One Last Battle for the Twin Suns

By Cecil Cory

Robert Artuso and his family chased Monroe and Gates across the Sol system to the Kuiper belt where they were ambushed and stranded. They were able to survive the initiate attacks by Monroe’s men and help save the research staff. During this action, Jack stumbles on the control room and briefly talks to his parents. He convinces his brother’s and sister that he has talked to them and convinces them to go with him to see for themselves. Here they find that their parents are alive and living in another star system. With the aid of the inhabitants of the Twin Sun System, they have to find a way to stop Monroe and Gates from finding the fleet and retuning to inner system.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Nov 16, 2012
• ISBN: 9781300402848

Book preview

One Last Battle for the Twin Suns

One Last Battle for the Twin Suns

By

Cecil Ian Cory

Copyright

Version 1.3

Copyright © 2012 Cecil I Cory / Lulu Press

All rights reserved.

ISBN: 978-1-300-40284-8

This work is licensed under the Creative

Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported

License. To view a copy of this license, visit

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Acknowledgments

I wish to thank several people for their help and understanding.

First, to Eugene Fitzgerald for his help in proof reading this story for me. It has been a great help in completing it.

Next to my Mom and Dad for their support and belief that I could do almost anything I wanted to do.

Last, but not least to my wife Karen who has kept me going when I felt I could not go any

longer.

Other Stories by Cecil I Cory

A Walk in the Sun

Escape from Regals Two

Transfer Station 261

Enherjar Warrior

The Raid on Sector Delta 34

Atlantis Conspiracy

Stories in the Twin Suns series

The Twin Suns

In Search of the Twin suns

One Last Battle for the Twin Suns

To Walk in our Fathers Footsteps

A meeting with the Federation

The New Worlds

Prologue

I have been going over new information that I have just received and I am still trying to piece together all of the data that I have been able to collect for this report. Not everything is in or was recoverable from all of the systems involved.

In the previous sections of this report, I tried to explain the events leading up to the incidents in the other System. I have received more details from the recovered journals of Amy and Karl Artuso along with the reports and personal journals of Roberts Artuso, John Artuso and Jack Artuso. In addition, the recovered communication logs from the destroyed Flying Cloud have come into my possession along with the communications logs from the ships that were used in the conflict on the other system.

I was able to get ahold of the after-operation reports from Michael Hartford and the officers and senior enlisted under him for the time they were in that system. I also expect to recover more reports from Mathew Hartford and his men as the survivors are located.

It has been hard to read some of the reports that have come in from the stories gathered by Táa’e Mapiya (Night Sky). The accounts from Tó'kes Hkosé (Short Fingers), Vóhkóhtá Nêstané (Bent Knee) and Táa’e Mapiya (Night Sky) along with the firsthand accounts by Karl and Amy are all of the information we have about what happened on the surface leading up to the Rangers landing on the planet. Except for some information from Bren of the Cawte that is unreliable at best.

I will try to record the known events from the time that Karl and Amy Artuso contacted their children on the planet Pluto, until the end of the last battle on their new home. Táa’e Mapiya has done her best to translate the writings of Tó’kes Hkosé, Vóhkóhtá Nêstané, Bren and others from this planet. She has also collected most of the local information from the survivors of the villages along the Big Lake and the villages in the Sweet Water Valleys, Green Water Valleys, and the Valleys of the Morning Sun.

With those and the reports I have been forwarded from the different planets intelligence agencies, that took an active part, I will finish piecing together the events leading up to the final battles. As more information becomes available to me, I will continue to update this report.

It is still hard to know what language is being spoken and at what time. Therefore, I will once again use different text fonts to distinguish between languages of the people from our system and the Triskelia that the people north of the dead land speak. When the communications are initiated from one of the systems, I will use this font and use this font for the other language. This should help you to understand the language problems encountered during this action.

Chapter One

The Mark X approached the Flying Cloud. Pat sat in the pilots and Brandon in the copilot’s seats. They slowed the shuttle as they approached. The bow of the ship was connected to the space buoy with a large section of the bridge exposed to the vacuum of space. A shattered section of the drive feed stuck out through the first cargo section. The passenger section was recovered and was tethered to the first cargo section at one of the loading hatches. The rest of the cargo section along with the drives was towed back and being pulled towards the planet’s surface. Pat brought the shuttle around to the other side of the ship. Here they could see the extent of the damage. The sail locker where the Burnt Pearl was stored had been ruptured. They could see a crew working on sealing a large hole that extended to the third watch berthing area.

Flying Cloud flight control this is Shuttle Joliet. Pat said.

Shuttle Joliet, Flying Cloud flight control. Emily said.

Emily what are you doing working? Pat asked.

Sir there is nobody left to handle communications. We have shuttle bay Bravo functioning. The doors are coming open. Emily said.

Okay we are coming in. Have all division officers’ report to me as soon as we land. Pat said. I want a full rundown on damages and losses.

Sir, is Doctor Artuso with you?

Yes, she is.

Roger, we will have a shuttle standing by to transport her to the passenger section upon her arrival.

Alright I will relay the message to her. Pat said. Amelia!

Yes Sir. Amelia answered.

They will have a shuttle standing by to take you Kathy and the wounded over to the passenger section.

Okay Sir. Amelia answered.

Pat set the Mark X on the pads and was finishing with the post flight checks when Jack opened up the airlock and started carrying out one of the wounded as Ortiz ran up to the shuttle.

Good to see you back Jack. He said as he ducked inside.

Thanks Carlos. Jack replied as he finished walking down the ramp.

Ortiz ran to the cockpit as Pat and Brandon climbed out of their seats. Excuses me Sirs. Ortiz said as he climbed into the pilot’s seat. As soon as Pat and Brandon walked out of the airlock, a student pilot saluted them and headed into the cockpit.

Pat and Brandon followed the last stretcher down the ramp and watched it as it was moved into the Bravo shuttle. As soon as the doors closed on Shuttle Bravo, the alarms started to clear the hangar bay. Pat and Brandon headed quickly to the airlock. They could feel the doors coming open and the shuttles leaving through the vibration under their feet. Lieutenant Paterson walked up to Pat and saluted.

Sir it was entirely my fault. I should have had them secure the generator as soon as the attack started. Alice said.

What generator? Pat asked.

We brought one in from the storage area and had just loaded it into section C so we could start the rebuild, when they hit the second time. It slid across the deck and hit the lift shaft. Sir it is entire my fault that the ship broke in half. I was so busy trying to repair the lifts that I did not know the bridge had been hit or that cargo section three had torn away. I did not know that Lieutenant Phillips and Chief Johnson were outside fixing leaks. I… Alice said as she stood at attention.

Easy Alice. Brandon said. That was not your job to run the ship and from what we have heard you did a remarkable job in doing that also.

You did just fine Alice. Ah where are Phillips and Johnson anyway?

Sir Lieutenant Hartford just picked up a distress signal from their suits. Lieutenant Ortiz is headed out to see if they are alive. Alice said almost in tears.

How long have you been at this Alice? When was the last time you slept? Pat asked.

I don’t know Sir. I guess the night before the attack. Alice said.

Alice that’s three days ago. Go find some place to sleep and do not come back here for two days. That is an order. Brandon said.

But Sir there is so much that needs to be done.

Go! Pat said sternly.

Yes sir. She said. Pat and Brandon headed for the lifts. Sir there is no reason to use the lifts most of the upper section of the ship is in hard vacuum. All of the surviving crew have already been transported to the passenger section. All that’s left here are my shuttle crews and most of engineering.

What about communications? Brandon asked.

Lieutenant Hartford is running it out of section 1 Delta sir. We have set it up as the command center.

Thanks Alice, now go get some rest. Pat said as he hit his comlink. Communications.

Yes sir. Emily said.

Were you able to get in touch with everyone?

Sorry Sir. No, Sir. We do not have a direct comlink to the passenger section any more. Most of the cylinders have run down and we haven’t a way to get into the containment chamber to charge them.

Okay. Look how many personnel are left on the ship?

Just the shuttle crews, third watch of engineering and me Sir. Emily said.

When was the last time you had any rest? Brandon asked as they walked into the room were Emily was seated. She had two comboxes and several comlinks set up to handle the ship’s communications, a terminal, with its keyboard connected into the ship’s system, and she sat at a small desk. There was a box labeled empty that was filled with cylinders another one that said full had only two, left in it.

Emily stood as they walked into the room.

Welcome to communications Sir.

Pat and Brandon looked around and saw the small case off to one side with the small child asleep in it.

Well? Pat asked.

Well what sir?

When was the last time you had any rest? Pat asked.

Hmm two days ago I went back to the passenger’s section to feed the baby and came right back. Emily said. I decided to bring him back instead of running back and forth.

Where is your relief? Brandon asked.

They were all killed sir. Except for spacemen 3rd Fargate and he is new and does not know how to run everything yet.

Okay Emily, you go catch the next shuttle back with Alice. When you get to the passenger section, ask Colonel Artuso if she will send some of her communications people over here. Ah, here is a fully charged cylinder give it to her so we can stay in communications. We will look out for everything here. Now go. Emily picked up a bag she had and the sleeping boy and headed out of the door.

She didn’t argue much did she? Brandon said watching her head out the door.

No, but if we would have asked her to stay she would have. Okay do you think you can run this?

Yeah I think so. Brandon said as he pulled out two cylinders from his pocket and put them in the full box. Pat grabbed up one of the half-charged ones then popped the full one out of his combox and dropped it into the box.

Let me have the dead ones I’ll take them and make sure that they are on the next shuttle to the planet to be charged. Pat grabbed the box and headed back out the door. By the time he was in the other hangar bay, his comlink went off.

Sir Lieutenant Ortiz has recovered Phillips and Johnson. He is taking them directly to the passenger section.

Okay. Thanks Brandon. Pat continued to the hangar deck where he found one of the Crew Chiefs working on Delta. Hay Chief, so how bad are we?

Not too bad Sir. This one caught one in cargo bay easy patch. We thought while it was here to do a service on it. Good thing to. We found some minor problems with its guns. The armor said he should have it fixed in a few hours. Other than that, Lieutenant Paterson has everything running. She is one hell of an officer sir. She took over just as soon as we lost communications with the bridge. She had search parties of Rangers out and damage parties working just as soon as we found out that the crew section was hit. If she hadn’t I hate to think how many more would have died.

Thanks Chief. Oh Chief, make sure these are transported over to the planet to be charged. Pat said handing him the box.

Pat headed out of the bay and continued to the storage lockers where he found one of the vacuum suits. Once he sealed the helmet, he headed for the maintenance airlock. Outside Pat could not see as much of the damage as he could from the shuttle. He headed for the back of cargo section 1 from the edge he could see the twisted wreckage of the central core. There is no way we are going to fix this. I do not think we are going to be able to reconnect the passenger section to her ether. Pat headed for the main part of the ship. He stopped at the sail locker where the rounds cut neat round holes into it. He looked over at the gaping hole that had blown out from the crew compartment. Walking over he looked out at the surrounding wreckage. He continued towards the bridge section. Stopping at the rim of what had been the bridge he could see the hallway leading back to his office and the bridge conference room. Sitting still in the middle of the twisted wreckage was the command chair. He could see the body of Baxter still sitting in it. Pat looked closer and could see several others still strapped into their chairs buried in the wreckage.

Brandon. Pat said.

Yes Sir.

When we can get a detail to the bridge to recover the remains from the bridge section?

Yes sir, right away. Brandon replied. Pat could hear the feeling of sadness in Brandon’s voice.

I know more letters to write. I’m headed back towards the other side of the ship. Pat turned and headed for the hole on the other side of the ship. He could see the crew trying desperately to patch up the gaping hole leading into the crew quarters. They had a patch made from the skin of cargo section 3 in place and were trying to weld it over the hole. Another work party was inside trying to patch as much of the interior as they could to make it air tight again. Even if they seal this back up she will never sail again. Pat watched as his men desperately tried to save their ship. He looked out in the direction of sun, a bright star in a field of black. Some place out there is my home. I pray to god that I live long enough to see it again. Why did I let Kathy talk us into bringing the kids out here? In fact, I should have fought against bringing any of the children out this time. I knew that Monroe and Gates were heading out here and that they were going to attack again. Pat walked back to the airlock and climb inside.

Pat sat in the large Ranger conference room. What was left of the ship’s company along with the senior staff of the Rangers were gathered around the table.

"First of all, I want to commend all of you on a job well done. Colonel Artuso and Sergeant Major Hill, I wish to express our gratitude for what your men and women have done in the last three days. Without their help, a lot more lives would have been lost. Major Hartford, my thanks go to you and your men for their actions in the facilities on Pluto. I will be sending a full report back to space fleet as soon as we can reestablish communications. I have already talked too many of you in the last day about your assessment of the ship. I have also looked at the damage myself. As of today, the USSR Flying Cloud is no longer able to fly. I will stop all repairs to the ship once the atmosphere has been restored to the upper section of the ship. I need a status from each section to make my final assessment.

First who is representing Communications?"

I am sir. Emily said. We have set up temporary communications throughout the ship. We are only able to use the comboxes to talk to the passenger section the shuttles and the planet surface. All long-range communication antennas have been destroyed by the attacks. I have no idea at this time when we will be able to reestablish communication with the inner system. I am sorry sir.

How about your personnel? Brandon asked.

I need some people capable of handling space traffic. The Ranger volunteers have helped, but they do not know our equipment.

Captain I brought back five people with me who worked in communication on the Valdez and Exxon. Jack said.

Yes Jack, I know, however, until we can confirm just who they are. Pat said.

Pat, we no longer have that luxury out here. The people I have brought back had been working for space command before they were sent out here. Most of them did not have a choice, but to go with their ships, when their senior officers followed Gates and Monroe. You need the help now not in one or two months from now. Jack said.

Okay Jack we can use your people. Pat said. He noticed the two men in old Ranger uniforms next to him. Who are the two men with you Jack?

This is Sergeant Dumbroskey and Corporal Gudbrand both of them are from Monroe’s First Special Operations. Go ahead tell them who you really are before they call the guards in. Jack said.

Sir I am Zak Dumbroskey I was once Corporal Poland’s light infantry before I volunteered for special duty with the Space Rangers. My assignment was infiltrating Monroe’s Special Operations and to send back any information I could uncover.

And you Corporal Gudbrand? Pat asked.

Sir I am Captain Aase Gudbrand Finland Special Operations. My assignment was also to infiltrate into Monroe’s Special Operations and to send back any information I could uncover. You are concerned that the five, communication people who came back with Colonel Artuso are not trust worthy. Let me say in their defense that they were able to receive and transmit all of the information that we gathered onboard the two ships without compromising anybody onboard those ships.

Yes Captain, we understand that and we will consider that in our decision. Pat said. We are grateful for the aid you gave Colonel Artuso in his escape back. Pat said. Jack started to chuckle. If we can move along. Engineering.

The containment Field is still holding and the generator is working. We have the lifts functioning again due to the fast thinking of Lieutenant Paterson. The fires have been extinguished and the hull is being patched. We should be able to re-pressurize it in two more days.

What about your personnel John. Pat asked.

We lost five in the second watch and Chief Johnson. Phillips said. The biggest problem we have right now is the atmosphere we vented. With the loss of cargo section three, we lost most of our reserve supply. It was the tanks exploding that separated the aft section from the rest of the ship. Chief Johnson and I got a good look at it as it happened. Phillips stopped and just looked at Pat.

He is going to be missed. Okay who is handling Cargo? Pat said.

I am Sir. The shuttles have been able to recover the aft section of the ship. We are working with engineering on a way to reconnect the passenger section to the rest of the ship. Lieutenant Paterson has come up with a scheme to do that. The aft cargo sections are being towed back to the Flying Cloud and will be secured to the rest of the ship. We have started to off load some of the cargo from the containers already to the facilities on Pluto. I lost 3 men sir.

Thanks Chief. Bridge Commander Brandon.

Sir we lost all of the bridge personnel along with most of the communications and the CIC, a total of 34 people from the bridge section and another 10 in the third watch birthing area.

Doctor Artuso what have you to report?

Amelia pulled out her note pad. We have handles 1286 injuries ranging from minor scraps to decompression sickness. We have a hundred and twenty-six deaths so far and this number will increase. I have 15 critically injured in the hospital now. Is there any way that I can transport these people to the surface where I can use some of the technology I found there to treat them?

I don’t see why not. Ortiz can you get with the Doctor afterwards and see that she gets all of the support she needs.

Yes sir. Ortiz said.

Anything else Doctor?

Sir I would like to have Specialist Naima Amzil and the rest of the medical put in for a commendation.

Already done sir. Louise said.

Also, Sir, there is a Medic from the Valdez a spaceman First Class Hernandez. I want him released into my custody. He is the reason that the men from the Valdez are still alive and that fewer people died on the planet than did.

We will look into that also.

That will not do Pat, I need him now not next month. Amelia said.

Alright he will be released into your custody. Commander, see to it.

Yes sir.

Thank you, Sir. Amelia said as she leaned back. One of her staff walked into the room and whispered into her ear. Amelia quickly stood up and followed her out.

Pat watched as she and the medic left. Lieutenant Patterson I see you finely got some sleep.

Ah Yes sir, some. She said as her face turned bright red.

Okay Alice what have you got for me?

As of 0745 all of the shuttles have been serviced and have been returned to duty. The shuttle crew mechanics are being rotated back to the passenger section for rest. The Mark IV is in for service and should be ready for use in a few days. Lieutenant Philips has repaired the refueling station onboard the Flying Cloud.

What was wrong with the fuel point John? Pat asked.

One of the hydrogen hoses was severed during the attack and a section of the antimatter feed line had been crushed by a loose generator. Everything has been repaired and is now functioning again.

Why didn’t you say anything before? Brandon asked.

It wasn’t a big deal we have damaged that section trying to refuel the shuttles before. It is in my report. John said pointing to the tablet before them.

Ortiz, shuttles and pilots?

As lieutenant Paterson said, all of the shuttles have been serviced and are now back. I have two out on long-range surveillance. The rest are transporting equipment to the surface. We did not lose any of our crews. Only three ships had minor damage to them.

Rangers, Colonel Artuso.

The Rangers are ready and willing to help in any way we can. Our losses were slight on the passenger section. However, we lost forty men on the exterior gun batteries along with 6 on the planet.

I would again like to express our gratitude to you and your people Colonel. Okay Robert how about your people?

The passengers that came out with us only had minor injuries except for three of them. We lost two children to decompression when a hole was punched into the section they were in and one heart attack. Most of the injuries and death were from the survivors of the planet. They panicked and headed for the escape pods several were trampled to death and we lost the eighteen that were manning the containment facilities.

How many in total, died Brandon asked.

Twenty-six, I believe. Robert said.

That brings the count to hundred and twenty-five Sir. Brandon said.

Thank you. Robert, I understand you have some good news for us.

Yes, we found the fleet right where we thought it was. Brandon there is some ships out there that make the Flying Cloud look like Johns toy. We were able to open one partially before we decided to come back. As soon as we can I would like to return and see what it’s going to take to get it working.

What are you going to need? Pat asked.

A shuttle and some cylinders we have on charge back on the planet. John said.

When do you plan on going? Pat asked.

As soon as we are not needed here? Robert said.

As of now you two are assigned to getting one of those ship working. Alice, will that Mark IV be ready for their use in two days?

Yes Sir, no problem. Alice said.

Pat there is one thing we need to do before we head back out. We have established contact with another star system. They have informed us that there is an antenna on Pluto someplace that needs to be found and repaired. The room went silent and looked at Robert. Pat sat back and grinned.

Go on Robert tell them the rest. Pat said.

The person we talked to was my father. Jack found the control room that they used when they disappeared. My dad told us about the antennas and what they look like. With it, we will be able to communicate all over the galaxy. He also told us how the ships work and what it will take to make the ones we found work again. The planet they are on is the home world for some of the ancients that made this out here. They left all of their knowledge in a database on that planet. My mother and I guess our new sister have decoded a great deal of the symbols, but until we repair the antennas, we cannot send a data stream back and forth. To be honest, I do not think we have the capability to store the amount of data they have. However, we need to find the antennas first.

How did they get there? Professor Dumont asked.

Robert’s combox buzzed in his pocket. One minute. Yes.

Robert, you and the rest had better get her quick. Howard is not doing well and is asking for all of you. Amelia said.

Okay we are on our way. Pat, we need to go to the hospital. Howard is asking for us. Call Kathy, John Jack. Robert got up and hurried from the room.

Pat stood up. We will continue this later. Commander Sniff, take over. Pat followed Louise and John out the door as he opened his combox.

Amelia met Robert as he and the others walked in. Take it easy with him don’t get him excited. Amelia warned. You can go on in now. Amelia said and stepped out of their way.

Robert walked into the room followed by his brothers and Pat and Kathy. Louise and Amelia stayed out in the hallway. Howard looked at them standing at the foot of his bed.

Where are the others? Howard asked. Where are Amelia and Louise, I want to talk to all of you?

Pat stepped back into the hallway looking for the two of them. He saw them walking into Amelia’s office and headed after them. Hay you two? He wants to see all of us that includes you too. Pat said when he was close enough to them. Amelia and Louise stopped and looked at him.

Pat, we are only related by marriage… Louise said.

Yeah so am I. He still wants to see all of us. Come on. Pat said. They followed Pat back to the room.

"That is better, now all of my family is here. I have tried to guide all of you over the years. I know that sometimes it looked like I was meddling in your lives. I do not regret doing what I have done. I only regret that I was not able to find your parents. Amelia, you have turned out to be someone special and I do regret sending you back the way I did. I hope you understand that we did not have any choice at that time. Louise, you are probably asking yourself why am I here. Well I have interfered in your life the most. If I had not requested that Monroe send the three of them out to Pluto, you would have been safe back on Mars. That is right I set it up so that you three were to be sent out here. Kathy, you can blame Robert for being here. It was his idea to have you sent along. I understand as a present for you Pat. Yes, I approved the orders that Monroe sent and had a copy of your orders sent to the embassy in Mexico. At that time, I thought you might be able to help keep Robert under control. If I had known that all it would have taken was Amelia, I would have had her transferred sooner.

You see Monroe, with Gates aid, was gaining power within the corporation. We came across several documents suggesting that Monroe was setting up his own private army. Our accountant started seeing money transfers to special accounts. You and Mark just gave us the rest to start proceeding against him and the others. Unfortunately, Monroe had several connections deep within the board. Therefore, when the board decided to try to stop him it was already too late. This led to the disaster you have all been involved with.

Not only have I caused the death of a great many people I am afraid I have failed again in stopping Gates and Monroe. If they have seceded in getting one of the ships out here working there is nothing in the Galaxy that can stop them." Howard said looking at all of them.

Grandpa, don’t worry we found the fleet, not the one that Monroe found, but the one that you saw on the screen. The one mom and dad saw jest before they jumped to the new planet. Grandpa, mom and dad are alive. Robert said.

I know son, you must believe that…

No grandpa, you don’t understand we talked to them yesterday. All of us did. Kathy said. They are alive and have been living on another planet.

Dad even thinks we will be able to get one of the ships we found and rescue them. John said.

Is this true Pat? Howard asked.

Howard, they say it is I was not there that time. Michael said he talked to someone who said she was Amy Artuso before. Cecil claims that he has been talking to the two of them for over 6 years now. Like I said I have not talked to them.

Amy was watching the monitor connected to Howard. That is enough for now. Howard, you need to rest. You can all see him later. Amelia ushered them out the door. When the room was clear, she went back to Howard. Howard, you have to take it easy for a while longer.

Amelia, I have to know for sure. Please will you go and see if they are alive and do not tell the others. Use your combox and set it so I can hear them. Howard had grabbed her arm and was staring at her.

If I do this Howard, you will have to promise me one thing. Amelia said.

What is it child?

That you will follow my instructions from now on. Amelia said sternly.

Yes, okay I will do my best. Howard said.

Alright I will somehow get over there and see if I can contact them. Where is your combox at?

Ah in the drawer I think, that young orderly took it from me when they brought me in. Howard pointed to the cabinet next to the bed. Amelia opened the top drawer and found the combox. She checked the power and it read half full.

Okay here it is. I will call you if I am able to contact them. Amelia tucked the covers up around his neck. Now get some rest. She walked out of the room and found all of them standing outside.

How is he Amelia? Robert asked.

He is tired and needs his rest. Now all of you go on and get out of here. She started pushing Robert towards the door. Pat will you wait a minute.

Sure. Pat said and kissed Kathy then stepped aside to let the rest of them pass. Once the rest had left, Amelia pulled Pat to her office.

Pat, I promised Howard that I would go over and see if what they said was true. Can you help me get there and find this place? I was so busy when they went there before and I don’t know where that room is.

I don’t know where the place is ether. However, I know someone who might. Michael was there with Cecil. Ether one of them knows where that room is. Look you find Michael and I will check out a shuttle and we both will go see if we can find them. How is that?

Okay I’ll find Michael, give me a call when you are ready. Amelia said. Pat nodded and headed off to the shuttle station. Amelia headed for Louise’s office. When she reached the door, she pushed the intercom.

Come on in Amelia. Louise said as the door opened.

Amelia walked into the room and found all of them sitting there. Oh, ah, I guess you heard me talking to Howard?

Yes, we did. Louise said. Michael will be here in a few minutes. I figured that you and Pat would want him to guide you.

Yes, ah, Howard is still skeptical of what you have told him. I need him to stay calm and to do what my staff says. So, I have made a deal with him.

Yeah we heard. John said.

Look Amelia, mom and dad may not be there right now. We don’t know when they are there. Kathy said.

There is a Táa’e Mapiya there. She says she is our adopted sister. Dad acts as if she is. If she is there she will get them for you. Jack said.

You don’t want to come with me? Amelia asked.

Not this time. We talked it over and we feel that this is between you and Howard. If he heard one of us there he might not believe you. Robert said.

I would suggest that you tell him that you are taking Pat and Michael with you. Louise said.

Would you come also Louise? Amelia asked.

Yes, Louise you should go. You haven’t been to the surface yet and you need to meet mom and dad even if it is across a star system. John said.

Okay I’ll go. Jack, you are in charge until I return. Louise said grabbing her helmet to her vacuum suit.

Are you planning on going for a walk outside? Robert asked.

No, but I don’t trust this place yet. John the girls will be out of school at 1500. Make sure they do their homework this time. Louise said as she kissed him.

Robert, Xiomara is not allowed to see her friends tonight. She has been acting up at school and is grounded for a week. Amelia said. Louise where is Michael?

He will meet us at the shuttles. He had to wait for Emily to get out of the meeting before he could go. Louise and Amelia walked out of the room still talking to each other.

Well I guess we need to see who we can get to search for the antenna. Jack said as the door closed behind the two women.

The shuttle docked with the station on Pluto. Pat and Michael finished with the post flight checks and headed back to the cargo area. Louise had put her helmet on and was standing there waiting for them. Amelia stood behind her holding hers in her hand and watched Michael come out of the cockpit airlock.

Sir you really don’t need that in there. Michael said.

Put your helmets on Majors and that is an order. She said.

Michael and Amelia put their helmets on and watched as Pat walked to the Air lock in only his flight suit. The light went red and the door opened up. Pat stepped out and walked into the cargo bay. He stood there and waited for the rest to come out. Louise stepped out and looked around. She could see all of the people working in the bay looking at her. She reached up, unfastened the latches, and removed the helmet. By the time she was by Pat, Michael, Amelia both had theirs off, and Amelia was half way out of the vacuum suit.

Oh man, do I hate that thing. Amelia said.

Okay Michael, lead on to the control room. Louise said.

Yes ma’am, right this way. Michael said and headed down the corridor leading to the administration section of the complex. Amelia and Pat followed along behind as they headed for the corridor leading to the repair bay that Karl used.

Amelia, Kathy said you might be pregnant. Pat said.

Ah, I don’t know, ah, I haven’t had time to run any tests yet. Please Pat, do not tell Robert anything. It will just upset him and he needs a clear head now. He doesn’t need to be worrying about me and a child.

Then you are Pregnant

I think so at least that is what the machine said. Like I said I haven’t had time to test yet. Amelia said turning red.

So, when were you planning on finding out? Pat asked.

Why all of the questions? Amelia asked looking at him.

Just trying to look out for the welfare of my crew is all. Besides I will have a great time watching Robert when he finds out. Pat said with a big grin.

Michael showed them where the elevator was and when they were all inside, he pushed the symbol to the control room. The door closed and opened to the small room. Michael stepped out and headed for the wall. It slid back revealing the corridor leading to the control room. They followed him down the hallway to the long room.

Well this is the place where I talked to them. Michael said.

How? Amelia asked.

I don’t know? Cecil was talking to them all I did was speak. Go ahead say hello and see what happens.

Okay here it goes. Hello. Hello is anyone there?

Hello who is this? Táa’e Mapiya answered.

Amelia and the rest stood there looking all around for the voice.

Hello is anybody there? Táa’e Mapiya asked again.

Yes, yes I am here. Amelia said. Who are you?

I am Táa’e Mapiya. Who are you? Táa’e Mapiya asked.

Ah this is Doctor Amelia Artuso. Amelia said. Is Doctor Amy Artuso there?

No, she is not here, however, father is in his work shop. Hold on and I will get him. Táa’e Mapiya said. Father there is someone by the name of Doctor Amelia Artuso here. She wants to talk to Mother. Táa’e Mapiya said into her combox. Alright I will tell them. Father says he will be here in a minute. He says for you to wait for him. Are you one of my sisters also? Táa’e Mapiya asked.

Ah, in a way I guess. I am married to Robert. Amelia said. Who are you?

Oh, I am Táa’e Mapiya. I thought I told you. I am Karl’s and Amy’s first adopted daughter.

Adopted daughter? Pat asked.

Oh, is there more there? Táa’e Mapiya asked.

Yes, there are four of us here. Amelia said looking around at the rest.

Oh, who is there? Táa’e Mapiya asked excitedly.

Well there is Captain Pat Dunnun and Colonel Louise Artuso and Major Michael Hartford.

Hello who am I talking to? Karl asked.

Mister Artuso this is Amelia Artuso ah you knew me as Amelia Diaz.

Amelia yes Robert mentioned your name and a Xiomara?

Yes sir, she is my daughter. Ah Mister Artuso, Doctor Smith wants to talk to you. Amelia said.

Is Howard there also? Karl asked. Amy will be disappointed when she finds out she missed talking to him.

No sir. He is still on the passenger section of the ship. He had a heart attack. I have been treating him. I told him I would contact him and let him talk to you. Amelia opened up her combox and pushed Howard’s symbol.

Howard Smith is that you Amelia.

Yes Howard, I have Karl here some place. Sir, will you say something and see if Howard can hear you.

Howard, you horse thief can you hear me? Karl asked.

He says yes. He wants to know where Amy is. Amelia replied.

Howard, she is teaching your newest granddaughter what she needs to know to pass her long night. Karl said.

He is laughing and wants to know when she will be back. Amelia relayed.

Not until late tonight I am afraid. Howard, how are you felling?

He says that he is much better now that he knows you are alive. He says he is sorry for not finding you sooner. That they searched for over two years for you before they had to stop. He says that he never gave up hope that somehow you and Amy had survived.

It is alright Howard. Now the kids will come and get us then bring us back. Just do what the doctors tell you and we will see you soon. Karl said.

He says to tell Amy that he loves her and misses the both of you. Yes Howard. That is all right, go ahead, and get some rest. Bye Howard. Sir he says goodbye and he will see the both of you when you return. Amelia said putting the combox back.

Amelia, it is Karl or father or dad not Sir or Mister Artuso alright? Táa’e Mapiya said that there were more of you there. So, who all is there this time? Karl asked.

Yes Sir. Well Pat Dunnun is here he is Kathy’s Husband. Amelia said looking at Pat.

Hello Pat. Karl said.

Hello Mister Artuso.

Pat the same thing goes for you also. It is Karl or dad okay.

Yes Karl. Pat said.

Okay who else? Karl asked.

Hi I am Louise Artuso John’s wife. Louise said.

Hello Louise. Is that all? Karl asked.

No Sir, I am here also. It is me Michael Hartford we spoke the other day.

Yes Michael, I remember you. Cecil was trying to convince you that he was not crazy. I take it you were able to stop Monroe’s men alright.

Yes sir, but not without some loses. Michael said.

Yes, I know how that is. Karl said. Amy is going to ask how all of the children are.

John’s two girls are fine Dorothy is six and Sally is five. Louise said. We were married four months ago and you are going to be a grandfather again in about six months. Louise said.

Congratulation to the both of you. Ah I take it that the two girls are not yours than. Karl said.

That is right. Ah John first wife died several years ago. Louise said.

Hmm, good I am glad for the two of you. Pat, I understand you have two boys.

Yes Karl, Mathew is eight and Tommy is seven now. Pat said.

I understand you are the Captain of the ship they came out on. Karl said.

Yes Sir, I was. The Flying Cloud was destroyed in the last attack.

Oh, I’m sorry to hear that. Karl said. Amelia, what about Robert?

Robert adopted my daughter her father was killed before she was born. We have been married for three weeks now. She is two and her name is Xiomara. Robert was married before and had a son. His wife Pamela and son Tad were murdered by Monroe and Gates along with John’s wife.

Amelia. Louise said.

It’s true and Karl should know what has been going on back here. Karl, we came out here to find you. Now we need your help in stopping Monroe and Gates.

Do not worry if he has what Robert and the others have told me about, we can stop them.

Karl, I am in charge of the Rangers that have come out here. Robert has asked us to search the planet to find the antennas. Can you help? Louise said.

I will anyway I can. What do you need? Karl replied

What is it we are looking for? What do they look like? Louise asked.

I don’t know what they look like there. Here they are towers about three kilometers tall. When they open up, they look like long stalks with flowers all along them. By what I can remember, Pluto was almost completely shut down and without power. You must have some sort of power source there now that is capable of handling the planets requirements or this system would not be working. Someone will need to go to the lowest levels and make sure that everything is plugged in and turned on. We found tunnels leading to the towers on this planet. There was a small control room at the base of these towers that deployed them. You will just have to look around and see what you can find. Karl said.

Okay if we need to contact you how do we do it? Pat asked.

Just like you did. If nobody answers than try again later. Táa’e Mapiya or Amy is usually here during the daytime. I have my lab in this facility now, so one of them can get ahold of me if you need me. On the other hand, they probably can answer your questions just as well as I can. We will be gone for about eight lights in a light or two for long night. We will be back after it is over. Karl said. Is there anything else I can answer for you?

No sir I think that is all of the questions I have for now. Louise said.

Karl, I need to be getting back to what is left of my ship. I hope to see you soon. Pat said.

It has been great talking to all of you. Take care of my kids and kiss the children for us.

Goodbye Karl. Amelia said.

Bye. Táa’e Mapiya said.

Goodbye Táa’e Mapiya. Amelia said.

Let’s go. Pat said.

Chapter Two

Robert was just walking out of Professor Dumont’s office when Amelia walked by heading for the school to pick up Xiomara up.

Hello I was just going to get Xiomara. I got a little delayed with Dumont. Robert said.

Um hmm. Amelia said and kept on walking. Robert hurried to catch up with her.

Well did you talk to dad?

Yes.

Well? Robert grabbed her arm and stopped her.

Well nothing. He wanted to know about you and the others and all of your children, is all.

So, what is wrong? Robert asked.

Nothing. Amelia said and headed off down the passageway towards the school. I asked you to pick her up and told you she was not to play with anybody after school. School has been over for three hours now. I got a call from her teacher wanting to know where I was. She would like to go to her family also. One simple thing is all I asked you to do. Amelia walked faster down the hallway. Robert tried to follow along behind.

Gee I have work I have to do too. Robert said softly.

Yes, I know you do, but you said you would do this if I would talk to your father. Amelia said crossly. Oh, your father says you need to turn on the planet. Amelia turned into the classroom. Xiomara was sitting at her table drawing on a piece of paper. Her teacher was sitting at her desk looking over some assignments.

I am terrible sorry Pam. Robert was supposed to have picked her up. Amelia said as she walked in with Robert right behind her.

Yes. Well Director Artuso, school is from 0730 to 1500 it is now almost 1800. Try to be on time the next time. Pam said as she picked up her things. Good night. She said as she left them alone with Xiomara.

Okay honey, put away the colors, and let’s go home. Amelia said.

No. Xiomara said.

Xiomara. Amelia yelled.

Xiomara folded her arms in front of herself and sat there staring at the two of them.

No. She said again.

Amelia walked over and started shoving the colors back into the box and grabbed her up out of the chair. Keep this up young lady and you will go straight to bed. Amelia walked out of the room right past Robert. Robert closed the door and followed along behind.

They went straight from the school to the dining room. Amelia chose the food that she wanted Xiomara to have and her own. Robert, pushed the trays along and carried them to the table. They finished the meal without speaking to each other. When it was over Amelia stood up from the table.

Do you think you can get her cleaned up and into bed without me? I need to look in on some of my patient’s before I turn in. Amelia said coldly.

Yes. Robert said.

Then do it. Amelia said and left the dining hall.

Robert watched her storm out of the room. I screwed up big time this time. Okay kid let’s go home. He picked up the trash around the table from Xiomara and the dishes and took them to the depository. He came back, lifted Xiomara out of the chair, and went to their room.

Amelia returned to their room late. Robert was sitting on the couch with a drink in his hand and reading one of the tablets he received reports on when she walked in. She walked right by him and down the hallway to their room. Robert sat there and watched her go by. He got up and followed her to their room. The door was closed and locked.

Amelia. Robert said and knocked on the door.

Go away. Amelia said.

Amelia what is wrong?

Nothing, go away. Amelia cried.

Robert could hear her sobbing and tried the knob again. The door was still locked. He turned and headed back to the front room. He sat on the couch and picked up his tablet again. He could not get it out of his head how he had screwed up.

Robert was awakened by the sound of footsteps. He opened his eyes to a darkened room. A blanket had been placed over him and his note pad was on the table next to the couch. He got up and headed for the bedroom. When he tried the doorknob this time the door opened. Stepping inside as quietly as he could he got undressed and climb into bed.

Robert was fishing on a strange looking stream. The two suns beat down on the flower-covered ground. He turned and looked at Amelia and someone he did not know sitting on a blanket next to the stream watching. The pole started to jerk and he set the hook. He looked down the stream as the green fish leaped out of the water its white teeth gleaming in the suns bright light. He looked up at the twin suns in the sky as their heat bore down on them. He heard a scream from behind him. When he turned towards Amelia and the other person, they were looking back down a strangely forested trail. There were a couple of men headed in their direction. Robert walked back towards them watching the men come towards them. Fear gripped him when they came close enough for him to recognize them. He reached for his 9mm and aimed it at the two men. Amelia jumped up and ran towards him yelling for him to stop. Gates pulls up his M18 and squeezes off a burst just as Amelia reached for him. Amelia body flew through the air slamming into him knocking them both down to the desert sand. She laid on top of him blood running out of her from the wounds. He aimed with his 9mm and squeezes the trigger; the gun just clicks. He squeezes several times more, but nothing happened. Monroe reached down, grabbed the other person, and snatched her off the blanket. He and Gates turned then walk back out across a vast desert laughing. Robert pushed Amelia’s lifeless body of off him and reloaded the gun. He took careful aim and squeezed the trigger. Click nothing happened again. Repeatedly he tried to fire, but the gun just clicked as Gates and Monroe continues walking and laughing into the desert. Robert looked down at the lifeless form of Amelia on the sand than up at the twin suns. He looked out after Gates and Monroe and sees men and women lying dead in the desert. He slowly turns and sees that a large battle had been fought all around him. Many people in Ranger uniforms and some strange looking people in strange camouflaged uniforms were lying all about him dying. He could hear their screams and cries for help as strange sounds came from above towards him. He looks up as red streaks leap at him from a strange looking ship. He dived down trying to cover Amelia’s helpless body as the rounds tore into his body.

Robert bolted upright gasping for breath and sat on the edge of the bed he could still feel where the rounds had hit him. Amelia sat up next to him.

What is the matter? She asked.

Nothing, go on back to sleep. Robert said coldly. He got up out of bed and headed back into the living room. Robert walked over to the cabinet and poured himself a drink. Then he sat down on the couch took a big sip from the glass and stared off into space. The images of the dream still fresh on his mind. Amelia walked out into the living room and over to him. She sat down on the couch next to him.

I am sorry Robert. She said as she took his glass from him.

For what? I forgot all about picking her up. This whole thing is my fault. If I hadn’t suggested to Howard to let me flush Monroe out we would not be out in that desert fighting.

What desert? Oh, this still tastes like iodine. She said.

Then don’t drink it. Robert said crossly. I’m sorry I didn’t mean to snap at you.

Another dream? You haven’t had one in a long time. Amelia said.

Yeah I know. This one was even stranger, we are on some other planet, and I am fishing for green fish with big teeth. Monroe and Gates show up and you try to stop me from shooting them. Gates shoots you and knocks us both to the ground. This time they seem to be after someone else that is with us and takes her away. I try to shoot them and the gun still does not work. I reload and try again and it still does not work. They laugh at us and walk back out into the desert. When I stand up and try to shoot them all I see is the dead and dying all around the desert. Some of them where in Ranger uniforms and others in a camouflaged uniform not like anything I have seen before. I can still hear the screaming and pleading for help from them. Then a different type of ship comes at me. It is a strange looking one, nothing like I have ever seen before. Red streaks come out of it and I dive over you to protect you. I can still feel the hot rounds hitting me. Robert took the drink back from Amelia and finished it. He looked down at her curled up next to him. "Come on, let’s go back to bed.

Robert.

Yes.

What do you think about children?

They are all right, a little messy is all. I’m sorry I know I should have picked her up, I just got so busy and forgot all about the time.

Robert, I think I am pregnant. Amelia said looking up at him.

When?

It doesn’t matter when. Is it alright with you? Amelia asked.

Of course, it is. When is it due?

I don’t know yet. The tests are not finished. That is where I went after dinner.

Then how do you know you’re pregnant?

That machine I used back on the planet. I could see the small child inside of me with it. Robert, I am scared. I don’t want to get in your way and I don’t know what to do. Amelia said starting to cry.

Hay, come on now. This is something we both wanted remember. I can do my job still. Do not fret about me. You have to take care of yourself now. So, come on you need your rest. Robert got up and helped her up. They walked back into the bedroom.

Amelia rolled over next to Robert and began to play with the hair on his chest. Robert kissed her forehead then her mouth. His hand began move over her breasts as her hand slowly moved down to his waist. Robert pulled her nightgown up and started sucking on her breasts. He slowly worked his way down. Amelia started to moan from the sensation she was feeling. When she could no longer take any more he worked his way back up. She whimpered until he entered her then a muffled scream as the waves washed over her. Her fingers dug into his back as she lay beneath him. The world and all the problems in it seemed to disappear to them as they made love that night. They lay in each other arms afterwards spent and drifted off to sleep.

Amelia awoke to Xiomara crying. She went to get out of bed and found Robert already gone. She got up out of the bed. Pulled her robe about her and was heading down the hall as Robert walked out of Xiomara's room.

It’s alright she just needed changing. When is she going to be able to do that herself? Robert asked as he walked back towards her and the bedroom.

Not for a while yet. Amelia said as she walked back into the bedroom. Amelia looked at the clock next to the bed and it read 05:45. It’s almost time to get up. She sat on the side of the bed. "Robert you’re