5 Fury in the Dark of Space

The Flight of the Armada

Book Five: Fury in the Dark of Space

Jay Michael Jones

Smashwords Edition

Copyright 2012 by Jay Michael Jones

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

In loving memory of Sergeant Michael C. Hardegree

Table of Contents

Chapter 40: A Very Special Patient

Chapter 41: Woodstock Christmas

Chapter 42: The Mystery of All Women

Chapter 43: The Distraction of Your Eyes

Chapter 44: A Cry in the Night

Chapter 45: Betrayal

Chapter 46: Unexpected Hope

Chapter 47: Fury in the Dark of Space

Chapter 48: The Nut Hatch

Chapter 49: Sword and Fist, and Word

Chapter 50: Downtime

Glossary

Characters

Other Books by Author

About the Author

Back to top

Chapter 40: A Very Special Patient

Stuart felt a chill come over him in November. Alien activity was up and he spent many nights on patrol in the Good Lad in an effort to protect Americans from assault by unfriendly visitors. Glendon, Spence and Brent covered other corners of the globe. Stuart’s late hours were tricky to explain to the dorm mother. Heather Smith assumed he was sneaking out for romance and reported him to Michael. Michael solemnly promised he would give Stuart a firm talking-to. Instead they went to Michael’s office, put their feet up on his desk and sipped wine as Stuart related his experiences.

The entire southwestern United States was a hotbed of activity and Stuart spent much of the time testing the visitors’ flight capabilities. Their ships were as agile and fast as a Thuringi spacecraft. The most important thing Stuart discovered was not about the otherworld visitors after all: Earthians who witnessed either alien ship were discredited when they reported the instances. The Thuringi were able to travel with impunity if they so desired because no sightings were given official recognition. They were given unofficial recognition, however, which was why they did not want to be obvious in their actions. Stuart did not trust any Earthian military force and suspected rumors that some aliens had been captured and interrogated, and perhaps experimented on, might be true. The Thuringi’s saving grace was that physically they closely resembled Earthians and were not as easily identified as otherworldly outside their ships – yet. Pleonian shielding and Arda-powered engines kept Thuringi ships from capture by their host world but there was no reason to be complacent.

The late hours wore down the Thuringi prince and in the close quarters of the private school, illnesses swiftly made the rounds of the students. He assumed the chill he felt was simply a reaction to the changing weather in America and attributed his warmer-than-usual temperature to the physical workout at basketball practice. Glenn Hurst heard Stuart attempt to clear his throat after they went to bed Friday night. What’s the matter? You don’t sound too good.

My throat is uncomfortable and – uff! – my head is stuffed. Glenn sat up and looked at his roommate’s side of the room. Stuart’s tall body made his feet stuck out over the end of the bed, and he curled up and coughed again. You know what, Stu? What you need is something warm to drink. Drinking hot cocoa might not cure you but it won’t hurt either. I can make you some; the directions are right there on the side of the can. He pulled on his robe and went downstairs to the kitchen.

Stuart followed him as far as the lobby, wrapped in his thick Thuringi blanket. He propped his socked feet on an ottoman to gain what warmth the gas log fireplace offered. He remembered when Darien and Gareth developed colds and wondered if he was succumbing to the same kind of malady. He considered telling Carrol but was too miserable to make even that much effort.

The front door opened and Johnny carried in his guitar case. Putting the case down near the fireplace, he took out the guitar and idly strummed the instrument. Not feeling good, Prince Valiant? he asked Stuart, who shook his head miserably.

How was your gigging? Stuart asked with a raspy voice.

Our gig, Johnny corrected with a grin. Oh, it was so-so. We were the opening act and the crowd liked us really well, but then it turned out that the headliner’s lead singer o.d.’d or something. They had to take him to the hospital, so the band didn’t show. The whole crowd got real ugly. I mean, it wasn’t our fault and they knew that, but they were still pissed and I don’t blame them a bit. But it’s okay! Our album’s selling really well and getting good airplay. Dick Clark’s people are talking to us about guesting on Bandstand. Cool, huh?

Uh huh, Stuart agreed, although he would not have understood what Johnny meant even if healthy. Steve and Mike came in, followed by C. L. Mike sat sideways on the couch, facing Stuart, and tucked his own feet under the loose blanket surrounding the sickly Thuringi. C. L. sprawled on a nearby loveseat and heaved a sigh. Steve went straight up to bed, waving at Stuart and blasting out a sneeze as he went up the stairs.

Another one bites the dust, C. L. said in regard to Steve. You’d think with all the pills he has, one of them could be a legal cure for the head cold.

Yeah and if he doesn’t lay off that stuff, I’ll make him think, cold, Johnny grumbled. I don’t see why he has to use, man; he’s too smart to waste his brains like that. I’m not the sharpest dart on the board so I can’t afford to burn off a single brain cell.

Quit shortchanging yourself, Mike told him. As long as your dart sticks to the board at all, you’re not dumb. He nudged Stuart with a toe. How are you tonight, Big Guns?

Stuart groaned and doubled over. I feel so horrible! This must have been what Darien and Gareth had.

Who, what? Mike asked.

"Egon brocca delun, cordeshia ist fe, Stuart moaned. N…nothing." His friends’ words swam in and out of his ears but he could not concentrate on what they meant. Glenn brought in two steaming cups and handed one to Stuart.

Okay so it isn’t really cocoa, but instant breakfast is the closest thing I could find.

Chocolate milk is chocolate milk, Johnny rationalized.

C. L. stretched and said, You know, I always assumed milk came from milkweed plants, but it doesn’t. It comes from carnations. Glenn and Johnny and Mike exchanged glances, trying to decide who should be the one to tell the sheltered rich boy the facts. Seeing their faces, C. L. sat up a little straighter and defiantly pointed out, Look, it says right on the carton: Carnation Milk. Glenn sputtered, trying not to spit chocolate milk on his lap. Johnny shook his head and lightly tapped his forehead against the side of the guitar. Mike smiled and nodded. He glanced over at Stuart and instantly grew serious.

Stuart’s face was damp with perspiration. He sat with his eyes closed as sweat droplets raced down the sides of his face. His shoulder length hair was drenched dark at the roots, and he shivered uncontrollably. Mike quickly took the drink from his hands. Stuart? Stuart? Mike called, and Stuart began to speak again in Thuringi. Mike felt his forehead. Guys, go get Mrs. Smith; he’s got a fever from hell. Glenn jumped up to go knock on her door, and Johnny put his guitar aside. C. L. came over to tuck the blanket around Stuart’s feet.

The yellow eyes sprang open, and they glowed in the half-light of the fireplace. His feet twitched as if driving a car. (What is wrong with my controls? Why aren’t they responding)? he asked in Thuringi.

Unable to understand, Mike patted his arm and answered, Sure; sure Big Guns, whatever you say. Stuart turned to look at him with an intensity that made Mike uneasy.

(Take another fighter group out of the harbor area. If they attack the GPQ’s before we can get them aloft, we’ll lose thousands), he ordered.

Stu buddy; you’re sick. You need to get to bed, Mike said. Heather Smith hurried out of her apartment, tying her robe belt securely around her waist. She remembered Michael Sheldon’s strict instructions concerning the Thuringi: "If either of them gets sick God forbid, do not, I repeat; do not take them to a hospital off campus and don’t bother with our staff. We’ll have to arrange for one of their own medical people to care for them."

Why? she had asked, and Michael’s reply was as simple as it was infuriatingly obtuse.

Those are the orders. They are different from you and me, that’s all.

She popped a thermometer into Stuart's mouth, and he automatically spit it out.

(Stop wasting time, I’m not hungry! Tell General Shanaugh I see the pattern; we have only a few minutes before another wave comes in)! He struggled to get out of the tucked-in blanket. (Damn it all, what’s this in the cockpit)?

Go get Carrol, Heather ordered Johnny, seeing that Stuart was trying to get up. To C. L. she said, Call Dr. Sheldon. Tell him Stuart is very, very sick and he’s delirious. Ask him what to do.

Get him to a doctor, Mike suggested the obvious.

We can’t, Heather told him unhappily. I have strict orders that only a Thuringi doctor can tend to him. Don’t ask me why, because I don’t know. Oh!—Stuart wait; sit back down!

(Got to evacuate the castle), Stuart panted. She pushed him gently back down, and he struggled to regain his sense of balance. (Mother! Where’s Aura? Oh God, my Aura! We can’t leave Aura)!

Meanwhile, Carrol made it downstairs at a run after Johnny pounded on her door to awaken her. She wore men’s pajamas, and tripped a little over the loose fabric around her feet. She heard Stuart speak in Thuringi, and could see that he looked frighteningly sick. She held a little brown satchel and pulled from it what for the Earthians was an odd hand-held instrument. She placed it against to his ear. (Ssh, Stuart; you’ve very ill. You’re on Earth, you must be still so I can take a reading of you), she soothed as she watched the gauge.

(I’ve got to find Aura), Stuart told her worriedly. (I’ve looked all over the castle and I can’t find her). Carrol glanced at him with more than a degree of concern. (Darien! Is Darien back yet? Is he back, did he make it back)?

(Yes, he made it back, all is well). Carrol shuddered when she saw the gauge. Tell Michael Stuart’s feverish with a hundred five reading, she said sharply in American to Heather. This is very bad. Tell him to call in a medical quickly.

C. L. was already on the phone to Michael again. Heather pursed her lips and frowned at Carrol. She did not like that the Thuringi insisted on using their own personal doctors instead of the excellent physician the school had on call, any more than she liked for this strangely mature teenager referring to Michael on a first-name basis. We can get Dr. Richardson.

Your doctors can do nothing for my brother. I need a Thuringi medical right now, Carrol demanded. Glenn, help me loosen his shirt.

Michael ran in from the entrance. They’re on their way, he told Carrol. How bad is he?

One hundred five, Carrol said. (Damn it all, if I weren’t in the role as student, I might do some good. But this has happened so quickly, Michael. He wasn’t ill this afternoon. I’m frightened).

I’ll go repeat the call. He returned to the administration building.

I just gave him some hot instant breakfast; is he allergic to it? Glenn asked worriedly.

No, Carrol told him. I don’t think that had anything to do with this.

"(Fire the laser cannons; don’t let the Freen take on direct fire)," Stuart whispered feverishly, moving his arms around slightly.

You know, we have an excellent physician on call right here, Heather reminded her. Your people would have to fly halfway around the world to get here, and he’s only minutes away. Carrol paid no more attention to her; she directed to the boys to help her lay Stuart down on the couch.

We need to try to bring the fever down, she said as she pulled his shirt off over his head. Get some ice and wrap them in hand towels, and bring them to me. They jumped to do her bidding.

Carrol, it is nonsense, criminally wrong to ignore our own medical staff, Heather chided her.

(Don’t argue with Carrol, Mother), Stuart moaned as he moved his arms aimlessly.

Listen to me: as long as Michael calls the island, someone will be here shortly to help Stuart. Don’t try to convince me any of you people know how to treat one of us, Carrol said to her.

His name is Doctor Sheldon to you, young lady, Heather said sternly, fists on her hips. And you are no different from anyone else.

Oh, shut up, Carrol told her bluntly. Heather was so outraged by that, she could not speak. The boys returned with ice-packed dish towels, and Carrol placed them on Stuart’s frighteningly hot body.

(I don’t want a bath. I want to find Aura and Erich), Stuart called out.

What’s he saying? Is he like, losing his mind? Johnny asked. Glenn turned on the overhead lights, and Stuart’s eyes suddenly sprang wide open.

(Daylight! Daylight! They’re attacking Arne in broad daylight! Get to the hangers, follow the general’s lead)! Stuart shouted, and bolted upright which scattered the ice and towels.

(Stuart, please lay back down), Carrol pleaded. A sweep of her brother’s arm sent her sprawling. He grabbed up Heather and carried her to an armchair, and threw her into it.

"(Mother, wait there until Thurman comes for you. What are you doing here, you should be on the Quantid), he said in confusion. Heather got to her feet, and Stuart pushed her right back down again. (Mother, please do as I say)," Stuart said, a little cross at her. Frightened at his strength, she froze in place.

"Moder? Mother! He thinks you’re his mother!" Mike called out to Heather. Carrol returned to Stuart and seized his arm, and he shook her off irritably.

(Carrol, not now. I can’t come look at the Kellis game), Stuart told her.

Oh, he’s becoming completely irrational now, Carrol fretted. Johnny and Glenn each took one of Stuart’s arms in their grasps and held on tight. Stuart shook them away like rag dolls.

(I don’t want to play Kellis now), Stuart bellowed, outraged. (Why can’t you people use your heads? This is no time for games)! The Earthians did not understand and continued to try to hold him down. He fought to keep them off, and Carrol was afraid one of them would be injured. She also tried to hold Stuart again, and he grew frustrated. "(Carrol, you must get to the Quantid! I’ll take care of Maranta, he’s got to be here somewhere). He turned to his friends. (We have people to defend! What are you doing standing around the hanger)? he demanded, and pointed to the archway that embraced the opposing stairways. (Get to your ships at once! At once, by order of your prince, damn your eyes)!" he thundered, and the boys scrambled to go to where he pointed. The stairways were lined with sleepy, curious students, wondering what all the fuss was about.

Ginger worked her way to him, unmindful of warning shouts. Stuart, she cautiously approached him holding up her hands in supplication, It’s all right. We’re your friends.

(Aura! Where have you been, darling, I’ve been so worried), Stuart cried out, and snatched her up in a literally warm embrace. (We’ve got to get you out of here. Where’s Erich)? Glancing around, his sights set on the diminutive Mike Sheridan, standing cautiously over where Stuart ordered moments ago.

Uh oh, Mike muttered.

(Erich)! Stuart shouted joyfully, and went over to get him. With one arm around Ginger and the other around Mike, Stuart turned and strode to a sofa. As if lofting a pillow in the air, he tossed Ginger and Mike onto the couch. He suddenly stopped and stared ahead as if seeing something horrific. (Oh God, no! Stop them, no)! He shouted at nothing. (Get him out; get him away before they get to him! I’m coming, Maranta)! Stuart picked up the same couch he had just tossed his friends on, and lifted it into the air. They desperately clawed on the fabric for a handhold. (Come quickly, Maranta – Maranta, where are you? Maranta! Maranta!) he shouted, turning this way and that as the passengers hung on as best as they could.

(Ensign Phillipi, come to attention)! boomed out a powerful, deep voice from the front doorway. Stuart froze into place. Every head turned to the sound of the voice.

Son of a bitch, it’s a effin’ general or somethin’, Jackie Price whispered from his vantage point behind a banister rail on the stairs.

It’s a goddamn door, Tony whispered beside him.

It was neither, but it was Sandan Medina; close enough. He was a sight none of the Earthians would ever forget: nearly eight feet tall in white breeches, black boots, and a severely tailored black tunic with silver piping. All manner of medals and rectangles adorned the front of his tunic. On the belt at his waist hung a glittering scabbard with an ornately carved handle, and a gleaming pistol the likes of which they had never seen before. A wide black hat with a sweeping brim sat on his head at a rakish angle. In one hand he held a little bag similar to Carrol’s. He strode in and stood before Stuart, the tallest boy in school dwarfed by the immense man before him. (Ensign Phillipi, you are in no condition to fly. You must return to your quarters at once), Sandan commanded.

But the Armada is in danger, Stuart replied, swaying a little. Carrol took the opportunity to help Ginger and Mike off the couch.

(You honestly think in your condition that you can be of service? You are ill, Ensign. Return to quarters at once), Sandan commanded.

But –

(Are you refusing an order from a superior officer)? Sandan roared, and Stuart immediately came to attention.

No, sir! he shouted obediently.

(Then drop that object and return to quarters)!

At once, sir!

The couch landed with a powerful thud. Another Thuringi officer stood beside the front doorway at attention just as Michael Sheldon entered. All right, everyone remain calm, Michael began, butTom Lincoln was on his heels, alerted by the commotion and determined to dominate and contain.

What the hell is going on here? Tom demanded and pointed a finger at the Thuringi colonel. You there! Who the hell are you supposed to be? Tom became suddenly aware that the business end of a very elaborate and deadly looking pistol was pointed at his head by a uniformed woman who seemed only too ready to use it. Glendon Garin stood on the other side of the Earthian, his sword at the ready. Tom paled and lowered his hand slowly.

‘How kind of you to let me come’, the woman said in perfect English.

(It’s all right, Glendon; Keleigh), Michael assured her. (He means no harm). They lowered their weapons but kept Tom well within sightline. Tom, I’ve got this.

I’ve got…I’ve got to help Maranta, Stuart gasped, his energy spent at last. Sandan caught him as the crown prince passed out. As Sandan picked him up the students spied the long thick braid that extended from Sandan’s hat to the back of his knees.

(We have a medical facility on campus. If you’ll follow me, I’ll take you to it), Michael told him, and Sandan nodded. Keleigh stepped to one side with a cautious eye on Tom Lincoln but she holstered her pistol. You kids go on back to bed, Michael called to students. Everything is going to be all right; no more drama tonight.

The front door posed a problem for Sandan. Already as broad as the doorway with Stuart in his arms, to his dismay he could not fit sideways either. Finally, Sandan threw his prince unceremoniously over one shoulder, stooped slightly and carried him out like a sack of bran grains. It was undignified but practical.

Oh, am I glad to see you! Carrol whooped as she threw her arms around Keleigh’s neck and hugged her. She included Glendon in the embrace.

C.L. demanded, Why couldn’t we take him to the hospital? That’s stupid, he could die or something! It’s crazy to refuse to get help right away. We have the best doctors and hospitals in the world here in America. What’s wrong with you?

Your medicine and treatments could kill him, Carrol said. He’s not like you.

What, like he’s so different? He’s as human as the rest of us.

You are most kind to be concerned, but he is in the very best of medical care. Doctor Medina is second to none, Glendon told him.

We don’t exactly operate with stone tools.

No, Glendon agreed, but what you have is not far beyond, and in any case would not help. There is a particular virus which adversely affects Thuringi in ways it does not affect – er, any of you, Glendon told him. Come, Carrol; Keleigh and I must attend to your brother and the needs of the good colonel.

Tom Lincoln sufficiently recovered from his state of alarm enough to shake his finger and warn Carrol, No firearms are allowed on campus, young lady. Tell your friends that. They are to turn their weapons in to the office.

I understand, Dr. Lincoln, but they are sworn to protect Stuart from anyone they perceive as a threat. Keleigh stepped between Carrol and Tom, pistol still in hand.

Why? Tom demanded, and gave Keleigh a belligerent once-over.

(Sir, advance no further toward the princess of Thuringa), Keleigh warned.

The what?

Take Her Highness out of doors, Glendon told Keleigh. Perhaps I can explain –

You can’t pull a pistol on me; I belong on this campus and you don’t, Tom snapped.

Then take it from me, sir, Glendon invited grimly. It was enough to make Tom Lincoln pause as Carrol and Keleigh left.

Are you trying to tell me the Phillipis –

The Phillipis are the prince and princess of Thuringa. It is my duty and that of Captain Shanaugh to defend them.

Well…well, I never heard of them!

Your ignorance is of no concern of mine, sir.

God, they just keep getting better and better, Glenn followed Carrol and Keleigh. Who was that big guy, Carrol, and uh, who is this lovely lady? Keleigh was anxious to go and only gave Glenn a curious once-over. He wore the same kind of strange casual clothing that Stuart wore on his break on the Armada, and his light brown hair only just covered his ears and did not extend below his shirt collar. He looked like an overgrown child to the Thuringi woman.

This is my best friend Keleigh, Carrol told him. (Keleigh, this is Stuart’s roommate Glenn).

(That is grand but we must see to Stuart)! Keleigh exclaimed as she rushed after Sandan, leaving Carrol with Glenn.

I sometimes have that mesmerizing effect on girls, Glenn cracked.

She’s just concerned for him, Carrol replied. Don’t worry. Colonel Medina is one of the most talented doctors in the Thuringi medical corps. He’ll put our Stuart to rights. I really need to help Keleigh before she gets lost and ends up in Dallas.

I could help her, Johnny offered, but Carrol shook her head and hurried away.

Effing picked up the couch with two people on it, Jackie marveled from his seat on the stairs. Think you still want to wrestle Big Guns, Thorpe?

Uh uh, Thorpe responded, awestruck. Did you see that other fella? – like a damn door!

I bet the Moon knows them guys, Curtis whispered to himself.

All right, go to bed, go to bed, Tom complained to the students, waving them back as if they were jets and he was on an aircraft carrier. Despite his bravado he was not particularly anxious to try to wrestle weaponry from Glendon or the woman soldier. He did not think he would win.

Every time any Thuringi showed up to visit Stuart, there was always a great deal of commotion accompanying them. It was two in the morning, and Heather wondered how fast their planes could travel to get them there so quickly. Perhaps they had an embassy nearby; that was the only explanation that made sense. The only Thuringi she felt comfortable around was the lighthearted Brent, not the grave-faced, deep voiced mountainous apparition who just appeared nor the curvaceous but lethal-looking woman in a similar uniform.

"Sandan and I were in the Standard when Prince Erich ran in saying Glendon was in need of a medical for Stuart, Keleigh explained to Carrol on the way to the infirmary. He said it was urgent and felt there was no time to waste flying over to the Daven Bau when he just saw Sandan in the Standard moments before. He had been in the throne room and saw Glendon getting out of the transporter ship. We didn’t know what might have happened. Sandan came along for medical and I came along for arms."

I’m glad you did, Carrol said, relieved that Sandan was there to do the medical procedures that she could not. She did not want to admit it to herself while it was happening, but Stuart’s delirium was so close to Maranta’s in his final days that Carrol was terrified for her brother’s life.

Once at the infirmary, Michael sent the waiting nurses home by explaining Stuart was a special patient with special needs and his own medicals. When the other three Thuringi arrived, Michael returned to the dormitory to make certain that his other young charges were not up, and to reassure them of Stuart’s wellbeing if they were.

Glendon brought in three large metal cases that opened up into portable labs, and set up work stations. Carrol made use of what Earthian equipment was useful to them. She drew blood from Stuart while Sandan carefully studied monitors attached to the prince. Keleigh stood beside Stuart as he lay on the examination table, sponging off his feverish body with a wet cloth. Sandan and Carrol studied the blood samples in examiners.

That was inspired, calling out orders to him as if he was a cadet, Glendon told Sandan.

One cannot call him Colonel Stuart Phillipi if he is to be believed to be an Earthian child of teen years, Sandan explained as he inspected a sample. I wasn’t certain if anyone understood Thuringi, but I did not wish to waste time second guessing.

After an anxious half hour Carrol said, I think I’ve identified it. Sandan took a look at her findings.

What is it? Glendon asked.

It’s a variation of the virus that struck us at the ranch, Carrol told him. We must all be susceptible to this particular type, and it caught Stuart in a vulnerable state. It does not affect me but my ability had little effect when I tried to help him earlier. It had little effect on Darien and Gareth either, when they were ill.

We need to investigate this further in our labs, Sandan told them. It would be dangerous, foolishly dangerous, to bring our population here and risk having them all come down with this same virus at once. Once we determine a treatment for Stuart, we can duplicate it for the Phillipi line. Then we must work to develop a vaccine for everyone else, perhaps based on what you did for Gareth. Damnation, if only the king would allow a medical team to come here and work! There’s no telling how many other Earthian diseases will affect us, or even kill us.

Put it in your report; I’ll put it in mine, Glendon told him, and Sandan nodded. Well, anything yet?

I have no idea. Thanks to the overcautious bishop, we medicals have not had the chance to study the effect of Earthian diseases on Thuringi physiology before. Be patient, Glendon.

Glendon decided to move the Good Lad into Michael’s garage before dawn revealed it to curious eyes on campus, as it was currently parked in back of the infirmary on the lawn.

Keep applying cool water to him, Keleigh; keep him hydrated and as comfortable as possible but don’t let him chill. Sandan and Carrol continued to work. Sandan stripped Stuart down to his underwear and had Keleigh sponge the sick prince with wet cloths. Despite the concern she enjoying her task. Every now and then she soaked the cloth in a basin of water and wrung it out to refresh its coolness. Around one of his wrists was a double-looped braid of hair and ribbon, and she put her hand over the braid. Stuart’s bloodshot yellow eyes opened.

You’ve come, he rasped, his voice hoarse from illness and shouting.

Yes, we’re here. Keleigh took his hand to hold in hers. You must rest now; you’re ill.

Here at last, Stuart said, watching her through half-open eyes.

Yes, Keleigh whispered in an effort to prevent him from going into another feverish romp.

Glendon returned from outside just as Stuart whispered to Keleigh, Stay with me by my side. She squeezed his fingers in reply. He closed his eyes, a small smile on his face. Glendon helped Keleigh apply the wet cloths. Proper man that he was, Glendon heard Stuart’s words as royal directions. The possibility of Stuart’s words having an alternate meaning did not even occur to him.

How did the two of you get to come? Carrol asked Sandan, pleased with their presence.

"It pays to be regulars at the Standard, Sandan said with a grin as he experimented with some chemicals. We had just come in to hear the latest set of music Brent sent through, when Erich ran in and seized my arm. Says, ‘Father is ill on Earth, you must go quickly!’ Well, he didn’t have to repeat it; I was on my way before he could finish. Keleigh was right behind me. We crowded into Glendon’s Golden Boy or whatever he calls it, and here we are. You see, Keleigh? Here we are on Earth at last and we didn’t have to get on a list or get permission from the Bishop or any such thing. We were trying to figure out how to get on the first squadron list," he explained to Carrol.

Timing is everything, Carrol agreed. "Oh! You said, ‘we crowded’. Did Erich come, too?"

No, Glendon and Keleigh and I were the only ones to go. We were as drunk as Thelans on a binge for a while until we got here.

There was barely room anyway, Keleigh commented. Colonel Medina could barely breathe.

I am grateful you are so supple, and forgiving, Sandan told her. To Carrol, Youngsters who have never traveled through wormholes or transportals tend to be suspicious of them the first time, despite their outward enthusiasm. Here now, I’ve located the formula you worked up with Darien. Let’s see if this variant won’t do our crown prince some good, Sandan said, and applied a tinsure of medication to Stuart. "This wasn’t very difficult with our equipment but it’s only because it’s based on your earlier results. I must say, Carrol,