GALACTIC MARSHAL
by Hilltopper
GALACTIC MARSHAL
by Hilltopper
This gender bending space opera was inspired by a comment made to me by Bailey Summers. I hope you enjoy it.
CHAPTER 1
My name is John Harper. I am a galactic marshal in district 3. I have just come back to district headquarters from a really grueling assignment that I don’t want to talk about. A vacation is what I need and I have some days coming. Maybe I can spend some time back on Earth. I grew up in Kentucky and have not been back there in a long time. It is funny how time gets away from you. The last time I was there brought back some memories that I did not want to surface. I guess I have avoided returning because of that but it is such a beautiful place and I should go more often. Kentucky is one of the few places on Earth that avoided most of the affects of the severe pollution 200 years ago. I was very lucky to have been born and raised there. It would be a place for the rest and relaxation I sorely needed.
As I reached the district supervisor’s office, I knocked on the door.
“Come in John.”
“Hi Sam. It is good to be back. I guess you have read my report.”
“Yep, good job.”
“I’m glad you think so because I am putting in for some vacation.”
“Uh, well, a special assignment had just come through. You are the only marshal available that fits the criteria.”
“Sam,I am dead tired. There has to be some one else to take it.”
“I wish there was but the computer says you are it.”
“Since when did a computer start making our assignments?”
“This is a special case. You remember Sandra Sterling? We have gotten a very reliable tip that she has gone underground on the planet Fledora. She is in the top ten most wanted and we can not ignore this.”
“I have never heard of Fledora. I thought I knew all the planets in our district.”
“This one is a new addition to the planetopolis. Also, it is in district 6.”
“What! That is the back end of no where! We do not even patrol there.”
“I know, I know. But we have been given permission to go after the fugitive.”
“OK, but why me?”
“As I said, you meet the criteria insisted upon by the government of Fledora. We sent the histories of all our marshals to them at there request. You were the only one that qualified according to them.”
“What makes me so lucky?”
“I don’t know. All they will say is that you are the only marshal they will let into their territory.”
“Man, this sucks! When do I leave?”
“They are sending a shuttle. It should be here in the morning.”
“That really sucks! No time off at all?”
“Sorry.”
“Well, I am going to get some supper. I’ll see you in the morning.”
With that, I walked out. I was pissed. As a district marshal, I had an apartment in the HQ building but I did not feel like going there. Instead, I headed for the cafeteria. The food there is not great but it beats my cooking by a long way. As I entered the café, I spotted George Bret. He is also a marshal in this district. I waved and then went through the food line. After paying, I sat down with George.
“Hey there John. Haven’t seen you I while?”
“I’ve been on a long and tiring assignment. I just got back this afternoon.”
“So, I guess a vacation is in the works now, huh?”
“I wish! Sam told me I have to take another assignment first.”
“Whoa! That’s unusual. What is it?”
“I have to go after Sandra Sterling. I hope it doesn’t take long.”
“I don’t know. No one has been able to catch her yet. Where is she supposed to be?”
“Some planet in district six called Fledora.”
He suddenly looked pale. I got the feeling he knew something that I should know.
“OK, that struck a chord. Give!”
“Well, it’s only rumors. Apparently, the planet is inhabited by a splinter group that left one of our colonies over 100 years ago. It was a colony that was repressive to women. The rumor is that the planet is only inhabited by women that are descended from a large group of women that left that colony looking for a better life.”
“Wow! That is heavy. I can see why Sandra would try to hide there. She is probably getting help. What I don’t understand is why they want me to go there?”
“Got me, but I would sure be careful.”
I finished eating and went to my apartment. Since I was completely bushed, I got ready and lie down on my bed. Something was just not right about this assignment. Any one of a hundred marshals could to track down a fugitive. Why pick on me? After all, I was overdue for some time off and only an emergency should have canceled it. This sure was no emergency. And, what about this ‘meeting criteria’ thing? I was pretty much average as anyone. I was 6 feet tall, weighed 200 pounds, had pretty good health, and stayed fairly fit but so did everyone else. It worried me about them sending my complete history. A thought occurred to me. I had always believed that I was born intersexed and was corrected to be listed as male. Growing up, I had been more girl than boy until puberty hit. Surely, that was not what fitted me to their criteria. I had a not so funny feeling in my gut. After a struggle, I finally drifted off to sleep.
I woke suddenly to the 1812 Overture. I groaned ‘Who could be calling me at 6 AM’. I punched the vid button and Sam appeared. He did not look much better than I felt.
“What’s up, Sam?”
“Sorry to wake you but we just got word that the shuttle from Fledora will arrive in 30 minutes. You are expected to meet it.”
“Are you crazy? There is no way I can get ready and packed in less than 2 hours.”
“Don’t worry about packing. We were told that you were to bring nothing but the clothes on your back. Everything you need will be provided once you are on the shuttle. Apparently, they are worried about contamination.”
“This is just great. I don’t like this one bit.”
“Nothing I can do about it. Just go to dock 16 as soon as you get dressed.”
“Alright, alright!”
I signed off in a huff. This is getting stranger and stranger. I dressed in jeans and a sport shirt. It would take a good 10 minutes to get to dock 16, so I headed out. Just as I arrived, I saw a brilliant white shuttle entering the space dock. It was a beauty. I had never seen one like it. As soon as the green docking light came on, the door opened.
“Walk through the door Mr. Harper. We are in a hurry.”
I did not see where the voice came from. As soon as I entered the ship, the door closed. I immediately felt the ship undock and start out.
“Just sit on the bench and we will be with you shortly.”
A few minutes later, the voice returned.
“Please take off all of your clothes and enter the chamber to your right.”
A door opened and I looked in. It appeared to be an over grown shower.
“Look, whoever you are, I would like to know what is going on.”
“The chamber will decontaminate you. When you exit, we will provide you with new clothes.”
I walked into the chamber against my better judgment. I did not like the way this was going one bit. The door behind me closed.
“Stand in the center and hold your arms out.”
I complied and a sharp smelling spray seemed to come at me from all directions. It only lasted about I minute but that was enough. Oddly, I dried off quickly and the door opposite opened to another chamber. This one looked like a futuristic locker room. As I entered the room, the voice told me to look in locker 1 and put on the clothes it contained. I opened it and got a surprise.
“Hey, this looks like a mini dress.”
“It is a medical gown, Mr. Harper.”
“Why do I need a ‘medical gown’?”
“Our doctor needs to give you a physical and make a few enhancements so that you can enter Fledora territory.”
“What kind of enhancements?”
“Nothing permanent or out of the ordinary.”
“I suppose my superiors knew of this and approved.”
“Yes, they did.”
“OK, I guess you can go ahead.”
“Good! Put on the clothes and go into Medical.”
Another door opened which I assumed led to the medical room. I put the ‘dress’ on and entered the room. In the center was a pod about 7 feet long.
“Where’s the doctor?”
“The doctor is automated and is part of the unit you see in the middle of Medical.”
“Great! When do I actually meet you or someone alive?”
“Not until we reach Fledora. Please get into the unit. A door will close over you and you will be put to sleep.”
“Hold on a minute. I don’t like the idea of being helpless in that thing.”
“Mr. Harper, it is essential that you be sedated during the flight to our planet. The star drive we use is very uncomfortable to humans. If you are not asleep, damage could result to your body’s systems.”
“OK, but I want it noted that I don’t like it.”
“Noted”
I climbed into the pod and the door closed over me. Some kind of gas poured into the chamber and I passed out. I awoke to a gorgeous brown haired, brown eyed woman staring down at me. She seemed to have a smirk on her face. I started to sit up but something did not feel right. I looked down at my chest and got a huge shock.
“Good morning Miss Harper.”
GALACTIC MARSHAL
by Hilltopper
CHAPTER 2
“What the ---------?”
“Now, don’t panic. I can explain everything.”
“Who the hell are you and what the hell did you do to me?”
“It will be OK, Miss Harper.”
“Cut the ‘Miss Harper’ crap. I want to know what is going on and why am I sounding funny?”
I got up to take a look at myself. There was no doubt I had breasts but I was afraid to look elsewhere.
“Do not worry, nothing has been cut off and nothing done is permanent. You have to realize, this is a planet of only women. In order to do your investigation, you must blend in. Your appearance and voice have been altered for that reason. Besides, we do not allow males on our planet.”
Even though she made sense, I was in no mood to listen.
“I don’t care what your rules are. I am not going around like this. So, if that is the way things are, then just change me back and I’ll go back home.”
“So, you are going to shirk your duty because of your pride. I told them this would not work.”
Now she was hitting me where it hurt. I always did my duty no matter what. But this was way above and beyond. I spotted a mirror and walked over to it. I really did not look much different: same height, same weight, same face. But there was no doubt either that I now looked much more feminine especially with the long blond hair. There was no bulge below and that worried me. I guess she noticed my concern.
“They are just hidden inside. Everything is still there. Of course, you will now have to sit down when you pee.”
There was that smirk again.
“I have a feeling you are enjoying this. Look, I get it, but there is no way in the world I can pass as a woman. Why didn’t you just take one of the female marshals?”
“Several reasons. One is the fact that our bodies have been genetically enhanced. None of your female deputies could begin to compete with us. Also, according to our DNA testing and computer analysis, you were the best fit.”
“I don’t see how. As far as competing, I am sure I can take on any woman on your planet and win.”
“OK, hot shot! Come at me. Don’t worry, you are still the same inside and have not lost any strength or skills.”
I decided I would just throw her and not try to really hurt her. I made my move and came at her suddenly from the left side. The next thing I knew, I was on the floor with her knee on my chest.
“I am below average in the strength department on our planet and I am also quite short.”
Well, so much for my pride. I was beginning to think I was about to get in over my head. I tried to look unconcerned as she got off me.
“My job is to make you ready to go down to our planet and meet with the council. If you are not going to cooperate, then maybe you should go back home.”
“OK, I am still not sure this is a good idea nor if I can do it, but I am on your side against the bad guys. Let’s start over.”
I put out my hand and she shook it.
“Alright, my name is Mary Brown. I am chief of detectives in our capital. I do admit I am enjoying your misery but I will do whatever is necessary to help you get ready. I am not your enemy. Just call me Mary.”
With that, she led me into what looked like a crew lounge. I was looking around for anyone else but could see no sign of other crew members. Detective Brown noticed.
“This ship is pretty much automated. We are the only ones aboard. We are orbiting Fledora and will do so until the council determines you are ready to land.”
“And if they are not satisfied?”
“Then you go home without your fugitive.”
I had to admit that was not an option. I was very concerned as to what it would take to convince their council to let me start the search for Sandra.
“Can I get some clothes and get rid of this stupid medical gown?”
She had that smile again.
“Actually, those are your clothes. Of course, if you want to change into a clean uniform, that would be fine.”
I looked down at myself. This thing barely covered my ass. There was no way in hell I was going to continue wearing it.
“OK, where are my other clothes?”
“Right this way.”
I found myself in an 8 feet by 8 feet bedroom with a closet at one end. She left and closed the door. I got out of that dress thing immediately. Looking in the closet, I was dismayed to find two other dresses that looked much like the one I had just worn. I could not find any drawers that would contain any other clothes.
“Hey, I can’t find any pants or underwear.”
“We rarely wear underwear and pants are not usually worn except when necessary for certain jobs.”
“So, you’re telling me I am going to wear what’s in this closet and nothing else?”
“Yep!”
This was going from bad to worse. I was afraid to ask about shoes. I put on another dress and walked back into the lounge. She was definitely enjoying my misery.
“You have to realize that we don’t have the same culture as you. Since you have both males and females, you have developed a ridiculous set of modesty rules. We don’t have that problem. We don’t even wear any clothes some of the time.”
I guess I must have looked a little green because she laughed and turned toward what looked like a food terminal of some kind. I have to admit that she has a great laugh and is rather cute. She handed me something completely unrecognizable.
“Aren’t you going to eat? I thought you would be hungry.”
“Not that hungry.”
“You know when in Fledora; act like a Fledoran.”
“Well, it doesn’t look like losing weight will be a problem.”
She laughed real hard and took the plate.
“Alright, I had to mess with you again. When we left the colony, we took a lot of farm animals with us. So, we have pretty much the same things available that you do along with the native stuff. How about a hamburger and French fries?”
“Now you’re talking.”
We finished eating and decided to go on to bed. It had been a hard day. I guessed I would have to sleep naked. There appeared to be nothing else to wear. I lie down on the bed and pondered my situation. I can not believe the mess I am in. Sam had to know about this. I am going to kill him when I get back. I bet he is having a big laugh about now. I still wonder what all they have done to me. I feel the same except for these darn breasts. It sure looks different between my legs but, hopefully, all the changes are just superficial. I still don’t get why I was the best pick of the marshals. Mary has a lot of explaining to do tomorrow.
The next morning, I once again donned the ‘dress’ and entered the lounge area. Mary was sitting at a table and looked up. I struck a pose.
“So, here I am.”
“Yeah, I see but your hair is a mess. You need to do something with it.”
“You mean like cut it off?”
“Funny. Get your breakfast and, after you eat, we will get started.”
“Hmmm.”
I walked over to the food terminal and selected some bacon and eggs. At least, that’s what it looked like.
“How do you sit in this thing? My bare butt is on the chair.”
“You are supposed to use your hands to sweep the dress under you as you sit down.”
I just shake my head and start eating.
“You know, I was sent here to catch Sandra Sterling, not to play games.”
“This is not a game. We have never allowed a male to set foot on our planet before now and, even though you look sort of female, you are still a man. If anyone finds out, there will be hell to pay. The council has agreed to let you in but only if you can convince them that there is no chance of you being discovered to be male. We have tried to keep your changes superficial but it is up to you to show everyone that you are a woman.”
“OK, but I still think it would be better to use a female deputy.”
“No, they would be spotted as an outsider immediately. Since you are 6 feet tall and have a strong build, you will be about average. A lot of women on our planet are taller and stronger than you.”
“So, how come Sandra has not been spotted?”
“She probably has but is getting help. At 5 feet 8 inches, she is certainly short. We have some information that she might be hiding in Basteria. That area has a large criminal element.”
“Then your planet is not all milk and honey.”
“Far from it. We have a population of over a million. Crime will always be a problem with that many people. I was told your Sandra was wanted for murder but I do not know what she did.”
“Her husband was arrested by the marshal service on a warrant for forgery. I guess the arresting marshals got over exuberant because he died in transport. In revenge for his death, Sandra killed the judge that issued the warrant and three deputy marshals.”
“Wow! I guess we know why she is getting help now. A lot of women would be sympathetic.”
I finished breakfast and got up.
“OK, what now?”
“Well, let’s do something with your hair and get you some boots. You will probably need some practice with them.”
We entered the bathroom and she brushed out my hair. I have to admit that it felt nice; however, I would still rather cut it off. Mary left and came back with a pair of black boots that looked like they would come almost up to my knees. They also had a very high heel. I guess I cringed because she smirked again.
“I know these seem outrageous, but we need to wear the proper uniform when we meet with the council. They will make a determination as to whether this investigation can continue based on your appearance and demeanor.”
I reluctantly took the boots and tried them on. They fit perfectly since they had all my measurements. I stood up and walked into the lounge.
“Whoa! You have done this before.”
I blushed a bright red. The fact was, as a teen, I had experimented. When I had reached adulthood, I buried those thoughts as deep as I could. I ignored her comment and walked back and forth several times.
“This is going to be easier than I thought. You actually look very feminine when walking in those boots. I think I am beginning to see what the council meant by you being the best fit.”
“Just because I can walk in these silly boots does not mean I can pass as a woman on your planet. I don’t like to beat a dead horse, but there is no way this is going to work.”
“Let’s take it one step at a time and the council will decide that. We will spend the rest of today working with you. If the council is in agreement, we will go down to the planet tomorrow.”
This really scared me. It was one thing to parade around in this get up in front of Mary. But to actually go out in public like this was almost paralyzing. Once again, Mary read me like a book.
“Don’t worry. No one will notice a thing. We will get you ready and everything will go fine.”
We worked on feminine deportment until lunch. I got another hamburger and sat down.
“You are doing fine. I do have a question about how fast you are getting this. Care to enlighten me?”
I stared at her a minute and then sighed.
“OK, but this is just between you and me although I suspect there may be something in my history about this that caught the council’s eye. I was born intersexed and was more girl than boy until puberty. I decided then to make myself be all boy. Unfortunately, I was only partially successful. To everyone, I was a total boy but, in private, I dressed as a girl quite often. When I graduated high school, it seemed the best thing to do was to pick a masculine career so that I could put this female thing behind me. So, I aimed my college studies toward that end and joined the marshal service after I got my diploma. This assignment is not sitting well with me. It is bringing back things I thought I had well buried.”
She looked stunned. I got up to get another drink.
“This is making more and more sense now. Wow! I think I am going to go ahead and call the council. Just hang loose a while.”
She got up and went through a door I had not entered. I figured it was the control room. I went back to my room and lie down. I could not believe I had told her all that. I had never told anyone before. She was just very easy to talk to. Well, no going back now. I guess I must have been tired because the next thing I knew, Mary was shaking me.
“It’s all set up. We will meet with the council at 10 tomorrow.”
I got up and followed her back out to the lounge.
“That’s great. So, I have to wear this dress and boots?”
“Yes, but a clean one. I will have to wear the same thing. Don’t worry. This is just part of protocol, you know. If everything goes well, we will get you some different clothes afterwards.”
We spent some more time checking me out. By supper time, we figured it was as good as it was going to get. We ate and then sat back.
“I know I have been a real pain. You are just doing what you were asked to do. It was just a bit of a shock is all.”
Mary laughed.
“I am sure it was. I want to apologize for enjoying your pain too much. You must remember, we are not used to being with men. If you had not undergone your changes in route here, I could not have done this. Your secret is safe with me but it did help me get through this as well. When we part company tomorrow after the meeting, let’s go as friends.”
“Sure. Fine with me. I am glad it was you that was sent to get me.”
With that, we hugged and went to bed. The next morning, I dressed and ate breakfast. Mary must have been busy in the control room as I did not see her. She came out as I finished eating.
“Come on in and strap down. We deorbit in 15 minutes.”
“OK, lead on.”
I strapped in and got my first look at Fledora. It looked a whole lot like Earth but with much less land area. With a sigh I uttered, “Well, here goes nothing.”
GALACTIC MARSHAL
by Hilltopper
“Well, the changes made to you are pretty good. You look like a woman even up close. There is one thing, though, that could give you away. You don’t have a vagina.”
“Of course, I don’t have a vagina and I don’t want one either.”
CHAPTER 3
As we headed down towards the planet, I couldn’t help but notice how much the landscape looked like the Kentucky I grew up in. Of course, that was not necessarily a good thing because it also reminded me of growing up. This assignment was causing things to resurface that I had thought were buried and out of mind. I should tell this council to forget it and send me back home. I knew now that I would not come out of this unscathed.
“That’s our capital off to the right there.”
“It’s pretty. There don’t seem to be very many other towns on Fledora.”
“Ninety per cent of the population lives within 100 kilometers of our capital. That is where our ancestors landed over a hundred years ago to start this colony. There is really not a lot of truly habitable land here.”
“This Basteria you mentioned; where is that?”
“It is about 250 kilometers away in those mountains in front of us. It is mainly a mining community but a lot of undesirables have left this area and settled there over the years. It is a rough place.”
By this time, we were sweeping in over the capital city. She landed the shuttle on what was not much more than large concrete tarmac with a couple of buildings.
“Nice space port.”
“We don’t get out much.”
“I gathered that.”
“We really don’t have much desire to leave Fledora. Everything we need is here. This shuttle and two others are all we have. We also don’t encourage visitors.”
We exited the shuttle and walked toward a building that looked to be quite old. Beside it was parked a fairly impressive hovercraft.
“Now, this does not appear to be from here.”
She laughed.
“No, we actually bought it from your government. Since our incorporation into your planetopolis, technology has picked up around here.”
We entered the vehicle and headed toward what I guessed was their capital or headquarters. The building looked like many old federal buildings I had seen on Earth. Mary parked beside the building and we walked around to the front. There were a lot of women about. I tensed up and stopped.
“Come on. There is no backing out now. The only reason we are being noticed is the uniform.”
“What there is of it.”
She laughed and I followed her inside.
“The council chamber is at the back. I will let them know we are here.”
She punched something into a terminal and we sat down to wait. Mary turned to me and whispered into my ear.
“This is very important. From now on, you are a woman. There can be no reference to your male self. Your name is now Jonnie Michelle Harper. Please do your best to act the part.”
“Don’t worry; I know your job is on the line. I will do my best.”
A few minutes later, a very tall woman approached and bade us to follow her. At the chamber door, she stepped aside and we entered. Five women were seated at the back. It looked like the Supreme Court. Mary walked up to the middle woman.
“Madam Council Chairwoman, I give you Galactic Marshal Jonnie Michelle Harper.”
“Come forward, Marshal Harper. We have been anxious to meet you.”
“It is my pleasure, Madam Chairwoman.”
She smiled broadly.
“I doubt that but we do have much to discuss. By your appearance, I see Detective Brown has done a remarkable job. Of course, we are not surprised. After reviewing your history, we were confident that you were the best woman for the job.”
I guess she noticed me cringing because she smiled broadly again.
“When your service approached us about your fugitive, we were skeptical. They said that they would let us pick the marshal to be sent. When they forwarded the marshal histories, only women deputies were included. We insisted that we get all of the deputy histories. I am glad we did. None of the female deputies were acceptable. The only deputy we could accept was you. I will not go into our reasoning, just believe me when I say it is you or no one.”
I had guessed this but the reality hit me hard.
“I can imagine that this is difficult to digest. We will do everything we can to help you in your search as long as you remember one thing. As far as we and everyone on Fledora are concerned, you are a woman. Only we five and Detective Brown will know about your past. Is that clear?”
“Yes Ma’am!”
“Good. If you will please step outside, we will discuss going further among ourselves. I do want to thank you for acquiescing to our demands. I know this is not easy for you.”
I went back to the lobby and sat down. I thought, ‘Whew! I was glad that was over. That woman sure had a presence’.
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“Now, Mary, I want to thank you for bringing Marshal Harper here and for training her.”
“Your welcome. It was hard at first but she grows on you.”
Carol Givens, the council chairwoman, laughed hard.
“Do I sense something here?”
“No, No! I was only doing my duty.”
“I’m glad to hear that because we have decided that the only way we can allow Marshal Harper to stay here is if you are totally responsible for her. You are to remain with her at all times unless she is undercover; in which case, you must be in constant audio contact. Is that clear?”
“Yes Ma’am.”
This is just great. I thought that after this meeting, I could go back to my job. Now, not only do I have to nurse maid Jonnie but I am responsible as well.
“I can see you are not too pleased. I know this is not what you expected. We will give you free reign on this. Please keep us informed.”
“Yes Ma’am.”
I went back to the lobby to find Jonnie. ‘This really sucks!’
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I noticed Mary coming out of the council chamber in a hurry. She did not look happy.
“Who rained on your parade?”
“Just shut up!”
She walked past me and out the front door. I hurried to catch up. That was not easy in these boots.
“Can we get something else for me to wear? I feel like a fool in this outfit.”
She glared back at me and continued walking toward the hovercraft. I took the hint and shut up. We drove to a nice looking house on the outskirts of town.
“This is my house. Miss Givens made me responsible for you so, you will stay here with me.”
I smiled big.
“OK.”
She just glared at me again and we went into the house.
“Now, can I get some clothes?”
“Just take all that off. I am.”
“You have got to be kidding?”
“You might as well get used to it, especially where you are going.”
“And where is that?”
“Basteria”
“Oh, yeah.”
She removed her dress and boots. She was thus stark naked. Nothing stirred below but that was not surprising since everything was hidden. I did feel something, though, that I could not put my finger on.
“Well!”
“OK, OK! Here goes.”
I undressed with great apprehension. The smirk on Mary’s face did not help.
“See! That wasn’t so hard.”
“For you maybe.”
Mary just laughed and headed into the kitchen. She made some sandwiches and handed me two along with some kind of drink. I ate in silence. Things were about to catch up to me. I felt like jumping off a cliff.
“Just chill tonight, Jonnie. We will get a fresh start tomorrow.”
I looked at Mary.
“That’s the first time you have called me by name.”
She grinned.
“We weren’t friends before.”
I nodded and stood up.
“I think I want to chill alone if that’s alright? I am feeling a little down.”
“Sure, I understand. Your room is over there.”
I went into the room and lie down on the bed. I had to admit that no other marshal could have made it through all of this. I barely did. I just did not know if I could really go through with this. It was all too much! I must have been exhausted because the next thing I knew, it was morning. I walked out of my room, naked of course. This was really going to take some getting used to.
“Well, Jonnie, we need to make our plans.”
Mary looked up at me. I guess I blushed a bright red.
“You look fine. Stop blushing. People will think you have never done this before.”
“Well!”
“Anyway, the council has stated that I must be with you at all times. This is a problem when we go to Basteria.”
“Why is that?”
“I am pretty well known. There is no way I can go in with you.”
“You mean I will be going alone like this?”
“Well, hopefully with some clothes on.”
“You know what I mean.”
“I know it’s not going to be easy but it is the only way.”
“Your right of course but I don’t like it.”
“You will be fine. I will set up a command post outside of Basteria. We are going to implant a transceiver behind your ear in the morning. I or one of my team will be in constant contact with you. One other thing, you can’t use your name.”
“I realize that. Sandra would probably recognize it. How about Gina Rene Coleman?”
“That’s a good one. It will help with the image you need to project.”
“And what image is that?”
“Well, you need a back story. How about this? Your partner was abusing you so you left here to get away from her. You take the transport to Basteria. There is a person, Karen Littleton, that owns a nightclub in Basteria called The Midnight End. We have used her in the past as an informant. Sooner or later everyone living in Basteria goes there. I suggest you try to get a job there. It would be the perfect cover to use while searching for Sandra. She has undoubtedly changed her appearance some what so it won’t be easy.”
“Yeah, you’re right there. OK, I agree with you but I still don’t like it. I have been undercover many times but not like this.”
“There is one other thing I just thought of.”
“What’s that?”
“Well, the changes made to you are pretty good. You look like a woman even up close. There is one thing, though, that could give you away. You don’t have a vagina.”
“Of course, I don’t have a vagina and I don’t want one either.”
“Just listen! The place you are going is pretty rowdy. Even if you do not want it, there is a good chance some one will notice.”
“And how will they notice?”
“Look, hands wander. We must address this. You can not be found out. We can form a fake vagina while you are at medical in the morning. It will look natural but can be easily removed when this is over.”
I have to admit, I was stunned. This was rapidly going south. She did make sense but I sure did not want to admit it.
“Let me think on this a while. I just have to get my head around all of this.”
With that, I wandered back to my room. I lie down and stared at the ceiling. There was a time when this would have been welcome but my life had moved past that. I really don’t know if I can do this. I knew that it would cause me some severe mental problems when this assignment was finished. Finally, I got up and went back in with Mary.
“OK, if you are positive it is only temporary.”
“I assure you that all of the changes made to you are reversible. Let me go get you some clothes and things to take with you. I’ll be back later tonight. Just relax.”
Mary came back that night with a medium sized suitcase and a large shopping bag.
“I think I have everything you will need. I got used clothes to help with your cover. Why don’t we wait until after your surgery tomorrow to go over things?”
“Fine with me. I’ll see you in the morning. I am bushed.”
I went to bed and passed out. The next morning, I put the dress and boots back on and went into the kitchen. Mary handed me some coffee. I made a face.
“That’s all you get. We will go to medical in 30 minutes.”
I drank the coffee (I hate coffee), then went out to the hovercraft. Mary drove us to the medical building. I was ushered straight into the prep room and a nurse came in.
“Just relax dear. I am giving you a shot and when you wake up, it will all be over.”
She was right. The next thing I knew, Mary was looking at me with a nice smile.
“As soon as you get your senses back, we can head home.”
“I lost that 2 days ago.”
She laughed and helped me up. Back at her house, we went back over everything. We laid out my clothes for tomorrow and packed the suitcase. I was still feeling the drugs, so I went straight to my bed room and took off my clothes. Looking in the mirror, I hardly recognized myself. There was no doubt now that I was a woman. I touched my new vagina. This certainly seemed real and very disturbing. I need to put this out of my mind and remember who I really am. This is just a disguise. I lie down and slipped into a troubled sleep. Upon arising, I dressed in a denim skirt, a white peasant-type blouse, and, thankfully, shoes with no high heels. We ate breakfast in silence. I guess we both were worried as to what would come next. Mary drove me to a point about two blocks from the transportation center.
“Well, good luck Jonnie. I will be in your ear whenever you need me. Just be careful.”
“Thanks. Let’s hope things go as planned. I will let you know when I am on the transport.”
We hugged and both of us had tears in our eyes. There was nothing else to say, so I turned and headed to the center.
GALACTIC MARSHAL
by Hilltopper
"A waitress? I can't be a waitress!"
CHAPTER 4
I entered the transportation center and found the transport to Basteria. Evidently, no ticket was needed as I just walked onto the transport and sat down near the back by a window. No one was sitting close by so I said to Mary,
“I’m on board.”
“OK, let me know if you need anything.”
“Right”
It was about 20 minutes before the transport lifted off. The pilot said the flight would take about an hour. I settled back in my seat and stared out the window. I muttered to myself,
“Holy shit! I can’t believe I am doing this.”
“Did you say something?” said Mary.
“No, just panicking out loud.”
“Relax, we are heading out to the command post and will be only minutes away from you at all times.”
“Thank you, that helps.”
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I could tell that Jonnie was about to lose it. My team and I hurried to reach the building we had set up outside Basteria. I just hope Jonnie can hold it together. This had to be an unreal experience. Maybe the hour flight will give her time to calm down. I will have to be careful what I say to her and give as much help as possible.
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I watched the scenery pass by below us. We couldn’t be more than a few thousand kilometers high. As we left the capital behind, the land became much more rugged. I could now understand what Mary meant about the lack of habitable land. I sure would hate to try to live on it. So much had happened the last few days that my mind was having trouble coping. This assignment has turned into a nightmare. My worst fears were coming back to haunt me. I haven’t had to try to fool anybody as yet but, when I reached Basteria, the real fun begins. I know I look the part. It was what was inside that would count. People usually see what they expect. It came down to whether I could project the proper image. Of course, I wasn’t even sure what that image was. I am supposed to be running away from an abusive spouse but, beyond that, it was up to me to figure out what I want people to see. I guess the job I get will kind of point the way. Maybe I can get on as a clean up person or dishwasher.
By this time, I could see what I presumed was Basteria in the distance. It was larger than I expected; maybe 10,000 population. The town was built on a park at the foothills of some very tall mountains. Just outside the town, the land became very rugged. It looked to me like the only easy way in was by transport. We landed on a small airport at the west edge of town. There were a few private jump jets setting around and several hangers. When we came to a stop, I grabbed my suitcase and awaited deboarding. When the call came, I deplaned and walked toward what looked like the main drag.
“Mary, are you there?”
“I’m here, Jonnie. We have set up shop and will monitor your progress.”
”Good! I am walking away from the airport down what looks like the main street.”
“Right, The Midnight End is about 2 kilometers down that street.”
“OK, I think I will walk it so I can get the lay of the land.”
“Just be careful. You’ll pass some pretty seedy bars but it should not be a problem at this time of the day.”
“Oh, I think I can take care of myself.”
“You haven’t seen those miners yet.”
“Hmmm! Well, anyway, I’ll contact you again when I leave the club.”
“Alright, we’ll be here.”
Mary was right. This area looked bad enough in the middle of the day. I could imagine it was a place to avoid after dark. As I walked on, there were more and more shops of various kinds. Suddenly, I saw what had to be The Midnight End. The building was larger than any of the others and was rather ornate. I walked up to the front and, sure enough, above the front door was a sign that said ‘Welcome to The Midnight End — Doors Open at 5 O’clock’. That was a couple of hours away but I took a chance and tried the door. It was unlocked, so I entered. To the right was an area of gaming tables and to the left a stage and dance floor. Many tables and chairs were in the middle portion of the room and along the back wall was a large bar. A woman was behind it washing glasses. As I walked up she stared a hole in me.
“What do YOU want?”
“Uh, I just got into town and I am looking for a job.”
She continued to stare but finally pointed to a door marked ‘private’.
“Just knock. Karen’s the one you need to see.”
“Thanks”
I did not like the way she stared at me. I started to wonder if she was seeing through my disguise. I hurried over to the door and knocked.
“Come on in.”
I went in and faced an awesome woman. She had to be 6 feet 2 and was built like Wonder Woman.
“Well?”
“Oh, uh, I just got here from the capital and I need a job.”
She looked me up and down.
“You’re not on the run are you?”
“Just from my partner; I got tired of the abuse.”
“Good for you! OK, I am a sucker for sad stories. I’ll give you a job. Be here tomorrow around 4 and we can sort you out.”
“What should I wear?”
“Doesn’t matter. I supply the uniforms.”
I picked up my suitcase and started to turn towards the door.
“Wait a minute. Have you got a place to stay?”
“No, I just arrived on the transport.”
“I own a rooming house and most of my girls stay there. It’s two blocks down the street; a 3 story blue house. Just tell Mona I sent you and she will set you up with a room.”
“Thanks, that’s a big help.”
I left the room and headed for the front door. I waved at the bartender. Why dose everybody smirk at me lately? Outside, I contacted Mary.
“Well, so far, so good.”
“Yeah, I heard.”
“You know, I just realized the owner never told me what job I would be doing.”
“I wouldn’t worry about it. At least you have an in now to search for Sandra.”
“True. I am going on up to the rooming house. I’ll talk to you after I settle in.”
“Fine”
The rooming house was easy to find. I walked in and was met by a very large woman.
“Karen called and said to expect you. What’s your name?”
“Gina Coleman”
“OK, Gina, here’s your key. Your room is the second door on the right up those stairs. Welcome to the club.”
I climbed the stairs and started to put the key in the lock. I dropped the key, kicked it as I bent down, and then tripped over my suitcase landing on my butt.
“Good show!”
I looked up. A nice looking woman was standing in the doorway across the hall grinning.
“You must be our new boarder. I’m Linda Sanders.”
“Gina Coleman”
I stood up and walked over to her.
“You haven’t caught me at my best.”
“Oh, I don’t know. That was pretty impressive. Are you hungry?”
“Famished”
“Great! Get settled in and I’ll come back over in about 30 minutes. There’s a good restaurant across the street that lets Karen’s people eat for free.”
“OK”
I managed to unlock my door this time. Once inside, I plopped down on the bed.
“Well, Mary, it looks like I’m in.”
“Good job. I told you things would be fine.”
“I guess. When I think about this later, I may throw up.”
Mary laughed.
“Just hang in there. You’re doing fine. I’m signing off but there will be someone monitoring you at all times.”
“Thanks. Talk to you tomorrow.”
I opened my suitcase and put things away. I did not see any need to change clothes. I just washed my face and waited for Linda. When she arrived, we went to the restaurant. The food was pretty good. I gave Linda my cover story and she seemed to buy it.
“Yeah, we’ve all had our troubles.”
“Do you work at the club?”
“No, Karen is just letting me stay here for a while until I can sort some things out.”
We went back to our rooms in deep thought. I wondered what Linda’s problems were.
“Well, I’ll see you in the morning, Gina. Breakfast is served downstairs. It’s not bad.”
“OK, I’ll see you there.”
I entered my room without incident and crashed. It had been a very trying day. I did not know how long I could keep this up. At least I did not register on any one’s radar. It wasn’t long until I passed out. The next morning, I put another denim skirt on with a yellow blouse. I sure wish I had some trousers!
“Jonnie, we checked on your Linda Sanders. We have nothing on her.”
She caught me by surprise. I forget I’m live all the time.
“Thanks, I guess she’s OK then. I’ll try to be friendly. Maybe she will lead us to Sandra.”
“I doubt it but it doesn’t hurt to have a friend.”
I went down to breakfast. About 10 people were already eating. Linda looked up.
“Hey gang, meet Gina. She’s Karen’s new toy.”
I guess I looked shocked.
“Just kidding, we are a bit crazy.”
I laughed and dove into breakfast. As we finished, Linda looked out the window.
“Gina, it looks like a great day. You want me to show you the area?”
“That would be great. Yesterday, I just walked here straight from the airport.”
“Oooooh! Well, you’ve seen the worst part anyway.”
We both laughed and headed outside. We walked along looking in the various stores.
“So, when do you start at the club?”
“The owner said for me to come in around 4 and she would get me started.”
“You don’t seem real excited. Most girls would give anything to work for Karen.”
“Why’s that?”
“She takes good care of her girls and nobody messes with them either. Karen carry’s a lot of weight around here. Where did you hear about the club?”
“I just saw it as I was walking through town and decided to give it a try. I knew I could not last long without a job.”
“You’re right there. Come on, I want to show you one of my favorite spots.”
She led me out of the shopping district and toward a hillside. I could here water running. We came out of some trees and before me was a gorgeous waterfall.
“I like to come here and think. It’s also a great place to swim.”
She took off her clothes and looked back at me.
“Well, are you going to join me?”
I just stood there dumbfounded.
“Jonnie, take off your clothes or she will suspect something.”, said Mary in my ear.
That brought me back. I quickly removed my skirt and blouse. Linda was already in the water, so I joined her.
“You seem a little bashful. That’s unusual here.”
“It just caught me by surprise. My partner did not like other women seeing me naked.”
“Oh, I guess some are like that.”
Whew! That was a close one. I have got to get better in character. We swam for a bit and then lie on the bank watching the waterfall. We did not say much but it felt nice. At least for a moment I was at ease. Of course, it couldn’t last.
“Well, if you are going to be on time for your new job, we better head back.”
We dressed and walked towards town. I stepped on what looked like a board lying in the grass. As I put my weight on it, the board gave way. I felt myself start to drop down when Linda suddenly grabbed me by the shoulders. I landed on the grass as the boards fell away. I looked over the edge and could not see the bottom.
“You have got to watch where you step around here. There are old mine shafts every where.”
“God, you just saved my life!”
I guess every thing that had happened over the last few days caught up with me. I lost it! I had not cried this much since I was a child. I could not stop. Linda held me in a sisterly way; just trying to comfort me. Finally, I calmed down.
“I’m sorry. I don’t know what came over me.”
“Hey, it’s OK. From what little you have told me, you have had a hard time. Once in a while you just have to let it out. I am glad I could help. Come on, we must get you back. Karen does not like her girls to be late.”
I heard Mary talking in my ear.
“Jonnie, I know you can’t talk but just know that we are with you. Please hang on. Everything will work out but, if you need to be pulled out, say the word. Talk to me when you can”
Mary saying that really helped. I know I am not alone but it sure seems like it at times. Linda and I headed back to the rooming house.
“Thank you for being there, Linda. I don’t know, I guess everything just crashed down on me.”
“I know how you feel. My life has been hell lately. If it wasn’t for Karen, I would probably not be here. You may not always like what she does, but she cares.”
We didn’t talk much the rest of the way.
“Well, I guess I’ll get ready to head over to the club. It was nice of you to show me around and, of course, for saving my life.”
“You’re making too much of it. What are friends for? See you tomorrow.”
I went into my room to change clothes. I had originally planned to just wear what I had on but my near death experience ruined my skirt and top. I washed up and put on a yellow sundress. Looking in the mirror, I had to shake my head.
“Mary, are you still on duty?”
“Yes, Jonnie, I was waiting to hear from you.”
“I’m sorry for back there. Hopefully, it won’t happen again.”
“Don’t worry about it. You just do what you need to. I’m going to sign off. I’ll talk to you in the morning. Good luck on your job.”
“Thanks”
It was almost four, so I hurried over to the club. When I walked in, the same bartender looked up, smiled, and waved.
“Just go on in. Karen is waiting for you.”
“Thanks”
Well, that greeting was a far cry from yesterday. I went to Karen’s door, knocked, and walked in.
“Hey, I am glad you came back. Sorry about yesterday, I had things on my mind. I did not even ask for your name.”
“It’s Gina Coleman.”
“I know, Mona told me. OK, let’s get you started.”
She walked out of the office and I followed. We went through another door into a fancy locker room.
“This is your locker. I have already put your things in it. I guessed at your sizes but I’m pretty good at it so they should fit OK. You will work with Molly tonight. Just do what she says and you will be fine. The number one thing to remember is ‘be nice to the customers’.”
“Uh, you haven’t said what my job is?”
“Oh, silly me. I just thought you knew. You wait on the customers. Molly will fill you in. She is one of my best.”
“You mean a waitress? I can’t be a waitress!”
“Of course you can. You have the looks. You’ll be a pro in no time. Get ready and come back to my office.”
With that, she breezed out. Shit! What have I gotten myself into now? I wish Mary was online. I opened the locker and my worst fears were realized. The outfit stunned me. The black skirt would barely cover anything and the top? I didn’t even know what to do with it. I put the skirt on and picked up the top. Once over my head, it settled under my breasts exposing a lot more than I was comfortable with. There was a tie thing on the bottom. I wasn’t sure what to do with it, so I just tied it in a knot. This caused my breasts to rise even higher. The shoes were black pumps with a heel about as high as the boots I wore to the council. Looking in the mirror, I about fainted. Well, maybe Sandra will show up tonight and it will be all over. Wishful thinking was all that allowed me to walk back to Karen’s office.
“You look great! I knew you would be perfect when I saw you yesterday.”
She pointed to a girl I had not noticed.
“This is Molly. Just follow her around tonight and smile.”
She ushered us out of her office before I could say a word.
“It’s nice to meet you, Gina. You’ll do fine. Try to relax.”
“OK, I’m sorry. This is just so new to me.”
She laughed.
“First time for everything. Let’s get things set up. Customers will be coming in at 5.”
The night was a blur. We went back and forth from tables to the kitchen. Molly told me to smile even when some one was rude or touching me. So, I did. By eleven, I must have looked as bad as I felt. Karen came over to me and put a hand on my shoulder.
“Go on home. You’ve had enough for the first night. You did fine. Be here at 4:30 tomorrow.”
I didn’t have the energy to say anything. I just nodded and went to my locker. I changed, went home, and passed out. I awoke the next morning to someone knocking on my door. I started to get up but my head was splitting and every muscle in my body was screaming. I grunted something and Linda came in.
“Rough night, huh? Here, take these. You’ll feel better in no time.”
“Thanks. What is it?”
“Don’t ask; just swallow.”
I know I shouldn’t do it but I did anyway.
“I’ll see you at breakfast. Don’t take too long.”
She left and I flopped back down.
“Hey, Jonnie, how are you doing?”
“Don’t ask, Mary. This is not going to work. I didn’t have time to think about Sandra much less look for her. There has to be a better way.”
“I don’t think so. The club is the best place to search for her. She will certainly show up sooner or later. Things will get easier after a bit.”
“OK, I’ll try.”
I got up, dressed, and went down to breakfast.
“Here’s Gina!”
I had to smile. Linda is so up beat. I ate and went back to my room. I figured I would just lie around today.
“Mary, I have a couple of concerns.”
“Sure Jonnie, fire away.”
“OK, about this vagina thing. I know it’s fake but I am having a lot of feeling down there and it gets wet sometimes.”
“Well, it is only fake in the sense that males don’t have one and it can be easily removed. I was told by medical that you had some extenuating circumstances that made things easier.”
“Easier to put in or remove?”
“Both I imagine. What’s your other concern?”
“Hmmmm. Alright, everybody seemed to have bought my cover story but, at the same time, no one has asked any questions either. I don’t know anything about relationships here. I will certainly get tripped up under questioning.”
“Yeah, you have a valid point.”
“For instance, do you get married and have kids and what about men for procreation?”
“There are no men involved, thank goodness. Only an egotistical male would think that they are necessary to have children these days.”
“You’ve got me hooked. How then?”
“OK, short version. Couples are considered partners until and if they decide to have a child and the council approves. Then an egg is taken from each individual and fused to form a zygote. It is then either grown in the lab or implanted in one of the partners. At this point, the couple is considered to be married.”
“Wow! So some kids are born while others are hatched.”
“Well, that’s a simple minded way of expressing it.”
“Yeah, that’s me.”
“I don’t believe that for a second. While we are playing 20 questions, there is one thing that has been bothering me. You have easily become a very natural acting woman.”
I blushed quite red at this point.
“No, No! It’s a good thing. You said that you were more girl than boy until puberty. What happened to change things?”
“Yeah, I was very small and girlish growing up. I have to be honest and say that I liked it. When I reached 13 years old, I suddenly grew 13 inches in one year and reached my current height of 6 feet. Up to this point, my dad had been very disappointed in me. After the growth spurt, he was ecstatic. He told me that I was finally becoming the boy he wanted and he was proud of me. I loved my dad, so I vowed to be the best boy I could be for him.”
“Did you find out what caused the growth spurt?”
“I just figured it was the vitamins my dad had started giving me. I must have been deficient in something.”
“Vitamins? Did you see a doctor?”
“No, I wasn’t sick. Anyway, I’m tired. I think I will take a nap. Tonight will be another trying one. Wake me around 4.”
“Sure thing.”
I was asleep in seconds and four arrived much too quickly. I dressed in my venerable denim skirt and a yellow top. What does this place have against trousers? I hurried to the club and started dressing. Half way through, Karen poked here head in.
“You did real well last night, Gina. I am proud of you.”
“Thank you, ma’am.”
“Karen”
“Thank you, Karen.”
“That’s better. One of the girls called in sick. You will need to work a section by yourself tonight. Now, before you panic, this is our slow night and, if you have any problems, Molly knows to help you. You’ll do fine.”
She went out the door before I could say anything. I think she does that on purpose. Great! Well, nothing but to do it. I went into the dining area and got things ready. Karen was right. It was much slower tonight. This allowed me to stay pretty well ahead of things but not slow enough for me to think too much about the fact I was waitressing in a sexy outfit. About 3 hours into my shift, I spotted Linda coming through the front door. She waved and walked over to me.
“Hey, girl! Are you on break soon?”
“Yeah, I’m due one.”
“Good, meet me over at that far table.”
I announced to Molly that I was taking a break and sat down with Linda.
“I didn’t see much of you today.”
“I was real tired from yesterday and just chilled in my room.”
“So, how is the job going?”
“OK, I guess. I just wasn’t expecting this.”
“Oh, what were you expecting?”
“Something less public.”
Linda laughed.
“Hey, you’re a good looker. Don’t be afraid to show it off.”
I saw her look toward the front door and frown.
“See those three miners coming in?”
I looked over and saw the biggest women I had ever seen. Each one was over 6 feet 6 inches tall.
“Watch out for them. They like to pick on the help. The one on the right is Thelma. She is an especially nasty piece of work.”
Fortunately, they sat down in Molly’s section.
“Don’t worry, I will avoid them.”
“Sorry to be all sisterly but you seem vulnerable to me. I like you. Just be careful with them.”
“Yes, mother.”
She laughed and shook her head.
“You! Hey, do you want to go for a walk after breakfast tomorrow?”
“That would be great.”
“OK, see you in the morning.”
She left and I went back to work. I noticed Thelma eyeing me a lot. It sent chills down my spine. The rest of the shift went fine and I had no trouble sleeping that night. The next morning after breakfast, Linda and I went to her favorite spot again. The day was a little cool so we did not swim. It was nice to have a friend separate from the situation I was in. I found myself being comforted by Linda’s presence.
“You’re not saying much.”
“Sorry, just thinking about the last few days.”
“I guess this is a lot different from what you are used to. I don’t suppose your former partner let you work.”
“No, it was a very controlled relationship.”
“Well, you’re here now and things will be better. Remember, I am your friend and will help in any way I can.”
“Thank you, that really helps.”
We hugged and started back to town. I changed and hurried to the club. I was feeling better than I had for a long time. It was almost like I was living another life. Well, except for Mary talking in my ear about our assignment. After tonight, I was going to have to figure out a way to search for Sandra. The day was going well and, half way through my shift, I felt like I was getting the hang of it. I went into the kitchen to fetch an order. Upon reentering the dining area, I saw them. The three miners Linda had warned me about were now sitting at a table in my section. Thelma leered at me as I delivered the order I was carrying. I sighed and went to their table.
“What can I get you to drink?”
I felt Thelma’s hand on my thigh. I tried to keep smiling.
“Well, let me think a minute”, said Thelma.
The hand was creeping up my leg.
“I can come back in a few minutes?”
I was starting to panic. Her hand was way too close to my privates.
“No, stay here.”
Her fingers suddenly entered my wet vagina. The shock was too much. Instincts took over and I hit her in the face as hard as I could. She stood up and said,
“You shouldn’t have done that.”
She then hit me in the midsection. It took my breathe away. I felt the other two miners grab my arms. Thelma hit me above my left eye with her fist. My legs gave way and they let me crumple to the floor.
“You need to learn your place.”
Thelma then kicked me in the ribs and one of the other women kicked me in my right ear. Things were graying out but I thought I saw Linda approaching from behind. Thelma kicked me in the head and blackness fell over me.
GALACTIC MARSHAL
BY Hilltopper
CHAPTER 5
When I saw those miners beating up on poor Gina, my past flashed before my eyes. I was not going to let thugs kill another person I cared about. Rising from my seat, I picked up a knife that was lying on the table. When I reached Thelma, she had her big foot poised over Gina’s neck. I knew that as soon as she stomped down, Gina would be dead.
Therefore, I plunged the knife into Thelma’s back piercing her heart. She froze and then toppled to the floor. The other two miners looked at me in shock. By this time, Karen arrived with her bouncers. Knowing my past, Karen was not surprised at what I had done.
“Thank you, Linda, for saving Gina’s bacon. I should have been watching her more closely.”
Turning to her bouncers, she said,
“Take this trash out of here.”
I bent down to Gina. She was unconscious but did not appear to be bleeding much and she seemed to be breathing OK. I heard Karen barking more orders.
“Molly, go find the doctor and tell her it’s an emergency. We are closed as of right now. All of you patrons that are still here, your meals and drinks are on the house. Linda, help me move Gina into my room.”
I wasn’t as strong as Karen, so I grabbed Gina’s feet. She is definitely heavier than she looks. We got her up the stairs and into Karen’s room. We laid her gently onto the bed. I looked over to Karen and noticed she was crying.
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“Mary, wakeup! We have a problem.”
“Huh”
“Mary, Marshal Harper’s been hurt.”
“What!”
That woke me up in a hurry.
“What happened?”
“We don’t know for sure. Apparently, she got into a fight with some miners. The transceiver started cutting out, so we don’t know the total outcome. Her vital signs are still OK, though.”
“Good! Let me get dressed and I’ll be right there.”
Damn! I warned her about those miners. What was she thinking? I dressed as quickly as possible and went into the command center.
“OK, any more news?”
“Well, the transceiver is sending again but we can’t transmit to her. The last we heard, she was put on a bed and a doctor was being sent for.”
“Prepare things to go in. We have got to get her out.”
“Now wait! She may be OK. We don’t want to blow her cover unnecessarily.”
“Unnecessarily! She might be dying!”
“They have sent for a doctor. Let’s wait and see what she says.”
“OK, but I want a team ready to go.”
“Right”
That doctor better hurry up. I’m not waiting much longer.
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When the doctor arrived, we ushered her into Karen’s room. Molly had told her what had happened so she knew what to look for. She spent the most time examining Gina’s head with some kind of electronic gadget. Finally, she turned to us.
“Well, she’s pretty lucky. She has some bruised ribs and contusions about the face but they will heal fine. The biggest problem is a severe concussion. There is no bleeding or swelling of the brain. It is just in a state of shock. When she wakes up, she will probably be disoriented and, maybe, have some amnesia. Keep her as quiet as possible. I will look back in the morning. Someone should stay with her at all times.”
“Thank you, doc.” said Karen. “We will look after her.”
With that, the doctor left.
“Karen, you have a business to close up. I will stay here with Gina tonight.”
“Thank you, Linda. I will be downstairs. Call me immediately if there is any change.”
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“Well, I guess you were right. We will hold off for now. Tell the team to stand down.”
“Will do, Mary.”
Shit, I’m calling Carol Givens. She’s the one who got Jonnie in this fix. It only took a minute to get the council chairwoman on the line.
“What’s the emergency, Mary?”
“Marshal Harper was hurt in a fight and is unconscious with a severe concussion.”
“Is she being treated?”
“Yes”
“Good! Look, you know why we need her as well as I do. Just monitor the situation but don’t pull her out unless it is absolutely necessary. Understood!”
“Yes ma’am.”
“Fine! Keep me informed.”
That’s just great. We have taken an elite honest marshal and practically broken him. If I had known the baggage he carried, I would have refused this assignment. I thought it was funny to take a strong macho man and turn him into a she. The council knew about his past. That’s why they chose him. If anything happens to Jonnie, I will never forgive myself. I am as much to blame for this as the council. I was smug and enjoyed training him to be a woman. Now, it only hurts. God, could it be I am having feelings for Jonnie? No, she is really a man. I can’t have feelings for a man. This really sucks! I guess all I can do now is wait until morning and hope she is OK.
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I opened my eyes to a strange room. My head was pounding. I tried to rise up but it felt like my brain was exploding.
“Ow!”
“Oh, Gina, you’re awake finally.”
Gina? For some reason that sounds wrong but it must be right.
“Where am I?”
“You’re in my room?”
“Uh, what happened and who are you?”
“You were attacked last night while waiting a table. The doctor said you would be a little confused when you woke up. I am Karen, your boss. Your friend Linda was here all night with you. She left to get some sleep.”
“Attacked?”
Just then another woman walked into the room.
“Aw, you’re awake. I’m Dr. Morris. Let’s check you out.”
She moved some gadget about my head and smiled.
“This is really good. You are recovering nicely. You have a bit of a concussion. Just stay in bed the rest of the day. I’ll see you in the morning.”
The doc left and Karen came back to my bedside.
“I am so sorry this happened. I know you have had a rough time and certainly did not need this.”
“Things are a little fuzzy. I don’t remember much about the attack.”
“That’s Ok, you just need to rest. Get some sleep and I’ll be back shortly.”
She touched my face gently and left. This is weird. I don’t remember much of anything. She must care for me. I think I’ll follow her advice and sleep some. I awoke some time later to some one holding my hand.
“Sorry, I passed out.”
“That’s fine. It is what you need now. How do you feel?”
“Much better. My headache is almost gone. Thanks for taking care of me.”
“It was my pleasure.”
She then placed her hand tenderly on my right breast and fingered my nipple.
“Hmmm, that feels nice.”
“Just relax and I will make every thing better.”
She put her other hand on my left breast and softly kissed my lips.
“Do you remember me now?”
“Yes and I think working in the dining room.”
“Good! Don’t worry about a thing. It will all come back. Concentrate on getting better now.”
She moved her hand down my stomach. I was feeling really strange but wonderful at the same time. As her hand reached my vaginal opening, there was a knock at the door. She seemed a bit miffed but called out. In walked a woman that I immediately knew as Linda.
“Oh, Gina, I was so worried. How do you feel?”
“Much, much better.”
Karen stood up and hugged Linda.
“Thanks again for saving Gina’s life. I owe you big time.”
This was news to me. Just what did happen last night?
“Well, I better get down stairs and get ready to open. Take good care of our Gina.”
“Don’t worry.”
With that, Karen smiled at me, stroked my cheek, and left.
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“Mary, that transceiver has gone out again but we heard enough to know Jonnie is fine.”
“Darn that thing. This is getting frustrating. At least Jonnie is OK.”
“We think we know how to fix it. Someone needs to inject a new antenna into it. One other thing, we have gotten a report that one of those miners involved in the altercation was killed.”
“What! Now how did that happen? Jonnie was on the floor being kicked. Some one else must have interceded. Hmmmm! OK, this is just what I need. It gives me the perfect reason to check on things in person and fix that transceiver. I’m going in!”
“If we go in, not only will the council be mad but it is bound to cause Jonnie problems.”
“No, I am going in alone. Investigating a murder will allow me to talk to Jonnie. It will work!”
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“I didn’t know you and Karen were that close.” said Linda.
“Neither did I. What really happened last night?”
“Well, I’m not sure what started it.”
“Uh, I think it was me overreacting. Thelma was feeling me up and I lost it.”
“OK, that explains it. You hit Thelma and then she and her cronies were all over you. I have to make a confession here. I am not from this planet. A while back, some stinking marshals arrested and then killed my husband. I made them pay and then escaped to the planet Broadskye. That is where the people here migrated from many years ago. Anyway, Karen has connections there and she smuggled me here. When I saw Thelma trying to kill you, it flew all over me. I am afraid I might have overreacted too.”
“Oh no, what did you do?”
“She was ready to stomp on your neck. I stabbed her in the back.”
“So, she’s dead?”
“Yes, I feel close to you. I was not going to let it happen again.”
“Thanks. I’m sorry I put you in that position.”
“It’s over.”
Karen stuck her head in at that moment.
“Maybe not, that snoopy Detective Brown is down stairs. She is going to interview Gina about the fight. You can not be here. Slip out the back way.”
“Right, see you later, Gina.”
Linda left and Karen moved over to me.
“Did she tell you what she did?”
“Yes”
“OK, listen, as far as you know, no one was hurt but you. Just tell Brown that you can’t remember anything about the fight.”
“That’s a good idea. I got Linda into this and I am not going to let her take a fall because of me.”
“Good girl! Detective Brown and I do not get along. We have a history and she won’t leave me alone.”
Just then, there was a knock on the door. Karen opened it and Mary walked in. As soon as I saw her, everything came flooding back. Then it hit me like a ton of bricks, Linda is Sandra! Shit.
“Karen, I need to talk to Gina about last night; alone.”
“Yeah, OK, I’ll be down stairs.”
Karen left and Mary ran to me.
“Oh, Jonnie, I am so sorry.”
“Hey, it’s OK, all part of the job, I think. I have to admit though that this was not what I was expecting.”
“You’re stupid transceiver is on the blink so we don’t know exactly what happened. We got a report that one of the miners was killed.”
I filled Mary in leaving out Linda’s part or should I say Sandra.
“I don’t know anything about what happened after I passed out.”
“You could have been killed. I should have pulled you out!”
“No, you did the right thing. We can’t afford to blow my cover even if we don’t like it. Speaking of that transceiver, how come the doctor did not notice it.”
“I am sure she did. She is working with us but we have no contact with her. Anyway, I think I can fix that transceiver. Hold Still!”
Mary did something behind my ear.
“OK, try it.”
“No need. They heard you and just acknowledged such in my ear.”
“All right, I am going but you be careful. This may not be over. Those miners stick together.”
“Don’t worry, we still have an assignment to finish.”
Mary kissed me on the cheek and left. I lie back thinking. What am I going to do now? That statement about an assignment to finish hurt. I don’t know what to do about Linda. She saved my life twice and has been a real good friend when I needed one badly. How do I get myself in these predicaments? A few minutes later, Linda came back.
“Hey Gina, that detective being here really bothers me. What did she want?”
“She just wanted to know about the fight. I told her I did not remember anything. . I don’t think she knows anything about your part in it.”
“That makes me feel better. OK, I’m going to think things over tonight. Hopefully, the doctor will release you tomorrow. Maybe, we can take another walk and talk things over.”
“Sounds good to me. I am a bit tired now.”
“Just rest, I will see you in the morning.”
What a mess! A little later, I heard Mary in my ear.
“Jonnie, who was that you were talking to earlier?”
“It was just one of the other waitresses. She didn’t have anything much to do with last night.”
“OK, let me know if you need anything.”
God, I hated lying to Mary. This is getting more complicated by the minute. I lay back on my pillow. Karen’s actions have really thrown me for a loop. She sure isn’t acting like a boss and what I felt was new to me. I never dated during school and I have been too busy since to even think about my sexuality. This has stirred things that would have been better left alone. My brain gradually shut down and I dropped into a deep sleep. I awoke with some one poking me.
“Oh, sorry, didn’t mean to wake you. Well, actually, I did.”
It was the doctor again.
“How’s your head?”
“It feels fine. My headache seems to be gone.”
“That’s good. You shouldn’t have any more trouble except for some sore ribs, so you can go home as far as I’m concerned.”
She left and I saw Karen looking kind of sad.
“I want to thank you for all you did for me. I guess I’m a bust as a waitress.”
She laughed.
“No, you were doing fine. Take all the time off you need. You’re job will be waiting for you.”
She turned, hesitated a few seconds, and then headed out the door. Oh, boy, this is a problem. I decided to go on back to the rooming house so I got dressed in some clothes somebody had left for me. Once at the house, I noticed breakfast being served. This reminded my stomach that I was very hungry. I walked into the dining room and Linda looked up.
“Hey, the wounded has arisen!”
God she is a happy sounding person even with all her troubles. It makes me feel humble.
“Yeah, I guess I have you to thank for the clothes.”
“I figured you’d want out as soon as possible.”
I sat and ate like I hadn’t eaten in a week. After I finished, Linda and I got up together. She motioned me outside. We walked in silence until we reached the edge of town.
“Gina, I’ve thought a lot about the situation. That detective is bound to find out what I did and my past will not be far behind. Karen has agreed to get me off Fledora and I want you to go with me. You’re life is not worth anything with those miners still holding a grudge.”
“Well, I don’t know. How can Karen get us out of here?”
“She has an agreement with the military on Broadskye. She supplies them with Thulium and they look the other way.”
“Thulium? Why do they want that?”
“They are building some kind of superconducting laser and must have it. Karen’s mine is their only source. Come on, it’s over this hill.”
This was a new wrinkle. I wonder if Mary knows about this. Well, of course, she does now.
“I would think that this Broadskye place would be very unhappy about dealing with Fledorans considering what happened years ago,”
“Oh, they are. Karen just has them over a barrel with the Thulium thing. Anyway, she can get us out of here tonight on one of her cargo transports. Please go too!”
“I don’t know. My life keeps turning upside down.”
“Hey, I’m sorry. Oh, here we are.”
I looked up and noticed an almost concealed mine entrance. Linda opened a door, walked in, and turned on some lights. I followed behind her.
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Unknown to Linda and Gina, two vengeful miners had followed them to the mine.
“This is perfect. Go over to that storage building and get some explosives. We are going to seal them up inside.”
“Karen won’t like this.”
“Screw Karen, just do it. We owe this to Thelma.”
The explosives were planted, the button was pushed, and the mine entrance was obliterated.
GALACTIC MARSHAL
BY Hilltopper
CHAPTER 6
We had walked a little ways into the mine when there was a loud noise and we were suddenly thrown to the ground. Rocks and dust poured over us. I looked up in time to see a very large beam falling toward me. I tried to roll away but it landed on my legs trapping me. Then, the lights went out.
“Linda, are you OK?”
“I think so, just covered with debris. How about you?”
“I’m OK except a beam has landed on my legs. I can’t move.”
“Shit! Let me find a flashlight.”
A few minutes later, I saw a stream of light swing towards me.
“Oh my, that is way too heavy for me to lift. Damn! I guess we are trapped. As far as I know, there are no other entrances.”
By this time, Mary was screaming into my ear. I ignored her for the moment.
“Don’t worry everything will be OK.”
“How can you say that. No one knows we are here. I can’t believe this mine caved in.”
“Oh, someone knows we are her alright. The mine did not cave in, the entrance was blown up. I guess you were right about my life.”
“This is one time I wish I was wrong. OK, what now? You seem to know something that I don’t.”
“Well, I guess it’s confession time for me now. But before I say anything about that, I want you to know that I feel we are real good friends and I will never willingly do anything to hurt you.”
“That sounds ominous. OK, confess.”
I hesitated and then sighed.
“I am working with the capital police. I was sent here to find and arrest a fugitive. Her name is Sandra Sterling.”
I’m glad I could not see Linda’s face right now. This had to be a shock.
“You’re a cop?”
“Yes and I have a transceiver behind my ear. Mary Brown knows where we are and will be getting us out soon.”
“I can’t believe this. There is no way you are a cop. Why are you lying to me? Are you trying to give me hope of a rescue? No, I can see you are telling the truth. I guess this means Detective Brown can hear everything we say.”
“Yes”
“Shit! I confided in you!”
“Look, what you did in the fight was to save my life. You did not commit any crime. As far as wanting to leave this planet, I don’t see a problem with that since you are not from here. What you might have done somewhere else should have no bearing on it.”
“Do you really mean that? What about this Detective Brown?”
“She is listening and doesn’t see a problem either.”
Mary squawked into my ear.
“Jonnie, I never said that. What is going on here?”
“Linda, you are my friend. I would not be alive if it wasn’t for you. We will get out of this and you will be OK.”
“I want to believe you. This doesn’t sound like the Gina I thought I knew.”
“I am sorry about that. Being under cover usually means acting a part. But, when I met you, I was not acting. I was as scared as I seemed. You quickly became my rock.”
Mary was once again in my ear.
“OK Jonnie, I get the picture. You can not talk. We have checked out the mine entrance. It is a mess. We are going to bring in some heavy equipment. Just hold on, it will be a while.”
I told Linda that help was on the way but would take a bit. We held hands and mostly made small talk. My legs were really starting to hurt.
“You know, Gina, Karen is going to be upset if you don’t come back. It looked to me like she has a thing for you.”
“I am afraid so. I have never really had a girl friend. My story about an abusive partner was just that; a cover story. A lot of what’s happened the last few days has thrown me for a loop.”
We started hearing noises. They became louder and then, suddenly, something broke through throwing light into the mine. A head poked into the hole.
“Is everyone OK?”
“We’re fine but Gina here is trapped by a large beam on her legs.”
The face looked puzzled.
“We will have this opening enlarged enough to get through in a few minutes. Just hang in there.”
She was right. Within 15 minutes, enough debris had been cleared away to allow several of Mary’s team to get into the mine. One of them walked up to Linda.
“Where’s Marshal Harper?”
“Who?”
She looked down and saw me lying under the beam.
“Oh, there you are. We will get that beam off you in a second, Marshal.”
I looked at Linda. Her eyes were wide and her face showed recognition and shock. I motioned with my head for her to get out. She left quickly without saying a word.
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I hurried away from the mine as fast as my legs would carry me. My head was spinning. Not only was Gina a cop but, as it turns out, a male marshal. I am still having trouble believing it. She was all feminine when we were together. There is no way she could fake that. On top of that, I all but told her that I was the Sandra she was sent to arrest. Yet, she seems totally disinclined to do it. Could it be she really is my friend? But she isn’t a she but a stinking marshal. God, this is too much. I reached the Midnight End and went to Karen’s room.
“Well, Linda, are you ready to go? Did you convince Gina to go too?”
“Detective Brown has Gina.”
“What? How did this happen?”
“We went into a mine and someone blew up the entrance. I guess Brown must have been watching because her team rescued us. She took Gina away but I sneaked out.”
“This makes no sense. Why would she arrest Gina? Surely, it isn’t because of that fight.”
“I don’t know. Gina was trapped under a beam and had some injuries. Maybe she was just taking her to medical.”
“OK, she will be in the capital then. We will take the jump jet to my warehouse. Hopefully, we can locate Gina.”
Karen looked wistfully away. God, this is a nightmare.
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The beam was lifted off of me as Linda slipped out. The pain, thankfully, kept me from thinking further about her. Mary came through a few minutes later with a stretcher.
“Can’t you stay out of trouble?”
“Apparently not.”
A medic was looking at my legs.
“It doesn’t look too bad. I don’t think any bones are broken. Your right knee is a mess though. Does it hurt anywhere else?”
“Just my lower back.”
“OK, let’s get you on the stretcher and out of here.”
I was taken to the hovercraft and we drove to the command post. We went inside and I lay down on a cot. Mary sat down beside me.
“Well, Jonnie, I guess this blows your cover. What happened to Linda? She was gone when I got into the mine.”
“Yeah, that could be a problem. She heard one of your team call me Marshal Harper.”
“Shit! We might as well close this down then. We will never find Sandra now. I’ll go to your room at the boarding house and get your things. Just rest, as soon as I get back, we will get you to medical in the capital.”
The medic had given me a pain shot so, after Mary left, thankfully, I drifted off.
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I left Jonnie and headed toward her rooming house. I wasn’t sure what to think about Linda. I know she and Jonnie have become good friends but the revelation could change things. Plus, I couldn’t figure out why she wanted to leave Fledora so fast. I mean, I sure had no reason to arrest her. I wonder what she is afraid of. I arrived and went up to Jonnie’s room. With her things packed, I had a thought and checked Linda’s room. Sure enough, her things were gone. But what I found in a drawer shocked me. There was no doubt about it. Linda and Sandra was the same person. I grabbed Jonnie’s suitcase and headed back to the command post.
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I woke up as Mary sat down beside me.
“Jonnie, we have another bigger problem. I found evidence that Linda is Sandra Sterling. Also, a report came in as I arrived stating that a jump jet left the airport a little bit ago. I suspect that Sandra is on it.”
“Oh, Mary, I am so sorry. I figured it out yesterday but I didn’t want to admit it. Damn it! I have never had a good friend before. Linda has become special to me. I just could not arrest her.”
I broke down completely. Mary came over to me and held me close.
“It’s OK, Jonnie. This whole assignment has been so hard on you. I want you to know that I consider myself to be your friend. We will work it out.”
I finally calmed down.
“Thank you. I too think of you as a friend. I just didn’t know if you could feel that way about me considering what you know.”
“All I know is that you are a wonderful person that I would like to get to know better. Let’s get you to medical and we can decide what to do later.”
I was loaded on the hovercraft and we went to the capital. I was given another pain shot so I slept the whole way. Upon arriving at medical, I was taken directly to a treatment room. The abrasions were treated and the knee scanned for damage. The transceiver was also removed.
“Marshal Harper, your right knee is severely strained. We will put a brace on it but you need to stay off of it as much as possible. Your back is OK; just muscle spasms.”
Mary walked in with a drawn face.
“I just talked with the council. That jump jet landed beside a warehouse Karen owns near the space port. We think the plan is to smuggle Sandra aboard a cargo ship tonight. We have some people watching her hanger.”
“Hmmm, OK, I want to be there.”
“That is not necessary. We can handle this.”
“Yeah, but it’s my job.”
“OK, as soon as you get released, we will join the team.”
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After the jump jet landed, Karen and I went into her warehouse.
“Linda, I’m going to try to find out what happened to Gina. Just hang loose. We will get you on that cargo ship just before it leaves. It is automated, so no one will be inspecting it.”
Karen left and I thought to myself, ‘She is bound to find out who Gina really is. This is going to be bad. She can definitely hold a grudge.’ A little bit later Karen came back with a puzzled face.
“The only person taken to medical from Basteria was a wounded police officer. By the description, it has to be Gina. That can only mean one thing, she was working under cover. I can’t believe I was so blind. This has to be Mary Brown’s doing. Damn! I will get even with that bitch if it’s the last thing I do. Right now, though, we must get you out of here.”
Karen took me to a tunnel leading from the warehouse.
“This leads directly to my hanger. When you get there, enter this code into the ship’s door. Once inside, get into the pod that you’ll see there and everything else will be automatic. You have been a good friend and I will take care of you.”
“Thank you, Karen. I’ll see you on Broadskye.”
I entered the tunnel and headed for the ship.
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Mary and I left medical and joined her team at the space port. She turned to the team leader.
“So, any activity?”
“Nothing. No one has come any where near the building. The cargo ship is scheduled to lift off in an hour.”
“Shit! I was sure Sandra would try to get on the ship.”
I spoke up.
“I am going to slip into the hanger and look around. I’ll holler if I see anything.”
“OK, be careful. I know you like Sandra but she is dangerous.”
“Sure, be back in a few.”
I entered the hanger by a side door. The ship was smaller than I thought it would be; maybe 30 feet long. I was walking around to the far wall when I saw Linda come out from behind some barrels. She looked up at me in surprise.
“Hey Gina or should I say Marshal Harper. Are you planning to arrest me now?”
Her tone was bitter. I couldn’t blame her.
“Oh, Linda, this has gone to hell. There is no way I can arrest you. We are friends. Yes, my job here is to find Sandra and arrest her and, yes, I know that is you. What are we to do?”
Her look softened and she smiled.
“You sure can get yourself into some tough spots. Just turn the other way and I will get on the ship.”
“It won’t work. Detective Brown and her team are outside. They won’t let this ship leave. She figured out that you are Sandra.”
“I guess this is it then!”
“No, there has to be away out. By the way, how did you get in here without them seeing you?”
She pointed behind her.
“There is a tunnel leading to one of Karen’s warehouses. Speaking of Karen, she knows you are an under cover cop but not who you really are. Frankly, I still can’t believe you are the great Marshal Harper.”
“Yeah, I don’t feel much like him either to be honest. I really enjoyed our walks together. I will miss being with you.”
“You mean that don’t you?”
“Yes! The way I see it, the only way the search for you will be stopped is if it is believed you are dead. How about this? You go back down that tunnel. I will blow up this ship and say I saw you get on it. The report will state that you are dead. Tell Karen I am sorry for fooling her. She helped me through a tough situation and I am grateful. I am sure she will be able to find another way for you to escape especially with no one looking for you.”
“I can’t believe you would do this for me. The Marshal Harper I heard about always got his man.”
I looked at her sadly.
“Unfortunately, he no longer exists. Now get out of here.”
She smiled, said “We will meet again.” then went into the tunnel. Some of the barrels near the tunnel contained flammable liquids. I rolled them under the ship and started a fire next to them. I backed away and shot into one. A huge fire erupted. I ran out of the hanger and yelled for everyone to get back. A few moments later, it blew. Mary looked at me.
“What the hell happened in there?”
“I saw Sandra getting into that ship and told her to stop. She fired and hit some flammable barrels. She closed the hatch and I ran. You know the rest.”
“So, Sandra is dead.”
“No doubt about it.”
“Yeah, no one could survive that. OK team, let’s get out. There is nothing else for us to do here.”
I looked back at the burning hanger. The tears were real. I had forsaken everything I stood for on this mission. Heaven help me!
GALACTIC MARSHAL
by Hilltopper
Turnabout is Fair Play
CHAPTER 7
We returned to Mary’s office and I filed my report.
“Are you going to be OK, Jonnie?”
“What do you think?”
“Yeah, this has been a trying assignment. I have to go before the council and explain everything. Let me take you to my house first.”
“Fine, let’s go.”
Mary dropped me at her house and I went straight to bed. All I wanted was to sleep and forget.
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I went before the council with a lot of dread. Nothing went as planned in this mission.
“Good evening, Mary. I understand Marshal Harper got her fugitive.”
“Yes, she was killed in the explosion of the cargo ship.”
“Uncovering what Karen Littleton has been doing with Broadskye was a great bit of work. Please thank Marshal Harper. She has done a great service. However, her original purpose for being here is finished. We have received a recall notice from the marshal service. You are to take her back to Headquarters in the morning.”
“I was figuring that was coming. You know, going back to what she was isn’t going to be easy.”
“We realize that. Just so you know, we are not through with her. She will be back as soon as we can arrange it. Please don’t tell her that, however. I don’t think she would like to hear that.”
I smiled big.
“No, I don’t think so either. What about Karen?”
“Just keep a watch for now. Maybe she will panic and make another mistake.”
“Agreed! OK, I will return Jonnie. It won’t be the same without her.”
Carol laughed.
“She does have a knack for stirring things up. Well, keep us in the loop and good luck.”
“Thank you.”
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I woke up to the smell of bacon. Now, that’s something I hadn’t had for a while. I got dressed and walked into the kitchen, Mary, of course, was naked.
“I’ll never get used to that.”
Mary looked up.
“Morning, Jonnie. I have some good news for you. I am to take you home today.”
“That’s good. I’ll miss you though.”
“Yeah, I have kind of gotten accustomed to having you around. It will be dull with you gone.”
I laughed.
“In our work, dull is good.”
We ate breakfast and I went into my room. Mary followed and looked around.
“I guess you don’t want to take any of your things with you.”
“I don’t think that would be a good idea.”
“OK, I’ll keep them for you until they are needed again.”
“Don’t count on it.”
We drove to the shuttle and got on board. Mary had tears in her eyes.
“I wish you didn’t have to go.”
I hugged Mary and looked into her eyes.
“I am glad I have you for a friend but this is not the real me.”
“It looks real to me.”
I kissed her lightly on the lips.
“Take care, I will not forget you.”
With that, I walked into the medical bay, took off my clothes, and climbed into the pod. The door closed, the gas entered the chamber , and I was once again put to sleep. The next thing I knew, the pod opened and that computer voice told me to go into the locker room. The clothes I had worn onto the ship days ago were still in my locker. I put them on and was directed to the exit hatch. It opened, I walked through, and it closed behind me. A few seconds later, the shuttle undocked and I watched it head back to Fledora. I felt like my life had been ripped from me. I was now a man again but it felt all wrong. I was not ready to meet Sam yet, so I headed to my apartment. Wearing pants for the first time in a week was a strange experience. They felt very confining. Gees! I decided to take a shower and change clothes. In the shower, I noticed that everything was not quite right. My penis was back, such as it is, but my balls were no where to be found. I guess they have not dropped back down yet. Great! I felt where my vagina had been. The opening is certainly gone but that area was pliable like it was a covering. I just hope things will settle out over time. I am definitely taking that vacation. I dressed and went to Sam’s office. I knocked loudly.
“Come on in, John.”
I went in and sat down.
“You look like shit.”
“What do you expect after the job you sent me on. Why didn’t you warn me?”
“Would you have gone if I had?”
“Absolutely not.”
“There you go. Look, I know it was a rotten deal especially with your past but I had no choice. Those people demanded you and there was not a good reason to refuse.”
“Yeah”
Sam paused and we just stared at each other.
“You are way over due for a vacation. Get out of here and rest up for a few weeks. You’ll be back to yourself in no time.”
“I hope your right.”
I got up and left. God, I am a mess. For the first time in my life, I had 2 good friends and now I am back to having none. Before, I didn’t know what was missing. Now, I do. There was only one place for me to go, back to Kentucky. I made a reservation for an isolated cabin in the mountains, packed my things, and got on the shuttle to Earth. Upon arriving in Atlanta, I rented a car and drove to my cabin, stopping off first to get plenty of liquor. I planned to get wasted and I did.
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Back on Fledora, things were happening fast. I got an urgent call from the council.
“Mary, we have just gotten a tip that Karen is getting ready to make a large shipment to Broadskye. Since that explosion of her ship ruined her hanger at the space port, we think she is going to try to fly out of Basteria. Get a team and intercept it.”
“OK, this is what we have been waiting for. I’ll get right on it.”
The only good place to land in Basteria was around the airport. Not knowing what was coming or when, we set up a ways away in order not to scare them off. Just before midnight, we thought we saw a stealth ship coming in.
“Let’s move out. We won’t go in until we see Karen start to load. I want her alive but don’t take any risks you don’t have to.”
When we arrived near the scene, there was a large contingent of miners moving cargo toward an impressive ship. This had to be a Broadskye military ship. What on Fledora was it doing here? This does not bode well. As we moved in, one of my team was spotted. Shots rang out. In no time, it was all out war. We managed to stop the cargo from loading but Karen and another woman made it to the ship. It took off moments later. There was no way we could stop it but at least it left without its cargo. Unfortunately, four of my team were dead.
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I woke up two days later. I, of course, felt even worse than I did before I got here. Going into the kitchen, it became clear that I had drank up everything I brought with me. There was no food and nothing for this mega headache. So, a trip to the nearest town was on tap. I started to take a shower but decided what for? I didn’t even change clothes. I struggled out to the car and, finally, got it started. It was an adventuresome trip back down the mountain. Just as I was entering town, I spotted a tavern. That was what I needed. Now, a tavern in Kentucky is not a place to be an ass but I was beyond caring. As I walked up to the bar, someone said,
“Well, look what the cat drug in.”
I looked over at a mountain of a man and my common sense left me.
“Yeah, your mother didn’t go down easy.”
He got up and was joined by a friend that was even bigger than he was. I don’t know how good of a fight it was because I woke up in a hospital bed remembering nothing of it. An aide walked in to fill my water pitcher.
“My, my marshal, you are a mess and someone done kicked your balls plumb up inside you. That must’a been a hell of a fight.”
I just grunted and she laughed then left. I didn’t see any casts of heavy bandages so I guess things could be worse. I was certainly sore, however. A little later, a doctor walked in.
“Awake I see. Well, no broken bones or serious injuries. You will be sore and stiff for a while. Maybe you should take a vacation.”
“Actually, I need a vacation from my vacation.”
He laughed hard.
“That’s a good one. Anyway, if everything is still OK tomorrow, I will release you. Just take it easy for a few days.”
“Thanks doc.”
I rang for some pain meds and, after getting the shot, I passed out again.
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Mary was sitting in her office when council chairwoman Givens called.
“Good afternoon, Carol. You look concerned.”
“It’s not good. After analyzing all of the cargo left after Karen’s ship took off, we are certain that she is working with Broadskye in order to overthrow our government and take over this planet. It’s no secret that Broadskye hates our guts but I didn’t think things would go this far. If they get a stealth ship built with a superconducting laser, we will be at their mercy. I am calling the marshal service and have them send Marshal Harper back here.”
“Good luck there. I think a vacation is all she wanted.”
“Yes, I know but this is serious. I’ll let you know when to pick her up.”
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I awoke the next morning to find Sam looking at me.
“You really know how to take a vacation.”
“What the hell are you doing here?”
“Just checking up on my favorite marshal.”
“Yeah, tell me another one.”
“OK, we have an emergency assignment for you.”
“Oh no you don’t, the last emergency assignment boggled my brain permanently. I’m on vacation and recovering from a friendly fight.”
“I’ve never been in one of those. I know this is lousy but Fledora has requested your return and it has been approved. They have an emergency situation.”
I just stared at him. I could not believe this.
“No way, I am not going back there.”
“John, you have to. It’s been approved. You will lose your badge if you don’t.”
I reached over onto my end table, picked up my badge, and tossed it to Sam.
“You know what you can do with that and your assignment. I quit! Now, get the hell out of here.”
Sam stood and shook his head. He started to say something but just turned and left. I got dressed and walked out of the hospital. It was then I realized that I had no idea where my rental car was. I took a chance and limped back to the tavern I had been at when the fight occurred. Luckily, there it was. I drove back to my cabin, of course, with a new supply of liquor. It was going to take a lot to drown out my hurting brain.
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I was called into the council chambers. This surprised me since I thought they would just tell me when to go get Jonnie. As I walked in, I could see that the mood was somber.
“Mary, we have a big problem. Marshal Harper has gone off the deep end and quit the marshal service. We know it is our fault for the problems he is having. We have discussed what is the best thing to do and have decided to send you to talk to him.”
“How are you going to get him to meet t our ship?”
“We’re not, you are going to him.”
I could not believe what I just heard.
“Beg pardon, ma’am, but you know as well as I do that no woman from here is allowed to do that much less want to.”
“I know, I know, but this is an emergency. We need Marshal Harper. We have issued a fugitive warrant for Karen Littleton. You and he are going after her. We have arranged for the medical pod to superficially transform you into a man. Now, before you start screaming, it is the only way. Marshal Harper’s supervisor will meet you as soon as you dock and will take you directly to him. I believe he is on Earth in a place called Kentucky. Once he is on board, you both will proceed to Broadskye and find Karen. You have been given marshal status under the name Matt Browning.”
“You mean as a man?”
“Exactly!”
“There is no way I can do that. This is too much to ask.”
“He did it for you. We are at fault for this. You must do this for him and for us.”
I sat down hard. This was unbelievable. No wonder they didn’t tell John what was going to happen. Now the shoe was on the other foot.
“OK, I’ll try but I don’t know if I can do ti.”
“That’s all we ask.”
I left the chambers in a daze. Jonnie is going to love this. I guess turnabout is fair play. I arranged to get some trousers and shirts sent to our shuttle. I packed my things and departed. As I was getting into the pod, I reflected on what Jonnie had gone through when she first came here. At least she had experimented at being a woman. Hell, I have never even met a man. Jonnie doesn’t count because she was not a man when I met her. I guess I am going to have to start saying ‘John’ and ‘him’ now. I know what he meant about it messing with your brain. The pod closed and seemed to open an instant later. I emerged and checked myself out. To my surprise, I still had my female equipment down below. I was a male otherwise; no breasts and male features. Thankfully, I was still a woman inside. I dressed in the pants and shirt I had obtained. I had worn pants before but not like this. I had no idea how I was supposed to act. I went to the air lock. A man was waiting there for me. It was the first time I had seen one in person. All I wanted to do was turn around and leave but my need to help Jonnie won out. I steeled myself and went through. He looked a little shocked.
“Sorry, I was expecting a woman. My name is Sam.”
I stretched out my hand.
“Matt Browning. No woman from Fledora would do this.”
“I guess not. OK, come with me and we will go down to see former Marshal Harper. Between you and me, I have not turned in his badge so he is still a marshal.”
“Great, let’s go.”
We entered a small shuttle and went to the surface. It definitely was beautiful in Kentucky. Jonnie was right, it looks a lot like Fledora. We landed at a military complex and took a hovercraft into the mountains. We stopped outside of an isolated cabin.
“This is his cabin. Let’s go in and confront him. Watch yourself, he is a mess.”
We walked in without knocking. I was shocked to find Jonnie, excuse me, John sitting on a couch and holding a gun. He was just staring at it. Sam walked over to him.
“John, I have someone here that wants to talk to you. This is Marshal Matt Browning.”
”Get the hell out!”
“OK, but he’s staying.”
Sam walked out. John got up and started toward me.
“I said, get the hell out!”
John took a swing at me.
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I had about decided to end it all when Sam and another marshal entered. I kicked Sam out but this Matt fellow wasn’t leaving. I decided to show him. The next thing I knew, I was on the floor with a knee on my chest. This seemed familiar and a familiar smile hovered over me.
“Hi, Jonnie.”
I did a double take.
“Mary?”
GALATIC MARSHAL
by Hilltopper
CHAPTER 8
Mary got up and tried to pull me to my feet but, I was so drunk, I fell into a table and lamp with a loud crash. Sam came running in.
“Matt, did John attack you?”
“No, he is just drunk on his butt. Why don’t you go get us some food in town and I will sober him up. Don’t worry, I can handle him.”
“OK, be back in a few.”
I watched Sam leave although he was a bit bleary. I turned to Matt.
“You are Mary, aren’t you?”
“Yes”
“I must be dreaming or already dead.”
She laughed.
“Into the shower; then talk.”
She stripped me and pushed me into the shower stall. She then turned on the cold water.
“Hey!”
“Shut up and stand there. I have gone to a lot of trouble to be here to help you. Now, cooperate or it’s back on the floor.”
“You wouldn’t have it so easy if I was sober.”
“How quickly we forget. OK, I’m coming in too.”
She removed her clothes and turned on the hot water. My eyes bugged out!
“You’re still a woman!”
“What did you expect? It’s bad enough that I look like a man. You can’t believe how hard this is.”
“Oh, I think I can. The real question is why?”
She stepped into the shower and kissed me.
“When I found out what had happened to you, it made coming her like this tolerable. I could not let you fall off the deep end. It is my fault what has happened to you and I think I love you.”
“Like this?”
“OK, I love Jonnie but I know that is who you really are.”
We hugged and then washed each other. After drying off and dressing, I looked at Mary. She was about to lose it so I took her into my arms.
“I know how hard this is for you. I guess I didn’t realize how much I missed you and Fledora until now.”
We heard the hovercraft outside and so we separated.
“I don’t think Sam ought to see this. He might get the wrong idea.”
Mary laughed. Sam walked in with a sack of hamburgers and lots of coffee.
“Sam, you know I hate coffee.”
“That’s all you get today, buddy.”
“All right, all right, I know I’m a mess.”
“Well, at least you’re clean now.”
We dove into the hamburgers. I didn’t realize how hungry I was. All of my meals lately had been of the liquid variety. After we finished, Matt turned to Sam.
“I’m going to stay here a couple of days to whip John back into shape. Why don’t you go on back up and we will join you when he is ready.”
“That sounds good. Oh and John, here is something you lost.”
Sam flipped me my marshal’s badge.
“Good luck. I’ll see both of you in a few days.”
Sam left and we took things to the couch.
“OK, Mary, something really bad must have happened for the council to allow you to be here like this. Give!”
“Yes, we had a shoot out with Karen’s bunch when she tried to load her cargo onto a Broadskye military ship. We stopped the cargo from leaving but four of my team were killed. Karen and another woman left on the ship.”
“Wow, I guess Karen got desperate.”
“That’s not all. We believe there is a plot to take over Fledora and that Karen is a big part of it.”
“Yeah, that makes sense. By the way, what is the deal between you and Karen?”
“Thirty five years ago, Karen’s mother was dismissed from the council. She was chairwoman at the time. Since my mother and Carol Givens were on the council, Karen blames them for her dismissal.”
“Why was Karen’s mother forced to leave the council?”
“A male military pilot crashed landed on Fledora. He was, of course, isolated from the population while he healed. Karen’s mother oversaw his care and became romantically involved with him. Apparently, she became pregnant. Because of that, she lost everything.”
“I can see why she hates you then.”
“Yeah, my mother and Carol were only following the rules but Karen doesn’t see it that way. Now, the council has issued a warrant for Karen’s arrest and they want you and I to go get her.”
“I suppose she is on Broadskye.”
“That’s what we think.”
“Do you have any idea how hard it’s going to be for you to pass as a man on that planet?”
“Yes, and it is scaring me to death.”
“Well, I guess it’s my turn to do the training. Look how you are sitting.”
She looked down puzzled.
“Spread your legs and scratch.”
“What!”
“This will get you in the right mood. Just do it.”
“This is silly. What am I scratching?”
“Balls itch.”
“Yeah well, I don’t have any and, come to think of it, I didn’t notice any on you either when we were in the shower.”
I just ignored her comment.
“These are just some of the things you need to watch out for in order to not raise any suspicions.”
“OK, OK, I get it, teacher. Before we get into my intensive training, I have a question that has been bothering me. When Karen got onto that ship, there was another woman with her. I haven’t said anything to anyone but she looked a lot like Sandra to me.”
“OK, you are right. I just couldn’t do it. Linda and you are the first friends I have ever had. Besides, that bunch she killed weren’t worth the bullets she used on them.”
“I should be shocked but I am not. You are a good person. I haven’t met Linda but I know you really like her. Should I be jealous?”
“No, she is like a best friend and sister rolled into one. Besides, she likes men.”
“Uh, have you looked at yourself lately?”
“You know what I mean. She only knew Gina. I hope she is staying out of trouble.”
“If she is with Karen, I don’t know.”
We spent the rest of the day working on Mary’s male persona. She has the body for it but, otherwise, she is definitely a woman.
“OK, enough for today. I’m beat.”
“Sure, Mary, me too. I’ll flip you for the bed.”
“I’ve already flipped you once today.”
With that, she shed her clothes and jumped into the bed. I took off mine as well and joined her.
“What do you think you’re doing?”
“I’m going to bed. It is my bed.”
She looked at me slyly.
“I thought it wasn’t considered right for two men to share a bed.”
“Where do you see two men?”
She laughed and we cuddled together. I don’t know if it was the drinking binge I had been on or my happiness at seeing Mary again but, whatever the reason, I was horny. Maybe she was just curious but, whatever the reason, she let me. I went to sleep with the most wonderful feeling I ever had.
I awoke to noises coming from the kitchen. I put on a robe and walked into it. Mary was standing naked with her hands on her hips. She looked over at me.
“You have absolutely nothing here to eat.”
“Uh, Mary, you can’t go around naked here. This is not Fledora.”
“Who’s to see? OK, I know, I have to think male. Though, I don’t believe you saw me as male last night.”
I blushed a bright red.
“I’m sorry about that. I don’t now what came over me.”
She smiled.
“Me either. The council will be furious.”
“Well, what they don’t know won’t hurt us. Besides, this is a unique situation they have put us in.”
I walked up to her and closed my arms around her. We kissed passionately.
“Whew, Jonnie, this is getting to be a habit.”
“I hope so. Get dressed; we are going into town to eat. You need to get used to people especially men. Just let me do the talking and watch how everyone acts.”
We dressed casually and found a decent looking restaurant. After we were seated, Mary turned to me.
“I need to pee.”
“OK, be sure to use the men’s room.”
“Please go with me.”
“Men don’t go together like women do. You must go alone.”
She sighed and left. A few minutes later, she came back looking quite peaked.
“That was the most disgusting thing I have ever done!”
“Get used to it. Men don’t pay any attention.”
“Gross!”
We ordered and ate mostly in silence. Upon finishing, we headed back to the cabin.
“Jonnie, I don’t think I can do this.”
“Sure you can. You just have to put on a male mask. Keep the real you locked inside.”
“Is that what you have done all your life?”
This stunned me. Have I done that? I didn’t think so. This mess keeps getting worse.
“Let’s just work on you, OK?”
Arriving back at the cabin, we worked on her male façade. After several hours, I decided enough was enough. She at least looked male and was very strong. That would just have to be enough.
“OK, I’m calling Sam and telling him we are coming back. I feel better about things. At least we will be together on this.”
“Yes, I guess we might as well.”
We packed things up and drove to Atlanta. I turned in the car and we took the shuttle up to headquarters. We stayed in my apartment that night. I won’t say any more about that. The next morning, we set off to Sam’s office.
“You know, we are going to have to start using John and Matt for names. Things are going to get serious when we reach Broadskye.”
“I know. It just does not seem right calling you Matt.”
We reached Sam’s office and knocked.
“Come on in.”
“Do you always say that?”
Sam laughed.
“Only when I know it’s you. Are you back to your old self?”
“As best I can be.”
“Didn’t mean to ignore you, Matt. John and I just have a history. OK, down to business. I have cleared your visit to Broadskye with the authorities there. They know you are after a fugitive and will cooperate. Do you have any information as to where she might be?”
Matt jumped in here.
“The council of Fledora told me she went there on a military ship. That should be easy to trace. The whole thing smells though.”
“Yeah, I agree. You will be more or less on your own there, so be careful.”
We thanked Sam and left to go back to my apartment.
“When do you want to leave, Matt?”
“We might as well get going right away. Delay will only make it harder to find Karen.”
“I agree. Let’s get our things.”
We left a short time later on the Fledoran shuttle. We went into medical where the pods were located.
“Well, at least this time when I wake up, I’ll be the same. I hope.”
“Yes, I can now see your fear of them.”
We entered our pods and, like always, the next thing we knew, we were at Broadskye. We obtained clearance to land at their main spaceport. Upon deplaning, we were met by a rather jovial chubby man.
“It’s so wonderful to have you here. We don’t get marshals very often. I’m Josh Randall.”
I shook his hand.
“I’m John Harper and this is Matt Browning.”
“Wow, the great Marshal Harper!”
“Uh, just John and Matt will be fine.”
“Sure, sure, come on. I’ll take you to my office.”
He drove us in a rather primitive police cruiser. Once in his office, he pulled out a sheet of paper.
“OK, you are here to serve a warrant on a Karen Littleton. I’ve checked and we have nothing on that name. You gave us information about a ship leaving with her. The only ship that came in at the time landed at a small military base on our moon.”
“How do we get there?”
“That’s just it. You don’t.”
“Pardon me?”
“You see, the moon is really not a part of our government. We use it as a penal colony for habitual criminals and ones that commit a severe crime. Once convicted, we simply deposit them on the moon. The inmates there have established their own society, basically. It is rather primitive.”
“You mean, there are no guards?”
“What for? There is no place for them to go. We just drop them there and they are on there own.”
“What about that military base?”
“I don’t know much about it. It must be pretty top secret. There is certainly no going there.”
“Hmmm! There must be a way for us to go to that moon.”
“The only way would be posing as prisoners. A robotic shuttle drops them at a specific point and leaves.”
“Can’t we go through your military?”
“We asked. According to them, that base does not exist.”
“That sounds like the military. OK, if we get Karen, how do we get off the moon?”
“Well, that’s never been done to my knowledge. We’ll work something out. I’ll supply you with a transceiver so you can contact us. But keep in mind that it is a very rough and primitive place; not unlike the old west on Earth. Once there, you are on your own. Go get something to eat. Our cafeteria is just down the hall. I’ll get things arranged.”
We shook hands and went out.
“I sure am tired of everyone saying ‘you are on your own’.”
“Jonnie, this scares me to death.”
“Yeah, me too. It looks like a suicide mission at first glance but we will make it. I have confidence in you.”
“I don’t see any other way to do it so I guess we just make the best of things.”
We finished eating in silence and headed back to Josh’s office.
“OK, we’re all set. I’m giving you both a transceiver. Hide it well. The clothes you have on will be fine. You better let me keep your badges and IDs. There is no point in bringing anything with you. It would just get taken. So, let’s go.”
He led us onto the roof where an odd looking ship awaited. A door opened to a compartment that allowed us to stand in it but nothing else.
“Good luck! If you get into serious trouble, call us. It may take some time to arrange extraction, however.”
“Thanks for everything.”
He gave us a sad smile and closed the hatch. The ship lifted off with a jerk. The ride took several very uncomfortable hours. We just held each other in silence as the noise was deafening. The ship landed with a thud and the door popped open. Mary and I stepped out and walked a ways from the ship. It promptly left with a rush.
“Well Mary, I guess this is it. Remember you are Matt Browning. I can’t be John Harper so how about I be Rusty Allen?”
“Sounds OK.”
We hugged and kissed. Finally, we broke apart.
“Remember, man up.”
Mary, excuse me, Matt laughed.
“That’s easy for you to say.”
A couple of miles in the distance, we could see a town of some sort. We walked towards it and, as we entered, I got a shock.
“I swear we are walking into old Deadwood.”
“What’s that?”
“Believe me, you don’t want to know.”
There were a few people about but they seemed to be avoiding us; maybe because we were new. I spotted a rather large saloon and we headed there. This was like a place out of the old west. As we walked in, I heard someone say, “Well, look what the cat dragged in.” God, not again! Next thing I knew, the fight was on. I held my own for a minute but found myself flat on my back soon after. I heard a familiar voice say, “Back off!” Then a hand reached out. Looking up, I could not help myself. Smiling real big, I said, “Hi Linda.”
GALACTIC MARSHAL
by Hilltopper
CHAPTER 9
Linda looked puzzled for a few seconds then her eyes widened in recognition. I quickly grabbed her hand.
“I’m Rusty Allen.”
“OK”
I pointed to Matt.
“This is Matt Browning. We just got here.”
Linda looked over at Matt and the guys lying at his feet.
“You’re pretty good in a fight. I need a bouncer. You are it.”
She turned back to me.
“Come with me to my office. Matt, clean up this mess.”
I looked over at Matt and shrugged. She just glared at me. I followed Linda into her office and she closed the door.
“God Gina, you have changed. Don’t tell me you are still trying to arrest me.”
I laughed.
“As far as I know, no one is after Linda Sanders. The fugitive I was after is dead, remember?”
She smiled big.
“You know, you kind of look the same especially that smile. What on earth are you doing here? Do you have any idea the mess you are in? This place is cut off from the rest of the universe.”
“I could ask you the same thing.”
“OK, I guess you know what happened on Fledora. Karen got me out of there and set me up here. I run this place for her. She carry’s a lot of weight here just like she did in Basteria. Now, why are you here? I guess that Matt fellow is also a marshal.”
“In a word, Karen. And, yes, Matt is a marshal too.”
“Oh my god! Are you nuts? There is no way off of this place and Karen spends most of her time at that secret base. Before you ask, it is impossible to get there from here for us. Karen has military transportation. Besides, I’m not so sure I like the idea of Karen being arrested. She has been a good friend to me.”
“I don’t have anything personally against Karen. In fact, I kind of like her.”
Linda looked at me slyly.
“I think she more than likes you, at least the Gina you.”
I blushed and looked away.
“Yeah, that was a very confusing time.”
Linda looked at me sadly.
“We were only together for a short time but you quickly became my best friend. I think the main reason for that is I could read you like a book. You were not just pretending to be Gina, you were Gina. I think you still are Gina.”
I decided to change the subject. This was something I did not want to think about right now.
“What about this place. I thought it was just a large prison.”
“In some ways, it is. No one can leave here. But most people that are dropped here look at it as a second chance. They have made this place into a real community. The ones that don’t want that second chance are quickly culled.”
“So, do you like it here?”
“Well, I too needed a second chance. I could not go back to my old life. The people here are real. It is a good place to be in spite of its origins. So, yes I like it here.”
“I’m glad. I still feel we are good friends even though I am not the same.
Linda smiled and hugged me.
“I know you are tired. I have heard the trip here is not pleasant. Plus, that fight didn’t help. A room goes with the bouncer job I gave Matt. Do you mind sharing with him?”
“Not at all.”
I guess I must have shown something because she looked at me strangely. She did not say anything, however.”
“OK, let’s go find Matt.”
We walked back into the bar area to find Matt sitting at a table looking dourly into a drink. As we approached, she looked up. Linda spoke up first.
“Matt, room and board goes with your bouncer position. Do you mind sharing the room with Rusty?”
“That would be great! I mean, sure no problem.”
Linda got that strange look again and shook her head.
“OK, I know you both have had a rough day. I’ll show you the room. You can start your job tomorrow.”
Linda led us up stairs to a room in the back. It contained two twin beds, a dresser, a desk, and an overstuffed chair.
“Sorry about the accommodations. It’s very primitive here. See you both tomorrow.”
She closed the door as she left.
“Well, that was interesting. How did your reunion with Linda go?”
“We are still friends but she is also friends with Karen. This bouncer job is a good thing. You might hear something important.”
“Yeah, that happened fast.”
I laughed.
“I almost felt like I was back in Kentucky. Let’s get some sleep and see what tomorrow brings.”
“Which bed do you want?”
“I’ll take the right one.”
“Great, me too!”
We undressed and hopped into bed. Cuddling together, Matt lost it again.
“God Jonnie, what is going to happen?”
I caressed her cheek.
“I don’t know. I think Linda is suspicious about us. It won’t take her long to figure out that you are Mary.”
We were dead tired and fell asleep before anything could happen. I awoke first. There was a bowl of water setting on the dresser. I washed as best I could and I put on the same clothes. Matt was still sleeping so I went down to the bar. A man that I assumed was a bartender pointed toward Linda’s office.
“She wants to see you right away.”
I knocked on her door and walked in. Linda looked up.
“We have a big problem. Karen has received information that two people arrived yesterday and are looking for her.”
“That’s just great!”
“Fortunately, two others got here a little before you. Your only chance is to put the onus on them.”
“Before we go any further, where’s your bathroom?”
Linda grinned really big and pointed to her back door.
“The privy is that way.”
Being from Kentucky, I knew what a privy was. Matt is going to love this. Back in the office, I sat down just as Matt entered. She started to say something but I interrupted her.
“Out that door.”
She looked at me and then at the door. She shrugged and went out it. I turned to Linda.
“This is going to be good.”
A couple of minutes later, Matt came back in with a very disgusted face. She looked at me with her hands on her hips.
“You could have warned me.”
“And miss this moment?”
Linda looked back and forth between us.
“OK, you two. Something is definitely not right. So, if you want my help, fess up.”
I sighed and looked over to Matt. She just shrugged.
“I guess the jig is up. This is Mary Brown.”
Linda looked stunned and then very mad.
“This is just great. Do you have any idea how much Karen hates you?”
I spoke up.
“Mary told me about the problem with her mother.”
“Yeah but did she tell you about her brother?”
We both spoke at once.
“Brother!”
“I see neither of you know. After Karen’s mother, Susan Littleton, was kicked off the council, she had twins. Karen was, of course, one but the other was a boy. By Fledoran rules, no male could live on the planet. There was a big stink. According to Karen, Susan was forced to give up her son. Karen doesn’t know for sure but she believes he was given to his father and taken to Earth. Susan and her new daughter were forced to move to Basteria where she established the Midnight End. Karen blames all of this on Carol Givens and Mary’s mother. Since your mother is dead, her whole hate is aimed at you. The deal with Marshal Harper posing as Gina has just added to her hate.”
“Wow! I never knew. My mother never mentioned a son. Does Karen know who Gina really is?”
“No, she got information that Gina might have been put in undercover by you but she does not know that Gina is really John Harper. Of course, this gave her even more reason to hate you. I think Karen had a thing for Gina.”
Mary looked over at me and I blushed.
“It wasn’t my fault. I was not myself at the time.”
Linda looked over.
“It doesn’t matter. The real problem is what we do about Karen coming here to find out who is after her.”
Matt looked shocked.
“Yeah, if she finds out who you are, good luck. I think I have a plan. I’ll start a poker game with those two that arrived before you. Rusty, you join in after a bit and Matt, since you are my bouncer, you will be close by. When I see Karen enter, I’ll tell one of them that she is after him. Hopefully, his actions will put the suspicion on him and his partner. For now, just get something to eat and relax.”
Matt and I went to the kitchen and ate brunch.
“Jonnie, this could get bad fast.”
“Yeah, remember, I’m Rusty Allen.”
“Right, sorry. I am getting really anxious.”
“Let’s hope Linda’s plan works.”
“But can we trust Linda? She is Karen’s friend.”
“I don’t think that is a problem as long as we don’t try to take Karen down now.”
We went back to our room and tried to relax. A little while later, there was a knock . I opened the door to find Linda.
“Matt, come on down and start your job. I am going to set up the poker game. Rusty, we should be ready for you to join in about an hour from now.”
Matt went with Linda and I lay down. I didn’t think Karen would recognize Mary or me. One thing I had to try not to do is smile. Apparently, it is very distinctive. After about an hour, I headed down stairs. I spotted the game and went to the table.
“Mind if I join in?”
One of the guys looked me over.
“Why not?”
I sat in and we played for about 30 minutes when we heard a ruckus outside. That could only mean one thing; Karen was here. Linda turned to the guy who had spoken to me as Karen entered.
“That’s the one who is out to get you.”
He looked over at Karen and tensed up. Karen walked up to the bartender. I could not hear what was said but he pointed to us. By this time, Matt was close by our table. As Karen approached, the guy suddenly jumped up producing a knife. Just as he lunged at Karen, Matt grabbed him and snapped his neck. The other guy tried to run but was shot by one of Karen’s men. Karen looked at Matt.
“You’re pretty handy to have around. Thanks.”
She took Linda by the arm and pulled her toward the office. Mary was visibly shaking so I escorted her to our room. I hugged her tightly.
“I didn’t mean to kill him. He sprung suddenly and I had to react fast.”
“I know; it’s how you have been trained. He wouldn’t be here if he wasn’t a criminal. The fact that he tried to stab Karen proves he was no good.”
“Yeah, here we are trying to arrest Karen and I end up saving her life. Geeze!”
We lay back on the bed and cuddled. I guess we both drifted off. A knock on the door woke me. I got up and opened it to find Linda looking rather perplexed.
“Well, Matt certainly got Karen’s attention. She told me to check him out and, if I could not find anything negative, she is going to take Matt on as part of her guards at the base when she comes back next week.”
“Oh Lord! At least this gives us an in but this is getting dangerous.”
Matt walked over.
“You have got to be kidding. How am I going to pass there?”
Linda looked questioningly at me.
“What does he mean? He looks fine.”
“Yeah, well-----uh.”
Matt just sighed big and removed her clothes. Linda’s eyes widened.
“Oh my!”
“At least we have a week to figure this out.”
Linda continued to stare. Finally, she turned and walked out shaking her head. Matt redressed and then started out.
“Well, I guess I better go back to work. I have to keep my wife up you know.”
I stuck my tongue out. She laughed, kissed me then left. This is weird! I decided to go exploring. There was a stairs that led to a back door. Once outside, I started walking. Since it was mid afternoon, there were a lot of people about. A thought hit me; what do they use for money here? Hmmm! After about an hour, I headed back to the saloon. As I approached the front door, Matt threw two men out of it. She looked up at me.
“Just throwing out some trash.”
I shook my head.
“You are really getting in to this job, huh.”
“It’s keeping me busy. By the way, Linda wants to see you.”
“OK”
I went to her office and knocked.
“Come on in.”
That sounded familiar. I walked in and sat down.
“Rusty, we need to sort you out. Since you are with Matt, you have two choices.”
“This sounds kind of ominous.”
Linda laughed.
“Everyone here has to pull their weight. Matt, of course, all ready has a job. You can put your name in for the next job available or you can attach yourself to Matt.”
“What do you mean ‘attach’?”
“Things are pretty loose here. If someone is claimed as a spouse then no one argues.”
I looked blankly at Linda. Is this what Matt meant earlier?
“Matt has already said that he claims you so, if you agree, that’s that.”
She smirked as I looked stunned.
“Look, at least it will let you do your marshal thing without working all day doing something you hate. Around here, one gets credits for work performed and that person or their spouse can use them to get the things they need. It’s a good system.”
“I suppose Matt has already signed me up.”
“How did you guess?”
“Gawd, I will never hear the end of this. OK, it makes sense. I need the time to do our real job.”
“Great, sign here.”
She handed me a book. I saw Matt’s name and signed next to it.
“I now pronounce you man and wife.”
“Oh. Shut up!”
I whirled about and stomped out of her office and headed for the kitchen. Maybe food would keep my mind off this. After eating, I went up to our room, waving at Matt as I started up the stairs. I lay down to think. This assignment is starting to be as bad as the last one. A little later, Matt walked in.
“Honey, I’m home!”
I threw a pillow at her.
“Sorry, I couldn’t resist. I know this is awkward but it seemed the best solution. Also, if Karen does pick me to be a guard, you can come with me.”
We spent some time in bed making things right before we finally went to sleep. The next morning, a note was under our door. It was from Linda.
‘Here are Matt’s credits. Go get some clothes. You stink!’
Funny! We dressed, ate and went out to find some clothes.
“So, what color dress do you want, Rusty?”
“You’re worse than Linda. I had enough of that on Fledora. Pants and shirts will do fine.”
We found the clothes and other things we needed then spotted a sign that advertised hot bathes. I looked at Matt.
“What do you think?”
“Sounds good to me.”
I didn’t think a bath could feel so good. Once clean, we donned our new clothes and felt almost human again.
“I guess I better head back. My shift starts soon.”
“OK Matt, I’m going to look around some. This place seems like a dead end but you never know.”
Matt smiled and left. I walked down the street toward what looked like a stable. As I entered it, something hit me on the head and everything went black.
GALACTIC MARSHAL
by Hilltopper
CHAPTER 10
As I woke up, I realized that I was tied to a post. When my vision cleared, I saw an old man sitting in a chair about 10 feet in front of me. He was staring a hole in me.
“Ha, finally caught one of Karen’s henchmen.”
“You’ve got me all wrong.”
“I’ve seen you going around with her bouncer. You can’t fool me. She sent you to find me, didn’t she?”
“Look, I have no idea what you are talking about. Matt and I just got here a couple of days ago. Linda gave him this bouncer job because he cleaned up in a fight we got into at her saloon. We are not working for Karen.”
“But you know who she is?”
“Yeah, she came into the saloon yesterday but I didn’t speak to her.”
“Hmm, you sort of sound like you’re telling the truth but I sense you’re holding something back. I think I will just let you stew a while.”
The old man got up and walked out. I looked around. It appeared like I was in a room in the stable. I had no idea for sure what time it was but I didn’t think I was out too long. If this keeps up, though, my brain is going to be mush. He had me tied pretty tightly. There was no way I was going to get loose without help. A couple of hours later, he came back.
“You ready to talk now?”
“I’ve told you all I know. Just let me go. I could care less about you.”
“No, you’re not telling me everything. For instance, I know you are from Earth because I am too. Broadskye would not send an Earth citizen to this moon. That means, you are here under false pretenses. The only way that would happen is that Karen arranged it.”
“I have told you, I do not work for Karen.”
“We’ll see. I’m hungry. I’ll check on you after I eat.”
Out he went again. I was beginning to think the man was unhinged. This could get bad. After a while, he came in with a big smile on his face.
“I thought you looked familiar but I couldn’t place you. While I was eating, it hit me. You’re Marshal John Harper. This is fantastic!”
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Matt walked into Linda’s office without knocking.
“Linda, I’m worried. Rusty should have been back hours ago.”
“Where did he go?”
“He said he was just going to look around and see if any leads turned up. He really didn’t expect anything.”
“It looks like something happened. It will be dark in about an hour. When night falls here, it is pitch black. We better take a quick look around town. If we find nothing by dark, we will just have to wait for morning.”
We went out the back door and headed down the street behind the saloon. Since it was getting close to dark, not too many people were out and about. After walking and checking buildings for about 30 minutes, Linda called a halt.
“This is getting us no where. We only have about 20 minutes of daylight left. Where did you last see Rusty?”
“He was walking down that side street over there.”
Linda looked that way.
“The only thing down that way is an old stable. OK, let’s check that out. If there is nothing there, we will just have to wait until morning.”
The street looked deserted but we started toward the stable. As we turned the corner of the stable, the door flew open and out stepped Rusty and an old man.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I walked out of the stable and almost ran into Matt.
“Sorry, what are you doing here?”
“Looking for you.”
“Oh, I was kind of tied up for a while. This is James Cooper. We have been having an interesting conversation.”
Linda put her hand on my shoulder.
“Thank goodness you are safe. We were worried sick. Come on, let’s get back to the saloon before it gets dark.”
We walked the short distance back and went into Linda’s office via the back door. Mr. Cooper seemed to be very uneasy about being here.
“OK Mr. Cooper, I think it’s time to tell why you thought I was sent to find you by Karen.”
He winced when I said her name.
“I’d also like to know how you knew who I really am.”
This brought Matt and Linda quickly to attention. Matt spoke first.
“What do you mean he knows who you are?”
“He knows I’m John Harper and a marshal.”
“Oh dear!”
I turned back to Mr. Cooper.
“Well?”
“I guess I better explain. See, I knew you when you were very young. I designed the lasers used by Earth’s military. Your father piloted the ships we used to test them. That’s why Karen brought me here; to design a laser weapon for her.”
“I don’t remember any of this.”
“You were only about 3 or 4 years old. Samuel Harper was very proud of you. He said your mother was from another planet and you were born there. He never said how he ended up with you but I could tell he loved you. To tell you the truth, you seemed more girl than boy at that age.”
I blushed deeply and changed the subject.
“If Karen brought you here, why are you not at her base?”
“I worked there for over a year designing the superconducting laser she wanted. She did not say at first why she needed it. She was obviously working with some Broadskye military chaps so I thought it was just for Broadskye defense. About a month ago, I found out its true purpose. I had heard the story of Fledora. Karen’s hatred coupled with the need of some on Broadskye to get back at them was the real reason for putting the laser in a Broadskye ship. I got the feeling that Karen did not intend to actually use it on her planet. She just wants to take down the government by its threat but I overheard the Broadskye military commander on the base planning to devastate the planet. I wanted no part in that so I stowed away on a transport heading here. I have been hiding in that stable for two weeks. It was only a matter of time until they found me.”
“So, you are familiar with that base.”
“Absolutely! Are you here to arrest Karen?”
“Well, that is the reason we were sent but we also are concerned about the safety of Fledora.”
“With good reason! They would have no defense against my laser.”
“Could you show me how to defeat it?”
“You mean sabotage it, don’t you?”
“OK, yeah, we can’t let it leave here.”
“I agree! Yes, I will help you.”
“Great! Linda, have you got a room he can stay in?”
Linda looked very uncomfortable.
“I am torn between my loyalty to Karen and my love of Fledora. I just don’t know.”
“We can hash this out later. Right now, we must keep Mr. Cooper safe.”
“OK, I buy that.”
She looked over to Mr. Cooper.
“Come on. I’ll give you the room across the hall from Rusty and Matt.”
After they left, Matt turned to me.
“This is just the break we needed. If Karen picks me to be one of her guards, we can take that laser down. That was good work on your part.”
“I was just using my head.”
She laughed.
“Yes, I can see the lump.”
We decided to turn in. My head was still a little dizzy. Once in bed, I was out like a light. I awoke the next morning to find Matt staring at me.
“Jonnie, do you think what that old man said about you is true?”
“I don’t have any reason to doubt it. I know what you are thinking. I was too out of it last night to make any connections but this is almost too much to believe. Could I be Karen’s brother?”
“I don’t know but it makes sense. That is the reason Carol was intent on getting you to be the marshal sent to Fledora. She knew who you were.”
“God, this is crazy. I go to arrest Sandra, make friends with Linda, and, it turns out, she is Sandra. Now, I am here to arrest Karen and, it turns out, she might be my sister. This is just too much!”
“I know this is messing with your mind but we must remember the threat to Fledora.”
“Is there a threat? I mean, the council has played me like a violin. I don’t know what’s real anymore.”
“That old man thinks there is a definite threat. It’s hard for me to believe that Karen really wants to destroy Fledora but there are some on Broadskye that would like nothing better. Maybe they are playing Karen just like the council is you?”
“Maybe? Karen certainly has a grudge against the council and maybe I should too if what we have heard is true. She might even desire to head it just like her mother did. I just don’t see her wanting to devastate the planet. I think the main thing now is to figure out how to destroy that laser and worry about Karen later.”
“Yes, I agree. Now, let’s go get something to eat. I’m starving. By the way, how’s your head?”
“Hard as a rock.”
“That I can believe.”
We had just finished dressing when we heard several shots being fired downstairs.
“What the------------?”
Matt headed out the door and I was seconds behind her. When I reached the head of the stairs, I saw Linda come out of her office. A very large man was standing in the middle of the saloon with several people lying on the floor around him. He aimed the gun he held at Linda and fired. She went down. By this time, Matt had reached the bottom of the stairs. The man pointed the gun at her and pulled the trigger. Nothing happened. He must have used all his ammunition. He threw the gun at Matt and ran out the front door. Matt ran after him. I went over to Linda.
“I’m OK, Rusty. It just nicked my shoulder. Go after Matt.”
“Right”
I went out the front door to find Matt and two fellows lying in a heap in the street. Matt was visibly agitated. She looked up at me.
“I ran into these idiots as I left the saloon. I think that guy ran toward the stable you were in but I can’t be sure.”
“OK, let’s go back in and check with Linda.”
Linda had gone back to her office. As I walked in, she handed me a make shift first aid kit.
“I got some men to haul those pour souls out to our cemetery. It happened so fast, no one had a chance.”
“What was his problem?”
“I don’t know. We always give newcomers a free first drink. This guy wanted more. When he was told that he had to work to earn credits to be able to buy more liquor, he went crazy.”
“Where did he get a gun? I thought only Karen’s bunch had them.”
“We have some guns here that have been left by Karen for us to use in an emergency but his was not one of those. I have no idea where he got one.”
“I guess it’s up to Matt and me to get him. I assume there is no real police here.”
“No, Karen takes care of that sort of thing. As I said before, things are rather loose here.”
“OK, can we have those guns you mentioned for emergencies? I think this counts.”
Linda laughed.
“If it doesn’t, I don’t know what would.”
She gave Matt and I revolvers and some bullets.
“I know these are kind of primitive but it’s all we have.”
“They will do just fine. Come on Matt, let’s go get this nut case.”
We left by Linda’s back door and headed toward that stable. Matt turned to me.
“It is darned suspicious that guy having a gun.”
“Yeah, makes one wonder.”
We carefully entered the stable. Since the guy had thrown his gun at Matt, we were pretty sure he was unarmed. He was, however, huge and would be hard to take down in a fight. After searching all of the stalls and the feed room I had been held in, there was no sign of him. There was a back door so Matt went out it to check the area behind the stable. I was about to follow her when I noticed a bunch of hay bales piled loosely in the corner of the last stall. This seemed odd for some reason. I walked over to them and looked behind. I did not see anything unusual but the light was dim here. As I turned around, a hay bale suddenly hit me in the back. I went flying dropping the pistol. I started to get up when I heard the hammer being cocked on my weapon. I looked up to see the barrel aimed at the center of my chest.
“You all think you are so high and mighty around here. Well, let’s see how you like this.”
I saw his finger tighten on the trigger. It was a desperation move but I had nothing to lose. I lunged at him and heard the gun fire.
GALACTIC MARSHAL
by Hilltopper
CHAPTER 11
My shoulder met his chest and we went down to the ground. As I pushed myself off of him, he groaned heavily. A red spot of blood was spreading on his shirt. I heard some one running towards us and I looked up to see Matt.
“Are you alright? What were you thinking? If I hadn’t come back in just now, you would be dead.”
I noticed the gun in her hand and realized what had happened. The shot I heard was from Matt’s pistol. It was still a miracle that the stranger’s gun hadn’t fired.
“Thanks, he surprised me. I guess I’m losing my touch.”
We hugged, kissed, and then separated. The man groaned again and tried to speak. I put my ear close to his mouth. What he said both shocked me and made sense at the same time. He groaned for the last time and died. We checked his pockets but found nothing. Since he was supposed to be a newcomer, he wouldn’t be carrying anything. The problem was, it was a subterfuge.
“What did he say to you, Rusty?”
“I couldn’t make out all of it but the bottom line is that he was not a newcomer. He was sent here to find and kill James Cooper.”
“Sent by whom?”
“I hate to say it or believe it but he implicated Karen.”
“Well, it doesn’t surprise me. I know you like her and might even be her brother, but she is strictly bad news. Her hatred has warped her since of justice. I know Mr. Cooper doesn’t think she would use that laser on Fledora, but I am not sure. She has killed in the past.”
“Yeah, I know. She was just so nice to me. I guess this does prove the value of having Mr. Cooper on our side. It is a good thing we had hid him away. Let’s get back to Linda’s place.”
We walked back to the saloon and went into Linda’s office.
“I was getting worried. Did you get him?”
“Yes, at least, Matt did. He kind of got me.”
“What?”
“He must have been hiding behind some hay bales. When I passed by them, he hit me with one and got my gun. Fortunately, Matt is a good shot.”
“Thank you, Matt. We don’t want to lose our Rusty.”
Matt laughed.
“Our Rusty?”
“I claim him as a good friend but not a spouse.”
Linda smirked at me.
“All right, all right, it’s over. By the way, he was apparently sent by Karen to get James Cooper, at least, that’s what he claimed as he died.”
“It’s hard to refute a dying confession but I can’t believe Karen sent him. However, I must admit, she is the only source for his gun. There is no way he could have smuggled it from Broadskye. It is very confusing.”
“Yes, I agree. I still wonder what set him off at the bar. It seems out of character for a hit man.”
“I guess we will never know.”
“Nope! Anyway, I’m hungry. Who’s for breakfast?”
Matt grimaced.
“How can you eat after all that’s happened?”
“It might be messing with my mind but not my stomach.”
I went off to the kitchen. I could understand Matt’s reluctance. After all, she had just killed a man; a no good one but a man none the less. I ate breakfast and wandered back to Linda’s office to find Matt and her still talking.
“Did I miss anything?”
Matt looked over at me and stood up.
“No, we were just talking about Fledora’s past. Do you think Mr. Cooper is up yet?”
“Probably, it hasn’t exactly been quiet around here.”
“OK, I want to get some more information out of him, especially considering how badly Karen wants him dead.”
We went up to his room and knocked on the door. He opened it warily. Seeing us, he broke out in a big smile.
“Come in, come in! I was afraid Karen had come in shooting.”
“No, but she did send an assassin after you. Matt shot him, however.”
He looked visibly shaken.
“If nothing else, it proves how valuable you are. Karen must be afraid of you.”
“No one knows more about that laser than I do. After all, I designed it. Karen does not like loose ends.”
“Yeah, I guess she felt you could be a threat to her. Could you draw a map of that base and detail how to sabotage the laser?”
“Sure, it would be my pleasure. I owe her big time. Give me a couple of days.”
“What about security at that base?”
“It is heavy looking outward but practically nonexistent internally. Karen did not see a threat from anyone working there. Although, after my escape, she might have beefed it up a bit.”
“OK, just write out everything you can remember. Karen is coming here in a few days and might take Matt and I back with her to the base. She seems to think Matt is guard material. We will try to be ready.”
Matt and I thanked him and walked out. She hugged me.
“I have got to get downstairs. My job awaits.”
I laughed.
“You are too enthusiastic for my thinking. I’m going back over to that stable and look around. There might be something there we missed.”
“OK, see you at supper.”
I walked to the stable. I decided to pull apart the bales of hay that were stacked in the last stall. The only thing I found was a small leather case. Inside were a bunch of pictures. Looking through them, I was surprised to find a picture of me taken about 10 years ago. That would have been a little before my dad’s death. I definitely need to talk some more with Mr. Cooper. Nothing else turned up in the stable so I headed back to the saloon. I showed the picture to Matt.
“Cute!”
“Ha, ha! What I want to know is why he has it?”
“Then I suggest you ask him. But do it after supper. I didn’t eat anything this morning and my energy is about to run out.”
“Sure, I can always eat.”
“So I’ve noticed.”
I stuck my tongue out at her again. This was getting to be a habit. We ate in the kitchen and just chatted generally. After we finished, Matt went back to her duties and I headed upstairs to talk to Mr. Cooper again. I knocked on his door and announced myself. He bade me to come in.
“I found this in that stable.”
I tossed the leather case to him.
“Oh, thank you. I thought I would never see that again. When you get my age, you value memories and pictures a great deal more.”
“Hey, you’re welcome.”
I took out the picture of me and turned it towards him.
“Where did you get this?”
He looked at it and smiled.
“Your dad and I were good friends right up to his death. He sent me that a few days before he died. He really worshipped you. I remember how devastated he was when your puberty messed up. The hormones given you certainly turned things around. You grew into a right nice man.”
“Hormones? He gave me some vitamins that seemed to help me. There was really nothing bad wrong.”
Mr. Cooper got a strange look on his face.
“Maybe I’ve said too much. All I know is he was happy at how you turned out. By the way, I’ve just about got your map drawn. I’ll bring it to you tomorrow.”
“OK, fine. I’ll see you them.”
Well, I seemed to have had the subject changed and a dismissal given rather effectively. I went across the hall into my room and lay down. Up until my trip to Fledora, I thought my life and my body were my own. Now, I wonder. It seems everyone has been manipulating me to their own desires all my life. This can drive one crazy. Matt walked in and noticed my expression.
“What’s wrong, Jonnie?”
“I just had a talk with Mr. Cooper that I wish I had skipped. When this assignment is over, I think I will have a nervous breakdown on general principles.”
She laughed.
“Don’t worry, the past is past and we will figure out the future together.”
I looked intently at her.
“How did you get so smart?”
“Chocolate”
I couldn’t help but feel better. Mary was rapidly becoming my savior.
”Come here, it’s been a long day.”
We snuggled together and all the troubles melted away.
The next day, I was sitting at a table in the bar nursing a drink when a very familiar face entered via the front door. It was none other than Marshal George Brett. This could only mean one thing; the marshal service was now on this threat full bore. He looked around the room and noticed me. He did not even flinch but kept gazing around. He finally walked up to the bar. The bartender handed him a glass.
“The first drink is on the house for newcomers. Welcome to the dark ages.”
I motioned for Matt to come to me.
“Matt, see that new guy at the bar?”
She looked over.
“Yeah, so?”
“That, my friend, is Marshal George Brett. We have worked together several times.”
“Shit!”
“Most definitely shit! Go see if he is hungry. Maybe we can go to the kitchen and find out what is going on.”
“OK”
Matt walked over to George.
“Hi’ya stranger. I’m the bouncer here. The name’s Matt.”
He looked up and registered recognition.
“Don’t worry, I don’t plan to cause any trouble.”
Matt laughed.
“Didn’t mean to say you were. I just thought you might like to join my partner and I for lunch.”
“Why not? Lead the way.”
They headed for the kitchen and I followed. We got our plates of food and sat down at an isolated table. George looked up at me.
“Long time no see.”
“It hasn’t been that long.”
“From what I heard, it probably seems like it.”
I laughed.
“You don’t know the half of it. Come to think of it, maybe you do. What are you doing here, as if I can’t guess.”
“We had been informed about your under cover venture. Sam was pissed by the way. A couple of days ago, we got a frantic call from one Josh Randall. It seems Karen had a mole on his force and you had been turned in. Since he had not heard from you, he imagined the worst. About the same time, the marshal service got a formal request from Fledora to help thwart the threat against them from a splinter group of Broadskye’s military. So, here I am.”
“Yeah, I see. I assume we now have all the back up we need.”
“Sure do. Of course, we did not know whether you and Matt were still on the case, if you get my drift. Seeing you is a very pleasant surprise.”
“I’m glad we were still here to greet you. We hadn’t used our transceivers for fear of detection. Plus, we were under the impression that Randall only wanted to hear from us when we needed to be picked up.”
“All I know is he was beside himself.”
I turned to Matt.
“Fill him in on everything. I’m going to inform Linda as to what is up.”
I walked out and went to Linda’s office. After being invited in, I sat down with a heavy sigh.
“OK, what’s up?”
“We either have a big problem or a lot of help.”
She frowned.
“Explain”
“A newcomer walked into the saloon a little bit ago who just happens to be a marshal. It looks like the marshal service has taken a very active interest in that laser thingy.”
“And, I guess Karen as well?”
“I got the feeling the threat was their main concern. Since Matt might be going with Karen in a few days, I have a suggestion. Make the new guy, who is George Brett, an assistant bouncer. It will give him reason to be staying here and a job when Matt leaves.”
“I am real conflicted about all this but I agree with your idea. Let’s go inform him of his new status.”
We walked back to the kitchen.
“George, this is Linda. She runs this place.”
He stood up with a lecherous grin on his face.
“Pleased to meet you. I’m George Brett.”
Linda smiled.
“Down boy. I am also now your new boss. Rusty here has convinced me to give you the job as assistant bouncer.”
“Rusty?”
I jumped in.
“Hey, I couldn’t use my real name so I decided on Rusty Allen.”
“Rusty has told me of your purpose here. I will help where I can. Come on, I’ll show you your room.”
They left and Matt stood up.
“Well, I guess this was good news. We certainly need all the help we can get.”
“Yeah, this also will make it easier to get off this moon when things get sticky. I never trusted that Randall fellow to get us out of here. I better get back to work.”
“OK, see you later.”
I went back up to our room. When I opened the door, I found the map and schematics Mr. Cooper had promised slid under my door. I spent the rest of the day memorizing everything. When Matt came in, she started in as well. I continued my memorization the next day. I figured it would be best to not have these papers on me. Matt and George were busy bouncing and she came in late. Since we still had a couple of days until Karen’s transport arrived, we made the most of the night. I woke up late the next morning to find Matt all ready gone. I dressed and headed down to breakfast. I found no one about so I went into the kitchen and ate. As I was finishing, Linda walked in. She looked very strained.
“She’s gone!”
“Who?”
“Karen swept in this morning and took Matt back with here.”
“Matt’s gone?”
GALACTIC MARSHAL
by Hilltopper
CHAPTER 12
“Now, don’t panic. Karen said that a special event was about to happen and she needs more security right away. She said you could come to the base on the regular transport in two days. As a matter of fact, she wants me to come with you.”
“Uh oh! That means things are happening faster than we thought.
God, Mary-----I mean Matt is not ready. What did Matt say? If Karen finds out who she is, it will be very bad. I was hoping to be with her to help out.”
“Don’t worry, Matt will be fine. He is a big girl----I mean boy. This is very confusing. Anyway, we will be there in two days.”
“Yeah, I guess. Have you seen George today?”
“No, he must still be in is room.”
“OK, I’m going up to talk to him. We have a lot of planning to do.”
I went upstairs. This was not supposed to happen. Matt could be in serious trouble. I walked up to George’s door and knocked. He opened it and waved me in.
“Hey George, we have a big problem.”
“What now?”
“Karen has taken Matt to the base and indicated to Linda that something big is about to happen.”
“I guess we know what that means. I didn’t think she was this close to being ready.”
“Neither did I. It may mean something else but we can’t bank on it. Linda and I are to go in two days. We have to be ready.”
“I agree. We also need to figure some way for me to tag along. It is not going to be easy to knock out that laser.”
“Yeah”
Suddenly, I felt something buzzing at my waist. It was, of course, my transceiver which I had never used.
“This must be Matt.”
I took out the unit and thumbed the transmit button.
“Go ahead.”
“Oh, Rusty, I am so sorry. What are we to do?”
“Where are you?”
“I’m in our apartment which is just a large room with a bath. Karen will be back to get me in a couple of hours.”
“OK, just hang on. I’m going to talk to Mr. Cooper. I’ll call you back in one hour. We better close down.”
“Alright”
I turned to George.
“I had almost forgotten about that thing. I guess yours is intradermal.”
“Yep! They’ve heard everything we have talked about. It’s your mission, by the way. You’re lead marshal.”
I laughed.
“No shit! Well, I’m going to Cooper’s room. Be back in a few.”
I went to Mr. Cooper’s door and knocked. I guess he recognized my knock because he just yelled for me to come in.
“Hey James, things have started. Matt’s already at the base and the rest of us follow in two days. Matt just called me on the transceiver.”
He looked worried.
“That was probably not a good idea. It might have been detected.”
“Hmmm, well, I am to call him back in a little bit. What should I pass on?”
“Until you can get there, he will just have to follow Karen’s bidding. Tell him to get rid of that transceiver and make your call as brief as possible. Have you looked at the map and schematics?”
“Yes, I pretty much have them memorized.”
“Good, come back this evening and we will go over what you need to do to sabotage the laser.”
“OK, see you then.”
I walked back to George’s room.
“Cooper has a plan to take down that laser. He will show us this evening.”
“Great! Well, I’m going to eat. See you then.”
I went back to my room and called Matt.
“Everything OK?”
“So far.”
“I really miss you. I can’t believe that this has happened. Mr. Cooper says to just do what Karen wants until we get there. He also said to destroy that transceiver as soon as we sign off. I’ll see you in two days.”
“I hope so. I love you, Jonnie.”
“I love you too. Be careful.”
With that, I shut down the unit. I just hope it had not been intercepted.
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As soon as Rusty signed off, I threw the transceiver into the disposal. I had mixed feelings about that. I now was truly on my own with a person that hated me. I did not like to admit it but I was scared to death. I washed up and waited for Karen to arrive. About 30 minutes later, she knocked.
“Are you ready for me to show you around, Matt?”
“Sure thing, Miss Littleton.”
“Please, it’s Karen. Come on.”
We got into a hovercraft. The base wasn’t that big but we were apparently going clear across to the other side.
“The building we are going to houses our project ship. We plan to launch in 3 days and I have decided that we need additional security. That is where you come in. I like the way you handle yourself. You will stay by my side during the next days. In other words, you are now my bodyguard. I have put my former guards around the ship. We don’t want anything to happen at this late date. Alright?”
“I will give you my best.”
We walked through the building with her telling me what everything was and introducing me to the staff. Then we entered the hanger bay. The ship standing there was like nothing I had seen before. It looked like it was all engine and laser. This was a ship of war. A small compartment on one side held the crew which was mainly technicians. The ship obviously needed no pilot. Karen looked over the ship and smiled.
“This is my crowning achievement. It is going to change things for good.”
She did not elaborate but I knew what she was talking about. That evening, she took me back to my room.
“I think this is going to work out fine, Matt. I’ll pick you up in the morning.”
“OK, I’ll be ready.”
I walked into my room, closed the door, and collapsed. This had been the hardest day of my life. I thought that any minute Karen would suss me. The only consolation is that I now have access to that hanger. I ate and went to bed. I dropped into a fitful sleep.
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After supper, George and I went to see Mr. Cooper again. I brought the map and schematics with me. He seemed to be all business tonight.
“Have you memorized those.”
“Yes but I will continue going over them tomorrow.”
“Good, good. I’m going to show you how to enter the ship and fix the laser so it blows up when it is fired in space. It has to be that way. Anything else will just delay it.”
I nodded my head in agreement.
“I can see that. Plus, no collateral damage that way.”
Cooper smiled.
“My thoughts exactly.”
We spent the next two hours going over his instructions. They shouldn’t be too hard to accomplish if we can get to the ship in the first place.
“It will be a very tight fit getting to that valve. Just take your time and don’t touch anything else. I can’t help you with getting access to the ship. I am sure security is better now around it. Your best bet would be if Matt can get you there.”
“OK, thanks for everything. By the way, when our marshal team swoops in, do you want off this moon?”
“I don’t know. I have no place to go.”
“I’ve been thinking about that. Fledora needs a defense against threats like this. How about building a system for them?”
“I like the idea but they might not want me.”
I laughed.
“Yeah, it will be a unique situation for them but it is something they need.”
“OK, when the team comes in, get me out of here.”
“Will do.”
I ate supper and went to bed. The next morning, I went to see Linda.
“Hey, Linda, things are progressing. Mr. Cooper gave us a plan to destroy that laser in space. We need to some how stow George away on that transport tomorrow. It will be better to have us both there at the base.”
“Yes, maybe I can get him on board as my assistant. When we get to the base, take him with you. If you are with Matt, perhaps no one will question it.”
“Sounds iffy but I can’t think of anything better. OK, we will try it.”
“How’s Matt doing?”
“Scared to death but holding up I think.”
She looked pensive.
“I have a bad feeling about this. I think Karen’s planning to leave this moon soon.”
“Yeah, I agree. Things are going to get sticky.”
We went to the kitchen and ate breakfast. Afterwards, I went back to my room. There really wasn’t anything else to do until tomorrow morning when the transport arrives. I packed our things and spent the rest of the day going over the maps and Mr. Coopers plans. Around supper time, George came to my room.
“The marshal team is ready to go in as soon as I call them. They will also pick up Mr. Cooper and myself if I can’t get on that transport.”
“Linda seems to think she can get you on it. We will have to play things by ear when we get to the base.”
“Yeah but if things go sour, the team is going to come in fast.”
“Well, let’s get some sleep and hope for the best.”
George left and I dropped into bed. I should eat but I was just not hungry. My thoughts went out to Mary and what she is going through. I just hope she can hold on until I get there. Sleep came slowly but I finally dropped off.
I woke up with a sense of dread. I couldn’t put my finger on it. After dressing, I gathered our things and headed to breakfast. When I reached the bottom of the stairs, Linda came over to me.
“The transport is here. It will leave in about an hour. George is already in the kitchen. Go eat and then come to my office.”
“OK, is everything alright?”
“I don’t see any problems.”
“Good, see you in a few.”
I went into the kitchen and grabbed a plate of food. Spotting George at a back table, I joined him.
“Big day, huh?”
“I just hope it’s not too big. Is Linda going to be able to get you on the transport?”
“Yeah, they seemed to have no problem with me going with her.”
I nodded and dove into my food. Not having eaten last night, I was famished. After we finished, we went to Linda’s office. She stood up.
“Are you both ready?”
I laughed.
“Sure, let’s go.”
She led the way out her back door. The transport was a rather large hovercraft. We walked up to a soldier standing in front of the entry way. Linda pointed to George.
“This is my assistant and Rusty here is Matt Browning’s spouse.”
The soldier did a double take at me and then smirked. He stepped aside and we entered the craft. The trip to the base was long and noisy. We did not say much since we were surrounded by the military. After about 4 hours, we arrived at a fence gate. We were let through and continued on for another couple of kilometers when we saw some buildings come into view. The transport pulled up to a portico and everyone was ordered off. As I walked out the door, I spotted Matt off to the side. She waved me over. Linda and George walked with me.
“God, I am glad to see you!”
I grinned.
“Not half as much as I am to see you.”
Linda shook her head.
“OK, we need to separate. Matt, can you take George with you and Rusty without raising any suspicions?”
“Sure, no one will ask questions.”
“Great, I’m going to find Karen.”
Matt led the way through a series of doors. We came to a hallway and she stopped in front of a door marked #10.
“This is our apartment, Rusty.”
She unlocked the door and we went in. Since George was present, Matt and I had to control ourselves but I had to have a hug.
“I was really worried.”
Matt could not hold back the tears. George tried not to watch us. I did not know what he was thinking.
“It’s OK, we made it.”
She sighed.
“Good to see you, George. As much as I want to stay, I must get back to Karen. I am her new body guard.”
That caught me completely by surprise.
“You have got to be kidding.”
She just shrugged.
“Just stay here. I should be back in a few hours.”
She left and I plopped down in a chair.
“I guess we wait.”
When Matt came back, she looked tense.
“Well, it happens tomorrow.”
“What happens?”
“They are going to launch the laser ship for a test. If it is successful, the ship will head on to Fledora. Karen is going to fly her ship there later in the day.”
“Shit! I guess we only have tonight then.”
Matt turned to George.
“There has been no mention of you so I guess you have been forgotten. That is some good news at least.”
“Matt, can you get us to that ship tonight?”
“That won’t be a problem. Anyone walking with me will not be questioned. The hard part will be entering the ship.”
I spoke up.
“Cooper told us how to get into the ship. There is a maintenance hatch we can use. We only need a few seconds with no one watching.”
“Hmm, I think I can distract the guards that long. The best time will be after midnight. How long will it take to do your thing to the laser?”
I laughed.
“You won’t believe it. I only have to turn a valve. It will cause the unit to quickly over heat when it is fired. The hard part will be snaking my way to it. Hopefully, it will only take a few minutes.”
“OK, there is a cafeteria in the building beside the hanger. Let’s go there and eat. It’s open all the time.”
“Sounds good.”
We followed her out of the building. There were several small vehicles parked next to it.
“These are used by the staff to get around. Hop in.”
She drove to the cafeteria building and we went in to eat. There were only a few people there and no one paid us any mind. Matt looked worried.
“Rusty, you know that when that thing blows, it won’t take them long to realize we were here tonight.”
“Don’t worry, as soon as the laser ship is destroyed, a whole company of marshals and support officers are going to land here.”
“Yeah, but I will be with Karen and, I guess, so will Linda.”
“That is a problem. You have to try to get away from her when it happens. Maybe she will be mad and distracted.”
Matt looked dubious.
“Well, there’s nothing else for it.”
She looked at her watch.
“OK, it’s now or never.”
We walked out of the cafeteria and up to the hanger. The guard at the door just nodded to Matt and we went in. I had to admit, that ship was something else. I spotted the hatch we needed to use. Luckily, it was in a blind spot for the guards. Matt walked over to the guards while George and I kind of shuffled to the side admiring the ship. I don’t know what Matt said to the guards, but they laughed and followed her over to what looked like a concession area. We scurried over to the hatch. It opened easily using Cooper’s instructions and we entered the ship. George stood guard at the door while I made my way to the valve. It was a very tight squeeze as Cooper indicated it would be. I ran into my first problem as I tried to negotiate a turn. I am not small and I became stuck. My arms were out in front of me so I could only push with my toes. After a lot of straining, I managed to push through. I reached the valve after a couple more minutes. The only problem was there were two valves. Great! I tried to visualize the schematics drawn by Cooper. It showed only one valve. Now what? The valve on the right seemed to be the one involved with the cooling system. I could not justify turning both valves. Who knows what the other one did so I went ahead and closed the right one. It took me just a couple of minutes to go back to the hatch. That turn was no problem going the other way. We exited and went around the ship like we had been looking it over. We joined up with Matt at that concession stand as the guards were going back to their posts. They just nodded to us and otherwise ignored our presence. Matt motioned us to follow her and we went back outside. We got into her vehicle and headed back to our apartment. Matt turned to me.
“Well?”
“I had a little trouble getting to the valve, plus there were two of them. I’m pretty sure that I turned the right one.”
We entered our apartment.
“We better try to get some sleep. George, when Karen comes for me in the morning, you need to hide.”
“Gotcha”
George took the couch and Matt and I lay down in the bed. With George here, we could not do what we wanted to do. I did not sleep much. Before I knew it, there was a knock on the door. Matt raised up.
“Shit, she’s early.”
George sprung up and went into the bathroom. Matt pulled on a robe and opened the door.
“Sorry to be here so early but we need to get started. Did your spouse settle in OK?”
“Yes, give me about 10 minutes and I will join you.”
Karen looked over to the bed slyly.
“I’ll wait outside.”
Matt quickly dressed and hugged me.
“You both better stay here. I don’t know when the launch is scheduled to take place. You will just have to sit back and wait.”
“OK, George is in touch with the marshal team. They will give us the go when that ship goes up.”
Matt held my hands.
“See you in a little bit, I hope.”
She walked out the door and joined Karen. George and I sat at the table after dressing.
“Where should we go when this starts?”
I thought a second.
“Well, I’m sure Karen, Matt and Linda will be over at that hanger. I guess we will just have to wait until a marshal vehicle can take us over there. I sure feel helpless.”
“Yeah”
About 2 hours later, George suddenly perked up.
“It’s a go.”
CHAPTER 13
I went with Karen out to the hovercraft. Linda was already inside. We got in and she headed the craft toward the hanger.
“Guys, this is a big day.”
Linda showed little emotion. I imagine she is still conflicted. We entered the hanger and stopped to look at the ship. The roof of the hanger had opened up. It looked like the ship was about to launch. Karen led us to a side room. Inside was a bank of monitors. We sat down and Karen nodded at a military man. He pushed a button and a countdown sprang up on one of the monitors. It read 60 seconds. When it reached zero, I heard a loud whine. The noise dropped off quickly and we went back into the main hanger. The ship was already almost out of sight. Karen turned to the military commander.
“How long until the test firing?”
“It should be in position in a few minutes. We are targeting a rock formation on the other side of the moon.”
About 15 minutes later, a bright light lit up the morning sky.
“Wow, I didn’t think the laser would be that visible.”
The commander looked very pale.
“Since we are firing on the far side of the moon, it would not be visible at all.”
“OK, then what did we just see?”
“I don’t know.”
We went back into the control room. One of the technicians spoke up.
“Sir, we have lost contact with the ship.”
“Damn! Keep trying to contact them.”
I could tell tensions were running high. To me, that flash of light had to mean that Jonnie was successful with the sabotage. The technician spoke up again.
“Sir, we have picked up an emergency beacon. It has to be coming from the crew module. The beacon would only activate if the module had been separated from the ship.”
“Shit”
Karen turned to the military commander.
“OK, you want to tell me what that means?”
He sighed heavily.
“The module should only be ejected if the ship was destroyed. We can’t be sure, of course, but it looks like a catastrophic failure.”
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When George got the signal, we jumped up and headed outside. As we went through the outer door, we could see the first marshal ship coming toward our position. It landed about 20 feet away. George had been talking to the team leader and they knew we were standing by. The leader jumped out of the craft and came over to us.
“Well, Marshal Harper, you did a good job. As soon as they activated that laser, the whole ship went up. The crew module was jettisoned and landed safely. We have a ship picking them up as we speak.
“What about the military personnel stationed here?”
“It’s my understanding that they have all been ordered to surrender by Broadskye officials. This project may have been unofficially sponsored by the Broadskye military but, now that it is toast, they want to wash their hands of it.”
I laughed.
“A pretty typical response. In other words, CYA.”
“Yeah, we have a ship landing next to the main hanger now. That team should be rounding up the technical people working there in a few minutes.”
“Can you take me there? Marshal Browning is under cover with Karen Littleton and we need to pull him out.”
“Sure”
He turned to some of his team.
“Unload that hovercraft. We need to go over to the hanger.”
The craft was unloaded swiftly and we piled in. The ride over only took about 5 minutes. When we arrived, the technicians had all been rounded up. My main concern was ‘where are Matt, Linda, and Karen’.
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Someone came running into the control room.
“Sir, several ships are landing around the base.”
Just as the commander was about to address the new arrival, the radio operator chimed in.
“Sir, we have just been ordered by headquarters on Broadskye to surrender to the Galactic Marshal Service. They are landing now.”
The commander turned to Karen.
“That’s it then.”
“The hell it is. Matt, escort Linda to my ship behind the hanger. I’ll be there in a few minutes.”
I led Linda out of the control room and we went through the rear door of the main hanger. I looked over at Linda.
“Well, what do we do now?”
“I don’t know. I think Karen is bugging out. You better get while you can.”
“I’m not leaving you. Who knows what Karen will do now.”
Just then a couple of support officers came around the side of the hanger. Spotting us, they ran over and started to grab Linda. Once again, I reacted by instinct. Unfortunately, Karen witnessed the whole thing. As I was getting up off the second officer, I was suddenly struck from behind. I fell forward and, as I hit the ground, I was kicked in the ribs.
“I had a feeling about you but I couldn’t put my finger on it, Mary Brown. When I saw you take out those two guys, it hit me. Only a Fledoran uses the moves you made on them.”
As I tried to stand, Karen hit me in the face. Linda interceded at that point.
“Don’t, Karen, we need her to get out of here. She is our only protection.”
“We don’t need this lying bitch.”
“You don’t understand. She is Marshal Harper’s girlfriend. He won’t allow any harm to come to her. Let’s take her to your ship and take off.”
Karen looked at Linda hard.
“OK, but you have a lot of explaining to do. I can tell you are holding something back.”
I was barely conscious but I felt some one trying to stand me up right.
“Come on, Mary, help me. If I can’t get you to the ship, Karen is going to kill you.”
I struggled to my feet and Linda half carried me to the ship. Once inside, she put me into one of the pods.
“Don’t worry, every thing is going to be OK.”
As I passed out, my thoughts were on Jonnie.
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I jumped out of the hovercraft and went into the hanger. After searching each room and finding no one, I went into the main hanger bay. Nobody was here but I noticed that the back door was open. Going out it, I saw a ship taking off. Two officers were getting up off the ground so I turned to them.
“Did you see who got on that ship?”
One of them looked over at the departing ship.
“Yeah, two women and a man. The man looked like he was hurt. Before you ask, it wasn’t us. He pounded us into the ground before we knew it. I think that big woman laid in to him for some reason.”
Shit, Karen must have figured out who Matt really is. This is bad!
“OK, thanks.”
I went back around to the front of the hanger and found the team leader talking to George. As I approached, George looked at me.
“I guess you saw that ship leave?”
“Yeah, from what I heard, Karen, Linda and Matt are on it.”
“I have been in touch with our main ship orbiting Broadskye. They say there is no way they can stop the ship but they will track it.”
“Damn! I guess that’s all we can do for now. Let’s wrap this place up.”
We gathered up all the technicians and transported them to our main ship. We let Broadskye’s military handle their people. Once on the ship, I video conferenced with Sam at headquarters.
“Good job, John. That was brilliantly executed. We have informed Fledora and they are grateful.”
“I bet they are. Have you traced that ship that got away?”
“Yes, it went to Fledora.”
“OK, I still have the Fledoran shuttle here at Broadskye. I am going to take it back there.”
“Are you sure that’s a good idea?”
“Look, we still have a warrant for Karen.”
“Yes, but it is a Fledoran warrant and she is now on their soil.”
“I’m going, Sam.”
“I can’t stop you unless we arrest you. Just be careful.”
“I will stay in contact.”
I signed off and went looking for a shuttle that could take me to the spaceport. When I found one, I put in to be transported later in the day. Since my stomach was growling ferociously, I went to the galley. George and James Cooper were there.
“Hey, John, I can’t believe we did it.”
I laughed.
“You’re telling me.”
I looked over at James.
“I see you made it out.”
“Yes, thanks to you. Your people want to interview me so I am going with them. I still would like to take you up on the offer to help Fledora.”
“Sure, I’ll talk to their council when I get there.”
This perked George up.
“What do you mean ‘when you get there’? You surely aren’t going back there again.”
“George, Karen has taken Linda and Matt there. So, yes, I am going. You want to come with me?”
He made an awful face.
“Not on your life!”
I laughed.
“I don’t blame you but I have to go.”
He shook his head. We ate and said our good byes. I headed back to the shuttle. In no time, I was at the space port. I arranged transport to the Fledoran ship and got aboard. I powered up and contacted the council.
“Good evening, Marshal Harper. Please accept our eternal gratitude for destroying that laser ship.”
“Yes, well, I guess you know Karen has flown to Fledora with Linda and Mary.”
“We tracked a ship to Basteria but we did not know who was aboard.”
“Hmmm, OK, I’m coming on your ship. After all, it seems I am actually a Fledoran citizen.”
Carol stared at me a minute. She showed no emotion. Finally, she sighed.
“So, you have figured it out. I guess we have a lot to discuss then. Get in a pod and we will program your return.”
She signed off without another word. That was probably a good thing the way I was feeling. I climbed into a pod after undressing. I just hope Mary and Linda are OK. Well, it’s back to where it all started. So be it.
GALACTIC MARSHAL
by Hilltopper
CHAPTER 14
I awoke to see the pod door already open. As I sat up and looked down, I had to shake my head. Yep, I was female again
or at least had the appearance of one. I climbed out of the pod and tried to regain my senses. This hibernation thing was getting old. The computer voice brought me back.
“Welcome home, Marshal Harper. Please put on the uniform you will find in locker 5. When you are dressed, contact Council Chairwoman Carol Givens.”
“You bet I will.”
I went into the locker room and took the uniform out of locker 5. This was not something I was looking forward to. Their idea of the proper uniform to wear before the council left a lot to be desired. This one was a pale yellow and barely covered anything. The boots were like walking on your toes. In the mood I was in, I thought about refusing to wear the outfit but they would probably just not see me until I did and I had too much to say to them to risk that. So, I put on the uniform and went into the control room.
“Computer, please contact Carol Givens for me.”
“She is on the line waiting.”
Her face suddenly appeared on the screen in front of me.
“Welcome back to Fledora, Marshal Harper. A vehicle is waiting for you at the base of the ship to take you to Mary Brown’s home. Get a good night sleep and you will be picked up at 9 tomorrow morning.”
“I’d like to see you now.”
“We have much to discuss but it will have to wait until tomorrow.”
With that, she signed off. Damn! That woman was a force to reckon with. There was no point in arguing so I exited the ship and went over to the hovercraft waiting for me. A very tall and beautiful woman got out and opened the passenger door.
“Get in Miss Harper. I will take you home.”
Home? Was Mary’s house home? Should it be my home? Well, home was where Mary is. That thought, of course, brought both tears and anger. I was sure Mary was alive but I also knew that I had to find her fast. I turned to the young woman.
“Thank you”
I got into the vehicle and was swiftly driven to Mary’s house. Since Mary was not there, I wondered why I was being taken here. It was fine with me but seemed odd. Arriving at the house, I thanked the driver and walked up to the front door. It opened and a voice said ‘welcome home, Miss Harper’. Hmm, I’m beginning to feel set up. I went into the house and crossed over to the same room I had stayed in before. All of the clothes and other items were still where I had left them. I remember telling Mary to just get rid of them since I would never need them again. Boy was I wrong. I removed my uniform and carefully hung it up. Even though I hated the thing, it was imperative that I make a good impression tomorrow. I might get thrown out after I started telling them what I thought but I at least wanted to get them in a favorable mood at the start.
I went naked into the kitchen and made myself a sandwich. I didn’t know what the meat was but I was too hungry to care. After eating, I wandered back into my room. What I needed was a long hot bath to soak out all the kinks in this old body of mine. Looking in the mirror, I barely recognized it. This female transformation was really messing with my head. I almost fell asleep in the tub. One would think that you would be refreshed after being in hibernation but I was beat. I stumbled to the bed and was asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow.
“Good morning, Miss Harper, time to get up.”
I groaned and turned over.
“It’s 7:30, Miss Harper.”
“OK, OK, I’m up.”
Damn computers! I thought about taking a shower but I was afraid I would melt and flow down the drain. I staggered into the kitchen and drank a large coke looking beverage. It certainly didn’t taste like a coke but it did wake me up fast. I got dressed and tried to make myself as presentable as possible. Peering in the mirror, it was hard to believe it was me. I actually looked pretty darn good. I walked into the living room and was about to sit down when there was a knock at the door. The computer announced ‘your ride is here’.
“What kind of a way to talk is that for a computer.”
All I got was silence. I guess I hurt her feelings. I opened the door and was greeted by the same woman as last night.
“Good morning, Miss Harper. I am to take you to the council chambers.”
“Lead the way.”
We drove to the council building and she stopped right in front of it. She escorted me into the building and we walked straight back to the council chambers. The same very tall woman as last time opened the chamber doors and I entered. The woman stepped in behind me and announced my presence.
“Madam Council Chairwoman, I give you Galactic Marshal Jonnie Michelle Harper.”
“Please come forward, Marshal Harper. We want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your actions in defeating Broadskye’s plot against us. We are deeply in your debt.”
“Thank you, Madam Chairwoman. I was just doing my duty.”
“Oh, I think it was more than that. You definitely went above and beyond. We are very concerned for Mary Brown. She sacrificed much to help your plan succeed.”
“Yes and I am here to find her and return her safely.”
Carol looked at me hard.
“I don’t think that is your only reason to be before this body again. Let’s go to my private chambers. I want you to be able to talk freely.”
Carol got up and I followed her to a side door. The other council women thanked me for my service along the way. Once inside the room, Carol’s demeanor dropped.
“I know you are very angry with me and the council. Now that you know your true origins, I guess you are very bitter as well.”
I sighed heavily.
“Did you know who I was when you brought me here to arrest Sandra Sterling?”
“Not at first. The Marshal Service asked for permission to send a marshal. We were, of course, very reluctant. I honestly did not know you were a marshal. When I saw your name among the histories sent to us, I was just curious. After examining your profile and comparing it to what we had, it became clear that you were the boy child we had sent away 35 years ago. I know we were just following our rules, but it had bothered me all these years. What was done to Karen and your mother was also not right. That is, of course, why Karen is so against us. Hate is a powerful thing.”
I could not keep my anger in check.
“Do you have any idea what you did to me? In my childhood, I was constantly conflicted. I felt like I was a girl but was supposed to be a boy. My dad loved me but wanted me to grow up to be a man. He gave me hormones for Gods sake. Now, I find out I have a sister that I never knew about. Couldn’t you have at least kept in contact with me?”
Carol looked pained.
“Your dad didn’t want that. After what we did, he wanted nothing to do with us.”
“I can see why. Your adherence to inflexible rules has ruined several lives and almost your entire planet. Don’t you think it’s time for a change?”
“Yes, but it won’t be fast or easy. We acknowledge that you are a Fledoran citizen. That is a start.”
I growled.
“But look at me. It matters not whether I want to be a woman, you forced the change just so no one would be upset because a ‘man’ was on your planet. Now, you’re intransigence has put Mary in harms way. In case you haven’t figured it out, Mary and I are in love and I will do what ever it takes to get her back safe and sound.”
She smiled.
“That is why you are billeted at her home. We know that you two are partners. Look, we know we must change but right now the most important thing is to finish the matter of Karen and save Mary.”
“I agree. I have thought a lot about this and I can only see one viable way for me to go to Basteria to look for Mary. I must go back under cover as Gina Coleman. I don’t like it especially now that I know Karen is my sister.”
I blushed deeply.
“Uh, Karen has a thing for Gina.”
Carol grinned.
“Oh my, that is awkward. OK, we will put together the same team that was with Mary when you went in before. Since Mary is indisposed, I will make you temporary chief of detectives here. That will give you the authority to do what you need to do.”
“That sounds good. We can use the same command post.”
“I will arrange for you to be taken to medical and get a new transceiver implanted. Rest tonight and we will get things going in the morning.”
“Alright, but remember, we will discuss my situation at length when this is over.”
“Agreed”
I turned and walked out of the chambers. I was still angry but this was not the time to pursue it further. The same driver was waiting for me. She looked up as I exited.
“I am to take you to medical and then back home, correct?”
“As far as I know.”
So, off we went. The procedure at medical was the same as last time minus the lower region surgery which was not necessary this time. Once back at Mary’s, I ate a sandwich and lie down in my bed. I was very apprehensive about going back into Basteria but it was the only way. I just hope Mary and Linda are still OK. Karen was an enigma. She could be so caring one minute and kill you the next. I wondered what it would have been like if we had been raised together. I think she would have turned out very different but then so would I. The past is past, however. Hopefully, Fledora will learn from this and change. Sleep came quickly and morning just as quickly. I showered and ate breakfast. Now came the hard part; becoming Gina. I looked in the closet. The dress had to be soft and innocent looking. A long pink dress with little blue flowers caught my eye. It had a fitted jacket as well. This would put Karen in the proper mood. Yeah, proper! I didn’t want her getting ideas. I used very light make-up. OK, this will do!
The trip to headquarters was a little disconcerting. The driver was constantly taking glances at me. When we arrived, I went inside and met up with the team. The leader looked at me and smirked.
“Well, marshal, you are quite feminine today.”
I glared at her and ignored the comment.
“You have been informed as to what we are going to do. I will take the shuttle to Basteria like last time. Set up the command post and then wait for my signal. When you hear me say ‘flogget’, come running. OK, let’s do it.”
The team left for their hovercraft and I walked to the transportation center.
Man, here we go again!
GALACTIC MARSHAL
by Hilltopper
CHAPTER 15
The pod door swinging open caused me to open my eyes. Linda was smiling down at me.
“Feeling better, Mary?”
I sat up and noticed that my injuries from that beating Karen gave me seemed to have pretty much healed. The pod was a good medical unit.
“Yes, much. Where are we?”
Linda laughed.
“You are not going to believe it. We just landed outside Basteria.”
My eyes opened wide.
“Karen came back to Fledora?”
“Yep, I’m not sure what she is thinking.”
Karen walked in from the control room. She glared at me.
“Back to normal I see.”
She then turned to Linda.
“Now you get to tell me why you stopped me back there and who this Marshal Harper is.”
Linda flinched.
“I told you, he is Mary’s boyfriend.”
Karen shook her head.
“Nope, not buying it. Since you are not from Fledora, you don’t realize what you just said. No Fledoran has a boyfriend. Try again.”
I couldn’t hold myself back.
“You’re mother did.”
Karen took two steps toward me and slapped my face hard.
“I’m not talking to you, bitch!”
She turned back to Linda.
“I want the truth and it better be good!”
Linda looked at me, smiled weakly then sighed.
“OK, Marshal Harper was sent to Fledora to arrest me. Mary picked him up and helped with his, uh, transformation.”
“You mean the council actually went along with having a male marshal on this planet.”
“Well, he was made to look female and no one was told any different.”
Karen eyed Linda a minute and shook her head.
“There is more to it. You are holding something back.”
Linda hesitated and then continued.
“You remember telling me about your mother and that you had a brother that was taken away?”
“Yeah, so?”
“Marshal Harper is your brother.”
Karen looked shocked then angry.
“Are you saying that my brother came to this planet and no one told me!”
Linda looked pained.
“Yes”
“So, the man who was Matt’s so called spouse was Marshal Harper and my brother?”
“Yes”
Karen turned to me.
“You knew this?”
“Not at first. It was a shock to me too.”
Karen started pacing and muttering. Finally, she stopped.
“I can’t believe that after all these years the council is still up to its old tricks. I am going to take them down if it’s the last thing I do.”
She looked at me.
“How could you possibly fall for a man?”
“I didn’t. I fell for Jonnie Harper. She is a woman.”
Karen stared at me a minute and then shook her head.
“Linda, take this thing and lock it up. I don’t care where. I’m going to The Midnight End to think things over.”
She placed a restraint on me and walked out of the ship. Two burly women came in. Linda glanced at them.
“I guess we better do as she says.”
I nodded and we exited the ship with the two ‘guards’ right behind. Linda took me to a small house behind The Midnight End. It looked like an old guest house. We went in and she removed the restraints.
“I’m real sorry about this. Karen is acting really strange. She was always nice to me.”
“Don’t sweat it. She has a hatred for my mother and, by proxy, me. It is causing her to become irrational.”
“Yeah, I can see that. Do you think that Marshal Harper will come here?”
I smiled big.
“Yes, I do. Jonnie will come for us no matter what.”
Linda grinned.
“You really love him, don’t you?”
Mary shook her head slightly.
“I fell for Jonnie who is a woman, but I have found that I love the person no matter the gender.”
Linda looked at me slyly. I blushed a bright red.
“Oh boy, you both did it, didn’t you?”
I blushed even deeper.
“Yes”
She smiled.
“Good for you. Whether it’s John, Jonnie, Rusty, or Gina, she is a wonderful person and someone I call a great friend.”
Linda suddenly got a surprised look on her face.
“You don’t think Gina will come back here, do you?”
I thought a minute then nodded.
“It would be the prudent way for Jonnie to come here to find us. Yes, I think we will see Gina. Does Karen have any idea who Gina is?”
“No but it will be real bad if she finds out.”
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I left Mary and went over to The Midnight End. I was not sure who the real Karen was any more. I knocked on her office door and walked in. She looked up at me and smiled.
“Did you get our prisoner settled in?”
“Yes, I locked her in the old guest house.”
“Good! Do you think this Marshal Harper will try to spring her?”
“It’s a good bet.”
“Hmmpf! My brother! What a joke! The council is playing you for a fool but I have a plan.”
Karen did not elaborate so I went out into the bar. I had a bad feeling. Nothing much happened over the next couple of days. I stayed part of the time with Mary and mostly left Karen to her ‘planning’. I was sitting at the bar when a very familiar figure walked in the front door.
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I got off the Basteria shuttle and started to walk into the town. I thought about last time and decided that maybe walking was not a good idea. Spotting the local transportation, I headed that way.
“Team leader, I am taking a taxi to The Midnight End.”
She acknowledged and I walked up to the first taxi.
“Where can I take you, honey?”
God, they are the same every where.
“The Midnight End, please.”
She looked me over and shrugged.
“Sure, hop in.”
We were there in no time. I thanked the driver and walked to the front door. I stopped a few feet away. I really did not want to do this. I wasn’t even sure who would be here. I steeled myself and walked through the door. I was trying to adjust to the low light level when I was wrapped up by a banshee.
“Oh, Gina, your back!”
Linda whispered in my ear.
“Karen’s here. Be careful.”
I nodded and then talked out loud.
“Linda, I thought you had left.”
“I did but now I’m back. You looking for a job?”
I laughed.
“After my release from medical, this was the only place I could think of to go.”
“Well, I sure missed you.”
Karen must have heard the commotion because she stuck her head out of her office door. Spotting me, she got a huge smile on her face. She rushed over and hugged me tight.
“God Gina, where have you been?”
I faked a smile and tried to breathe.
“I got hurt in that mine cave in. They just let me go this morning.”
“Come on, let’s go into my office.”
I followed Karen and Linda into the office. Karen turned to me and her eyes narrowed slightly.
“I heard some terrible rumors about you.”
I looked surprised.
“What?”
“I was told that you were here undercover working for Detective Mary Brown.”
I tried to look puzzled.
“I don’t know where that came from. She was the detective that took me to medical at the capital when I was rescued from that mine. After I was better, she tried to get information out of me but I didn’t say a thing.”
Karen broke out into a smile again.
“I knew they weren’t true. It’s so good to have you back. Are you OK now?”
“Yes, all healed up.”
Karen looked over at Linda.
“I think you have something that needs doing, right?”
Linda glanced at me and then back to Karen.
“That’s right, I better get going. Gina, we will get together later.”
She hugged me and left the room. Karen looked me up and down then smile big.
“You look really good. That dress is perfect for you.”
“Thank you.”
“I have some things I need to take care of but I want us to have dinner together. Your room is still waiting for you. Go over and tell Mona to give you the key.”
She then bent down and kissed me. I tried to look pleased but it now felt like I was kissing my sister. I giggled (where did that come from?) and went out. I walked over to the boarding house. Mona was waiting for me and handed me my key.
“Welcome back, Gina. You were missed.”
“It’s good to be back.”
I went up to my room and tried to unlock the door. I dropped the key and bent over to pick it up.
“I think this is how it started last time.”
I looked between my legs and saw Linda standing in her door way. I stood up and grinned.
“I hope it doesn’t end the same way.”
“Put your stuff away and then let’s walk to our spot.”
“OK, be right with you.”
I just threw my things on the bed and we went out the rear door. We walked to the water fall with out saying anything. Once there, Linda sat on a rock.
“Karen is planning something but she has not brought me into her confidence. I don’t think she trusts me any more.”
I shook my head.
“Do you know where Mary is and is she OK?”
“She’s fine for now. She’s locked in the old guest house behind The Midnight End but she always has two guards.”
“I have a team standing by but I can’t risk them coming in yet. Karen wants to have dinner with me tonight.”
“I was afraid of that. She still has a thing for you, you know.”
“Yeah, I could tell. This is very awkward. Maybe I can get my team to cause a distraction before anything happens. Do you think you can get Mary out?”
“I think so.”
We sat and watched the water for a bit.
“I’m glad you brought me to this spot.”
Linda nodded.
“I’m glad I did too. I still think of you as my best friend though things are a little more complicated now.”
I laughed.
“No kidding.”
“What happens after this is over?”
“I wish I knew. I do know I want to be with Mary. If she stays on Fledora, I will too.”
Linda sighed.
“After all you both have been through, the council will likely have some big questions.”
“Yeah, I have some for them too.”
“I guess we better head back if you are going to make your dinner date.”
“I reckon so.”
We walked back to our rooms and parted. Once in my room, I informed the team of what I needed. After washing up, I looked in the mirror. Shaking my head, I heaved a big sigh. I sure hope this works!
GALACTIC MARSHAL
by
Hilltopper
THE FINAL CHAPTER
Chapter 16
I walked to the Midnight End and sat down at the bar. The bartender set a drink in front of me and smiled.
“Karen will be out in a few minutes. The drink is on the house.”
“Thank you.”
I sipped the drink and tried to look calm. In reality, my heart was beating a mile a minute. My plan called for me to get through the dinner before the distraction took place. This was not going to be easy. A few minutes later, Karen came out of her office.
“Gina, I am so glad you came. I have a table reserved for us.”
She took my arm and gently crossed it into hers. We walked across the street to the restaurant. The manager beamed at us as we entered.
“Ah, Ms Littleton, your table is ready. Please come with me.”
She led us to a private alcove. Candles were lit on the table. She seated me and addressed Karen.
“Your server will be with you in a few minutes.”
Karen smiled at me and took my hand in hers.
“I am so glad you are here. I feel something between us that I can’t put my finger on. When you disappeared, I was worried out of my mind. Then that rumor of you being a cop surfaced and I dropped into despair. Please forgive me.”
The waitress walked up before I could say anything. We ordered and then slipped into a tense silence. Finally, I spoke up.
“Look, Karen, I don’t know what I feel. I do know that I am grateful for all you did for me.”
“It was my pleasure. I know you have had a hard life and find it hard to trust anyone. I am not going to push you. Just know I am here for you.”
I blushed deeply. This was getting confusing.
“Thank you.”
I felt really bad for deceiving Karen. She can be so nice and caring some times. I had to keep telling myself that she was my sister. Our food was served and we actually had a delightful meal. Just as the waitress came up to the table for our dessert order, my team went into action. A huge explosion rocked the place.
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When I heard the explosion, I knew Jonnies plan had started. I rushed over to the guest house. As I expected, the guards had left their posts to see what had happened. I unlocked the door and went in.
“Come on, Mary, we have to get out of here.”
“What’s going on?”
“Jonnies team created a diversion for us. I think they blew up Karen’s ship.”
“Wow! That’s what I call a diversion.”
I led Mary through the door and we headed out of town.
“There is a clearing next to a spot I have taken Jonnie to. That’s where we will wait.”
We hurried on. Since it was dusk, the going was not easy. Fortunately, I had come this way so many times that I knew every tree and rock. We reached the clearing and sat down at the edge. I just hope Jonnie is able to get away from Karen.
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When the explosion went off, I knew my team had succeeded. Karen jumped up and we ran outside. A huge fireball could be seen in the distance.
“Gina, go on back to the boarding house. I have to see what is going on. Damn! It looks like my ship.”
Karen kissed me and hurried away. I walked back to my room. Under my door was a note from Linda.
‘I’m going to take Mary to our spot as soon as I free her.’
That was good thinking. I grabbed my stuff and headed out. I was not as familiar with the route as Linda plus it was getting dark. I finally made it and called out.
“Over here, Jonnie.”
I spotted them at the edge of the clearing and rushed over. Mary leaped into my arms.
“Oh, Jonnie, I didn’t think I would ever see you again.”
“Now, you know I would move heaven and earth to find you.”
I looked over to Linda.
“Thank you, I know this was hard for you seeing as how you also care about Karen. I must admit, I do too.”
Linda smiled.
“Yes, we both have a special bond with her.”
“I guess I better get us out of here. Team leader, flogget. We are in a clearing next to a water fall about 3 kilometers north of town. Now we wait.”
Suddenly, a voice came from behind us.
“Well, isn’t this just great, three traitors together. I figured something was up so I checked the house. Sure enough, Mary was gone. Then I saw Gina rushing out of the boarding house. I followed her and here we are.”
Karen turned to me.
“Just who the hell are you?”
I tried to look calm but tears appeared in my eyes.
“I’m Marshal Harper and your brother.”
That took her back some. I could see the hurt in her eyes.
“I can’t believe you fooled me. There is no way you are a man.”
I saw anger returning to her face.
“I loved you. How could you deceive me like that.”
“I did not know I was your brother when we first met. I have to admit, I liked you. When I found out who I really was, I was shocked and hurt as well. I had to be Gina again to save Mary. I love her.”
Karen turned toward Linda.
“You knew about this all along.”
Linda was crying.
“Yes, I am so sorry.”
Karen glared at Mary.
“This is all your fault. We would never have had to leave the planet if not for your intervention.”
Mary looked mad.
“I had to stop your plot against us. What did you think I would do?”
I could here hovercraft approaching. Karen looked up.
“So, it’s over. But it’s over for you too, Mary.”
I saw Karen raise a gun and point it at Mary. Before I could move, two shots rang out in succession. Karen looked surprised, fell backward, and disappeared from sight. She had fallen into that mine hole I had almost fallen into. I turned toward Mary. She had slumped down and blood was on her chest. Linda was screaming. I rushed over to Mary and held her. She smiled up at me and passed out. Linda kept saying over and over ‘I had to shoot her, I had to shoot her’. I realized what had happened. Just as Karen shot at Mary, Linda had shot Karen. What a mess! The hovercraft landed and I carried Mary over to it.
“Mary Brown’s been shot. We have to get her to medical fast.”
I put her into the craft and looked back to Linda.
“No, I’m staying here.”
I hugged her.
“I’m so sorry.”
She just nodded and turned away. I climbed aboard and we hurried back to the capital. When we arrived at medical, Mary was hustled inside. I walked over to a chair and sat down hard. My mind was whirling. I guess I must have zoned out because the next thing I knew, someone was tapping me on the shoulder. I looked up into the face of Carol Givens.
“I talked with the doctor before she went into surgery. She seems to think that Mary will recover fine. She can tell us more after the surgery. How are you?”
I glared angrily at her.
“Oh, I don’t know; hurt, angry, worried, confused. Take your pick.”
Carol pulled me to my feet.
“Come on, I know a private place where we can talk.”
She led me to an office. We entered and sat down.
“I want you to know that you did an excellent job.”
I looked blankly at her.
“I did what I had to do to save Mary, nothing more. How’s Karen?”
“We did not find her.”
“I think she fell into a mine shaft after Linda shot her.”
“We had several of your team go into it. They found no sign of her but it is a deep shaft.”
I nodded and stated bitterly.
“I guess you are glad she is out of your hair.”
“She has been mad at us for years and was trying to overthrow our government. She had to be stopped. That is why you were brought here.”
“No, it wasn’t. I was originally sent here to arrest Sandra Sterling. I came back this time to find Mary. I had and have no intention to bother Karen. You made her the way she is. She could have been a caring and wonderful person. Because of what you and Mary’s mother did she has become a twisted and hateful person. We could have had a great life together but because of your stupid rules, we both have had a traumatic life. I mean, she is my sister and now I will never get to know her or be a part of her life.”
Carol looked very pained.
“Jonnie, what we did was wrong but you must understand, this was 35 years ago. The relationship that your mother had with your father could not be condoned back then. When you were born, it was obvious that you were male. With the controversy of your mothers’ indiscretions with a man still swirling, there was no way you could be allowed to stay on Fledora. Yes, you were intersexed but we did not have the medical pods we have now. Fixing you was not considered an option.”
“So, I was thrown off the planet and Karen and my mother were banished to Basteria.”
“Yes, I am sorry for that. It was wrong. I know we must move forward and integrate males into our society but it will take time. I want you to stay on as chief of detectives while Mary recovers.”
My anger came forth.
“You mean, you want Jonnie to be chief of detectives; not John!”
Carol stood up suddenly.
“I’m trying to make amends here. I can not change our laws. That will take a referendum and we will work towards that. But for now, I must obey our current laws. You either stay female or you leave. That is the only choice I can give you. I’m sorry.”
Just then, we were interrupted by a knock on the door. Carol opened it to find Mary’s surgeon standing there. She was smiling.
“Mary came through the surgery fine. I expect her to make a full recovery.”
Carol and I both let out a big sigh of relief.
“By the way, Ms. Harper, congratulations on your marriage.”
“Marriage?!!”
{Author's note: In case you missed it from a previous chapter, on Fledora, partners are only considered married when they are with child.
I want to thank everyone that read my story and a special thanks to those that left comments. Since this is my first
work of fiction, they helped spur me on. Stay tune in the future for Book Two. It will take up the story 8 months after
the end of Book One.}