribed with food.

Bunnie Jenny exclaimed. Where did you ever hear such a thing?

Why, from you, Mom. You said when you cooked Dad’s favorite meal, he would do anything for you.

Jenny shook her head as she rocked her crying baby.

There you go, Jenny, Larry said. That’s one I plan to get a lot of mileage out of. Larry laughed all the way out to the patio.

So, what are you going to do? Larry asked Rick.

I haven’t been back to Swartz in almost a year.

You think you’re ready to return, knowing Tavia’s gone?

I can’t get her out of my soul, Doc. Even after all this time, she still pops into my mind. I’m afraid to return and tell Hawk I’m still trying to deal with her death.

Did writing the book help?

That was supposed to be my catharsis. Instead, it just sharpened the pain. Rick sighed. I can’t put it off any longer. It’s time I returned. What did the little girl say her name was?

Traeh.

I’ll try to make it back for Barbara’s birthday party.

Are you sure that hologram/computer on your arm will be able to keep both Swartz and Earth time?

I’ll find out.

They returned to the bedroom. Rick asked Traeh, Are you calm enough for me to take you to a doctor friend to figure out how we can help you?

Traeh shook her head side to side, and her lips started quivering.

Hmm, that’s not good.

Bunnie asked, If I went with you, would you go with Uncle Rick?

She nodded slightly. Bunnie still felt her shivering under the blanket.

Rick, Jenny said, I’m sorry, but I wouldn’t be comfortable with you whisking Bunnie off with you.

Rick nodded as Jenny’s baby whimpered. How about you all come with me, and we can have Hawk check the baby?

Jenny glanced over at Larry.

Rick has a point, Larry said. We’re both good doctors, but not baby doctors. We still have four days left of our vacation. Why not?

Larry, the last time we went to Rick’s other world, it was on a hospital bed, and we landed in the middle of a war zone with bullets flying everywhere.

Oh, I won’t be taking you to Nat-Sat, Rick said. We’ll be going to the city of Bay on the planet Swartz. It’s a lot like San Francisco, but without as many people.

And there are robots there?

They’re called Forms after the duties they perform. The first one I met was called Carriage Operator One Form. Then there was a Door Guide 29 Form, and a Doctor One Form. They all look exactly alike except they wear different colored clothes. And they’re always smiling. Rick added, A perpetual smile. And LiShara’s premier attendant form is called Accountable One. I won’t let anything happen to you, Jenny. It’s a very safe place.

I know, but I’m still not sure, Jenny said as she hugged the baby in her arms. What about Snoopy? We can’t leave him here.

I’ll take you all. However, I don’t want to flash Traeh back with that horrible red mark on her shirt. Bunnie, you’re bigger than she is, but maybe you would have some clothes she could wear?

Bunnie asked Traeh if she would like some new clothes.

I think so. She pointed at Snoopy. But I’m scared of … dog.

His name is Snoopy. He lives with me. He’s very gentle.

He’s very big.

Bunnie laughed. Yes, he is. I had to teach him not to jump up on people because he’s so big he would knock them over if he did. He likes to lick you. Bunnie thought a moment. But that doesn’t mean he’s going to eat you. That’s what he does to be friendly.

She called Snoopy over, and he laid his head on the bed. Bunnie took Traeh’s hand and guided it toward Snoopy. Now take your hand like this and pet him on his head. It’s nice and soft. Then he likes to have you scratch around his ears and by his collar. You try it.

Traeh cautiously scratched his head. Then she held her hand out, and Snoopy licked it. She patted him again on his head. She smiled at Bunnie. He’s so soft.

See, he likes you. Come on. We’ll go to my room where I’m staying, and you can pick out what you’d like to wear. It will be fun. Bunnie slipped off the bed and held out her hand.

Slowly Traeh moved off the bed.

I’ve got some really cool clothes. Wait a minute. Traeh, don’t you have shoes?

They wouldn’t let me have shoes. They were afraid I’d run away if I wore them.

Bunnie frowned at Traeh’s feet. I know all my shoes are too big for you. She glanced up at Jenny.

Uncle Rick has a pair of your old slippers that were too small for you. You left them behind, and he never threw them out. Those might fit.

Rick rolled his eyes and shrugged innocently. I was waiting to donate them to charity.

Great! Thanks, Mom. She asked Traeh, Are you hungry? We can stop by the kitchen and get something to munch on. Uncle Rick always has lots of junk food.

Junk food? Traeh asked, confused.

Wait until you taste it. You’ll love it. Mom will roll her eyes at us, but Dad will try to sneak some of it, too.

Jenny’s eyes opened wide, but she didn’t say anything as Bunnie pulled Traeh out of the bedroom. Instead, Jenny glanced over at Larry, but Larry pointed at Rick. It’s all his fault. He’s the one that stocks the kitchen with Oreos, chips, and all sorts of pernicious things that I never get to taste until I come here. I only check them to be sure they’re all right for Bunnie to eat.

Pernicious indeed! That has to be the worst excuse I’ve ever heard.

Rick pulled Larry’s arm. Come on, Larry. I need to get you out of here while you’re still married, and before your wife starts beating on me about my lack of domestic skills. I’ve been packing a suitcase with stuff I want to take back with me. It’s too heavy for one person to move unless you’re my friend HecTor.

So how are you going to carry it back with you, plus us?

Oh, I don’t have to carry it. I’ll just place it between my legs, and it will go. He stopped in the kitchen and took two gallons of milk out of the refrigerator.

Are you thirsty? Larry asked.

Not for me. These are for Hawk. Remember?

How could I not. I’ll carry those. Hey, wait. I see a big bag full of cookies and other contraband goodies that I’m not allowed. We should take those to Hawk, too.

Rick started laughing. Oh, Doc, you are so shallow. Cookies for Hawk, but you can’t let him eat alone, so Jenny can’t get after you as you join him for a junk food orgy.

Larry thought a moment. Yup, that’s a good strategy. Works for me.

CHAPTER THREE

Planet Swartz,

City Of Bay

Queen Lishara’s Park

As soon as the flash occurred, Rick heard someone clapping.

Rick glanced around and saw LiShara sitting by a small table under a floating sailcloth. She had placed her reading in her lap and was clapping her hands. How wonderful! I was just thinking how much I’ve missed you, and in you flash.

Rick stepped over the suitcase between his legs and hurried to her. He gave her a kiss on the cheek and a hug. Yup, like that bad penny, here I am again.

I have no idea what a bad penny is, but it’s wonderful to see you again. And who have you brought me this time?

LiShara these are dear friends, Doctor’s Larry and Jenny Webco. This is their first visit from Earth, so they may be a little overwhelmed at first. The baby is Barbara, and this girl is Bunnie, and the one with the long black ponytail is Traeh. She’s from the jungle region of central Swartz.

And what is that? LiShara said as she pointed at Snoopy.

That’s Snoopy, Bunnie said as she held him near her on his leash.

Well, oh my! I don’t believe I’ve ever seen a Snoopy before.

Oh, that’s just his name. He’s really a dog.

I see. She glanced up at Rick. Always full of surprises for me aren’t you?

I try. Group, this lovely lady is the ruler of this planet. Her name is LiShara.

Bunnie asked, Is she a queen?

Hmm, Rick thought for a moment, and added, Yes, indeed, perfect. She is a Queen. Queen LiShara.

LiShara lifted her eyebrows in surprise.

Should we curtsy to her, Uncle Rick? Bunnie asked.

LiShara started laughing. Oh, no, dear one. In my kingdom, Rick has decreed that all new visitors must give me a hug. Curtsies aren’t necessary. She stood from her chair and held open her arms.

Everyone gave her a hug. I’ve heard so much about all of you, except for your baby Barbara, Snoopy, and Traeh.

Jenny gazed around at the huge park setting. Tall trees, a green expansive lawn, and bushes with many flowers surrounded them. Nearby was a large contemporary building with many glass windows, tall columns and a wide walkway that led to an elegant carved front door.

Bright yellow and orange floating umbrellas and sailcloths rippled in the gentle breeze, 12 feet over the outside furniture, and adjusted constantly to always keep the sun off the teak-like tables and chairs and colorful settees and chaise lounges. Everything was focused around LiShara’s chair and table.

Multicolored flowers in pots were placed around the chairs and on the tables. Jenny smelled a hint of sweet flower fragrance mingled with the scent of fresh cut grass. This wasn’t what I expected. Not at all, she whispered.

Jenny took LiShara’s hand. You must forgive me, Queen LiShara. I’m overwhelmed by how beautiful this is.

Even more beautiful since you arrived, LiShara said with a twinkle.

Oh, you are good, Jenny said.

Only since I’ve been promoted to Queen by my dear Rick.

Yes, he is a smooth talker, isn’t he. I believe we need to have a long chat about him. We will have fun sharing stories about all the mischief he’s gotten into.

Oh, that would be lovely.

Now, I’m not so sure I should have stopped here first, Rick said with a grin. "Queen LiShara, I’m expecting you to behave yourself while I go get Hawk. I’ll be right back.

Larry, have LiShara’s Accountable One Form place the milk in the refrigerator till we go to my place. He paused and added, Perhaps the girls would enjoy sharing a glass of milk with Queen LiShara and a few cookies.

Bunnie grabbed Traeh’s hand. Remember there will be a flash, and then he’s off! Don’t be afraid. Traeh nodded her head. Okay, Uncle Rick, flash away.

Thank you, my princess, Rick said with a small bow and a big smile as he flashed away.

Bunnie turned to LiShara and explained, He’s always calling me that because he says that I’m his favorite princess.

LiShara smiled. In that case, I will make you my favorite princess as well. Come sit at my round table and tell me about this milk he was talking about. And I want to hear all about your Snoopy and all your adventures. She gestured for Accountable One to set up the table. And, Jenny, I am so looking forward to sharing stories with you about our Rick.

* * *

Rick flashed into the Bay Hospital in Hawk’s private office. Hawk was leaning back in his chair with a cold cloth covering his eyes and his feet on top of his desk. Without moving, Hawk said, It figures. I finally get a few moments of rest and in you pop. The Master Kline told me you wouldn’t stay away longer than two weeks, and he was correct.

Rick sat in the chair facing the desk. What are you talking about? I’ve been gone for almost a year, eleven months, plus.

Hawk pulled off the cloth and sat up. He grinned at Rick. Sorry, big Flyboy. You’ve been gone exactly 11 days.

Rick looked stunned. Eleven days. You aren’t kidding, are you?

Do you need a petal? You look as if you’re going into shock.

I am in shock, but I’m all right. I figured everyone would give me a bad time about being gone for so long and … His voice drifted off as he pondered what Hawk had just told him. So that’s why LiShara was so blasé about my arrival.

Welcome back, old friend, Hawk said. If I had more strength, I’d pop out of this chair and give you a hug. How’d you find me?

I figured out how to home in on your suit.

And I thought you couldn’t zap around on the planet you were on?

The Travelers fixed it so I could flash around anywhere on Earth and Swartz.

That was smart of them.

Hawk, you look terrible.

Thanks. If that comment was supposed to cheer me up, it didn’t work.

I’m sorry. How about I tell you your office looks great. You even have chairs for my size, plus little people.

It’s too late to try to be charming. So what do you need?

Rick filled him in on what he knew of Jenny’s baby and Traeh.

Hawk touched his collar. Adi, Rick’s back. He brought Larry and Jenny, and they need our help. Can you come to my office right—

Hawk’s office door popped open before he could finish, and Adi said with a dramatic wave of her arms, Ta-da! This fast enough for you?

Hawk laughed so hard he found it difficult to talk. Finally, he gasped, Be kind to Rick. He thinks he’s been gone for eleven months.

Rick bent on one knee and gave Adi a hug. She kissed him on his cheek and said, If you had been away that long, I’d have kicked your butt!

See, that’s what I was expecting! He stood and shook his head. And I’ve really only been gone 11 days! I’m going to need time to process that. Come on, my dear friends, people need our help.

* * *

Jenny sat in a chair while Hawk ran his medical wand over the baby and nodded his head.

Jenny remembered that Hawk’s people shook and nodded their heads the opposite of people from Earth, so nodding was bad. What do you see? Jenny asked with concern.

He frowned at the readings and showed them to Adi. She made a petulant shake of her head at him and said, You men!

She reached her arms for Jenny to give her the baby. The baby looked large being held by someone of Adi’s short stature. She smiled at the baby and sniffed. Barbara started crying softly. You don’t feel well do you? She sniffed the baby’s breath once more and said, Hawk, give me a ZZ petal.

He reached into his medical pack and handed her the petal.

All right, you dear little girl, smell this. Adi waved the petal in front of the baby’s nose. A moment later the baby stopped crying and smiled. Then she closed her eyes and went peacefully to sleep.

What did you do? Jenny asked.

I softened your milk. Hawk, give Jenny a package of ZZ petals to take with her. An hour or so before you feed Barbara, sniff one petal. They will last a couple of days, so you can reuse them. Just drop it into a glass of cold water. If she starts complaining again, just give her a sniff, and that will take care of everything.

Hawk shrugged. I’m a good people doctor, but Adi is the baby charmer. What did you call her, Rick?

A midwife.

Adi handed the baby back to Jenny. She’s beautiful, Jenny.

Jenny grinned. Right at this moment, Adi, you are the beautiful one. Thanks for your caring.

Okay, Hawk, Rick said, since you screwed that one up, how about doing a better job inserting a translator into Traeh?

Aren’t you on call somewhere out in the universe? Hawk sat Traeh on a chair.

She looked at him strangely. How come you’re so small?

Oh, I’m just the right height. Some people that don’t know any better call me a little person. Hawk smirked up at Rick. They, of course, don’t realize that they are all too big, much too tall. However, you and I are at just the perfect height.

Traeh smiled. Bunnie said you could fix it so I can understand everyone.

Yes, I can. Would you enjoy that?

Please. Will it hurt?

Oh, no. I would never do that to a little girl as pretty as you. But you’ll have to try hard to understand how the translator works. Bunnie will help you. Don’t be impatient with yourself.

I won’t be.

Hawk waved a petal under her nose and watched as her head tipped forward asleep. Rick came behind her and held her to keep her from falling off the chair. Hawk took out the Translator Inserter tool and looked through the unit into her ear. The light came on and he placed the translator behind her eardrum. He smiled with a quick shake of his head.

Done? Rick asked.

Done. Hawk waved another petal under her nose. She opened her eyes and asked, When are you going to do it?

All done, Hawk said in English. Can you understand what I just said?

Yes! Her eyes opened wide. It’s magic.

No, Rick said. It’s just Clip and Hawk’s science.

Traeh turned to Bunnie and said, Now we can go play with Venus?

Who’s Venus? Hawk asked.

I’m not responsible, Rick said. Make LiShara tell you.

LiShara grinned at Hawk. "The last time Rick visited with the new LiShara he told her about a movie he always loved called ‘One Touch of Venus.’ Of course, none of us knew what a movie was, and even though he tried to explain it, we still didn’t know. The new LiShara, however, loved the name, particularly when Rick said how beautiful the actress was. After he’d left, she asked me if she could have a new name? I told her I saw no reason why not. That’s when she said she wanted to be called Venus. And so, that’s her new name.

I took them all over to meet Venus while Rick was getting you. And, yes, Bunnie and Traeh, go and play with her. She’d love that LiShara held up her hand for them to wait a moment and asked Hawk, Do you think it would be all right if Snoopy went too?

Hawk rubbed Snoopy’s ear. As long as they bring him back so I can spend some time with him, too.

The girls and Snoopy ran off to the new outdoor room Clip had constructed for Venus.

I so enjoyed the, LiShara paused in thought, "milk Rick brought for you, Hawk. Doctor Larry said to tell you we drank it all." LiShara made a sheepish grin at Hawk.

He did what? Hawk said, then smirked at Larry. Trying to pull a fast one on me, huh?

A whole gallon just for you, Larry said. Just stashed away and waiting.

Just for that, let’s have some more milk and cookies, and Larry gets none.

Okay, but that means I can’t share the bag of goodies I brought with me. Larry lifted the bag and shook it.

Larry, you forget who I work for, The Blue Ghost. And early on, he taught me a very valuable lesson.

And what was that? Larry asked.

Don’t get mad. Just get even.

Larry laughed out loud. How about a truce?

For a glass of cold milk, absolutely.

How’s the awakening going? Rick asked.

The Sun Master Coe’s crew is a tough case. We lost two of them in the awakening process. Presently, some are doing better than others.

I’m sorry, Rick said. I know how you don’t like to lose anyone.

The worst part of being a doctor. Losing someone under your care. Hawk’s face grew sad. You’re correct. It upsets me every time. I keep wondering what else I could have or should have done.

Larry groaned. Hawk’s right. I know how he feels. You keep going over and over in your mind what else you could have done.

Hawk pointed at the large suitcase to try to change the subject. He asked, What’s in the box, Flyboy?

Where did my new name come from?

From a bad burrito. I repeat my question.

Goodies! Rick said with a quick grin.

Some for me?

That depends on how good you’ve been.

I’ve been working too hard to get into trouble.

Come on, then. I’ve got stuff for everyone.

Even me? Adi asked.

Yes, even you. Rick grinned at LiShara. And even you, Queen LiShara.

Goodness. I don’t think I’ve ever received a gift before.

Rick started to lift the suitcase, stopped and asked Accountable One, You are much stronger than we are, aren’t you?

Yes, it’s how we were designed.

Good, would you mind lifting this suitcase onto the table for me?

Of course. She easily lifted the heavy suitcase to the table.

Thank you, Accountable One.

I used to be that strong, Hawk said. Then I joined up with a transparent nut case and he softened me right up.

I just tried to soften that hard head of yours, Rick said, followed by a quick laugh. But it’s still as hard as ever. He opened the suitcase and handed a small package to LiShara.

She studied the brightly covered package with a white bow on it. Oh, Rick, this is lovely.

Hawk nodded his head. It gets worse, LiShara. You can’t keep the box.

Why not?

Because the gift is inside that beautiful package.

Rick said, You should have seen Melody when I gave her a present. I thought she’d never get it unwrapped.

LiShara frowned at Rick. You mean I have to destroy this lovely gift and look for something inside?

I’m afraid so, Rick said with a shrug. You sound like Melody. I just hope the gift inside is as pleasing as the box is.

Well, I don’t know, LiShara said with a pout. She lifted the box and said, It’s so lovely, and I’ve never received a gift before.

Hawk laughed. Do what Melody did. She opened her box as a surgeon does, got her gift out, then rewrapped the box.

Why, that’s very wise of Melody. I will just let Accountable One do that for me. She handed the gift to her.

Rick rolled his eyes. All right, Adi, you’re next. He gave her a small box, also gorgeously wrapped.

Adi frowned at the box. LiShara, can I use Accountable One next?

Rick groaned. What about you, Hawk? Are you going to save your wrapping, too?

Are you kidding? I want the good stuff, not just some pretty paper.

Finally, a person after my own heart. He passed two gifts to Hawk.

* * *

LiShara ran her hands down the embroidered white lace shawl Rick had given her. This is the first gift I’ve ever received. It’s just so lovely, I can hardly see it through the tears in my eyes. She smiled at Rick. You are so thoughtful. I’ve decided to make you my son.

Well, I’d certainly agree to that, Rick said as he bent and gave her a kiss. He took the shawl and placed it over her shoulders. It’s worn over your shoulders so that on chilly mornings or evenings it will help keep you warm. Of course, it also makes you look even more beautiful.

Oh, you dear boy. She ran her hands over it again and smiled. So lovely.

Adi held her pearl necklace in front of her. Rick, these are priceless. I almost don’t want to put them on. I just want to look at them. She held them up for Hawk to see.

They are beautiful, Hawk said. Almost as beautiful as you.

Wow! Rick said. That was smooth, Hawk.

Hawk eyebrows bounced up, followed with a smirk.

Adi grinned. Every time he says something romantic to me, he says he learned it from you.

I’m innocent of those charges, Rick said. I’m sorry the book I gave each of you is in English.

Oh, no, dear one, LiShara said. Teacher One will take it and translate it into Nat-Sat. She glanced up at Accountable One and said, I’ve already requested Teacher One to come over immediately. It should take her only two days to have translated copies available for you.

Hawk held the book up in front of him. What’s it called again?"

"Space Dream. Jenny suggested the title. She said that was what I called it when I came back with Hosa after I thought that Clip had been killed."

And you have a copy of it on your arm hologram?

Sure.

So tell the hologram to send me a copy translated into Tarab. Hawk touched his arm and the hologram appeared.

Rick stared at Hawk. Don’t tell me that it would have been that easy to do? Rick touched his two fingers to his sleeve and the hologram popped up. "Send Hawk a copy of my book Space Dream in Tarab."

Rick’s book appeared on Hawk’s hologram written in Tarab.

Rick shook his head. Now, that is really embarrassing!

Hawk started laughing. Accountable One, I’ll send a copy to Teacher One. I’d still like to have a paper copy, so perhaps she could make us all one in our various languages and I’ll make Rick sign my copy.

Of course, Doc Hawk. It will be done.

See, Hawk said. I ask Accountable One to call me Doc Hawk, and now all the Forms do. I ask anyone else, and all I get is Master Hawk. Sheesh!

Rick grinned at his friend. Sorry about that.

No, you’re not. You’re delighted that I have to share that burden with you.

Well, now that you mention it, that’s probably true. What did you think of the chrome-plated stethoscope? Larry assured me that it was the best of the best.

Hawk held it out in front of him and grinned. I’m trying to be cool and not get all gushy with you, but you did good. He winked at Larry. Mighty good. Thanks for giving Rick the suggestion.

However, we do have a serious problem facing us, Rick said. Traeh. What are we to do with her?

Jenny nodded. She told us that she has never had parents. After she was born, she was taken and placed in a special facility to be raised so that one day, before she was ten, she could be sacrificed to the Harvest God. She has never known love or had parents that cared for her.

That’s horrible! Adi said. How many are there waiting to be killed?

Hopefully, none, Rick said. "When I went back to the