Prison One

By G V Chillingsworth

Approximately one hundred years ago, a group of aliens known collectively as Central Council built a prison within the Earths crust so as to house prisoners from all over the galaxy.
One such prisoner was an emperor who had been leading an opposing group known as High Command.
Almost everyone on Earth is oblivious to the prison being there.
High Command also does not know of the prisons existence.
However, they are scouring the galaxy to locate the emperor and an energy source as their energy reserves are running critically low.
Because Earth was seen as a planet of interest, High Command had placed agents there who were locating clues and finding a girl in possession of an ancient alien artifact. They realize that this could very well be more of a place of interest than was first thought.
Central Council must now make sure the prison is secure and attempt to stop High Command from reaching Earth in a their new powerful space craft which they hope to use to affect a successful prison break.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Trafford Publishing
• Release date: Oct 31, 2014
• ISBN: 9781490745602

Book preview

Chapter One

T he early morning sun shone brightly on the school as the commuters were starting their drives into work. Sunlight was streaming through the trees combining with the brisk morning air to give everything a clean, fresh feel while the sprinklers were soaking the football field as the players were gathered on the running t rack.

Right, guys, you know the drill. Stretches, then four laps.

Man, running at seven o’clock in the morning, there has to be a law against that, surely.

The comment came from Troy Jones, and though he was a talented (some would even say gifted) athlete, he would like to think his greatest gift was fooling around.

I know it’s not like you’re running to the store to buy another dozen donuts for breakfast, but try, OK? replied Coach Puccini, who wasn’t a man that liked slackers. And even though he knew that it was just Troy being Troy, he thought that it did not hurt to put him in his place every now and then.

While everyone else was laughing, Troy said in a good humoured way, Now, coach, why you gotta talk down to me in front of everyone like that? You know I have an image to uphold. I mean they all look up to me and respect me so… which is as far as he got before the pushing and slapping began. Clearing himself from the melee, Troy turned to the group and said in mock bravado, Now you know I’m gonna have to whip all your asses.

OK, OK, no ass whippings until you do your stretches and laps, said the coach, trying to get the training session back on track.

I tell you, you all just been saved, said Troy, which elicited a few more good natured shoves.

Come on, said the coach in a stern voice, your first game is in four weeks and we still have a long way to go.

***

Riding his bike past the track, James glanced over at the group gathered there. He could see the scuffling and thought straight away that it was surely started by Troy. Although he didn’t really associate with the jocks, even though he liked to keep himself fit by doing a little running and gym work combined with karate lessons three times a week, he had a lot of time for Troy. Also, he did not think that he had to treat him any differently because he was black; he thought of him as just a good friend.

When he rounded the corner that would take him to the library, he heard a car horn behind him that was approaching fast. It was Bud Weederson, the star running back in his new pick up. Sitting close to James’s rear tyre, he constantly flashed his lights and sounded his horn.

James just looked in his mirrors and thought, you tool, and even though his bike would have the acceleration to easily outpace Bud’s pickup, he also knew that to do so would be stupid and not achieve anything as the library was only about three hundred meters away. So he just pulled to the side and slowed slightly.

As Bud swerved out and around him, he yelled as he went past, Ha, you’re a loser, you pussy, before speeding off.

James thought that while the specialists were trying to repair his damaged knee so that he could get back and possibly only miss the first two games of the season, they should also try and do something about his damaged head. Bud may have had a reputation as a star player, but he also had a reputation as a bully and a jerk. But only to those that did not follow the sporting achievements of him and his close group of friends.

When he arrived at the library, James backed his bike into one of the motorcycle parking bays before shutting it down and heading inside.

Just before he got to the front door, he looked across at the maintenance building and saw his father’s old pickup and realized that he did not hear him go to work this morning. Ever since his mother had died, James felt that he and his father were somehow becoming more distant and he did not know how to speak to him anymore. His father had tried to cope by throwing himself into his work which meant that he spent less and less time at home so that he and his sister hardly ever saw him now.

Entering the library at this early hour, he was not surprised to see no one else inside. Obviously, the librarian would be about, but she was more than likely in the teacher’s room making her morning coffee.

James headed straight for the section that he knew had the books he needed. When he arrived, it was not long before he found the two books he was after. He was just about to take them and sit at a table to study, when he noticed a new title on the subject and thought he may as well take it to see if there were any new ideas in his chosen field.

As he sat at the table with the three books, Ms. King, the librarian, walked quietly up behind him.

Oh, good you found it, she said, referring to the new book. It came in two days ago and I had been meaning to let you know, she continued in an almost apologetic tone.

James liked Ms. King because she cared a lot for people that wanted to try and was willing to help them when she could. With a smile he noticed the fresh cup of coffee in her hand.

It’s actually got some of the latest ideas from NASA in it, she added.

Excellent, James said as this was something he was indeed glad to hear, for he eventually hoped to work at NASA in their propulsion section. Hopefully it will help me with my studies, he then said.

I think it will not be long before you are helping them with their studies, Ms. King replied.

James blushed slightly but did not say anything.

Anyway, I had better let you get on with your studies, she then said before adding, say hello to your father for me.

Will do, said James, watching Ms. King walk away.

While he was watching, he realized why some of the older girls felt threatened by Ms. King. He knew that it was mainly because they were insecure, but he could also see that even though she was somewhere in her thirties, she was a very attractive woman that looked as though she liked to keep herself fit. Letting his mind wander, he wondered if it would be possible for his father to maybe find someone like Ms. King. For even though he loved and missed his mother, he also knew that his father needed the support of someone he could continue sharing his life with.

Then remembering where he was and why he was there, he gathered his thoughts before returning to his books.

It was almost an hour later before James saw a tall thin pale person enter the library. He normally would not have paid any attention. But the fact that it was the new student, John Wilson, and that no one really knew anything about him, made James look a little longer than he normally would have. Obviously, there were rumours about where the family were from, what they had done, and why they had to move. But James did not put much stock in rumours, preferring to rely on actual fact rather than idle gossip. Looking at his watch, James thought that he might as well finish then go for a light breakfast before his first class.

So after replacing the three books then waving goodbye to Ms. King, he went outside, got on his bike, and headed for the cafeteria.

***

Chapter Two

G etting back from her morning run, Kelly checked her time and then checked her pulse. She was happy to see that although she had gotten her time down by almost a minute, her heart rate was actually down by eight beats a minute, and she thought that her hard work was paying off when she really needed it at the end of the season going into the fi nals.

She thought that all the extra training away from hockey that she had been doing, which at times felt like torture, was actually working and that maybe she should thank someone for helping her, although at times she felt as though he was trying to torture her.

As she was doing her cool down exercises on the porch, a car went past and gave a quick toot on the horn. As she looked up, she saw that it was Amy Stradler, a friend of hers that was also on the hockey team, with her arm out of the window waving and at the same time yelling out, Go Kelly, woo! before laughing and driving off.

Kelly smiled broadly and waved back to her friend who she often referred to as a whackball, and then went into the house. She picked up the towel she had placed on the back of chair before she went on her run so that she could wipe herself down, as she hated having to handle anything while she was dripping with perspiration, and saw the two notes on the refrigerator door. One was from her father, saying that he had gone to work early because the schools boilers needed a bit of extra work and that he was not sure what time he would be home. And the second was from her brother, asking her not to forget to ask Ray Watson the name of the website he had mentioned. She shook her head as she opened the refrigerator door and said, Boys and their rockets. After she’d had a drink of cold water, she then poured herself a glass of orange juice out of her bottle, knowing the others were not allowed to use it and therefore sure that they had not been drinking straight from the bottle then headed for the shower to get ready for school.

***

Opening the door to the hardware store, Banksa Troy welcomed the early morning shoppers with a smile as he had done for the past eighteen years. And although the store had made several changes in that time, the customers were still the same. For even though they seemed to be growing in number with the current home handyman push and the projects they were taking on were becoming more complex, he knew that all they wanted was a little advice and the correct tools for the job and they would leave the store happy and not hesitate to want to come back. The fact that he only worked three days a week did not matter, as with his tall black frame he was still the most recognized person in the store, and many would also say, the most popular. And he would often say that working there was not really work for him, as he saw it more as relaxation therapy than anything else.

Morning, Banksa, came the cheerful greeting from Moe Turner, a short, middle-aged man that spent more time renovating his house than running his small nursery business, much to the chagrin of his wife.

Morning, Moe, Banksa replied, thinking that he would be hard pressed to remember a week that went by that Moe had not been in the store at least three times a week. His wife would often say that it was not that she minded him coming in or doing the work; it’s just that when she thinks he has finished one project, he will not only start another, but will redo the one he has just completed, even though there was nothing she could see that was wrong with it.

How’s the new kitchen coming along? Banksa then asked.

That’s why I am here, Moe replied. I sort of got the wrong dimensions to the new cooktop and have to rebuild the bench that it is going into. Funny how the wife did not see the humorous side of things,

So, takeaway for dinner each night then, is it? Banksa asked with a smile.

No, she actually went one step further, said Moe, I have to take her out to dinner each night until it is finished, and she did not mean to Burger Jo’s either. So I’ve got to get into it pretty pronto.

OK, replied Banksa, you know where the timber is, and Arthur should be out there to cut it up for you in about ten minutes.

Moe nodded and said, Thanks Banksa, before heading off to get his required supplies.

Banksa lingered at the door a few moments, looking out at the glorious morning weather and thinking that the three days spent here more than made up for the four days he spent at his post. Just as he was about to turn and head to his work station, Banksa noticed a silver car go past the store being driven by the new travel agent, Ray Wilson. And he also knew that he still had to find out more about him before he could report to the administrator. But for now, he was going to enjoy the rest of his day.

***

Chapter Three

A s Lee Hogan looked at his computer screen after accessing the special program he had installed and only he knew the access code to, although everything appeared to be as it should, and he could not help but feel that something was not quite right. Try as he might, he could not find any glaringly obvious signs of anything being amiss and began to think that he might just be looking for something that was not t here.

But then he realized that he did not get to where he was by not being thorough in his job. After reading the final report, he entered a code to show that the report had been sighted by him and then shut the program down. Next, he sent a brief email to someone else that he felt he would need to have a discussion with. When that had been sent, he shut down his computer and thought that it was time to do some of the school’s work.

So he then turned his attention toward the small pile of papers on his desk telling him what the work program for the school would be for the next week.

If only it would stay that way, he thought. But usually, he would be working his way through the list and something else far more important would come up, once again leading him to try and convince the school board, that a larger maintenance budget would be required if they were serious about long-term solutions. But he knew that maintenance ran a pretty poor second to just about everything else—especially sports and the performing arts, as the school’s football team had a strong and proud history, and the fact that two of the students got onto So you think you can dance, or sing, or juggle, or whatever it was they got onto, he could not remember as there were so many of those shows that he was not particularly fond of.

As he stood, the stiffness he felt in his right knee was a constant reminder of the day his football career ended. It would not be so bad if it had been from a tackle that had absolutely crushed him, but it was barely even a tackle. He remembered it was from someone that had gotten past the defense and had then lost their footing and just stumbled into him, causing him to fall awkwardly sideway. And as he knew, knees were not meant to bend that way. The three-knee reconstructions that he had helped, but were not enough to totally repair the damage.

So the school then offered him a job on the coaching staff, but that did not really sit well with him as he would often get a little frustrated with not being out running plays himself. He knew that he had access to facilities that had the technology and capability to repair the knee beyond new. But the questions that would be asked could have brought more scrutiny than what was wanted. So he told everyone that it might be good if he took a little time off so that he could clear his head and see if he could figure out what it was that he really wanted to do next. The school said that they supported him, and he would always be welcomed back. So, he decided that he might do some traveling.

It was on these travels that he met Angella Thompson, and he knew the first moment he saw her that she would be important in his life.

Three years later, they were married. He liked her parents and they were always glad to see the both of them, and they commented that it was a pity that his parents never got to see his wedding day. As the story goes, he was an orphan.

Now over twenty years later, he is still at the school monitoring everything and trying to raise two children of his own. He checked the time and thought that he should probably check on those boilers as people would be finishing training soon and cold showers is more than likely not what they would want this morning. As he locked the door to his office, he looked over at the library car park and saw his son’s motorbike.

Although he did not speak to him as much as he should of late, he still felt a pride rise within himself at the thought of how hard his son worked at school and the respect he knew that he had from others. He also knew that he had to reconnect with his son, especially before his twenty-first birthday as that is when he would have to tell him of his destiny.

He had been advised by central that it should be something that is eased into over a period of time and not just explained suddenly, as the information can seem rather daunting. He thought that he would try to finish work a little earlier today and that would allow him to have a talk with his son this evening. He thought to himself that the idea was a good one and that he would need to implement it, but before he could do any of that, the boilers were waiting.

Chapter Four

T he muscular pale figure of Ray Wilson stood in front of the security systems control panel at his travel agency entering the code to disarm it. When he was done, he noticed the little yellow light on the base of his computer screen. The fact that it was yellow and not blinking on and off, told him that although it was not just a request for a daily briefing, it was not of extreme urgency. He had never actually seen the light blinking quickly in a bright-red color, signifying utmost attention required. The most urgent he had seen was a slow-blinking orange, and that message was to tell him that he should proceed with caution, as they may be getting close. Making sure the front door was locked, which would not look suspicious as it was still ten minutes before he was supposed to open, he sat down and entered the code into his computer that only he knew and no one else on the planet would have a hope in deco ding.

After the message had been displayed and he had finished reading it, he sat back in his chair and thought for a few seconds on how interesting the information was. When he had re-read the message to make sure that he had not misunderstood it, he composed a short reply and sent it. Seeing that his message had been sent, he then typed in another code that would wipe any trace of the conversation that had just taken place. He then knew that even if someone had been able to hack into the last transmission, unfortunately for them, they would now be having to go and spend a considerable sum of money as the technology used would totally destroy their computer. It made him feel a little more secure because he also knew that if he were to be found out, it would jeopardize everything that they had been working for over the past several years. Noting the time, he then got up and unlocked the front door. He sometimes wondered why he opened at eight when most of his clients would not come in until lunch time. But old Mr. Sanders, the person that the business had been bought from, had stipulated that a condition of sale was that the current opening and closing times of eight a.m. and six p.m. would be maintained for a period of twelve months. And although he thought that a nine o’clock start would make more sense, there was more than one occasion when people would come in after five thirty and inquire about holidays.

He also thought that there would be times when he may need more assistance, but as it was still not sure as to whether they were at the right location or not, it was deemed an unnecessary risk to hire someone local and an unnecessary waste of resources to use extra personnel searching for something that may not be there. So for now, he would just supply the locals with travel arrangements and seek as much information as he and his lieutenant could find.

***

Chapter Five

W alking into the cafeteria, James was glad to see that he had beaten the football team in, so that meant that the choices he had would be greatly increased. He would think of his father complaining about the fact that the refrigerator never seemed to keep food in it for long at home and thought that if the team were to stay there, he would need a couple of industrial-sized refrigerators to keep them happy. After making his choice and then paying for it, he made his way over to one of the many empty tables, which he knew would not be empty for much longer, and sat down. As he was organizing himself at his table, he saw John Wilson also enter the cafeteria. Seeing that he then looked in his direction, James gave a tight-lipped smile and a small nod of the head in gree ting.

John reciprocated with a similar gesture before turning his attention to the choices he had to make in his breakfast selection. Before he could start his meal, James then noticed that the football team were descending upon the cafeteria like an approaching tornado. But unlike a tornado, James knew that the team, if they wanted to, would leave nothing untouched. He felt almost sure that the ladies that were serving were about to rush out back and get their riot gear.

Not surprisingly, it was Chris Appleton that was first through the doors. Even for a blocker, Chris was big, and he would often tell people that the reason that he ate so much was because he needed to keep his energy levels up because he was the hardest-working person on the team. Troy followed a close second and James thought that it must mean that he was the second hardest-working player on the team.

To say that the team were a little boisterous as they entered would be akin to saying that taxes raise a little bit of money each year. Although it was all good natured, sometimes they were a little more raucous than they needed to be and people would tend to give them a wide berth.

Troy saw James sitting at his table and called out, Sitting with all your friends again?

James just shook his head and replied, Something like that.

Don’t worry, said Troy, I will come over and you can look as though you are popular by having me at your table.

Thanks, and I will teach you the correct way to use a knife and fork, retorted James, which once again caused Troy’s teammates to start pushing him around and tell him that he had just been punked.

After Troy had finished at the counter, he made his way over to James’s table, leaving the rest of the team to congregate in the corner that they liked to call The Feasting Hall.

Placing his tray of food on the table and sitting down opposite James, Troy asked, So when are you going to come and try out for the team and prove that you’re a real man?

And if you want, because I am so well respected, I’ll even put in a good word for you, he added.

Yes, I’ve seen the respect others show you, James replied.

What, that, said Troy waving his arm in the general direction of the entrance and counter, that’s just to cover how they really feel.

James just looked at him and said nothing.

But seriously. I’ve seen you run and I’m thinking you know how to kick, said Troy, before adding, and you can probably show us some moves so that we can kung fu some asses.

The last statement, Troy knew, would elicit a response from James as he often corrected people for being ignorant to the different facets of martial arts.

James just tapped himself on the chest and said, Remember, James Hogan. Not Bruce Lee.

Troy smiled and then asked, So I see that you are still riding that Suzuki. When are you going to upgrade to something with a bit more muscle?

Like what? James asked, although he had a fair idea what the reply would be.

I know a guy who has a cousin that can get you a good deal on a Harley, Troy replied.

Now tell me again why it is that I would want to do that, said James.

Well for one thing, all the spare parts are made here so that when you break down you are not waiting for replacements to come in from overseas, Troy explained.

Yes, that’s fine if you break down as much as you do, James said with a smile.

See, you get jealous and then you resort to insults. That’s just sad, man, said Troy in a mock-hurt tone.

Yeah, that must be it, said James.

Troy turned and saw John Wilson sitting at a table on his own. So what do you know about that new guy? he asked.

James glanced over and replied, Only that I have a few classes with him and that he and his father apparently moved here from Alaska.

I think they must have been living in a cave, said Troy, because man, that boy is white.

Well not everyone is a sun worshiper, said James, doing his best at being diplomatic.

I’m not saying he should go out and tan himself like some Miami beach dude. But compared to him, you look as dark as me, said Troy, doing his best at being undiplomatic.

James once again just looked at his friend but did not reply.

I heard it was because he has some rare blood disease and they had to move here to be closer to treatment.

Troy and James both turned to see Chris standing next to them and were both surprised at how neither of them had noticed how someone of Chris’s considerable size had been able to approach them unnoticed.

Man, how can you be so big and not make any noise? asked Troy slightly annoyed that he had let someone sneak up on him when he was always trying to put into place one of Coach Puccini’s rules that he should always be aware of people in his immediate area so that he can turn and avoid being tackled straight away.

Chris looked at Troy, shrugged his shoulders and said, I guess I’m just at peace.

Troy tilted his head slightly and said, So what, you’re a philosopher now? Phew. Troy then asked, Anyway, who told you about the blood thing?

I don’t know, I just heard is all, replied Chris.

They all then turned and looked at the lone pale figure, eating his breakfast. After a few moments, Chris said, Anyway, we all thought that we would go over to Fitness World after our last class to check out the new equipment that was supposed to have come in.

That and the fact that Brady, Jameel, and Brock want to race each other up the wall again.

The wall was a climbing wall that was designed to be a test for serious climbers, and even though it did have easier climbs for novices, free climbers from all over the country would come so that they could refine their technique before trying the most arduous climbs.

Well, I will have to check my diary, said Troy, but I think that should be fine.

What do you say, James? asked Chris before adding with a smile.

Plenty of room for a skinny little white boy.

Thanks for the kind offer, said James, but I have to pick up the new injectors that I ordered.

So he still hasn’t talked you into getting a Harley then? asked Chris.

Not through lack of trying, replied James.

You know Troy, said Chris, I can’t understand why you put a motor in it if all you ever do is push it.

James just laughed as Troy said, Why are you such a hater? You know it’s just an electrical fault and I only have to change a capacitor and it will be good.

Chris just laughed and nudged his friend as he knew that he had once again baited him on a sensitive subject. Anyway, I’ll catch you later, James, said Chris as he turned to head back to the table where his other teammates were.

Troy watched him depart and then said, You know, one of these days I will have to start slapping him around to put him in his place.

James just looked at Troy with an expression that let his friend know that he did not really believe him, and said, Yeah, good luck on that.

Anyway, said Troy, I better go and get all those guys back in line. I’ll catch you later.

Yeah, I’ll call you on the weekend if I don’t see you before, James replied.

OK, said Troy as he turned toward his teammates, raising his arms and throwing his chest forward in a gesture of defiance. They all just looked at him and started laughing before then pelting him with paper cups and napkins and plastic cutlery.

James watched with a smile on his face at the mayhem on the other side of the room, and then respect, as when they were leaving, the team all made sure to pick up every piece of rubbish that they had left or thrown, as well as any left in their area by others. And he knew that even though the ladies in the canteen were concerned with the safety of the building and the welfare of other diners due to the team’s boisterous and rambunctious attitude when they entered, not one complaint had been lodged against them and they would always leave the canteen cleaner than it was when they entered. He put it down to the fact that they were so well-disciplined as a team, on and off the field, that they would always be looking out for each other and therefore be able to stop themselves and others from doing something stupid and getting into needless trouble.

He thought that maybe that is why they were considered as such a high chance to take the championship this year. Then remembering his own championships were in three months, he realized that he had to let his coach know if he would be competing or not. It was not that he was against competitions, as he went to every major tournament he could to watch. It’s just that he liked the sport for its raw power and did not feel he had to beat someone up to show that he was superior to them. And even though at training he knew that during sparing sessions no one could match him, he would mainly concentrate on refining his skills.

Of course his coach would often say that he was more than ready to win competitions and he could not understand why he did not want to fight, but that he would still respect his decision not to compete. Kelly told him he was insane for not wanting to compete, but knowing Kelly as he did, he knew that she could not understand why people did not have the same drive as her and that she would often say, ‘Second place’ was another way of saying ‘first loser.’

He had not really talked about it with his father, but then again, he had not really talked about anything with his father for some time.

He started to think that maybe he could use the competition as a reason to talk to him. As he cleared away his table, he thought that he would try and speak with him this evening. But for now, he had to get to his first class because he knew that his maths teacher, Mr. Alderson, did not really like tardy students and he did not want to give anyone a reason to lower his grades.

***

Chapter Six

U pon entering the classroom, Kelly saw Amy looking in her direction waving furiously with a huge grin on her face and thought, What’s she up to? For she knew that Amy was not someone that could easily keep a secret for long, and to see her so animated meant that she had something that she just had to let Kelly know.

As Kelly approached her, Amy jumped up and hugged her friend and said, Happy birthday, chicky babe. Kelly smiled broadly as Amy let her go and then produced a large birthday card from her bag and said, So, another year older and wiser.

Well, I still call you my friend so I can’t be too much wiser, Kelly replied, teasing her friend.

Amy once again gave Kelly a big hug then said, I know you really love me, before she let her go and started laughing.

The others in the class room looked at the two girls and they knew that it was just Amy being Amy.

As Kelly was checking her birthday card, Amy said, Now I know you said that you did not want to make a big fuss on your birthday, but we all agreed that after training we should go to Pasta Palace, before adding in a condescending voice, so you make sure that you bring along a pretty dress to change into after training, little princess.

Kelly looked at her friend with a big smile on her face and said, You’re an idiot.

Amy just laughed and said, And I wub you too, before trying once again to hug her friend.

Oh, man was all Kelly could say as she closed her eyes and shook her head.

***

Chapter Seven

J ames looked at the clock on the wall and saw that he would be able to pick up his new injectors in another fifteen minutes. So he once again checked his notes to make sure that he had taken everything down correctly as he wanted to make sure that he remained in the top two percent in his field in the country. When he had done so, he looked across at John Wilson and saw that he was quite engrossed in his own studies and wondered if he had a little more competition in the academia stakes. James knew that science was not everybody’s choice for favorite subject, but it was essential for him and that magnetic fields and their effect on navigation and communication, was a topic that he had to know everything a bout.

As the bell rang signifying the end of the school day, his science teacher, Mr. Black, said as everyone was hurrying to pack up and leave, Don’t forget that your assignments are due on Monday. So those that have not yet finished, make sure that you work on it before the weekend so that you will have time to revise.

James knew that not only had some not finished the assignment; there were a few that had not even started it yet. He himself had finished his two days ago, and after he had gone to get his injectors, he would do one more revision so that he could spend all weekend working on his bike. Then he thought with a smile, if he had time he might even ride over to Troy’s house and see if he needed a hand with his bike’s electrics. But for now, he gathered his books and headed out so that he could go and get his own parts.

***

The one monitoring the northern lights noticed the discrepancy in the field and immediately made a recording, then made a note and sent a message to central who would then pass it on to the administrator.

***

Chapter Eight

L ee pulled into his driveway and saw his son’s bike parked beside the house and he knew that the effort he had made to finish early would be wasted if he did not now start to reconnect with his son. As he entered the house, he was greeted by Kelly coming out of the kitchen with a glass of orange juice in her hand heading towards the couch that had two bags besid e it.

I thought you were working late, said Kelly to her father.

So did I, he replied, but sometimes you actually have days when things go right for a change.

What’s with those? he asked, gesturing towards the bags, Don’t tell me you’re leaving home already.

No, I know how much you would miss me, Kelly replied with a smile on her face, the girls want to take me to Pasta Planet for my birthday after training, so I may be a little late back tonight.

Lee looked at her and said, Yes, well, don’t be too late. Oh, and before I forget, happy birthday. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small gift-wrapped box.

Kelly took the gift from her father after giving him a hug and thanking him. When she had finished unwrapping it, she opened the small jewelry box and just looked at what was inside it with her mouth slightly open before saying, It’s beautiful.

It was one of your mother’s earrings that I had reset into a pendant. I hope you like it, said Lee as he was watching his daughter’s reaction.

As the tears started to flow down her face, she hugged her father and said, I love it, it’s beautiful, thank you.

As he hugged his daughter, the doorbell rang and he had to reluctantly release her so that he could see who was there. When he opened the door, he saw that it was Banksa holding what appeared to be a hockey stick wrapped in brightly colored paper with a bow on it.

I hope I’m not intruding, said Banksa.

Never, said Lee as he ushered his friend inside.

Once inside, Banksa saw Kelly standing there with red eyes looking at the pendant her father had just given her.

Here’s the birthday girl. How are you, princess? asked Banksa.

Uncle Banksa, look at this, said Kelly holding up the pendant.

It used to be mum’s earring, she then said, hoping to explain why it was that she was so emotional.

Banksa studied the pendant closely before saying, I thought I recognized it. I still remember when your father first wanted to get them. It was while they were still courting and although he knew your mother liked them, he did not know if he could afford them.

Lee just looked at his friend with a disapproving frown.

Banksa continued, So I just reminded him that if he did not get them, there were plenty of others that would try to steal her away, and that he did not need to go on holidays just yet. And as for getting a new car, it was really what he wanted. But, he continued, unlike your father, I also knew that there was nothing on this world that could have taken your mother away from your father and that she would have been happy if he had given her a hand full of dirt.

Yes, well, thank you for that insight, replied Lee. But it’s probably information that I could have used two decades ago.

Banksa just laughed and said, I tell you, the smile that they brought to your mother’s face was worth the worry that your father was going through. And, he continued, she would wear them everywhere with pride, knowing how much your father had sacrificed for them.

So you wear that and know that your mother is smiling.

Kelly then said with tears in her eyes, I will, Uncle Banksa, before giving her father another heartfelt hug.

Lee held his daughter and said, I’m glad you like it, sweetheart.

All Kelly could say was, Thank you.

Well, unfortunately I can’t match that, said Banksa, but I got you something that maybe you can use to win a championship.

Kelly took the present from Banksa and said, Wow, a rifle to shoot all my opponents!

Not quite, kiddo, Banksa replied with a smile, but hopefully it will help you shoot straight.

Unwrapping it, she saw the colors and design and said, Wow, I love it. Can I use it at training tonight?

It’s yours, you can use it whenever you want, Banksa replied.

Although she could see that it was a hockey stick, there was something about it that made her think it was not quite like her other sticks. Whether it was the colors, the curve, or the handle, she could not be sure. But one thing she did know—and that is that she liked it—even though she had not had the chance to swing it yet. She was still admiring it when a car horn sounded outside. Then, looking out of the window, she said, That’s Amy. I have to go. I should not be too late. She gave her father a kiss on the cheek. Then she turned to Banksa and said, Thanks, Uncle Bank, I love it, before she then kissed him as well.

As she rushed out of the door with all her equipment and clothing, she did not see the stern look that her father was giving his friend.

Banksa looked at Lee and saw the glare that he was receiving and simply shrugged his shoulders and asked in all innocence, What?

You know full well what, Lee replied.

It was just a nice hockey stick, said Banksa, still maintaining innocence.

That just happens to look like a Bantonian war club, said Lee.

Did it really? asked Banksa trying to maintain the charade, I had not noticed.

You know the rules regarding that technology being released into the general populace, said Lee in a stern voice.

Everyone will see it as a hockey stick and no one will be any the wiser, replied Banksa, knowing that he was one of the few that could speak to Lee in this way and not have to worry about being brought before the committee for insubordination, although he would never speak to him in this way in front of others.

No one will be any the wiser about what? asked James as he walked down the stairs.

Your father is concerned about how much I spent on your sister’s present, said Banksa before adding, but as I told him, she likes it so it does not matter how much it cost.

That’s good, said James, because all I got her was a twenty-dollar gift voucher from the mall.

Banksa noticed that Lee was still not smiling and rather than argue with him, he asked James, So how is that bike of yours going?

Well, I finally got my new injectors today and I should be able to fit them this weekend, answered James.

That’s good, said Banksa.

Yeah, said James, but now I just have to go to Ray Watson’s place and get some information on a website.

Will you be back for dinner? asked Lee.

I shouldn’t be too late, but I’ll just get something while I am out, replied James.

OK, said Lee, see you when you get home.

OK, bye, Uncle Banksa, James said as he headed out of the door.

I’ll see you another time, replied Banksa as James disappeared out the door.

When James had gone, Banksa turned to look at Lee once again and saw that his friend was still not smiling.

What are you worried about? She plays hockey and it looks just like a very good hockey stick, said Banksa trying to put his friend at ease.

Yes, unless someone from the council happens to see it, Lee replied, allowing Banksa to see that he was still a little annoyed.

I did not know that female college hockey was high on the council’s priority list, Banksa said, trying once again to get Lee to relax.

Well, for your sake, I hope it isn’t, said Lee finally starting to calm down.

Then, in an effort to change the subject, Banksa asked, Now what was this about a message?

Lee looked at him still not totally forgiving him for what he had done, and said, When I checked my program this morning, I thought that something was wrong but could not quite figure out what it was. Then just before coming home, I received a message from central saying that there was a discrepancy in the ‘northern light’ field.

Did they say what sort of discrepancy? Banksa asked.

They can’t be totally sure as they are still going over the data, but they think it could have been a sub space transmission, explained Lee. Then Lee just looked at Banksa without saying anything else, as he could see his friend trying to figure out the implications of what he had just been told.

After a few seconds, Banksa asked, Do we know where it originated from?

Again, they can’t be sure, but it could have been somewhere close, Lee replied.

So does this mean that they have found us? Banksa then asked.

At this stage they can’t say, as they did not get the contents of the message, just a vague direction of the transmission, said Lee in explanation.

So where was it sent? was Banksa’s next question.

As it was a short transmission and more than likely scrambled, it was only able to be tracked briefly so that a precise location of its destination was never going to happen, said Lee. But, an area somewhere in the dark sector seems to be the general consensus, Lee added, giving Banksa as much information as he could.

Hmm, unpatrolled and unguarded, said Banksa slightly annoyed as he had been saying for some time that he thought the area was considered such a threat that it should at least be monitored. But central had argued that it was just one of many such areas of concern and it would not be possible to monitor them all continuously. So it was decided there would be a roaming patrol for the whole quadrant.

Banksa thought that the idea was better than nothing, but not much. Then he asked, So do we increase the security level?

I would not increase it just yet, Lee said, but make sure everyone is alert to the fact and that they are even more vigilant in their duties.

OK, replied Banksa, I’ll get home and get the message out.

Oh and one other thing, said Lee as Banksa was about to take his leave.

What’s that? asked Banksa.

No more alien artifacts as gifts, said Lee hoping to drive home the gravity of the situation.

Banksa just looked at his friend and said, Point taken.

Right, I will speak to you tomorrow, Lee said as he walked Banksa to the front door.

Righto, I’ll speak to you then, said Banksa as he headed out the door and realized that he still had a little bit of work to do tonight before he got to bed.

Then heading back inside, Lee also thought that tonight would not be one that ended early. For not only would he have to check all reports incoming, he would then have to contact central to get as much information as he could about the latest development before then trying to reconnect with his son so that he could then let him know about his alien connection. Well, he thought, if nothing else, tonight could definitely be the start of something very interesting.

***

Chapter Nine

P ulling his bike up in front Ray Watson’s house, James could see that Ray’s pushbike was on the porch so he knew that he must have used it today, as his mother would make sure he put it away if it was not being used. So James knew that being told he was not at school because of a virus was more than likely an excuse not to at tend.

Knocking on the door, James looked at Ray’s pushbike and thought, how was it that someone that was not the least bit interested in sport, had a pushbike that could be worth over a thousand dollars? His train of thought was broken by the front door being opened.

Good evening, Mrs. Watson. Is Ray home? James asked with a smile as he had been told many times over that courtesy costs nothing.

Oh, good evening, James, replied Mrs. Watson, "he’s in his