Wishing On A Star

Chapter 23

Chapter 23

The next morning saw a flurry of activity, as we all pitched in setting up tables and preparing for the conference. Soon Jaerka returned with Sara's parents, Andy went to pick up Ann and her folks who were coming in on the train being too frightened of flying in the shuttle. For the most part, the Shai Alyt people wandered around exploring this strange new world they were on. The children ran and played along with Todd and Jenny. Sandrick and Marrack spent a lot of time with my Uncle examining the walnut trees, and discussing the growing of Wort. Sandrick also received a big surprise when my Aunt told him there were several varieties of St Johns Wort, he being only aware of one. My parents arrived later on, with tears of joy and hugging all around. It warmed my heart to see both of them warmly welcome Morkai, in fact over the two-day event, I saw my father talking with him quite a bit. One thing we women had agreed to do was wear our old Victorian style clothing, and even though we were very uncomfortable in them, we felt it best not to scandalize our parents by wearing the more comfortable but scantier Falthian fashions. However, our husbands weren't affected by this decision, but even though their outfits of cargo pants, boots short-sleeved shirts and flight vests, were dramatically different from the clothing our families were wearing, they didn't look that much out of place.

When Sara and her parents arrived, they were delighted to see Colin who hugged his mother and sister and shook hands with his father. Another sort of reunion took place when our father's were introduced. I don't think I've seen such an emotional display in my life, As it turned out, my father and Sara's father had met a long time ago, but it wasn't until that evening as everybody sat around a large campfire and simply talked. Falthians as well as earth people sharing their stories. Thanks to their earlier Transnano injections, all our parents were able to understand "the space people" as Sara's father called them. I saw my father and Mr. Blessing talking so I wandered over to catch what they were saying. When my father spotted me, he waved me closer. "Isn't it something," he said in amazement. "Sam and I did meet at Gettysburg, I believe it was on the south end of town …" "The Chambersburg Pike," injected Mr. Blessing. "Yes, I believe it was we were moving up on a flanking operation, not yet under fire when Samuel here and his unit came riding like hell was after them." Mr. Blessing laughed, "Even after all this time I remember it like it was yesterday, we had just come under fire from reb skirmishers, and we were trying to get back to our unit to report." Then my dad shook his head and laughed, "Now here we meet again, just two old soldiers who made it back alive." He then lowered his voice, and in a solemn tone said, "Daughter, you simply cannot comprehend the mass confusion that was going on around us, the cacophony of noise, bullets striking everywhere." Eventually my Uncle joined them and even Ann's father as well. She told me her father was in the navy and missed being on the Merrimack by a week due to a badly sprained ankle.

Eventually a contract was put together with my Uncle and Mr. Blessing agreeing to sell all the walnuts we could harvest, Mr. Blessing had two fairly large wood lots containing quite a number of walnut trees, My Uncle only had one, but he had two large fields available for planting Wort. Mr. Blessing only had one field he could spare, but it was fairly large. Ann's father had two medium sized fields he was offering for Wort, but he had inherited a large wooded area adjacent to a now abandoned farm his brother had owned near Winchester Virginia, but since he was killed in the war, it had lain fallow. Then there was Colin. Sandrick gave him enough gold to purchase the land Colin had shown him in Dakota Territory, along with enough to locate a modest house on it. Since Colin was getting the money directly from the Shai Alyt to purchase the acreage and with the promise that he could keep the land in the eventuality that Wort harvesting would come to an end, he would get no money as the others would for the rent of their land. He would however receive a small salary for maintaining surveillance on the other Wort fields in the Black Hills. As to assigned areas, Morkai and Nargra being the principles would have access to the Black Hills Wort fields, as well as Gitel.

We would also have access to the walnut trees at my Uncles place. Karuk would have access to all the Wort that could be grown On Mr. Blessings farm as well as the walnuts. Jaerka was assigned half the Wort at my Uncles, as well as half the walnuts at the Winchester site. One of the Wort fields in the Black Hills was now assigned to Jaerka. Ambor would get all the Wort from Ann's father, as well as half the walnuts near Winchester. Gitel would also receive the other half of the walnuts produced at my Uncle's place. Sandrick also informed us about a new system the Shai Alyt was starting. Each one of our ships would be carrying a certain amount of sealable crates half for Wort, half for walnuts, although we were informed that there might end up being shortages in either of the crops, and that he didn't care if we juggled things around to even things out. He also promised us the use of a large commercial seeder, like they use on the agriculture planets to get things rolling, since we would now be dealing with more acreage available for Wort. Gitel then brought up a good point, "You offer us one of those large seeder's which is great, but how are we supposed get it here to Kagor, they're too big to fit through our cargo doors." Even brilliant men like Sandrick Alazon can make mistakes, "Oh, um, yes I had forgotten about that, sorry, well we'll figure something out." Normally, these big seeders are transported in what are called "carriers" however; carriers weren't built for interplanetary travel, and certainly have no hyperspace capabilities. I caught my husband as well as Gitel and Ambor snickering, because they knew that to get the kind of machine Sandrick was talking about, here to earth it would have to travel aboard a special transport, but he was a man of his word, if he promised us a commercial grade seeder, then that's what we'd get.

The contract negotiations went smoothly enough, in reality, my Aunt and Uncle, as well as the other parents were going to be paid for basically offering something already growing on the farm in the case of the walnuts and minimal labor and upkeep on the Wort.

My Uncle even mentioned the idea of parking a wagon near the house offering a nickel for a bag of walnuts encouraging the neighbor children to bring in walnuts and filling the wagon. In many ways the contract meeting was like a big summer picnic, tables of food, the opportunity for the Falthians to discover a strange new planet, (my Uncles livestock drew the most interest) At night, we sat around a large campfire, people from two worlds just sharing their thoughts and becoming friends. The fact that they all wore strange clothes according to Ann's mother was offset buy how friendly and well mannered they were. Ann's father was an excellent banjo player, and on the last evening of the get-together, treated us to several tunes on his banjo, as well as vocals of such songs as "Goober Peas," "Annie Laurie, the "Doxology" and a haunting version of "Shenandoah." Ann's mother was quite the vocalist as well, and besides a couple hymns treated us to an excellent rendition of "Dixie." When three old union veterans personally thanked her for the song, tears came to her eyes. Mr. Blessing said it best, Mrs. Carter, I have heard that ballad sung many times in the past, much of it under less than tranquil times, however your superb rendition is beyond compare." Sandrick and some of the others were unsure why all the emotion but I explained to him the terrible civil war our parents had been embroiled in. "It literally tore this nation apart, the fact that my father, My Uncle and Mr. Blessing can sit with Ann's father and share their memories and friendship is a beautiful thing. It shows that the wounds of war are beginning to heal, and that the nation is becoming one again."

Sandrick distributed gold to initiate the first payment for the rent of the land, as well as translated documents of the contract. Colin received gold to purchase the property in the Dakota Territory, as well as a modest salary to maintain a vigil over the other Wort fields out there. I noticed that he spent some time talking with Weeko, as well as Gitel, and when I talked with him about his new responsibilities, he replied, "I feel guilty taking this much gold for what little I am required to do, but I consider myself an honorable man, and will endeavor to earn what I'm being paid." "I saw you talking with Weeko, and Gitel, what did she have to say?" "She told me that she belonged to the Nez Perce, I told her that when I was working the O-H spread, there was a small band of Nez Perce living nearby and that they never gave us any trouble. From time to time, the big "Auger" would let them cut out a cow that had wandered too far, or had broken a leg. She's offered me a small amount of gold to try and locate a brother, who she claims might still be alive, and once I get the time I think I'll take a ride up that way."

It so happened that on that last evening, the sky was clear and the moon was out. Andy and I pointed out the constellations as well as the North Star to the Shai Alyt people, as well as our husbands. All thought the single moon rather novel, but that by visually connecting stars we could form pictures. The big dipper, the little dipper, Capricorn, and Orion Many of the Falthians found the heavenly star patterns absolutely fascinating, obviously having nothing like it on Falth, or as Jaerka observed, "It only shows how differently our cultures developed, since we travel the stars all the time, naming clusters for mythical hero's never caught on with us, but for a race without the ability of interstellar travel the desire to do so appears to be very strong, perhaps one una you shall have it." Jaerka was always the one to crack wise about us Kagorians, although Pricilla told me that he had never insulted her about her race, and that he loved her very much he was known as one who was always making little cracks about us poor Kagorians.

The next day, with the exception of Ann's parents who opted for the train again, Sara's parents were returned home, as well as Colin. Before everyone departed, pictures were taken of everybody, our parents and relatives simply astounded by the advanced photography as well as the fact it was all in color. Portraits were made of parents standing with their children and spouses as well as single pictures of just their children. My parents took home a beautiful picture of just me as well as Morkai and I. Of course, they all had to be reminded that these photo's were not to be openly displayed lest unanswerable questions arise which they all understood, but to have a full color 8x10 portrait of your children made the fact that we were living thousands of light years away made our absences somewhat easier to bear.

The return trip became a little more melancholy as Ann, Sara, Sally, and I missed our parents, but unfortunately, it was one of the burdens we bared in choosing to live on Falth. While returning home, Morkai and I had an occasion to enjoy the spa room where we undressed, and lost ourselves in love. The private alcoves allowed us complete privacy where we could act out our fantasies and offer ourselves to the other in complete abandon. By now we were completely bonded to each other, Morkai's telepathic abilities had carried over to me, as we started finding that we had very little need to speak to each other, always knowing what the other was thinking. I discussed this with Hanna an the others, who all agreed that they all found less and less need to actually speak to their husbands. It was most peculiar but on several occasions, Andy and Emily asked me if I was mad at Morkai. "Why do you ask," I would say, "Because the two of you will look at each other like your about to say something, yet you never do." I would chuckle, "Oh we're talking, you just can't hear us." Hanna and Nargra even invented a game in which one would hum a song in their mind then the other would have to hum along aloud, then the person humming to themselves would quickly change the tune and the other would have to quickly switch as well. Obviously, Nargra always won, but on a couple occasions, it was a tie.

We also held a nice dance dancing to beat and jump music. As our lives had increased in tempo the music we danced to did as well, and as Pricilla observed, "Dancing has become fun." On top of all this of course, was the often-asked question of what was going to happen to the Dekken's when they were caught.

Once we passed through the jump gate the order was sent out to arrest the Dekkens, by the time we landed, and cleared security ourselves, we learned that Amrick and Lerock had been picked up, Sandrick was certain the arrest of Kith and Juko would soon follow, but that was not to be. Morkai, Nargra Hanna and I were preparing to leave for Akdor for a couple una's when we got the call to report to Sandrick's office immediately. We were planning on spending a little time at the beach and this interruption wasn't doing anything for Morkai's disposition. When we entered Sandrick's office, there was another man there as well. Sandrick introduced him as simply "Mr. Elcon" from the naval investigative bureau. "It seems that Kith and Juko Dekken have escaped," announced Sandrick. "We have reason to believe that they were on a freighter when they were tipped off concerning the order for arrest, apparently they managed to flee. Based on information Lerock let slip, we have reason to believe they forged a security code and passed successfully through the jump gate." "You think they headed for Kagor?" asked Morkai. This time Mr. Elcon spoke up, "We do, and we want you and your wife to find them." Morkai guffawed, "Kagor is a big planet Mr. Elcon, they could be anywhere." "Oh you're not the only one going," said Sandrick. "Since time is of the essence and I'm aware that your ship as well as Karuk's are due in for overhaul other arrangements are being made, perhaps Mr. Elcon can explain it best."

"Welcome back…Lieutenant Morkai," said Elcon with a grin. I turned to my husband who had a resigned look to his face. "Actually all of you have been temporarily re-activated to duty, due to the fact that you will all be dealing with the Jettig advanced scanner system. Arrangement are being made for Lieutenant Halidar and his wife to team up with Lieutenant Tergis and his wife, since both of then carry 1A security clearances as you do. As for Lieutenant's Korthal and Narshu, they will be involved with the seeder, which like the rest of you will be traveling to Kagor on a naval assault ship carrying a contingent of marines, as well as two seeders. The assault ship will also allow for a means to transport the Dekken's ship home as well. You and your wife however will be traveling in advance of the naval ship by two relfa's; hopefully you can reach Kagor and pinpoint the Dekken's location before they have a chance to completely obliterate their ship's engine signature. I shall be traveling to Kagor as well, representing the government, and I'm the one who has to officially charge the Dekkens. They have broken the prime directive, and must stand trial for it, hopefully we can apprehend them with as little fuss as possible, but as we all know that not everything always goes right, hence the marines, now any questions?"

Morkai spoke up, "Since the Na'Vas will be laid up, what will Holly and I be traveling to Kagor in?" Mr. Elcon grinned, "I'm afraid you got me there lieutenant, since this operation is being put together so quickly, there were several craft available and I wasn't informed as to which one was being outfitted. All I can say is to report to the naval landing field gate 400 as soon as possible, they'll be waiting for you."

"Do we take off immediately?" added Morkai. "Yes," replied Mr. Elcon, but speak to commander Preeka first, she will have any final orders, and be able to answer any questions you may have about the vessel you have been assigned. Just remember, the craft you are taking has been outfitted with the latest in "sniffer" technology, but make sure they do not suspect that they are being tracked, although simple logic would dictate that they will. We will take up an orbit over Kagor as soon as we arrive, and all communications will be conducted over an assigned naval security channel; join us as soon as you are able."

Once we were dismissed, we hurried over to the opposite end of the huge landing field where the naval base was. We passed through naval security quickly and met up with commander Preeka. She was a younger woman but no doubt older than I was, owing to her rank. She had dark hair with short bobbed hair, lighter shin than most Falthian females, but in many ways reminded me of Juko Dekken with her tight black leather battle dress. She introduced herself with a smile and shook our hands, then looking me over, said, "A Kagorian, I'd heard about some of you becoming citizens, but I'm honored to finally meet one of you." "Well," I replied, "Anytime you would like to meet more of us head on over to Drolugi's that's where we spend a lot of our time." All the way over here, Morkai kept fretting over what cast off piece of junk we'd be stuck with, but when the commander brought us to a small hanger where technicians were working and pointed to our ship Morkai's jaw dropped, as he stood there in amazement. At this point, I didn't know whether he was happy or sad. Finally he said, "I had no idea any of these were still flying, Nargra told me he saw a couple wrecked ones out at Yedor-rus but this is simply amazing."

"I take it you approve lieutenant," said the commander. "Oh absolutely," replied Morkai. "I took all my flight training as well as my solo flight in one of these." He then turned to me with a look of extreme joy on his face and said, "This is a Cross-wing Comet fighter FD, or fighter destroyer class four, there are still a few of us who still think these are the best fighter ever produced." He then asked the commander, " thought they were all deactivated, why is this one still in service?" "It's basically a test platform lieutenant," replied the commander. "I think "she" has "friends" lieutenant, this one is equipped with the advanced "sniffer" tech, as well as cloaking technology, but because of that there's only one rack available, the engine has been overhauled to an advanced Gamma level, utilizing stage six plasma cells." "I don't suppose there's a gravity generator aboard," inquired Morkai. The commander smiled, "Sorry lieutenant, after they packed her with all the upgraded tech available, there just wasn't room, however there is still a small "head," as well as a decent heater aboard." While Morkai left with the commander to go over some classified information, I stood there and looked the ship over.

Roughly, twenty feet long by earth measurements one end consisted of the cabin and flight deck. A cylindrical affair that rotated, with the hatch in the end, next was the engine showing four round nacelles and below that, the landing struts that folded up into the engine compartment. On the opposite side, a long wing extended outward with the secret "Sniffer" technology inside a large canister mounted on the end of the wing. At the point where the wing began next to the engine, were two shorter wings, that according to Morkai folded out creating a sort of "cross" or axis point with the longer wing. At the end of each of the shorter wings was mounted a plasma cannon. Before he left with the commander, Morkai pointed out that in flight, the engine and wing could be off to our left, with the stubby wings folded in, or we could fly sitting above everything with the stubby wings extended, the "Sniffer" at the bottom of the whole affair, where it could do the most good. Soon Morkai and the commander returned she then directed the ground crew to move the ship outside where they lowered the travel cradle leaving the ship by itself.