Hero of Ages

By Anthony J. Maloney

The Galaxy has become a dark place. Admiral Jack Pond has been dead for over 160 years, and an evil Empire, known as the New Terran Empire has risen from the ashes of the G.S.F. Now, on a distant planet, a hero will rise and challenge the darkness. Even if he is successful, things may never be the same again...for everything will change. But if he can prevail, he will prove once and for all that he is...the Hero of Ages.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Anthony J. Maloney IV
• Release date: Jan 17, 2015
• ISBN: 9780988569621

Book preview

Hero of Ages

Hero of Ages

Hero of Ages

First Edition

Copyright© 2015 Anthony J. Maloney

All rights reserved

IBSN: 978-0-9885696-2-1

This is a work of fiction.  Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, businesses, companies, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Dedication:

Once again, for all my family and friends…hope you enjoy.

Hero of Ages

In the past I have told you of the adventures of Admiral Jack Pond.  But, as you will undoubtedly recall, in my last tail he was killed when his ship was caught in a meteor shower.  That was in 2224, it is now 2390, and the galaxy is in chaos.  It is now time for me to tell you my story.  I will tell you of my adventures, for my time with you grows short.  I have always known, even as I put pen to paper to bring you the adventures of Admiral Jack Pond.  I knew that one day my time would come, and I have waited a long time now.  Soon I will have to leave you in the capable hands of another, and when that happens you will finally learn my identity.  I am an old man, and I live on a remote planet deep in Tigrellan space.  In fact the planet is quite near the edge of the galaxy.  I was sent here by Admiral Pond to take care of his land grant.  Every Tigrellan Lord has an equal share of the planet that I am on, the planet Remos IV.  I have lived here for many years on the Lord’s property.  I live in one of his residences in his territory on Remos IV, specifically, a large house surrounded by a high wall.  Behind the house a hill rises some 50 feet, with a sharp drop of over 1,000 feet behind the hill.  The land that makes up the territory that Admiral Jack Pond owns represents 1/22 of the planet’s surface.  I am responsible for the upkeep of his residences and the administration of his territory.  Like all territories on the planet, his is sparsely populated with the capitol city being a city of just over 100,000 persons.  Most of the people live in towns and villages of at most a few thousand.  Now, please join me as my adventures begin.

Hope Restored

Though I am but a humble caretaker, I too have a story worth reporting.  This is my story.  The story of how hope was restored where once there was none.  The story of how one man can make a difference.

My day started ordinarily enough as I spent time checking on the garden of my employer, Admiral Jack Pond, or as he is known here, Lord Jack Pond.  Though I have been told that he is dead, I have made the commitment to keep his land in top condition in case an heir comes to claim his title and land.  Until that day, though, I am left to my own devices.  The residence that I inhabit is a large house made of red brick, surrounded by a high wall with a gate.  In front of the home, inside the vast wall, which extends for miles, is an airfield and a hanger that houses several aircraft.  The hanger has wooden walls, and attached to it at one end is my workshop.

My workshop is one concession that my employer allowed me.  It is one large room with a fireplace on the wall opposite the door, an L-shaped workbench inside the door to the left, and a sitting area to the right of the door across from the fireplace.  Two of the walls near the sitting area contain large windows.  The room has a floor made from broad planks, and has wooden plank walls.  The hanger itself can hold up to 4 aircraft.  Right now only the three smaller aircraft are in the hanger.  The Antonov An-22 is at my employer’s residence in the capitol city.  In the hangar now are his PBY-5 Catalina, a Bf-110 twin engine fighter in a gray-green camouflage scheme, and a bright orange, twin engine De Havilland DH 88 Comet.  The Bf-110 was one of my favorite planes to fly, with its simple design, and great maneuverability.

I was just walking along the inside of the wall near the large garden to the left of the house when a ball flew over the wall.  It was a Par Kak ball, a ball much like a football, and used in a similar game.  I heard an exclamation of dismay that I knew belonged to one of the group of about 6 or 7 children who lived in the area surrounding the property.  Most of them, and their parents for that matter, were afraid of me.  I picked the ball up, and walked to the front gate.  I opened it and walked through, making my way to where I knew the children must be.  They were facing away from me, and upon my approach were startled.  My long white hair and flowing beard must have upset them.

Do not be afraid.  Here, I said holding out the ball.  I mean you no harm.  If your ball goes onto the property again, do not hesitate to come and get it.  If the gate is locked just ring the bell.  You may even want to play on the grounds.  There is a great field for Par Kak on the property, and that way you will not have to worry about loosing your ball.

My parents told me not to talk to you, one child replied.

What is your name, son?

Morak, sir.

Well young Morak, do not be afraid of me.  I am just a simple old man.  I would never hurt anyone.

Come, I will show you to the field.  If you do not want to play there, that is fine, but at least let me show you.

Ok.

So what are your friends’ names?

My friends are Latic, Brentek, Molor, K’Triss, Wiltrok, and Charvan.

Nice to meet you.  My name is Par’Tok Hag’to.  You can call me Par’Tok.

Ok.  Morak laughed.

I showed them to the field and they shouted with joy.  The field was a regulation field that was fully marked.  What really sparked their interest, however, was the glimpse of the Bf-110 that they got on the way to the field.  We had walked around the airfield, and past the hangar, and they could see in one of the partly opened doors.

Par’Tok, what was that thing in the building we passed?

Ah, a man after my own heart.  Well, young Morak that is a Bf-110 airplane.  My employer keeps three planes here, and one in the capitol.  I can show them to you if you want.  There are two more planes in there, as well as my workshop where I build models during the winter days.

Cool.  Can we see them?

Of course.  Follow me.

I led the small group of children, none older than about 6 Earth years of age, to the hangar.  I flipped on the light switch, and the expansive space was light by brilliant light.  The three aircraft glistened in the light.

Come, you can sit in that one if you like, but do not touch any of the buttons.  I would not want one of you to accidentally start it and get hurt.

I slid back the canopy of the Comet, and allowed each boy a chance to sit in it.  After each one had had a chance to sit in the Comet, they wanted to see my workshop so I showed them to it, ushering them through a door in the hangar that led to it.

Wow.  How did you get such a neat place?

My employer is, or rather was, a kind man.  He knew I liked to build models and fly planes, so he had the three planes here and the one in the capitol, brought here from his own home so that I could fly them.  Then when he had the hangar built he had a workshop built for me as well.  It is getting late, your parents will be worried.  You better go.  I will show you out, but remember, you are always welcome here.

Thank you, sir.

Thank you, Par’Tok.

No, thank you.  This can be a lonely place all by myself.

The next day, I again saw the children, but they looked unhappy.  I was concerned that I had done something wrong, or upset them in some way so I approached them.

What is wrong my friends?

Our parents yelled at us for bothering you.

Bothering me!  Nonsense!  You did not bother me.  Come with me.  I will write a letter to your parents, they must not think that you bothered me.  I enjoy the company.

I led the children into the house, and went to the study.  I sat down at the desk and took out an official piece of stationary.  I picked up a pen and composed a brief letter addressed to the parents of my new friends.  Once I was finished, I signed it with a flourish, marked it with my employer’s official seal, and then, using the same seal, enclosed the letter in an envelope with a wax seal holding it closed.

There, give that to your parents, then tell me what they say, or if you want you can bring them back to talk with me.

Thanks!  We really like it here.

They ran back to Morak’s parents, and presented them with the letter.

What is this? Morak’s father asked him.

It is a letter, father.  The nice man gave it to me to give to you.  He said you should read it, and then if you want you can come and talk to him.

Ok.  Let me see here, He said as he began to read the letter.

‘Dear sir,

I know that you are weary of me, and you think your children are bothering me.  I assure you nothing could be farther from the truth.  In fact it was I who approached them first.  I would also like to assure you that I mean them, and you, no harm.  As you probably know I am the administrator for Lord Pond’s lands, and he and his family have complete faith in me.  If that were not the case, I would not be here.  Your children are welcome anytime, as are you and the rest of your family.  I have few visitors, and it is fun to have someone come and visit me every now and then.  You see, in order to serve my employer, I was forced to leave my own planet and family behind, and have not seen them since I arrived here.  It does not help that I am living in the Lord’s house.  While it is a grand home, it is large and empty except for me.  This makes it a very lonely place.  If you have any concerns, feel free to come up to the house and discuss them with me.  I assure you once again that your children are safe, and not causing trouble or being a bother.

Sincerely,

Par’Tok Hag’to

Well, it seems you have made a friend indeed.  You can go there if you want, son.  I am sorry I yelled at you.

I told you he invited us there.

Still, be careful, I am not sure I fully trust this Par’Tok Hag’to.

Ok, I will be careful, sir.

Over the next week, the group visited me whenever they had a chance.  They became regular visitors to the house, and I began helping them build flying models of the planes.  They liked to come over and look through the library of books about airplanes and starships that were in my workshop.  I even regaled them with the stories about Admiral Pond that I have already shared with you.  I still didn’t have the full trust of their parents, at least not yet.

That would all change about a week after I wrote the letter.  It was an early spring day, and I was walking toward the gate, walking stick in hand, when I heard a scuffle, and a scream.  As I rushed toward the gate, one of the children ran up to me.

Help me!  A man is trying to take Morak away!

Lead me there, lad.  I will stop him.

The boy led me out of the gate, and sure enough, a man had his arm around Morak, and was trying to drag him away.  The other children were fighting valiantly against him, but he was too strong.

Unhand that child! I roared.

This is none of your business, old man.

I said unhand him.  Why are you doing this?

I will make his father pay dearly for him.  How dare he fire me?

If you do not unhand that child at once, you will suffer greatly. K’Triss, Molor go and fetch Morak’s father. Brentek, you go for the authorities.  Go, quickly.  I promise you Morak will be fine.

Ok, sir.

Yes, sir.

After the three children ran to do as I asked I stepped forward.

I will give you one last warning, sir.  Unhand the boy, and you will not be hurt, but if you harm one hair on that boy’s head, it would be better for you if you were never born.

What are you going to do, old man?  By the time the authorities get here, I will be long gone.

I would not be so sure.  This is your last warning, I said.

The man ignored me, just as I had thought he would.  All of a sudden I lashed out with my walking stick, it moved in a blur of motion striking his hand.  He howled in pain and released Morak.  In the blink of an eye, I spun around, and slammed the butt end of my walking stick into his stomach.  The man doubled over.  Before he could move I swung the stick like it was a golf club, landing a terrific blow to the man’s face.  He fell to the ground, semiconscious.  I rolled him over, and pushed a button on the top of my walking stick.  A knife blade extended from the opposite end.  I held the blade to the man’s throat.

Do not move or you will not live to regret your decision.

Just then, I realized that Morak’s father had witnessed the entire fight, and so had several of the children.

I am sorry if I scared you, I said to the children.

Moments later, Brentek arrived with several officers.  They came to a stop at my side.

Officers, I am Par’Tok Hag’to, administrator of this territory for Lord Pond.  I want this man forcefully removed from this territory.  If he sets foot on any land belonging to Lord Pond, you are here by authorized to imprison him for the rest of his life.

Yes, sir, right away.

We will take care of it, the other officer told me.

Thank you for saving my son, sir.  I must admit I misjudged you.  If it had not been for you this man may have kill my son.  I owe you a great debt of gratitude.

Think nothing of it, sir.  I too would miss the boy if he had perished.  I do not know what that man had planned for your son, but I am glad that I could stop him.

He used to work on our farm.  I fired him for stealing from me.  He must have wanted revenge.

Then I am indeed glad I could stop him.  Fortunately he was foolish, and I could get the drop on him.  Had I not acted quickly, things might be different.

I do not know about that, sir.  You moved very quickly.  I have never seen anyone fight like that before.

Know this, sir, your son, and all of the children will always be safe with me.  I will never let anyone hurt them, even if it should cost me my life.

You sound much like your employer.  I have heard he was a great man.  How did you meet him?

Ah.  That is a good story.  Children, come with us.  We will sit down in my workshop and I will tell you a story.

Morak’s father, Parnak, and the group of children followed me into my workshop.  They sat down in the chairs and couches arranged in the sitting area, and I lit a fire, since it was a cold, early spring day.  Once I had the fire going, I took a seat facing the small group.

Now, where was I?  Ah yes.  How I met Lord Pond.  First, let me tell you that I was born in 2202 on a distant world.  When I was but a boy of 10, not much older than you are, Morak, my parents were killed in an accident.  I was left alone.  I raised myself, moving from planet to planet doing odd jobs, finding work wherever I could.  When I was 18 I traveled to the planet Dralor IV.  While I was there, Lord Pond made a stopover there.  He met me, and saw something in me.  He got me a job working on a G.S.F. station helping unload cargo.  I had spent much time on cargo vessels as I tried to care for myself, but I was finding fewer and fewer jobs because the cargo carriers did not like that I had no formal education.  Lord Pond helped land me a job on the station, as I mentioned.  I worked on the station for a time, and then worked various other jobs and projects for the Lord.  Two years later, in 2222, when he spent almost a year out of the G.S.F., I believe during the same period the Empire cut off all diplomatic relations with the G.S.F., he called on me to help him crew the ship that he would spend time on.  I did so, and spent 10 months as a crewman on his ship.  Following his reinstatement with the G.S.F. he sent me to be in charge of a project he was working on.  I remained there, working in secret on a project for him, until about 2 weeks before his death.  He called me and had me begin to pack up my belongings, and close down the project.  Once I had done that, he had me supervise the transport of 4 aircraft to this planet.  After I made sure they had arrived safely, I prepared to come here myself.  Unfortunately, I did not arrive here until 2 weeks after his death, but I know that one day, an heir will come to claim his land, and his title, so I must remain here."

That is quite a story, but you cannot possibly be that old.  That would make you 188 years old.  That is not possible.

Not for just anyone, but my race is long lived.  Most live to be anywhere between 250 and 300 years old.  I am not that old yet.

That is incredible!  I did not know people lived that long.  I assumed you were from Earth.

No.  I am from a far distant planet, one of the last of my race.

Why did you keep to yourself for so long?  I mean, we only saw glimpses of you for many years, why come out all of a sudden?

That is a fair question.  I was homesick.  I missed my home planet.  You must understand, when I took this job, I resigned myself to live out the rest of my life here.  I know that sounds bad, but I owe Lord Pond everything, I would give my life to bring him back, if I could.  Until recently, I wanted badly to go out and explore the stars, to see if any of my people were still alive, but I knew that I could not.  It made me sad and depressed.  I now realize that I do not need to explore the stars to find kindred spirits, I just need to know where to look.

Where did you learn to fight like that?  Charvan asked, wide eyed.

Lord Pond taught me to fight, and to fly.  My people were great warriors, so I had no problem learning from him.  He taught me much.  Now, it is getting late, you should all get back for supper.  I do not want your families to be worried.

Aw, can we stay a little longer please?  Latic begged.

I will still be here tomorrow, but your supper will get cold if you delay any longer.

See you tomorrow, Par’Tok!  Wiltrok exclaimed.

I am sure you shall.  Good night everyone.

Though I went to bed happily that night, I did not sleep well.  At about 2:30 a.m. I felt a rumbling, and heard a loud explosion.  Though the explosion was some miles away, I knew that it was something to be concerned about.  I leapt out of bed and ran out onto the grounds.  I began to look to see if I could see what the problem was, and was horrified to discover that the Shigra dam to the east was no longer there.  I ran to the gate, and flung it open, only to be met by about a foot and a half of water.  I knew that the houses of my new friends were in the valley, and would be flooded.  It was only a matter of time before the surge from the destruction of the dam reached their homes.  I ran down the path that led to Morak’s house. 

Quickly! I yelled.  Morak, Parnak, come on!  Raise the others, bring them to the house.  The wall will protect us from the flood.  Move quickly!

I hear you, Par’Tok!  What is wrong?

Someone destroyed the dam!  The surge is headed this way!  Be quick or you will all be swept away!

I will get the others, take Morak back with you.  Keep him safe.

I promise you he will be safe.  You must be quick, or all is lost.

I will.  Thank you, Par’Tok.

Just get the others and hurry.

I took Morak’s hand and we ran back to the house that I had come to think of as mine.  Once we were through the gate, I ran into the house and into the basement.  I pushed a series of buttons, and the wall began to rise outside.  When it finally stopped, it was 54 feet high.  Lord Pond had known that a great flood was a possibility, so he had built the wall such that it could be raised to a height that would guarantee that the occupants of the house would not be harmed in a flood.  In fact, the wall would keep the entire grounds dry.  I ushered Morak into the house just as a massive thunderstorm rolled in.  The wind whipped at my face and beard, and the rain soaked me.  I dashed to the gate, just in time to help Parnak in the gate with the others.  He was carrying Brentek’s mom in his arms.  A knot formed in the pit of my stomach as I sealed the gate against the flood of water.  Just moments after I had closed the door, the first in a series of surges rushed past, raising the water level to about 6 and a half feet deep.

What happened?  I asked, concerned.

She was struck by a tree that collapsed in the initial surge.  She is unconscious.  I think she has some internal injuries.

Bring her inside.  Let us get out of this rain.

Parnak nodded at me, and followed me inside.  When we got inside the house, I lit a fire in the study, and ushered everyone in.  Parnak took the opportunity to give Brentek’s mom a quick once over with a medical scanner.  His worst fears were confirmed by the scan.  He pulled me aside, not wanting to upset the children, before he told me what he had discovered.

She has got some severe internal injuries.  She has got maybe 8 hours left.  If we could get her to a hospital, she would be fine, but the only hospital that is close enough, and has any chance of being open is the one in Pontal (the Capitol City for the territory).  The only problem is there is no way to get her there, and even if we could, they are probably flooded too.

Use the communications system in the other room.  If they are open, let me know.  I may have an idea.

Ok.  I will be right back.

Is my mom going to be ok?  Brentek asked, just barely holding back tears.

She is very sick.  Mr. Parnak went to see if he can find a hospital to take her to.  If one is open, she will be fine.  We just have to take her there.  I promise you, if there is even a chance to help her, I will.

Just then Parnak stepped into the room and gestured for me to follow him.  I followed him out of the study and to an office that had a communications system in it.  He pointed at the screen, and I turned to face the individual on the screen.

What can I do for you?

You are Par’Tok Hag’to, the administrator for this territory?

Yes.  What may I do for you?

The dam was attacked by terrorists.  Why, we do not know.

I just need to get someone to the hospital.  You can give me a report on what happened later.

I know.  As I was saying.  The attack flooded Pontal as well as your area.  The water here is about 8 feet deep.  The hospital is open, but we have no way to get your patient here.  We would fly her in, but the storm is too strong.  I am sorry.

She has severe internal injuries.  Be ready for our arrival.  If we get a chance to get there, we will.  I want the best surgeons available to be ready to treat her.

If you wish, sir, but may I point out that the storm is not likely to break before dawn, and by that time she may already be dead?

That is unacceptable.  If it is at all possible, I will find a way to get her to you.  Par’Tok out.

You heard her.  There is no way we can get her to the hospital.

Yes, there is.  We will fly her in the PBY.  It is amphibious, we can fly her directly to the hospital.

You are crazy.  You cannot fly in this storm!  You would have to be one hell of a pilot to be able to pull that off.

If it is at all possible, I will do it.  I can pull this off, but I will need help, and it will not be without danger.  It will take all of my skills to get though safely, but we must try.

To risk our lives in such a manor is foolhardy.  We could die as well.  No, I cannot let you do this.

Listen to me, I promised that boy that if it was at all possible, I would help his mother.  I can do this.  I know it seems foolish, but to risk one’s life for one’s friends is the most honorable cause of all.  Are you going to help me or not?

Fine.  But we cannot leave the kids here, they will have to come with us.

Ok.  I promise you I can do this.

Parnak and I headed back into the study, and I called Brentek over to me.

Brentek, you mother is very sick.  In order to make her better we need to get her to a hospital, and that is not going to be easy.  The closest hospital that can treat her is in the Capitol, but the Capitol is flooded, and with this storm it will be even harder.  In order to get her there, I am going to have to fly her there, but it will be a very difficult and dangerous journey.  You, and a group of others, will have to go with me as well.  We cannot leave you here by yourselves, and I need all the help I can get to make it safely to Pontal.  I know you and the others are scared, but I promise you, I will save you mother.  I am certain that I can get us safely to Pontal, but it will be no simple task.  You and the others must be brave, and do exactly as I say.  Do you understand?

Yes, sir.  Thank you, sir, He replied sniffling.

After making sure everyone that was going with me was given a coat, hat, and gloves to protect them from the cold and rain, I ushered everyone into the hangar and opened the doors.  I showed everyone to the PBY and ushered them inside.  Going with me were Brentek, Parnak, Morak, Brentek’s father, his mother, Molor’s father, and K’Triss’ father as well.  The rest stayed behind in the house.  When we arrived at the hangar, I ushered everyone aboard the plane.  After we entered the plane, I pointed at various people, and told them where to go.

Take her and lay her down here, I said, pointing to the forward rest bunk.  Parnak, join me in the cockpit.  Mr. Brentek, climb up there, I said pointing to the engineer’s seat.  Watch the oil and engine temperatures, as well as the output voltage from the auxiliary power unit.  If it drops below 12 volts activate the emergency generator.  Brentek and Morak, sit on the rest bunks in the back.  Strap in, and hang on.  Mr. K’Triss, take the radio operator’s seat.  Inform the hospital that we are about to get underway.

Yes, sir.

I slipped into the pilot’s seat, and went through the preflight checklist.  Once I was certain that we were ready to take off, I started the engines.  I taxied us out onto the rain soaked runway, and pointed the nose into the wind.

Here goes nothing, I muttered as I pushed the throttle to full. 

We raced down the runway gaining speed before we launched ourselves into the air.  I could tell at once that the flight was going to be long and bumpy.  The wind was howling and slowing us down, while the rain caused severe turbulence and wind shear.  I struggled to maintain control of the plane as I turned us toward the hospital. 

As I had thought, the trip was indeed long and painful.  I continually struggled to keep the plane both in the air and on course.  It was no easy task.  Visibility was extremely poor.  In the end I had to ask Parnak to keep an eye on our course while I concentrated on keeping us airborne.  The flight that under normal circumstances would have taken just over 90 minutes would take much longer this time.  It was just over 4 hours into the flight when I saw the lights of the city before us.  Now was the challenging part.  I would have to land us, and taxi through the city to the hospital.  I picked a landing place, and set us down just outside the city.  I then went into the forward compartment, and opened the roof hatch.  Rain pored into the compartment around me, as I looked for a safe passage.  I finally found one, and closed the hatch.  I returned to my place, and slowly took us into the city.  I would have to repeat my glimpses out the hatch 4 more times before we arrived at the hospital.  I pulled us as close as I could to the building, and then threw out the anchor.  Then, after shutting down the engines, I leapt across to the hospital and tied us off.  Once we were secure, I helped the others bring Brentek’s mom out of the plane and into the hospital.  Once she was safely in the care of the doctors, I helped the others out. 

I was informed the next morning, having slept in the Catalina that everything had gone well the night before.  Brentek’s mother was well on her way to recovery thanks to our efforts to get her to the hospital on time.  After the others thanked me, I decided to return to the house, bringing Morak, K’Triss’ father, and Parnak with me.  The flight back would be a much smoother one, as the sun was now out.  After arriving at the house, I was contacted by the head of the police force for the territory.

What can I do for you?  I asked him.

Sir, I just thought you should know that we have determined that the dam was attacked by a group of terrorists.  Though an exact reason for their attacks is not known, it is known that they have attacked several other towns and villages in the territory.  They are using approximately 6 twin engine aircraft.  They have bombed several cities and villages in addition to destroying the dam.

Thank you, officer.  What do you plan to do about it?

We are working in conjunction with neighboring territories to try and determine where their base of operations is.  We are also trying to get several fighters to run sweeps over the territory to try and stop them.  We do not have too much hope in finding them though.

Very well.  Good luck.

I turned the comm system off, and looked up to see Parnak standing behind me.  He had worked in starship design, and fought against the Terran Empire’s invasion.  He did not look happy as I faced him.

This is not good.  We must return to the hospital.  We have got to warn them.

Ok, follow me.  We will take the Comet.  It is much faster, but it can only seat two.

Fine.  I am right behind you.

I led Parnak to the Comet, and we climbed aboard.  I taxied out onto the runway, and took off.  We flew quickly to the airport for Pontal, which was now high and dry, and landed.  A