Galactic Marshal II
by
Hilltopper

CHAPTER 17

Karen and I went back to my apartment to get our things. I looked over at her and she had that smirk I hated.

“Gina darling, why don’t you give those ignorant marshals a thrill and wear that pink sundress and white sandals?”

“No thanks! I have to eventually work here. It will be hard enough getting past my present appearance without rubbing it in.”

Karen laughed.

“It was just a thought.”

I gave her a hard look.

“Also, what’s with the ‘darling’ remark?”

“Old habits die hard.”

“Yeah, OK, let’s find my cruiser.”

We picked up our bags and headed to the dock area. My orders had listed the ship as E-201. That was an unusual designation. When we entered the docks, Sam was waiting for us.

“I wasn’t expecting you to see us off.”

Sam smiled.

“I just thought I ought to explain the ship choice.”

“I wondered about the number.”

“It was decided that we should impress the aliens as much as we could. The cruiser is an experimental ship we have been testing. It has the latest weaponry and stealth technology. Plus, it has a new drive that doesn’t require hibernation. I am a little hesitant to send you out in it since testing is no where near complete but orders are orders.”

I shook my head.

“They must be serious about the aliens.”

“It’s the biggest thing to happen in a while. I think they are miffed that the aliens have not approached our government directly.”

I nodded.

“I can see that. It’s my opinion that the aliens are very suspicious of us. It is just an accident that Karen and I have an in with them. I will relate our concerns.”

“Great, do your best. Oh, by the way, the ship also has the latest in artificial intelligence. I think you’ll like it.”

I shook his hand.

“Thanks again for supporting us. We will do our best.”

Karen and I walked over to the ship. It was a honey. The ship was fairly small but looked lethal and fast. If they were trying to impress the aliens, this ship would do it. I was afraid it might impress them the wrong way. They didn’t like our aggressive nature and this ship exuded aggression. Well, it‘s really the people who run such a ship that mattered. I hoped I could convince them that we as a people were basically friendly. As we approached the hatch, a pleasant female voice spoke.

“Welcome Marshal Harper and Envoy Singleton.”

Karen looked at me.

“Envoy?”

I laughed.

“I have never been greeted by a ship before.”

The hatch opened and we walked in. The ship was just as impressive on the inside. Karen shook her head.

“Talk about a turn around, we left Fledora as pariahs and now we are the great hope against the aliens. Jeese!”

I nodded. We made our way to the command center. As we entered, the ship spoke again.

“Marshal Harper, just let me know what you need.”

“Call me Jonnie.”

Karen added.

“My name is Karen.”

“Noted”

“What do I call you?”

“What ever you want.”

I glanced at Karen and grinned.

“I’ll call you Gina.”

Karen chocked and I had to chuckle. There were two chairs facing forward and we sat down.

“How long will it take to fly us to Fledora?”

“Six hours and 43 minutes.”

“You’re kidding! It always takes several days in hibernation.”

“This ship is much faster and gentler than the old ships.”

“Wow! OK, take us there.”

The ship undocked and left the station. After we went a ways from it, the drive kicked in. The vibration was definitely felt but was quite tolerable. It was not as pleasant as the alien drive but was a big advance from our old drives.”

“Gina, what armament do we have?”

“We have a laser cannon and two rail guns. We also have 2 nuclear tipped missiles but they can only be launched after being activated by headquarters.”

“Good enough, I don’t plan to use any of them. Karen let’s explore.”

We went back the way we had come and found two sleeping rooms and a galley. The rest of the ship was taken up by the drive, weapons, and environmental systems. We sat down in the galley.

“What do you think Gina meant by calling me an envoy?”

“Probably just acknowledging your diplomatic status.”

I laughed.

“I bet the Fledoran council had a fit when they were informed.”

Karen grinned. I looked at the galley menu. Gina spoke up.

“Make your selection and it will be delivered at the door behind you.”

Karen brightened up.

“Make mine a steak dinner.”

I nodded.

“Make that two of them.”

“They will be ready in 10 minutes.”

“I think I’m going to like this ship.”

Karen laughed.

“At least your stomach will.”

We ate and talked about various things. Afterwards, we wandered back to the command center. I decided to contact Coop.

“Hey, Jonnie, I wasn’t expecting to hear from you so quickly.”

“Me either. How are you and the aliens getting along?”

“We are not. They will not even talk to me.”

“Hmm, OK, we will be there in a couple of hours. Do you have George and Linda with you?”

“Yes, what do you mean ‘a couple of hours’, there is no way you could get back here that fast.”

I laughed.

“Our new ship is a beast. I tell you what, why don’t you go ahead and land on the moon at the base. Get the thulium ready to load. I’ll contact the aliens.”

“OK, see you there.”

A couple of hours later, we entered Fledoran space. Gina spoke up.

“Jonnie, we are 30 minutes from Fledora. We have received a call from someone named Tinker.”

I smiled and turned to Karen.

“Maybe you should contact Tinker since you are the primary.”

Karen frowned at me.

“Go ahead, rub it in! I guess you’re right, however. Somehow we need to straighten them out about us.”

“Don’t worry about that now. Let them know we are going to Fledora and for them to stand by at the moon.”

“Right”

Karen had Gina make contact. Tinker appeared as itself.

“I am so glad you are back. That is quite a ship you have, by the way.”

“Thank you. We are going down to Fledora and talk with the council. We request that you go to the moon and stand by.”

“That will be fine. We are ready to fulfill the agreement.”

I came online.

“I want to thank you for what you did for George. I will always be grateful.”

“It was our pleasure and what we had hoped. We will await word from you.”

Tinker disconnected. I was a little puzzled.

“What do you make of that statement?”

Karen thought a minute.

“I don’t know, it sounds to me like they feel you owe them a favor.”

“Yeah, that’s what it sounded like to me too. I’m going to call Mary. Wish me luck.”

Karen laughed. I got Mary on the vid.

“Jonnie, how did you get back so fast?”

I smiled.

“It’s nice to see you too.”

“Oh, I’m sorry, Jonnie. It is real good to hear from you. I was just surprised is all.”

“I understand. My new cruiser can really travel.”

“I heard about your new assignment. I also know about Karen. The council is not happy with that.”

“I can imagine. I need to talk with them. Can you set it up?”

“Sure, let me know when you are landing and I will meet you. It will be great to have you home. I am sorry I was abrupt when you left but you were going against orders.”

“It’s OK. Gina tells me we should land in about an hour.”

“And who is Gina?”

I laughed.

“Sorry, I forgot. Gina is our AI on the ship.”

“Wow, that must be a very advanced ship.”

“It is. I’ll explain when I see you.”

“OK, I’ll be waiting for you.”

I disconnected and turned to Karen.

“It doesn’t look like you will be very welcome.”

“I figured as much. I’ll remain on the ship when we land. I don’t want to complicate your mission.”

I nodded.

“I guess that’s best. I better go change clothes. This pantsuit is not Fledoran wear.”

I went to my sleeping room. I chose a yellow sundress. I sure wouldn’t have imagined wearing this a year ago. After dressing, I came back and sat down. Karen and I settled in to await our landing. I dosed off and awoke to Gina’s voice.

“We have landed.”

I stood up and looked at Karen.

“You sure you want to stay on the ship?”

“It’s best.”

“OK, I will be back tomorrow.”

“Good luck.”

I laughed.

“I’ll need it.”

I went to the hatch and exited the ship. I saw Mary standing a ways away with her mouth open. I walked over to her.

“Jesus, that’s your ship?”

“Yep”

“I have never seen anything like it.”

“There has never been anything like it. The ship is experimental. It is supposed to impress the aliens.”

“Well, it sure impressed me. Wow!”

I chuckled.

“Let’s go home.”

“You bet.”

She drove us home in the hovercraft. Raylan was awake and I picked him up.

“I sure missed you, little fellow.”

He grinned big. Mary joined me.

“I know you miss him. He is doing fine.”

I sighed.

“I worry about his future, though.”

“Yes, things are in flux here.”

I nodded. I carried him into the kitchen. I fed him and we ate supper. He went to sleep and I laid him down. Mary and I spent a wonderful night together. The next morning, I awoke to Mary snuggled next to me. I did not want to get up but I had a meeting with the council. I kissed her and she roused with a smile.

“Why can’t things be like this all the time?”

I sighed.

“Yeah, life is sure complicated right now.”

I put on my council mini-dress and a little make-up. I’ll never get used to this. I went into the kitchen. Lynne had fixed breakfast. We ate while making small talk. Mary had to go to work as well so she drove me. She let me out at the council chamber building. I didn’t have an appointment time. I walked in and was led directly into the chambers. Carol looked hard at me.

“We have been informed of your assignment and diplomatic status. Where is Karen?”

“She remained on my cruiser.”

She nodded.

“Yes, we have heard about your ship. The marshal service is going all out to meet the aliens I see.”

“We are trying to both impress them and get into their good graces.”

She stared a minute.

“What are your intensions?”

“Well, the aliens still want their assignment of thulium.”

Carol frowned.

“I thought so! We are not going to yield to any demands. If they want it so badly, let Earth sell it to them. We need all of ours.”

I sighed.

“The thulium on your moon is the only readily available supply. We feel it would benefit everyone to sell it to them. Good relations with them is our most important objective.”

“I’m sorry, we cannot comply.”

“I’m sorry too.”

I turned and left the chambers. I caught a ride to the ship and hurried into it. Karen shook her head.

“No good, huh?”

“That is one stubborn lady!”

I contacted Coop.

“Start loading. We are on our way up. Gina, take us to the moon base.”