From: "Aubrey W. Adkins" Subject: Adventures of Lyta After G'Kar Part 25 of ---(WIP) Date: Thu, 30 Dec 1999 22:41:58 -0500 ****************************************************************************** Adventures of Lyta After G'Kar Part 25 of ---(WIP) Criticism is welcomed. Without, it there can't be any improvement. Address criticisms to [xazqrten@home.com] Think of this as a space opera. All characters/places/persons not belonging to the writer are the sole properties of their owners, PTEN, WB, JMS, and will be turned over to the owners at the request of their agents. All other characters/places/persons are public domain. Rated PG-10 (Vocabulary "..." = spoken words <...> = telepathic speech [...] = one's own thoughts, internal (...) = to set off items such as acronyms immediately identified by the phrase they stand for. '...' = to set off odd items??? I don't have one for italics... yet. *************************************************************************** "Good morning Mr. Adderly, isn't it?" Asked Lyta. "I know who you are." "I'm not surprised. And, you probably have some ideas about what I can do." "I'm not impressed, Alexander. I'm on the depressant and at a disadvantage." "So you are. I'll have them discontinue the depressant. I've been in your mind, and I have come to the conclusion that it would be a disservice to mankind to release back into normal society someone who loves to kill and inflict pain the way you do." "You can't keep me locked up forever. I have friends who will come looking for me in a few days." "I plan to release you from captivity before sundown tomorrow. The basic problem from your point of view is that you won't get to watch it." "I'm not big on scenery." "I'm simply going to alter the memories of the others, and they will be released somewhere far away from here. They won't even remember this place or me." "What are you going to do with me?" "After they have been taken away, I will deal with you. I expect you to have your psi abilities back by then." "Why aren't you going to reprogram me?" "It won't be necessary, so I see no reason to waste the time. I am going to leave you with your thoughts, while I finish with your associates." As Lyta turned from the cell door, Adderly asked again, "What are you going to do with me?" He had heard about some of the things she had supposedly done. If she was going to let him get his abilities back before she dealt with him, it could only mean she intended to kill him, very painfully. He knew what he had done to others, the idea of someone doing it to him made him feel ill and very afraid. She could probably prolong his suffering as long as she wished. This idea made his skin feel like it was crawling. ************************************************************************ It was almost 0900 when Lyta exited the cell block area and told the guard she was finished. The two security men who had escorted her earlier, again walked with her as she approached and then took the elevator topside. "I need access to a communications terminal when we get back topside," commented Lyta to the senior security man. "You will have to use one on the other side ma'am," replied the man, referring to the other half of the installation. The remainder of the short trip was conducted in silence. Lyta went through the doors separating the two parts of the installation. She went to the wardroom, but it was empty. She poured herself a cup of coffee and sat down to enjoy it before calling Michael. She had almost finished her coffee when an alarm was sounded. It was followed by and announcement about a carbon dioxide dump. She tried to call Major Kent's office, but got no answer. Deciding that telling him she was finished could wait, She wondered what the alarm was all about. Since it was none of her business, she fixed herself another cup of coffee in an insulated, disposable container and headed for her shuttle. She would use her own communications system to call Garibaldi. ************************************************************************ Standing behind the watch, Major Kent asked, "Exactly what happened Sergeant Evans?" "I'm not really sure, Sir. The alarm is for a CO2 dispersion in section 10 Alfa. It is an unmanned motor-generator room and is used for power conversion on the lower levels. We show a smoke alarm and slightly elevated air temperature. It is showing 40 degrees C, Sir. It's warm, but not excessively so. We have had some ventilation problems in that end of the level and that may account for the temperature. Our IR detectors don't show anything hot enough to be a fire, but the interface between the monitor systems down there has had a number of false alarms lately." "Let me get this straight. We have interface problems with our monitor systems and that triggered the CO2 dump. How does that affect the rest of the level?" "Major, when the CO2 dumps in any area, there are automatic dampers that are supposed to close and isolate all the unaffected areas from the problem area... and the damned things didn't close. We've dumped almost twenty-two hundred kilograms of CO2 into the area. Without those dampers functioning, everything on level ten would be suffocated in less than five minutes... maybe even less time than that. It has been more than ten minutes since the alarm. We already have an emergency team on their way down with extra EBAs, but I don't have any hope for whoever is on that level." "Do any of the IR monitors work in the cell block area?" "I was hoping you wouldn't ask," replied Evans, pulling up an additional display on his console. "The monitors are working on a hit-or-miss basis, Major. " The major could see a blob of heat that must be one of the cell block guards. He could see the four blobs that because of their locations — must be the telepathic guests. There was no blob where the fifth and sixth ones should be and no blobs to account for the other three guards and Lyta. He wasn't surprised. Monitor devices had a habit of not functioning when the Alexander woman was within thirty or so meters of them. He didn't know where the other three guards were, but they had apparently not been at their station when the accident happened. Miss Alexander must have been with one of the telepaths whose cell monitors were malfunctioning. Major Kent stepped over to the communications panel and called Colonel Nixon and briefed him on the situation. The CO was visibly worried at the possibility of Lyta being killed while visiting his command. He called Bob Bryson in his room. "Good morning Colonel. What can I do for you?" Asked Bryson when he answered Colonel Nixon's call. "I assume you heard the alarm. Level ten was completely flooded with CO2. I am told your associate was down there." Looking at his watch, Bryson responded, "She would have been finishing up in a half an hour or so. What are her chances of being alive down there?" "Unless she can breathe CO2, none. The whole level is flooded. Our monitors show us at least five bodies in the area. Your friend screws up monitors when she's around, so we can't be sure if she is down there or not. Her escorts, two of the telepaths and the other cell block watch don't show up on the IR monitors, so I don't know." "With what I know about Lyta, I will believe she is dead only after the body is buried." "I understand your position, and in your place would feel the same way, but I don't want to get your hopes up." "Thanks for the call Colonel." ************************************************************************ "That's where we are now Mike. Without doubt the teeps we had on ice are history. Lyta had gotten everything she wanted from them. She was reprogramming them, so we could release them. I have a lot of data to sift through when I get back. If she is down there, I'll be delayed in returning." "Don't wouldn't worry about it Bob, until you see her body, and even then, be damned skeptical. I had a chat with Susan Ivanova a couple of years ago. If she is to be believed, you couldn't kill Lyta even if you shoved her out an airlock into space dressed in only her birthday suit." "I'll get back to you later, Mike." Bryson thought about what Michael had just told him. He felt better already. ****************************************************************************** Garibaldi had just broken the circuit with Bryson when the comm panel chirped to announce an incoming call. Michael looked at the face on the screen and said, "I hear you're dead. Is there any truth to the rumor." Lyta thought about it for a moment before responding. "I never seem to get the word, Michael. I'll have to check on it. until then, I'll just fake it." "Seriously, Lyta. Bryson just told me they had a bad accident on the cell block level." "I heard an alarm while I was having coffee in their wardroom. Since I am not part of the command, I didn't pay any attention to it." "Bob said that the entire tenth level was completely flooded with CO2. I suspect everyone on that level is dead unless they can breath the stuff. Can you breath it?" "I worked for Kosh, and went to and from the Vorlon home world. What do you think?" "Fortunately you weren't down there. Your survival would have been very hard to explain. By the way, when you get back here, I have some information that I think you will find pleasing." "You know I don't like surprises." "To quote you, "So, sue me"." "We will be returning by evening your time. I expect a good dinner." "I can do that. Take care." Lyta broke the circuit and left her shuttle. She might as well save the major and colonel from heart attacks. ************************************************************************ Lyta returned to the wardroom and used the communications panel to request the location of Colonel Nixon. She then placed a call to him. In his office, Nixon accepted the call, expecting more bad news. He visibly choked when he saw the image of Lyta Alexander. "I was informed that you were probably dead." "Bad rumor, Colonel. I was in the wardroom when the alarm sounded. The two security men assigned as my escorts are most likely okay, too." "We lost two of ours and the telepaths. I am sorry." "Any idea what happened?" "I am waiting for a report from Major Kent. The maintenance records I am looking at seem to suggest some installation problems still exist in that area. I will let you know what we find." "Just let Bob Bryson know. He has to brief Michael. This changes our plans for the telepaths down there." Lyta broke the circuit and began to think of alternatives for disposing of the bodies. ****************************************************************************** Lyta was working her way through a sandwich and glass of juice when Bob Bryson walked into the wardroom. "Morning, Bob. What now? This accident screws up my plans for the telepaths." "I just finished briefing Mike. He is sending a team to deal with it. The soldiers will be listed as having been on a random walk-through of the spaces on that level when the accident happened. Since they do those types of checks on an irregular schedule, the explanation will withstand even close scrutiny. Mike's team will make the other bodies disappear. It will be as if they were never here." "I regret the deaths of the younger five of them. I was going to dispose of the oldest one anyway. I had already decided that it would have been a crime to put him back out on the street." "You were going to kill him?" "Of course. You would have a problem with that? I have killed before, and I will again. It's not something I enjoy, but occasionally, it's necessary. Haven't you ever had to kill anyone before? I would think that in your line of work it would come up from time to time." "Yes, I have had to kill before, but I didn't have any choice. The way you discuss it is cold, uncaring." "Believe me, Bob, it gets easier after the first ten thousand or so." Bryson stared at her in disbelief. From behind him, a voice asked, "What gets easier after the first ten thousand or so?" It was Major Kent. "I don't mean to interrupt, but I couldn't help hearing that last remark as I came in." "What happened down there, Major Kent?" asked Lyta. "We think it is equipment malfunction. Our emergency response team is venting the space and inspecting the area where the CO2 dump occurred. I figure it will be a week or so before we can nail it down. We have been having some intermittent problems with the systems on that level. There are some systems down there that have never had their various control interfaces tested for mutual compatibility. We know what happened. We had a CO2 dump in response to an automated fire detection system in a motor-generator/power-conversion/distribution room. Why the ventilation system's isolation dampers failed, we don't know." "If there's nothing else for us here, we will be on our way after we eat lunch," offered Bryson. "I see no reason for you to remain. What you came here for is now a moot point," replied Major Kent. "It wasn't a loss, Major. I got what we came after," replied Lyta. "Colonel Nixon will probably want a word with you before you leave." "Our pleasure, Major," said Lyta. ****************************************************************************** Lyta and Bryson were halfway through lunch when Colonel Nixon sat down at their table. "Major Kent tells me you plan to depart after lunch. Won't that be a problem with all the monitoring being done from orbit?" "I don't see how," responded Lyta. "They were doing the same monitoring when we arrived. We aren't planning to fly out of here like a normal shuttle. We will leave the same way we came." "Just how did you get here. I know you used your shuttle, but Major Kent wasn't too talkative about your arrival." "You will have to wait and see. I could leave from where the shuttle is parked, but it would cause extensive damage in your hangar bay." "I don't have a clue about what you mean, Miss Alexander." "It's simple, Colonel. My shuttle, with me and Bob aboard, will simply vanish. Imagine the pressure drop in your hangar when the shuttle simply isn't there anymore. Every window in the place will be destroyed. That may or may not be the worst of it. If we leave from your landing pad, the space will be filled with the surrounding air. You will get one hell of a boom." "I have been informed that a team is on its way to take care of the bodies." Lyta and Bryson finished their meal and were enjoying a last cup of real coffee. "Our gear is aboard the shuttle, Colonel. It's time we were leaving," commented Bryson. "I will walk you to your ship. I am curious to see how you leave here without having to fly anywhere," said Colonel Nixon. ****************************************************************************** Lyta and Bryson were strapped into their seats. Her shuttle had been moved out onto the landing pad. Colonel Nixon and Major Kent were in the small control tower, immediately adjacent to the landing pad. They noted that Lyta's shuttle was as large as any they were familiar with. It was also hard to see it. Something was breaking up its outline and obscuring features. This must be why Lyta wasn't concerned with satellite monitoring. She hadn't started its main engines either. This reduced its infrared signature to that of its occupants and its thrusters. Lyta and Bob quickly ran through their pre-flight checks and brought the maneuvering thrusters on-line. Applying full power to the thrusters rewarded Lyta with the feel of the wheels leaving the ground. She retracted them at an altitude of less than ten meters. As she reached to power up the main engines the shuttle slipped from normal space to hyperspace. ******************************************************************************* Nixon and Kent were watching the shuttle slowly lift off until it was between five and ten meters from the pad surface. It was still impossible to get a clear visual image of the shuttle. Then, without warning, it simply wasn't there anymore. Its sudden disappearance was immediately followed by a tremendous sonic boom. "Major Kent, what did we just see?" "We saw a shuttle disappear, and I haven't the slightest idea how it was done, or where it went." "This is another of those things we don't ever talk about." "I'd say that sums it up nicely, Colonel," replied Kent. Later in the briefing room, Major Kent showed Colonel Nixon what his boys had been able to pull out of the downlink from several monitor satellites. "As you can see, Colonel, as soon as the hangar bay doors open a shifting distortion appears hiding the entire landing pad and hanger bay door. Some minutes later the distortion dissipates, and the landing pad is as bare as it was before the distortion appeared. We have tried to analyze it and the best we can come up with is it appears to be air of varying densities shifting positions and overlapping. As far as the reconnaissance satellites are concerned we had a weather anomaly." "Give the lady credit. She pulls things off in front of you face, and leaves nothing that can't be easily explained away. You have to love her style, Major." "Yes sir. Speaking as a spook, I heartily agree." ****************************************************************************** "Well, Bob, better get your taste buds ready. Michael's cooking, and we'll be there in less than two hours, counting surface transportation time." "I am looking forward to it. This has been an interesting trip. I am really sorry about the teeps." "I am sorry for all of them except Adderly. It was an accident. A damned unfortunate one, but an accident, nevertheless. My deepest sympathies are with the parents of the young soldiers." The remainder of their trip was uneventful. ***************************************************************************** "This is really outstanding, Michael," commented Lyta. "You really outdid yourself, Mike. This is about the best I can remember," added Bryson. "Flattery will get you nothing. Now what did you guys learn from those teeps?" "We learned who was responsible for the attack on Susan. We also learned a lot about people who cooperated with Psi Corps and the Shadows. We got leads on people who even now are working with the Drakh on some sorts of projects. I am going to have to break a lot of rules to learn more. I want Bob and some of his people to work with me. They have skills I need, but don't have. Besides, even I can't be in two or more places at once," said Lyta. "When do you plan to start?" Asked Michael. "In about eight or nine days. I have to take Maya home and get her enrolled in school. I also have to return some personnel to Glenthor, so they can get started on new assignments. I will let you know when I start back. You will then have about three and a half days before I get here," replied Lyta. "Where is this Glenthor located?" Asked Bob. "I will show you after the meal," responded Garibaldi. Then he added, "It just joined the IA about three years ago. It is one hell of a taxi ride to get there." "Michael, I'll have one more cup of real coffee, then I am turning in. This has been a tiresome couple of days, and I won't be getting much sleep after I leave here," noted Lyta. "Come on, Mike. I'll fill you in on the particulars," offered Bryson. "Lyta, the surprise, I mentioned, will be waiting for you when you get back," said Garibaldi. "I told you, I don't like surprises, Michael." "I think you will like this one," contributed Lise. "If I am right, it will set you on your ear." Dropping her walls as Maya had suggested, Lyta was struck by the feelings of well being and warmth that Michael and Lise were broadcasting, and waved of her hand in a motion of dismissal to the whole thing replying, "Whatever." Then getting up from the table, she said, "I need to call Babylon 5. I want to make sure my people are ready to go when I get there." "Come on, Lyta, I'll show you to a communications panel," offered Lise. ***************************************************************************** "Babylon 5 C&C, this is Lyta Alexander. I am ready to proceed to my docking station. I have surrendered maneuvering control to you." "This is C&C, roger, wait out." A minute later... "Lyta Alexander, this is C&C. You are the third ship in line." "Roger out," she replied. ***************************************************************************** Maya, Emily, Conrad and several others were waiting to board as soon as Lyta's shuttle was chocked and chained. Lochley had come down to see her before she left. "What can I do for you, Captain Lochley?" Asked Lyta. "I just came down to say good-bye, and tell you, Susan had a fire-fight on her way home. I don't know any of the particulars, but my understanding is she scared the living hell out of some generals, before it was over." At that Lochley extended her hand. "Lyta shook Lochley's hand and said, "I look forward to seeing you again after you get tired of playing soldier. Also, take good care of my telepath. He is fragile." "You have my word, Lyta." Captain Lochley turned and walked back the way she had come. Lyta went into the shuttle and began making preparations for launch. ************************************************************************************* Lochley was in C&C when Lyta's shuttle disappeared into the local jump gate vortex. "Good riddance to bad trash," said Corwin under his breath, just loud enough for his CO to hear. "Lieutenant Corwin!" Snapped Lochley. "My office, now!" "Yes sir, Captain." replied Corwin, realizing he had made a bad mistake. Corwin entered Lochley's office and found her sitting behind her desk. "Reporting as ordered, Captain." Looking at ease, Lochley said, "Mr. Corwin. You will do me the honor of explaining your remark, in detail." Corwin looking very distressed, began, "Sir, have you looked my service record over carefully?" "Only the standard once over. Why?" "According to my record, I attended a special intelligence school for the first six months after I graduated from the academy. The only problem is that I never set foot in the school and was never on the base where it is located." "What does that have to do with your comment about Lyta?" "Nothing and everything, Captain. The time when I was supposedly in school, I was on a secret base in another hemisphere on the other side of the planet." "You still haven't told me what this has to do with Lyta." For six months, Captain, I and fifteen other 'trainees' were used by Psi Corps as guinea pigs for their psi cop counter-intelligence students. We were taught to fight scans and then exposed to 'sensitive' information. It was our job to not reveal the information. If you have never undergone a forced deep scan, you cannot appreciate the experience." "No I can't. I understand Lyta stood up to it and pyscho-active drugs for more than a year, and the people questioning her were experienced interrogators. They never broke her or got any useful information from her." "She must be one hell of a strong personality. At any rate, when they were finished with us, they wiped our memories and dumped us back into a transportation barracks at the academy. My record was altered to show my attendance at that school. As for why I remember any of it, well, let's just say they tried and failed. As for my feelings toward Lyta, I was one of those in the Zocalo when she took control of our minds. She didn't hurt anyone, but I hate her for it. As a matter of fact, Captain, I don't like telepaths at all." "I think I understand your feelings, Mister Corwin. You have a right to your feelings and beliefs. Just in the future, keep them to yourself, when you are anywhere in an official capacity. Do I make myself clear?" "Yes Sir. Perfectly." "For your information, David, you, me and everyone on this station owes his or her life to Lyta Alexander. It was she who destroyed the bulk of that Drakh fleet. Before you hate all telepaths, remember that one fact." "Yes Sir." "You are dismissed." ************************************************************************************* Exiting the Glenthorian system jump gate, Lyta's shuttle made good speed toward the planet. She called the navigation control for the planet and got clearance to proceed straight to her private landing pad at her 'farm'. As the shuttle touched down, Lyta looked at Maya and commented, "We are home, Sweetheart. It feels good to be back." Walking to the passenger area of the shuttle, she announced, "We are here folks. It's time to get out. I will arrange for local transportation for those who need it. Mr. Conrad, I will accompany you to the corporation headquarters tomorrow. Meanwhile, you are all my guests. Rooms are ready for you and the noon meal awaits your presence." ****************************************************************************** "Mom. Why do I have to go to the Glenthorian school?" Asked Maya. "You need to learn how to interact with people your own age. Besides it won't hurt for you to learn something about your home planet." "But I wasn't born here," she argued. "True, but then you were born in space onboard G'Kar's ship. So you don't have a home planet per se. I know, you have Minbari citizenship, but this is where you are growing up. Arguing isn't going to change anything." "I will do it, but I am not going to like it." "So you say now. You have never interacted with children your own age. It will be an enlightening experience." "Why do I have to live there?" "It is a private boarding school. I understand it has a reputation of turning out leaders." "Leader, smeader, I still don't like the idea. I will be away from home." "You just remember to behave and don't use your abilities. I want you to study and learn. If you play troublemaker, I will not be pleased." "I get the picture, but I still don't like it," groused Maya. "I am sure you will do just fine, Sweetheart." Lyta kissed Maya goodnight and left, turning off the overhead light as she went. ****************************************************************************** Lyta made arrangements with Rohe Hental to set up meetings with various CEOs and security directors of some of the major corporations on Glenthor. It would be at least two days until the first meeting could be convened. Rohe wanted to meet with Jason and go over the general outline of what would be expected of him and to get a feel for how Jason worked. There were many details to be addressed. It would give her time to get Maya checked into the school and make sure she fit in with the rest of the students. Her only regret was that Maya would be the only non-Glenthorian student in the school. There was a knock on Lyta's door. It was Emily. Lyta invited her in. "What can I do for you, Emily?" "I have been thinking. Mr. Conrad is going to need and interpreter. I would like to work with him. I can make his learning the language much easier than it would be otherwise." "You aren't falling for him, are you?" "No way. He is almost old enough to be my dad. We're just good friends. Besides, he treats me like a younger sister." "You have other duties to perform." "I know. I was just hoping." "I didn't think you trusted men?" "I don't. Jason has no interest in me as a woman. That makes everything so much easier." "Have you looked at yourself in a mirror, lately?' "I don't have to. I know what I look like. Looks have never been something I worried about. You don't miss something you've never had." "You're too hard on yourself, Emily." "I'm just being a realist, Lyta." Emily was a wonderful young woman. If only she had a better opinion of herself. Her habit of dressing in drab clothing, wearing her hair in as plain a fashion as one could imagine, and using no makeup, hid a very pretty young woman from the people around her. Her P-12 rating and excellent health had made her a prize specimen for the eugenics projects that Psi Corps had in operation. Her numerous rapes at the hands of psi cops due to her refusal to be part of the required reproduction projects, had caused her to withdraw from having anything to do with men. Her self-induced abortions had not only convinced the corps doctors that she was unfit for their programs, they told her that her actions made it virtually impossible to get pregnant, much less carry a child to term. "We will see how you work out assisting Jason." "Thank you. All I ask is a chance." Emily was about to leave, but she hesitated at the door and turned to look at Lyta. "You know what Psi Corps did to me. Do you honestly think that I could ever consider being with any man, regardless of how nice he is?" Lyta looked thoughtfully at her, "No. I don't think that is a possibility." "Goodnight, Lyta." *********************************************************************************** END PART 25 From: "Aubrey W. Adkins" Subject: Adventures of Lyta After G'Kar Part 26 of ---(WIP) Date: Sun, 02 Jan 2000 20:37:13 -0500 Adventures of Lyta After G'Kar Part 26 of ---(WIP) Criticism is welcomed. Without, it there can't be any improvement. Address criticisms to [xazqrten@home.com] Think of this as a space opera. All characters/places/persons not belonging to the writer are the sole properties of their owners, PTEN, WB, JMS, and will be turned over to the owners at the request of their agents. All other characters/places/persons are public domain. Rated PG-10 (Vocabulary) "..." = spoken words <...> = telepathic speech [...] = one's own thoughts, internal (...) = to set off items such as acronyms immediately identified by the phrase they stand for. '...' = to set off odd items??? I don't have one for italics... yet. ****************************************************************************** After he conversation with Emily, Lyta went out to her shuttle and warmed it up. She had to make another call to, Garibaldi. Twenty minutes later she was in hyperspace near the Glenthorian jumpgate. "Hello Bob. I was calling for Michael." "I'm sorry, Lyta. He's busy doing a favor for President Sheridan. Is there anything I can do in his place?" "Do you have access to the data crystals?" "In response, Bryson held one up in his hand. Will number 6-A work?" "Yes," she answered, inserting the mate to his data crystal in a slot on her communications panel. A minute later they were conversing on an encrypted circuit. "I'm sending you a hard copy of some modifications I want to have made to my shuttle. There should be several companies on Mars that can handle the work. I want you to set it up. I will be there in six days. They will have six weeks at most to finish the work. If possible, I want you to go with me to Earth. I need your expertise." Bryson took the hardcopy of Lyta's desired shuttle modifications and gave them the quick once-over. Then, he whistled. "With these modifications, you should be able to make it all the way to the other side of the galaxy." "That's not what I have in mind, but I will remember it for future reference." "I will have things ready for you when you arrive. Take care." Lyta closed the circuit and returned home. The next six days would pass quickly. *********************************************************************************** On Babylon 5: The doorbell rang and Cathy Balor answered. She was expecting Lieutenant, hopefully soon to be Lieutenant Commander, David Corwin, Earthforce. She had met him one day in the Zocalo while shopping for a few groceries. It had been almost three months ago, on an afternoon she had allowed herself to take off from her duties as a resident combination doctor/psychiatrist. Since coming to Babylon 5, as the only civilian doctor working in the station medical unit, she had become a popular personality in that area. She had set up an approved free-care facility in the Downbelow area that provided basic medical services for those who could not afford to use the regular medical facilities. Several of the nurses shared the duties of running the free clinic. She had been required to guarantee that all supplies used there would be paid for, and she had, by paying for them out of her own salary. A typical day for Cathy started at 0600 and frequently did not end until midnight. Her time off was very little and widely scattered. However, since her introduction to Corwin, she had been managing to arrange to get out more often. They had been seeing more of one another since their initial meeting, and frequently slept together, even though their schedules didn't allow them the pleasure of a night out very often, she was expecting him to pop the question before long. Their relationship was at that point. Cathy opened the door and invited her lover in. "I will be ready to go in just a minute, David." "Don't rush, Sweetheart. I have reservations." As they entered the restaurant, David noticed that Cathy was again getting the once over more than once from most of the men in the area. He wasn't surprised. She was a beauty with deep red hair and a complexion to match. She came just up to his chin. He admitted to himself that he always felt like a million credits when he was around her. No matter how bad things seemed, somehow being around her made his problems fade into the background. They didn't have to wait for a table. They were on time and were immediately seated. *********************************************************************** Larry Evans was kicked back and relaxing with his eyes closed and thoughts of Elizabeth sans clothing running through his head. "You have a dirty mind, Larry," said Captain Lochley, entering her quarters. "Only where you are concerned, love," he replied. "Are we eating in or out tonight?" "We have not been out in almost a week. I can afford it, if you can." "I'll call and make reservations," he said, getting up off the sofa. He stopped to kiss Elizabeth on the way to the communications panel. "How was your day?" She asked. "I attended a couple of meetings with the ambassador, but they were strictly routine, and I had to fight to stay awake. You?" "I should say don't ask, but since you did, it could have been better. I had to take Lieutenant Corwin to task for letting his opinions be known in C&C." "Oh? What was so bad?" "He hates all telepaths. It seems that he and some classmates, fresh out of the academy, were used for what must have been unauthorized experimentation by the Psi Corps." "Did he give you any particulars?" "After a fashion, when he explained why he thought Lyta was bad trash. Then, later today at lunch, he gave me enough to initiate an investigation of his personnel record. There are some inconsistencies, but nothing that can be pinned down. I wonder if things like this have happened on more than one occasion?" "Well, you are asking the right person. After all, I was in the department that was responsible for training Psi Corps counter-intelligence operatives, and yes, those things were sanctioned. The thing is that the students we trained didn't know that the interrogations they conducted were not the real thing. There were many young men and women who had their minds ruined by these exercises. The fact that he remembers any of it speaks of a very strong mind and personality. It's probably why he was sent back to regular duty." "You mean, he's telling the truth!" "Most certainly. He must have one hell of a strong, stable mind." "I think, maybe, I owe him an apology." "It explains why he has been cool to my presence when we have been in close proximity. I will give him credit for being able to conceal his feelings, when he has been around me and my people, most wouldn't or couldn't." "It explains the looks he has given Lyta when she has been C&C." ********************************************************************** An hour later as Larry and Elizabeth walked through the park area killing time on their way to the restaurant, Larry commented, "I did the best I could, but the maitre d' couldn't promise us a short wait." "We aren't in any hurry," replied Elizabeth. As they entered the restaurant They noticed Corwin and Balor just giving their orders to their waiter. Cathy seeing them motioned them over to their table. "Good evening Captain, Mister Evans, would you care to join us?" "Lochley, noting that Corwin looked distinctly uncomfortable, replied, "Thank you, but we have reserved a table. Besides, we don't want to intrude." "Heck, at least have a drink with us while you are waiting," she insisted. Seeing no polite way to refuse, Lochley and Evans sat down and he ordered a drink for himself and a glass of juice for her. "I see you've met Larry, Cathy," said Lochley. "Yes Ma'am. I've known Mister Evans for as long as I can remember," replied Cathy. Lochley looked questioningly at Evans, and received the response, "I am an old family friend. I was a friend of her father's before she was born." "I didn't think telepaths had mundane friends," commented Corwin. "Why not, Lieutenant? Your captain and I are friends, and she is, as you put it, a mundane. However, I prefer the term non-telepath," responded Larry. Corwin let it drop as their drinks arrived. "I hear you are doing wonders in Downbelow, Cathy," noted Lochley. "Actually, there are three of us doing it. I have two nurses who help me. I pay them for their time." "And, you pay for the supplies and rent on the space you use," added Corwin. "Well, yes I do, but it's my business and my money." "You're financing it out of your own pocket?" Asked Larry. "It's no big deal, Mister Evan's. It doesn't cost all that much. Besides, I'm single, and don't need much money for myself." "How much time do you spend doing this, Cathy?" Asked Lochley. "It is only a few hours a day, Captain. I don't have anything else to do, so it helps me kill time." "You don't have a social life?" "Yes Ma'am, I do. I do go out with David occasionally." It was about then when the maitre d' showed them to their table. After they had been seated, Lochley looked at Larry and said, "I find it interesting that you have known Cathy virtually all her life." "Actually, I met her for the first time when she was not quite four-years old. I met her parents later. Cathy was a special case, a very special case." "I don't understand. What do you mean 'special case'?" "The corps took Cathy in as soon as they realized she was a telepath, but she wasn't your normal telepath. Because of that, she was allowed to live with her parents while she was growing up, and attended corps schools for training as a telepath only when necessary." "She's a telepath? Corwin will crap all over himself when he finds out. It's obvious he doesn't know." "She's not just a telepath. It's true, she is a P-7, but what makes her so special is that she is also an empath. To my knowledge, she is the only true natural empathic telepath the corps has ever found. She is quite literally one-of-a-kind." "So, they treated her differently. Why?" "We were afraid we might lose her. She might have run or worse, if forced to conform to some of the corps' prime teachings, she might even have committed suicide. Remember, every other extraordinary telepath type that had been discovered before had some nasty self-destructive traits. As it turned out, Cathy was perfectly normal, except that she was an empathic telepath. Also, we discovered she could read the emotions of even our most powerful P-12s. Anyone who scanned her ran into a reflection of their own emotions. Several of our P-12s almost burned out when they tried to scan her. So we let her live with her parents, neither of whom are telepathic. I was assigned as her case officer and guardian. 'Watchdog' would not be the right term" "How did she manage to become a doctor?" "It's what she wanted. She cooperated with the corps to a point. She wouldn't breed for them, but she didn't hesitate to let them use some of her eggs, in vitro fertilization and surrogate mothers to accomplish the same ends. The results were somewhat disappointing, though. All the children they managed to produce from her eggs were normal telepaths, ranging from P-6 to P-12. They were never able to produce another empath. Studies of her DNA never revealed anything that could be recognized as an 'empath' tag. Her DNA looked just like the DNA from every other healthy normal female telepath." "That may explain why she is so good with people. She naturally does what is necessary to promote harmony," replied Lochley. "You did know she has something of a reputation for being able to handle difficult patients in Medlab?" "No, but I'm not surprised." ********************************************************************** "You have known the Captain's boyfriend all your life?" Asked Corwin. "Well, for as long as I can remember. He has always been a friend of my family." "You do know that he is a telepath?" "Of course. He was a psi cop, or at least he wore a psi cop uniform. What of it?" "I don't like telepaths. I was messed over just after I graduated from the academy, by what must have been psi cops." "I'm sorry, but what does that have to do with Mister Evans?" "He's a telepath. What's worse is he used to be a psi cop. I also had my mind messed with by Lyta Alexander, but you weren't here then, so you probably don't know about that fiasco." "I only know Lyta by reputation, but you're painting with a rather wide brush.' Corwin looked at her with, rage showing in his expression and emotions of hatred blasting her mind. His emotions made it plain to her that he harbored a real hatred of all telepaths. "I'm sorry," he said. "I just don't like telepaths, any of them. If I had my way, they would be kept in cages and shipped to the other side of the galaxy." "Here comes the food. I am hungry," noted Cathy. They ate in silence. Corwin noticed that she didn't try to eat and talk like she usually did. In fact, she looked somewhat distracted, like she was deep in thought. "Was it something I said?" He asked. She kept eating, not noticing his question. "Cathy? Are you still here?" Cathy started, then looked at him, and asked, "I'm sorry. Did you say something?" "You have been very quiet. Was it something I said?" "In a manner of speaking. I was just thinking about some personal problems." "Maybe I can help." "I don't think so. Anyway, they're not important. Now, let's get back to the business of finishing this meal. It is absolutely delicious." Her thinly disguised brush-off of his conversation attempt was confusing. Maybe he shouldn't have trashed her family's friend. After all he knew nothing about Evans except that he was a former psi cop, and that he was sleeping with the captain. Everyone knew that. It wasn't any secret, but considering the captain's track record with telepaths, since reporting aboard, it was very interesting. *********************************************************************** They were at the door to Cathy's quarters, when Cathy kissed Corwin and said, "It has been a long day, David. I just want to get some sleep and think about a few things." "To be honest, Cathy, I have been thinking about our relationship. We have been sleeping with one another on and off for some time now, and it has occurred to me that, I am very much in love with you." "David. Don't say anymore. It will never work with us. As much as I love you, it can't be. There are things you don't know about me. They come under the heading of 'insurmountable obstacles'." David looked stunned. He had been ready to propose, and she had told him flat-out no. Cathy opened the door to her quarters and stepped through. Turning to look at him, pain evident in her eyes and facial expression, she said, fighting back tears, "It won't ever be, because of two problems." "What could be so bad, Cathy?" "First, David, I'm a telepath. Second, I'm pregnant, and my child will surely be a telepath. I can't be with someone who hates me and my child," she answered quietly, then she closed her door. The expression on Corwin's face was a mixture of confusion and anguish. David was still standing in front of Cathy's door fifteen minutes later when a security patrol passed through the area. Noting the look of pain and anguish on Corwin's face, the security man asked, "Are you all right, Lieutenant?" Corwin looked at him, blankly, and answered, "Yes. Yes, I'm fine. Thank you anyway." ********************************************************************** Captain Lochley was already in her office when Corwin came on watch. She waited almost an hour before she wandered out onto the command deck. "Good morning, Lieutenant Corwin." "God morning, Captain. What can I do for you, Sir?" "I was just checking. I couldn't help noticing, last night, you have a very pretty girlfriend." When she said that, the expression on Corwin's face told the whole story. "I'm afraid that's not quite true, Captain. She and I decided that we really don't have much in common. I won't be seeing her again." "Well, I'm sure a handsome young man like yourself won't have any problem getting another one." "You don't seem curious about it, Sir?" "It's really none of my business, Lieutenant. I just thought you made a good couple." With that, she returned to her office. ****************************************************************************************** "It's over, Larry," said Lochley. "What's over?" "The Corwin and Balor twosome." "How do you know?" "After Corwin came on watch this morning, I told him that he and she make a good couple. He gave me a line about them not having much in common, so they broke up. From the expression on his face, you would have thought I kicked him in his testicles." "I will ask her about it in a day or so. After you told me how he felt about telepaths, I knew it was only a matter of time. Too bad, too, because he's lost one hell of a fine young woman" "From what I have heard about her, that's an understatement." "I whipped up some sandwiches, soup and salad. I don't feel like eating anything heavy tonight." "Why do I keep getting the feeling you are watching my weight." "Maybe you are just very observant." *************************************************************************************** Glenthor: The next day Lyta took Maya to meet the headmaster of her new school. It turned out to be an interesting experience. The headmaster had never interacted with a human. "We have never had a member of another race attend our school, Miss Alexander. We aren't set up to teach basic language skills to someone who has no proficiency in our language?" "You accept students from all over the planet. There must be many of them who have no experience with the language and dialect used in your school." "That is true, but they have some experience with Glenthorian languages." In the Glenthorian language and dialect used by the headmaster, Maya said to Lyta, "Mom, I told you this wouldn't work. Language is not the issue. He doesn't want a human in his school. Isn't that right, Mr. Headmaster?" The man looked at Maya, stunned at her mastery of the language. Her skills were better than most, more than twice her age. "Where did she learn to talk that well?" "She has never been around other children. She has been exposed to adults exclusively. She has also done a great deal of studying using data crystals of almost any subject you can name. What she needs is to be in contact with others her own age. She needs to learn social skills. "Will she be living on campus?" "That is my wish. I want her immersed in a group more her own age. You may find having her nearby an asset." Lyta handed the headmaster a medium sized portable equipment case. "This case contains data crystals for her to study. The crystals are color coded red, green and blue. The red ones are for study. The blue ones contain tests keyed to the study material on the red ones and the green ones are the answers, keyed to the tests on the blue ones. I expect her to finish one crystal a week in addition to the work she is assigned by her teachers." "What is on the crystals, if I may inquire?" "Material that will keep her occupied when she is finished with her class work. You may use it in your advanced classes, if you wish. Most of the data is in the native language of the planet it originated on. The tests and answers are in your local language. Since much of the data is from planets Glenthor hasn't had relations with, I can have the study crystals translated for you, if you wish." The headmaster thought about the offer for a few moments. "I accept your offer, Miss Alexander. We may be able to enhance our curricula in a manner that better prepares our students for life in the new universe. Things have changed since we have become involved with other worlds. They are becoming much more 'complicated'." The headmaster used his intercom to summon an assistant. "Please take this young lady to her dormitory. Miss Alexander, we will take her from here. You are welcome to inspect her living quarters and visit at anytime. We only ask for enough of a notice to be sure she is available. If you wish, you are welcome to sit in on any of her classes. We request prior notification, to enable making sure there is somewhere for you to sit." "Seems reasonable to me, Headmaster. Maya, you are to be on your best behavior." "When am I not, Mom?" Lyta gave Maya a very big hug and kissed her good-bye. The assist started to pick up one of Maya's small suitcases, but Maya beat her to it and carried them herself. "She does seem to be extremely mature for someone so young." "I think you will be satisfied with her behavior, Headmaster. She has had some of the best examples in the IA to follow." Lyta took her leave and headed back to her farm. She had some more preparations to make before she left for Mars and Earth. ***************************************************************************** Larry had received a message from Cathy asking him to meet her for lunch in the Zocalo. Knowing that she almost never had lunch there, or anywhere else for that matter, was a give-away that it was important. He was fairly sure he knew what she wanted. Looking across the table at him, Cathy said, "Uncle Larry, I think I have a real problem." "Tell me about it." "Did you know that David hates all telepaths?" "Elizabeth told me the other night, just before we saw you and David in the restaurant." "He told me about being involved in some unauthorized experiments and about something to do with Lyta and mind control in the Zocalo a couple of years ago." "Did he actually tell you that he hated telepaths?" "He said he disliked all telepaths and that if he had his way, they would be locked in cages and shipped to the other side of the galaxy, but what he really meant was that he absolutely hates all telepaths and if he had his way he would kill all of them." "I think you are misunderstanding him, Cathy. Even if he actually said the latter, I would not take it literally." Looking very tired, she replied, "You forget who you are talking to, Uncle Larry. Maybe he might fool you or any other telepath, byt neither he nor anyone else can hide their true feelings and emotions from me. And, he really meant that he would kill us all if he could, even if he did say dislike. I was less than a meter away. It was all I could do to keep from recoiling and crying when his emotions erupted." "As bad as it may seem, it's not the end of the universe. He's not the only man around." "Uncle Larry, you don't understand. I have slept with him. I'm pregnant, and I'm carrying his child. I told him I could never be with someone who hated me and my child, so he has to know I'm pregnant and it is his. He will, of course, deny it. I can handle that, what is causing the problem is that I'm not sure I can care for a baby and still fulfill my contract to the station." Larry signaled their waiter and ordered a whiskey on the rocks. "I don't usually drink during the day, but after what you just said, I need one." Cathy finished the sandwich and salad she had ordered and Larry worked on his drink. Finally he asked, "Exactly why are you bringing this to me?" "Mom and dad told me that they couldn't care for an infant. They said that if the child were school age ,they might be able to manage, but not an infant. Sis told me it was my problem. She really laid into me for not using protection. I couldn't think of a good argument. Given that I'm a doctor, you might be inclined to think that I would know better, so much for knowledge." "What do you want me to do?" "You know a lot more telepaths than I do. I was hoping maybe one or more of them might be able to help me, until my contract here is finished. If I have it figured correctly, I will have six months left on the contract when my baby is born." "You have never asked for a favor before. Now I know why. You were saving up for a situation like this. I will contact some people I know, but I can't make any promises." "I understand, Uncle Larry, and thanks for your efforts." ****************************************************************************** "What can I do for you, Larry," said Lyta to the image on the communications display. "I have a little problem. I thought you might be able to help." "Why do I get the feeling this is going to be anything but small?" "Have you ever heard of a young doctor named Cathy Balor?" Lyta thought for a moment, then replied, "No. I can't say that I have. Why? "She is one of Psi Corps best kept secrets. Only a small handful of people know about her. She lived at home even after she was discovered to be a telepath." "That's interesting. What has it have to do with this favor you need?" "Have you ever met a real empath?" "Have you ever my daughter, Maya?" "She is an empath!" "Amongst other things. I take it this Balor girl is also an empath. I never heard of a natural born one other than Maya, but she isn't strictly speaking natural born, and no it's none of your business. Now what do you need from me?" "Cathy screwed up and got herself pregnant.?" "Really. Who helped her?" "Lieutenant Corwin." "Then it's his problem." "It's not that simple. As I understand it, and my sources are very reliable, he hates all telepaths and would exterminate them if he could get away with it." "That's his problem. If he feels that way about telepaths, what in hell was he doing with her? Let me guess. He didn't know she was a telepath." "You have it in a nutshell. If he hadn't told her how he felt about telepaths and then tried to propose to her before he found out... I think you get the picture." "I assume she won't abort it?" "Completely out of the question, Lyta. All she needs is someone to take care of the baby while she finishes her contract with the station. She estimates it to be about six months." "I tell you what I'll do. I will take the baby, but there are some conditions. She executes paperwork for me to adopt the child immediately after it is born. I will bring it out here and care for it until her contract is finished, then she comes out here and gets him/her. I will then turn the child over to her after she convinces me she can take care of it." "You drive a hard bargain, Lyta." "This is a baby we are discussing, not a damned pet dog or cat. The next time I see Corwin, if there is a next time, I will straighten out the damage your psi cops did to him." "What makes you think it was my psi cops?" "I got all the records when we took down the corps. Some of your cronies were rather proud of what they had done. After I caught up with them, they whimpered like frightened children and tried to hide behind the "But I was only following orders" excuse. They might have gotten away with it if they hadn't worked so hard to keep good records. The ones I dealt with all whimpered, but it didn't do them any good. You don't want to know what I did to them. I suppose those that aren't insane are still screaming at the top of their lungs. I will find the others sooner or later, and thanks to Michael and his people, it will definitely be sooner. Their records are why you were given a clean slate by me." "I will get back to you, but I think Cathy will take your offer. She is genuinely concerned for her baby's health and welfare." "I'll take your word for that, Larry. You are going to owe me big time." "I know." **************************************************************************************** "Uncle Larry, are you serious? She wants me to give up my baby?" "It's the only way she will become involved. She has a daughter who is almost five years old, so she knows how to take care of an infant." "And, I can have him, or her, back after I leave here?" "Only after you convince Lyta you can care for it." "Is she the one who decides that?" "I'm afraid she is. Your baby will be safer with her than with anyone else I can possibly think of." "I need to think about it." "Take your time. Talk to your friends, and then --- when you decide --- let me know." **************************************************************************************** Lyta's shuttle had just exited hyperspace near Mars when her communications system chirped for an incoming call. Expecting it to be the Mars space traffic control center, Lyta said, "Accept." Instead of traffic control, she had the image of Larry Evans looking out of the screen at her. "I assume you have an answer for me?" "I do. It was hard for Cathy, but her friends and some other station personnel convinced her that her baby would be safe with you." "Just let me know when to be there." "Thank you, Lyta." "You cannot imagine how big you owe me for this. I am waiting for landing instructions, Larry. We will talk later." "Shuttle identified as Lyta Alexander of the Planet Glenthor, please respond?" "Mars traffic control, this is Lyta Alexander. I request permission to land and instructions to do so." "Standby." ******************************************************************************************* END PART 26