Old Roy 5

CHAPTER 5

She was right, he was more tired than he realized and barely made it to bed. As he woke everything seemed like a bad dream and for the first moments he thought he was in his own bed and soon Charles would call and breakfast be ready. But as he opened his eyes he saw Partners giant head on a pillow next to him, in the huge bed, blinking at him still sleepy. Roy boxed the beast in the side and said." Now I know why your former owner threw you out. He wanted a ferocious beast and all he got was you sleeping all the time!" Partner sneezed and closed its eyes. Completely content. Roy was hungry and got up." Since when can you teleport anyway?" Partner didn't understand the question, just snorted and turned on his back. He took a bath and dressed. He knew what an Auto dresser was but they didn't have one back home and so he was not used to one." It was later than he thought and already past eleven. He wondered what the Lady was doing and then he saw her gloves on the table. She had forgotten them. So he skipped breakfast and went to the Saresii woman's suite. Just as he wanted to knock his Danger sense hit him. Not like yesterday were he had no clue where it came from. It was a Danger behind that door. The Lady was in danger!" He put his hand on his blaster and said to the door."Announce me!" "The occupant of this suite wishes not to be disturbed." He switched off his Arti Grav so he would have full use of his muscles and kicked with all he got against the door, with no effect! It was as hitting a rock wall. The door obviously only looked as if made of wood. He could not blast through the TKU could injure her. Partner could teleport maybe it could get inside? Partner appeared just as he thought of it. "We need to get inside there! Can you..." The world faded and was replaced by the suite of the Lady. She stood by her couch and two men held guns drawn at her a third was holding his gun aimed at the door. They were as surprised as Roy, but Roy's reflexes were faster he kicked the first square in the family jewels, with his strength lifting the man off his feet and sending him flying back against the one aiming at the door. The last ones gun arm had disappeared inside Partners maw, all the way to the armpit. He screamed! The one Roy had kicked threw up violently and Roy aimed his gun at third." Just give me a reason to squeeze the trigger." He turned to the woman." Are you alright?" She wore a negligee of a peach colored almost liquid shimmering material with white lace at the seams and it clung to her. Roy realized he became more adult every day. What he saw excited him in an unusual and new way. "Yes I am fine." He paid a little too much attention to the woman and her looks. The third man managed to get up and catapult himself out the opening door before Roy could stop him. He yelled Partner watch the girl and ran after the man. The Corridor was empty! The doors of the Elevator just closed. With a single vault he jumped over the railing, the floor 100 meters below, but he had aimed well and landed on the roof of the descending Elevator. Again his Sense of Danger saved his life, a weapon beam sliced through the roof of the elevator, and would have drilled right through him but he managed to step away. The Elevator stopped and he vaulted sideways rolled over his shoulder as he hit the ground and aimed at the opening elevator doors. The man held a woman before him like a shield, and his blaster at her temple."Looks like your Artillery piece won't do you any good now. Fry me and you fry that room service girl!" Roy had time to look at the man. He was human, had a bald head and a full black beard. He was thin and tall. Roy who spend hours over Weapon catalogs could not identify the weapon. It was true his TKU was to powerful. A shot of it would perhaps even damage the huge viewport behind them. Roy slowly holstered the gun. The man laughed." Good choice!" Ship security came running, men in silver uniforms and shock batons. The man was distracted by them and that gave Roy time to draw his boot knife and throw it. He had practiced many evenings with Sam and knew he was a decent thrower. The large blade sliced through the man's wrist and the force of the throw nailed to his own chest. Not waiting for a second, Roy was right behind his knife. Something dug in his mind and he felt pain, great pain but he managed to reach the man take his other arm he was still holding the woman and broke it. the pain in his mind was gone but the Security Men were here as well and used their shock batons liberally, Roy collapsed.

As he woke he found himself on the couch of the woman's suite. Partner was right beside him. Cara was there as well as the Captain and two men in dark suits. Cara smiled at him, but the Captain, as alien his face was, was clearly not amused." "This is a respectable ship and you are turning it into a spy versus spy circus! I know what is going on here! Even the Pirate attack had to do with this! We reach Odenworld and I want you off my ship. You, that thing." He hissed and showed his sharp teeth." I am first and foremost responsible for the safety of my passengers. I care little about the greater good or heroics!" Cara said." Captain, he saved my life and that of your employee. How come Kermac Agents had access to Door security codes?" "They are Kermac Agents for crying out loud. This is no high security military space ship. I am still the Captain and you will be confined to these quarters till we land and then you will be escorted off my ship. Council woman or not." Cara's eyes flashed in anger." Then I will make sure you won't be Captain much longer!" But then she relaxed and said:" No that is nor right. You are correct Captain we are the cause for all this and I cannot fault you for thinking of your ship first. We will leave your ship as soon as possible." The Shiss Captain turned and left without any further words. The two men following him. As they were gone. She smiled at him." How do you feel?" "Still sore and I have a headache." "They used their batons a little excessive and the Kermac tried to influence you but could not, for some reason so he switched to a direct mental attack. That's why you have a headache. It will soon fade. The sore muscles however will take a little longer." "What happened anyway?. I thought all the crazy things would be over." "The Kermac haven't completely given up and had several agents among the passengers as I found out this morning. The Wurgus left with the Devastator and are effectively out of their reach. They were after me to find out where the next meeting was and what was decided." She took his hand." You were sort of dragged into this by accident and now you are part of it. I am sorry about that." Roy got up putting his feet to the floor and holding his head." It's okay. I was just glad I came in time and do something about it." "It isn't over yet either. I am sure the Kermac won't give up. The Wurgus are not members yet and you became the key, Roy! The Patriarch made it quite clear that you are a central element in their decision." "I am not sure I understand what that means." "It means that your life will never be the same. You stumbled by accident upon the galacto political stage and made an enormous impact. You saved the President, prevented the Pirates from doing their deeds and by so interfering became associated with the Wurgus." Roy felt thirsty." I am just a Greenie. What do I really know of these things? What is it they want? " "I am not sure if the Kermac have identified you yet, but I am almost certain they did and if they find out what was spoken by the Wurgus yesterday. You will be marked and they will try to abduct and turn your mind, or simply kill you," He nodded." I was afraid you would say exactly that. I don't know much about the Kermac, but even with my Sense of Danger and with Partner I doubt I will survive very long. They are a society almost as strong and powerful as the entire Union with resources at their disposal, I could not even begin to comprehend." She sat next to him." I am sorry all this happened to you. Once we are on Sares you will be safe and I can teach you a few things to stay safe. As soon as you met the Wurgus on Pluribus and they joined, your role in all this is over. I am by presidential Order your guide and since this morning your legal Guardian." "You are?" I hope you don't mind but we pulled a few legal strings and your Uncle singed his guardian ship over to me." "Not that I mind, but if that could have been done why can't Uncle Sam be my Guardian and I return to Green Hell. I want to see those Kermac who can get me there!" "And put everyone on Green Hell in danger? I am sure you be safe in the Jungles and your Uncle is a formidable fighter, but what could you do against an orbital bomb or sniper ray from a Drone Satellite? As you said the Kermac have resources and they are willing to use them." "Then I am putting you in danger as well!" "Sares is much better protected than Green Hell. It will be much safer, but a determined enemy might find a way to get you there as well, but I am doing this sort of thing a very long time. I am used to it!" Roy was thinking and his mind became clearer." Uncle Sam says always the Union is a good thing and worth fighting for. Why all this happens to me I don't know but I will do my part, and for some reason it gives me something to do and a goal. It's still better than going to a college and become a scientist!" "We Saresii came to the same conclusion. The Union is a good thing and we never regretted our decision. This is why I am doing this as well." "So how do we get from Odenworld to Sares. If we go aboard a new ship we still be the target of enemy Agents, right?" "My orders are to get you to Sares unbeknownst and as inconspicuous as possible. So you simply disappear and no one knows where you are."

Odenworld, the third planet in the Karpar System was a popular vacation world with forests, lakes, oceans and beaches. It had exclusive resorts for the rich and super rich, but also areas of the budget traveler. Roy looked over the info material displayed on the GalNet terminal. The ship was already on descent and would land in less than 50 minutes. He was allowed to return to his suite to get his stuff and then confined to quarters in Cara's suite. Two Ship security men made certain it would be observed standing guard outside. He did feel a little like a prisoner and wasn't too happy about that. Cara came out of her bath room, dressed in a black velvet suit, especially fitting to her silver hair." I still think the Captain is overdoing it and we going to complain for sure." "So what are we doing next? I mean how we are going to leave Odenworld?" "We will take a different liner in three days. Until then we going to enjoy Odenworld. It does have nice beaches, and ski slopes too!" "I am curious to see those forests, I must admit! Here in the brochure it says they have huge untouched forests." "They do have a few predator animals too, but I doubt anything that would excite you!" "I just like to be outside."

The ship landed and as soon as the air locks were opened, the Guard knocked. " We arrived at Odenworld, we wish you a pleasant stay, Now please be so kind and leave the ship.!" "You are aware that this is not the end of this!" Cara said to the guards. "We are only doing our jobs and our orders are quite clear." Roy found this very un polite and so did Partner! The heard a tearing sound and crash and Partner had taken a big bite out of the fancy couch carrying half the seat along, spitting it out before the guard. Roy nodded." That's what we think of your service!" He felt much better and Partner was quite happy that it did something that pleased Roy and sneezed. There was no sealed slide way tunnel they walked through an air curtain right into the outside. The air felt fresh and Roy could smell growing things. It was quite a different scent than his jungles, still it was good. the air was cool but not cold. He filled his lungs and said." I don't mind spaceships and underground bases and all but there isn't anything that could replace an open sky, wind and fresh air!" "I know what you mean." She said." Would you believe there are plenty of beings who are actually afraid of open skies and think there is a pressure leak when they feel wind?" "I believe what you say, but I can't understand it." The slide belt carried them to the Terminal and after the usual custom formalities, she said." We are going to a nice hotel. I have booked us some rooms and then you can make a little trip through the forests and I will make a few arrangements and contact a few people." "Alright, sounds good to me. Sometimes you are that awesome looking woman and this strange Saresii and then you talk like a Secret Agent from the Virtus." He liked her smile. It made her arrogant and beautiful face suddenly look very girlish and human."I guess because I am all that and It seems you will go this path as well for a little while at least." "I did a little thinking the last few days and to be honest I actually sort of like it. It gives me a goal and that ain't so bad." "Well let's see if you think so in a week or month from now and then you might have found your calling after all." They had reached a Taxi stand and the flyer took them half across the continent and landed at a elegant hotel build right at a beach and half way into the water. Checking in was almost the same procedure than on the ship and they got even similar luxurious rooms. She swiped her wrist com over Roy's and exchanged contact data this way." You're on your own now for a day or so. I call you either mentally or via the Wrist com. I can sense you really want to get outside and I think you should. "Aren't we going to be followed and all that?" "Maybe not right now. The Kermac have to find new assets and get the news, but it would not be completely impossible of course." She actually kissed him on the forehead." Just be yourself for a while. I think we are reasonably safe for now." Then she left without much further ado. Roy looked around for Partner and already knew where to find him, sure enough he was on the bed." Hey let's go Partner! There are forests we need to explore!" The next thing he knew he stood in a deep green, forest with tall trees." Partner! Cut that out! Give me at least some warning the next time!" Then he felt sorry for scolding his pet and hugged it." Ah I am not mad at you, but next time wait till I tell you to that teleport thing." Partner sneezed and Roy thought it understood. He looked around. He felt no danger anywhere. He carefully touched a tree. it felt rough but did not do anything. He saw ant like insects, much smaller than the ones from Green Hell and still he felt no danger at all. He switched off his ArtiGrav and said." I am going to climb a little you can follow me, okay?" Partner sneezed. It took him no effort to reach a limb and swing himself up, jump from branch to branch and felt free. The forest was so completely different from Green Hell, nothing he touched or saw was anything dangerous. Still he felt the nature around him was alive and he could almost feel the growing things. A furry little animal scurried away, jumping like a Zombie squirrel to another tree. A single yellow and black colored big insect made his Danger sense tingle very faintly and he simply backed away and dropped a few branches down. Suddenly he heard a crashing cracking sound and Partner floated next to him. "So you can fly too!" Partner sneezed. "One of this days you showed me everything and you can't surprise me anymore, but knowing you I be old and gray by then!" Partner licked him. He jumped back down and landed safe in soft grass. Then he swung on Partners back and rode him. At first slow but then a little faster, and faster still. Partner felt neither exhausted nor tired and Roy could feel it enjoyed it as well. Now he had to really hold onto the metal collar. Avoiding the bigger trees and thundering like a brush clearing plow through the underbrush!" Yeah, that is the ticket!" Slowly the trees became fewer and shorter and the ground covered with moss was now mostly rock. The air grew colder and there was patches of white stuff between the bushes. The trees finally gave away and there was an awesome mountain range and one majestic mountain right before them, from the ridge they had reached he could see valleys far below. The white stuff was now everywhere and it was really getting cold despite the sun being up. Whatever that white stuff was it was soft and deep and now Partner plowed through it chest deep. He thought stop and Partner immediately responded, way too fast! Roy flew over Partners head and landed head first in the white substance. It was freaking cold! He landed softly and but whatever it was clung to him and in his hands started to melt to water! He got up and glared at Partner. "You don't even have to hide it. I know you found that funny!" Roy saw himself fly over Partner and land in the white substance and he had to laugh himself."Alright It was me. I said stop! I be more specific next time., but I am no expert in Fury Hound riding yet." He got back up." Let's go up there to that peak. I bet we will have a awesome view from up there, and yes you can teleport!" Partner did and suddenly he had to breath real hard, as if he just finished a big marathon. The air was thinner up here, of course! He knew that from his Orbital Parachute jumps. Uncle Sam loved those and did them often, of course whatever Uncle Sam liked, Roy had to try. He wondered what Uncle Sam was doing right now and then he smiled a sad smile as he thought of his parents. What would they have thought if they knew he and Sam did that. He did miss his parents after all. But the view was awesome, absolutely awesome. He could see the entire ocean of trees and far in the distance the real shimmering ocean, a river meandered in a green valley far below. He saw tiny houses there and on the side of a mountain he saw tiny dots sliding down the white stuff. On top of the other mountain was a building too! He wondered what they were doing and said to Partner."It's freaking cold up here and the air is a tad too thin to camp here. Let's check out what those folks are doing over there, but let's not freak them out and not teleport." Partner send him the mental picture to hold on tight and he cramped his hands around the collar and his legs around Partner and it went straight down the almost sheer slope his claws ripping deep into the rock breaking the descent at first but then going faster than ever before. It was the most frightening and yet most awesome thing he ever did. Every sense in him was full awake and he screamed out of full lungs but not out of panic but sheer thrill. He was out of breath and barley felt his cramped hands as they slowed down as the slope eased and they reached grass covered rocks again." We got to do that again one day, Partner. That was frikking awesome!" He rode to the little paved path that lead to the houses. A slide belt was built in and moved in both directions. He got down and he chose the one sliding to the buildings. The houses were made of rock and wood, had slanted roofs with some of the white stuff on it. Not far up the slope the ground was covered all the way up the side of the mountain with the same. People on elongated boards came down the hill. Others used a steep inclining slide belt to go back up, yet others used some sort of hover boards to jet back up the hill. He noticed humans and non humans alike. .Below one of the bigger buildings was a terrace and there were benches and tables. He was a bit cold and thought a cup of hot coffee would be perfect. Maybe by watching a little longer he would figure out what the reason and the idea was behind this strange activity. It was obvious most had fun. So he found a spot and sat down. Partner sat beside him and yawned." What are you tired after all?" Partner sneezed and squeezed its eyes, then he saw a picture of the animal in a bed. "What is it with you and sleeping? But then you did do most of the running today. Why don't you go ahead? I can come back later. I still want to figure out what they are doing here. When I am done you can come and pick me up or something." Partner looked at him as if to say."Are you sure?" "Yeah sure go ahead." Partner vanished. He went up the wooden stairs and sat down at one of the benches. It didn't take long and a nice looking waitress came and took his order. He coughed but didn't say much as she asked for four credits. He knew he wouldn't ask for another. The coffee came in a big mug and was hot and he felt quite content, watching the strange sport. Suddenly his danger sense warned him, and he reacted and swatted the thing that came flying out of the air. It was a mass of the white stuff a strong and tall looking guy had thrown at him. The guy came with two others of the same kind. They wore tight fitting multi colored coveralls. The tallest barked at him." Hey you looser. Who allowed you to sit so close to my girl friend?" Roy blinked as he had no clue what the guy, who was about his age was talking about. He turned and saw the most beautiful girl he had ever seen sitting at the bench next to him. She had a white and red colored suit, and long blonde hair, great eyes and the most perfect nose, anyone could ever have. She also about Roy's age. She glared at the guy." I am not your girl friend." Roy shrugged and said." Whatever this is, I have no idea what you guys are doing. I am just watching those folks sliding down the hill on that white stuff, that's all!" The tall boy laughed."You are a retard! A stupid, dumb retard! Now beat it and leave or I make you!" Roy was in no mood to fight and said." You might want to take it easy on the insults and let me be." He knew it was the smart thing to actually get up and leave, but he had paid for the coffee and he was going to finish it. Besides he didn't like bullies much. The guy pointed at the girl." You, are with me now. I think you look nice. I am Bart Richmond the third!" She said." I don't care who you are. Would you please let me be?" "I can't do that. You see I would be very disappointed. My friends here said I could never get you, I will not be disappointed and I always get what I want." Roy said in a friendly but firm tone." I think you and your friends leave now. Let the lady be, and let me finish my coffee." the guy kicked against the table and send Roy's coffee flying and laughed. Roy got up and said." Now you owe me four Credits and an apology." Roy wasn't as tall as either of them. They looked well toned, Bart stepped close to Roy and looked down." I am going to make the snow red with your blood, retard!" With a heavy stomp of his All terrains he stepped on the guys boots, something crunched and Bart got red in his face and yelled in pain. The left one swung his fist. He was laughable slow in Roy's eyes caught the wrist of the boy pulled hard and buried his knee in the guys stomach. sending him to the wooden floor getting green in his face. That gave Bart time to hit Roy in the stomach. Roy wondered what kind of guys they were. He barley felt it. Not thinking about the fact that his muscles were toned under much higher gravitation and that his stomach muscles were as hard as a rock. Bart however realized very fast that they bitten of more than they could chew. He backed away and said." I am going to get you for this retard!" He turned and left, leaving his two friends. The last one looked a bit surprised to be the only one left facing Roy and backed up as well, helped up his very sick looking friend and they too followed Bart. Roy sat back down, wondering if he should leave or get another coffee. At four Unions better not. The beautiful girl however said." Thank you so much, stranger. that was quite amazing how you dealt with those slope bullies. Can I say thank you and invite you to a cup of coffee or hot chocolate?" "Oh no problem, Ma'am. They weren't very pleasant. I would gladly say yes to a Cup of Coffee but at those prices here. I rather not accept it." "No worries, really. I would like to very much." She was drop dead gorgeous, not even Cara could compete with that girl and she was friendly so he said." Alright, I guess one would be alright." "Wonderful, what can I get you? Coffee, Latte or a Hot Chocolate?" "I don't know what a Hot Chocolate is, so I guess a cup of coffee." "Trust me you like it. It seems you never seen skiing, where are you from if I may ask?" He blushed a little as he didn't want to out himself as a total hick, but he could not really come up with something slick so he said." I am from Green Hell." He already expected her to laugh or something but she simply ordered two Hot Chocolates and then said." Oh how fascinating! I heard some things about your home. I wonder if they are all true." This was a new one! She didn't right away say something decretory and even questioned what she had heard. " Very little, I think. from what I hear folks say about our planet is mostly wrong." She had the most magical smile. Little dimples appeared in her rosy cheeks." I can imagine. I bet it is a warm world though so all those Jungles can grow and that's why you never seen skiing and snow." "That's what this is, Snow! I should have known." Then he shook his head." No we don't have snow on Green Hell and yes it is much warmer than here." The waitress came with the cups and Roy tried and was surprised." That is good!" "So what's your name?" "Roy, Roy Masters, Ma'am." "Oh quit calling me Ma'am. I bet I am not older than you. I am Tanya." "That's a nice name!" "Thank you! It is old fashioned I know but my Dad is old fashioned and likes old Earth names." "Mine was too He liked everything Pre Astro Earth and that's why I am named Roy. It's also an old Earth name." "Your Dad sounds a lot like mine, but he doesn't like it anymore?" Roy pressed his lips together." No, he died recently." She leaned forward and put her hand more out of reflex on his." Oh I am sorry!" She lowered her long lashes and left her hand on his." Can I ask how it happened?" Roy nodded." The Explorer ship my parents where on got attacked by pirates and they both died as the ship exploded." "Oh my dear Lord. You are all alone!" "No I still got Uncle Sam, but he isn't my real Uncle. Then I got a real Uncle on Terra somewhere but he doesn't really count and then there is this Saresii Woman who's taken custody so I can learn on Sares." He then smiled." And I got Partner, my Animal!" "How long will you be on Odenworld?" "I think two or three days." "That's great. We can hang out a little together if you like." "Are you serious? I mean you would really hang out with me?" "Yes I am quite serious! If you want we can go to the beach party tonight together. They have fireworks and there is life music and all that. I was invited but I rather go with you than the other girls." Roy could not believe the girl was asking him on a date. She was a dream and she asked him!" "I never been to a beach party and I sure don't want to embarrass you showing up with a Greenie who's away from home for the first time and all that!" "There is nothing you need to know about a beach party. Why would I be embarrassed showing up with a handsome guy and I personally think it is totally cool you are from Green Hell, who gives a hoot what others think?" She had still not moved her hand and he liked the touch very much." Will you go with me?" "Alright I guess I could!" "Splendid! Come on Roy let's go to back to Odem City and I show you where it is and all." "Okay. I guess we better get started. That slide way isn't very fast." "I got my flyer right here." She got up and he followed her. She had not only the most beautiful face, he found the behind looked very attractive in the tight red and white suit. She turned. "You don't have to walk behind me." She held out her arm as if it was the most natural thing and he took her hand." I didn't mind walking behind you. It was kind of nice!" She laughed." You are so different from the guys I know. I like that very much and she leaned closer and he could smell her faint perfume and always wondered how girls managed to smell so good." Your behind is kind of sexy too you know." He blushed all the way to his ears and as she went straight for a real Lamborghini Infinity he stopped." You are kidding me? This is your Flyer?" "Well yes. I know it is a little flashy but please don't feel intimidated or anything." She looked at him." I liked you from the first moment, that's why I sat close and hoped we would start talking. My dad has a little more money, but that does not change what I am." "You're right. I still can't believe my luck." "Do you want to fly it?" "All I flew before was Ma Swenson's Armored Dodge and Uncle Sam's old truck." "Then you won't have a problem with that one." The luxury flyer recognized its owner and the doors swung open. As he walked around it to get behind the controls he noticed the three guys not far next to a flashy red and gold Narcuda with painted flames and an extra large turbine housing. Bart pointed his finger at Roy and made it as if he had a gun and shooting then laughed. Roy pulled his TKU just enough and smiled back, then got inside. The flyer even smelled expensive and had almost flat seats. The controls came to life and the joke extended. It took him a moment to familiarize himself with the controls and then he pressed the start sensor and the twin turbines came to life with a very satisfying deep howl."Wow that sounds nice!" She nodded." It actually does." The doors closed and he took off. The thing handled like a dream. the Computronic came on the same time his danger sense warned him and said:" Shields activated, we are being followed by an armed Narcuda." She cursed."It was play before but now they are going a step to far! they going to jail for that! Armed Flyers are not allowed here." "I think they don't think that far right now. All they want is revenge or something. It seems I am a trouble magnet." "No it's not you. They are after me all day and he is one of those who will never accept a no." She made a call as a shot peppered the shields of the Lamborghini. Roy didn't wait and gunned the engines to max and pulled the incredible fast flyer straight up, leaving the customized Narcuda far behind. The shields showed little strain and he looked over the very advanced read outs." They only got a modified Thomson E gun. Nothing to worry about and it looks like they can't keep up with this super flyer anyway." "The police is informed. They are on the way. Modified Thomson or not, they will have to explain it to a judge." "I bet his dad will pay the fine and he does it again." "That won't be just a fine!" They had broken orbit and the Flyer switched to Arti grav. "I have actually no idea where we need to go!" She leaned over and activated the Computronic control."It does!" While the Lamborghini dove back into the atmosphere he said." So where are you from?" "A Planet called Rex One." " I haven't paid as much attention in School as I should have and skipped a few upload sessions. I never heard of Rex One." "It's not all that well known. I don't think anyone could know all the planets there are anyway. I just happen to know Green Hell because it is sort of famous." The Flyer flew now over the town and straight to the Space Port and approached a incredibly elegant looking large and all shiny black space ship. The hull bore the Name Raven and the Logo of Schwartz Stellar Industries. It was at least 250 meters long: "I bet a cabin on that thing isn't cheap either." Roy said." But then you fly a Lamborghini. It sure looks fast!" "My dad says it is the fastest ship in the Galaxy." "Wow, you think it is even faster than a military ship?" "I think so." The Flyer docked automatically in an opening hangar bay and she said." Since we are here I guess I could introduce you to my Dad. I forgot the flyer would home on the ship and he is kind of nosy sometimes, but don't worry he is really cool!" Roy felt a little trapped. She was sure a great girl but he knew her for maybe an hour and would already meet her dad. If he could afford a cabin on such a Luxury Yacht, he would not be very happy to see his daughter with a Greenie for sure. He was out of his league here for sure. He wished Cara would be here to advice him what to do. He was thinking about having Partner pick him up, but he didn't want to scare the girl and he was actually looking forward to go with her to that Beach party. So he sighed." I hope it be alright." They got out and he saw several more fancy flyers in the docking bay. More Lambos and a Bentley. She took him by the hand and said."Sorry it sort of happened. I was not really thinking but really there isn't anything to worry." The hangar door to the inside of the ship opened and a really tall man, even taller than Uncle Sam stood there. He looked almost like a brother to the Admiral he had met. His hair was cut in a similar fashion. Only this man filled the business suit he wore like a Battle Ball player or Fight ring combatant. He had the same gray eyes as Tanya had and he looked at him like a Water snake ready to swallow a Razor fish. "Good afternoon, daughter. I just got a call from the police. You been in trouble?" "No dad. A few guys would not take a no for a no. They have been a pest all day. this is Roy he helped me. they fired on us and so I called the police." "I see. You did manage to lose the bodyguards of course just by accident." He said in a stern tone and then looked at Roy again." So you helped my daughter." Roy didn't like that kind of tone or questioning." Not at first. They were bugging me too, those guys I mean. Anyway I am on my way now. Can someone show me the exit? I know when I am in the wrong place, Sir." "Where do you think you are?" "Dad he doesn't know anything!" Roy shrugged." On some really fancy Yacht and you are some rich guy who can afford a passage on it. Tanya invited me to a Beach Party and I thought it be nice to go with a gorgeous girl like that. I wasn't really prepared to meet her dad right away. She is really nice and I like her, but I know I am just a Greenie. So please let me simply go, I can call my ride too, but I don't want to frighten anyone." "You are a Greenie! Well that explains the TKU and the Bio Seal suit on Odenworld." His tone became much less hostile. " Your first time off planet I assume?" "Yes. I was supposed to go to College:" "Dad why are you so hostile to him? He hasn't done anything but being the most perfect gentleman and I mean that exactly as I say it. He even called me Ma'am at first and he lost both of his parents to a pirate attack and I like him." "That's exactly why I am perhaps a little hostile. I am a Dad after all and that what Dad's do." He said to Roy." But I am convinced you speak the truth. I could easily check if you are from Green Hell, I have a very good friend living there, but I can see you are what you say you are. I also have a feeling you have no idea who I am or who Tanya is." "Sir I don't know who you are and with all due respect I don't really want to know. I am who I am I say and you can call Ma Swenson or even the Major and Ranger Solomon all day to verify I am a Greenie." He said a little less angry and quieter." Who would want to make that up anyway? No one seems to like Greenies and think we are all a bunch of loons." A woman stepped next to the tall man and she looked very much like Tanya only older." Rex, leave them alone! All they want is to be Teens and if they want to go to the Beach party then let them." She simply walked up to Roy and held out her hand." I am Tanya's Mom and you can call me Linda." Roy bowed slightly." Yes Ma'am, thank you. I am Roy, Roy Masters," The Mom twinked her eye to Roy and then to Tanya., turned to her husband."What kind of hosts are we? You grilling a friend of Tanya in the Garage of all places. Come young man, I got something you might like. How about a glass of Hell Ade?" Roy's eyes lit up." You got our Hell Ade here?" "Rex got it from a friend of his. It's delicious." Then she said." and you be civil!" He raised his shoulders."I was civil until the police called and told me they have been shooting on our daughter and she did once again trick the Bodyguards." "What fun can a girl have with two walking broom closets behind her." She put a hand on Roy's shoulder and said." No worries he won't bite." He was kind of looking forward to some Hell Ade and did go along. The corridor behind was laid out with carpet, and even the corridor was decorated with art work and fancy wood paneling. There was no one else and after a short elevator ride they came in a modern furnished salon complete with fire place and a large leather seat group." Go find a seat, Roy. I get us some of that Hell Ade." He sat down on the edge of the seat, Tanya simply sat next to him and her father silently across. Linda came back with a tray with four bottles and glasses." You know the picture on those bottles looks very much like you, Roy!" Roy smiled proudly."That is me and Uncle Sam!" Tanya's father took the bottle and looked at the label." Oh be darn! this is you and Ol' Sam on the bottle! You are kin to Sam Brown?" "Not really, Sir. But he sort of raised me more or less and he is the closest thing to family I got." "This is the friend I got this stuff from! I know Sam from before he went to Green Hell and he sends me things occasionally." Before Roy could say something a Fury Hound walked in the room and sat down next to the man. It was the same size as the Animal of the Admiral. Linda said."Don't be alarmed Roy. This is only the Family pet and it is nosy." Roy blinked:"That's not it Ma'am. I got one too and the Admiral showed me his and he said he knew of only one other and that is this really rich guy Schwartz. Now you have one too! Looks like there are more around after all!" Tanya's father became even more attentive." You have one like this?" "Yes, Partner. Do you want me to call it? It can be here in no time." "Yes if you can." Roy did not finish his thought for Partner to come and it appeared out of thin air, yawned and licked Roy. Roy petted his animal and said." I found out a little about them from the Admiral and I tried to call this Schwartz guy but you won't have any luck with him. You only get a lady who complains about lots of calls and hangs up on you." The Man coughed." Well that guy is often a little busy and simply can't take all calls himself. This is one hell of a Fury Hound you got." Tanya got up and asked." It's so pretty! Can I pet it too?" "I bet he waits for that already!" Roy said. She did without any fear and Partner really liked her, Roy could tell. Tanya's father got up."Roy you are a friend of Sam and that is as good as any recommendation can be and you have my permission to take Tanya out. She got up kissed her father and he melted in his daughters arms."Thanks Dad!" To Roy he added." I am that Schwartz guy by the way." "Ah that explains the Fury hound." then it dawned to Roy." Isn't that the name of the Company Uncle Roy sells the Califerm to, Schwartz Pharma?" "Yes that is one of my companies indeed." "That is something." Tanya said to Roy." Usually folks get intimidated when they find out who my dad is. I hope this doesn't change our plans for tonight?" "No why should it? I was intimidated back in the Hangar. So he owns a Pharma Company." He looked at her Dad." Pretty cool and all but I know many folks who own Companies. Ma Swenson, Uncle Sam and Tanya's Dad. Your company is just a little bigger." He laughed." You are so right, but because my company is a little bigger. Tanya is in constant danger. Usually she has two of the best body guards, but she made evading them an art form. So I must say I am glad she is with you tonight. I guess you can keep an eye on her better than anyone and with back up like that Fury Hound you be as good as twenty body guards." Roy became serious." You think she is in that much danger?" "We keep the fact that she is my daughter as secret as possible and her image as much out of the news as we can of course and that is the best safety, but she is the daughter of the richest man in the Galaxy and that is a mighty incentive for a lot of bad people." Roy sank back in his chair." Uncle Sam is never going to believe me who I am running into. Admirals, Wurgus Delegations, the President and now you folks. All that's missing is I run into God, then I met them all." He held up his hands." And all in less than a week!" "You met all those?" "Yes, Sir and I am sort of in trouble too." He told them pretty much everything that had happened so far. Rex shook his head." That's more than some folks experience their entire life!" He got up and held out his hand." You are not alone anymore. Sam saved my life once and he would never take anything for it and there is nothing I could offer him, but you need my help anytime you got it." Roy took the hand and said." I hope I be like Sam one day, Sir. I will serve the Union and do what I can."

The beach party was just an event. The music was okay, the fireworks actually pretty cool but he had only eyes for Tanya and she showed him how to dance and late at night after most party goers had left. He held her tight and they danced slowly. It was something that he learned almost instantly as it was nothing he had to do think about, he simply did. She smelled exciting and her tender soft body in her arms gave him feelings he could never put in words. The most amazing thing however was the way she looked at him. He could see she felt the same way! Her lips close to his and she whispered." You know I loved you from the first second I saw you!" He knew it then. She was the one, she was the girl and no other. " I love you too!" Even later they returned to her ship and they were standing under the open docking bay door looking to the horizon where the first rays of the local sun was coming up. She said." We aren't exactly normal people and it looks you got to do some real important stuff. So we won't be able to see each other in person for a while," Roy sighed." I am not sure what my future holds. It has been the strangest ride so far. It all started when I found Partner I think. Everything changed from that day on!" "Nobody knows what the future holds, but I promise I wait for you." "I will look at no other girl, till I am old enough and have enough to marry you."They say distance kills relationships. Don't let us proof them right!" "Don't make money an issue, please. My parents already like you and I love you and that is all that is important." "I call you as much as I can." "I do the same and we meet as much as we can too!" "I promise!" She kissed him on the cheek and he got all warm and the sunrise looked as promising as the future.

Chapter 6

He found partner still in the salon where he had left it. The smaller Fury Hound snug close. He felt deep affection from Partner for this hound. Tanya cooed." Oh look at them. She likes him!" "Your fury is a she?" "My dad thinks so and I think your Partner is a boy." Roy made a very hard decision and knelt before partner." We are like brothers you and I and I love this girl very much. We need to split for a while you and me, because I want you to watch over her and listen to her as you would to me. I need to do things and can't stay with her but I feel better if you be there and make sure she's safe!" Roy formed his words a good as he could in his mind and Partner sneezed, liked him and squeezed his eyes. Roy knew Partner understood first it licked Roy and then the girl. Roy knew somehow without any doubt, that there was no distance far enough that could sever his bond or contact with Partner. This was a clear message from his four legged friend. He knew Partner would protect her and through him he would be closer to her than any GalNet connection. She wiped a tear from her eyes."This is so sweet of you. I promise to take good care of Partner and take him everywhere I go. With Partner here I know you come back for sure." "Tanya, I don't know much about this universe and I am still a teenager but I assure you there won't be a force in this universe that could keep me from returning to you." She hugged him and he embraced her. A deep voice from the shadows said:" You know I think you guys are serious!" Both of them jumped startled and turned. There in the back of the room stood her dad holing his wife in his arm. Her mother looked very lovely with a warm smile on her lips."They are. I can tell!" Rex sighed adjusting the tie of his morning robe." We might as well have breakfast." Roy was surprised as they went to a kitchen and dining area, were Rex started cooking and soon it smelled of bacon and coffee." Say where are all the other folks and your personnel?" Linda sipping on her first cup said." There aren't any others aboard. This is our private yacht. We don't keep personnel on a personal level at all. We like to keep it down to Earth and private as much as we can." Rex placed a cup and a plate before Roy." Dig in, those are the famous Eggs ala Rex." Tanya leaning against Roy said." The ala Rex part is the extra bacon and they are just not right if he hasn't burned the bacon somewhat." He glared at her then looked at Roy."If you are really serious about my daughter you better learn cooking or get a good Robo-Kitchen." "I am, Sir. I am as serious as I can be. I know I am still young and many adults tend to think of us a superficial and all that, but I am serious as can be." He poured juice and said." Time will tell, but so far there are no objections on my part." He served his wife and daughter and took a seat himself." Leaving your Partner with her is truly special and I can't say I am unhappy with it. She might be able to lose her Bodyguards, but she won't be able to lose the Fury Beast and he's better than a platoon of them." Roy polished his plate. "That is why I did it, Partner understood what I wanted." "I did talk to your Cara. She will be a very good teacher to you. If you learn as much from her as you picked up from Sam you will have one hell of an education." "I will try my best, Sir." "So what are your plans for the future after you finished the Wurgus thing and done with College?" "I thought of signing up for eight years with the Marines, Sir." "That's a good choice. I was a Marine long ago and you have what it takes I am sure. It will prepare you for your later life as well and your future as a business man." "A Business man, Sir?" "Well I thought if you are still an issue by then you might as well learn the family trait." At first as he said it, the idea was quite alien to him, but if he wanted to be with Tanya that was one thing he was certain about, he had to provide her with at least some of the lifestyle she was accustomed too. He know had a firm goal what he wanted and needed to do.

-

Clara greeted him in the Hotel." You really are some sort of magnetic personality. I must say. Only you manage to run not only in a pretty girl, but she being the daughter of none else but Rex Schwartz, certainly the richest individual in all galactic history and perhaps one of the most powerful as well." Roy raised his shoulders. "If I knew what it is I do, I turn it off. It is getting. ridiculous I know!" "In your case I almost believe in some predestined fate. Ah but there is no such thing and if there is only perhaps the Narth Supreme would know about it and even if he would talk to us, we would be none the wiser." "Tanya left an hour ago and Partner is with her." "It was a good thing. It would have been real hard to find an alternate identity for your beast." "I miss him and I already miss her!" "You really got bitten by the love bug, as the Terrans say, but I can't blame you." She then made a motion."Pack only the essentials and throw the rest away." "I am traveling with the essentials. I only got one other Bioseal suit, an extra pair of boots, personal hygiene stuff and 40 magazines for the TKU." "You won't need the bio suits for a while. We are traveling with another Luxury Liner to Gore II and from there we take a Fast Clipper to Blue Moon. Once we reached Blue Moon we board a Space Train and go straight to Sares Station, and then we are basically home."

Roy really missed Partner as he boarded another Luxury Liner with the Saresii. She had put on a wig to hide her silver hair and he felt out of place in the business suit she had bought for him, his TKU in a small business Suit case. Totally unpractical. It would take him forever to get to it! Even though Partner had to be many light years away by now he suddenly could feel him. Roy saw images in his mind of Tanya and the little Fury Hound. He blushed as he saw Tanya in her bed room with very little on. There was no really a way to look away it was what Partner saw. Then he got the certain feeling that Partner missed him too, but was content at the same time. This Cruise ship was as luxurious and big as the Silver Swan but it did not have this huge viewing port, he liked so much at the other ship. Cara had booked only one Suite. It had two separate bed rooms and it had no balcony, something Roy would have liked.

Cara did not wear her usual skintight velvet suits but a dress of dark color, even with the dark brown hair of her wig she was a striking beauty. After they settled in, she said." We be on our way pretty soon. It's only twelve days to Gore II. We do have two days layover there. It is the strangest planet ever discovered and the only one of its kind. It is also one of the most controversial places." "What's so special about it?" "I am going to change for dinner, why don't you check on it on GalNet?"

Gore II was so he found out, indeed most unusual. It was a planet sized Organism! A ball roughly the size of Earth with a dark rough crust made and no atmosphere. The Crust was nothing but a thick layer of carbonized burned and frozen skin like material! Beneath it had no liquid or rock core like other planets. It was made of a flesh like substance, even a system of gigantic blood vessels with a circulation of something not unlike blood. It was discovered by a Corporate Vessel 700 years ago, while it was still in unclaimed space. Scientists went nuts over the find and went there in droves, establishing the first base on the surface of the thing. According to the Encyclopedia Galactica, scholars even squabbled if it was indeed a planet or something entirely different. The scientists believed that the organism feeds on light and warmth from the sun and takes in space dust, hydrogen molecules and meteors for nourishment and growth and that this process had reached a limit and that the organism or creature went into some sort of evolutionary hibernation. It was classified as carbon based life form but all attemnpts to proof it had any conciousness or even feelings failed. Neither Saresii nor a visiting Narth could detect any thought patterns. Since it was not sentient the Company could not stopped to exploit the world. Sixty known religions formed their base on the discovery of the planet sized life form. But the scientists were even split on the definition if it was indeed a life form at all, since it neither reproduced, nor produced or consumed. Some scholars believed that it is a dying creature and because of its size the dying process would take millions of years. None of the other planets in the Gore system had any similarities to Gore II and were just the regular rock and gas kind. The most popular theory was, that a single Organism started growing and consumed the original planet and once it had consumed all there was it became dormant and perhaps started dying. Underneath the surface where tunnel rivers in a tissue like material, caves and hollow areas. A wide range of animal creatures lived within the planet and those rivers, The planet was almost instantly a tourist attraction but also the sight of much violence, as a Terror Group called "Free Gore" used violent terror to fight for their cause. He read that the Group was quite successful at first but got virtually eradicated after the planet was sold to another Corporation.

Roy leaned back. There was plenty more to read and watch but he thought he knew enough for the moment. What a strange place that planet must be, and there was a colony and cities! Cara came out of her room and wore a short red dress and gloves." Since you like gloves I thought I put some on. Are you ready for dinner?" "You are very beautiful, even as a brunette. And I do like the looks of those gloves I must admit!" He looked himself over in a mirror." You think I be okay like that?" "Yes you are, and since you don't wear your Bio-seal suit and no artillery we might even be able to finish our dinner tonight." "We would not have this dinner tonight, if I did not have my TKU with me the last time." "You are quite correct."

Still Cara turned quite a few heads, no one really watched him and this time they simply had a table for themselves and nothing at all happened. The food was exceptionally good and he found he loved Italian food. After the meal they served coffee and liquor and Cara leaned forward." They are looking for us, but haven't spotted or recognized us, but we better get to our rooms and find you a better disguise. And don't start looking around!" She got up and so did Roy. As they passed a table with two men his Sense of Danger warned him, but very subtle. Outside he said:" It was those two men, right?" "Yes, they are hired Assassins of the Cursed Moon guild. Very effective and very expensive. They are looking for a Saresii and a Greenie traveling with a huge animal." "You read their minds?" "No I read their lips. They are both shielded and they would notice if I tried to break it." As they walked to the elevator he said." What do you mean by reading their lips?" Humanoids form their words using lips. With a little practice you can see what they are saying by simply watching their lips. It is a nearly forgotten skill. It was used by people of Earth who could not hear. Of course since deafness does no longer exist the skill to read lips has been forgotten, but it is still taught at PSI Corps." "You know a lot of neat things!" "I have a neural Upload file you can have so you can do it too!"

They went back into their suite. "Do you think they have spotted us?" "No not yet, they are not sure we are on board, but they are certain we are traveling to Sares. They are expecting visuals of you and me." "Someone is sending them pictures?" "I think so. I could not read it all and saw only the lips of the man facing us. Someone is sending them recordings of the boarding cams of the Silver Swan ." "Then they will recognize us, with or without Partner." She nodded." We need to disguise ourselves or we will be constantly in danger." “How?” “ Two rich congregation members of the Heart of the Galaxy Church are on a Pilgrimage to see the heart themselves and worship. They have already booked a suite and since they are only two of many that make that trip they will hardly stand out.” “Okay so we are going to pretend to be religious and become those pilgrims right?” She nodded.” Exactly. It happens that they have their suite just across the corridor and we will go there as soon as we have changed.” “Don’t we need to know very much about that religion if some others ask us?” “Yes but part of our disguise will be a neural upload with all there is to know. I don’t think that will be the problem. But those pilgrims are women and you would have to pretend and dress like one for the time being, I hope that isn’t a problem.” “I’d prefer some other disguise and I bet I will look like a red skinned stomper in a herd of grey ones. Everyone will notice” “This suits autodresser will take care of it. It might look like a regular one but with the right program code it has all the features of a Saresii Model.” The process was actually almost painful and took much longer than any autodresser session he had ever done before.