Star Fire

Star Fire
By Doris Ruth Mackey

         Mike heard a tapping sound and looked up his work. Captain Trevor Mason, a tall man with long dark hair and beard, was leaning against the door jam rapping on the door with heavy gold ring on his right hand. Mike put down his pen and stood up. "Trevor, you look terrible. Are you all right?"

         Trevor moaned, "No, I feel tired and sick. I can't adjust to Earth's atmosphere any more."

         "Nonsense, this building is climate controled, there's nothing wrong with the air. You probably just need to eat something. Come have lunch with me in the commissary."

         Trevor nodded and followed the stocky, balding, middle-aged man to the elevator. As the door closed Mike said, "Ground floor."

         Mike watched as Trevor selected a salad and a bottle of water, and said, "That's no meal for a grown man. At least take a burger."

         "I don't eat meat."

         "Then this is fine. It's not meat; it's soy." Mike put a burger on Trevor's tray.

         Trevor sat down and poked the burger. "It looks like meat." He took a bite and spit it out. "It tastes like meat. You, Earthers are crazy." He took a swallow of water. "I'll stick to the salad, at least with that I can tell what I'm eating. Now what's this favor you want me to do for you?"

         "I understand you're stopping on the Moon before returning to Mars Base."

         "Yes, I'm taking some supplies to the bio-lab. What does this have to do with your favor?"

         "I've someone at Lunar Base who needs to get to Mars, as soon as possible. The company would normally send a transport, but as you're making the trip anyway, I told them I'd get you to do it."

         "Well, I don't know. I don't usually take passengers."

         "They'll pay you the standard fee plus expenses."

         "Plus expenses, what's that mean?"

         "Your meals and room both here and during your stop over at Lunar Base."

         "In that case,I don't have any expenses. On Earth I stay in my ship; on the Moon, they don't charge me for food or room."

         "Good, then I'll see get you the basic expense plan, that's a standard amount whether you spend it or not. Don't tell me, you can't use the money, that old ship of yours must be expensive to maintain."

         Trevor pushed the last leaf of his salad around on the plate with his fork. "Ok, I suppose I can extend life support to the old crew's quarters. I hope this guy doesn't expect anything other than space rations."

         "Don't worry, she won't be any trouble. Marcy Sanders is used to space travel."

         "Wait a minute, a woman, you didn't say it was a woman. And Marcy Sanders of all people! No, forget it. Find someone else to do this. You can't pay me enough."

         "You know Marcy? Oh good God, She's the one you told me about last year!"

         Trevor stood up. "Find someone else. If I wasn't already obligated to deliver the supplies, I wouldn't go to Lunar Base knowing she's there."

         "Please it's too late to arrange other transport. I need you to do this. I didn't know she was the one you told me about, but then you never did give me any details."

         "Ok, I'll do it, but she has to stay in the crew quarters, and I mean stay, the whole trip. You make that clear to her. She stays away from me."

         "What did she do to you?"

         "It's none of your business. I said I'll do the transport and I'll do it." Trevor hurried out of the room, nearly tripping over the servo-bot that was clearing tables.

         Mike watched him leave. He'd never seen his life-long friend so agitated. He wondered if he'd made a mistake by asking him to do this.

*****

         When he returned to his office, Mike asked his secretary to get Marcy Sanders for him. He sat at his desk. His computer monitor lit up and a beautiful blonde woman with large deep-blue eyes appeared on the screen.

         "Mike, how are you?" she asked.

         "Fine, I've arranged your transport to Mars Base. The ship will be leaving Earth early tomorrow morning."

         "Wonderful! Thank you, Mike. I'll be ready to leave when it gets here."

         "There's just one thing. The pilot is Trevor Mason. I believe you know him."

         "Yes, I know him, but I haven't seen him for almost two years. How is he?"

         "He's well. He doesn't usually take passengers, but he agreed to do it this time as a favor for me. When I told him you were going to be the passenger, he became very upset. He almost backed out of the deal. What happened between you?"

         "I take it, he wouldn't tell you."

         "Last year, he told me that some woman broken his heart. Today, when I realized you were the woman and asked him for details, he said, 'It's none of your business.' I got the idea, I'm putting him in an uncomfortable position."

         "We met during my first visit to Lunar Base. Dr. Swartz asked him to give me a tour of the base. We hit it off. I really liked him. After that whenever I was at the base, we'd spend time together. Oh, wipe that smirk off your face."

         Mike leaned closer to the monitor."What happened?"

         "I liked our relationship as it was, but he wanted more. One day I arrived for dinner and found the table set with candles and roses, real ones. He was holding a diamond ring and asked me to marry him. I tried to let him down easily, but he took my refusal very hard. Later when I tried to talk to him, he wouldn't listen. If I came into a room he'd leave."

         Mike sat shaking his head. "Well that explains why he told me to tell you, he'll do the transport but you're to stay in the crew quarters for the trip."

         "If that's what he wants, I'll do it. I wish I could make him understand. I'd love to renew the friendship we had. But if he doesn't want to see or talk to me I'll stay in the crew quarters. I've plenty of work to keep me busy. I must to sign off now. I've got to get to a meeting."

         "Bye, Marcy. Thanks for letting me in on the big secret." The screen went dark.

*****

         The next morning Trevor watched the warehouse robots load the cargo onto his ship. He never truly trusted these robot workers. He turned to the robot beside him and said, "Seven, Go with them and make sure everything is properly loaded and secured for the flight." Seven was his creation, and he knew it could be relied upon to do things correctly. The robot obediently followed the warehouse robots into the hold.

         When the loading was complete, the warehouse manager walked up and handed him an electronic pad. "Captain Mason, We need your signature on the manifest."

         Before signing Trevor looked at Seven. The robot nodded and Trevor signed the document. The manager pushed a button and loaded a copy of the signed manifest into the ship's computer. The hold was sealed and the ship was ready for launch.

         Trevor was about to enter his ship with Seven to complete his pre-launch routine, when he saw Mike coming.

         "Hi Trevor, I thought come to see you off, and let you know I gave Marcy your message."

         "What did she say?"

         "She's sorry you feel that way, but if that's how you want it, she'll stay out of your way. For what it's worth, pal, I think you should talk to her."

         Trevor sat down on a crate and said, "She told you, didn't she? She told you how I made a fool of myself."

         "Yes, and she told me how much she misses having you for a friend. This might be your chance for a fresh start. At least think about it."

*****

         The flight to the moon was uneventful. He set the ship down on the pad outside the base warehouse and left Seven to supervise the robots unloading the bio-lab's supplies.

         Inside he found the director, Dr. Benjamin Swartz waiting for him. The two men embraced. "Trevor, it's been more than a year since you've been here. It'd good to have you back. You have your usual quarters and Elizabeth wants you to join us for diner."

         "Sure, I'll come. How's she doing?"

         "Very well, all things considered. She has both good and bad days. It's been four years, but the treatments still seem to be working. It will do her a lot of good to see you again. You know she thinks of you as her own son."

         "Yes, I know. Has she also invited Marcy?"

         "Yes, she has. I hope that's not going to be a problem." The old man laughed. "We could put you each at opposite ends of the table."

         Trevor couldn't help laughing too. "You're right, Doc. I've been acting like a fool. I'll see you at diner, but first I need to shower and change." Trevor head down the corridor that led to his quarters.

*****

         As he finished dressing for dinner, the door opened and Seven came in. "Captain, the bio-lab's supplies have been delivered. Do you require anything else?"

         "Yes, when we leave, we'll be taking a passenger. I need you to prepare quarters for our guest and pick up some additional food stores. The list is on the table."

         Seven picked up the paper and scanned it. "Is that all, Sir?"

         "When that's done you can stay on the Star Fire and prepare for launch at nine hundred hours."

         Seven left.

*****

         Trevor hesitated before knocking at the door of the Swartz's apartment. He felt a twinge of quilt that he had been away so long. After all, they had raised him as their own since the death of his parents when he was three years old.

         Nellie opened the door and greeted him. "Welcome home, Captain Mason. It's so good to see you again." Nellie was the Swartz's maid. She did all the cooking and cleaning, and cared for Elizabeth when her illness incapacitated her.

         Before he could reply to Nellie, Elizabeth called to him from the living room. "Is that you, Trevor? Come and give me a kiss. I've missed you so much."

         She looked much smaller and frailer than he remembered. He bent down and kissed her on the cheek. Then he pulled the ottoman over and sat down beside her. From his pocket he produced a small gold package. "I bought you a gift from Earth, some of those chocolate truffles, you love so much."

         "Thank you, dear, you're always so thoughtful." She rubbed the back of her hand on his cheek. "You've grown a beard. It looks good on you. You're so handsome. Isn't he handsome, Marcy?"

         Trevor took a deep breath and looked up. Marcy standing on the other side of the room. She smiled at him and replied, "Yes, Elizabeth, I've always thought so."

         Elizabeth started to stand and Trevor helped her to her feet. She said, "Now you young people have a nice chat while I check on dinner." She winked a Marcy and went into the kitchen.

         "Trevor, they didn't tell me you would be here, but I should've guessed. After all, Mike said that he arranged for me to go to Mars with you on the Star Fire."

         "About that message Mike gave you." He stared at the floor. "I didn't mean it. ~~ Well I meant it at the moment, but..." He looked into her eyes. "I sorry, I..."

         "It's all right, I understand." Marcy put a hand on his arm. "Are we all right now? Are we still friends?"

         "Yes, I'm sorry I over reacted. I took my best shot, but at least we're still friends. I'll settle for that." He started laughing. "Of course I still have the ring and the offer's still open, if you ever change your mind."

         Marcy hugged him and kissed him on the cheek. "Mmm, I like kissing a man with a beard. Maybe I will reconsider, someday."

         Trevor thought, Maybe Mike is right about this. "Are you packed and ready to leave for Mars?"

         "Yes, When ever you want to leave I'm ready."

         "Good, I'll send Seven for your things at eight hundred hours. We're scheduled for launch at nine hundred hours."

         "Good, I'll be ready."

         Elizabeth came back into the room with her husband. "Well now, is everything all right?"

         "Yes," Marcy answered. "Everything is fine."

         Trevor looked at the smile on Elizabeth's face and said, "Mom, we're still just friends."

         Elizabeth laughed, "Well, that's how it always starts." Then she took Benjamin's arm and asked, "Isn't it, dear?"

         "Yes, my love," he answered. "That's how it starts."

         "Dinner is ready," Elizabeth announced as she and her husband headed for the dining room. Trevor bowed, offered Marcy his arm and together they followed.

*****

         Marcy came onto the Star Fire's bridge. "Permission to be on the bridge, Captain? She asked.

         "Of course, I told you, I didn't really want you to stay in your quarters for the trip." Trevor replied. "By the way, are they all right?"

         Yes they're fine. Thank you for the flowers. They're beautiful."

         "Flowers? What flowers?"

         Trevor turned and looked at Seven. "Did you put the flowers there?"

         "Yes, Captain. I thought as our guest is a lady, the flowers were appropriate. Was I incorrect?"

         "No, Seven, you did the right thing. I only wish I'd thought of it."

         He turned back to Marcy. "So now that you've seen her, what do you think of the Star Fire?"

         "I thought the Star Fire was a old Class 230 freighter, but this bridge and the control panel look like what their putting into the new Class 2000's."

         "The Star Fire is a 230, but all this," he said, "is my own design. Originally to pilot this ship I needed a crew of seven, but now with this computer system, I only need Seven."

         Marcy smiled. "I'm impressed."

         "Mike thought he was doing me a big favor by getting his company to hire me to take you to Mars, but the truth is; I could easily retire on what the government is paying me to use my designs in their new ships."

         "Are you going to retire?"

         "No, I guess I'll keep transporting supplies. Besides, the reason I spend so much time in my ship is it gives me the privacy I need to develop my inventions. My workshop is in engineering. Would you like to see it?" He waved his hand and the lift door opened.

         When the door opened again and they stepped out into Trevor's workshop. As Marcy looked around she saw two drafting tables both covered with large rolls of paper, blueprints and diagrams, and a workbench with various tools and a partially assembled device. Then she saw an old fashion blackboard, drawn on it were a spaceship and a series of formulas.

         "What are you working on, a new ship? These formulas, I've never seen symbols like these."

         Trevor quickly flipped the board to face the wall. "I forgot about that. Please Marcy, it's classified; You never saw it."

         Marcy laughed. "Relax, I have security clearance."

         "Not high enough for this."

         "Ok, I understand. I won't ask any questions and I won't tell anyone." She made a gesture like locking her lips, and took another look around; against the wall on the opposite side of the room was a bed. "Well, this looks cozy."

         "Sometimes when I'm working, I also sleep down here. It's more convenient than going up to my quarters."

         Marcy sat on the bed, smiled at him and unbuttoned her blouse.

         "I didn't bring you down here for that."

         "But you want to, don't you?"

         Trevor sat beside her and looked into her eyes. He gently stroked the side of her face with his hand. "Is this how you define 'just friends'?"

         "What are you talking about?"

         Trevor sighed. "It's just that, you have so many friends. I need to understand what~"

         "~Trevor Mason, what are you suggesting?"

         "Please Marcy, I'm just trying to understand what you expect of me."

         "You didn't have any trouble that night in the arboretum."

         "Ah yes, in the arboretum after the party, we'd both had more to drink than we were used to. You played the tune, you're playing now," he closed her blouse and buttoned two of the buttons, "and I danced for joy. I thought, 'she does feel the way I do.' The next night I proposed and you turned me down."

         "And now you're getting even?"

         "No, I'm trying to say something I probably should have said back then." He stood up. "Marcy, I fell in love with you the day we met. The more time we spent together the surer I was of what I wanted. I want you to be my wife not just someone I sleep with now and then."

         "Then you're saying you won't make love to me because you're in love with me."

         He laughed. "It sounds strange, but it does sum it up." He sat quietly beside her, took her hand in his and kissed the fingertips and palm. Then he bowed his head and held her hand against his cheek.

         After a moment Marcy asked, "Trevor, are you all right?"

         He nodded and released her hand. "As scared as I am of losing you completely, I've made up my mind." He went to his workbench, opened a small drawer and took out a ring box. "I told you I still have it and this is where I keep it." He put it back into the drawer. "Please think about what I've said. We have about a month; Earth standard time, before we reach Mars. If at any point you change your mind and decide to accept my proposal, take the ring and put it on." He sighed and slowly closed the drawer. "If by the time we reach Mars, you still feel the same; we'll go our separate ways, with no hard feelings."

         Marcy finished buttoning her blouse. "If that's what you want. Do you want me to stay in my quarters?"

         "No, just play fair." He smiled. "Don't take off any more clothes; I'm weak and can only take so much."

         "Can I hug you?"

         "A hug would feel good right now." They embraced and held each other tightly.

         "Captain," Seven's voice came loudly over the intercom. "You are needed on the bridge."

         Trevor and Marcie got in the lift and returned to the bridge.

         On the bridge Seven was facing the large starboard monitor on which amid the stars could be seen a bright point of light that was traveling toward them.

         "Oh no," Trevor said. "I'm not ready for this. Seven, how long before them reach us?"

         "At their present speed, fifteen days, sixteen hours, fifty-four minutes and forty seconds, sir."

         "Can we hail them from here?"

         "No, sir. They will be close enough for communication in ten day and six hours."

         "Trevor, What's going on? Is that a spaceship? Coming from that far out, it can't be one of ours."

         "No, it's not one of ours."

         "Then the stories about a space pilot making first contact with an alien race are true. Were you that pilot?"

         Trevor nodded. "But I didn't expect them to come back this soon. It looks like your security clearance is going up fast."

         "What are they like? Do they look like us? How do you speak to them?"

         "They look a little like us except that they're blue. As for communication, Commander Imira speaks English, I've learned a little of their language and Seven has been programmed to interpret when needed."

         He pressed a series of buttons on the console. "Seven, continue to monitor their progress and let me know as soon as they are close enough for communication. Also try to reach the Night Bird and give Captain Alexander the rendezvous coordinates; I want her with me this time." He sat staring at the monitor.

         "What's wrong?" Marcy asked.

         "Nothing, why do you think something's wrong?"

         "You're biting your lip. Elizabeth told me you do that when you're worried about something."

         Trevor shook his head. "There's nothing wrong."

         Marcy rubbed his shoulders. "Well be careful. If you bite any harder, you'll draw blood."

         "I'm going to be busy here for the next few hours," he said without turning around.

         Before she left the bridge, Marcy took one more look at Trevor. He was still biting his lip as he stared at the monitor. As she watched him, she realized that he wasn't worried; he was scared.

*****

         For the next four days, Trevor barely uttered a word, except to give curt commands to Seven. He spent most of his time in his workshop, and while down there he would lock the lift to prevent Marcy or Seven from joining him. When on the bridge he paced and anxiously stared at the starboard monitor. His appearance was disheveled; it was obvious that he was not eating or sleeping. Marcy became more and more concerned.

         On the fifth day when he came up to the bridge, he looked ill. He stumbled as he walked and needed to lean on the control console. When he spoke to Seven, his voice was barely audible.

         Marcy grabbed his arm. "You're not going back to the workshop until you've eaten and had some sleep.

         He tried unsuccessfully to free himself from her grasp. "Let go, Marcy. I have work to do."

         She let go of his arm and called to Seven, "Don't let him on the lift."

         "It's programmed to only take commands from me," Trevor said. He turned back to the lift and was surprised to find Seven standing between him and the door. "Stand aside," he ordered.

         "No, Captain," the robot replied and extended its arms to completely block Trevor's escape.

         "No? I gave you an order, stand aside!"

         "You know my programming. Even your verbal commands can not over ride my prime directives, one of which is to protect you from harm, regardless of the source."

         "Deactivate!"

         "No, Captain. Go to your quarters; Miss Sanders will bring you food and drink. You may return after you have eaten and slept for eight hours."

         Marcy said, "Please Trevor, look at yourself. You're exhausted. Think of the mistakes you must be making." Trevor bowed submissively and Marcy accompanied him back to his quarters.

         Trevor paused for a moment in the doorway of his quarters. "Thank you, Marcy. Really I do feel wiped out."

         "No offence, but you also could use a shower and change of clothes. You shower and change while I go to the galley and get you something light to eat. After you had some sleep I'll fix you a proper meal. Then and only then will you be permitted to return to your workshop."

         He watched her head for the galley, then went into his room. He stripped off his clothing and threw it into the hamper. After laying a clean pair of sweat pant on the foot of his bed he went into the bathroom and turned on the shower. When he'd finished rinsing the lather from his hair and body, he turned the water flow to pulsating. He leaned against the wall and let the hot water pound on his aching neck and back. Slowly he slid down to the floor of the shower in a deep sleep.

         When Marcy returned, she held tray with one hand and knocked on the door. "Trevor, I'm back. Are you decent?" When he didn't answer, she opened the door and called to him again. She saw the pants on the bed and heard the water running. She opened the door to the bathroom and asked, "Trevor, have you been in the shower all this time?" When again she got no answer, she opened the door wider and saw, through the clear shower door, Trevor on the floor.

         She went quickly to the intercom. "Seven, come to the captain's quarters. I need your help." She then turned off the water and wrapped Trevor with a large towel; she used the smaller one to dry his hair.

         Standing in the bathroom doorway, Seven asked, "Miss, what has happened?"

         "He appears to have fallen asleep in the shower and I can't wake him."

         Seven knelt beside Trevor and placed its hand on his chest over his heart. "His vital signs are normal."

         "Then help me put him to bed," Marcy said.

         Seven gently picked him up and put him in the bed.

         Then Marcy covered Trevor with the sheet and blanket. She sat on the edge of the bed and looked at him. "You really do need someone to look after you. Sweet dreams, my love." She bent down and kissed him on the lips.

         As Trevor slept Seven monitored his life signs.

*****

         Seven check the panel on which he was monitoring Trevor. "Miss Sanders, the captain is awake."

         "Are you sure?"

         "Yes Ma'am, from the change in his vital signs it is clear that he is up and moving about his quarters."

         "I'll fix something for him to eat, by now he must be very hungry." Marcy hurried to the galley.

         When she arrived at his quarters, she entered and called to him. Trevor came out of the bathroom dressed in a dark blue jumpsuit, His long black hair was combed back and secured at the back of his neck and he had trimmed his beard. "My goodness, don't you clean up well," Marcy said. She put the tray down on his desk and pointed at the chair. "Now sit down and eat."

         "Yes Ma'am." He sat down and looked up at her. "How long was I sleeping?"

         "Nearly nineteen hours."

         "That's too long, I've got to get back to work."

         "Not before you've eaten and we've set some ground rules."

         "I'll eat, but as for rules ~~ have you forgotten whose ship this is?

         She ignored his question. "The rules are simple. When in the workshop, you will not lock the lift. I'll bring you food and beverage at regular intervals and you will work no longer than sixteen hours, without stopping to sleep."

         As she talked, he lifted the lid from the plate and his hunger took away all interest in arguing. He picked up the fork and took a bite. "This is good. You're not only beautiful and smart, you can cook too." He took another mouthful and thought, This is much better than my own cooking. He continued eating as she watched.

         When he finished he set the fork on the empty plate and turned to Marcy. "I'm not going to argue with you, you're right. I'm fortunate that you were here to see what I was doing to myself and stop me. But you have to understand, I haven't much time to finish what I'm doing and I must finish."

         "Then let me help you."

         "It's not in your field."

         "I learn quickly. Just tell me what to do, I can help you."

         "Ok, come with me."

         As the lift door opened the Marcy saw the device on the workbench was in three pieces and one of the sections was glowing bright red. Trevor gasped and ran to the bench. He picked up the glowing section, turned a dial and dropped it back onto the bench. As the glow faded, he stood holding his hand and grimacing with pain. The burn was beginning to blister.

         Marcy grabbed the first-aid kit and sprayed his hand with a cooling mist that stopped the burning and the pain. Then she bandaged his hand.

         "You were right about me making mistakes. That one could have cost us our lives." He pointed to the charred spot on the bench.

         "What is this thing?"

         "When fully assembled it's a bomb." He touched the bandage on his hand and winced with pain. "This is going to slow me up."

         "When did you start designing weapons?"

         "I didn't create this. I found it hidden deep in engineering after the Alearian ship left."

         "They planted this on your ship? Why?"

         "I don't know. I can't believe Imira had anything to do with it, but they were out of reach before I found it. I've been trying to figure out how to disarm it. The best I could do was divide it into three sections."

         "Are you saying it could still explode?"

         "No, as long as it is divided, it won't explode, but that doesn't mean it's harmless.He picked up the largest of the three sections. "This part contains the gelatinous explosive. The others contain the timing and trigger mechanisms. As long as I keep them apart..." He paused and stood looking at the device. "I wish I knew who planted it."

         "You said you found it after the Alearian ship left."

         "Yes, but I was on Earth just before I met with them. It could have been planted then; there's a lot of Alearian technology on earth.There are people on both sides who do not want an alliance between Earth and Alearia."

Indet}"How can there be Alearian technology on Earth?"

         Trevor continued working as he talked."The government allowed a leak saying that first contact was made about three months ago, the truth is, the Alearians have been present on Earth for about eight generations. They started out mingling among the population as observers, but slowly they be came more involved with day-to-day life. "

         "Wait a minute, you told me they're blue. How could they mingle with the population and not be noticed?"

         "Only the Azurans are blue skinned and they make up a very small part of the population. As on Earth, the people of Alearia have different skin, eye and hair colors. It was the Aborans and Coldarans who came to Earth. The Aborans have brown skin, dark eyes and brown or copper hair, while the Coldarans have light skin, thick curly black hair and dark eyes."

         Marcy laughed. "From that description, you could be a Coldaran."

         "I told you they became more involved with the Earthers. My mother was a Coldaran scientist; her field was genetics as was my father's. She was the first of the Alearians to actually marry an Earther."

         "So you are half Alearian?"

         "Yes, and I've been told I'm the only one." Trevor put down the section he was working on. "I'm stuck in the middle between two worlds. Both Earth Gov and the Alearian Counsel are using me as some sort of damn symbol to promote the alliance."

         Trevor stood up and leaned on the workbench looking down at the device and his diagram. "Oh my God, this was planted on my ship while I was on Earth. It was set to explode after I landed on Mars. It would have taken out the entire base, killing everyone."

         "Who had access to your ship?"

         "Anyone, Seven was off line for a systems check, anyone one could have gotten in and out while I was meeting with Earth Gov." Trevor was shaking with anger. "It would have looked like the Alearians did it. Who ever did this was willing to kill seventy-five Earthers to destroy any possibility of an alliance."

         "Seventy-six, Trevor, you would have been there too." She put her arms around him and held him tightly.

         Trevor looked at her. "Who can I trust? I'm caught in the middle. Every time I turn around, someone betrays me."

         "You know you can trust me."

         "Can I, Marcy, can I really? You work for Earth Gov. Did you know about my parents, before I told you? Is that why you turned down my proposal; I'm human enough to sleep with but not to marry."

         "Trevor, I swear I never knew." Marcy tried to get him to look her in the eyes. "The reason I didn't accept your proposal had nothing to do with you; it's me and my past. I do love you, I'm just not sure about marriage."

         Trevor backed away from her and started working on the third section. "Elizabeth and Benjamin knew the truth all those years and never told me. All of a sudden Earth Gov decides to dump it on me all at once. How my parents didn't die in an accident, some xenophobic Earthers murdered them along with six other Alearians. The Alearians packed up and left Earth; now Earth Gov wants them to come back and they want me to help convince them."

         "If you feel this way, why did you agree to do it?"

         Before he could answer Seven's voice came over the intercom. "Captain, we are being hailed by the Night Bird. Captain Alexander wishes to speak to you."

         "I'll take it here." Trevor pushed a button on the panel next the workbench and the wall opened to reveal a large screen over the bench.

         On the screen was a woman with short red hair and green eyes; the gold braid on her Space Force uniform identified her as a captain. "Well Trevor, it looks as though we're about to make history. Have you had any communication with the Alearian ship?"

         "Not yet."

         Marcy moved over to stand next to him. "Hello, Selena."

         Selena Alexander smiled. "Hello, Marcy, I was told you were traveling with Trevor. I've an official message for you from Earth Gov. They want you in on this so your clearance has been raised to Level A. Now Captain Mason, permission to come aboard?"

         "Granted. Dock your ship at the starboard airlock. I'll meet you there."

*****

         Marcy and Trevor returned to the bridge and found Seven facing the starboard screen. Its optical visor was flashing. "Seven report," Trevor commanded.

         The robot turned to face him. "The Alearian ship disappeared from the screen for a full forty seconds and when it reappeared it had traveled to within two days of our present location. It has now resumed its previous speed"

         Trevor stared at the screen. "How could they do that?"

         "Insufficient data." The robot replied.

         "Begin docking procedures for the Night Bird to the starboard port," Trevor commanded and the robot turned back to the control panel. He and Marcie headed to the airlock to greet Captain Alexander and the two men with her.

         "Captain Mason, I believe you've already met General McGuire and this is Ambassador Fieldstone."

         "We've already met, though I don't expect you to remember. You were just a babe in your mother's arm at the time. Your mother was a brilliant woman and you seem to have taken after her." The ambassador extended his hand to Trevor. "I've seen your handy work in those new explorer ships; brilliant designs, my boy, absolutely brilliant."

         "No offense, sir, but I rather not shake hands right now," Trevor held up his hand so the ambassador could see the bandage.

         "Would you like my ship's doctor to take a look at that?" asked Captain Alexander.

         Trevor shook his head. "It's all right, just a little sore, that's all." He turned back to the ambassador. "Are you going to Alearia?"

         "That's the plan, if everything goes well with this meeting, and Captain Alexander will be taking their representative back to Earth." Ambassador Fieldstone smiled. "I've been told Ambassador Nadda is a cousin of yours, my boy. She also was born on Earth." The ambassador's smile faded as he looked at Trevor's face.

         "You're telling me I had Alearian family on Earth and they left me behind." He spoke the words as though this revelation was causing him physical pain. He turned and walked away from the group.

         Marcie called to him, "Trevor, where are you going?" Then she said to the others, "He shouldn't be alone." and followed him down the corridor.

         The ambassador turned to the general. "You never told him! Why not? He deserves to know the whole story, not have dropped on him one fragment at a time."

         Trevor stopped halfway down the corridor, swore and slammed his fist into the wall leaving a clear impression of it in the metal, then sat on the floor holding his bloodied hand.

         "Well, that was a fine display," said Marcie.

         "Don't fault him, missy," said Fieldstone. "Both his parents had volatile tempers." He and General McGuire helped Trevor to his feet. "Now my boy, have you gotten that out of your system? Are you ready to talk it out? "

         Trevor nodded. "Selena, I guess now I do need your ship's doctor to look at my hand."

         "And then, you and I can have a chat," said Fieldstone. "I'll do my best to answer all your questions."

*****

         In the Night Bird's sickbay, Dr. Jansen directed Trevor to sit down on one of the beds. He put on his x-ray visor to examine the injured hand.

         Trevor gasped, his eyes rolled upward until only the whites could be seenand then he went limp. General McGuire caught him and laid him down on the bed.

         The doctor stared at the hypo-spray in the general's hand. "What did you do?"

         "Don't worry about it, Doctor. It's just a sedative. You take care of his hand."

         Dr. Jansen put the visor back on and looked through it at Trevor's hand. "Exactly what I expected, multiple fractures..." The doctor gasped. "What's this? I've never seen anything like it. The fractures are healing, rapidly." For an hour he gazed through the visor. "Amazing, the hand is completely healed. The damage he had should have taken weeks, if not months to heal and he still would have some loss of use." He turned to McGuire. "Did you know this was going to happen?"

         "I was pretty sure, it would. Have you checked the burn on the palm of his hand?"

         Dr. Jensen turned the hand over. "There's no burn and no indication that there ever was one."

         The general said. "The regenerative ability of a healthy adult Alearian is remarkable to say the least. The question is what else has he inherited from his mother?"

         Trevor moaned and struggled to sit up. "Restrain him," he ordered the three men with him. They bound Trevor to the bed with two leather straps, one across his chest and one across his ankles, and shackled his hands to the sides of the bed. Then McGuire picked up the hypo-spray and gave him another shot.

         "What are you doing? That's too much." The doctor tried to undo the restraints.

         The general pushed him back. "You, sir, are a Space Force Officer; you will do as you are ordered. You will examine him thoroughly. I want to know how much of this half-breed is human and how much is alien."

         Dr. Jensen shook his head. "I'm Space Force but you're not. You don't have any authority here." The men with the general drew their weapons as he reached again for the restraints. He touched the communicator on his shoulder and said, "Code 6, Sick bay." Then he said to the general, "Ship's security is on the way. Now let me treat my patient before that over dose you gave him puts him into cardiac arrest."

         "I don't think so. You say a human would die from such a large dose. He's not human; let's wait and see what it does to him."

         Captain Alexander and four security officers burst through the door with their weapons drawn and Marcy and Ambassador Fieldstone followed them in. The security officers had no trouble subduing the three men helping McGuire.

         McGuire moved quickly and knocked Dr. Jensen down onto his knees and then put his weapon to the back of the doctor's head. "Keep back, Captain."

         Jensen said, "Captain, he's killing Captain Mason."

         Marcy pushed her way forward so she could see Trevor. When she saw him bound to the bed, he was gasping for breath and his lips were a pale dusty blue. She screamed his name and ran to him, but reached him as he gave up the struggle. "He's not breathing." Tears streaked her face as she tipped his head back and tried to breathe for him. "Help me, please. He's dying."

         McGuire laughed. "Forget it, there's nothing you can do for him now."

         "Why are you doing this?" Alexander asked. "You won't succeed."

         "Once he's dead, my mission's done. The Alearians will flee just like the last time and there will be no alliance."

         Captain Alexander kept him talking and facing her as an orb of light was growing behind him.

         One of his men saw it and yelled, "Look out, behind you."

         McGuire spun around and stared at the belt buckle of a blue giantess.

         Commander Imira was over eight feet tall. Her skin was pale, shimmering blue, her waist length hair was straight and black with shining blue highlights, and her eyes were the color of dark blue sapphires. Her dark blue lips spread into a broad smile as with one hand she took his weapon and with the other she lifted him into the air by his shirtfront. "Captain Alexander," she purred with a deep throaty voice. "What you want me to do with this pathetic creature?"

         "Put him down carefully, Commander. He has a lot of questions to answer."

         Fieldstone and Jensen ran to Trevor and removed the restraints. The doctor began trying to revive him. Finally, after trying everything, Dr. Jensen said, "It's no use. He's gone."

         Marcy collapsed sobbing into the ambassador's arms.

         Imira stood by the bed looking down at Trevor's body. She gently caressed his bare chest with her hand. "He is still warm. There is still hope." From her pocket she produced a small glowing orb, for a moment she toyed with it rolling about in her hands as though attempting to warm it. Then as she held it over his chest, a long pointed spindle extended from it.

         "What's she going to do?" Marcy asked.

         "It's all right," said Fieldstone. "I've seen this done before." He tightened his grip on Marcy.

         Marcy screamed and tried to get free from Fieldstone's hold as Imira plunged the spindle through Trevor's chest and into his heart, the orb began to flashing, changing color with every flash. Suddenly Trevor's back arched lifting him off the bed and he began to scream.

         Fieldstone continued to hold Marcy as she yelled, "Stop, you're hurting him. Can't you hear. He's in pain?"

         Imira smiled. "And to feel pain, he must be alive." When she removed the device from his chest, it left no wound. Trevor was trembling; she helped him into a sitting position on the side of the bed. "Take deep, slow breaths, Trevor, son of Annisha, and the tremors will stop."

         Fieldstone released Marcy. She sat down next to Trevor, and held him as he followed Imira's instructions.

         He looked at Marcy's face. "Please don't cry, he whispered hoarsely. Though his hand was shaking he reached up, wiped the tears from her eyes, and then rested his head on her shoulder. When the tremors stopped, he kissed her on the cheek.

         Imira spoke briefly with Dr. Jensen then turned to watch Trevor and Marcy. she frowned and thought, So this is the puny Earther female he would give himself to. I will still have him.

         She forced herself to smile, then she turned to Captain Alexander and Ambassador Fieldstone and said, "I shall return to my ship. When he is fully recovered, I'll bring the others over to the Star Fire and we can proceed." She raised her left hand to her right shoulder, bowed, and then vanished in a flash of white light.

         Captain Alexander turned to McGuire and the men with him. "Now, who are you? I received a message from Earth Gov, just before Doctor Jensen called for security, saying they had found the real General McGuire and his staff. They had all been murdered." When the four refused to answer, she turned to her Security Chief. "Put them in the brig. We'll let the authorities on Earth sort them out."

         As they were lead out of the room, the four men yelled, "Earth belongs to humans race. Keep the race pure."

*****

         After Alexander and the security officers left, Fieldstone stood watching Trevor and Marcy. The doctor had elevated the head of the bed so Trevor could lean back and rest. Marcy stood beside him. As they talked quietly, with her fingers, she traced the place on his chest where Imira had plunged the strange device. Fieldstone smiled and thought, this has been a traumatic experience for both of them but thankfully it appears to have brought them closer together. Perhaps things will work out after all. He started to leave but saw Dr. Jensen return to the room with an Azuran male, so he rejoined the group.

The Azuran male's coloring was the same as Imira's but he was not quite six foot tall and his head was shaven. "This is Dr.Tellon, the doctor on the Averone,Commanded Imira sent him to check Trevor," said Dr. Jensen. He looked at the expressions on Trevor and Fieldstone's faces; they were smiling and trying not to laugh. "What's...?" He turned and looked at the Azuran. Tellon was staring at Marcy, with a look of surprise and wonder on his face.

         Marcy shot an annoyed look at three men and then asked, "Is something wrong, Dr. Tellon?"

         He quickly looked down at the floor. "I'm sorry, I meant no offense." His face slowly changed from pale blue to maroon. "I've never seen a female like you before. You're so... so..."

         "Spoken for," Trevor said with a laugh.

         Tellon gasped as he looked from Trevor to Marcy. "I'm sorry. I assure you all, I'm joined and the father of five." Tellon held up his left hand and pulled back his sleeve to show them the wide engraved gold band on his wrist. "I would never break my vows."

         Marcy put her hand on his shoulder. "It's all right, Tellon, you haven't done anything wrong."

         Trevor said, "She hasn't any idea the power she has to turn men's heads. I stared at her the same way the first time I met her."

         "It's an awesome power," added Doctor Jensen. "We can only pray that she uses it for good."

         Fieldstone tried to stifle his laughter but failed.

         Marcy said, "Stop it, all three of you. You should be ashamed of yourselves."

         Tellon was still blushing but at least now he was smiling. "I guess I've made quite an impression, though not the sort I wanted to."

         Fieldstone stepped forward. "Tellon, son of Avera, I hope you will accept my sincere apology for our having a little fun at your expense."

         Tellon started laughing. "I was so nervous when I came here. I'd never met Earthers before and was so unsure of proper conduct."

         I don't think you should let them off so easy," Marcy said. "You should get even."

         "Who says I'm not going to?" He flashed a broad smile at them and his sapphire eyes glistened with mischief. He winked at Marcy. "When they least expect it."

         Suddenly the monitor attached to the bed began beeping. Trevor held the side of his chest as though he was in great pain and slumped over to one side. Tellon swore in Alearian, and said, "I should never have allow myself to be distracted."

         "What's wrong?" Marcy asked. "He was getting better, what's happened?"

         Tellon looked at her and then at the ambassador.

         "Right," said Fieldstone. "Come, Marcy, let's give them room to work." He put his hands on her shoulders and tried to steer her out of the room.

         "No! I want to stay. I want to know what's happening."

         Tellon began taking things out of the bag that hung from his shoulder and laid them out on the table next to the bed.

         "Please Marcy, I must insist that you go with the ambassador" Doctor Jensen said.

         Fieldstone led her out the door as she cried. "I don't understand. He was getting better. He was joking and laughing."

         "Will he be all right?" Jensen asked as he watched Tellon wave his scanner over Trevor's chest.

         "Yes," Tellon said and sighed with relief. He broke open a small vial of green liquid and carefully put five drops under Trevor's tongue. "This will steady his heart rate and after some sleep he'll be fine."

         You still appear concerned. Is there something wrong?"

         Tellon smiled. "No, He will be all right." He gathered his things and placed them back into his bag. Then he turned back to Doctor Jensen. "When you examined him, did you notice anything unusual?"

         "Are you referring to the position of his heart? I thought it was because he's half Alearian."

         It's not normal for Alearians either. The only occasions I know of this occurring are in the case of twins. Alearian twins are the mirror image of each other. Do you know if he is a twin? "

         I don't know about a twin, but Ambassador Fieldstone may know. He knew Trevor's family. Are you saying he might have a brother somewhere?"

         Alearian twins are very rare, and at least one is still born in every case. Though it's usually the one with the reversed organs." Tellon hung his bag on his shoulder. "I'll have a talk with the ambassador later. The more important question is how did Imira know?"

         How did she know what?" Jensen asked.

         Which side his heart is on. The probe must be placed in the exact center of the heart. Even if she knew there had been a twin, the logical assumption would be that his heart would be on the left. How did she know?"

         Jensen sat listening to Tellon. "I don't understand why it's important. Whether she knew for sure or she guessed, she saved his life. She revived him when I couldn't."

         "I can't explain right now, but it is important." Tellon turned and looked at the sleeping Trevor. "Promise me that you will not leave him alone. Someone must be with him at all time, while Imira is here."

         "You can't be suggesting the commander would do anything to harm him."

         "I don't believe she wants to kill him, if that's what you mean. The counsel had me replace the Averone's doctor to investigate certain allegations of impropriety concerning Imira. Your records show that after the last meeting, the Night Bird was called back to the Star Fire for a medical emergency."

         "Wait, how do you know what's in my records?"

         "I scanned the Night Bird's medical records before coming here. I apologize, but I'm conducting an investigation. I wanted to know all I could about the Son of Annisha before meeting him. Please tell me what happened."

         Jensen nodded. "The robot made the call, claiming to have found Trevor unconscious in his workshop, but when we arrived Trevor was starting to come around. He was only partially dressed and had bruises and scratches on his body but when questioned about them he became extremely agitated, but wouldn't say how they happened. Captain Alexander had a private talk with him then she told me to just treat his injuries and not ask any questions." Jensen paused for a moment and looked over his shoulder at the door. "Of course," he spoke in a whisper, "before he went back to the Star Fire, I over heard her say to him, 'She had no right to do this to you. You must tell the council what she did.'"

         "How did he respond?"

         "He told her to let it drop. It was done and over and he just wanted to try forget about it."

         Tellon nodded. "I understand his reluctance, but if she did what I think she did, she committed a serious crime, on both our worlds. The council must be told." He stood up. "You also tested his blood for drugs; may I have a copy of that report?"

         Jensen went to his console and then came back with a copy of the report. "I guess the drug I found is Alearian. Would you mind telling me what it is?"

         "It's called Calfeary," Tellon took hold of the report but Jensen still held on to it. Tellon sighed and continued. "It was outlawed generations ago, long be for males were given Right of Choice. Females used it to make an unwilling male compliant."

         "Compliant?"

         "When a female would chose a male with whom she wanted to join, he had to comply. If he was unwilling or unable, he would be given Calfeary. Under its influence he had to join or die. Now all males have Right of Choice and use of Calfeary is forbidden." Tellon put the report into his bag.

         "Why would she do this to him?" Jensen asked.

         "If she could get the Son of Annisha to submit and be her mate, it would give her power in the counsel. He must tell them what she did to him." Tellon looked atTrevor again. "I have to go back to my ship. Please try to arrange for someone to stay with him." Tellon touched the small device on his right shoulder and said, "I'm ready." Then he vanished in a flash of white light.

*****

         Captain Alexander sat in the dark by Trevor's bed. He began to talk in his sleep. Though tshe couldn't understand what he was saying, she knew his dream was not pleasant. She shook him. "Trevor, wake up. It's only a dream, wake up."

         He woke suddenly and yelled, "Get off me." He shoved her and she fell to the floor by the bed. He opened his eyes and saw her sitting on the floor. "Selena, I'm sorry, I didn't know it was you."

         "Who did you think it was? You thought it her, didn't you?" Selena stood up and dusted of her uniform. "You haven't been able to forget. It still haunts your dreams."

         He looked away from her and nodded.

         "There are members of the Alearian Counsel here. You should tell them what she did."

         "I can't, it was hard enough to tell you. I can't tell anyone else. Besides I don't want to do anything that might interfere with the alliance."

         "Ok, I'm not going to force you." Selena touched his arm. "From what Tellon told Dr. Jensen, I think he suspects. You should talk to him. It's possible you are not the only one she has done this to."

         "Who did what to whom?" Marcy asked as she walked up to them. She had a glass that she handed to Trevor. "I brought you one of those icy cold protein drinks you like for breakfast."

         Trevor took a sip. "Thanks." He turned to Selena. "Don't worry. I'll be all right." He finished the drink. "Now I have to go back to the Star Fire and get ready for this conference. Soon it will be all over, I can deliver the supplies to Mars Base and get some rest."

         Selena smiled. "I took the liberty of preparing the Star Fire's conference room, so you don't have to be bothered with that."

         Trevor stood up and wavered a moment as though he was unsure of his balance. Marcy took hold of his arm. "Perhaps Dr. Jensen should check you before you go."

         "No, I'm all right."

         "Then I'm going to walk with you," Marcy said, still holding his arm.

         Trevor did not object and they left together. As they exited the air lock into the Star Fire, Marcy asked, "Who was Selena talking about and what did she do to you?"

         |Trevor swallowed. "You heard that much?"

         "Yes, I heard. Who is this she and what did she do?"

         She watched his face and tried to figure out what he was thinking. Twice he looked directly into her eyes and opened his mouth as though he was going to speak, but then turned away. He was running his fingers though his hair and biting his lower lip. Marcy put her arms around him and hugged him tightly. "All right, you can tell me when you're ready," she said. She thought, I don't know what you did to him but when I find out who you are, I'll scratch out her eyes and snatch her bald."

         Trevor kissed her. "We both have to get ready for the conference. I'll come to your quarters to get you." He went into his quarters and Marcy continued down the corridor to hers.

*****

Trevor finished getting dressed. He stood in front of the mirror and adjusted the gold braid on his shoulders. This was the first time he had worn his Space Force uniform in over ten years. As he looked into the mirror he saw an orb of light forming behind him. No, he thought, not again. He put his hand on the weapon holstered on his belt and turned to face the light.

         With a flash Tellon appeared. He stared nervously at the weapon in Trevor's hand. "I didn't mean to startle you, but I need a private talk with you."

         "Private," Trevor sneered. "I'm don't think Azurans know the meaning of the word." He placed his weapon back into the holster. "What do you want?"

         "First, if I'd been Imira, would you have fired?"

         Trevor leaned back against the dresser and thought. "Honestly," he said. I don't know, but I do know I wouldn't have put it away. Why are you here?"

         "A former crew member accused Commander Imira of certain improprieties and the counsel has put me on her ship to investigate. I saw things in your medical records on the Night Bird that made me think that you might have also been a victim."

         Trevor turned away from Tellon. "I don't know what you're talking about."

         "You know." Tellon pulled out the desk chair and sat on it. "You also know what you have to do."

         "You've got your crewman, isn't that enough?"

         "No, it's not. We need you to come forward and tell the counsel what she did to you." He stood up and put the chair back in its place. "Or do you expect me to believe you swallowed 100 milligrams of Calfeary on your own."

         Trevor looked at him. "Is that what she used? She told me she'd put something in the wine to make me relax."

         Tellon sat down again. "Tell me what happened."

         "Ok, I can see you're not going to let go of this until I do. I'll start by telling you, she didn't get what she wanted."

         "Really?" Tellon asked. "It has always been said that if a male fights the effect of Calfeary, he'll die."

         "Yes, she told me that, and I felt like I was going to but I didn't." Trevor sat on the side of the bed. "The last conference lasted three weeks. While the diplomats did their thing, the commander and I spent a lot of time together, talking. I learn a lot about the Alearian side of my heritage from her. Then one day during the second week, without any warning she kissed me. I was slowly getting over the shock of her tongue in my mouth, when I realized where her hands were, and pushed her away."


         "What are you doing?" I asked. I stood to my feet and tried to keep the chair between us."

         "Come now, Trevor, Son of Annisha, you must be aware that you are an attractive male. I want to join with you, I want you to father my children." She reached for me.

         I stayed behind the chair. "No offense, but no thank you. It's not that you're not lovely. I'm sure there are many Alearian men who would jump at the offer, but I don't feel that way about you."

         "I can change that." She pushed the chair aside and pulled me to her. "You don't know what you're turning down. Let me show you."

         I couldn't free myself from her hold. Fortunately she received a signal on her communicator calling her back to her ship. Before she left, she said, "We'll continue this later." She smiled; that smile chilled me to the bone.

         After that incident I spent more time on the Night Bird and made sure to never be alone with her. This seemed to amuse her.

         The conference ended and the Night Bird left taking the Earth Gov folks back to Earth. I thought the Averone had also left. I was alone in my workshop. When Imira appeared. She had two bottles of wine with her. She said she was sorry if she had offended me and wanted to give me a gift before she left. She opened one bottle and poured two glasses. We clicked the glasses together and drank the wine.

         Suddenly it felt like the room was spinning off center. I dropped the glass and it shatter at my feet. I closed my eyes to ward off the spinning sensation and felt Imira guiding me to the bed. She sat beside me and whispered into me ear. "Just lie back with your eyes closed. The dizziness will fade away soon."

         "I don't understand. Wine has never affected me this way before," I said.

         I felt her breath against my ear. "It's not the wine, my love. I put something in it to help you relax."

         "Relax? You drugged me? Why?" I had felt her touching me but only then did I realize she was removing my clothes. I tried to sit up and stop her, but spinning began again.

         She whispered, "Just relax and I will do all that needs to be done."

         "I don't want to do this."

         "When the drug takes effect you will. Until then lay back and let me show you real pleasure."

         "Get off me, you blue freak," I shouted and pushed her as hard as I could. She lost her balance and fell on the floor. When she got up rage was burning in her eyes. She hit me, knocking me off the bed and I tumbled and slid across the floor six feet and hit the wall."


         Tellon interrupted, "Well that explains the bruises and scratches."

         Trevor continued. "I struggled to my feet and threw a chair at her. I missed but she didn't. She hit me harder than I've ever been hit. I fell, and the back of my head hit the floor. When I woke up Selena and Kevin... that is Captain Alexander and Dr. Jensen were standing over me. Until now Selena is the only person I've Now I've told you. I feel sick just thinking about it. Please, let it end here."

         Tellon stood up. "I'll tell the counsel what you've told me. I'm sorry but you still may have to repeat this at a hearing."

         As Tellon reached for his communicator Trevor asked, Can you tell me why she did this?"

         "You are the Son of Annisha. To have you as her mate would give her a voice in the counsel." Tellon said and vanished.

v

*****

         Meanwhile, in her quarters, Marcy tried to decide what to wear. She picked three outfits and laid them out on the bed wondering if any of them was appropriate. Finally she chose the teal suit simply because Trevor had once said he liked it. She took the clip and pins out of her hair; finger combed it to fluff the pale blonde curls and then tied a gold ribbon around her head to keep the hair away from her face. She knew Trevor would approve. She laughed as she looked at herself in the mirror. She had once sworn she would have nothing to do with men or marriage, now she found herself dressing for a man.

         She knew though that what he really wanted to see her wearing was that ring, in the workshop drawer. He tried not to let her notice but the first thing he did every time she came into the room, was look at her left hand. She could almost feel his disappointment every time. How can I make him understand, she thought. It's not that I don't love him, but the very thought of marriage scares me. It certainly never did my mother any good.

         Marcy's father married her mother because she was pregnant, but disappeared only three days after Marcy was born. By the time Marcy was ten; she had had three stepfathers. The first was a gambler, the second be an abusive drunk and the third was a thief. After he went to jail, her mother had one boyfriend after another, each one worse than the last.

         She knew in her heart that Trevor was nothing like any of them, and after the experience yesterday, she knew she didn't want to lose him. I wonder if he means it, when he says it's marriage or nothing?

         Marcy heard knocking on the door and Trevor's voice. "Are you ready?"

         "Come on in," She said. When she saw his uniform she said, "You're in Space Force? You never told me."

         "I was in Space Force; I resigned five years ago, but they recalled me for this." He entered into the room. "Instead of high school I went to the academy. I was the youngest graduate in history. I worked my way up to captain in two years, but it wasn't the life I wanted." He sighed. "You look beautiful." He held the door for her and then they walked together to the conference.

         As they entered the room Trevor quickly looked around, he was relieved to see that Imira was not there.

*****

         Tellon returned to his office in the Averone's sickbay. He stood at the counter and entered the details of his report into the computer to transmit to the counsel. He was almost finished when he heard the doors open and close behind him. "Take a seat," he said without turning around. "I'll be with you in a minute." His eyes widened with fear as he heard the hum of a laser gun, before he could move the beam hit him in the back. He fell to the floor; his body convulsed and then lay still. Unseeing his eyes stared up at the ceiling.

         His attacker stepped carefully over his body, deleted the report and then left locking the doors.

         Moments after the attacker left, Tellon gasped and began breathing again. He was paralyzed but alive. He thanked the Divine One that his attacker either hadn't meant to kill him or was unfamiliar with the settings on the weapon. Still he needed help, but he couldn't move or speak. There was only one thing he could think of. He closed his eyes and concentrated. Mana, Mana, I need help. I've been attacked. I'm hurt.


         In the conference room Counsel Avera was talking with Ambassador Fieldstone. Suddenly her eyes welled with tears as she heard her son's cry in her mind and felt his pain. "

         "Lady Avera, what's wrong?" Fieldstone asked.

         "My son, Tellon is in trouble. I must go to him." She stood up and reached for her communicator.

         Fieldstone stopped her hand. "You shouldn't go alone." He called Capt. Alexander, Dr. Jensen and Trevor over and said, "It seems our friend, Tellon is in trouble. I think we should go with his mother."

          Avera touched the communicator and said, "Five to come over."

         "Yes, Counsel," replied the person at the other end.

         Once on board the Averone the five of them hurried to the sick bay. As they went down the corridor Commander Imira met them. "We need to get to my son," Avera said. "He's hurt."

         Without asking any questions, Imira went with them. When they reach the sickbay the doors were locked. Imira punched the override codes into the control panel but they still wouldn't open. She gripped the edges of the doors with her large, strong hands and forced the doors open.

         Inside they found Tellon lying on the floor. Avera knelt by his side. "My child, what has happened?"

         Tellon struggled to concentrate but his pain was getting worse. His thoughts were fragmented. Mana, laser gun, shot.

         Avera looked to Dr. Jensen. "Help him. He's been shot with a laser gun. He's in pain and can't move."

         Jensen shook his head. "On the Night bird I would know what to do, but here... I can't read Alearian. Can he use telepathy to tell you what I should do?"

         Avera held Tellon; they closed their eyes. Avera spoke. "In the drawer on your left there is a hypo-spray and in the cabinet above you will find ampoules containing an amber liquid. You will need three of those."

         Dr. Jensen took out the vials, loaded the hypo-spray and pressed it to Tellon's neck.

Work In Progress
More to be added later