Wishing On A Star

Chapter 25

Chapter 25

Weeko did her best to reassure her husband that she would be just fine then told Colin she would need a few things to take as well, such as a rifle, and cold weather clothing. Since Morkai and I weren't involved in this part of the operation, we left, leaving Colin, Weeko and Gitel with the others to go over the plan. As both of us were eager to wash and change clothes, we followed a marine who took us to the area set aside for the contractors. Everybody was more or less sitting around a day room playing cards or reading, killing time, when Morkai and I entered, everybody wanted to know what was going on, and why Gitel and Weeko were summoned. We then sat down and brought everyone up on events, again causing alarm when we described the murder and burning of the farm. "Doesn't look like Juko's daddy is going to save his little girl this time," observed Ambor, "If they had just stayed on Falth and surrendered, they might have gotten off rather easily, but now…" Sara was pleased to find out her brother was involved in the mission and was eager to see him, I told her, "Your brother is really undergoing a lot of personal turmoil, flying here in a ship with no gravity generator, the sight of this warship, the light and noise, he's really having a time of it." Sara chuckled, "Poor Colin, I'll talk to him, little sister will get him focused."

After we showered and otherwise cleaned up, we returned to the dayroom where Colin and Weeko were talking with Gitel and Sara. Morkai sidled over to Gitel and said, "Gitel, have you seen the ship they gave Holly and I?" Gitel looked at him and saw the grin on Morkai's face. The next thing I knew, they had grabbed a marine escort and were off down the hall. Before long, Mr. Elcon had appeared and sat down with Colin and Weeko, since I wasn't involved I found Hanna who was chatting with Ann and Pricilla. "Colin told me he checked on Mary's grave recently leaving flowers as well…" "He's such a dear," replied Hanna, "I'll have to speak to him before he goes."

Since this was a navy vessel, Morkai and I had to make do with a small stateroom, with bunk beds, which required us to scrunch up on the lower berth. "So what did Gitel say when you showed him the Comet" I asked. Morkai laughed, "My plan worked, poor Gitel has become obsessed, he's bound and determined to have that ship, he won't get it of course, he'll pull every string he can think of to get it, but it won't do him any good, but it will keep his mind off Weeko and Colin for the time being." "You're a wicked man, you know that," I whispered. "I know it," he replied, then he and I engaged in our favorite bedtime activity.

Since we had done our part, the rest of the operation was in the hands of others, Originally Morkai and I were supposed to drop Colin and Weeko somewhere near Missoula where they could obtain horses and gear, but Since Weeko was going, Morkai deferred to Gitel letting him drop them off. I loaned her my Spencer as well as my Colt. As far as special equipment, all they were taking was a pair of binoculars with night vision capabilities, as well as a special comm device that broadcast on strictly military frequencies. Both Colin and Weeko were equipped with tracking devices for added security.

It was a nerve-wracking three una wait, but we had the fields to seed so that kept the rest of us busy and away from the navy ship. While Gitel was on standby duty ready to drop the marines in case a full assault was called for, Morkai and I, along with Nargra and Hanna operated one of the seeders planting the fields in Dakota Territory, while Ambor and Karuk worked the eastern locations. Both Hanna and I found these gigantic seeders fascinating, all the work was done at night for security reasons, lights allowed us to see where we were going. Special bacons were placed at each corner of the field; they broadcast signals to the seeder, which then stayed within the marked perimeter. Since these were unprepared fields, we took turns riding inside them making sure seed density remained even, and things like rocks and such didn't create problems. We started with the acreage Colin had purchased, the seeder completing the job in about two shon's, since the other three fields were smaller we knocked them out in about an hour each. We also noticed that Colin had apparently buried the victims of the Dekken's original attack, but not knowing their names he had placed all the remaining human bones in one grave and placed a wooden marker with "Unknown" on it

Once we had completed the seeding project and still not hearing from the navy about the situation with the Dekken's Morkai "borrowed" the Comet and flew Hanna and I down to Colin's shack. Originally, I had volunteered to look after his horses, but he ended up taking them into town to be boarded, so Hanna and I walked into town to visit Mary's grave. The cemetery was built on a rather steep hill with Mary's grave down and to the left of William Hickok's grave in the Mount Moriah cemetery. Hanna was able to pick some wild flowers on our walk into town, replacing the faded ones Colin had left. She even sprinkled some Wort seeds around the stone marker. As we stood there, looking at the grave, Hanna's voice choked as her eyes filled with tears, "Oh Mary I wish you could have come with us, you would have loved Falth, it's beautiful. I miss you so much, and although I live so far away I think of you almost every day." Hanna then softly sang "Amazing Grace" in an absolutely beautiful voice. Later, when I asked her about it, she said, "Mary and I used to sing all the time, but after she died, I chose not to sing again, I really wanted to at Christmas, but I made a vow to myself, singing to Mary was an exception." Before we left, Hanna took a picture of Mary's grave then broke down and cried, she actually kneeled in front of the stone and openly sobbed. Afterwards she apologized for her behavior, I took her hand in mine and said, "Hanna, there's no need to apologize, I always knew Mary meant so much to you, every time you talk about her, you have that sparkle in your eye." "Despite all those comments she made towards you on the stagecoach," replied Hanna, "She was just trying to play the hand she was dealt. I was fortunate in getting a second chance

That's why I'm making the most of it."

Back on the navy assault ship the suspense was killing us, I did have one occasion to speak with Captain Zakorra, who wouldn't tell me anything as to how the operation was going, other than to ask, "I'm curious Mrs. Draaka, How do you suppose your countrymen would feel if they knew a Falthian warship was floating over their planet?" I shrugged, "Other than stomp around filled with righteous indignation there's not much else they could do, why? Are we contemplating an invasion?" The captain laughed, "Oh no, I've never met any of you Kagorians before, you're certainly a refreshing break from those stuffy Amulin's."

Late on the following day the word came down, "They got them, every one's safe!" We were all starved for news, but none was forthcoming, only rumors, but nothing solid. We were all down in the hanger bay when Gitel came in, first off was Kith and Juko heavily subdued with leg chains, cuffs as well as arm chains, those people weren't going anywhere. Both refused to look at us, keeping their faces to the floor in shame. They were completely surrounded by heavily armed marines keeping their charges focused towards the elevator to the lower decks and the brig. Mr. Elcon then came down out of the ship and approached us, "Ladies, there's a woman and her young son in one of the staterooms she's terrified, apparently she's the one Kith and Juko took hostage. None of us can talk to her, but you obviously can, could you see what you can do to calm her down and get the two of them situated with food and some rest?" I replied, "We'd be more than happy to, we'll try and give them the Transnano injections as well."

While Hanna and I went aboard, Sara and the others went to get some hot food for them as well as some clean clothes. We found the two of them cowering in one of the cabins, "Please don't hurt us," she whimpered as she and the boy huddled in a corner. I smiled at her and offered my hand, "My name is Holly Draaka, and this is my friend Hanna Halidar, what's your name?" She stared at us in surprise, "You can speak English!" "Of course," I replied, "Hanna and I were born here." "Who are you, where am I?" "Well ma'am, like I told you, I'm Holly, this is Hanna, we come from earth but out husbands are Nuelians from the planet Falth, you are currently aboard a Falthian warship, the men who rescued you are Falthian marines, we mean you no harm, you and your son are perfectly safe, by the way I don't believe you told us your names." She studied us for a moment then replied, "My name is Olivia Benning, this is my son Caleb, you people murdered my husband Henry." "Now wait a minute ma'am, I quickly replied, "The people who murdered your husband are renegades their headed for a Falthian court, I doubt things are going to go very well for them, they broke the law, they will be punished."

"I'm, I'm sorry," she replied, "Caleb and I are still coming to terms with things after seeing my husband murdered right in front of us." "I'm sorry for your loss ma'am, as I said Kith and Juko will more than likely loose their lives for this, your husband wasn't the first people they killed." "Oh we're so tired and hungry; those people never fed us much." Well Mrs. Benning, hot food and a change of clothing are on the way." Just then we heard loud noises and commotion coming from the hanger area, Hanna went to check. "What is that?" Gasped Mrs. Benning. Hanna returned to report, "They're bringing in the Dekken's ship." "Mrs. Benning" I said, "Did you have any clothing or personal items on the ship the Dekkens dragged you aboard?" She shook her head, "No, they wouldn't let us bring anything." Suddenly she asked, "Where is that man who rescued my son, he spoke English, he was with an Indian woman I think." "That was Colin Blessing, his sister is out here, she's brought some hot food, for you two. The woman was Weeko, she is also married to a Nuelian named Gitel, he flew the ship we are now on. I understand they won't be here until later." "I didn't get a chance to thank him," she replied. "Well ma'am," I said, "Like I said, if your hungry let's go to the galley you and Caleb can eat there, then we'll see that you two have a private room to sleep in they need to service this craft, so we'll have to move you."

Sara had brought steaming bowls of Liati, and warm Kremma she even had a small Yamma for Caleb. While they were, eating Mr. Elcon returned and said to me "We are going to need to return to the burned out dwelling for more photographs, but I'll just grab your husband, and we can take the Comet." "If it hasn't already been do," I said, "Could you see that Mrs. Benning's husband is buried, and some sort of marker placed, I believe his name was Henry." "We'll take care of it," replied Mr. Elcon. "We'll make sure Mrs. Benning gets some sleep, and hopefully after she and her son are well rested, they'll be in a better frame of mind," I replied. After he left, Mrs. Benning was just finishing her meal, "That was really quite good, what's it called?" "That's Liaati," replied Sara, "And the bread is called Kremma." "It's quite different, but not bad at all," said Mrs. Benning. Caleb seemed to like the food as well, especially the sweet pastry known as a Yamma. After they finished, I said, Mrs. Benning, "I spoke to Mr. Elcon who is a representative of the Falthian Government, about seeing that your husband receives a proper burial, and a marker." She touched my arm, "Thank you very much, that means a lot to me." She then turned her attention to Sara, "I understand that my son owes his rescue to your brother, and it was he who distracted our captors long enough for the soldiers to rescue me as well. I certainly hope I get a chance to thank him." Sara smiled, "That's just Colin being Colin, big brothers tend to do things like that, but he and Weeko are finishing up some other business form Gitel tells me, they should be back before too long." I then said, "We're going to get you and Caleb here to a nice room where you can get some sleep as well as clean up. I want to warn you though, we're going to be passing through a part of the ship where there is a lot of activity and noise, don't be alarmed, it's just everyday goings on, don't be alarmed." Caleb then looked at me and asked, "Are we on the water?" I smiled at him, Uh, no we're not Caleb, but we'll talk more about that after you and you mother have a chance to get some rest."

All of us escorted her and her son out of Gitel's ship out across the hanger, both she and her son gawked and gaped fear starting to overtake them again, until we hurried them along down the corridors and into

an elevator up to the second level. Riding in al elevator was another awkward moment for the two as entering a small room where a door slides shut on you and when it opens, you're somewhere else. Hanna attempted to explain what was happening, but her explanation didn't seem to have much effect. Finally we reached the room Mr. Elcon told me she was assigned to, Hanna showed her how to operate the small shower, and commode which only brought more questions, but poor Hanna did the best she could trying to explain. Pricilla had rustled up some sleepwear for Mrs. Benning, as well as a patient gown from the sick bay for Caleb, while their dirty clothes were laundered.

As much as I disliked it, I was forced to play a "dirty trick" on them, I had Hanna standing by with a couple Transnano injections, not knowing how she would take this, Hanna and I debated what we thought might be the best course of action, finally deciding that being honest and straightforward was probably best. "Mrs. Benning, before we let you get some sleep, there's something we have to do." She looked at Hanna and I with tired, but trusting eyes, "Yes what is it?" Holding out the small injectors, I replied, "Hanna here would like to give you and Caleb a Transnano injection, it wont hurt, but it will allow both of you to communicate with the Falth, all of us from earth have had them, when you wake up in the "morning," you'll discover you're able to speak with any of the Falth including Mr. Elcon, which is going to be rather important, since he has to conduct an inquiry into the matter of your husband's murder and your abduction. What these Transnano's do is enter your bloodstream, and travel to your brain, they simply allow you to speak Falthian, nothing more, you won't be able to read their writing or anything like that, just allow you to speak their language."

She looked at us for a moment, then took a deep sigh, "Well, considering all that Caleb and I have been through go ahead, you say this won't hurt?" "Just like a pin prick," replied Hanna, "It's quite amazing really." "Go ahead then," replied Mrs. Blessing. Hanna then wiped her neck with a sterile wipe felt for her neck vein, and quickly poked her. "Ooo! That felt like a needle," exclaimed Mrs. Benning. "Well that's what it was," replied Hanna. She then quickly gave one to Caleb who apparently was so tired, he said nothing. "Is that all there is?" asked Mrs. Benning. "That's it," I replied, when you wake up you'll know what everyone is talking about, well we'll see you later, and we'll try and have your clothes fresh and laundered as well."

Morkai and Mr. Elcon left around dawn to take pictures of the Benning homestead for evidence, so I went and checked with the laundry waiting a few taq's for them to finish up. As I was heading down the corridor a couple crewmen stopped me saying, "You're one of those Kagorians married to Falthian aren't you?" Not being sure where that remark was going, I was cautious in my reply, "Yes, is that a problem?" Both of them chuckled and replied, "Oh not at all, it's just that our job is monitoring radio frequencies, as well as any other transmissions coming from any planet we happen to be orbiting over, but since we've been on station there's absolutely nothing, we thought at one point we'd picked up something, but it was too weak and staticiey." "Well I'm sorry, that we're slow, but for what it's worth, when we Kagorians do something, we do it big. I'm sure that one una we'll be blasting all sorts of signals all over this galaxy and beyond." When I knocked on Mrs. Benning's door, Caleb answered, "My momma still sleeping," Smiling, I kneeled down and handed him the package of clothes, "Well we'll let her sleep," I replied, here are your clothes all clean and pressed," suddenly as I was handing him the clothes, Mrs. Benning peeked around the door with a sheepish grin, "Sorry, I must have overslept, give us just a minute to get dressed."

I escorted her and Caleb to the dayroom where I introduced her to the ladies of the 19th Century club. "Some you've met, Hanna and Sara, but this is Pricilla Sarlayn, and Ann Korthal, We are all married to Falthian's, our husband's are contractors who come to earth to harvest St Johns Wort, and black walnuts that are essential ingredients in a drug that cures a deadly brain disease." Greeting were exchanged all around, then I said, "Let's see if the Transnano's are working, this "scruffy" bunch are the husbands of the women you just met." Because she was up close to the same type of strangers who killed her husband and kidnapped her and her son, Mrs. Benning was a little leery of approaching the men. "Mrs. Benning, This is Pricilla's husband Jaerka, this is Ambor, Ann's husband, Nargra, Hanna's husband. I think you briefly met Gitel Tergis, Weeko's his wife who as I told you is still out, and last but not least is Karuk Sara's husband." All of them smiled and greeted her in return. "Well I can certainly understand you all," she said with a nervous smile. "Well we can understand you as well," chuckled Karuk, and what do we have here? A little one." Caleb was a bit nervous as well, and stepped back. His mother admonished him for being rude, "It's all right," said Gitel, "That was a pretty harrowing experience Kith and Juko put you through." Ambor was closest to Caleb, and said to him, "What's your name?" Caleb looked at him and slowly replied, "Caleb." Ambor smiled, and held out his hand, "Glad to know you Caleb." This seemed to ease his mind as he started to smile. Mrs. Benning then asked to no one in particular, "That woman, I think you called her Juko, are the women on your planet all like that?" Ambor replied, "Some are, but Juko grew up in wealth, her father owns a large freight and transport company, she grew up spoiled, but even at that, we are all rather surprised at the things she and her husband have done."

"Well she was very nasty and cruel to not only myself but my son, she seemed to have a personal grudge, her husband wasn't especially mean, although he was the one who shot my husband. I think he felt remorse later on, because I think he was trying to apologize to me, and one time they had a big fight, I heard them arguing." "Why did they kidnap you," asked Jaerka. She shrugged, "I'm not really sure, they kept speaking to me of course I couldn't understand what they were trying to say, they'd say something then I think I was supposed to repeat the word in English or something. When I didn't do what they wanted, they would take Caleb away." "I'll bet they didn't have any Transnano injections," said Nargra, I'll bet they kidnapped you so you could teach them how to speak your language, I've always suspected they fled to Kagor as a last taq sort of thing." Caleb seemed to be a little more at ease with the men, asking them "Do you love on the moon?" Everyone laughed , but Karuk bent down and said, "No Caleb, we live much farther away than that," I immediately bent down to his level as well, and added, "Do you know what the milky way is, have you ever seen it?" He thought a moment then with sadness in his voice replied, "Poppa and I stood out side one night, and he pointed it out." I then said, We live way out past the milky way, to get there, you take a right off the north star, make a left at the milky way and travel on till morning." I then squatted down and put my hands on his shoulders and said, Caleb, these people are not your enemies, even though one of them killed your father, he was a bad man and will be severely punished. The Falth are good people, please don't hate them for what one of them did." He then turned and offered his little hand to Karuk, who took it and shook it, everybody cheered, causing Caleb's face to light up. Karuk then bent closer to Caleb and took a small pocketknife from his pocket and held it us to Caleb. "Caleb, I'd like you to have this knife as a gift." Looking at Mrs. Benning ,he added, "It's a Brivari, the most famous knife company on Falth. The blade will never rust, and with just a little sharpening will stay sharp for a very long time."

Handing the knife to Caleb, he said, "Always keep this knife safe, don't loose it, and always remember it was a gift from a friend who came from the stars." Caleb took the knife, and hugged Karuk. The "ice" was broken; the tension relieved, Caleb had made a new friend