Maximum Pleasure: At the Right Time

By Isaac Hill Sr.

This fourth book of "The Right Time" futuristic science fiction saga, continues to tell how Humans and Nutopians strive to achieve the "Maximum Pleasure" of all their endeavors within themselves, communities, cities and nations. Humans seek maximum pleasure from their gods. Nutopians are examined by the Ministers of Godlife to reveal how they will 'support' maximum pleasure. Whenever maximum pleasure will manifest itself, it will be at the right time to be given, taken, or shared by common people, warriors, criminals, and saints. Everyone's pursuit of maximum pleasure is thwarted or advanced by inevitable uncertainty which they must confront. In the future, attaining maximum pleasure will also be greatly influenced by covert Lords of the Human Observation Selection Terminus whom desire world peace at all cost. Everyone deplores killing, but 'Freedom' clashes with 'Unity' in the formation of the Federation, which is the final hope for world globalization and peace. Not to kill is not an option to achieve the maximum pleasure of world peace that Humans desire. The Federation strives to split the world into three distinct regions within four quadrants of the Earth; The Holy Lands, the Badlands, and the Federation Lands. The governing of the Tri-planet area, Readily Accessible Space, and the Nutopian Occupation, do not make the establishment of the Federation, and the achievement of "Maximum Pleasure" less complicated. Heaven and Earth are at War for Maximum Pleasure.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Sep 30, 2016
• ISBN: 9781524546274

Isaac Hill Sr.

Isaac Hill Sr. is a new American author who believes that we live in a rated-R society filled with extraordinary people who continue to transcend the woes of social dysfunction called progress, ever trying to make the world a better place to live in. He believes that the exploration and conquest of outer space is an absolutely necessary endeavor for the satisfaction of human curiosity and glory. As a man in his sixties, Isaac Hill Sr. has seen what was considered “science fiction become reality,” which leads him to believe that there is a right time for everything.

Book preview

Maximum Pleasure

at the Right Time

by

Isaac Hill Sr.

Copyright © 2016 by Isaac Hill Sr.

Library of Congress Control Number:   2016916211

ISBN:   Hardcover   978-1-5245-4629-8

Softcover   978-1-5245-4628-1

eBook   978-1-5245-4627-4

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted

in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system,

without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

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 any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Rev. date: 09/30/2016

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter 1 Starting Trouble

Chapter 2 The Useful Dead

Chapter 3 Surrender

Chapter 4 New Garments

Chapter 5 Godlife

Chapter 6 Bright Horizons

Chapter 7 Deadly Thoughts And Disease

Chapter 8 The Jupiter Project

Chapter 9 The Mayflower

Chapter 10 Daring And Crewless

Chapter 11 What’s Best ?

Chapter 12 The Merger

Chapter 13 Unholy Orders

Chapter 14 Tossing Sand

Chapter 15 Out Of Darkness

Chapter 16 They’re Off

Chapter 17 Collision Courses

Chapter 18 Dawn

This book is dedicated to

Those who will become

A new kind of Human

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CHAPTER 1

Starting Trouble

Carrie Vorese Reports: A Catastrophic Exclusion Zone of fifty square miles has been established in Rio de Janeiro for population evacuation, radioactive clean-up, and investigation procedures to commence. The International Anti-Nuclear Defense Grid has proven to be quite successful in performing effective preliminary measures that have prevented further radioactive contamination of a much wider area than anticipated. But the death toll is staggering because of the concentration of people who were present in the vicinity awaiting the arrival of BLENDER. Medical triages, and hundreds of mass grave sites are scattered throughout the Exclusion Zone areas. Clean up crews are painstakingly collecting all of the radioactive materials and applying neutralizing agents as they go. Abdullah Melik’s investigators are sifting through the wreckage and dead bodies to find evidence that will absolve his organization of any blame in this matter. President Martin’s, as well as the International Security Force’s investigators are also on site. They are all totally suspicious of each other’s motives for investigating the catastrophe. It is not uncommon that each group train their weapons on the other when a new discovery is made which each group desires to examine first. Their findings will be kept as secret as possible aside from the fact that the News Media is hot on their heels at every turn. The nuclear explosion’s point of origin is undetermined, but is suspected to be under the New Super Stadium.

At present all leads are roads which enter and exit deep subterranean levels of the obliterated New Super Stadium. It is evident that the silo which an Effective Dirty Nuclear Device was detonated was housed in this dark cavernous domain. The facility was not effectively shielded from the heat and percussion of the blast. Bits and pieces of what remains will have to be examined to determine their uses in what is suspected to be the largest illegal Android and Clone Factory ever discovered. The crushed androids and charred remains of humanoid figures are the confounded truth of the discovery. It is further ascertained that the Effective Dirty Nuclear Device’s secondary objective was to be the obliteration of all damning evidence. Investigators know that many, but not all of the investors in this enterprise have also fallen victim to this fate and lay dead within its remains. But someone detonated the bomb from a remote location. They will be hunted to answer charges and supply information vital to the truth of the case being levied against Abdullah Melik’s Islamic Front; a case which is based upon past, much less effective dirty bomb explosions of terrorist acts throughout the world that the Islamic Front claimed as retaliation for crimes perpetrated against its right to exist to spread and subject people to the doctrine and rule of his Imams. Federationists believe that the Islamic Front’s religious state falls short on providing for its own, and the world is not impressed to any great degree by its socio-technological and economic accomplishments to yield their lives to their dominance. The Federation will neither bow to their insistence, or provide safe haven for them against their enemies. They will be corralled within the borders of the Lawless Lands if need be, to which they shall forever remain subject to the humanitarian acts of the Federation within the scope and power of its laws, especially if it is proven that they are responsible for this bombing.

The Pro-Federation Executive Council decreed that outside of the Lawless Lands, the state of affairs between God and the Federation will include the rites of all faiths that do not hinder Federation Initiatives or present a threat to public safety and health issues as determined by Federation Law. They shall ever be allowed to practice these rites in their private worship places. They stated that the Islamic Fronts suicidal methods are hazardous to everyone’s health. President Martin confronted Abdullah Melik about the release of an atmospheric disruption device which he did not deny. He denied detonating the dirty nuclear device.

Your accusations remain unproven. My notions are more valid in lieu of what is discovered. I have diseased clones that were sent into the most populated area of one district. We are containing and treating people with some mutated form of leprosy as I speak. Surely this destroyed facility can be their origin, declared Abdullah.

That district that you speak of is one of your rivals in a state of open rebellion against you Abdullah. Can you deny that? President Daniel Martin argued.

Your intelligence agents are liars Daniel, if that is what they reported to you.

My information comes from your intelligence agents.

Abdullah Melik abruptly closed communications with Daniel Martin. United Nation’s reports states that many government agencies know about a major security leak in Abdullah Melik’s administration as a result of indecision and discontent with the Federation Initiatives. Dissidents are leery about where the Islamic Front will fit into the scheme of them, and the prospect of a mass suicide is not appealing to most, and senseless to the rest. End Report.

Unknown to reporters is that Abdullah Melik is convinced that he will have to settle with ruling inside the Lawless Lands with the hope of a future empowerment that will allow him to take up arms against the infidels once again on his terms. In the mean-time he will clean house and mark those who oppose him as responsible for the devastation in Rio. They will be handed over to International Authorities as sacrificial offerings. If they are not slain, he will accuse the International Court of connivance with his enemies. If they are slain, his decenters will think twice about taking actions against him from within. In either case a door to the Federation will remain unlocked for his agents to and from the Federation Lands. They will be called refugees and decenters. The Federation’s great defense will be that it will have only one unlocked door to monitor. All that will be necessary is that it have a strategic location to place the corral gate.

It is an absolute certainty that Abdullah Melik does not have the technical knowhow or ability to have constructed such a secret operation as a subterranean complex of this magnitude thousands of miles from home. Albeit he is a fanatical religious terrorist and cloning humans is an act against his god Allah in his book. President Martin will secretly pull his investigators and afford Abdullah the opportunity to clear his unsuspected name with the hope that he will make further important discoveries while the International Security Investigators take the opportunity to piece together whether or not the detonation of the nuclear device was an accident or an attempt to bury evidence of a greater plot against humanity, such as an alien invasion that General Vincent Gordon insists is in Progress. New China, a country which has the technological knowhow necessary to build and operate such a subterranean complex Science Commissioner wants audience with the Nutopian Science Commissioner. New China wants the better Pollution Control Technology that Ambassador Zok has offered for some restitution of the humanitarian aid the Nutopians have received thus far. New China continues to try to rebound from all of the sanctions imposed upon it by many nations for supplying all sides in the Drone Wars with remote control weapons. And as a hold-out nation in Federation Initiative negotiations, it too is suspect in constructing illegal worldwide android production facilities and distribution for debt paying profits. All allegations are yet to be proven.

Lord Marc Brown is certain that the HOST has a bigger hand in what is going on than it will confess to. Everything that is happening advances the HOST’s initiatives towards disarming the human race and aiding the Federationists in corralling criminals into Lawless Lands. These issues are out of his hands. He has other fish to fry. The Venus Alpha Hydronium Corporation employee’s evacuation is in progress and supply lines to the Nutopian Mining fleet in Sector B must be opened, maintained and monitored. He and Dr. Wingate are also supervising Joint Human Nutopian Technological processes which are in experimental and implementation phases in the worlds scientific communities. A Venus Alpha communications network is set up to monitor lotteries and bids for Nutopian Supervisory Services while plans for the new Science Laboratory in Venus Alpha are on the drawing table besides those of the Brown’s Estate.

I never thought that there would be a lottery for Nutopian supervisors. Wingate did not suspect it either. What do we do? General Vincent Gordon asked Hassle Corp CEO Dick Chancey.

What do you mean, what will we do? We will tell the truth. We purchased the JHNT from Wingate. That won’t be hard for the Worlds Space Council to believe.

But if he denies it? Or even if he admits it, he will have to tell them where he got it from. The WSC will know that he received it before the Venus Alpha Laboratory explosion. His only defense will be to show evidence that points to us.

We don’t have any proof that he has the paperwork or the money, Chancey argued.

Don’t bet your life on it.

Kill Wingate Vincent. Put a bullet in his brain! Chancey yelled.

I am not your fetch it, do all that boy Dick.

Yeah I know – just kidding. We’ve got to do something. Time is running out.

And you are absolutely sure your scientists can’t duplicate the technology?

Our scientists have crap for brains. Why do you think the Venus Alpha Lab was so important? If they could duplicate this technology, we wouldn’t be having this conversation.

Well then we will plant a spy on one of the winning bidder’s team. Surely you must have a scientist who will do that?

I suppose so – at the right time. But I can’t pay full price for what you have. How will you pay for the evacuation crafts Vincent?

You let me worry about that. You just reimburse me when things get going. You know, somehow I think Marc Brown has a hand in this. I can feel it in my bones. I think Wingate has told him about our deal. Marc Brown is trying to ruin me Dick.

Why don’t you come to terms with him and the Nutopians for yourself. Admit the defeat to your one sided war, heh. I don’t think Marc Brown is even thinking about you. Why should he? Heh, heh, you are no threat to him.

General Gordon resented the truth of Dick Chancey’s remark. President Martin has his back in everything he does. If I become President, that support will be cut off completely.

Careful. Marc Brown would be the choice for the Federation President to whom the United States President must bow. And not for nothing, President Martin will become a more formidable ally with Marc Brown once his hands are untied from the presidency. Heh, heh, I am the best friend you’ve got Vincent. I suggest you start being more amiable, well, you are a warrior, aren’t you? Damn, better you than me. At the end of the day, I can go home. You won’t have a place to rest your weary head if you make too many enemies.

I don’t make enemies Dick. They make me who I am. I make strategic advances and destroy enemy installations according to the political atmosphere. Right now people want the truths behind the Venus Alpha and Rio de Janeiro explosions. If they are led to believe what the politicians want them to believe, it will be my duty as second in command behind President Martin to enforce his initiatives or resign. If his initiatives are unpopular, my resignation would be an expedient move towards the presidency, otherwise I must remain and allow my sense of loyalty to the armed forces rule my unpleasant situation. Then I will proceed with an adamant and extremely violent force against the enemy. This too will be expedient toward being elected should I emerge victorious. Disgrace at that point is not an alternative. So you see, an unpopular decision by Daniel Martin would save me a lot of trouble. That is the route to victory my friend. I will sow seeds of discord between President Martin and the Federation Initiatives Committees and resign within the heat of the battle when I am called to up arms against Abdullah Melik, per se. I will insist that the worlds not neglect the possibility of an alien initiative in force and connect the two bombings with my own special reports that will give reasonable doubt to any other findings. The Nutopians will pay for all of the destruction, and I will be president.

What was it you said about having Wingate eating out of your Hands? Why should President Martin advance on the Islamic Front?

To prevent another drones war. Abdullah has more than you can shake a stick at and he is not afraid to deploy them. Everyone else has supposedly destroyed their non-surveillance drone military forces according to a treaty that the Islamic Front did not sign. Abdullah believes the Nutopians are diseased clones – which will be an advantageous accusation for my purposes. I will contend that the Nutopians themselves are diseased at some point.

Enough Vincent! You make me believe that you would use germ warfare were it necessary for you to prove your point.

What is your problem? We are human. They may be drones or mutants as Abdullah suspects. His accusations open the door to further investigation. If Abdullah is proven correct, Marc Brown will look like a fool. What is the worse that could happen if I am wrong?

War Vincent!

What war? There will only be the threat of war. That is of course unless the Nutopians decide to fight. Abdullah doesn’t have anything that will reach into Sector B. He will come after the United States – with drones.

Yeah with dirty little detachable faces – falling off all over the place.

Not one drone will evade our net Dick. They will fall harmlessly into the oceans.

How about the fish Vincent, and the seafood – and the water?

You worry too much. He will cede after the first wave goes down. They will be retrievable at his expense.

I am not seeing the pieces of this puzzle. You believe that would be a victory for you? If you resign – you blew it. If you remain, you blew it.

How did you ever become a chief executive officer Dick? I can’t spell it out better. I’ll be at the White House. Do not call me there. I will contact you after the lottery.

No problem Vincent, have a pleasant trip. Dick Chancey is beginning to believe that his stubborn friend is an ass.

Warden Denzel Greene is taking flack for his decision to allow the Nutopian conversion which has transferred the Human Communications Systems experiment into Nutopian territory, as it were. His dilemma is that he has the designs for the Nutopian Particle Accelerator and the knowhow to operate it, but it cannot be constructed without a Nutopian technician. There is a sixth sense that Nutopians have which Humans lack necessary to operate the Nutopian cyclotron which aids in the particle stream flow in the apparatus adjustment phase, which, if mishandled, will cause full system failure during operation.

Warden Greene contends that the trade is valid in that the Nutopian’s communications system can be duplicated and is exactly what they were trying to accomplish by their experiments. But the politics are about authority issues despite the success issues. The powers that be see this as an opportunity to screw Warden Greene. But he will argue legality where no precedent has been established to protect his position as Commandant of the Get Away for the Gods and work until he can retire with full appropriations. Marc Brown assured Warden Greene that he will be able to leverage his friendship with the Nutopians against unfair judgment if push comes to shove. The International Security Council passed the ball to the World’s Trades Commission which is too excited about the outcome of the lottery to build a case against Warden Greene. However, they dispatched investigators to examine the JHNT. Warden Greene accommodated them with a demonstration of the Particle Beam Accelerators capabilities.

The World’s Trade Commission investigators watched the Particle Beam Accelerator function as an abrasive, a surface hardener and a torch with an invisible beam of energy and space dust of varying power levels and particle grades respectively. The device itself is powered by Nutopian solid fuel and solar energy. Human technicians were forbidden to have any discussions with the investigators. All demonstrations were conducted by Nutopian technicians who strongly advised against making any conversions to the Particle Beam Accelerator without Nutopian supervision. The presentation got Warden Greene off of the hook.

In Sector B the Nutopians are slowly dismantling the interior of another mining ship to acquire materials to build JHNT Swift Crafts with atmospheric entry and exit capabilities and a larger version of Observation One. Ambassador Zok wants these crafts to have the same clearance that Sarah Ming gave Thebe and Observation One as well as clearance to the Nutopian Earth Area One which will be located in the Namib Desert in Africa.

Venus Alpha is the major heavy activity and construction zone for the Nutopians. One event and four conversions are in progress as well as final mining operations on the surface of Venus. The evacuation of the Hydronium Corporation and non-essential Daxton Robotics employees is in full mobilization and is receiving added funding from the private sector corporations of Earth which are also hiring many of them for future purposes. Nutopian maintenance crews are scouring all the barges that are to be used for purposes as yet disclosed, while other Nutopian construction crews assist with the demolition required to gut spaces for the new Experimentation Laboratory, Special Nutopian quarters and the Brown’s Estate.

Sir John Toole’s war is in his mind and heart. Bishop Thurmudsen’s ward John has confessed to shooting Jean Toole by mistake. He called John Toole, his real target, the cause of his master’s frustration and a bearer of lies and ill will towards his master’s hopes and dreams. Ward John is undergoing tests to determine how much of a clone he is before he is executed, and Bishop Thurmudsen is being charged with negligent homicide for harboring a clones offspring whom has committed a previous violent crime, and now another. Sir John Toole knows that given the Bishops position and power, little could come of the ludicrous charge against him. But Jean’s death must not be a mistake due to an error in his judgment. John thinks that his own prayers only place God on the witness stand as the defendant. Why did He allow two important women in his life to die by accidents? Where are they now? What are they doing? What purpose has their deaths accomplished? Is my agony a junction in the road of this mortal life? Is this the light burden that you promised or the fiery trial? Does Satan rule? He rose from his knees before the monument he made for Jean’s urn inside his Mars Alpha apartment. His ungodly intentions are cloaked by his counselling services. He is become a priest by day and a knight by night. As God’s unauthorized avenger, he will wield the staff and the sword. He will be gentle by day and extremely dangerous in the night. He will be gentle to righteous causes, and pronounce swift judgment and rain hell upon the powers of darkness.

All of John’s counselee’s recognize how detrimental the change in his character, as well as Jean’s absence are to his services. John is dark eyed and impatient with those who grieve. He does not listen to complaints as he used to, and he charges extra fees. In some cases, his clientele is paying him to succor him. This is the time when John will refund their fees – if he notices his impropriety. And out of Christian friendship, some refuse his refunds – rather offering them as sacrifices for John’s prayers. Such sacrifices make humility set itself against John’s lingering grief and awakens a hope of joy in his soul during the day. But in the ‘knight’, he uses the sacrifices to finance terrorism against evil. His sudden interest and intense study of commando tactics is a curious matter to Marc Brown. Akim Silim is concerned about the weapons he has ordered but will keep it a confidential matter – with the exception of Marc Brown, who he knows has John’s best interests and welfare in his heart. This information prompted Marc to pay John a special unannounced visit to his apartment. They sat with coffee at John’s kitchen table.

I want you to talk with Louis as soon as possible John. Marc said succinctly. John looked as if he wondered what Marc’s concern could be. Perhaps his guilty conscience has something to do with how he looks, Marc thought, considering his impetus to learn violent measures.

What in God’s starry heavens should I do that for? John asked bluntly.

I think you are going to need first-hand knowledge about the new course you are taking. It is contrary to your character John, Marc warned but John preferred evasion.

Characters can change roles Marc – according to the play.

Mmm, huh, I see. The play has not changed for us. The scene maybe – but the curtain has not closed. The show must go on as scripted. If the actors change the lines during the acts, the plot will be chaos. I think Louis will convince you to remain in character, Marc said warmly. John felt a bit of contempt towards Marc’s interference.

There is an, us, and there is a me Marc. I stand alone in this scene. It is a soliloquy. What is your concern?

I suspect that you are out for vengeance. I suspect that you intend to use the violence you are practicing. I suspect that Bishop Dale Thurmudsen may be your target.

John broke out in laughter. How will talking with Louis convince me not to do so if that were the case. Louis would probably do just the opposite. I don’t plan on killing Bishop Thurmudsen. John lied.

This is not a laughing matter John. Your words do not depict your actions. There are psychological consequences that I don’t think you will be able to handle. That is what Louis can best describe to you. Louis has never invited me to partake in his suffering as some others who have taken life has. I commend him for that and believe that he has good advice about the hardness of suppressing – pain. This is a matter where you should heed my advice and his counsel seriously. Marc warned.

You will just have to take my word for it Marc. I will not physically harm the bishop. But he is not off of the hook. I will determine what his reparations must be – in time.

What charges will you levy against me in your mind John? I sent you to the bishop.

None! I returned to him of my own free will, without you knowing my plan.

So you hold yourself accountable?

Yes. Fully! But not totally responsible – you know? John cried, his expression was painful. Marc’s heart melted with compassion; he would not want to be John Toole.

There are a lot of people that still need your services John. I know I do. But I think we need the John that Jean knew and loved. Bitterness can turn a person into a monster. What use will you be to anyone then? What use will you be to yourself? I won’t belabor the point any further at this time, said Marc while he stared into John’s eyes which have become cold.

The John that Jean loved died with her. I’ll try to remember everything she loved me for and act accordingly. But the duty I had as her husband – which I failed cannot be forgotten either. The bishop is determined to continue his so called, ’great work’ and push Jean’s death under the rug as a casualty of war. My excuse for Jean’s death is self-defeating – disgraceful. I must give meaning to Jean’s death Marc. It must stand for more than an error in my judgment.

Okay John – then attach it to a great mission – a greater cause than the bishops. Crush all resistance to Godlife in your sphere of influence with a passion.

I am a Christian.

Irrelevant, even the Son of God didn’t believe in himself apart from God! Trust God to do what is heavenly right since you have decided to do what is earthly good. We can protect the Nutopians, Jesus will save them – or have I missed something about the power of God?

How do I attach Jean’s death to this?

Jean trusted you. She believed in you. You have to believe that she still approves of your decisions despite the potential danger or inevitable uncertainties involved. The more vocal you are, the larger the audience will be when you laud her posthumously as a driving force in your life. Let her spirit remain alive John – with you. I beg you. We all still need you John.

I thought you were distancing yourself from Nutopian affairs.

I remain in the background John. We can do the work of Lords together. We will stand together between the Federation and anarchy in an invisible neutral zone for the HOST. Fate has set our lives apart to this task. I love humanity John, and I love the Nutopians. You do too. That is what you need to remember too. Don’t object to the HOST’s initiatives before you see the full picture. If their actions become repulsive, as a Lord, you will have a great voice in the matter if they can be persuaded that you have a better means to their objectives. If you openly defy them out of prejudice – and I know you are not going to like what I am about to tell you – you will be marked as a traitor and executed at the HOST’s discretion at the right time.

How long have you been aware of the HOST’s operations Marc?

I think it was since I refused to bed my own sister at knife point. It seems that every road in my life led upward to greater responsibilities from that point. I have always had the sense of being watched by a guardian angel. I was inducted into the Eagle’s Wings at the time that I became Director of the Worlds Space Council. Now I am Lord Marc Brown. I will have to learn what that means. I need you John.

Mmm – a Christian caught up in the world of covert operations – that is what I’ve become Marc. And Jean has paid the ultimate price for it.

Many ministers are caught up in their harsh worlds too John. Don’t be melodramatic. You are Sir John Toole too. But your duties are greater than your titles. God will have you after this world gets through with you. In the mean time you must be who you are, and remain steadfast in that for humanities sake. Where can you to retreat to? Stay true to yourself in this John. You are not fallen – oh my God, I need your word John. Can I depend on you to stay cool?

I will do my best to serve your needs Marc, but I cannot neglect another important matter – for Christs sake.

Speak to Louis before you join the killer’s club. Promise me that John – okay?

I will. Heh, now he is my counselor. Things have really changed. John marveled.

Marc is satisfied with John’s promise. He bade John a good day and left his apartment to pursue other business. John knows that he will keep his promise, but his mind is set on revenge. His talk with Louis will be a friendly chat and nothing more as far as he is concerned. Marc has also considered this, but he believes Louis will take the subject matter more seriously than John intends it to be. Louis will set him straight.

Joyce and Louis have come to terms that they believe will cement their vows and help them remain husband and wife despite the demands of their separate careers. Joyce has also made Louis see something within himself that he did not realize existed. It is something in him that says that he expects her to take the place of a higher power in his life. Joyce warned him that she will not be held responsible for his conscience – something which he felt he needed her for – a thing he longed for which no other person could supply. The moments of joy which they will share together is all she has to offer to ease his pain. Those moments will have to suffice for their continued happiness. They will have to make it their business to separate all other needs of other moments from their quality time together. They accepted this. They agreed that they love each other and will practice a special devotion that will superpose all other unions whether they are together or apart. These things were decided aboard their honeymoon voyage across the Atlantic Ocean in perilous times and stormy weather. They preferred the coziness and solitude of their cabin over the community activities and dining in the ship’s hall which is curtailed by the storm. Upper deck activities are also cancelled and shipmates are delivering sealed meals to the guests. The ship itself is not the usual cruise ship. It is designed to embark on less than optimum conditions which actually appealed to its daring guests who preferred an adventure more than clear skies and a calm ocean. It is a smaller, more enclosed ship with a powerful hydronium fueled engine and a water dynamic hull which cuts through menacing waves.

War and inclement weather. What a combination. I’m glad we’re together Louis, Joyce declared as she lay next to him, buried in his arms. The swelling rolling waves seem to have full control of the ship’s motion as far as she could tell and she is beginning to feel awful. Louis held her tight and planted intermittent kisses on her forehead. Unlike Joyce, he has been on many a stormy sea, both physical and psychological – he laughed. War and inclement weather, he repeated in his mind and kissed her again.

Is this natural Louis – I mean someone can be setting off charges in the ocean. It doesn’t feel natural.

This is natural Joyce. I hope it will blow over soon. This is an excellent ship. I don’t think we have much to fear. You’d have to admit; we’ve got what we paid for.

I’ve never been on a roller coaster this long. It’s been a full day Louis. I can’t say that I feel very well. Joyce buried her face into Louis chest.

I’ll get you something.

Oh no, don’t move!

Louis chuckled. Alright, I won’t move, he said and kissed her hair. The ship continued to rock, dive and recover as it pierced the waves while the captain and crew worked feverishly to remain on course in the gale winds and torrential rain upon crushing waves. Louis thought about how around the world the storms of human contention rise while many nations armed forces change into Federation uniforms. He pounded out the world scenario inside his head. The Vatican, Israel and the Islamic Front will not join the Federation. The Lawless Lands will be ruled by the most powerful anarchists who will have to contend with the scum of the earth – they will be the major threat to world peace. The Federation will not molest them, but will examine all those who apply for re-admittance into the Federation from that chaotic existence. The HOST will remain subversive – hmm. Louis cannot fathom what Joyce’s role would be in the scheme of things. He had promised her a place in Venus Alpha on the new science team when it is installed. But now she must be the wife of the Federations Security Chief on earth if he cannot run the forces from Mars Alpha. He wants the seats of power over the earth located in heaven among the stars and the Nutopians. That would be sensible and expedient. Carmine can still rule his Main Drag and monitor the activities of the most elite security force the worlds have ever known. Louis envisions Lord Harry Whitter as the Federations Chief of Space Operations and Lord Marc Brown as the first President of the Federation. That would be an organization he could live with and die for if necessary. He is certain that Joyce would approve. He kissed her hair. The ship and the storm is their cradle in the tree top now as they both slept.

Lord Harry Whitter and William Urskin met at a particular insignificant and secluded social club. Its seclusion is its neighborhood in a subcultural district of a very violent part of the United States of America. Their unshaven faces and local attire serve their cover well – along with their ability to swallow nasty beer. It is not a friendly meeting – just a necessary one. The discussion is about the future of the Worlds Space Council and access to certain finances that William Urskin had extorted from Kenneth Raines. They sat at a table for two, leaned towards each other and spoke just above a whisper – common behavior for their environment.

There isn’t going to be any Lawless Lands in the Tri-planet area. It is under Condition Green Protocol and all of the loose ends of criminal activity is tied, said Lord Whitter.

All? Urskin marveled.

All. Your knowledge is not a loose end. You are a free man William. You have to decide whether you want to be idle or busy.

Busy at what?

Advancing the Federation control of the Fourth Quadrant – under cover of course.

William Urskin smiled broadly and took a sip of nasty beer. And to whom will I be reporting?

The InnKeeper of the Worlds Space Council.

Marc Brown’s crony?

"He is no longer the