The Forever Quest (The Forever Series Book 4) Read online

  “I’m working on it, but don’t count on them. Not sure if any are alive in the first place.”

  “Shit. I’ve only got fifteen men. I can’t put out fires and defend the ship.” He breathed heavily a few seconds. His voice boomed over the entire ship. “All hands, abandon whatever you’re doing and come forward to repel boarders.”

  That meant the fires would continue. In a few minutes, they could be too big to put out. Desolation looked…wait. Al! Shearwater was only a few thousand kilometers away.

  Al, I said in my head, Priority One alert. Target the smaller vessel near Desolation with the rail cannon and take out her nose immediately.

  I heard his Aye, aye, at almost the same instant I heard the other ship fly to pieces. Desolation shook mightily, but held together.

  Karnean was on the intercom immediately. “What just happened? Jon, do you know what happened? Was that us?”

  “Not sure. I think the enemy just blew up.”

  “I can see that, you idiot. Why? Why did the fore section suddenly explode?”

  “No clue, Captain.” Why don’t you ask them? I thought to myself.

  “Get up here, on the double.” Overhead, he yelled, “All hands. Return to fire control. The enemy ships are all destroyed. Repeat: return to fire control stations.”

  I sprinted to the bridge. Karnean and Kayla were standing at the controls, butt-to-butt, leaning against one another for support.

  “Jon, are you all right?” asked Kayla.

  Before I could speak, he yelled, “Belay that. Get over here, now.”

  I did.

  “Look,” he pointed out the view screen, “that last ship was torn to shreds. I want to know why.”

  “Why you asking me?” I replied.

  “Because that’s not possible. Around here, when something impossible happens, I think of Jon Ryan.”

  “We probably hit her somewhere along the line and her fuel finally ruptured. How should I know? I’m not the pirate here.”

  Wow, that brought a mean look to his face. I guess I wasn’t supposed to know that. “If her containment failed, she’d be on fire. She’s not. Her nose is just torn apart.”

  “When we’re secured, I’ll send a team to investigate.”

  “You damn well will. Now get out of here before I do something you’ll regret.”

  Geeze, what a grouch. Third time I’d saved his ass, and he wanted to kill me. How totally unreasonable.

  Within a day, we’d put out the fires, sealed the hull breaches, and freed the trapped crew. In the end, we’d lost twelve of our crew, which originally numbered thirty-five. BB was gone. I would mourn him. Gatly and Russ were also killed. That meant Wenright and I were the only engineers left. I think that’s why Karnean decided to let me live. He needed me too much. Wenright might be adequate to fix a leaky faucet, but not to rebuild an entire ship with few resources. But, man o man, was Karnean hard to live with. The cursed space around Deerkon wasn’t enough. Now he imagined, correctly but unfairly, that I was the mysterious savior of his ship.

  If what I did after Fontelpo’s sabotage was incredible, what I did to Desolation over the next two months was truly miraculous. Between our shuttle, the parts from the two non-incinerated enemy ships, and what was left of our main engine, I got us moving. We moved slowly, but we moved safely. Deerkon was now another four or five months away. But we were alive. Plus at that short range, we could call for a tugboat to meet us. With their help, we’d make Deerkon only a month behind schedule. Couldn’t wait to make it to the Land of the Lost.

  TWELVE

  “Dolirca, there you are. You’re difficult to locate,” Toño said as her entered the library.

  “Dr. De Jesus, how nice to see you,” she responded coolly. “I doubt I’m hard to find. We live in such a small colony after all.”

  “I suppose. It’s just that everywhere I heard you were, you turned out not to be.”

  “Well, you’ve certainly found me know, Dr. De Jesus. What might I do for you?”

  “To start with, you can call me Toño, or Bodo, as you did when you were too young to pronounce it correctly. The only one who referred to me by my proper title was your mother when she was angry with me. Not common, but painful nonetheless when she employed it.”

  “I shall stay with what I’m comfortable with, if it’s all the same to you. I assure you I am neither my mother nor unhappy with you.”

  One of the Toe growled ever so quietly.

  “Whatever. I needed to touch base with you regarding your annual physical. You’re almost two years behind.”

  “Thank you for your concern, but I’m feeling quite well. I’m certain your time is better spent administering to the ill and preforming other scientific tasks.”

  “I agree. But the council mandates annual physicals for everyone. They provide for no exceptions. I didn’t make the rule; I just follow it.”

  “I shall bring the matter up with the council at the earliest possibility. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have some important research to continue.” She pointed to the books in front of her.

  “I’ll excuse you after your physical. If you’re uncomfortable with me doing it, I’m certain Dr. Jaswar-Ser would be glad to accommodate your brutal schedule. She’s on duty as we speak.”

  “Dr. De Jesus, I am well versed in the rules set forth by the council. There is no provision for forced physical exam or treatment contained in the provisions. I will not be compelled to participate in any act I do not voluntarily submit to. Now, good day.”

  Both Toe growled loudly.

  “What is your problem?”

  “I resent that an alien machine accuses me of having a problem simply because I don’t consent to its whim.”

  “Young lady. Please do not put me to the test. I’m older, wiser, and much more experienced than you are. I am acting well within the purvey of my office. I resent very much you referring to me as an alien. We both live here. Neither is capable of being alien. Moreover, that you refer to me as a machine is clearly intended to hurt my feelings. I don’t deserve such bad treatment from a scamp I personally brought into this world.”

  “I did not intend to hurt your feelings, if you have them. You are a machine. That is a matter of common knowledge. You are the only non-Kaljaxian currently on planet. Hence, you are an alien. There is no shame in such a status.”

  Toño was torn as to whether to escalate the situation or acquiesce and regroup. One of the Toe stepped between Dolirca and him.

  “Two,” she snapped, “back in your place.”

  The Toe quickly backed up to where it had been.

  “Dolirca, I must say officially that I’m concerned. Your behavior is hostile and unwarranted. Your Toe behave in a manner that may not be safe for the public good. Unless you can explain to me why I shouldn’t, I will request a formal inquiry from the council.”

  “Dr. De Jesus. I’m certain you misinterpret my words and have formed unjust opinions as to my actions. If you find some aspect of my existence reprehensible, then it is your duty to do with that opinion whatever you’d like. Now, and for the last time, good day.”

  She turned and hunched over her books. Both Toe inched closer to her, standing directly at her back.

  Later that day, Toño sought out JJ.

  “JJ, I must speak to you in private,” he said seriously.

  “Sure. There a problem?” asked JJ.

  As they walked to a private space, Toño said, “I wouldn’t ask for privacy if there wasn’t a need for it.”

  “Is it my VD test results? They’re positive. Crap. Doc, I didn’t even touch her.”

  “Sit,” Toño pointed to a chair, “son of Jon Ryan. I come concerning an important task.”

  “What?”

  “I followed up on your request and met with Dolirca.”

  “Ah-ha. Now I see why you have that constipated look on your face. I get it every time I’m near her.”

  “What’s happened to her? I must admit I haven’t f
ollowed her life much lately, but some very large and active bug has taken up residence very high in her butt.”

  “Tell me about it.”

  “When did this behavior begin, and more importantly, why? Is she unhappy in her marriage?”

  “She started getting funny three or four years ago. It can’t be her marriage. She’d never allow her brood-mate to be unhappy. He’s too afraid of her to be unhappy.” He chuckled grimly. “Poor bastard. Bit off more than he could chew hooking up with Dolirca.”

  “Is that the problem?”

  “Nah, I don’t think so. She controls Burlinhar, yes, but I get the impression she wants to control everything. He was just the closest and easiest to put under her thumb.”

  “Control everything? What does that mean? She’s on the council, but she’s not even the head of that. You are.”

  “You wouldn’t know it watching her highness at a meeting. She acts like we exist only to serve her. It’s pretty annoying, actually.”

  “This is distressing.”

  “Ah, yeah. Tell me about it. She torpedoes anything a rational council member suggests. If she had more than one vote, we’d never get anything accomplished.”

  “Is she forming a coalition?”

  “Not yet. She’s too globally abrasive. I am worried she’ll ease back on her prim attitude and then she will gain a following. If she does, we’re in trouble.”

  Toño was quiet several minutes. “This is precisely what your mother feared happening.”

  “How so?”

  “She was worried sick that the baser side of Kaljaxian politics and personality would resurface and destroy Azsuram.”

  “Aren’t you being a little dramatic, Doc?”

  “You didn’t grow up there like she did. It was a valid concern, if you ask me.”

  “What can we do?”

  “Wait and see.”

  “What, you mean wait for Dad to return and see how pissed he gets?”

  “No, though I’d pay good money to hear his first words to the brat.”

  They both laughed.

  “No, for now we let the infrastructure your mother worked so hard to put in place do its job. There are checks and balances, diluted power, and redundant oversights on all aspects of government. She built the system to withstand just such an assault. It will work.”

  “Let’s hope it does. Dolirca really freaks me out.”

  “Let’s pray your father returns soon too. I’ll rest easier when he’s around.”

  THIRTEEN

  I found out that the term of service for a shanghaied engineer who was hated by his psycho captain was surprisingly open-ended. When we finally entered orbit over Deerkon, I was ordered to remain with the ship while sufficient repairs were effected that would allow Desolation to safely land. Okay, that was understandable, if not welcome news. Us slaves, we had to be a flexible lot. Once we landed in Monzos, a major star port city, Karnean told me I had to oversee the main repairs before I left the ship. Harsh, but whatever.

  Luckily I could hire locals to help to speed the repairs, so they moved along faster than if I did them all myself. When the work was completed a few weeks later, he said I could have leave like the rest of the crew, but I would still be required to wear the ankle bomb. I’d have been pissed if I were actually captive, but I had to remind myself I was a spy and was here of my own accord.

  As the day neared that I’d get to get off the ship, I took a risk—a Jon risk. Yeah, an unreasonable, unnecessary, and unjustifiable risk. I slipped Kayla a note asking her to meet me for dinner in a restaurant named The Jury’s Out the second day of my leave. Odd name for a restaurant, but, trust me, there were worse sounding places. That way, even if Karnean had me followed, I could lose my tail and rendezvous with her secretly. If she didn’t show, well then I knew where we really stood.

  As I walked the streets of Monzos, I got a much clearer picture of Deerkon that I’d have ever wanted. Kymee was right. Avoid the planet. Even with casual inspection, something was terribly wrong with the entire city. If I took a photograph and showed it to someone, they’d say the city was rough but advanced. Skyscrapers abounded, the streets were packed with vehicles, and pedestrians scooted to and fro. There was little in terms of aesthetic appeal. No fancy buildings, very little vegetation, and no parks. I never saw a single park. But the city’s oddness extended well beyond that. It was the dirtiest looking clean place I’d ever seem. It was as if I imagined dirt that wasn’t there. I know, weird, but that was the best way to explain it.

  Then there were the citizens of Monzos. Back on Earth, the streets of New York had a reputation for being unfriendly. New Yorkers were kumbaya and come here and give me a hug compared to this dump. No eye contact, of course. Scowls on every face, for sure. But there was an underpinning of anger, hate, and loathing in the air around everyone. Whether I was on the sidewalk, at a store, or in a bar, everyone’s dislike of everything was palpable. My skin crawled continually, even though Toño hadn’t designed that function. To blend in better, I tried to look as mean and ornery as I could. Normally, I’d like to think I looked badass, but I could tell my acting brought even more contempt from the real pros of Deerkon. They saw a phony and detested me even more for being so soft. Horrible place. Don’t ever go there.

  My goal right off the bat was to determine what threat might face the worldship fleet. I’d heard possible mention of that by whoever abducted me for the trip to Deerkon. Therefore, it was possible this evil planet was involved. Also, I had no other leads. I easily hacked a few local computers but found no mention about anything related to humans or Earth. Not too surprising, in retrospect. Dive bars and greasy spoons were unlikely to be involved in covert operations or high-level criminal networks. I went to a few public buildings, hoping a governmental association might reveal something. Nada. I developed a pretty clear picture of the wretched planet, but none of my keyword searches were mentioned anywhere.

  So either I’d wasted three plus years and a whole lot of dignity on a wild-goose chase, or the information I sought was highly guarded. That meant I had to gain access to the computers of someone in power, a real mover and shaker. With no connections, friends, or leads, that would be tough. I couldn’t just walk up to the front door of a VIP’s office and ask to use the bathroom. That led me back to Karnean. He was delivering black-market goods to a very shady character. Maybe I could tag along.

  But he hated my very existence. Why would he invite me to join in on a highly secure meeting? He wouldn’t. Maybe Kayla would? But why would she? She might care for me, but she wasn’t stupid. “Hello, Mr. Crime Boss. This is my date for the evening, Jon. He’s here for the hors d’oeuvres, so pay him no mind.” Not very likely.

  What reason could I give them? I knew what we were delivering, to whom, and when. I’d seen mention of the recipient, Varrank Simzle. He was not an elected official, but he controlled a large area on Deerkon—roughly a third the planet. There were no specific notations as to what line of work he was in, so I assumed it was not a matter one mentioned. If I went around asking about him, I’d likely end up very dead, very quickly. If I could find something out about Varrank that might interest Karnean, maybe he’d want me along for the big meeting. Long shot? Hey, that was my middle name.

  On a whim, I went to what would be classified as a church in my culture. I say that reservedly because there was no religion on Deerkon. Big surprise there, right? There were organizations of less dubious intent than others, at least outwardly. That’s as uplifting as groups got on that planet. I located the main offices of the Collective for Gains. Their mission statement mentioned the words better living and honesty. It was the best I could do to find an organization with a positive message.

  Immediately upon entering, there was an imposing desk sitting there, preventing my entry past its bulk. It was like the stereotype of an old-time police station entry, with a stern sergeant greeting everyone with disgust. In this case, the sergeant’s role was played by a withered old m
an seated behind bars, flanked by two very large guards. The Collective for Gains was not a touchy-feely bunch of softies, it seemed.

  Before I could take my second step into the foyer, the old man barked out, “Business here.”

  “Ah, hello,” I said uncertainly. “my name’s Jon—”

  “Do you have business here today or not? The question is a simple one.”

  “Yes,” popped out of my mouth unexpectedly. “Yes I do.”

  “Name?”

  “As I started to say my name is Jon Ryan.”

  He scanned a piece of paper. “Meaningless. Leave, or the authorities will be summoned.”

  That was probably good advice. But was I known for my ability to accept good advice? No. I got hot when treated rudely. My motto was don’t get mad, get even.

  “Name?” I said imperiously.

  “We are done speaking. You have been warned to leave.”

  “I said I will have your name. I am not leaving, and when I complain to Rel Martantor, he will know who insulted his cousin.” I could not believe what was coming out of my mouth.

  The name, which I discovered reading their public records, did strike a chord with Mr. Grumpy.

  “I was unaware Rel Martantor had a cousin. This seems most…irregular.”

  “Why is it that you would know his family history? Are you given to the investigation of matters that do not concern you? I’m certain Rel will find that practice most intriguing. Most intriguing indeed.”

  On a planet Kymee considered damned, punishment was swift and certain. The old geezer knew that if I was on the level, he was on thin ice. Hey, all I wanted was to get close enough to his computer to hack it. I could do it from where I stood if he wasn’t watching me like the last dessert on the counter at a church social.

  “If you insist,” the jerk said, “I will call His Honor’s office and confirm your claim. I must warn you that if you’re lying, your punishment will be severe.”

  “I insist you check my story. And I don’t mind standing here in the doorway uncomfortable and looking like a common criminal. Please,” I held up a hand, “pay me no attention.”