Angèle De La Mort

By Cecil Cory

The Emperor of the Hallsworth Empire had been assonated. A cousin seized the throne putting to death all of the legitimate heirs to the throne. An Imperial Guard, who had sworn to protect Imperial family, found out about the purge of surviving Empress and her child. Unable to save the Empress he smuggled the child out of the Hallsworth Empire to the Federation. There he met Gérard Lécuyer and turned over the child for him to raise. After fifteen years the Emperor found out about this betrayal. He placed a bounty on the heads of the Imperial Guards and the child. Hunted by assassins and fearing that he would put his family in danger Gérard Lécuyer sends the grown woman to seek aid with some of his friends as he goes to lead the assassins away from her and his family.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Jun 24, 2018
• ISBN: 9781387905485

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Angle De La Mort

Angèle De La Mort

By

Cecil Ian Cory

Copyright

Version 1.3

Copyright © 2018 Cecil I Cory / Lulu Press

All rights reserved.

ISBN: 978-1-387-90548-5

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Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported

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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 Regales Two

Transfer Station 261

Einhejar Warriors

Atlantis Conspiracy

Raid on Sector Delta 34

Assault on an Empress

Darnel’s Revenge

Pirates of the Auroa

Gagnon

Ark 33

Box Maker

Dead Oaks Flat

Kohr

Night Walker

Survival

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

Creators of the Towers

Professor La Forge’s Sabbatical

Chapter One

The man stood on the rise in the rain and looked down at the fresh earth covering the grave. He pulled off his long black coat and set it on the top of the grave then placed the wide brim hat on top of the coat. He knelt next to the stone marking the grave and placed one hand on the stone. He removed his hand then kissed his finger and placed them on the face of the stone on the name then stood up.

The young woman stood at the back entrance to the house and watched the man as he slowly walked down from the rise. She watched him walk into the barn and out of sight. Once he was inside, she pulled the shawl over her head and hurried across the barnyard to the large barn door. She opened it just a little and looked inside. She could see the man as he swung the pick into the harden ground of the barn’s floor. As she stepped into the barn, he looked towards her.

What are you doing here? Go back to the house. There is nothing that concerns you here. He said in French.

She would not have wanted this.

She understood.

No, she did not. I can remember when you use to go and she would cry for hours after you were gone never knowing if you were coming back or not. She was so happy when you stopped and finally stayed home with us.

He looked at her standing there and could see Francesca, standing there looking at him in the same way.

You are like her, Angèle.

No, I am like you. You have been more of a father to me than anybody I can remember.

I am no farmer. You and your brothers are more farmers then I ever was. This is yours and theirs now. The man replied and swung the pick into the hardened ground. Go back into the house.

Father?

Go. He shouted.

She turned and walked out of the barn then ran towards the house. Pierre watched as she ran into the house.

What is dad doing? Pierre asked.

He is leaving again.

What do you mean he is leaving again?

He is digging up that old case where he hides his things and he is leaving. Angèle replied and ran to her room.

What is the matter with the princess? Harold asked sarcastically.

Knock it off. She says that dad is leaving.

He goes to the village all the time.

He is not headed to the village this time. I can just remember him leaving a few times before and coming back. Sometimes he would be gone for almost a year. Mom would cry herself to sleep and worry about him until he came back. Sometimes he would come back and be all bruised. Once he came back all bandaged up as if he had been in an accident. I asked him what happened to him. He got mad and sent to my room, he almost hit me for asking. I could hear them arguing that night and the next day I saw him burry a case out in the barn.

I don’t remember that?

You were only a few years old then. I was eight. He promised mom that he would not put her in danger again. He hasn’t left for any length of time since.

Pierre grabbed his hat and walked out the door. He ran across the barnyard in the rain to the barn door. He opened it just enough to walk into the barn. He could see his father as he shoveled the dirt out of the hole.

What are you doing out here? Pierre asked.

The man looked up at him then continued to dig. Pierre walked over to the where the man was digging. The man looked at him again.

Go back into the house. This has nothing to do with you or your brother and sister.

Where are you going?

That is none of your concern.

Harold is only eleven someone has to look after him.

You and your sister can take care of him. The farm belongs to the three of you now.

Angèle is not my sister. She is nothing, but a fugitive from Hallsworth.

The man climbed out of the hole and grabbed Pierre then pulled him close. He stared into his face.

She is more your sister…If I ever hear you speak that way of her again I will tan your hide and nail it to the door. He shoved him away and walked back to the hole. He reached down and grabbed the case then lifted it out of the hole. He looked at Pierre standing there defiantly looking at him. You were only a small child when I had to go back and rescue her.

I understand that you came back with her and…

You don’t understand shit. When you are older you might.

I am almost sixteen, dad. I understand a lot more than you think. I know you have not liked being here on the farm and that you only stayed to protect her. The man took a step towards him and Pierre did not back up. He stood there facing his father. Go ahead and deny it. You have spent your life protecting her and not us. You spent all your time teaching her things and not us. What is she to you? I remember mom…

Your mother agreed with me that we should take her in as one of our own and protect her.

From what dad? What is she to you?

The man glared at him.

She is the Empress of Hallsworth. She is the sole survivor of Emperor Rothilde Everard Rousseau and Empress Cornélie Féret Rousseau.

What is she to you, dad?

The man glared at the young man standing there in front of him.

You would not understand.

I understand a lot of things. I have had to live with the rumors that she was your kid before you met mom.

Who said that?

I have heard the whispers behind my back all my life since she showed up. Why is she here and not in Hallsworth where she belongs?

Because she would be dead the same as her parents if she was there. Her father was killed in the last rebellion and her mother a few years later by Léopold Rousseau assassins. I promised her mother and father that I would protect them. I could not protect her mother from the butcher, but I was able to smuggle her out of Hallsworth to here.

Why don’t you tell him all of it? Angèle said from the barn door. Tell him how you saved my life when I was only two.

The man looked at Angèle then at Pierre. He shook his head no and waved his hand at them then walked back to the container he had lifted out of the hole. He opened it and pulled out the dirk that was lying on top of the old uniforms. He pulled it from its sheath and looked at the blade as it reflected the light.

"I was about your age when I had to join the Hallsworth army. A few years later, I was a sergeant in the Hallsworth Forces Spéciales. We were on a mission on a planet in the Iosminda system. We were told that a group of smugglers was working out of there and attacking the shipping in that area. We were sent in to find a supply base they had there.

We located a base along with a camouflaged landing area and we were closing in on it. We had just started to make our way into their compound when we received a distress call saying that a ship was under attack and need assistance. Its call sign told us that it was one of the Emperor’s specials. Our support ship took off to see if it could help and left us there. We made our way out onto the landing field and we were approaching what we thought was one of their storage buildings. A few minutes later, there was an explosion that light up the night sky and exposed us to the men in the compound. We were out in the open with no cover when the alarms sounded and they poured out of the buildings. We were told that there were only a few men there, but there must have been a hundred at least. Two of my men went down and another was hit. We grabbed their bodies and withdrew back into the jungle to regroup that is when we saw a streak of fire as an escape pod plummeted towards the surface. It looked so close, as it flew over our heads we thought for sure it was going to crash into us. We could hear the men in the compound as a group of them started for it in vehicles. We took off in the same direction, but by the time we reached it one of the groups of smugglers was already there and we could see six people standing outside of the escape pod with one of them carrying a small child in her arms."

Me.

"That is right you and your nounou. None of us recognized who they were until we saw the two Imperial Guards trying to protect one of the women. The smugglers shot and killed both of the guards then they grabbed the women and started pulling their clothing off. Without thinking, I ran towards them and opened fire hitting the man who was trying to rape her mother then the rest of the men joined in. Within a few seconds, we had killed all of the smugglers.

I helped the woman up and she ran over to the one with the small child. I didn’t recognize any of them. I had never seen any of the Emperors family up close. One of the ones who they had been trying rape looked a lot like the Empress, but I just figured she was one of the lookalikes. We knew we had to get out of there and back to our rendezvous point. Once we had them calmed down enough, I grabbed the child from the woman’s arms then started back into the jungle. The rest of the men helped the other women and guarded our back. It took us a lot longer than I had wanted to get back to the rally point. When we got there, our new lieutenant was all over me for leaving our position and bringing back the woman. I was still holding the child and woman took her from me. She started in on the lieutenant and he was about to hit her when I stopped him. I put him on the ground, pulled my knife, and placed it to his throat. Two of my men pulled me off before I killed him. That is when the smugglers found us. The lieutenant stood up and he was yelling at me, when he was killed. The jungle around us seemed to erupt with high-energy rounds. I grabbed the woman and you and we ran out of there. The rest of the men followed me covering our hasty retreat. We ran all night and ended up having to carry the women along with our wounded. When we reached the secondary point, we could see a battle going on in space. There were several more explosions then it started to rain debris down into the atmosphere. You thought it was fireworks and you laughed and pointing at the streaks in the sky.

We made the women as comfortable as we could while we set up a defensive perimeter. I knew they would be searching for us and did not want to endanger the women any more than we had to. We spent the day hidden in a thicket. By that night, we had not seen anybody. The battle in space stopped and only a little debris lit up the evening sky. We shared what we had and I got talking with your mother. That is when I found out who she was. We contacted Star Fleet and they didn’t believe me when I told them that the Empress, and her court, was there with us. They thought we were some of the smugglers trying to lure them down. Your mother took the radio and read the man the riot act. He told her there wasn’t anything he could do. He was not going to jeopardize any of his ships on a wild goose chase at night. I thought she would kill him. She probably would have if he had been there. Your mom had a hell of a temper.

I pulled the first watch that night and was watching the perimeter. You know how the bugs stop when something gets close. Well they stopped. The only life forms on this planet were bugs and the smugglers. I rousted the men and we waited. The bugs started again then they opened up on us. We fought them until the sun was almost up then two Zeus’s showed up and they began strafing the forest around us. I looked for the Empress and found her with a blaster yelling into one of our radios at the ships commander. A little while later, a shuttle landed and we moved the women and you to it. They started to leave and she stopped them. She made them wait until all of our wounded were loaded onboard then she ran over to me and kissed me on the cheek. I stood there like an idiot not knowing what I was supposed to do. She ran back to the shuttle and it took off. About two hours later, another shuttle showed up and picked us up.

We returned to our base and I was brought up on charges for insubordination and arrested. While I was waiting to be shot, I was brought before the Chef de Bataillon along with Pierre Vavasour and Claude Dubraw. We were informed that we had been transferred to the Imperil Guard at the request of the Emperor himself. We caught the next ship out of there to a training camp for new recruits. When you finish your training, you are given your brand."

The scar on your arm? Pierre asked.

That is right. I gritted my teeth and didn’t move. I didn’t want to mess it up. When it was finished, I looked down at the burn and did not see any distortion in it. I was so proud of being chosen as an Imperial Guard. The three of us were assigned to the Emperor’s palace. Once we arrived, the Emperor and Empress summoned us before them. We were led to the anteroom as if we were some special dignitaries and not a couple low ranking solders. I can remember it as if it was yesterday. The walls of the anteroom were covered with works of art. A large wood burning fireplace filled one end of the room with a portrait of your mother hanging over it. One wall was covered with portraits of the past Emperors. The outside wall was lined with windows that allowed natural lighting to fill the room. We waited until we were summoned to the grand hall. We walked in and came to attention before the Emperor and the Empress. Your mother rose up and walked down to me. She looked up at the Emperor and told him that we were the ones who had saved her life. He summoned us up to his platform then motioned and a page walked over to him with a pillow. He looked at the pillow then motioned for the page to continue to the Empress. She picked up one of the dirks that lay on it and handed it to me. She then handed one to Pierre Vavasour and Claude Dubraw. We were informed that we were to be part of her personal guards. I was also told that I was promoted to Sous-Lieutenant. Pierre became a sergeant along with Claude. About a year later, Claude had had enough of court life and left, Pierre and I stayed on. A year after that, I was promoted to Lieutenant, then Captain of the Guard. The two of us earned the trust of the Emperor and the Empress. Once I became the captain of the guard, I was given the additional task to investigate the deaths of the Emperor’s brothers and sisters. That is what I was doing when I was accused of the murder of one of the Empresses handmaidens. During that investigation, I was accused of plotting to assonate the Emperor and Empress and was sent to Regalis three to be executed.

They said that mother arranged for your escape.

I was told by the Trayaxen pirates that they were paid to take me out of the system. I didn’t know if it was true or not at the time. I found out later that she had and that is what got her into trouble with your father. Bédoier Lévêque had some coconspirators in the court that spread rumors about her and me and how she helped me escape.

You came back when they killed my father. I can remember them shelling the place and the ceiling of my room coming down on top of me. You came into my room and took me to that small ship then up to one of our ships.

I had brought back Bédoier Lévêque who had framed me trying to clear my name. I was too late they had already killed your father and Léopold Rousseau was attacking the palace. We were able to smuggle you and your mother off Hallsworth to one of the Star Fleet ships still loyal to her. I told your mother if you were ever in danger again, I would come back with a vengeance. When Léopold declared himself the Emperor, Pierre contacted me and told me that you and your mother were in danger. You were just born…

I was five years old when you left that time. Harold was just born.

I was too late to save your mother. Pierre smuggled you out of Hallsworth to one of the neutral zone planets. He was to have killed you and brought back proof to Léopold that you were dead.

I remember I had just turned nine years old. I remember Pierre trying to keep me quiet about who I was. We had to hide who we were and traveled on an old freighter. He made me act as if I was his daughter and had me call him papa and make as if we were immigrating to the planet. I remember him telling me that we were being hunted by some of Léopold’s men. When we reached the planet, you showed up and took me with you and I become your daughter.

Oui. I had some friends of mine in Trayax system acquirer the papers for you for me.

Then I am not legally here.

Yes, you are. The papers are all in order. When Pierre contacted me and told me that he was smuggling you off Hallsworth, Francesca and I decided that I was to go and get you and we would adopt you.

To protect her?

That is right to protect her and the rest of you. If Léopold finds out that she is still alive, he will send his assassins here and kill all of you. I cannot let that happen. We have been safe only because he thought you were dead. Now he knows you are alive.

What are you going to do? Go there and kill him. Pierre snapped at him.

Mère Francesca wouldn’t like that. She was against killing. Angèle said.

She would understand.

No, she wouldn’t. She hated it when you would go. It would be better if I went.

No! You are safe here.

For how long? If you go out there, they will find you then trace you back to here. Once they find out that you have a daughter they will come looking for her. Pierre said.

I am not going to stand here and argue with the two of you about this. I have a plan that will lead them away from here to a place where I can take care of them.

You sound as if they are already coming. Angèle said.

They are. I received word from Pierre that Emperor Léopold Rousseau has put a reward of two hundred thousand Marks for your location. They know that I am in the Federation. They will find out that I am here on Lur Emankorrak and when they do, they will come here and find all of you. I cannot allow that. I want you to look after Harold. Once I have left you are to go to your grand-père Harold and stay with him. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a chip and looked at it then handed it to Pierre. Give him this and tell him that I have taken a job to help pay the bills. He will understand.

No, he won’t. Pierre replied and walked away without taking the chip.

Trust me. I won’t be gone long and I will come back as soon as it is safe. Pierre continued towards the barn door. All right Pierre, go on get out of here. I want to talk to Angèle for a few minutes alone.

Pierre looked at him then at Angèle. He scowled as he walked out of the barn. He glanced back at the man still standing next to the old case looking at him. The man watched him until the barn door was closed. He walked over to her and put his hands on her shoulder.

We loved you as much as if you were our own daughter. I know you will do what is necessary to look after them. If, however, I fail in what I am going to do, you are to contact these men. He pulled out several chips and handed one of them to her. Tell them that Gagnon has sent you to them and that I told you that they would protect you. He handed her three more chips. These are accounts for you and the boys. They contain all of the Credits that I had left along with the papers to this land. The three of you now own this land. I would not allow it to be put into the trust with the others. Francesca agreed with me that it should belong to our family forever.

I don’t want this. She said.

You are part of our family as much as the boys. With Francesca gone, there is nothing left here for me now, except for you and the boys, and if I stay here, your lives will be in danger. If what I plan works, I will return. Someday soon, you will find someone and you will leave me too. This will help you get established. After a while, Léopold will think you are dead again. Maybe someday you might even be able to take your throne back from him and become the Empress that the Hallsworth Empire deserves.

No papa Gérard. I don’t want it. I do not want to be the Empress Hallsworth. I just want to be your daughter. Don’t go. I know how to defend myself, you taught me. We can stop them if they come here.

Believe me. I don’t want to go either. They have left me no choice. Gérard said. He looked at the dirk then pulled it from the sheath and looked at her reflection in is blade. Your mother gave this to me. I was so proud to serve her and protect you. It is yours now. He put the dirk into its sheath and handed it to her. Now go back to the house. I still have things I have to do before I can leave.

She stood there and looked at him for several seconds then turned and walked out of the barn then back to the house.

Pierre stood at the door and waited for Angèle to walk into the house.

What did he want to talk to you about?

He just gave me something that my mother gave him. She showed him the dirk then ran past him to her room.

What is the matter with the princes now? Harold asked.

Shut up. Pierre replied and looked out the window towards the barn. We are going to Grandpa Harold’s for a few days until dad gets back. Go pack some clothes and don’t forget your school things.

Where is dad going? Harold asked.

He is going away because of her. Pierre said and stormed off to his room.

Gérard loaded the last of his things into the vehicle and looked at the children as they carried their things out of the house. He grabbed the bag from Harold and put it next to his. He reached for Pierre’s bag and Pierre just hung onto it. Pierre placed it in the back with the other bags.

Where is your sister?

She is no sister of mine. Pierre replied.

Gérard grabbed him and started to slap him across the face.

She is as much your sister as anyone and don’t forget that. She will take care of you until I return.

I don’t need her to look after me. If she had never shown up we would not…

Gérard grabbed him, slapped him across the face, and then shook him. He moved nose to nose with Pierre.

Listen boy, when you are older you will understand. Now get in that vehicle and no more sass out of you. He snapped at him then shoved him towards the vehicle.

Angèle walked out with two bags and some other things tucked under her arm. Gérard moved over to her and took the bags from her.

Thanks, Harold you forgot your school books. So, did you Pierre. She said. She could see Pierre slumped down in the back of the vehicle facing away from her. Pierre. She said again.

Boy, go back in there and get your school things. It isn’t Angèle responsibility to keep track of them.

Pierre climb out of the vehicle then ran back into the house. Angèle placed the rest of the things in the back of the vehicle then returned to the house. She walked into the kitchen and finished packing another case with what fresh food they were taking to Harold and Élan’s farm. She closed the lid as Pierre walked out of his room with his school things.

Will you help me carry this out to the vehicle?

Do it yourself. Pierre replied and stormed out of the house.

Pierre walked out then climbed into the vehicle, tossed his school things on the seat next him and slouched down in the seat again.

What is keeping Angèle? Gérard asked.

I don’t know. He mumbled.

Boy, straighten up before I straighten you up. Gérard said then walked towards the house. He reached the door just as Angèle walked out struggling to carry the large case. Gérard grabbed it from her. Why didn’t you get Pierre to help you with this?

He was busy. She replied and stepped back into the house.

Gérard walked up to the vehicle.

Pierre, get back in there and help your sister with the food, you too Harold. Harold climbed out of the vehicle and headed for the house. Pierre just sat there looking down. Boy didn’t you hear me? Pierre did not reply. Gérard walked over and pulled him out of the vehicle then shoved him towards the house. Pierre spun around and faced him. Don’t even think about it boy. Now get in there and help pack up this house.

Pierre glared at him then ran up the hill toward the grave. Angèle and Harold walked out of the house carrying a case. Gérard grabbed the case and carried it over to the vehicle. Harold and Angèle continued to the vehicle. She glanced up towards the grave and could see Pierre standing there.

What is the matter with Pierre? Harold asked.

Just get finished.

That is the last of it papa. Angèle said still looking at Pierre.

Get into the vehicle. Gérard said to the two of them then headed up towards the grave.

He could hear Pierre talking to himself as he walked up to him.

Why did he ever bring her here? He knew that someday they would come to get her. Why did you let him do this, Mother? Why did you let him bring her into our lives?

She let me because she knew how much it met to me. Pierre turned his head and looked towards him. I loved your mother more than life itself. That is reason I gave up the only thing I knew how to do. It wasn’t because of her or you that I have made this decision. Try to understand that I gave my word that I would protect them. I wasn’t able to protect her mother.

What about us? Did you ever love us like her?

I loved your mother and you more than anything else, more than my own life. I would gladly lay it down to protect all of you.

So why are you leaving to protect her?

Because that is what I have sworn to do. Someday, you will understand what it means to swear an oath. Come along. I have a shuttle to catch.

Pierre just stood there looking down at the coat and hat lying on the grave. He glanced at Gérard then down at the coat and hat.

You know that mother would not like this.

I know. I don’t have a choice. I have never had a choice since I swore to protect her. Come along It will be late by the time we reach your grand-père Harold’s farm. Gérard replied and placed his hand on Pierre’s shoulder. Pierre shook it off then walked down the rise to the waiting vehicle.

The vehicle pulled up in the barnyard and stopped. The older man stepped out of the barn and looked at the vehicle. A woman walked out of the house and started down the steps. Harold climbed out of the vehicle first and ran towards her. The man continued across the barnyard towards the vehicle. Gérard stepped to the back of the vehicle and started to remove the bags.

Pierre, Harold, help unload your things.

What is going on? Harold asked as he walked up to Gérard.

Would you mind looking after the kids for a while?

Sure. Where are you going?

He is going to go kill some men because of her. Pierre said as he grabbed his bags then walked off.

Harold looked at Gérard.

What is this about? Harold asked.

I have received word from Pierre that Léopold Rousseau has found out that she maybe still alive. Pierre was able to flee before they figured out that he had not killed her and had turned her over to me. Léopold has placed a reward of two hundred thousand Marks for Angèle and me. I cannot allow them to find her. I am going to a place where I will let it be known that I am there and with a young woman. They will come there and I will deal with them.

And the young woman?

There will be none. I will not put anybody’s life in danger.

Except for your own. What if you fail?

I won’t fail.

What if you do?

I have given Angèle some names of some friends who will protect her.

Angèle walked up to Élan and hugged her.

How are you doing my child? Élan asked Angèle.

I am doing fine grand-mère. Angèle replied.

She is not your grandmother. Pierre said as he stormed past them into the house.

Élan watched him as he slammed the door behind him. She looked at Angèle questioningly.

Father Gérard is leaving. Some men are looking for me and he is going to try to stop them.

Why are they looking for you? What have you done?

I have not done a thing. She said and ran off crying.

Élan watched her as she ran across the barnyard. She looked at Gérard talking to Harold. She could see the disapproving look on Harold’s face. She walked over to where they were talking.

Your place is here with those kids and not running around the galaxy selling your blaster.

I am not going…

Where are you going? Élan asked.

He thinks that we cannot protect Angèle and the boys.

I did not say that. I know who you and the others were. You chose a new way of life.

So, did you.

I chose to be with Francesca.

You chose our way of life.

I’m no farmer or rancher. The only way I have been able to contribute all of these years is from the Credits I had earned doing what I know how to do. I swore to Francesca that I would not bring any harm to our family. I have done all I can to do that. However, they are coming for my daughter and I will not let that happen.

Why is Léopold Rousseau looking for Angèle? Harold asked.

Angèle is the daughter of Emperor Rothilde Rousseau and Empress Cornélie Rousseau. She is the legitimate heir to the Hallsworth Empire. Gérard could see the look of surprise on Élan’s face and none on Harold’s face.

Élan looked in the direction that Angèle had run then back towards Gérard.

Did Francesca know this? Élan asked.

Yes, she knew. She agreed with me, for me to go and bring her back and we would adopt her. We decided that it would be best if nobody knew who she was. That way it would not make it way out of here and back to Léopold.

We had heard the rumor that she was your daughter from someone you knew in Hallsworth. Harold said.

We spread that rumor so that no one would question where she came from.

Somehow he has found out. Harold said.

Yes. I don’t know how, but he has found out that she is alive. Probably from her immigration papers, I had to file to bring her into the Federation. As soon as he finds out that I am here, he will send his assassins here to find out if I am hiding her. When they show up, they will try to kill her and anybody who has been hiding her. I cannot allow that to happen to you and my family or my community.

What is going on with Pierre? He seems very upset about this.

I don’t know for sure. His mother dying has hit him hard.

It hit us all hard. Harold replied.

Now he is blaming Angèle for me going. I don’t know what to do with him. He is too old to discipline and too young to understand.

He is not too old to be disciplined. Harold said.

Harold, it is not up to us. Élan said. How long before you leave?

I need to be at the space port in two hours. Do you think you can take me to the shuttle? Gérard asked Harold.

Harold nodded his head and started for the house. He walked inside and they could hear Harold yelling at Pierre.

Get out there, boy and tell your father goodbye. That goes for you too Harold. Where is sister?

She is not my sister. Pierre replied.

Get out there, boy before I beat the living tar out of you. Harold yelled.

Harold ran out of the house and over to Gérard. He ran up to Gérard and stopped.

Where are you going?

I have to go away. Some bad men are looking for your sister and me. I have to stop them before they find all of us. Gérard said.

Are you going to kill them? Harold asked enthusiastically."

Harold! Élan said.

No son not if I can help it.

Pierre walked out and stood on the porch. He glared at Gérard then walked down the steps and stopped when he reached the vehicle.

Where is Angèle? Gérard asked.

She ran towards the barn. Élan said.

Gérard looked towards the barn then started for it.

See he doesn’t want anything to do with us anymore. He is only worried about her. Pierre said.

Pierre! Élan said.

Pierre shut his mouth and glared towards the barn.

Gérard walked into the barn and looked all around. He could hear some sobbing coming from the hayloft. He walked over to the ladder then climbed up into the loft. He could see Angèle sitting on a bale of hay sobbing into her apron. He slowly walked over to her and sat down next to her.

You always hid in the hayloft when your feelings were hurt. Gérard said. What is wrong this time?

Pierre and Harold hate me. I wish you had never brought me here.

Why, don’t you like grand-mère and grand-père Traverser?

They are not my grand-mère or grand-père.

They are more your grand-mère and grand-père than the ones you left in Hallsworth. They love you as much as I do.

I am twenty I can go away and take care of myself.

Yes, you can, but I need you here looking after Harold and Pierre until I come back. Francesca…

She would not want you to leave us.

I know she would not. She would have let me though. She would understand that the only way I could protect you and them, was to leave you here with Harold and Élan. Harold can protect you until I return.

Grand-père Harold is one of the Deacons. How can he protect us? He says we should turn our cheek when we are insulted or belittled.

Grand-père Harold is all of that and a lot more. Believe me he can take care of you while I am gone. However, if I fail, you are to contact the people on that chip and they will help you. Just tell grand-père Harold that you need to know how to contact them and he will show you how.

How?

You remember the one I used to work for.

Yes, I remember you and mom arguing about him when I was little.

Grand-père Harold and he are friends. Grand-père Harold used to work for him too. Now don’t go telling anybody that I told you that. He is a righteous man and has worked hard to be an elder in the Pennonite communities. Grand-mère Élan and Francesca did their best to teach you in their ways. Forgive your brothers if they say things against you. They are still young and learning. Come give me a kiss so that I can go.

Angèle flung her arms around his neck and kissed his cheek.

I don’t want you to go, papa.

I know you don’t. Gérard replied and squeezed her. Come see me off.

I would rather stay here for a while longer.

Alright, I will see you in a few months.

She nodded her head and he walked back to the ladder.

Gérard walked up to where the others stood.

Where is Angèle? Élan asked.

She is trying to make sense out of this. Élan started to walk towards the barn. Leave her she has to figure out what she is to do on her own. Where are the boys?

They went into the house. Harold said. Boys get out here and say goodbye to your father.

Harold hurried out the door and over to Gérard. Gérard grabbed him and gave him a hug.

You, be good and do what grand-père grand-mère Traverser tell you. Say your prayers and do your homework.

Yes father. Harold said.

Gérard looked towards the house and did not see Pierre. Harold looked towards the house.

Boy, get out here or I will tan your hide. Harold yelled.

It is all right. Gérard said. We need to be going or I will miss my flight. He looked at Harold again. You be good and do what your grandparents tell you. Gérard said and hugged him again.

I will dad.

Gérard walked to the passenger’s side of the vehicle and started to climb in. Pierre ran out of the house and over to him. Gérard grabbed him and hugged him.

Don’t go dad. He said.

I have to son. I want you to look after you brother and sis…

I will dad I didn’t mean what I said.

I know. I will see you in a few months.

Gérard hugged Pierre again and looked towards the barn. He could see Angèle looking towards him from the barn loft door. He smiled at her and she waved to him as he climbed into the vehicle. Harold kissed Élan then climbed into the driver’s side of the vehicle.

Pierre and Harold watched as the vehicle drove across the Ardtailte Plateau.

Harold pulled up in front of the spaceport. He looked straight ahead and not at Gérard as Gérard pulled his bags out of the back of the vehicle. Gérard set the bags down and walked up to the driver side door. He looked in at Harold.

I am sorry sir that I was not a better husband for your daughter.

You were what she wanted. As far as being a better husband, I think you did fine for her and your children up to now.

You know what I have to do and, in your heart, you would do the same thing.

Yes, I would.

Gérard reached into his pocket and pulled out the remaining chip. He handed it to Harold.

Just in case I don’t make it. Gérard said as he was handing the chip to him. He shook Howards hand then walked back to his bags.

Don’t worry about her I will watch over her as if she was my own daughter.

I know you will. Do you have a way to contact Karl?

If I need to.

If they show up here you may need to. Just tell him what is going on and he will contact me and I will come back as fast as I can.

Don’t worry. We will protect her.

Gérard walked down the ramp into the ship. He continued up to the counter and handed the woman behind the counter his boarding pass. She looked at the terminal and gave him his room assignment. Gérard thanked her and continued to the elevator. He could see two men watching him as he stepped into the elevator. He pushed the button for a floor below his then two more above his before pushing the button to close the doors. The doors closed and the elevator began to move. The door opened to the first of the floors he had selected. He stepped out then moved across the hallway to another elevator he pushed the button as soon as the door closed on the first elevator. The door opened to that elevator and he stepped into the elevator. He selected his floor and the doors closed. As soon as the doors opened, he looked down the corridors to see if anybody else was moving around. Not seeing anyone, he continued to his room.

Gérard stepped into the room and looked at the things lying on all of the beds. He set his bags in one of the compartments then picked up one of the items. Just as he did, a woman walked into the room. He looked at her startled face.

These yours? My wife had some just like them. Gérard said then dropped the bra onto the bed.

Yes. What are you doing in here? If you don’t leave this instant, I will call ships security.

Go ahead. I am your new roommate. Which bed is yours?

What?

Let me rephrase that. I am assigned to this room. I want to know what bed I can sleep in.

There was a knock at the door and the woman opened it. A man stood there and looked into the room.

Can I help you? Gérard asked. The man looked at Gérard then at the woman and walked away. Friend of yours? Gérard asked.

I was told that I had this room to myself. She replied.

Well they must have changed their minds. These cheap lines do that.

You have an accent. Where are you from?

All over. I have to speak several languages to do my job.

What is your job?

I am a mercenary. Now what bed is mine?

She turned and hurried out of the room. He walked over to the compartment with his things and pulled them out. He looked around the room at the woman’s things lying on all of the beds. After a while, the door opened and a man in the ship’s uniform walked into the room followed by the woman.

Mister Gagnon.

Yes.

There has been a mistake. The clerk mistakenly assigned you to this room. I have your new room assignment. If you will follow me I will take you to it.

No problem. Gérard replied. He grabbed his bags and walked out of the room. He nodded towards the woman. Mademoiselle. Gérard said and reached up to tip the hat he wasn’t wearing. He nodded with his hand to where the brim of the hat would have been.

I am terribly sorry about the mix-up mister Gagnon. We have up graded you to one of the upper level rooms. I hope that will conciliate any embarrassment.

No problem. Gérard replied. How long before we reach Transfer Station two eighty-five?

We should be there in five days.

Good, then I am on schedule. Gérard replied.

Gérard packed his things and walked out of the room he had used for the past twenty-six days. He walked up the ramp to the inspection station and waited in line with the others. He had seen the men onboard the ship several times, but they had not tried to contact him. As he walked up to the inspection station, the inspector asked for his identification. Gérard handed it to him and he looked at it in the viewer. He looked at Gérard then at his identification again. He nodded and looked at Gérard bags.

Open them. He said.

Gérard opened every bag and stood there as the man searched every centimeter of them. When he finished, he handed Gérard back his identification and waved for the next person to walk up to the inspection station. Gérard continued into the Transfer Station and over to the display showing the arrivals and departures. He located the ship headed in the direction he wanted to go then walked over to the Universal ticket counter.

A man with a small case walked out from behind the person standing at the counter.

Damned robots. He mumbled as he walked away.

How can I help you? The person behind the counter asked.

One way to Targas on the Marry Bee. Gérard said.

I am afraid that ship is fully booked. There won’t be another ship available for two weeks going in that direction.

Gagnon. A familiar voice yelled out.

Gérard turned and looked for the voice. He saw two men standing by one of the hatches leading into the platforms interior.

Diogo, Pete? Gérard asked. He walked over to where Diogo and Pete stood. What are you doing here?

We heard that there was a problem and thought we could help.

I don’t want you involved with this.

It is too late we already are. Pete replied.

Come on the ships is double parked out back. Diogo said.

Where I am going, your old Sky Hawk won’t make it.

Who says we are taking it. Pete replied.

We had to scrap the Sky Hawk a few years ago. We couldn’t find parts for it anymore. We sold it to a museum. We picked up a newer ship a few years ago. Diogo said.

Gérard followed them through the hatch then along the corridors until they reached the cargo airlock. A Triskelia stood by the airlock and watched them as they walked up.

Button it up Vóhka'éhe Xomoo'o, we found him. Diogo said as he walked up to the ship.

Xomoo'o?

Yeah we thought he was a relation to Eugene too. He explained it to us once and I still don’t understand it. He is here because of the ship. Sheryl we’re back.

Yes, Diogo I see that you are. Who is that with you?

Salut Sheryl, comment allez-vous? Gérard said.

Je vais bien et tu Gérard?

Comme ci comme ça.

Sheryl, add Gagnon to the ships roster.

Gérard added to the ships roster.

Okay where are we going? Diogo asked.

Targas.

What the hell do you want to go there for? Pete asked. It is nothing but a burnt-out planet.

I am to meet some friends there and kill them. Gérard replied as he looked at the plush interior.

Some guy from Galactic Operations contacted us and told us to pick up a container from Sildex Shipping. It is in the cargo hold. He said to tell you that it was a number four for four. Pete said.

I don’t want any of you involved with this. Gérard replied.

We are not. The guy said that he needed a couple of pilots to make sure you got there on time. He contacted us and offered the use of this ship if we volunteered.

Nice ship isn’t it. It is on loan to us until ours is fixed. It is called and Áme'háóhtse Amó’enēō’o. Pete said. I asked Vóhka'éhe Xomoo'o what it meant and he told me that it meant Flying Wagon.

She is small and very fast. Vóhka'éhe Xomoo'o came with the ship. Diogo said.

It is a good thing he did. The only other one here who can understand the symbols was Sheryl.

It has a maximum speed of point six light and a cruise speed of point zero five light. It has a range of four parsecs per hour with a jump rate of three one-hour jumps and a full charge rate of nine hours. So, make yourself to home and we will get you there in a flash. Diogo said. Sheryl, contact the platform and tell them that we have located the package and are departing. Then plot us a course to Targas.

We have permission to leave the platform. It will take us forty-seven jumps to reach Targas. Sheryl said.

Who is it that you are going to kill? Pete asked.

My best friend. Gérard replied and walked away.

Chapter Two

Angèle walked up the knoll to the grave. She placed flowers by the stone and removed some debris from the grave. She knelt next to the grave and looked at the headstone.

Mère Francesca, what should I do? He left almost a year ago and we have not heard a word from him. I feel in my heart that I am to blame for him leaving. He said that he would be back.

Pierre yelled up from the barnyard towards her.

What are you doing up there? Pierre yelled.

Angèle looked down at him standing next to barn with a pitchfork in his hand. She looked at the headstone again then kissed her fingers and placed them on the stone. She stood up and started walking down towards the barn.

There are plenty of chores to be done. We don’t have time for you to waste up there. Angèle just walked past him towards the house. This is my farm I say what gets done and…

Angèle spun around and stormed over to him. He backed up and moved the pitchfork around so that the tongs were pointed towards her.

I was talking to mother.

She is not your mother. Pierre snapped at her. She just glared at him then turned and walked back towards the house. Pierre watched her until she entered the house then walked back into the barn. He tossed the pitchfork and it stuck into one of the support beams.

What did you do that for? Harold asked as he walked from behind the beam.

Mind your own business. Did you finish feeding the stock?

You are not my boss. Dad said that….

I am the oldest. I’m the one who tells you what to do.

No, you are not, Angèle is.

She is no kin of ours. We would be better off if she had never shown up. Pierre snapped at him. Go on and get out of here. I’ll do your job the same as I have to do hers too.

Harold ran out of the barn then across the barnyard to the house. He walked in the back door and could hear Angèle talking to someone.

I understand. …No, I will contact the men that father told me to. If I leave now they will not find me with the boys. ...I know grand-père Harold that you can protect us. They would be safer if I leave. If I am not here, they may leave you and the boys alone. …Yes, grand-père Harold, I will. Goodbye grand-père Harold. Angèle closed her Cellcom and heard the noise in the kitchen. She looked in that direction and could see Harold, standing there, looking at her. I thought it was your day to feed the stock. Why aren’t you helping Pierre?

What did grandpa want?

He just called to see if we were all right. Grand-mère wants you and Pierre to go to meeting with them this Sabbath.

I don’t want to go to meeting.

What do you mean you don’t want to go? Mother would be very disappointed if you did not go to meeting.

She is dead and you are not my mother. Harold yelled and ran to his room.

Angèle stood there and looked at the empty doorway for a few minutes. She looked down at the plain dress she wore.

I remember the fine things that I had when I lived in the palace and not these things they wear. Why did you bring me here? Why didn’t you stay? They are here looking for us. She said and began to cry as she ran to her room.

She hurried into her room, opened the cabinet containing what few clothes she had, and began to place them on the bed. When she finished she looked at the few items on the bed then opened the closet. She pulled out the cloths hanging in the closet and began folding them. The back door slammed and Pierre walked into kitchen and shouted for Angèle. He continued down the hallway shouting for her.

I am in here. What do you want? She replied.

Pierre shoved open her door.

What are you doing?

What does it look like I am doing? I have a chance for a job on the platform. I am going up there to work. I only stayed to see that you and Harold were all right. You have made it very clear that you do not want me here. Therefore, I have decided to move out and let you fend for yourselves. She replied. Grand-père Harold called and grand-mère Élan expects that you and Harold go with them to meeting this Sabbath.

When are you leaving?

Just as soon as I am packed. If you would get me that old case that mother used…

It is not yours. She wasn’t your mother. Pierre snapped at her.

She turned and looked at him.

I don’t know what I did to you Pierre. It wasn’t my idea to come here and live with you. It was your fathers. I loved your mother more than my own. I loved you and your brother as if you were my own brothers. However, I can no longer put up with your attitude or hatred, or, how you have turned your brother against me.

She looked at the chips that were in the drawer. She pulled out the two that belonged to Pierre and Harold then tossed them to him. Pierre looked at the banking chips.

What were you doing with these? Why didn’t dad give them to me?

I don’t know. Papa Gérard gave me those to keep for you and Harold. He told me that the farm belongs to the three of us. Your mother and he did not put the land into the trust with the others. Therefore, they owned the land. He told me to look after you. He didn’t think you were ready to take care of this. He put what Credit he had in those for the three of us as part of our inheritance. I don’t want any of it.

What do you mean inheritance?

Gérard is dead. Grand-père Harold just called and told me that your father’s boss contacted him and told him. He said that the ones searching for me are headed here. He wants you to come to their place where he can protect you.

I can take care of myself.

What about Harold? Can you protect him from the men who killed your dad? They are professional assassins and have no problem killing all of you to get to me. Go tell your brother to pack his things and we will go to your grand-pères, now. She said sternly.

Pierre looked at her then at the chips in his hand. He closed his fist and walked out of the room.

Harold, pack some things we are going over to grandma and grandpas for a few days.

Why?

Just do as you are told. Make sure you pack your Sabbath clothes.

The vehicle made its way across the Ardtailte Plateau. The three of them had not talked to each other since they left the farm. The vehicle pulled up in front of the house and Harold walked out of the front door then down the steps to the vehicle. Pierre climbed out from behind the controls as Angèle stepped out from the other side. Harold climbed out the back and hurried to the house.

Come get your bags.