Professor La Forge’s Sabbatical

By Cecil Cory

Dumont La Forge held an associate professor position at a small collage on Erudition. Here he taught Ancient Technology, Nanotechnology, Nano-robotics, and Latin. He applied to the Twin suns system for a grant to do research on Ancient technology to finish his doctorate degree. His application was approved and he left his teaching job to venture forth to the Twin Suns system. Just before he was to depart he received a message from the elders of the Twin Sun system, telling him that due to unforeseen circumstances, his request to do research in the Twin Suns system has been denied at that time. However, a position was available to do research in one of their expeditions. They offered him the opportunity to go with one of our teams as an authority of robotics. He took the offer and ended up in the middle between the ancients and who they were at war with.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Nov 23, 2013
• ISBN: 9781304652690

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Professor La Forge’s Sabbatical

Professor La Forge’s Sabbatical

By

Cecil Ian Cory

Copyright

Version 1.3

Copyright © 2013 Cecil I Cory / Lulu Press

All rights reserved.

ISBN: 978-1-304-65269-0

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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.

Chapter One

Ranger Dave threw open the hatch then boldly stepped out into the control room. A bolt from a blaster slammed into the bulkhead above him showering him with the sparks of molten metal. He pulled his blaster and aimed at the Slepnoid then jerked the trigger back. The Slepnoid’s body exploded sending green goo all over voluptuous auburn haired green-eyed woman as she struggled to free herself. Ranger Dave walked over to her and looked down at the helpless woman, bound and gagged, in the chair. He reached down and freed her from her bondage then extended his hand to her.

Maleficus Facinaoris clung to him as he led her out of the room. As soon as they were clear of the station, she reached for his blaster and pulled it free of his holster. She pushed him away and slammed the blaster down hard on the back of his neck. Ranger Dave fell to the ground. He pushed himself up to his knees and could see Maleficus Facinaoris as she closed the cockpit canopy on his ship. He struggled to his feet as the small ship rose up into the black sky. He stood there and watched it as it stopped then a bolt of light slammed into the Slepnoid station. Ranger Dave dove for the ground as the building rained down around him.

Ranger Dave pushed a section of plasticreate off and stood up. He looked at the devastation around him then up into the dark sky. He could hear Slepnoids as they oozed their way towards him. He looked around then hurried towards a taxi that just pulled up. He quickly climbed into the back seat.

Space port. He said as he closed the door.

Professor Dumont La Forge looked over the tablet he was reading at the class seated in his lecture hall. He could see one of his students looking towards the person’s paper in front of him.

Howard, servo vestri oculus in vestry opus est scientia. You have five more minutes. Dumont picked up the tablet and continued to read the story.

Ranger Dave walked up the walkway leading to Ranger Headquarters. He looked at the motto inscribed across the building above the door. Tantum Stultus Es Bardus Satis Effcio Is Opus. His heart filled with pride as he entered the Ranger Sanctum.

Ranger Dave walked through the large doors into the lobby of the building. As he approached the elevator doors, they opened. He stepped into the elevator and just as the door started to close, Ranger Silvia ran towards them. Ranger Dave did not move to stop the doors from closing as she slid up to them.

The doors opened on the 85 floor and Ranger Dave stepped out. He no sooner started down the corridor when another set of elevator doors opened and Ranger Silvia ran out after him.

You could have held the elevator for me. She shouted after him.

Ah Ranger Silvia, how are we this glorious day. Ranger Dave replied and did not look back towards her. I hear you freed some hostages.

Yeah they were being held by a mad scientist.

Did you catch him?

No the Slepnoids beat me to her.

Slepnoids, they are a strange lot. I had a run in with them myself. Ranger Dave replied as they reached the superintendant’s door. He pushed open the door and stepped in ahead of Ranger Silvia.

Time. Professor La Forge said as he set the tablet down. Your grades will be posted in a few days. Your extra credit assignments, if you bothered to do one, will be added into your final grade for the class. If you have any questions for me, I will be in my office during normal office hours. To the ones looking forwards to taking either this class over or continuing in the second course, I will be on a sabbatical for the next year doing research. Professor Hoginstiffel will be taking my classes while I am on sabbatical. To all of you I leave one last quotation from Ranger Dave. Two extra points for proper translation. Ut vita, ut amor quod ut pugno totus nefas. A student in the back of the room held up his hand. Yes Henry.

When life, when love, and when to fight whole wrong.

Yes that is one of the literal translations. However, what I was looking for was ‘To life, to love and to fight all wrong.’ Professor La Forge replied. Bring your tests up to the front. Professor La Forge stood there as his students walked up and set their exams on podium. Henry walked up and set his test on the stack. Professor La Forge picked it up and put a +2 at the top, then set it back on the stack. After the last student placed hers on top of the stack, he placed his tablet on top of the stack then picked them up and walked out of the lecture hall.

Professor La Forge sat in his small office filled with the things he collected over the years. He looked at the boxes stacked in the corner half filled with his things. Leaning back in his chair he looked at the tablet on his desk then at the stack of tests he needed to grade. He reached for the first test and looked at it. Then he set it down, picked up his tablet, and looked at the tests again. They will wait for a few minutes. He said softly. He sat back in his chair and began to read the tablet.

Ranger Dave stood in front of his superior as he read over Ranger Dave’s report again. His superior looked at him and Ranger Silvia standing there.

Good work Ranger Silvia.

Thank your sir. She replied.

As for you Ranger Dave, can you explain to me why you destroyed a friendly Slepnoids station and allowed Maleficus Facinaoris to escape.

Sir they had her bound and gagged.

All you were to do was to go there and to pick her up. Not start a war with the Slepnoids. You allowed her to seize your weapon and escape not only taking your weapon, but your ship too. She is free again to continue with her plot against mankind. Ranger Dave fidgeted as he stood there. What is your problem? Do you have to go potty or something? The supervisor asked sharply.

No sir.

Then stand still when I am talking to you. Ranger Silvia, you will resume the pursuit of Maleficus Facinaoris. You, Ranger Dave, will go along with her as her assistant.

Yes Sir. Ranger Dave replied and snapped to attention.

Now get out of my office and do not come back without her.

Yes Sir I will watch over her with my life. Ranger Dave said and started for the door. Silvia stood there looking at the supervisor. Dave stopped when he reached the door and looked back at her. Are you coming Ranger Silvia. Ranger Silvia eyes pleaded with the supervisor. He just waved her away. Do not worry sir I will catch our man. Range Dave said from the doorway. Ranger Silvia’s eyes pleaded with the supervisor again and he waved for her to leave. She turned and headed for the door. Well Ranger Silvia, are you coming or not. We have very bad people to catch. Ranger Dave said as he walked out the door ahead of Ranger Silvia

I am not even breathing hard you dick. Silvia replied softly as she followed him out. As soon as they were in the corridor, Ranger Dave started off in the wrong direction. Where are you going?

I ah I have to use the little boy’s room. Ranger Dave replied as he hurried down the hallway.

There was a knock at the door of Professor La Forge’s office. He looked over the top of his tablet towards the door. Come in. He said as he put the tablet down on his desk.

Professor Hoginstiffel walked into the office and looked at the pile of ungraded papers stacked on the desk.

I am not grading your papers for you this time. How many will be in the next class?

I haven’t finished yet. Most of them passed. Several of them I figure will find a new major next year. I would say out of the fifty you might have twenty in the class.

What are you reading? Professor Hoginstiffel asked as he picked up the tablet. Oh another Ranger Dave book. What is he into this time?

Same old thing. He is after Maleficus Facinaoris she has already given him the slip and took his ship and blaster.

That sounds about like him. Me, I would go after Ranger Silvia myself. When are you taking off?

I am to board the Lusitania on the twenty-ninth.

Six more days. By the looks, of it, if you don’t get busy you are not going to be done with these. Remember their grades are due in three more days and you still have two more tests to administer before then.

They will be finished and posted on time. Have I ever missed yet? Professor La Forge replied.

You really don’t want me to answer that do you? Are you coming to the Headmaster’s mixer?

I do not know yet. I have a lot of packing to do. It depends on…

I’ll see you there. Professor Hoginstiffel said. He tossed the tablet on the pile of tests. Give my regards to Ranger Silvia. Ut vita, ut amor ah habeo connubium. Anybody else going with you?

Just some undergraduates…

Well don’t get caught under some of them. Some of those systems frown on it out that way. Professor Hoginstiffel said and continued out of the office.

Professor La Forge watched him as he walked out the door. As soon as the door closed, he reached for the tablet again then stopped and picked up the test off the top of the stack.

Professor La Forge walked up the path to the modest two-story house of the Headmaster. As he approached, he could hear others as they made their way towards the house. He stopped when he reached the front door and pushed on the button next to it. The door opened and the headmaster stood there.

Ah Dumont you made it. Come in, come in. The headmaster said and stepped back out of the way. Professor La Forge walked into the entryway of the house. He pulled his scarf then his heavy coat off and placed it with the others on the stand next to the door.

It feels like it will snow soon. La Forge said as he finished. He looked towards the parlor and could see several of his older students standing there along with most of the instructors.

Ladies and Gentlemen our guest of honor has arrived. The headmaster said.

Professor La Forge looked back towards the headmaster then back into the room as they softly applauded.

Thank you. Professor La Forge said and made his way towards fireplace. He stood there warming himself as other guests arrived.

Ah Dumont you made it. We were taking bets whether you were going to show or not. Professor Hoginstiffel said as he walked over to him. He handed him some punch and stood next to him. So have you finished your packing yet?

Yes I finished clearing out my office today and it is in storage. I didn’t know I had accumulated so much over the last five years.

To tell you the truth I envy you not many people get an invitation to that part of space to do research.

I have to admit I was quite surprised myself when they accepted my request. To go and actually see what I have studied for so long.

Nano robotics? A senior student asked.

No. He teaches that to make a living.

I actually majored in ancient technologies. Nano robotics was a sideline I do to amuse myself and to torment young hopefuls as you, Henry.

Yes and he is quite good at it too, the tormenting part that is. Professor Hoginstiffel said.

Tantum fossor es bardus satis efficio is officium. Professor La Forge replied.

Very true. The headmaster said as he walked up to the small group. Professor La Forge looked towards Henry as he tried to translate the phrase. Two points for the translation. The Headmaster said.

Only fools are stupid enough to do this job? Henry replied.

Very good. Müller, give the lad two points on his next test. The headmaster said. From what I saw of your grades you will need them.

Thank you headmaster. Henry replied and walked off towards some of the other students.

He isn’t one of our best students. However, I wish we had fifty more like him. He will go far in his chosen field, whatever it is. The headmaster said.

He was leaning towards nanotechnologies. He is weak on the academics part. However, he has a firm grasp of the practical end. Some of his lab work is graduate level all ready. He just cannot prove how he knows it. Müller I would take it as a personal favor if you saw that he made it through the next course. He has several problems that he is trying to overcome.

Like coming from…

We do not judge a student by his parents or where he came from. The headmaster quickly said.

I was just going to say that he came from the same place as most of us came from. Just his parents had the good sense to leave the Hallsworth sector. Müller said.

The guilds are a hard taskmaster. Don’t you agree Dumont?

I wouldn’t know headmaster. Where I grew up, we were an agrarian culture. If it hadn’t been for a recruiter, I would not have gotten much further than the rest of my family. If you will excuse me.

What does he mean by that? Müller asked.

You will have to ask him.

Professor La Forge walked over towards another group of students. He stopped just a little distance from them and listened to them as they talked.

Professor. Professor Needleman said as she walked up to him.

Professor Needleman, how are you this evening?

I am doing fine the question is how are you doing?

I am almost all packed. I have my ticket and papers. I will survive.

That is not what I meant?

I know what you meant Ruth. You chose your way. I had to choose my way. You didn’t like my choice at the time and told me so in no uncertain way. You showing up here, well that was just fate. If you will excuse me. I think I will make my way out of here. I have a lot of packing to finish.

I believe that Lillard has a presentation for you.

That is nice he can mail it to me in care of the Sol system.

Why are you being this way? We once had something…

Once is the optimum word. You wanted nothing to do with me once I talked to the recruiter. Never mind. You made your choice and I had to make mine. Good night Professor Needleman. Professor La Forge started towards where he left his coat and scarf.

Ladies and Gentlemen, can I have your attention. Will someone grab Professor La Forge before he sneaks away? Several of the students grabbed Dumont’s arm and stopped him then they pulled him back into the parlor. You cannot sneak off just yet Professor. Headmaster Needleman said as the students led him back into the room. "I know I have only been here as headmaster for a short time. However, I have gotten to know most of the faculty and students. Professor La Forge however, I regret I have not spent as much time with as the others.

Your students all speak highly of you. The faculty has nothing, but good words towards you. I know that I speak for all gathered here that your presence at our little school will be dearly missed. I want you to know that your chair will be hard to fill during your absence and will be here waiting for you upon your return. I know your research is important and you will give it the same diligence that you give your students. I wish you good luck on your endeavors. Miss Sequeira."

A young woman stepped out with her hands behind her back. Professor La Forge we ah the senior class got together and tried to find something that would help you as much as you have helped us. After a great deal of deliberation we finally decided that…

There was nothing we could rip off that you needed. One of the other students replied.

Sequeira glared in the young man’s direction as the others laughed then continued. We decided that we would give you these. She held out a small package and handed it to him.

Dumont took the package from her and looked at the people in the room. It is against school policy for me to accept a gift from my students.

We are not your students anymore. Henry replied.

That is true.

Open it professor. Sequeira said.

Dumont opened the small package and looked at the six small chaps sitting there. What are these copies of the exams I have given you?

No professor, we thought you could use some light reading when you were not doing anything. Another student said.

Dumont looked at the titles on the chips. He could see six Ranger Dave stories lying there.

Ranger Dave. I thank all of your for this. I will enjoy them when I am not busy. As Ranger Dave says ‘Ut vita, ut amor quod ut pugno totus nefas.’ With that I will take my leave. Professor La Forge walked back towards the front entrance. Headmaster Needleman followed him. Professor La Forge pulled his coat on then wrapped the scarf around his neck. He reached into the inside pocket and pulled out an envelope and handed it to the headmaster. You will find my formal resignation there.

Why? I thought you were going to return. Your position…

Personal reasons. Nothing against you headmaster or the school, I do like it here, however, I no longer feel that I can continue. Good day headmaster. Professor La Forge walked out the door and closed it behind him.

Headmaster Needleman looked at the envelope as he turned to walk back into the parlor. He could see his wife standing there looking at the door.

He just quit. Headmaster Needleman said. He opened the envelope and pulled out the paper.

Did he say why? Ruth asked.

No he just says for personal reasons. He doesn’t elaborate here either. Do you know anything about this?

I have an idea. I thought he was over it though.

Over what?

Nothing, nothing honey. Come on the rest of our guests will wonder what happened.

Headmaster Needleman put the envelope in his pocket and followed her back into the parlor.

Professor La Forge watched as the last container was loaded into the vehicle to be transported to storage. As soon as the vehicle pulled away, he walked back into the house he lived in for the past four years. He walked through the empty house trying to forget the loneliness he felt in each room. He walked into his study and looked at the empty shelves. He could hear the floors creak as he continued to walk around the house. When he reached the front again, he could see a figure standing there. The figure turned and looked towards him.

I will be out of here in a few more minutes. Dumont said.

There is no rush. The figure replied.

You can pick up the keys from the headmaster.

What keys?

To the house. I will turn them over to his administrator as soon as it has been inspected.

I did not come here about the house. You are Corporal Dumont La Forge?

I was once. I am or was Professor La Forge until last night. How can I help you?

I have a message from the Council of Elders of the Twin Suns system. Your research grant has been turned down.

May I ask why?

I was not given that information. I was told to contact you as soon as possible. I was also told to give you this. The short man with the large head held out a small tablet. Dumont could the two large eyes looking at him. He looked towards the table and could see the hand with only three fingers and a thumb on it holding the tablet. I was told to wait for your reply.

Dumont took the tablet and opened it. He looked at the message on the screen and could see the ancient’s runes as they appeared.

Professor Dumont.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, your request to do research in the Twin Suns system has been denied at this time. However, a position is available to do research in one of our expeditions. We offer you the opportunity to go with one of our teams as an authority of robotics.

Dumont looked up from the tablet towards the man standing there.

Is there a problem? The man asked.

No there is no problem. They just turned me down for my research grant they had approved.

I believe Professor if you continue you will see that it has not been turned down, only moved to a new location.

Dumont continued to read the ruins that out lined the research he was to perform. He looked at the man standing there.

I have never heard of these planets.

Yes professor. I was only told to deliver this to you.

Do you know where these places are?

I am not at liberty to discuss this at this time. Sir I must have your reply as soon as possible.

Let me finish. Dumont continued to read the runes on the tablet. I guess so. How do I get to these places?

You are to go to Pluto there you will be contacted. You are to tell no one where you are going. If you do so, the consequences will be grave. If you agree with the terms in that document, place your hand on the reader.

It says here that I am going as some sort of warrior. I’m not in the military anymore.

Yes sir they understand that. However, this expedition is being funded by Twin Suns in accordance with the Federation edicts. It will all be explained to you at your briefing upon your arrival. If you feel you cannot comply with these terms, the Twin Suns only requests that you do not speak of this document for one standard year. Your research grant will go under advisement by the Council of Elders and you will be contacted in the future of their decision.

In other words, I ether take this or forget any chance of studying the ancient technology in your system.

Yes professor, I am afraid that is exactly what it means.

What would you do if you were me?

I am not you. Therefore, I cannot make that decision for you.

Dumont looked at the runes on the tablet again. He placed his hand on the reader and a blue line passed under it. When he removed his hand, he could see a small hand print next to his name.

I hope they are not expecting me to be some sort of solder. I did my best while in the army not to be one. I did just what I had to, to stay alive long enough to get my degree. Here you go. Dumont handed the tablet back to the little man. The man pulled a chip from the side of the tablet and handed it to Dumont.

Here you are professor. I will inform the Council of Elder of your decision. The little man bowed towards Dumont then turned and walked out the front door. Just as he walked out Ruth walked in.

Who was he? She asked.

He was a Triskelia. What do you want?

Albert asked me to inspect your place for him. He is tied up in a meeting with Lillard and professor Hoginstiffel.

All right here it is. It is a lot cleaner then when I received it.

Why are you being this way?

Being what way?

You know what I mean. We once had a good thing between us.

Yes we did right up to the time you decided to go with Mark to your grad night party. I guess I was not rich enough for you. I had to join the military to get my education not like him with his rich family.

It had nothing to do with that.

That is bullshit and you know it. My parents were not rich like yours. My dad worked hard trying to keep his small repair shop running. He didn’t have the credits to send me to college. I had to pay my own way. You made it very clear how you felt about my choice. Not one message from you the six years I was in the army. When I get back…ah never mind. Here are the keys. If it is not clean enough I don’t give a damn. I won’t be coming back here. Professor La Forge tossed the keys to her and walked out the front door. He felt better than he had in years for telling her off as he walked down the walk to the old vehicle parked in front. As he opened the driver’s side door, he could see her looking at him as he climbed into the vehicle then drove away.

Chapter Two

Professor La Forge walked up to the counter and placed his papers in front of the attendant.

I have passage to Pluto in the Sol system.

Yes a one way to Pluto in third class on the Lusitania. You will be sharing your room with two others.

That is fine. Who are they?

It does not say here. I see here that you will be over seeing several students on this trip.

Only as far as the Dortmund system.

That will be transfer station eighty-five. You will change ships there to the Sol System. You have a one day layover on station one fifty-five to change ships.

I understood that we were to be on the Lusitania until we reached station eight-five.

Your booking was changed.

I didn’t change the booking. I made the reservation over three months ago for the students and myself. I have the confirmation for them here.

It was change two days ago at the request of Federation Security Department.

I did not authorize this change. I have tickets for these students and myself on the Lusitania. I suggest you toss whoever took our passage out of our rooms and send them on the other ship. If not I will be contacting some friends and see why our passage was changed after receiving our confirmations. Believe me you don’t want to meet these friends. I suggest you contact your supervisor and tell him that you have a problem.

One minute. The attendant replied and pushed a small button on the counter. A few seconds later, several security men walked up to the counter.

Is there some sort of problem? One of the men asked.

Yes there is. I booked passage for these students and myself on the Lusitania over three months ago.

Professor La Forge. A man said as he hurriedly walked up to the group.

Yes.

I am sorry for the misunderstanding. Your passage on the Lusitania was moved with the authorization of your school administrator, a Lillard Needleman. The Lusitania has been rerouted to one of our repair facilities. You are booked on the Blue Star. It has a one-day layover on transfer station one fifty-five at the expense of the line. There you will be transferred to the Green Star and continue to your destination. You will arrive at transfer station eighty-five in plenty of time to meet your other ship. There should be no problem for you or your students meeting their connecting ships.

I was told this was done by request of the Federation Security Department.

Yes sir. They are the ones who made the request that the Lusitania be routed to the nearest repair facilities. I have no more information than that. Your schools administrator authorized the changes just this morning. We have done our best to keep your students together in three rooms on deck six. Your room is on deck five and you will be sharing it with two others.

Yes that is what she said. All right, I still will file a complaint with Lusitania line and with the school. He had no right to change my ticket without my authorization. Professor La Forge looked toward the attendant and could see a maintenance man working on it.

If you and your students will follow me, I will see that you are boarded. The man said.

All right, follow him. Professor La Forge said to the students. He picked up his bags and followed along behind the man. The man led them to a small room and opened the door. The students walked in ahead of Professor La Forge and looked around the lavishly decorated room.

This is the VIP lounge. One of the students said.

How would you know?

I have been in them before with my dad.

Doing what, cleaning them? Another student asked.

That is right. Do you have a problem with that? The woman replied and started for the man.

That is enough of that. Dumont said. Find a place to park it and keep out of the way. The ten students filed into the room and sat in the chairs.

Your ship will be arriving in two hours. You will be allowed to board as soon as the passengers have disembarked. The man said then left the room. Dumont nodded to him and walked over to one of the remaining chairs. He sat down and pulled out his tablet.

Ranger Dave jumped down from the ledge to the catwalk below. He ran along the catwalk towards the hatch at the other end. Just as he reached it, the alarms started sounding. He stopped and stared at the flashing amber lights. He shook his head and reached for the hatch just as a shower of sparks rained down on him from above. He looked behind him to see who was shooting at him. He could see three Slepnoids headed in his direction. He reached for his blaster and found that his holster was empty. Then he remembered that he had not filled out the request for a replacement when he was back at his base. Another blaster round slammed into the plasticreat next to him. He grabbed the hatch and tried to open it. It was secured in place. Another blaster round slammed into the wall next to him and he dove to the other side of the opening. He tried to see which Slepnoid was firing as another blaster round slammed into the hatch behind him. He grabbed the rail of the catwalk and jumped over the side. As he slowly fell in the low gravity, he reached out and grabbed a pipe that ran past him. He was jerked to a stop and as a blaster round slammed into the catwalk over head he pulled himself up to the pipe then swung his leg over it. More blaster rounds slammed into the catwalk over his head and sparks of molten plastisteel rained down. The catwalk gave way and started falling towards him.

The intercom in the VIP lounge stopped playing music. Passengers for the Blue Star may commence boarding. Professor La Forge closed the tablet and placed it back into his case. He stood up with the others in the room and slowly made his way towards the exit of the lounge. He continued to follow the others until they reached the boarding agent. He pushed his way ahead of the students up to the group who were processing the arrivals.

Name, the man behind the small podium asked as he held out his hand.

My name? Oh yes Dumont La Forge. I have ten students with me.

Boarding pass.

Boarding pass. Dumont handed him the boarding passes for all of them. Just your boarding pass. The man said not looking at him. Dumont sorted through the documentation until he located his boarding pass and handed it to him. This is not a boarding pass for the Blue Star. This is for the Lusitania. You are at the wrong gate.

We were told that we had been rebooked onto this ship.

Your name is not on my manifest. You will have to leave. Step out of line and return to the platform. Next. The man said.

We were told that our ship was going in for maintenance and that we were transferred to the Blue Star. Look again.

The man looked at Dumont then at his tablet.

Your name is not here. You will have to go back to the platform and make other arrangements.

Look again. Dumont said angrily.

If you do not leave I will call station security.

Do it. Dumont said sternly. The man looked at the list again then at Dumont.

It is not on my list. You will have to go back to the platform and make other arrangements.

Dumont grabbed his boarding papers and turned towards the students. Damn space pukes. He mumbled as he walked away. This way. He said to them. I want you to stand over here out of the way. Do not interfere with the other passenger as they board. I will be back in a few minutes. Dumont said then started to make his way up the ramp against the tide of people. Continued out of the tunnel leading to the Blue Star and over to the attendant behind the counter.

Can I help you? The attendant asked.

I want to speak to a human. Dumont said.

I am a human. She replied.

Sorry the last time I was here it was a robot. I have ten students along with myself that were booked on the Lusitania.

The Lusitania was canceled.

Yes I was told that. We were transferred to the Blue Star. When we tried to board and the ships security said that our boarding passes were not valid and that our names were not on the ships manifest.

Let me see what is going on. Your name?

La Forge, Dumont La Forge.

That is professor Dumont La Forge.

Yes.

That explains it. They have your name as Professor Dumont La Forge. Simple mistake. Let me have your other boarding passes and I will print up the correct ones. It says here that you checked in with this counter. Didn’t they give you new ones?

No some robot just told us that we were on the Blue Star then called security. Some man showed up and took us to the VIP lounge and left us there.

Do you have your student’s passes?

Yes I have all of them. He handed her the other boarding passes. Another man was standing behind him watching what was going on at the counter. She handed him a stack of boarding passes.

Are they under the age of eighteen?

No they are undergraduate students. Most of them are over twenty.

Here you are. Each of your students will have to present his or her own pass when they board.

All right. Dumont replied. Dumont hurried down the tunnel towards where he left his students. He saw several of them slowly making their way up the ramp towards him. Where are you going?

They said we had to leave. A young woman said.

That way. I have our boarding passes. Dumont ushered them back down the tunnel towards the man standing behind the pedestal. Dumont stopped and blocked the passageway until all of his students were there. He handed them their boarding pass. Then he walked up to the man. Professor Dumont La Forge. Dumont said and handed the man his papers.

Face the camera, and then place your hand on the scanner. You are in room five one three deck five. The man handed Dumont an identity badge and looked at the first of his students.

Dumont stood back and made sure each of the students was processed and they had walked through the scanners before he followed them onboard. Once they were onboard, Dumont motioned for them to follow him. They made their way to the Lido deck. Once there he stopped and looked at the ten students.

"All right listen up. I am not your baby sitter. You are adults now and I expect you to act accordingly. If you break the rules here, you are not sent to the headmaster, you go to the brig, and I will not bail you out. We will be onboard the Blue star for three weeks until we reach transfer station one fifty-five. We possibly have a one-day layover there. It will be your responsibility to see that you are ready to board the Green Star on time. I will not come looking for you if you are missing. We will be on the Green Star for another three weeks until we reach transfer station eighty-five. There I will take my leave from you and continue to my research project.

Professor Paulauskaite should be there waiting for you. If he is not your ship leaves in two days for the Dortmund system. Do not miss it or you will have to find your own way back to the school.

You have your room assignments. I am in room G five one three deck five if you have any questions. Remember we will have a meeting each day to go over your research projects in addition to your normal studies. I will let you know where it is located as soon as I arrange with the ships personal for a location.

Remember Ut stabilis vado remuneror. I will see you around the ship." Dumont nodded to the group of students then walked over to one of the chairs. He sat down and pulled out his tablet. He looked over the top at the students as they milled around looking at the ship.

Ranger Silvia moved silently down the corridor towards control room. She stopped at the hatch and pressed against it trying to hear anything on the other side. She slowly moved the handle to open the hatch then shoved the hatch open. She quickly stepped into the control room with her blaster pulled looking all around for anybody and only saw the large robot standing in the center of the room. She stepped into the room further and the hatch slammed shut behind her. She turned and tried the handle on the hatch and it didn’t move. She tried to move it with all of her strength. However, it would not budge. She heard movement behind her and spun around pointing her blaster in front of her. The blaster was wrenched from her grasp by the large robot. It closed its claws on the blaster crushing it. The power pack exploded sending out a shower of sparks fusing the claw together. Ranger Silvia ran across the control room out of the reach of robot. The robot turned and started for her. She looked all around the room for some sort of weapon. All she could see was switches and buttons. She started pushing buttons hoping to find one that would stop the robot. Sirens started sounded and lights began to flash as she pushed the buttons. The robot continued to follow her around the room as she continued to throw switches and push buttons.

A face appeared in the center of the room. Ranger Silvia looked up at the face of Maleficus Facinaoris. The robot grabbed her and pinned her arms to her side. Ranger Silvia struggled to free herself as the face laughed at the spectacle of Ranger Silvia and the robot.

Cabins on deck five and six have now been cleared and are ready for occupancy, sounded over the ships intercom.

Dumont looked over the tablet and watched as his students made their way towards the elevators. He closed the tablet and gathered his things, and then moved towards the stairs leading down into the ship. When he reached level five he turned down one of the corridors that showed his room number. He moved along with several others as they looked for their room. When he located his room, he placed his hand on the reader and the door opened. He stepped into the room and a man looked towards him. The man was placing a large bag into one of the storage lockers.

I guess I am your roommate on this trip. The man said. Charles Macdonald is the name. He held out his hand to Dumont.

Dumont La Forge.

Are you some sort of teacher or parole office? I saw you with all of those young people on the ramp.

I was their faculty advisor. Dumont replied as he looked at the small room with three bunk beds fastened to the wall. 

The door opened again and the man who had been waiting at the counter walked into the room. He stopped and looked at Dumont and the other man then he continued into the room and set his things down on one of the lower bunks. Dumont recognized one of the bags right away as a sniper’s bag.

Charles Macdonald. The other man said and extended his hand to the man. The man looked at the out stretched hand and grabbed it then shook.

John Sheath. The man replied and looked at Dumont.

Dumont La Forge. Dumont said and extended his hand.

Yes I know. You were at the counter when I arrived. Did they screw up your ticket too?

They had my name wrong on the manifest along with the wrong boarding passes. We were to have traveled on the Lusitania.

So was I.

It is a good thing you didn’t. I hear they had a leak onboard and several people were exposed to radiation.

I had not heard that. John replied. I understand that there is only going to be the three of us in here. It looks like one of the cattle pens they used to hall troop in when I was in the military.

Oh what branch? Charles asked as he finished putting his things away.

Marines. What about yourself?

No I did not serve in the military.

What about you professor?

Army. Dumont replied and finished putting his things away. If you do not mind I will take this one. Dumont walked over and set his tablet on the bottom bunk at the far end of the room.

Were you an officer, Professor? Charles asked.

No I did my best not to be much of anything. I joined to get an education and when my time was up I left.

What is your degree in?

Ancient technologies and Nanotechnologies. Dumont looked at the snipers bag on the bunk.

I work for Global Imaging. I am headed to the home office for a conference. John said and picked up the bag. He shoved it into the locker and closed the door. So what do you do Charles?

I work for the mining guild. I am going out to the alpha six sector to see what is out there.

I understand that area is pretty much mined out. John said.

My boss thinks that it is a government cover up, that the Twin Suns system is blocking exploration for their own profit. I am to go out and see what I can find and report back to the guild.

If you find something then what? Dumont asked.

The guild will file for the mining rights and start sending exploration teams to claim territory so they can start mining operations.

The Twin Suns stopped the mining guild once from mining in that sector. What makes you think they won’t again? Dumont asked.

That was hundreds of years ago when they were a lot stronger. The guild is a lot stronger now with a larger voice in the assembly. Besides, we will not be in the Twin Suns system. They don’t have any say in that part of the galaxy.

That is not what I hear. John replied. I hear that they are expanding out in that direction and have established several colonies already.

Yeah well I have heard that they discovered things that the Federation doesn’t want the other systems to find out about. What do you know about it Professor?

Not a thing. I am headed to Sol system to study the ancient technology that was there. If you will excuse me, I think I will head up to the upper decks. Dumont grabbed his tablet off the bunk and headed for the door.

Dumont walked across the upper promenade deck until he reached the lounge. He walked over to a large over stuffed seat and sat down then opened the tablet. He brought up his story and continued to read.

Ranger Dave ran down the narrow corridor towards the control room. Blaster rounds slammed into the deck and walls as he ran. He reached the hatch to the control room then ducked into the alcove as blaster rounds slammed into the walls. He spun the latch and shoved open the hatch where he was greeted by more blaster rounds. He dove to the deck and reached for his empty holster. Once again, he found it empty. Gosh, darn it. He said to himself as he crawled into the control room.

Close the damn hatch. Ranger Silvia yelled as more rounds streaked into the control room from outside.

Ranger Dave made his way back to the hatch and pulled it shut. He spun the handle securing the hatch as a blaster round slammed into the hatches locking mechanism. He moved back away from the hatch as more rounds slammed into the hatch. He stood up and looked around the room with his hands on his waist.

Ranger Silvia, do not fear Ranger Dave is here. Ranger Dave shouted out.

Yeah right. Silvia said to herself and took aim at him again. She fired just above his head hitting the sensor that was directing the room’s defenses. Another blast slammed into the control console she was hidden behind sending up a shower of sparks. Ranger Silvia quickly rose up and fired at the sensors controlling the security blasters. The blaster round just missed Ranger Dave’s head and he dove for the floor as more blaster rounds slammed into the wall behind him. Ranger Silvia rose up and located the Blaster’s control panel. She fired hitting it sending a shower of sparks raining down on Ranger Dave. Ranger Dave hid behind the console and patted out his clothing that had been ignited by the sparks. Ranger Silvia hurried over to the master control console. She pushed in several commands then began to read the information that scrolled up the screen. She punched one more command and looked at the countdown clock as it stopped.

You can get up now. Ranger Silvia said.

Ranger Dave cautiously rose up and peaked over the console he was hiding behind then stood up the placed his hands on his waist. Never fear Ranger Dave is here. Where is the villainess Maleficus Facinaoris?

She is not here. Come on moron. Ranger Silvia said as she walked over to the hatch. She grabbed the handle and tried to open it. The latch did not move. She looked at the melted control mechanism. Shit. She said. She looked back towards Dave as he looked at the control console. The hatch is stuck.

Maybe one of these will open it. Ranger Dave replied and pushed one of the buttons. The alarms started sounding again. Ranger Silvia ran back to the console and pushed the button again.

Just keep your hands off. Ranger Silvia scolded. See if you can open the hatch.

What is the matter with it? Ranger Dave asked as he walked over to the hatch. It appears to be stuck. Ranger Dave tried with all of his might to move the handle and it wouldn’t budge. He stepped back and leaned on the console. Another alarm sounded and a picture of Maleficus Facinaoris appeared suspended above them. A voice sounded from the console.

Station destruct in ten minutes. Maleficus Facinaoris voice said.

What did she say? Ranger Dave asked.

What the hell did you do? Ranger Silvia yelled.

Nothing. Ranger Dave replied and put his hand behind his back.

Ranger Silvia looked at the image of Maleficus Facinaoris with a clock superimposed over her. She could see it counting down as the image of Maleficus Facinaoris laughed. Ranger Silvia started looking for a way to stop the clock.

Professor how are you this afternoon. Professor Dumont looked over the top of the tablet as Charles Macdonald walked up. He sat in the chair next to him. What are you reading?

A story.

Oh what about?

It is an investigation novel.

Oh. So what kind of research are you going to do out at Pluto?

I am going to study the ancient technology that was discovered there.

I understand that there isn’t much left there.

I don’t know if there is or not.

Most of the technology was scooped up either by Space Fleet or the Federation hundreds of years ago. How did you get permission from the Federation to take your students to that desolate place? I understand that it is manned only by robots now.

They are not going there. They are going to the Dortmund system.

What do you teach if you don’t mind me asking?

If you will excuse me I have a study group to oversee. Dumont replied as he stood up. Dumont walked away and headed for the front office. He glanced back towards Charles and could see him turning toward another man sitting in one of the chairs. As he made his way to the to the front desk he could see John Sheath standing at the counter talking to the clerk behind it. John nodded his head and turned then ran into Dumont.

Sorry professor I wasn’t looking where I was going. John said.

It is all right.

I just received a message from my home office. They want me to head out to the Twin Suns system and see if I can get a foot in the door there. Well I’ll see you around.

I thought you were going to some sort of conference on Earth?

The conference’s time was changed and they forgot to let me know. No loss. I wasn’t looking forward to the seminar anyways. They are just a bunch of stuffed shirts trying to tell me how to demonstrate the equipment. Well, I’ll see you around. John said and walked away.

Dumont watched him as he wandered across the Promenade deck then turned to the person at the counter.

I am Professor La Forge. I have a group of undergraduate students traveling with me to transfer station eighty-five.

The Blue Star does not go to transfer station eighty-five.

Yes I know. We transfer at station one fifty-five. What I am looking for is a room that we can use for a classroom while we are onboard this ship.

How big a room and for how long?

I have ten students and myself. We will only need it for a few hours every day until we reach the transfer station.

Let me see what I can do. I have a small conference room available on deck two that is available on Tuesday for one hour at 2100.

I need a room every day not just Tuesday.

I am sorry all of the rest of the rooms are booked. I can schedule you for one at 0345 for a half hour every day.

No. Don’t you have anyplace else during the normal hours?

I am sorry they were all booked in advance. You should have booked ahead.

I had one booked on the Lusitania and I assumed that it would be transferred over when we were.

Yes sir. However, we do not have any conference rooms available.

Do you know of any place where I can hold a class?

You might try one of the lounges or the casino.

Thanks. Dumont replied and walked away. Space pukes. He mumbled as he walked towards the stairs. Professor. He heard and turned to see who was yelling at him. He watched as one of the students walked towards him.

Professor La Forge I have a few questions that I need some help with.

Not today. I will go over all of your questions tomorrow during office hours. Tell the others that we are going to meet in the Stellar Lounge at 1900. I expect all of them to be there. If they are not…If they are not there they had better have a good excuse or else. Make sure you tell the rest. We will be going over section three tomorrow. I will tell you where we are going to meet tonight.

Dumont sat in the Stellar Lounge reading the story. He looked up as several of his students walked into the lounge. They saw him and made their way over to the area he was seated.

Find a seat. Where are the rest? Dumont asked.

They are on their way. A young woman replied. Professor I have a problem with…

We will go over any problems when the others are here.

A robotic bar maid moved over to where the students sat. Orders please it said. One of the young men started to speak.

Nothing at this time. Dumont replied and looked at the three sitting there. If I catch any of you with alcohol I will see that you fail. You are not of age. One of the students walked over with a beer in his hand and sat down.

Does that go for me too, Professor? He asked.

No Steven, it goes double for you. I expect you to set a good example for the others being that you are the oldest.

More of the students drifted into the lounge and sat around the small table. Dumont looked at their faces until he was sure that all of them were there.

"First thing, you are not of drinking age. I know Steven that you are. However, for the duration of this trip there will be no alcohol allowed. If I catch anyone drinking, I will fail you.

I have talked to the ships personnel about a place for us to hold our classes. They have informed me that all of the rooms have been booked. It seems that since we were transferred to this ship none of our arrangements on the Lusitania were transferred with us. They can only offer us one room for a half hour at 0345. He could hear the moans from the students. Until other arrangement can be made we will meet here starting tomorrow. I expect to see all of you hear for classes at 0730. We will cover chapters six and seven on robotic along with chapters twenty-two on ancient technology. Those of you in my Latin class I expect your translations of senator’s speeches to the senate to be turned in by end of next week. I know you think you have until the end of this semester to finish. However, I will be taking my leave of you in few more weeks. I have to have your grades sent in by then. The rest of you have your assignments from your other instructors. We will go over any problems you are having as a group. That is all I have.

Oh one more thing, I do not expect to hear any complaints from the ships personnel about you. If I do, I will find something to keep you occupied. Remember you are still in college even if you are on this trip. You are adults and I expect you to act accordingly. I will see you tomorrow here at 0730. Are there any questions?" Several hands rose up and he spent the next hour answering questions. 

Dumont sat in a large chair reading the tablet. He looked over the top of the tablet as John Sheath walked by.

How are you doing Professor?

Fine and yourself?

I’m getting by. What are you reading?

A story by Langdon Powers.

Oh a Ranger Dave adventure. Which one?

The destruction of Zandor.

I haven’t read that one yet. He sure gets into a lot of trouble and if it weren’t for Silvia, he would have been killed a long time ago. Well I am headed to get something to eat. Care to join me?

I think I will. Dumont replied and closed the tablet. Ranger Dave will be in the same predicament when I get back. Dumont stood up and walked with John towards the dining area. They were soon seated at a table and Dumont looked around the dining room at the others either eating or waiting for their meals.

I see professor that you are holding court each day in the lounge.

Our bookings were not transferred over from the Lusitania for a conference room. I have to see that they are continuing with their studies until they reach their destination.

What do you teach, Professor?

The Professor is only honorary. I am working on my doctorate in Ancient Technology. What do I teach? I have a Masters in Ancient Technology and in Nanotechnology. I receive my Bachelors in them while I was in the army.

"And you only did six years?

Yes. My parents had a small robotic repair shop on Deltous three. There was a small college there and I spent the first two years taking my core courses along with some lower robotic courses. I found that I didn’t have the credits to continue so when the recruiter ship showed up I applied for the army. I was accepted and when I took the exams for the army, I scored high in robotics. They sent me to one of their repair facilities, from there to a maintenance facility. I spent most of my time in the army working there with some highly trained engineers. They introduced me to Nanotechnology. I found that I was good at it so I minored in it. My primary love is in ancient technology.

I overheard some of your lecture on Positronic brains.

"I was