Wishing On A Star

Chapter 19

Chapter 19

In the morning, my Aunt and Uncle were amazed that they could now talk to Morkai and Nargra, although they were a bit "spooked" by this newly acquired ability, but soon both were chatting away like they had always been able to speak Falthian. Hanna, Emily, and I took a buggy down to the interurban station where we rode the train into Pittsburgh. Transferring a couple times on the streetcars, we eventually arrived at Sally's very modest cottage. Emily looked at me and grimaced, "I told you the situation wasn't good." Emily knocked on the door but there was no response, she knocked again but still no response, we were about to leave when I heard a child whimpering. "Sally, are you in there?" I said loudly. Emily and Hanna began looking in the windows. Emily then shouted, "Holly! It looks like someone's lying on the floor in the bedroom."

I made a search around the porch and soon found a spare key above the door, entering, we were confronted by Sally's two children Todd and Jenny, who looked frightened, "Momma won't get up" cried Todd, "Can you help her?" We rushed into the bedroom and found Sally lying on the floor, her face showing signs of being hit severely. Hanna went into action, and requested a number of items, which we were able to locate. While Emily comforted the children, Hanna and I tended to Sally, who finally regained consciousness, and immediately started crying alarming her children who came running into the bedroom crying as well. We soon learned the awful story. She and Tom had gotten into a fight this morning over money; he ended up slapping and punching her causing her to hit her head on the corner of the bed. Hanna whispered to me, "She's hurt pretty bad Holly, her husband really worked her over, I've seen some pretty bad beatings before, but this is really bad. If we get her back to her parent's house Nargra and I can treat her much better."

Once Sally had calmed down, I spoke to her, "Sally, we're going to take you home, the children as well, we'll help you gather up some clothes and some of the children's things, but you can't stay here, come, let's get ready to go." It took all three of us to finally convince her that remaining here wasn't a good idea so we got her dressed and cleaned up her face as best we could, but it's hard to hide two black eyes.

We drew a lot of unwanted attention on the streetcars and train, but finally got back home by five in the afternoon. Sally's parents were horrified at her condition, Nargra and Hanna went to work on her it was then we learned that poor little Todd had been hit as well; it was a very emotional and traumatic time in the Bickford home. My parents had left that morning, as my father had to return to work, so a bedroom opened up. Andy was livid, even talking of killing Tom, but eventually "cooling" off and becoming more reasonable. Later, after the evening meal, we sat in the parlor and discussed the next move. "I-I- don't know what to do, the children and I have no place to go, I'm afraid he'll do something to Todd or Jenny, Oh God! I'm so frightened," she sobbed. As her mother cradled her daughter in her arms, Andy and I discussed what could be done. "That brute will no doubt show up here tomorrow, "said Andy, "I don't know if I could control my rage, were he to do so." We all agreed that Sally needed to get far away from here, as her husband would attempt to take her back by force, which would no doubt end with someone getting hurt.

Andy then spoke to Morkai and I, "Tom is a brute, I could see it before Sally and he got married. I did my best to try to talk her out of getting married, but she just wouldn't listen. If she stays here, he'll just get the law on her and she'll have to return to him, he'll never agree to a divorce, the man is relentless, I'm so afraid something terrible will happen if she goes back to him. Morkai, is there any possibility that she could come with us back to your planet, just temporarily of course until we can figure out something else?" Morkai said, with a grim expression, "That would really be pushing it Andy, I suppose a case could be made for asylum, but there might be technicalities involving the prime directive. You, and Emily by the fact that she's married to you, are coming to Falth by invitation, but as for your sister, I-I just don't know." "Well there's going to be trouble if she remains here," said Andy. "What if she doesn't want to go?" asked Morkai. Now Andy was the one who looked grim, "Mother and I are going to have a long talk with her, as far as I'm concerned, her marriage with Tom is over." Morkai sighed, "Well…They certainly won't stick her and the children in prison, I'll probably get a real chewing out, but, all right, she goes back with us, but I'm giving you fair warning Andy, Sandrick won't be happy, you're going to have to do a lot of talking, and call up charm you never knew you had." "I understand sir," replied Andy, I'd do anything for Sally."

Late that night two more craft landed at my Uncle's farm, my Aunt and Uncle just shook their heads when more "funny eyed" strangers showed up at the house in the morning, but by now they were able to converse with them and in the end welcomed all. Karuk and Jaerka were the culprits, Sara and Pricilla jumped right in and made my Aunt sit down while they got breakfast going. "I really miss cooking for people," remarked Pricilla, who, once she found out Emily was originally from Johnstown, welcomed her right into our little "family." Sara, upon learning my Uncle fought in the war as well told him all about her father, and what little she knew of his time at Gettysburg, "Ma'am," said my Uncle, "We old soldiers may speak of our endeavors at that profane place, and understand, but what went on there should never be allowed to grace a lady's ears." While we were waiting for breakfast, Morkai, Nargra Karuk, Jaerka, as well as Hanna and I held a small conference. Both Jaerka and Karuk reported being shadowed by the Dekken's. I told them about the story I read about the passengers of a stagecoach being pestered by the Dekkens as well. "Nothing good will come of this," said Karuk , "Jaerka and I believe they are landing at our fields after we've left and are helping themselves to whatever we miss, which in some cases can be quite a lot."

"That business with the coach comes damn close to violating the prime directive," observed Jaerka, "I'm just afraid though we'll appear as "whiners" if we say too much, still Sandrick should be made aware of that incident." My Aunt called us all to breakfast but once we were all seated my Uncle said grace, the Nuelians were polite, and out of respect, bowed their heads, which seemed to impress my Aunt and Uncle. Karuk then said to them "Bet you never thought you would be feeding hungry space crews, but Mr. and Mrs. Bickford, I speak for us all in thanking you two for your generous hospitality , know that your efforts and wonderful cooking will be remembered thousands of lightdorns away form here." Although I thought He was laying it on a bit thick, my Aunt and Uncle seemed quite honored. Everybody reported that they were loaded and ready to return to Falth, "Gitel and Ambor have already left for home," reported Jaerka, Once Pricilla and I get a little sleep we'll leave as well. Karuk would be doing the same; both men asked my Uncle if there would be anybody wandering around the property that might stumble upon their ships. "The three of you are close enough to the house the woods hides the view, my neighbors respect my property, so I doubt anybody will be snooping around, you should be secure where you are."

I was rather amazed at how well the both of them became used to strange looking visitors from another planet sitting in their kitchen with three spacecraft parked out near their lower pasture. When Morkai thanked him personally for his hospitability, he shrugged and replied, "I see now that you people are honorable and peaceful visitors, Katrina and I are very honored by your presence, and hope business arrangements can be made in regards to the sale of walnuts and perhaps a place to harvest St John's Wort" I also made arrangements, as well as payment for the extra food we would be needing for the extra people who would be accompanying us back to Falth. Andy even took a buckboard up to the mercantile at the crossroads to purchase more coffee, flour, and staples to tide us over on our journey home.

Although Andy and Emily had prepared themselves for a journey into the "unknown," we had discussed the problem of Sally, Morkai, and even Andy were prepared to take whatever recriminations might arise from Sally and her children coming with us, but there was no other choice, Sally had been resting a lot, under Hanna's care, and Andy and I were steeling ourselves for what was to come next, convincing Sally to accompany us back on a strange flying machine into deep space for a voyage of incalculable miles. While Sally had slept, Hanna had already administered the Transnano's in her as well as half doses to her children; the only thing left was to make our case.

We waited until Andy had purchased supplies, and the other's had left. Nargra had given Sally a mild sedative, to help her sleep, everything was ready, my Aunt had baked a couple more pies, as well as a couple loaves of bread, along with a roasted chicken. Andy and I had decided to wait until the last minute before talking to Sally. I assured the children that their mother was fine, and that we would all be going on a big adventure. I also read them a story, and made one up as well, all about flying to the moon and stars. After losing their initial fear of Morkai and Nargra, both children became fascinated by "the men with the funny eyes." Morkai began to treat Todd like his own son, not only making my little nephew laugh, but telling me that Morkai was kind to children, and would make a fine father. When the time came, Andy and I pulled up chairs to Sally's bed.

Andy woke her and began by saying to her, "Sally, Holly and I want to talk to you as your brother, and cousin in other words family. Sally, we are leaving and you're coming with us, there is no room for argument on this, Tom is a brute and will only hurt you further, possibly even kill you. Sally started to protest, but he cut her off. "Listen to me Sally, we're going away, far away and you're coming with us, forget about Tom, he isn't worth it. Holly and I want you to be happy and safe; we want Todd and Jenny to be safe as well. Sally started to cry again, Andy embraced her, and managed to comfort her. I then spoke, "Sally, we are taking you and the children to Falth, It won't be permanent, just until you can get your thoughts sorted out, and forget about Tom." She started to protest some more, becoming fearful of traveling in space. "Settle down Sally," I said. "There is nothing dangerous about the trip; in fact you'll find it pretty boring. I have made the trip several times, I'm still here." "But why can't the children and I simply remain here, on the farm?" "Because," replied Andy, "Tom would just show up here and talk you into returning with him, which you would, and you know it. We are very sorry dear sister, but you and the children are coming with us." She continued to argue, but on cue, Morkai came and announced the children were safely on board. This galvanized her to action, allowing Andy and I to get her to the ship. Once she was aboard, Hanna slipped her another sedative, thus allowing us to finally take off.

Morkai didn't like taking off in broad daylight, but we had no choice, we were dangerously close to running over our allotted time to be on earth, and the ships computer would note that we had overstayed our time, causing us to incur a large fine. Andy and I told Todd and Jenny that their mother was tired, and needed sleep, and that their father wasn't able to come. However, when they got a look at the earth from orbit, all concerns for their parents were soon forgotten. We also thrilled them with the sight of the "big blue marble" as we prepared to enter hyperspace. Later I said to Andy, "I feel so bad for Todd and Jenny, they're too young to understand what's going on." "I'm not so sure," replied Andy, Todd said some terrible things about his father, but perhaps it is such a good thing that they are so young, they'll be able to forget much easier." "I hope your right," I replied, "I'm more afraid of what Sandrick is going to say about this."

When Sally woke up and realized where she was, she accused us of kidnapping her, and made a rather nasty scene, but Andy and I managed to get her settled down. After she finished crying, we sat down and had another long talk with her again.

She gave us the usual story about loving him, and "He won't know what to do, he'll be lost." Even Hanna and Emily offered to help, but I had to tell them, "This is strictly family; Andy and I have to deal with this ourselves." Finally, in a "late night" session, Todd and Jenny came to her with Todd speaking for the both of them. "Mama, please don't cry, papa was mean, he hit me once he scared us." Both children then hugged their mother as hard as they could, Jenny broke the "spell," when she looked at her mother and said, "Momma, could we have a new papa?" Both Andy and I began to cry, it was absolutely heartbreaking, but Sally was finally forced to admit Tom was no good for her, and that we were right all along. She personally apologized to both of us, as well as Morkai for causing so much anguish. She continued to remain very reserved, but Andy and I knew the worst was over. In the meantime, the Na'Vas rang with the squeals and laughter of children, as Todd and Jenny seemed oblivious to their surroundings, playing and chasing down on the cargo deck. All of us spent time with them, and soon it was, "Uncle Morkai, or Uncle Nargra, or Aunt Hanna. Late one night while Hanna and I were at the controls, she told me, "Little Jenny brings back a lot of memories for me, not all of them good. I was her age when they stuck me in the orphanage. I certainly hope Sally can find another husband, a decent and respectable man, if for no other reason than for the children."

Because of the extra passengers, the week seemed to pass quicker, Sally seemed to have regained her old self, through Hanna's efforts, Emily got pretty good at dealing cards, Andy had become a real pest, always asking questions, watching Morkai and I fly the ship, I think he must have inspected every inch of the Na'Vas, finally accepting the fact that space flight was indeed possible, towards the end I think he even began to understand the basic fundamentals of hyperspace. I praised Morkai for being so patient with him, answering his questions and showing him how things worked, he even gave him a tour of the engine room, although I think Andy expected to see a lot of moving parts thinking in terms of steam engines. Finally, I was able to announce, "Approaching jump gate we're almost home. At first, Morkai and I used to call out to each other the sequence of actions and commands when approaching, and entering the jump gate, as well as taking up an orbit over Falth in preparation for landing. We did this to aid in my learning, now that I was used to flight procedure, we very seldom did it anymore, along with the fact that the Nuel were telepathic, I could now anticipate his commands and what he wanted in the way of instrument readings.

This time however, we "talked" to each other even though we both wore comm sets on our right ears, more for the benefit of our passengers as well as a bit of "bragging" on my part. I knew how to fly this vessel and I was damn proud of it. "We have jump gate in visual, initiating code sequence, 239905634, code sequence accepted, entering jump gate." Everybody gasped at the sight of the huge ring just hanging in space, "Actually there are two rings, here and the other near Falth," I announced to all. "The jump gate acts as a "fast track" to home, you can't see them but there are dozens of separate

channels that act as "super highways" speeding us home in a fraction of the time it would normally take." I saw the time and distance reading closing quickly, when I announced, "time on destination, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, we are through people, everybody take a look on the screen, that's "home" you see out there, keep a sharp eye out, as you'll start to see other vessel's gathering to land. I purposely left the comm channel open so we would start picking up sub space chatter, as well as ground commands. Andy and Emily immediately asked what all the noise was. "That's what we call sub-space chatter, your hearing other ships talking to each other or ground control, to us it's the sound of home, although commands directed at us are automatically directed into the com sets we wear on our ears. By now other ships were coming into view, freighters, a couple navy frigates, a flight of fighters, Andy, as well as the two women just stared in amazement. As soon as we received a hail, Morkai identified us, and requested security at our landing zone. He also gave them Sandrick's ID code, which would tell security that Sandrick's presence was requested as well.

Shortly our request was acknowledged and permission to land was given. Hanna made sure everybody was securely strapped in as we made final preparations to land. While Morkai and I concentrated on passing through the upper atmosphere I could hear Hanna telling everybody, "Don't unbuckle until I tell you to, once we land, we have to wait for the Shai Alyt people to come aboard, check our harvest and certify it plus, since all of you are considered "aliens" security has to come aboard as well to check you out. This means Sandrick has to enter your pictures, retinal scans, as well as fingerprints in his computer, it's intrusive, I'll agree, but no one steps foot on Falth without a security card. Just be patient, we'll get through this." Morkai looked at me and made a face, maybe I was picking up his telepathic abilities, but I knew exactly what he was thinking. Once we were above Cluria, we were given a zone number, the navigation computer then plotted us a course to the correct landing site. As I was busy I didn't get a chance to watch Andy or the others, but I don't think they drew an easy breath until we were actually down. As we were shutting things down and opening the ramp, I announced, "We're down, welcome to Falth. I then teased Sally by saying, "See Sally, I told you this wouldn't be any big deal."

In no time, the Shai Alyt inspectors were coming aboard, I directed our passengers to the galley, "Sandrick will need a place to set up so everybody just have a seat help yourselves to the coffee Malo or Ipsha." While Morkai and Nargra got involved with the inspectors, Hanna and I waited for Sandrick, who arrived shortly. "Welcome aboard the Na'Vas Sandrick," I said, "Everybody's waiting in the galley; however before you go up there, we've got a little situation."