Wishing On A Star

Chapter 20

Chapter 20

"What sort of "situation" Mrs. Draaka?" inquired Sandrick. By now Morkai and drifted over and took over. "We've brought Andy Bickford as you requested sir, but as he is now married, and his wife couldn't be left alone, she is with him as well." Sandrick shrugged, "Oh if that's all, there shouldn't be any problems…" "Um sir," continued Morkai, "I'm afraid there's more." I could tell from Sandrick's expression, he didn't like what he was hearing. "Just before we were scheduled to leave, Andy's sister, and Holly's cousin was involved in a life threatening situation, she was badly beaten by her husband, and it wasn't safe to leave her or her two children in a position where her husband could get at her…As a result we had no other choice but to bring her as well as her two children along, they're up there right now." Sandrick studied us for a moment then said, "You say her husband beat her, how so?" Both of us described her injuries, as well as the state in which we found her. "And she is your cousin Mrs. Draaka?" I nodded, "Yes sir, as well as being Andy's sister." Sandrick stood there for several moments lost in thought, then said, "Is she seeking asylum ?" "No sir," replied Morkai, She'll be returning with us on our next trip back to Kagor." "And you say she was found severely beaten?" "Yes sir, she was," I replied.

Sandrick appeared to be thinking some more, then he looked at Morkai, and said, "You're real close on this one Draaka, real close! If however she will consent to asking for temporary asylum I think we can allow her and her children a temporary pass, let me see her." With that, we all went upstairs to the galley where everybody was waiting nervously. Sandrick shook hand s with Andy as well as his wife, but then sat down and looked right at Sally who still exhibited bruises as well as a black eye. Andy looked at Morkai and I seeking a sign of some sort, but Morkai just shrugged. Sandrick studied Sally for a moment. I was afraid she would become frightened by Sandrick's eyes, but she just sat there holding her children. Pointing to her black eye, Sandrick asked her, "Your husband do that?" She sniffed, and nodded. In a quiet and unusually tender voice, Sandrick said, "If a man did that to his wife here on Falth he would be sent to Phobos station which is a prison that orbits Syria one of our moons, believe me it is not a pleasant experience. I see you have little ones, what are they're names?" Sally began to perk up and replied, This is Todd, and this is Jenny. For the next twenty taq's Sandrick chatted with Sally and the children, Morkai looked at Andy and I , shrugged , and just shook his head, apparently everything was going to be all right. Something about Sally and her situation had affected Sandrick in a way none of us had expected, both Andy and I breathed sighs of relief.

Finally Sandrick got down to business registering Andy, Emily, who he seemed to be equally charmed with, as well as Sally and the children. All had their pictures taken, as well as retinal scans, and fingerprints taken. Sandrick seemed hesitant at having to require the children to undergo this inquiry, both complained at having to look into a bright light for the eye scan, he apologized several times, which again revealed a side of the man that completely baffled Morkai. I barely knew him but Morkai was flabbergasted at his sentimentality. As he prepared to leave he informed Andy that he wanted to see him in his office tomorrow morning, early! "You folks look pretty tired, take the rest of the day to rest up over at Drolugi's then my office tomorrow morning ." After he left, Morkai told Nargra about Sandrick's behavior, Andy and I weren't sure what had just happened until he explained. "I was expecting Sandrick to come down on me like a meteor shower, something's up with him though he seems to have a tender spot for Sally for some reason, Andy consider yourself very lucky indeed, he seemed charmed by Emily as well. Perhaps we'll find out more about the whole thing tomorrow. Well let's head for Drolugi's, everybody grab your gear, oh and one thing, everybody listen up. "In a few moment's we'll be exiting the ship and walking over to the Shai Alyt security gate, you are going to be exposed to sights and sounds you've never hear before, it's going to be loud and frightening if you've never been exposed to the confusion before. Try to stay focused, and ignore the distractions. Sally, you might want to keep a real tight control of your children, they might panic."

It was as I suspected, the light and space, as well as the noise, confused and upset everyone, ships passing overhead, loudspeakers blaring, flight crews trying to get by. A jamb up at security created more confusion, Sally and Emily were almost to tears, but Hanna as well as Nargra and Morkai kept things moving, so eventually we all got through security, and out to the tap-tap lot where two were required to get us all over to Drolugi's. When we went to check in, and try and get rooms for Andy and Emily. We discovered a two room suite had been reserved for not only them but Sally and the children as well. Morkai's opinion and respect for Sandrick just went up 100 percent, Andy was deeply impressed as well, and vowed to do everything he could for the Shai Alyt back on earth, maybe that was their idea all along?" While Morkai took care of our things, I spent time with my cousins showing them how everything worked, the small cooler, the "micro" the operation of the toilet and shower, this one using real water. I instructed them in the use of the hotel computer, "The whole city of Cluria is at your command with this," I said. We also discovered that the hotel had a special area for children, with trained "nanny's" to watch over them if their parents couldn't be there. Later on, Andy told me that he and Emily took the children there while Sally got some sleep. "We had a devil of a time getting them to leave, they had all sorts of interesting mazes and devices to play on, plus Emily and I were amazed at how quick they made friends. We thought that perhaps these Falthian children might upset then with their eyes and all, but that was not the case, they really took to the other children"

Once everybody had settled in, we went as a group down to the lounge area where we contractors as well as other flight crews socialized.

I introduced everybody around, Andy, Emily, Sally and the children, who suddenly found themselves the center of attention, from a lot of adoring women. While Andy excused himself to go talk to Morkai and the others, we women found ourselves a table in which to gather and talk. Emily was especially taken with Weeko, asking her all about what tribe she was a member of, as well al concerns for the plight of the Indians. Sally appeared to be more comfortable in her situation, plus the fact that she now realized that other women from earth were fully accepting of their new lives, somewhat emboldened her. As she discussed her situation with Tom, the discussion widened into a larger commentary concerning men from earth as compared with those from Falth. Both Pricilla and Ann revealed stories of drunkenness and cruelty, with Ann telling of a an "almost" marriage to a man who would go off in drunken rages. Everybody sympathized with Sally, and offered their own personal support.

Emily and Sally then engaged in a lengthy question and answer session, asking us how we were able to come to terms, and adjust to this strange new world. Without exception, they were told that it wasn't easy, but that the more they learned, the more comfortable they became, or as Sara put it. "We were just as you two were, at first, but our husbands explained things, along with our personal discoveries, we began to see that the things we hated doing on earth either weren't done here, or there existed devices that took all the hard work and drudgery out of life." Then Ann injected, "Slowly we realized that we were now living life much as the Vanderbilt's and the Astor's, yet without the need for servants. Look around you Emily, the cleanliness, the ease of everyday life, I would daresay we have it so much better that any robber baron's wife, speaking for myself, I will never willingly return to earth to live. It's gotten to the point that I can barely stand to spend what little time I do there already."

Hanna then added her own view, "It took me awhile, but when I realized what life was really all about here, and how wonderful they had it, that did it for me, I have a warm loving husband, no one judging me by what I was or am, opportunities available to me that are totally unheard of back on earth, don't look for me to ever go back, in fact I think most of us here are now full citizens of Falth." Pricilla then asked us as a group, "Ann and I have been discussing the forming of a club or organization made up of just us women from earth, a sort of social club, to not only embrace our new lives here on Falth, but to remember the old ways as well. There is much I do not reject, the celebration of Christmas for example, which by the way, all will joyous to know that Jaerka and I brought a Christmas tree back from earth. Currently it resides in our cargo hold in a bucket of water, as well as some other chemicals to preserve it's freshness, they will let us set it up here at Drolugi's at the proper time. We've also been discussing the feasibility of a Christmas party." And so were the beginnings of the 19th Century club. After a couple more meetings that established our "charter" officers, of which I was voted first president, we agreed that we would exist as a service organization as well as one that looked out for it's members, and would offer aid and comfort to any that should need it.

The next day Morkai and I accompanied Andy and Emily over to Sandrick's office, where we sat in on a lengthy meeting in which Sandrick introduced us to Marrack Miggis, a man who would be assisting Andy with the establishment of walnut harvesting, as well as Wort fields. Andy told Sandrick and Miggis that there were several varieties of St John's Wort, news that set Miggis into a tizzy. He was only aware of two varieties, both of which were of the original examples brought back by the Amulins. Emily also stirred up things by informing the two men that there were other varieties of plants that might offer potential healing abilities as well. Apparently Emily was quite knowledgeable of flowers and plants gardening being one of her major interests. Miggis and Sandrick then tasked her with the responsibility of starting a "test" garden growing samples of plants she thought might have potential, which then would be brought here to Falth for further analysis. So Andy and Emily found themselves with quite well paying jobs back on earth, Andy serving as a sort of "De facto" representative of the Shai Alyt. Both were scheduled for further meetings with Sandrick and Marrack as well as botany experts who would detail what the Shai Alyt was looking for.

Just as the meeting was breaking up Sandrick startled us all by announcing, "Normally we're very security conscious around here, Mr. Bickford, however I'm authorizing you, your wife here, as well as your sister and her children extended access to Falth." Turning to Morkai and I, he continued, You will be able to give these people a fly-over of the usual sites and natural wonders here on Falth, but you are not permitted to land and debark. Also their security clearances will extend to Akdor, should you wish to take them there. I realize Cluria can be a very hectic place, and the peace and quiet of your hometown might offer a better chance to relax in a slower pace of life." This was amazing news, as well as a "first." People in Andy and Sally's position were almost always restricted to Cluria, and Drolugi's. Sandrick then said, "I really wanted to travel to Kagor before what you call winter sets in, unfortunately, my duties and responsibilities will prevent that, however we will all be traveling aboard the Ingata , come next harvest season. I will wish to meet with Mrs. Sarlayn's father, as well as her brother, he is the one you have overseeing your Wort fields is he not Morkai?" "He is, we gave him enough gold to establish himself out there, and find a place to live." "Excellent!" replied Sandrick. "Anyway, Marrack and I will also want to meet with Mrs. Korthal's father, as well as your father , Mr. Bickford. I'm rather looking forward to getting everybody together at one place, we will supply food and beverage as well as other offerings that should make for a fine party." Andy then asked, "Sir, might I ask when my sister, my wife and I will be able to return home?" "Since the jump gate will be closing in another relfa, I'm afraid you will have to wait until spring Mr. Bickford, I'm sorry, this is a government decree and unfortunately that gate won't open again for seven alyt's."

After the meeting was over, and we were walking down the hall, Morkai said to Andy, "Is this going to be a hardship for you?" Andy shook his head, No, not too much, the house is closed up, we have no animals to worry about, it's just longer than I had anticipated." Once we were outside, Morkai called his parents in Akdor and talked with them for several taq's, then closing the call and turning to Andy. "The fact that you and your sister can travel to Akdor might just work out. There's plenty of room at my house, my parents would welcome Holly and I to stay at their house which isn't far from my house. You, Emily here, and your sister can stay at my place. If you're going to be stuck here on Falth, Akdor is the perfect place, quiet, nothing ever goes on there, but I really think you would enjoy it , it's right on the Sheynalian Sea, the coast is absolutely beautiful, incredible beaches you can spend all una browsing the stores and shops."

Andy and Emily thought this would be acceptable and hoped Sally would enjoy it as well. On our way back to Drolugi's Andy and Emily were able to take in more of the city, totally awed by it's size as well as the massive buildings. Private craft and transports darted overhead, at various heights, the streets were crowded with pedestrians as well. Back at Drolugi's we made a stop at the little shop that did ID's. I saw to it that Andy and Emily got the same kind of picture ID's the rest of us wore around our necks, then we took them to a couple of shops, including the "slop chest," where they could get clothing that was a little more in keeping with styles on Falth.

While we were gone, Sally had apparently spent most of her time with her children down in the play area, and talking with Falthian mothers , "They all wanted to know about earth," said Sally. "We sat and talked for quite awhile, I think I even made a friend or two, I now see why those injections are so important, otherwise I wouldn't have anyone to talk to here." "How did Todd and Jenny get along," I asked. "Oh just famously, they have such incredible devices in the play room, they just had the most fun." Then tears started coming to her eyes, "Thank you so much for bringing me here Holly, even though I do not understand your world, the children are happy, and I've found peace, where I can reflect, thank you so much." "Well Sally," I replied, "Tomorrow, we will be traveling to Akdor, Morkai and Nargra live there. In fact Morkai has offered his house to you as well as Andy and Emily. It's a small village on the coast of the Sheynalian Sea, I've been there very pretty and peaceful. Morkai and I will be staying with his parents, I think you will like it, I know I do."

While Morkai met with the other contractors, we women finalized the formation of the 19th Century Club as well as made preliminary plans for a Christmas party. While we were talking with each other , Juko Dekken strolled in and came up to me, "Why do you insist on making trouble for us Kagorian? You greedy bastards want it all, we have a legal right to harvest as well on that miserable planet and we don't need you creating trouble." By this time Hanna was up and moving towards Juko when I waved her off. Looking Juko dead in the eye, I said firmly, "Harassing that stagecoach was right on the edge of violating the prime directive, Juko, all you will accomplish by doing things like that, is bring trouble down on all of us, nobody needs that." "I don't know how you found out about that, but so what, we were just having a little fun, what are you primitives going to do about it anyway, just butt out of our business, and let us make a profit like the rest of you." With that, she stalked out passing a very angry looking Morkai. I could see him mutter something at her as they passed, he then came over to me, and said, "Pay her no mind, they're angry because they were told that one more incident involving Kagorian citizens they would lose their license." "She doesn't bother me," I replied, "her bullying won't get her anywhere."

The next day the Dekken's were forgotten as we flew to Akdor, landing at the small landing area near town we walked to Morkai's house. Where he got Andy and Emily as well as Sally settled in. "Consider this as your house," he told them, "I hope you enjoy your stay here in Akdor." While Nargra and Hanna continued on th his house, Andy, Emily and Sally followed us over to Morkai's parents house. They welcomed us all and were especially taken with Sally's children. I've always thought fondly of his parents, Morak, Morkai's father is an incredibly strong and noble man, even in his old age, which in terms of the Nuel's life span isn't really that old. His mother reminds me so much of mine. I've told Morkai it would be my fondest wish to arrange a get-together of both parents, "I know they would really take to each

Other," I told him, "Your mother reminds me so much of mine." She also had a way with the children, something Sally noticed as well. Later that relfa, she made up some "Yamma's" which she took over to Sally for her children, and even read them a story that she told us she used to read to Morkai when he was a boy.

The nest evening, we held a cook-out on the beach, feasting on Shartahk, a crustacean much like lobster. However it was the twin moons of Solis and Syria that made the evening. They are much closer to Falth than the moon is to earth, as a result they are much larger in the night sky. Our guests were simply awed, even Todd and Jenny were impressed. Andy told me, "The sight of the twin moons, the delightful evening here on the beach and the excellent cuisine are worth the trip alone. Emily and I are truly humbled by all the friends we've made, as well as the hospitality shown us, neither of us will ever be able to stare up into the night sky, and not think of this far away world ever again."

As the una's passed, we would split up into our own little groups enjoying whatever came to mind. Sometimes it would be just Morkai and I, sometimes Hanna and Nargra would join us, or perhaps Andy and Emily. One day, Emily took me aside and told me, "Did you know Sally is seeing a local man, Andy and I have seen the two of them walking on the beach." This was certainly news to Morkai and I. Later, Morkai told me, "Sally's friend is Drokai Malmeck , he works for Andara, they operate the landing field here and perform maintenance on the private craft that land here. I didn't speak to her about it as it was none of my business, but Andy and Emily told me Sally appeared to be getting very serious about the man.

The day finally came when Sally "introduced" us to her gentleman caller. Drokai seemed like a very nice fellow indeed, he knew of Morkai and Nargra because we used the landing field when we came to Akdor. Sally appeared to be quite happy about the whole situation, when Andy and I had a chance to speak with her alone, she told us, "I've met a truly wonderful man, someone who is encompassing my life, he loves the children, and they love him as well." "What is your intention with this man Sally?" asked Andy. Sally looked at us with tears in her eyes, "I think I'm in love with him, I really do." "You realize that you only have a temporary visitors pass an that you will have to return home in the spring," I said. Giving me a defensive look, she replied, "Not if we marry, and Drokai has already asked me." "What was your answer?" inquired Andy. "Yes," she answered.

When I asked Morkai, he said, "She's right, if they wed, she becomes his wife, therefore she can stay, it was the same situation for you and Hanna, as well as the others, she just needs to become a citizen of Falth, well, you know all about that." Later, Andy and I sat down with her again, "I've made up my mind, it won't change Drokai and I love each other very much, I wish to become his wife." "Technically you're still married to Tom," said Andy, "What about that?" "If I should have the opportunity to return to earth it would just be to see mother and father, my life will be here now. I don't think Tom will be coming here anytime soon, so I'm not worried." When I discussed the matter with Hanna, she merely said, "Sally has apparently fallen for another devilishly handsome Falthian man the same as all of us have, you can't fault her for that." So shortly before Christmas, Sally and Drokai were married according to Falthian custom as Morkai and I were. The 19th Century club threw a party for her shortly before her marriage in which another party was given, one that was well attended, many from Andara, many which Morkai and Nargra knew. Sally also received an "educational enhancement" as well, bringing her into the "fold" as far as understanding Falthian culture, and now becoming able to write in their language.