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2507: The Star Trader Chronicles

Episode 10: Rock Bottom

Cowboy grimaced and raised an eyebrow at Brock.  “No gaming?” he asked incredulously.  “You’ve got to be kidding, right?”

Brock stood at the end of the large table in the ship’s galley, his arms folded firmly in front of him.  Having just finished dinner, the other members of the Lady’s crew were still seated about the table, watching the exchange with growing interest.  “No gaming…no gaming at all!” Brock emphasized.  “In fact, there is no gaming, no drinking, no prostitution and no public displays of affection of any kind allowed in the Osterick Colony.”

“Sounds like a fun place,” Ian quipped.  “May I ask why we are goin’ there then?” He pulled at the hair on his chin and waited for the answer he already knew was coming.”

“A job,” Brock answered, “a very lucrative job.”

Rose put a finger tentatively in the air, signaling that she had a question to ask.  “Are we sure of this one, Brock?  Our finances are very rocky right now and we can’t afford to burn our resources to investigate a job that might fall through.”

Brock’s face colored.  Rose had hit a tender spot.  Out of their last three jobs, one had been withdrawn upon their arrival, one had been stolen by another crew, and the third employer had managed to disappear without paying them half of the money due them.  He knew how bad their finances were.  “Rose, I’ve checked this one out as well as I possibly could,” he explained, through gritted teeth. “It appears to be legitimate.”

Rose nodded.  “Sorry, Brock.  I’m just concerned.”

Brock unfolded his arms.  Rose was sitting just to his right and he put a large hand out and patted her shoulder reassuringly.  “I know.  I am too,” he admitted.

Oro’s brow furrowed. “This place concerns me, Captain,” she said, slowly.  “I’m thinking it might be better if everyone stays on board at this port.  I can accompany you to secure the deal and then we can be away as soon as possible.  Look at this ‘Code of Conduct’ for visitors to their colony.”  She held up a C.I.D.  “Even picking your nose is a misdemeanor there!” Oro’s statement stirred up a round of protest.  The crew hadn’t been off the ship in six weeks and they were looking forward to placing their feet on solid ground under a natural sun.  Their pleading eyes all turned in unison to look at Brock.

Winter was the first to voice her protest. “This crew needs liberty… and I need some medical supplies!” she exclaimed.  “As ship’s doctor, I advise that you allow the crew at least minimal liberty opportunities.”

“And our pantries need restocking!” Zee piped up.  “If we don’t add to our supplies soon you’ll be eating only porridge and soup…and I promise you, neither will be tasty.”

“We all could use some fresh air in our lungs,” Ian pointed out.  “We’re as pasty looking as white flour.” He pushed back his sleeve and exposed a white, hairy arm.

“I have plans at the colony,” Nova announced.  Everyone stopped dead and turned to her with puzzled looks upon their faces.

“How can that be, Nova?” Rose asked.  “We just now found out where we are going.”

Nova shrugged.  “I always have plans.  I like to investigate the availability of cheap parts, wherever we go. You never know when you might find a treasure.” 

Rose smiled at Nova and then turned back to Brock.  “I admit I’m nervous about this port, Brock,” she said,” but I also know that I’ll go up a wall if I don’t get off this ship soon.”

Brock eyed Cowboy, the only one who hadn’t voiced an opinion yet. Cowboy sighed.  “I don’t much care one way or the other,” he said with a shrug of his shoulders. “I wouldn’t mind some sun, but it doesn’t sound like much of a recreational port.”

Brock sighed, thought for a moment and then gave in.  “OK then, let’s do it this way…we’ll do limited liberty, but anyone who steps a foot off of this ship must first read and study the ‘Code of Conduct’ for visitors to Osterick.”  All hands, with the exception of Oro, nodded approval and smiled expectantly.  They began to chat among themselves in low voices. Brock held up his hands to focus their attention again.   “Wait!  I’m not finished,” he announced loudly.  “There is one more stipulation.  I want our visit here to be low key and under the radar.  I don’t want anyone calling attention to himself, or herself, so if any of you get into any kind of trouble that involves the law, your pay will be docked 75% for three pay periods. If you want liberty, take it, but I want no screw ups!”

The crew quieted thoughtfully, but only for a moment.  “I wonder what the exchange rate is on Osterick for goods.” Rose said gleefully. “Maybe we can pick up some bargains.”  Winter’s eyes lit up, while Brock rolled his eyes and turned around to refill his coffee cup.               

~~~~~~~~~~

As the ship approached the Osterick colony it was met by an escort that commed the Aurora Lady with directions to hold position while they made a cursory inspection of the Lady’s hull.  “This is crazy!” Ian protested to Brock.  “No wonder most of the freighters avoid this place like the plague.” 

Brock nodded his agreement.   He had heard that the inspections on Osterick  were rigorous but this was far and beyond what he had ever imagined.  He was beginning to wonder if the job he had procured was really going to be worth it.  As he leaned back in his seat, the orders to dock came through on the comm. “Aurora Lady, proceed to Hangar Beta and ease into berth 40A.  It will be on your port side.”

Ian frowned.  “Understood,” he answered crisply.  He revved the engines and the ship began to descend slowly toward the landing strip in front of Hangar Beta, a massive bronze structure on the surface of the planet.  As the Lady touched down, Ian expertly slowed her to a taxi and then rolled her into the hangar, turning her into the designated berth.  Even before the Lady’s engines were shut down, docking clamps were noisily snapping into place, and a swarm of workers in blue coveralls surrounded them, securing the docking clamps by hand, then locking them down.  “What the Bloody Hell!”  Ian cussed. “What are they doing?”

Brock held up a hand to calm his friend.  “Let’s not fly off the handle yet. I’m guessing this is standard procedure for this place.” 

Ian frowned again.  “Are you sure this is the right place, Brock?  It seems more like some kind of penal colony to me. The next thing ya know they’ll line us up two by two and march us into the cell block.”  Ian slapped the top of his console for emphasis.

Brock rolled his eyes then leaned towards the comm. “Oro, report to the aft ramp.  Everyone else stay put and stay calm.  I’m going outside to check things out.”  He turned to Ian.  “I’m going to need you to stay at the helm for a while.”

Ian shrugged his shoulders.  “Of course, if you want, but I’m not sure why.   With those clamps on I couldn’t get us out of here now if our lives depended on it!”

“Maybe not, but I want you here anyway,” Brock answered without further explanation. He then made his way across to the aft ramp where Oro, who was heavily armed, waited.  “I’m going down to talk to our hosts,” he said to her.  “Wait at the top of the ramp where you’ll have the best view.”

“Aye sir,” Oro answered quickly.  “I’ll be alert.”

Brock patted her on the back.  “That’s one thing I can always be sure of,” he said and then he reached up and touched the control that lowered the ramp.  As soon as it had locked into place, he stepped out.   At the end of the ramp was a squad of uniformed guards. He began to walk towards them as Oro took up her designated position.

“Are you the captain of this vessel?” the tow headed guard at the front of the group called out.

“Yes, I am,” Brock answered as he stopped in front of the group.  “And who might you be?”

“I am Sergeant Crimmons.  Welcome to Osterick.  Here is the list of our docking regulations which you must read and sign.”  He handed Brock an electronic clipboard.  “We also require an inspection of your ship which will be performed by my men and me.”

Brock looked down at the clipboard and then up into Crimmon’s face.  “And the docking clamps?” he asked, raising one eyebrow.

“The docking clamps are standard procedure for all off world vessels.”

“And why is that?” Brock asked, raising an eyebrow in interest.

“Several years ago, we had an incident,” the sergeant began.  “An off world ship came to Osterick and its crew made off with some rare jewels and artifacts from our museum.  Before we discovered the theft, the thieves had left the planet.  The items were never recovered.  Now we are very careful about off world visitors.”

Brock nodded his understanding.  “You may begin your inspection, Sergeant, while I read through these regulations.  My security officer, standing there at the top of the ramp, will accompany you.”

Crimmons looked at Oro.  “Your security officer is a female?” he asked incredulously.

Brock grinned.  “Yes, she certainly is.  And if you don’t mind your manners while on board my ship, she just might take your head off and hand it back to you!”

Crimmons, displeased by Brock’s comment, chose to ignore it.  He turned and growled orders to his men and they began to trudge up the Lady’s ramp.

~~~~~~~~~~

Brock, Rose, and Winter were the only members of the crew who did not take advantage of an immediate liberty as soon as the Lady had been cleared by Crimmons’ inspection and his team had left their ship.  Winter was busily taking inventory of her infirmary when Rose stuck her head inside the door.  “When you go into the city, do you mind if I tag along?” she asked the doctor.

Winter looked up from her notes.  “Of course not, Rose.  I’d be happy for the company.  I was going to ask you if you wanted to go as soon as I finished noting the supplies I need,” she said with a smile.

“I think that it is interesting that the capital city of Osterick was designed to be for pedestrians only.  As I understand it, the city is shaped like a wheel.  Public transportation travels along the outside of the wheel and stops at the head of the spokes to allow passenger to walk into town.”

“I imagine the people in the city are in very good shape from all that walking.” Winter observed.  She saw that she had just one more cabinet drawer to check before she’d be ready to leave. She pulled the drawer out and started making notations.

Rose stepped all the way into the room, walked passed Winter’s back and plunked herself down on an examination table.  “Um, Winter…”

“Yes?”

“There is something I need to talk to you about.”  Rose bit her lower lip and her eyes suddenly looked frightened. 

Winter turned to look at Rose then, looking into her eyes, immediately put down her notes and pulled up a chair to sit across from her friend.  She could tell that something was deeply troubling Rose and she wanted to be as supportive as possible.  “Go ahead,” Winter soothed.  “I’ll help in any way I can.”

Rose took a deep breath and then let her fears tumble out.  “There’s something very wrong with me, Winter.”  She sniffed once and tears began streaming down her cheeks.  “I’ve notice some things and I think I might be… dying.”

Winter got to her feet.  She grabbed a handful of tissues, from a box on a shelf, and handed them to Rose.  “Rose, you are NOT the doctor,” she said firmly.  “Tell me your symptoms and together we’ll sort this all out, OK?”   She patted Rose’s arm and smiled encouragingly.

Rose removed her glasses, then blotted her eyes and blew her nose.  “OK,” she said softly.

Winter went into diagnostician mode.  “What kind of symptoms are we talking about?” she asked.

“I’ve been having blinding headaches.  Sometimes they are so bad that I can hardly think and I even see flashes of light.  They can come on me at any time of day; they even sometimes wake me up at night. I know I should have told you sooner, but…well, when they started I didn’t think it was serious and…”  Her voice trailed off as she wiped at her nose.

Winter frowned in thought.  She was amazed that Rose had been able to hide her symptoms from her on their small vessel.  “How long has this been going on?”

Rose paused and tried to remember when she first had been stricken.  “I think the first one was about three months ago. I tried taking several different headache medicines but they hardly made any difference.”

The doctor sighed.  “I wish you had told me sooner.  I probably could have helped to ease your suffering.”

Rose shrugged.  “I didn’t want to make a fuss.  I just thought that maybe my body was adjusting to space travel, but the headaches are now getting worse and they are starting to interfere with my job.”

“Well, it sounds to me like they might be migraine headaches, Rose.  They can make you miserable but they can be controlled easily with the right medication and therapy.” Winter frowned again.  “I just wish you had come to me about this sooner”, she repeated.

“Winter…there is something else…”

“Other symptoms?” Winter’s brow furrowed.

“Yes.  I have some numbness and tingling in my arms and legs, but lately it’s gotten much worse.  Sometimes I feel confused, like I forget where I am and I forget how to use words.  I lose my balance a little too.  And then this morning…”

Winter stood again and put an arm around her friend.  “Go ahead, Rose.  Tell me everything that is bothering you.”

“Well… this morning I woke up with my legs twitching and I could barely control them and, when I got up, I vomited.”

“Is that everything?” the doctor urged.  “All of the symptoms you can recall.”

Rose nodded and sniffed again.  “What do you think it is, Winter?”

Winter patted Rose on the shoulder but her suspicions made her uneasy.  “I’m not sure, Hon, but we’ll find out what it is.  I think we need to find a good medical facility on this planet and run some tests.  I don’t have the equipment I need to check you out here.”

~~~~~~~~~~

The look of horror on Brock’s face chilled Winter to the bone.  “A brain tumor?!  How could Rose have a brain tumor?!”

Winter hurried to calm the captain.  “Brock, I said she has all the symptoms of a brain tumor, which is why I think we should find a medical facility and run tests to rule that out.   There is a good chance it could be some other kind of neurological problem.” They were in Brock’s quarters with the door closed to keep Rose from over hearing them. 

Brock got to his feet and began to pace.  “I want you to do everything humanly possible for her doctor.  Spare no expense.  I’ll get the unis somehow.”

“I’ve already done a search of the medical facilities here.  They seem to have several good hospitals with state of the art equipment.  Even if she does have a brain tumor, and I’m not saying she does, an operation should be able to clear up the problem with minimal side effects.”

Brock swung around to look at the doctor. “Side effects?”

“Brock, it is way too early to tell what we are dealing with but operating on a brain, should that be necessary,” she qualified,” is a very tricky business and sometimes there can be residual effects.”

Brock dropped down on his bunk, his face looked haggard and older than his years.  “She’s the only family I have left,” he mumbled and then he looked at Winter with pleading eyes.  “Please, Doctor.  Just do whatever it takes to make her well.”

Winter rose and walked swiftly over to him.  She patted his shoulder sympathetically.  “Rest assured, Brock.  She’ll have the best care in the solar system.  I guarantee it!”

~~~~~~~~~~

That afternoon Ian and Zee returned to the ship to stand watch so that Brock could explore the colony, but he wasn’t ready to leave the ship yet.  As Zee poured them all cups of coffee in the galley, Brock broke the news about Rose.

Ian shook his head.  “I hope Winter’s wrong about that,” he said more to himself than to the others.

Zee finished filling her own cup and sat down at the table.  “Brock, a brain tumor is not a death sentence these days.  If that is what it is, it’s completely repairable 95% of the time, and it sounds like it’s been caught early.”

“It’s not just the prognosis I’m worried about, Miss Z, it’s the cost of treatment.  We hardly have two unis to rub together now and I know it’s going to be expensive.”  Brock sipped at his coffee and continued to hold the mug as he pondered their dire situation.

Ian let his breath out slowly through his teeth.  “Where is Rose now?” he asked.

“She went into the city with Dr. Green.  They were going to visit the main hospital, Osterick General Medical Institute.   Winter was going to find out about using the facilities to have some tests run.  She also wanted to restock her infirmary.  Lately she’s been using her own funds to keep it stocked, you know.”

Zahirah smiled.  “She’s a gem,” she said.  “If anyone can cure what’s wrong with Rose, it’s Winter.”

“When do we make the connection to get the details on this job you’ve lined up?” Ian asked Brock.

Brock set his mug down.  “Tomorrow afternoon.  I’m going to take Oro and Cowboy with me.  I’m hoping the client will pay the usual 50% down.”

Ian nodded.  “That will help.  You want Zee and I to stay with the ship while you’re locking in the deal?”

“Yes, I’d actually like all hands to stay on board during that time, unless Winter feels it’s necessary to return to the Institute with Rose.   I’m not sure how soon it will be before the client wants us to fly and I want to know where everyone is.  By the way, he wants me to share a meal with him.”

“A meal?” Ian asked.

“Yeah, he says he wants to get to know me before we do business.”

Zee looked at the galley clock.  “I guess I’d better start putting something together for dinner.  I have a feeling the rest of the crew will be coming in soon, broke and hungry.

~~~~~~~~~~

The next afternoon Ian was on the bridge with Nova.   They had a control panel pulled out and were checking the circuitry underneath it, only their legs showed from beneath.  “It wasn’t a short or a glitch as much as it was just slow in responding,” Ian explained.

Nova had a meter in her hand and was tracing back all of the electrical pathways to look for any anomalies.  “Nothing yet,” she said in her concise way.

Ian scratched his head.  “I don’t get it.  I know something is wrong.”  Suddenly, the communication terminal sounded from across the bridge and Ian pushed himself out of the panel access and stood up.  He walked three steps and hit the comm button.  “Yeah?” he called out, irritation in his voice..

“Ian, are you looking outside?” Zee’s voice questioned.  “We’re surrounded by dock patrol security and they are heavily armed.  They’re pointing their guns right at us!”

Ian swung around and looked out.  He could hardly believe his eyes.  Zee had not been exaggerating.  “Grab some armament and come on down here,” Ian told Zee. “I want the three of us left on board to stay together.”

“I’ll be right there,” Zee answered and the comm disconnected.

“Nova, c’mon out of there,” Ian instructed.  “We’ve got trouble.”

Nova scrambled out and looked at the dock.  “What’s going on?” she asked.

“I wish I knew,” he answered. 

Ian sat down at the main control console and began locking down the hatches.  Nova gathered her tools and then replaced the cover of the control panel just as Zahirah appeared with an arm load of plasma rifles and laser pistols.   She handed one of each to Ian and Nova and dumped the rest on a seat.  “What now?” she asked Ian.  “Shouldn’t we contact Brock?”

Ian shook his head.  “No, not a good idea.  He’s in the middle of making the deal. It would not look good to bust in with the news that the dock police have our ship surrounded.”  He looked at Zee.  “You know how to man the big gun, don’t you?”

Zee nodded.  “I’ve been checked out on it.”

Ian smiled.  “Good.  Go on up there and wait for my orders.”

Zee shrugged.  “All right, but you are responsible if I have to fire it.” She turned and left the bridge.

“Now what?” Nova asked, still looking out at the forces surrounding the ship.

“Now I guess we’ll just make the first move, won’t we?”  He punched a few buttons into the comm, turning on a two-way speaker to the outside.  “Can we help you gentlemen?” he asked.

Sergeant Crimmons stepped out of the group towards the Lady.  “Lower your aft ramp and prepare to be boarded!” he called out.

Ian exchanged a look of disbelief with Nova. “Are you daft?” he called back.  “You’ve already inspected and cleared us.”

“This is a state matter,” Crimmons answered.  “I have a writ from the High Court of Osterick.  You must comply.”

Knowing how much this colony was into rules and regulations, Ian came up with a counter argument.  “Our captain is not on board at this time,” he answered.  “I can not give you permission to board without his consent.   You will have to wait for him to return.”

There was a slight pause and then Crimmons voice began again.  “Your captain’s authority does not supercede that of the High Court.   You must comply or we will board your vessel forcefully.”

Ian quickly switched the communication channel to cut off Crimmons and talk to Zee privately.  He switched the channel over so he could communicate with her. “Are you in place and ready, Zee?” he asked.

“Yes, the plasma cannon is on line and I’m as ready as I’ll ever be.”

“Great, begin targeting those guys on the dock, but do not fire unless I tell you to…no matter what!”

“Got’cha,” Zee acknowledged.

Ian smiled at Nova and switched the communication line back to Crimmons.  “I’m afraid your fire power might not be a match for ours, Sergeant,” Ian warned.  “If you scan this ship you’ll see that our plasma cannon is now armed and is targeting you and your men.”

“Yes, I am aware of that,” Crimmons answered, a touch of arrogance in his voice.  “And if you look outside on the dock, you’ll see your ship’s doctor and quartermaster are also in your sites!”

Ian’s smile instantly disappeared as he turned quickly and searched for those two familiar faces.  It didn’t take long to locate them.   Winter and Rose were standing side by side on the dock and both of them were being held, their arms pinned behind their backs, by large, broad-shouldered guards. 

“Why are they being detained?!” Ian demanded.

“They are not being detained, sir,” Crimmons answered.  “We escorted them back to your ship.”

“Then let them go!  Immediately!” Ian called out.

“I will as soon as you open your aft hatch,” Crimmons responded.

“They’re hurting them!!”  Nova cried out.  “They’re twisting their arms up between their shoulder blades!!”

Ian could see that what Nova was saying was very true.  Winter’s face was a mask of pain and Rose was on her knees, her head bowed.  “All right!  All right!” Ian conceded.  “We give in.  Let them go!”

“Lower your aft hatch!!” Crimmons ordered.

Ian quickly punched the button that automatically lowered the hatch in question.  He saw that Winter and Rose had been released, only to be grabbed again by their arms and pushed toward the back hatch.  “C’mon, Nova, let’s go see what this is all about.”

“And Zee?” Nova asked.

Ian leaned over and punched the comm again.  “Zee, we are being boarded.  Stay put!”

“OK, Ian,” Zee’s voice answered shakily.  “Please keep me informed.”

“We will, Luv,” Ian answered. He and Nova pounded up the stairs from the bridge.  By the time they reached the galley, the dock forces, with Winter and Rose in tow, had entered from the corridor hatch.  “What the Bloody Blazes is this all about?!” Ian demanded.

“This ship is being confiscated by the High Court of Osterick,” Crimmons declared jubilantly.  “Your crew may take their personal belongings, barring any fire arms.  All other equipment, belonging to the ship, must stay.”

“Now I know you are out of your mind!!” Ian shouted.  “This ship is the personal property of Daniel Brockman, our captain. You have no right to kick us off.”

 "You are the one in error, Mr. Murphy.  Mr. Brockman is not the rightful owner of this ship, it belongs to Overlinger Industries Inc.  His representative brought a verified document to the High Court of Osterick which proves his ownership.  This vessel will be held for fourteen nightfalls and if your captain can not prove his ownership to our High Court by then, the Aurora Lady will be turned over to Mr. Overlinger’s representative.”

Ian’s mouth dropped open.  “You’ve got to be kidding,” he breathed. 

“I assure you this is not a joke,” Crimmons answered.  “It is a serious manner. Are you two the only crew members on board?”

"Yes,” Ian lied through gritted teeth.

“Well, for their sake, I hope you are telling the truth because my men will search this ship thoroughly and any person found remaining on the ship will be arrested for contempt!”

Ian closed his eyes.  “There is one more, she is manning the cannon,” he confessed, reluctantly.

“Get her down here.  The five of you have 15 minutes to remove all of your, and your shipmates’, personal property from this ship!”

~~~~~~~~~~

Ian, Zee, Nova, Rose and Winter were allowed one large cargo hand cart which they used to collect their personal belongings, as well as those of Brock, Cowboy and Oro.  They dashed around the ship and filled the cart to the brim.  Before they were allowed to disembark they, and the cart, were thoroughly searched for weapons and ship’s equipment, then they trudged down the aft ramp and out of the hangar before stopping or speaking.  Once outside and clear of the building, Ian turned to them and asked hopefully, “No one managed to get out with a TIC, did they?” 

All the women shook their heads.  “How are we going to get in touch with Brock? I don’t want him walking back into that mess.” Rose was trying to be brave but being evicted from their ship, on top of her own physical problems, was just too much to bear and tears were beginning to trail down her cheeks.  

Zee stepped up and put an arm around her shoulders. “We’ll get word to him,” she soothed. “Don’t you worry about that!”

“Good,” Rose said, pushing her glasses aside to dab at her eyes with the back of her sleeve.  “If Brock goes back and finds them occupying his ship, I don’t know exactly what he’d do, but I know it wouldn’t be pretty and he’d probably end up behind bars!”

“Brock isn’t due back for a couple of hours yet,” Ian informed.  “He, Cowboy and Oro were supposed to share a meal with the client.”  He looked around.  “We need a home base, some place to we can all stay that is out of the way.  We’ve got no unis to pay for a room and we don’t want to call any attention to ourselves. Any ideas?”

“The Star Chaser is here,” Nova piped up.  “Maybe they could help.”

Ian looked stunned.  He turned to look at Nova.  “You mean the ship that is captained by Ed Eiserman, the guy who introduced us to Hole In The Wall?”

Nova nodded.  “Yep.  Saw Ed at the parts yard.  I didn’t talk to him.  I just listened.  I heard him say that he had his ship docked in Hangar E.”

“But I thought he and his crew were taken by the UEF!  I wonder how he got out of that?”  Zee wondered aloud.

“Well, that might be good news and it might not. We’re going to have to talk to Brock before we approach Eiserman,” Ian declared.  “Now about a home base…”

“I know a place,” Winter offered.  “Rose and I walked through a park on the way back from the Institute.  It’s a kind of a short cut,” she explained.  “We noticed an empty shelter back in the trees, kind of a domed building.  The door was cracked open and it looked deserted. I remember it because Rose said it looked like an Eskimo igloo.”

“I think it might have been a vendor’s booth at one time,” Rose added.  “It had one of those roll up metal windows.  It would be perfect for a home base. It was kind of off the path and looked abandoned.  I wouldn’t have noticed it if we weren’t looking for landmarks so we could find our way back to the Institute tomorrow without walking along the main road.”

Ian smiled. “Sounds good.  Show us!”

Winter led the group further away from the hangar, down a gravel path and into a wooded area.   She pointed out the place where she and Rose had been over taken by the dock patrol and then continued on.  They passed benches and some shelters and a small pond.  Winter then made a right turn and went down a small dirt path towards a white domed building that really did look like an ancient Eskimo igloo. 

They approached the building, which was probably only about 10 feet in diameter, and entered the door that had been left open.  Nova went first and pushed the cart with their belongings inside.  It was dimly lit by a few high glass windows.  It appeared that Rose’s assessment had been right.  It probably had been a food vendor’s building.   Inside there was a large table, some chairs, a bench,  a sink with running water, a stove, a few dented metal pans and dishes and some metal shelves with pull out surfaces for preparing food.

“There’s a public restroom close by too,” Winter advised them. 

Everyone agreed it was a good set up. Ian then took Nova and Zee with him out to search for Brock, Cowboy and Oro.  He directed Rose and Winter to stay there and wait for their return.  Winter encouraged Rose to rest and guided her to one of the chairs.  She then found a broom, behind the door, and began to sweep the place out.  She noticed, upon closer inspection, that the building looked like it hadn’t been abandoned very long.  It really wasn’t that dirty and she secretly hoped that didn’t mean that the owners would be back soon to reclaim it.

The sun was already very low on the horizon when the rest of the crew returned.  Brock entered the “igloo” first.   Rose could tell he had been told the news.  His face was beet red and he looked like he was about to explode, but seeing her seemed to calm him a bit.  “Are you all right? How are you feeling?” he asked her.

Rose stood up then went over to him and hugged his side.  He reached down and gave her a one armed hug back.  “I’m fine,” she said, “but…oh Brock, I am so sorry about the Lady.”

The rest of the group had filed in quietly and were now sitting and standing around inside the building.  “We’ll get the old girl back!” Brock declared.  “I’m not sure how yet, but they have no right to her.  We’ll prove it in the courts.”  He looked at his cousin and then over to Winter.  “How is Rose, Doc?  Have you run any tests?”

Winter stood, leaning against the metal cabinets.  “Yes, the good news is that she is going to be just fine.  The bad news is that my suspicions were right and the operation she requires is going to be very expensive.  Also, the Institute requires a big deposit up front before we can use their facilities.”

“How much?” Ian asked.

“A hundo-thosa,” Winter answered softly. “The operation will cost half of that, the rest is a security deposit.  They will deduct supplies, nurses, and sanitation from the balance and return the rest, if there is anything left to return.”

Ian whistled in wonderment. Brock considered this news for only a second.  “Set it up then, Winter.  We’ll get the unis.”

“I hate being such a burden to all of you,” Rose lamented.

Brock patted her shoulder.  “It’s not your fault you are sick, Rose,” he soothed.

“So, did you get payment for the job already, Brock?” Winter asked hopefully.

Brock frowned.  “No Win. There is no job.  I think it was a trick to lure me away from the ship while they seized it, but don’t worry, Rose’ll have her operation.”

Rose’s eyes teared up again, but she blinked them away before Brock could notice.

~~~~~~~~~~

Far into the night, the crew of the Aurora Lady sat talking and planning around a small metal table inside the little igloo building.  Nova had blocked out the windows with pieces of discarded plastic she had found in a trash bin so that their portable light could not be seen by any passersby. They had also bolted the door from inside and felt fairly secure in their new home.  Rose lay on a pallet, on the floor, that was made up of bedding the crew members had carried off the ship.  She was sound asleep and was the only one not taking part in the serious conversation in the small room.

Brock was adamant. He was ready to take his ship back by force.  He was confident that they could rely upon Ed Eiserman and his crew for some help with weapons, and possibly even man power.  And, as Oro pointed out, she, Cowboy and Brock still had two pistols, a laser rifle and a knife between them.   The Lady’s crew might even be able to enlist other crews from Hole In the Wall to help, if any were on the planet.   Most of them agreed that Brock’s plan was sound.  After all, from what they had been able to see, there was only one squad of dock patrol guarding the Lady, and they didn’t look well armed.  The Lady’s crew could probably regain control of their ship without firing a shot.  Nova stated that she was sure that she could get the docking clamps released, given enough time to work on them.  Ian reasoned that they needed to move fast, before Overlinger’s stooges took possession of the Lady and took off for Earth with her.  Hope began to rise, until Dr. Green pointed out the major flaw in this plan; Rose needed surgery, and she needed it soon.  She would not be able to fly with the others, should they decide to storm the ship and make a run for it. 

The room became silent.  They could not even consider leaving Rose behind, that would be unthinkable.  “Well, we’re back to square one,” Brock announced, with a sigh. “I guess we should go into the court and petition them to hear our side of the story before they release the ship to Overlinger’s goons. They gave us two weeks to make our case.”

Ian agreed.  “I know a bit about the law.  I’ll go up there with you tomorrow, if ya like, and together we’ll see what we can do.”

“Our first priority has got to be Rose’s health,” Zee pointed out.  “We’ve got to get the unis needed for her surgery, and fast.”

“Agreed,” Brock said quickly.  “I haven’t forgotten that.”

The brainstorming continued until the early morning hours. After much discussion and debate, a course of action had been planned.  Ian and Brock would proceed to the High Court to see if there was any way they could file a stay which would keep Overlinger’s men form taking possession of the Lady. Nova and Zee would pay a visit to Eiserman on the Star Chaser. Even though Eiserman was an employee of Wanda Lighthouse, Brock’s former girlfriend who seemed to have gone mad, he had always seemed to them to be a fair man.  They were hoping he would offer some sort of assistance, and maybe even hire Nova to go over his ship’s engines.  Eiserman had admired Nova’s mechanical skills in the past. It was a long shot, but they needed to explore all the avenues available to get the unis they needed.

Cowboy’s and Oro’s assignment was to go out to the shadier side of town where Cowboy hoped to buy into an illegal game of poker and raise some funds.  He had very few unis for a grub stake, but his quick mind and fast talk might get him into the action.  Oro was accompanying him to keep an eye on things and to help him escape, should that become necessary.  Winter and Rose would stay inside the igloo, where Rose would rest and they could both watch over the few belongings the crew had left. As the sun began to rise in the sky, the group dispersed and began to leave on their assignments in pairs.  They agreed to meet back at the igloo by sundown.

The day passed quickly for Winter and Rose. They pooled the unis they had left and went a short distance to a grocer to purchase some staple foods that they could all live on.  A couple of hours after they returned, Ian and Zee returned to the igloo.  They explained that after filing a motion with the Osterick High Court, Ian and Brock had gone over to the Sky Chaser.  Brock had stayed to talk to Ed and Nova was already hard at work, doing an upgrade on the Star Chaser’s engines, so Brock had sent them back to the igloo to let the others know what was going on.   Zee examined the food that her crewmates had purchased and was pleased.  “How much did you say you spent on all of this?” she asked as she began to shelve the food. 

Rose smiled.  “It was three dex,” she answered proudly.

Zee nodded.  “You did well.  I can probably feed all of us for a week, longer if we stretch it a bit.”

Ian looked at Winter. “Brock says you should go over and make arrangements for Rose’s treatment as soon as possible, right now, if you like.”

Winter looked puzzled.  “I’ll need the unis to book the surgical suite,” she said.

Ian reached into his pocket and pulled out a huge green metal coin.  Rose walked closer to Ian and took it out of his hand and her jaw dropped.  “It’s a hundo-thousa coin!” she declared in amazement. She passed it over to Winter to examine.

“How did you ever get this?” Winter asked. 

“It was a loan from the Star Chaser crew,” Zee answered.  “We’re going to have to help them out on a job to earn it. Nova’s already earning part of it for the upgrades she’s doing on their ship.”

Rose shook her head sadly.  “I know how Brock hates loans and credit,” she said. “And to get the money from Eiserman!!   He’s still under Wanda’s thumb, isn’t he? You guys can’t do this just so I can get that stupid operation.  We just can’t do this!”

Ian grinned.  “No, Eiserman broke off from Wanda Lighthouse’s organization after she sacrificed him and his ship to the UEF.  He’s an independent now.  Part of the Hole In The Wall Gang in his own right.”

“But how did he get the Star Chaser from Wanda?” Rose asked with wide eyes.  “I can’t believe she would let him leave with that.”

“Rose, I don’t know all of the gory details but Eiserman said something about his crew rebelling against her after their imprisonment.  There was a battle for ownership of the Star Chaser and she lost.   Now…please stop worrying about things.  It’ll be just fine. You and Winter run on over to the Institute and get things set up.”

Rose shrugged her shoulders and followed Winter to the door.  Her headache was back and she didn’t have the strength to continue on with the protest. “OK,” she said softly. “But I can’t help but worry.”

~~~~~~~~~~

Just as the sun set behind the trees, Oro and Cowboy returned to the igloo.  Rose and Winter had returned earlier to announce that Rose’s surgery was set up for the day after next.  They were both sitting at a table sipping coffee from small bowls with Ian and Zee when Cowboy entered the igloo and dumped a bag of coins onto the table.  Oro followed closely behind him and they were both grinning from ear to ear.

“Good job!” Winter declared.  “How much is that?”

“ Two dexa-thousand!” Cowboy declared happily.

“The cards were on his side today!” Oro added.  “I’ve seen him play before, but this time it was unbelievable.”

Cowboy spit on his fingernails and rubbed them against his shirt.  “It was nothing,” he said, pretending humility. 

“Thank you!”  Rose exclaimed.  She jumped up and pulled Cowboy’s arm until he bent low enough for her to kiss his cheek.

“It’s ok, Rose,” Cowboy said. “I’d do anything to help you get better.  Aren’t you the one who got me this job?”

Rose grinned. “Yep, and I think it was one of the best things I ever did.”

“You can quit strutting about now,Mate,” Ian said to Cowboy.  “We’ve got the operation covered.”

Cowboy spun around to look at Ian who then explained to Cowboy and Oro how they had gotten a loan for the entire amount.  Cowboy plopped down in a chair. “Well, however we got it, I’m glad we did,” he said.

“I just don’t know how I’ll ever repay any of you,” Rose said, her bottom lip starting to quiver.  “You are all the best friends I’ve ever had.”

“Awwwww Rose, we’re like family.  There’s nothing to repay.  We know you’d help us if we needed it,” Zahirah said softly.

Rose smiled.  “You guys are the best!”

Zee smiled at Cowboy.  “You did good.  Now, not only is Rose’s operation paid for but we can eat well too.”

“And maybe even find better lodgings,” Ian chimed in.  “I’d give my eye teeth to sleep in a real bed again.”

~~~~~~~~~~

It was very late when Brock and Nova finally returned to the igloo.  Ian and Zee were still awake, standing guard while the others slept on blankets on the floor.  They had one, dim, portable light sitting in the middle of the table where they were seated.  Brock carefully stepped over those asleep on the floor and made his way to the table.  Nova, exhausted from her work, grabbed a blanket from the handcart.  “Good night” she whispered.  She found an empty place on the floor and settle down quickly to sleep.

Brock took a chair opposite Ian and Zahirah and lowered his large body into it slowly.  “Is everything ok here?” he asked them. 

“Yes, Rose’s operation is set for the day after tomorrow,” Zee answered.  She could tell, even in the dim light, that Brock was exhausted.  “They are going to the institute again in the morning so that Winter can run some pre-op tests.”

“That’s good,” Brock responded.  “Once Rose is back on her feet, we’ll all be relieved and will be able to better concentrate on the problems at hand.”

“And Cowboy came back with a neat double dexa-thousa too!” Ian announced.

Brock’s eyes opened wide.  “You’re kidding, right?”  He looked at Zee for confirmation.

Zee smiled and nodded.  “It’s true.  We’ve got enough unis to sustain us for quite a while.” Brock shook his head in wonderment.

There was a short pause and then Ian asked, “What happened with Eiserman then? What are we going to have to do to pay him back?”

Brock immediately sobered.  “That’s a good question.  I feel like I’ve sold our souls to the devil.  He said he would give us the details as soon as Rose is up and around again.  I didn’t know what else to do but agree.”

“Yeah, I’m not complainin’,” Ian assured him.  “We were out of time and out of resources.  You did what you had to.”

“Did Eiserman offer any assistance in getting the Lady back?” Zee asked hopefully.

“He’s going to look into it.   He’s got some contacts inside the court.”

Zee reached across the table and put a hand on Brock’s arm. “Why don’t you get some sleep now, Brock?  Ian and I can sleep in tomorrow,” she coaxed. 

Brock nodded.  “That sounds like a good idea.”  He stood up slowly and stretched.  “Wake me if you need me, or if you get tired.  I can get along on an hour or two if I need to.”  He made his way over to the handcart and grabbed a towel and a blanket, then, stepping over first Cowboy then Winter, he found a place by the wall where he could lie on the floor and stretch out. He spread out the blanket and rolled the towel into a pillow and lay down.  In less than a minute, he was breathing slowly, deep in slumber.

~~~~~~~~~~

The next day passed quickly.  The crew all agreed that their creature comforts could wait for awhile and that instead of using their unis to buy comfortable rooms, they could continue camping out in the igloo and keep the unis as back up. 

Nova, Brock and Ian spent the day on the Star Chaser, Nova working, and Brock and Ian discussing their situation with Eiserman.   Ed counseled them not to plan an aggressive assault to get their ship back yet, but instead, to let him use his contacts to first see what could be done in court.  Brock was uneasy about the wait, but reasoned that it was going to be a few days before Rose could be moved anyway, so he agreed.  Ian was fidgety, and though he also agreed to wait, seemed unsettled.  His senses told him to stay alert and that something around him wasn’t quite what it seemed.

Winter escorted Rose to the Medical Institute and got her checked in so that she could have blood work done before her upcoming surgery.  Cowboy, Zee, and Oro stopped by to visit her during the long day before surgery and promised her that Brock would be there in the morning before she was taken in to have her procedure done. 

Rose was still anxious, even though she was surrounded by her friends and Winter gave her some medication to help her relax.  Rose gave into the warmth and ease the medication provided her and, when she woke up, it was the morning of her surgery and Brock was there, sitting at her bedside.  “How ya doing, Rose?” he asked with a broad grin. 

Rose blinked and looked around.  “You’re here,” she said, still a bit groggily.  “Is it tomorrow already?”

Brock laughed.  “Yes, it’s tomorrow and you’re going to have that surgery soon so you can get back to being your old self.”

Rose took a deep breath.  “I’m ready,” she said.  She reached up to push aside a lock of hair that she felt on her cheek and was surprised when she realized it wasn’t hair at all, but an oxygen tube.  She reached up and touched the top of her head.  Feeling only skin, her mouth dropped open.  “They’ve shaved my head already!!” she cried.  “I knew they were going to, but I thought I’d know when they were doing it!!”

Winter walked up to her bedside then.  “We’re ready for you now, Rose,” she said softly. She looked over to Brock who stood up and took Rose’s hand.

“We’ll all be right here when you wake up, Rose,” he said.  “You just relax and do what the doctor asks of you, OK?”

Rose nodded and squeezed his hand.  She released it and waved as an orderly came and wheeled her bed away.  “She’ll be just fine, Brock,” Winter soothed and then she turned and walked away, following Rose to the operating room.

Brock went out to the waiting room.  Zee, Ian, and Cowboy were there. Nova was still working on the Star Chaser and Oro was guarding the igloo. Zee got up and took Brock’s elbow and ushered him to a place on the sofa, next to where she had been sitting, then sat down herself.  “She’s going to be fine,” she assured him.  “Rose has the best of care.”  Brock nodded blankly in agreement.

Hours ticked by.  Zee, Ian and Cowboy did their best, at first, to make idle conversation, but Brock was not responding so they finally fell into an uneasy silence.  Brock rose, from time to time, and paced the width of the waiting room. It seemed to him that days, not hours, had passed.  As he turned to walk back once again to the sofa, the doors to the waiting room burst open and a little man with a bald head entered.  He was followed by several members of the local police force.  “Which one of you is responsible for Rose McWerter’s hospital bills?” he demanded.

Brock looked at the man in bewilderment.  “Rose McWerter?” he managed to repeat.

The little man stormed up to him.  “Yes, are you Daniel Brockman?”

Brock nodded.  “Yes, but what is this all about?”

“Arrest him!” the little man shouted.

Two policemen came up and grabbed Brock’s arms while a third drew a bead on him with a handgun.  “Come with us,” the one on Brock’s right directed.

Ian jumped up.  “What is he being arrested for?!”

“Counterfeiting!” the little man shouted.  “The hundo thousa coin he gave the doctor to pay for Miss McWerter’s operation is counterfeit!”

“Counterfeit?!”  Brock looked dazed as he let that information sink in.

“And just who are you?” Ian demanded. 

“I am the executive officer of this medical institution,” the little man informed.  “My name is Petero Romaine.  I have given the order to suspend Miss McWerter’s operation.”

Brock shook the two policemen holding him loose and took a step toward Romaine.  “YOU CAN’T DO THAT!” he shouted.

The police officer with the gun pulled the hammer back on his weapon.  “Stop right there, or I’ll shoot!” he commanded.

Cowboy jumped in between Brock and the man holding the gun.  “Let’s ease up ‘ere, Mister,” he said calmly to the police officer.  “We can straighten this all out.  Brock, ‘ere, had no ide’r that the coin he gave you was counterfeit.”

“I’ve heard THAT story before!” Romaine blurted as the two police officers, who had previously restrained Brock, regained their hold.

Zee was on her feet too.  “It’s true,” she agreed.   “I swear it.”

“You have to let them continue Rose’s operation,” Brock said, as calmly as he could.  “I had no idea that coin was no good.  We’ll make good on it.  I promise.”

Romaine sneered at Brock.  “Like your word means anything!”

“We can make a payment now,” Brock continued earnestly.  “We can give you two dexa-thousa right now and then you can hold me until you get the rest,” he bargained.

“I don’t want any more counterfeit unis,” Romaine sniffed.

Zee stepped forward.  “They’re not counterfeit.  I have them right here.”  She pulled a coin purse from the front of her blouse and dumped the contents into Romaine’s hand. 

Romaine picked up one of the coins and turned it over.  “It does look real,” he admitted.  “OK, take Brockman to the lock up and I’ll have these checked.”  He turned to one of the police officers. “Tell the nurse in charge that I give permission for the operation to continue.”  He then looked at Brock.  “I’ll give you three nightfalls to come up with the other eight dexa-thousa.  If I don’t have them by then, you, Miss McWerter, and the doctor from your ship, will all be prosecuted for counterfeiting.  The highest penalty our court allows for such an offense is thirty years of hard labor.  Take him away!” he commanded.

The officers began to drag Brock to the double door exit of the waiting room.  Before they pushed him all the way out of the room he looked back at his crewmates. “Zee, stay here and let me know when Rose is out of surgery!” he shouted.  “Ian, Cowboy, go get Oro and go after Eiserman!”  Brock’s last words were muffled, but understood, as he disappeared out the doors.

~~~~~~~~~~

Ian, Oro and Cowboy approached the Star Chaser casually, as if they had come to visit and check on Nova’s progress.  Secreted on their persons were all of the weapons the crew still possessed.  Ian, now in command, had formulated a plan to get past the Star Chaser’s sentries and into a room with Eiserman alone.  They didn’t want to raise alarm, not only for their sakes, but for Nova’s. She was still on board Star Chaser making repairs.

Strolling up to the main gangway of the Star Chaser, they first exchanged some light conversation with the sentry posted there.  After a couple of minutes he pulled a radio out of his pocket and asked Eiserman’s permission for the Lady’s trio to board and meet with him.  Eiserman approved and instructed them to meet him in his ready room.  They already knew the way.

“We need to get Nova,” Ian whispered.  “Did she mention where she was working?”

“She’s down in the main engine room.  It’s not far from here.  I think I can get here by going out this side hatch,” She pointed to an entry leading out to the port side of the ship. 

Ian nodded.  “Go get her.  We’ll wait here,” Ian instructed.

Oro quickly disappeared.  She returned in under two minutes, though to Ian and Cowboy it had seemed much longer, with a startled looking Nova. “What’s up?” she asked.

“Eiserman gave us a counterfeit coin to pay for Rose’s operation,” Ian explained.  “We’re going to find out why.  Just fall in with us and stay alert.”

Nova nodded her understanding and fell in line between Oro and Cowboy as they began to follow Ian towards Eiserman’s office. As they walked through the passageways, none of them could help but admire the luxurious woods and precious metals that adorned the bulkheads and doors.  The materials that made up the Star Chaser were worth enough to supply a colony’s needs for several years.  It was amazing that the ship had, so far, eluded pirates. 

An open hatch awaited them as they made one last turn and stepped though into Eiserman’s ready room.   He was seated behind a desk and looked up as they came into view.  “Welcome,” he said, “I was expecting you.”

“I bet you were!” Ian spat.  “Why did you set us up like that?”   Oro and Cowboy both pulled out their weapons and trained them on Eiserman simultaneously. Nova tightened the grip on the wrench she had in her hand.

“What’s this?” he asked, a smile still upon his face.  “Did I do something to upset you?”

Ian stepped up and leaned across Eiserman’s desk.   He grabbed the man’s shirt collar and pulled it forward, cutting off most of his air.  “Why did you give us that counterfeit coin?!” he demanded.

A door suddenly slid open behind Eiserman and a red-headed woman and stocky older man stepped out together.  “Let him go!” ordered the woman as three armed men came in from the open hatch behind Oro, Cowboy and Nova, forcing the muzzles of their guns into their backs and demanding that they drop their weapons.   Ian let go of Eiserman and started to reach into his pocket for his pistol, but the red-headed woman moved quickly, stepping around the desk and kicking Ian’s weapon into the air.

“Wanda!” Ian said, recognizing Brock’s former girlfriend, Eiserman’s boss.  He looked at Eiserman.  “I thought you told us you broke away from her and her group of thieves.”

Eiserman pulled at his shirt to straighten it then leered at Ian.  “I guess I misspoke, Murphy.  You see, Wanda and I never really parted company.  I believe in loyalty to your employer.”

Oro, standing behind Ian with her hands in the air, made a startled noise in her throat.  “Overlinger!” she said in astonishment.  “That’s Overlinger!”

Ian swiftly turned his head and glared at the stocky man, with graying hair and a balding head, who stood smugly behind Eiserman.  “Oh, I assumed you had already met my husband,” Wanda said coolly.   “Mr. Murphy, may I present Mr. Keith Overlinger.”

Overlinger stepped forward until he was even with Wanda.  “Ian Murphy.  I’ve heard about you.  Is it true that you’re a chippie?”  He laughed hardily.  “Leave it to Brock to make his second in command a burnt out, lead head.”

Ian remained silent, gritting his teeth, but Oro found her voice. “You can’t hold us here!” she shouted. 

Overlinger turned away from Ian.  He walked up until he was nose to nose with Oro.  “That’s where you’re wrong, Girlie,” he sneered.   “I can hold you, I can beat you, I can kill you……in fact,” he said, running his hands over Oro’s chest, “I can do whatever I want with you.” 

Oro stood still for a moment, enduring Overlinger’s touch then she looked first at Cowboy, then Ian.  Both of them nodded almost imperceptibly and then all Hell broke loose.  Oro brought her knee up as hard as she could into Overlinger’s manhood and then, as he crumpled to the floor with a howl, spun around to disarm the man behind her with a swipe at his gun arm.  At the same moment, Ian slammed Eiserman’s desk back, catching him in his gut and knocking the wind out of him. Nova grabbed the wrench that she had released into her pocket and swung it around hard, connecting with the startled man who had been holding a gun on her.  Wanda dealt Ian a kick in the side of the head, knocking him off balance.  As he struggled to regain his footing he pulled out a small knife, tucked into his belt.   Then, as Wanda lunged at him, he took the knife and drove it into her left shoulder.  She looked momentarily surprised then folded slowly onto the floor, more out of shock than injury.  Cowboy, for his part, took advantage of all the commotion to swing around and deal the man behind him a powerful punch in the nose.  As the man fell, he grabbed his weapon and whirled around in Oro’s direction. 

Oro stuck her head out of the hatch then called back to her crewmates. “Let’s go!!” Ian jumped over the guards who were struggling to get back to their feet and jumped in line behind Cowboy, Nova and Oro.  They ran flat out through the passageways until they got back to the main hatch where Oro held up her hand for them to stop.  “Slow down, catch your breath,” she coached.   “The sentry doesn’t look alarmed yet.  I think we can stroll right by him.” 

They first hid their weapons and straightened their clothing then stepped out onto the sunlit gangway.  “Have a good afternoon,” Ian told the guard as they walked casually down the ramp onto the dock.   When they were a good distance away from the ship Ian waved them over behind another vessel.  “Nice job, mates,” he said with a grin.  Suddenly they heard an alarm go off on the Star Chaser and their heads snapped back to the direction from where they had just come.  “We need to move now!” Ian declared.  “I’ll go to the hospital to see what’s happening there.  Cowboy, you go over to the jail to see about Brock, and Oro, Nova, head back to the igloo and hold down the fort.”  All three nodded their understanding.  “Try to make it back to the igloo by nightfall.  GO!” he shouted and they quickly dispersed in different directions.

~~~~~~~~~~

Ian ran, when he felt he was not being observed, and walked quickly when he saw that other people were around.   He got to the hospital in record time and went directly to the waiting room where Zee was still sitting.  When she saw him enter, she got to her feet and met him half way.  “Rose is going to be fine!” she called out to him.  “Winter came out and spoke to me a few minutes ago.   The operation was a complete success.” Zee grinned. 

Ian smiled back.  “That’s wonderful, Zee.  I’m very relieved, but listen, something just…..”

Zee cut him off.  “And there’s more too!  The bill has been paid and Brock should be released very soon now.”

Ian looked stunned.  “The bill has been paid?” he repeated, not really believing what she had just said.  Zee nodded and grinned wider.  “But who?   How?” he asked, stammering the questions in his confusion.

“Ian, it was MATHIAS!  Mathias London.” Zee explained joyfully. 

“You mean Tice?  That old sod we saved from his own dear family who wanted him knocked off so they could get their hands on his fortune?”

“The very one,” Zee confirmed.  “Remember how much Tice liked the doctor?  Well, it seems that Winter sent him a subspace communiqué telling him about Rose’s condition and the operation she would need.  The money just came in…a hundo thousa.   With the unis we already paid the hospital, we’ll end up with a double dexa-thousa left over!”

“How is she?” a familiar voice asked.  Ian and Zee turned in unison to see Brock and Cowboy coming in the door.  Zee filled them in on Rose’s condition and on who had paid her medical bills. Brock seemed to relax.  “I guess we made a good decision the day we saved old Mathias’ hide,” he said softly, more to himself, than for the other’s benefit.

Ian hated to break Brock’s mood, but knew that both he and Zee needed to know what had just transpired on the Star Chaser.  He looked at Cowboy.  “Did you tell ‘im yet?” he asked, with a nod towards Brock.

Cowboy shook his head.  “No, I just caught up with him outside.  There wasn’t time.”

Ian nodded and then began to tell them both about Wanda, Overlinger, and the fight that had taken place when they had gone to track down Eiserman.  “I told everyone to meet back at the igloo,” Ian finished.  “I’m sure the Star Chaser crew is out there looking for us.  I just hope they don’t find our hide out.”

Zee’s face fell.  “And just when I thought our luck was changing,” she sighed.

Brock froze for a moment, then, realizing that time was working against him, he snapped himself back into business mode.  “Ian, Cowboy, you need to make yourself scarce.  You and Zee head back to the igloo.  Be careful and make sure you aren’t being followed.  I’m going to go see Rose and talk to Winter about how soon she can be moved.”

Ian nodded, then took Zee’s hand and urged her to the exit as Cowboy followed.  “Are you sure you don’t want me to stay?” Zee called back over her shoulder, hoping that she’d be able to see Rose. 

“No,” Brock answered.  “Go back to the igloo.  I’ll be there as soon as I can.  We’re going to have to brain storm a plan to get out of this…and we’re going to need all the brain power we can muster.”

~~~~~~~~~~

The mood that night in the igloo was somber.  All of the Lady’s crew was present, with the exception of Rose who was still recuperating at the Medical Institute. Winter had been reluctant to leave her side but Brock had insisted.  He convinced her that she was needed to help them formulate a plan to safely remove Rose from the Institute.  Brock was also afraid that Winter might be a target for Overlinger’s goons.  No one was happy about having to leave Rose where she was but, for now, there was nothing they could do about it without jeopardizing her health.

They  had been throwing ideas around for a couple of  hours now about how they could regain their ship and get off the planet without being caught by the authorities, or Overlinger, and the Star Chaser crew bent on revenge.  As time went on the group became quieter and quieter as fatal flaws were pointed out in each proposed plan.  Ian slammed his fist on the table in frustration.  “We can’t just sit here!” he raged.  “There’s got to be a way to get Rose and get out of here in one piece.”

Zahirah reached out and patted Ian’s hand.  “We’ll think of something,” she soothed.  “There’s got to be something.” Then they all fell back into silence.

Oro stood in the dark about ten feet from the igloo.  The building appeared dark, although those inside were huddled around the low light of a battery lamp.  Oro’s back rested against a tree but she was completely alert.  She had stood sentry duty for many hours, in many different places, but this post was probably one of the most unusual.  She had never guarded an igloo before.  The thought made her smile.

Her stomach rumbled and realized that she had not eaten all day.  She reached into the pocket of her vest and pulled out a protein bar.  It had already been removed from its wrapper so that there would be no noisy rustling of paper when she was ready to eat it.  She always thought ahead.  Oro took a bite and chewed thoughtfully.  She wondered if the Lady and her crew had finally blundered into a mess that they would not be able to escape from.  She suddenly heard the sound of footsteps and simultaneously dropped the protein bar and brought up the barrel of her plasma rifle.  Something was out there.

She listened more carefully and heard the footsteps approaching her position.  She stepped behind the tree and waited.  The steps came closer and closer as she began to wonder if she had made a mistake by not alerting the others.  As she listened, she assured herself that she heard only one set of footfalls so perhaps she had chosen correctly.  When the sounds appeared to be on the verge of passing her hiding place, she leapt out from behind the tree and pointed her rifle on the trespasser.  The beam of light mounted on her rifle lit up his face.  He was a large dark skinned man.

The man gasped in surprise and then smiled.  His white teeth lit up his smile.  “Good evening, Oro,” he said.  “Where’s the rest of the crew?”

Oro was puzzled.  How could this man know who she was?  She looked at him closely and decided that he looked familiar then, as recognition dawned, she smiled back.  “I’m sorry, but I certainly didn’t expect to see you here.”

“Is the captain about?” he asked her. 

“Yes,” Oro said.  “And I’m sure he’ll be happy to see you.”  She escorted him to the door and opened it.  Looking over at the table full of her crewmates, she called out to Brock.  “Someone here to see you, Captain.”

Brock stood up and began moving towards the door as Oro stepped aside and allowed the man to enter.  Brock squinted for a moment than called out, “Walter!!  I didn’t know you ever left Hole In The Wall!  What are you doing here?”  He stepped up to the man and shook his hand vigorously.

“I heard you had a situation here,” he answered.

Ian stood too.  “That,” he acknowledged, “is an understatement!”  He then took his turn shaking Walter’s hand.

Zee stood and offered her chair.  “Please, come and have a seat.  I have a pot of stew on the stove.  I’ll get you some.”

“Thanks, I am a bit hungry,” he said, seating himself in Zee’s chair.  Brock and Ian returned to their seats.

“How did you know?” Nova asked with wide eyes.

Walter smiled at her.  “You mean, how did I know you were here and in trouble?”

Nova nodded. 

“We received a tip, from a good friend of yours.”

“Who?” Winter asked.  “Mathias London?”

Walter shook his head.  “No, don’t know the gentleman.  This tip came from Ed Eiserman.”   

That revelation was greeted by stunned silence until Ian piped up.  “You mean that dirtbag who lured us in so that Overlinger could pounce on us?” he asked indignantly. 

Walter turned to Ian.  “I’m sure that’s how it appeared to you,” he said.  “Ed’s one of our embedded spies.  You don’t think we’d let him into the Wall if he were one of Overlinger’s stooges, do you?”

Ian mulled this news over.  “I don’t know what to believe any more,” he said.  “He was a pretty convincing bad guy.”

“I thought the Wall was just a haven,” Brock interjected.  “I didn’t know that you actually employed spies.”

“How do you think we gather our Intell?” Walter asked.

“Double agents!” Nova exclaimed.

Walter nodded.  “Exactly!” he grinned.  Zee set a bowl of stew and a spoon in front of their guest.   He dipped into it and ate quickly. 

Brock folded his arms in front of him and watched Walter bolting down his food.  He wondered if this man was trustworthy and if he should accept any help that he offered them.  Normally, he would be extremely cautious, but they were now in desperate straits and couldn’t afford the luxury of caution.  “So…,” he began slowly, “do you have a suggestion that will help get us out of this place?”

Walter pushed his now empty bowl aside.  “Better than that,” he grinned.  “I’ve got a plan that is the answer to all your prayers!”

~~~~~~~~~~

The next morning Walter left and Winter went to the hospital to check on Rose and make preparations for her to be moved.  Cowboy and Oro left on their mission to the Star Chaser as Ian, Zee, Nova and Brock checked out weapons and armed themselves in the igloo.  Walter had not only come with a plan, he had come with extra weapons, which included C-4 explosives.

“Quite a guy, that Walter,” Ian said appreciatively as he loaded the new, top of the line laser pistol in his hands.

Zee sighed. “Do you really think we should put all our faith in Walter?” Zee asked worriedly.  “We were already burnt twice, once with the counterfeit coin and once when Ian, Oro, Nova and Cowboy were ambushed on the Star Chaser.”

Brock sighed.  “Walter is the second in command at Hole In The Wall. I think our trust in him is well placed.  Besides that, we are out of ideas and I don’t know who else we could possibly turn to.  Without our ship, there is no way we are going to get out of this alone.”

“I feel like sheep going to slaughter,” Zee grumbled, “but if we’re going to go down, at least these sheep are going to go down fighting.” She slipped a newly charged generator pack into her plasma rifle. 

“Walter’s plan does make sense,” Nova offered.

“I just hope that his back up comes through when we need them,” Brock said.  He looked around at the belongings they had strewn around the igloo.  “I hope no one left anything here of real value.  We might not be able to get back here and retrieve this stuff.”

“As long as we can get the ship back, rescue Rose and escape with our skins, I’d say we were very fortunate,” Ian commented.

Zee remained thoughtful.  “Let’s say we pull this off and get the Lady back,” she began,” what if Overlinger tries this again at our next port.”

Brock shook his head.  “Couldn’t happen,” he said.  “I don’t know of any other government on any other colony that would take the evidence that he presented about owning our ship seriously.”

Ian nodded in agreement.  “Overlinger chose this planet carefully when he brought us here with the lucrative fake job offer.”

“And if almost worked, too,” Nova added. 

“Yes,” Brock said, “If it wasn’t for Walter showing up, we probably would have lost the Lady for good.”  He paused for a moment than looked from Ian to Zee to Nova.   “Are you ready?” he asked.

“Yep,” Nova called out. Both Ian and Zee nodded.  Brock opened the door a crack and looked out.  Seeing no one about, he motioned for them to follow and they ducked out and into the shadows of the trees.  From there they zigzagged their ways across the park and began to move in the direction of the Aurora Lady, still held under guard in the bay where they had left her.

~~~~~~~~~~

Winter arrived at the hospital and put on her doctor’s whites.  As she moved through the hallways she blended in well with the other Medical Institute staff members.  The Institute was the largest medical facility in Osterick Colony and the patients there numbered in the thousands, as did the staff members.  Winter had been given her own medical I.D. number which allowed her to perform surgery on Rose and to access the facilities as she wished.  She made her way to the admittance office and immediately sat down at a computer terminal where she entered her code. She tried to make herself look as if she belonged there as she accessed patient files.   It took her a few minutes before she located Rose’s file and made several changes.  She smiled to herself and then got up and left the office.  She straightened her clothes and then walked quickly up to Rose’s room to ready her for what was to come.

~~~~~~~~~~

Ian and Oro approached the Star Chaser from her port side then, with a nod from Oro, they dived underneath the ship and crawled in between a tool locker and a generator.  Oro pointed to an access hatch just above them and Cowboy grinned.  It was the perfect set up.  They couldn’t ask for anything better.

Cowboy reached into his pack and drew out a small box filled with C-4 explosive compound.  He molded it into a ball and then pulled an ignition switch from his shirt pocket.   He mouthed to Oro, “How long?” without voicing the question.  Oro held up all 10 fingers closed her hands and held up five more fingers.  Cowboy set the timer for 15 minutes and then jammed the ignition box deep into the C-4.  He reached up and very slowly opened the hatch above him, holding his breath and praying that no alarm would sound, he pushed the compound up onto a ledge just inside the Star Chaser and gently closed the hatch again.

Oro listened intently for signs that anyone was near and then she motioned again to Cowboy. They scrambled out from behind the ship and, ducking low, made their way through the morning shadows into the woods.  “That ought to keep them busy for awhile,” Cowboy declared.

“Yep, and now we’ve got to get back to the Aurora Lady before everything breaks loose.”  She turned and ran with Cowboy close behind.

~~~~~~~~~~

Brock checked his watch, and then looked around.  “I don’t see them yet,” he said.  He, Ian, Nova and Zee were hunkered down in a patch of bushes about 30 yards from the hangar housing t