Best Laid Plans: The Space Darlings Series

By B. L. Daniels

Major Lori and Captain Gladriel are mistakenly identified as the stars of the "Space Sarlings" video series. Confusion, Intrigue, and Action abound when governmental orders send them undercover as Engertainers.

"Romance, Adventure, and Danger provide the reader with a delightful romp as the Space Darlings encounter Fun, fear, and Perilous situations. When the Best Laid Plans go astray, the Space Darlings are in the thick of the action."--Alva Underwood, author of "Star Trek Reader's Reference to the Novels."

YouTube trailer: Best Laid Plans Space Darlings

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Jul 14, 2011
• ISBN: 9781463419172

B. L. Daniels

Under the name B. L. Daniels, Barbara Daniels Phillips, has written three books of Romantic Adventure in The Space Darling Series: BEST LAID PLANS, Vol. I ; THE DARLINGS ON ICE, Vol. II; and POWER OF THE CROWN, Vol. III. Barbara taught English foe twenty-two years at Wamego High School and administrated and taught at Highland Community College in Wamego, Kansas. Barbara Daniels Phillips earned her BA in education degree from Wichita State University and her MA degree in Language Arts at Fort Hays State University. Ms. Phillips was a recipient of two fellowships in Philosopy at Kansas University in Lawrence, Kansas and three fellowships in Social Studies and one in Newspaper at Kansas State University in Manhattan, KS. She spent two summer workshops at KU attending studies in Science Fiction under the direction of Dr. James E. Gunn a science fiction author and teacher. He authored The Road to Science Fiction collection. For many years he was the director of the Center for the Study of Science Fiction at the University of Kansas. Under the name B. L. Phillips, Barbara Phillips, has written a Romantic Adventure Fantasy novel Search for the Red Wizard: Blue Wizard's Quest.

Book preview

Prologue

Three sweaty men chopped, hacked, and pushed their way through the thick green underbrush. The youngest paused to watch an old woman who struggled to keep up with them. The two other men, weary from their exertion in the humid jungle, rested a moment. They all watched as the frail woman tripped and fell with a whimpering moan. The leader turned away from her and grumbled aloud, If she can’t keep up, we’ll have to kill her.

The trembling woman got up and walked a couple of steps; her legs failed. The young man grabbed her and kept her on her feet. You must try, he whispered to her.

Kill her, Harmon! shouted Axle, the leader.

I can’t kill an old woman, Axle, it’s against our laws. Give her a few minutes. I’ll get her some water and a bit of food. That’ll do the trick. He helped her sit down and then he rummaged through his knapsack for his food packet. He broke off a piece of brownish bread and handed it to her.

I want to be at the cliffs by nightfall. So get a move on or I’ll kill you both. Axle and the other man shortly returned to hacking their way through the dense underbrush.

Meanwhile, Harmon gave the woman a bottle pouch from which she took a couple of swallows and thanked him. He then handed her a root from a packet. She ate it quickly and smiled gratefully up at him. Thank you, young man, for your kindness.

Shortly they were on their way once more. The rest and food had helped her regain some strength. Harmon then joined the other two men in cutting through the underbrush. Clay, the man in the lead, a rather slender man in his mid-thirties hacked away at the brush. Suddenly he uttered a fearful scream.

The other men hurried forward in time to see him being pulled toward the open mouth of a gaping green plant with multiple tentacles which appeared to be reaching out of the dark earth. Harmon grabbed Clay’s arm and tried to pull him free. Suddenly another tentacle wrapped about Clay while a third one encircled Harmon’s torso. The plant was in a feeding frenzy. Axle, the leader, sprang into action and chopped wildly at the nearest tentacle, suddenly a fourth limb latched onto his ankle. He viciously slashed at the green tentacle. He severed it enough to escape only to be recaptured when two more tentacles flung themselves around his upper body. The three were doomed.

The old woman cowered in the forest and screamed hysterically. Suddenly, a scantily clad tall blond woman rushed to the old woman’s side. Upon seeing the young woman the old woman stopped screaming.

The young woman spoke reassuringly to her. Keep calm, I’ll be back for you shortly.

The young woman ran forward and drew her weapon from its holster. Then she fired at the gaping plant’s orifice. She sliced a gash through a tentacle. The center was too thick with tentacles for her weapon to destroy its roots. She adjusted her weapon’s settings then hurried forward and aimed for tentacles. The beam of her weapon split the plants tentacles and this relaxed their hold. The truncated stubs withdrew into the hole. Quickly she’d freed the first two men. The men worked their way to her side. She confiscated their weapons. By now a frantic screaming and struggling Axle was being rapidly drawn down into the creature’s waiting gullet.

Can either of you men show me the way to the place where my partner is being held? asked the woman.

I can show you. I don’t know the password, only Axle does, said Clay.

Is he Axle? She pointed in the direction of the screaming man.

Yep, he answered.

She fired her weapon once more and cut the nearest tentacle into two pieces. Axle, you have a password I want, give it to me and I’ll save you.

Save me first.

Sorry, Axle, you’re in no bargaining spot.

The password is ‘Go slow.’

She waited. Are you sure? It doesn’t sound right to me. Sarcasm dripped from her words. Looks like you’re about to see the critter’s inner workings.

He screamed wildly as another tentacle reached him, No, I made a mistake! he shouted. Kill it! he shrieked.

She watched as the grip tightened and he was being dragged nearer the plant’s maw.

He screamed, The password is ‘Power of the crown.’

She quickly moved around the clearing to reach all the tentacles. Rapidly two more tentacles sprang out and flung themselves toward her. She moved back into the safety of the underbrush and fired. The now truncated limbs pulled back into the center. The plant resumed its dragging on Axle. She fired at the remaining limbs holding the man. Unfortunately her weapon’s beam grazed Axle’s left shoulder. He screamed in agony. She had severed all the plant’s green limbs and Axle was free.

Axle got up and staggered to the safety of the jungle. Two limbs and a huge core rose from the ground. She fired into its mass. It tried to wrap its tentacles about itself. The limbs, now truncated stubs couldn’t stop the damage of her weapon. The plant creature gave off a hissing squeal as it began to burn.

Axle, you go on over to the big rock! Now put your weapons on the rock. If you don’t I’ll shoot you, the woman said as she watched him.

I’m putting them down! I’m injured, you know.

She watched him place a machete and two knives on the rock. From her belt she took a rectangular device and pointed it toward him. Would you like to get rid of the weapon in your boot?

Oh, I forgot one. He grinned like a young boy caught snitching a cookie from the counter.

Any others you forgot? Like maybe in your hat or strapped on your leg?

Oh, I do have one in my hat. He grinned innocently as he removed his hat and took out the knife hidden in the top part. That’s it.

I think not, Axle. She shook her head no.

You want to search me? I’d enjoy having you run your fingers over my body.

I’ll forgo the thrill today. If I have to search you, I’ll shoot you first. Now, do you have more? She waited and watched as he removed one he could reach from inside his right pocket and another from his forearm band. Check once more to see you have them all. My intuition tells me there’s more. She’d pointed the instrument at him and waited.

He rolled his eyes heavenward. Then he rolled up his left sleeve to reveal a small cache of throwing discs. He removed them and put them on the rock. I’m done.

"I sincerely hope so, for your sake. Maybe I should shoot you and check you out. I have this feeling. She waited and made the motion of aiming at him. Instead of using the gun, she used the weapon detection device as if it were a weapon.

He heaved a sigh and rolled up his right sleeve where there rested two daggers. He removed them and placed them on the rock. I’m really done.

I don’t think you’re capable of telling the truth. I have an idea. Why don’t you strip?

You are in for a treat, Lady. I hope you appreciate the body of a real man. He grinned maliciously as he ran his fingers through his thinning graying hair and then rapidly removed his shirt and gently laid it down. He tried to look bold as he removed his pants. He wore nothing beneath. I’m as plucked as a bird. I hope you enjoy the view. He turned around several times showing his whole body was free of weapons. Then he turned extremely slowly emanating great pride in his endowment. The excitement of the moment and his stripping in front of a beautiful woman had thrown his system into full sexual bloom.

Now walk over to the group. She went to the rock and collected the knives. She picked up the pants and removed one more knife. I guess you missed this one. You were one well-armed rascal. Reassured she’d found the remaining weapons she tossed him his pants. Cover up ‘real man’ and get ready to take this group to your hideout. We have further business tonight.

I knew my body would set you off. Can’t wait can you? he smirked.

I have other uses for you, rather than your body. Now let’s get moving.

Aren’t you going to check my shirt?

We’ll leave it there. I think it’s a bit lethal, if my guess is right. You set a trigger alarm for it to detonate when it’s picked up, right?

Damned woman, he mumbled as the group resumed its trek.

She smiled sweetly as she said, And I thought you wanted me.

With a wave of a hand the jungle scene vanished. The voices and background music ceased as the holographic entertainment shut down.

Now a soft glow replaced the bright jungle colors. The room’s lights revealed a beautiful regal blond woman reclining on a couch. She slowly sat up. She was quite upset and breathed deeply several times and slowly released her breath as she calmed her mind. Then Counselade Hyptiggia waved her hand at her communication console and called Admiral Margline.

The Admiral responded immediately to Counselade Hyptiggia’s call. It had reached her as she was preparing to board her space ship The Rullen. Instead of boarding immediately the Admiral left for the Counselade’s office. The official notice was too quick for Margline’s comfort. All the way there she wondered why she was being called to see a Counselade, particularly Counselade Hyptiggia, since she oversaw all space programs including the Academy.

Shortly Margline stepped from the lift, stopped to adjust the cuffs of her dove gray uniform, patted her chestnut brown hair, and pulled back her shoulders to insure she stood erect. She exuded a visual confidence, which she did not feel. With her hat tucked under her left arm, she advanced to the towering double baroque doors and touched the identity-screen and waited.

Come in, Admiral Margline, said a deep rich contralto feminine voice.

The admiral’s mind raced as she tried to recall all she’d heard about Counselade Hyptiggia. Margline remembered various stories, such as her sexual encounters with numerous men and rumors of her vast powers and cunning ran through the gossip channels. In this day and age Counselades were more often heard about than seen. During her thirty year career she had never had a private audience with any Counselade. In fact, she’d never seen one Counselade in person. She walked quickly to the platform where Hyptiggia lounged on huge white lush pillows. Margline was astounded to feel the lightness of the gravity in the chamber, as well as the feeling of being too small for its spaciousness.

Margline felt dwarfed by the room, as well as by Hyptiggia. Still she wanted to see the Counselade as she was, not as myth. Hyptiggia dominated the room. She was well over seven feet tall. Her white-blond tresses were done in an elaborate braided fashion which framed her golden face and bare shoulders. Her slender long fingers played with the white pleated skirt of the gown she wore.

Please join me, Admiral. Would you share my morning tea? Hyptiggia’s hand indicated a cushion near her.

It would be my pleasure, Margline said as she sat down.

Hyptiggia handed her a cup. She studied the Admiral while they sipped their Median tea. She had committed Margline’s file to memory and knew every facet of it. Margline commanded the Academy which included cadets, the explorer corps, spacers, and the space military. Truly she would not have requested Margline if the problem could have been handled in another way. A serious problem confronts the Council. I believe you and I can solve it and keep the Space Academy intact. Together we will manage the ‘Space Darlings’ situation.

I see. You’re speaking of Captain Gladriel and Major Lori.

Never before has any officer, least of all two, become controversial entertainment stars and they’re not even the actors. I’ve just previewed a section of a recent show. The main characters are definitely based on those two women.

I have heard the latest gossip. Please note the series has a set of cadet heroines, not Spacers. I can assure you our women should not be held accountable. Even before they returned from their first mission these adventures were appearing.

The two women characters are very similar to the captain and the major in appearance. One of them is made to look like a Nordiman. Major Lori is a Nordiman as am I, and we are not partakers of this galactic nonsense. The other, Captain Gladriel, is a Phismen and they are provincial and isolated from other cultures. Now, thanks to the popularity of the Space Darlings series, the main characters have become cult figures. In fact, there are some Sub-Council members who want to court martial the two for breach of their contracts.

But, Counselade, such actions would be fruitless. We cannot do anything without proper procedures or proof. It seems they have no knowledge or connection to the production or the shows. Until someone can prove otherwise they are innocent.

How true, Hyptiggia sighed. I definitely believe in following the letter of the law. That’s why I called you.

Removing them because someone used their persona would be illegal and a mistake, said Admiral Margline as she set her empty cup on the waiting robo server’s tray. Counselade, I have files on these women, beginning with their arrival here as orphaned children. Perhaps, if you reviewed their histories—

I do not care to review histories. Did you know someone, using the name of VanDrofred, is selling this adventure series?

No, Counselade Hyptiggia, I did not know. The women insist they have no idea how information about the Academy reached the Space Darlings series. They disclaim any part in the production of the shows. In fact, there are adventures from many other spacers’ assignments which had been transferred to the Space Darlings series of shows. The women have no information or knowledge of those events.

Our regular, as well as coded and encrypted messages and files are being used as the story line of the adventures. Someone’s got to know how this could be happening, Hyptiggia remarked as she stared at Margline with piercing deep blue eyes.

I can guarantee you the women aren’t privy to this information. After all, who would believe the shows are based loosely on true situations. No doubt this VanDrofred person happened to hear or see the two women and has contacts within Glather’s system. Anyone having access to our codes is a security problem. I, however, do not believe this Space Darlings series is serious enough to merit dismissal of the women. If allowed to run its course its popularity will die away. If not, why not force cancellation of the show?

How would it look? It would make the adventures even more believable. We must find out who is responsible for this. Until then, I have decided the women must be taken out of the visual arena of popular attention and media hunters. The media is hunting for them now. Thank goodness, you’re keeping those women on base, and out of sight. This is a quite a clever tactic. I am pleased with your decision. Well done, Admiral Margline. Remember, even this, is only a stop gap measure. What we need, is a place where we can send them. It must be remote and unavailable to regular media channels. If we get them beyond public notice and keep them there for some time, perhaps the interest and excitement will die away. Do we have such a place?

We have a number.

Hyptiggia waved her hand at the wall across from her. Suddenly a huge galactic map appeared.

Margline circled a large section on the outer rim. Sector 12 is far away from regular traffic routes and has a number of mining asteroids and a low factor for disruptions. The last incident of any major trouble occurred more than fifty years ago. Today the center of mining is the planet Minerva. Its capitol city is Minera and its other major planet and city are both called Lattimer. These planets are protectorates of the Council.

If I recall rightly, Minera is so peaceful the only communications with it are the mineral reports included with quarterly-cycle reports to the Council. More importantly the area is far from the Council’s control. Hyptiggia studied the area. She smiled. This area might be the right spot for our ‘Darlings.’

It meets your requirements. Currently there is only one small problem in Sector 12. Their last few mining reports are late or missing.

Excellent, that’s reason enough, Admiral. We can send the women to straighten out the problem and work on the late reports. It is, however, important they not be associated with Central, Glather, the Space Academy, or the Council.

They are quite attractive and will undoubtedly receive notice wherever they go. What happens if the women really uncover something?

You tell me they are good officers, so they should be able to handle anything. Besides, what can happen? The late reports cannot be serious. There have been no reports concerning anything else of importance or we would know of it.

Hyptiggia paused and looked directly at Margline and spoke once more. We must be sure there is no possible way they can attract direct attention to the Council. Their presence must be disconnected from the infamy of the series. This current association must fade and fade quickly to protect our Galactic Republic. Of course, we are doing this for their sakes. We are saving their careers, providing them an avenue of advancement, and insuring their personal safety.

Margline nodded her agreement. She’d noted Counselade’s Hyptiggia’s warning the women were in personal danger if this continued.

Hyptiggia studied her pale lemon fingernails for several seconds. When she looked at Margline, her smile was easy and natural. This should keep them busy, and out of the public eye. Do it! Hyptiggia got up and walked with Margline to the entry. Do keep this visit confidential.

I will, Counselade Hyptiggia. As Margline left she hoped Major Lori and Captain Gladriel would be as resourceful as they had proven to be thus far. She smiled. Counselade Hyptiggia might be in for a surprise.

Part One: Lattimer

Chapter 1

Admiral Margline’s voice came over the intercom to Lori and Gladriel’s quarters.

Major Lori, you and Captain Gladriel are to report to my office immediately. You have a new assignment.

Glady, let’s go, we have an assignment, said Lori as she pulled her friend from her study chamber. She ruffled Gladriel’s soft curly black hair and shoved her into the hallway. Let’s get a move on.

Gladriel strove to keep up with her long legged friend. Slow down. You know we’ve been an embarrassment to the Academy, so why would they assign us anything, except garbage detail, anger tainted her words.

Gladriel’s sour attitude didn’t dampen Lori’s almost perennial optimism. You’re being your usually pessimistic self, Glady, Lori chided her. It is an opportunity. Lori grinned as she shoved and pushed her reluctant friend to the Admiral’s office.

Shortly they reached Margline’s office. The aide showed them into the pale blue and white interior of the office. They saluted when they entered.

The Admiral returned their salute. Please be seated. Margline suppressed a smile. It wasn’t until she’d personally seen Hyptiggia that she realized Lori definitely was from the same planet and carried much of the same personal characteristics of Hyptiggia. She noted Lori’s golden skin, platinum hair, vivid blue eyes, long legs, and solid frame were all traits they shared in common. They could be sisters, but Hyptiggia had to be much older than Lori to be in her position.

For over two months Margline had followed the women’s daily activities. She knew Lori spent much of her time at the physical games or designing jewelry for her friends. Gladriel, on the other hand, was researching ancient civilizations. This was the right moment to interrupt their recreation with her priority call. It was unfortunate she didn’t have much to offer them, except the truth. Ladies, one too many episodes of the Space Darlings Series have appeared. Its story line is quite close to the actual events of several expeditions. I don’t know if you realized this or not.

We haven’t even seen one of the episodes. We know nothing about it, exclaimed Lori. She was tired of being called a Space Darling by the media. Glady and she had nothing to do with the series. Although she felt she knew who was to blame; she had no proof.

I believe you, Major. That is why you two are being assigned an undercover mission. Margline hated the whole situation, but it had to be faced. To save the women she had to place them in a distant location and hope they survived.

Where are they sending us? Inner earth? asked Gladriel sarcastically. Her scowl did not diminish her beauty. Margline noted Gladriel’s cream colored skin, high cheekbones and dark brown violet tinged eyes. The women were a study in contrasts in coloring, height and attitudes.

The Council’s wish is to utilize your full talents, and remove you from public scrutiny. Until now, I have ignored the ‘Space Darlings.’ I cannot continue to do so. At this point in time, we haven’t discovered how the information is being siphoned from our records. She studied each one of them. Gladriel was taller and more muscular than most Phismen. Her almond complexion and black curly hair were typical Phismen traits. Lori, on the other hand, was well over six feet tall and shared the Nordiman traits she’d noted in Counselade Hyptiggia. Their profiles indicated Lori was uninhibited, sexually emancipated, and often overly exuberant, while Gladriel was prudish, conservative, and sometimes given to pessimistic outbursts and uncontrolled anger. Their greatest strengths were their intellects and strong bonds of friendship. Somehow the two seemed to balance and enhance one another. Margline thought. ‘It’s good they are both quick witted and dedicated to their profession and the Academy.’

See, Lori, Gladriel said smugly, The Admiral knows we’re being chastised because of those ridiculous programs. Whose decision was this, someone on the Council or a consensus of the Space Academy Board?

Lori squeezed Gladriel’s arm to silence her. Her eyes warned Gladriel to shut up.

Gladriel looked at her angrily and pulled her arm away.

Margline, knowing Gladriel’s quick temper, ignored her response and continued, There is a situation which we need your help in resolving. This matter requires your talents, discretion, and special handling. She reached across her desk and touched a green button. A holographic image of Sector 12 appeared in the center of the room.

Suspiciously Gladriel asked, Why were we chosen?

We don’t have any other Spacers with your qualifications and clearance available. Mining reports have been slow in arriving on Glather for some time. We have received no information for over seven months now. After meeting with Hyptiggia, Margline had done her homework and knew all the specifics. She wondered if Hyptiggia knew of all the details by now. She was sure she did. "It is imperative we receive the reports and know why the reports are late or not being sent to Glather. Besides, you have ways to look into this situation which our office staff doesn’t. You are extremely attractive young women. You know how to handle people in various situations, particularly men. Also being female will be an advantage. You will get further in your investigation if the officials in Sector 12 think you’re more beauty than brains. We don’t want you being associated with the Academy, Glather, Central or the Council in any way.