Finish the Science Fiction Story

Cafe Society
141

“Enter,” Vorpal slurred at the chime. Captain Verless entered the suite, noticing with a faint inward sigh that Vorpal was enjoying a Terran vodka martini.

“The hostages are safe. We’ll be feeding them soon,” Verless reported. He picked up Vorpal’s half empty glass and took it to the bar.

“Wonderful,” Vorpal said. “How soon until we get to Valis?”

Verless quickly mixed a new martini. Due to the clarity of the liquid, he stuffed the drowser seeds next to the pimento in the olive garnish.

“We’ll be there within two standard days,” he replied, handing the glass to his leader.

“Damn the stars! No sooner?” Vorpal growled, gulping the drink.

“We made a detour to get the hostages. It’s put us behind schedule,” Verless said calmly, keeping an eye on the olives. Another inward sigh as Vorpal sucked them off the garnish stick and greedily swallowed them.

“Very well. Keep me apprised,” Vorpal said, waving his hand in dismissal. He was snoring before Verless had reached the door.

Verless leaned against the wall outside Vorpal’s suite. With luck, Vorpal would still be in dreamland when he made his escape. He then headed to the bridge. He had new orders to give his crew.

142

Kathy looked up from the data screen she had been poring over.

“That’s odd,” she said to the others. “I just felt something happen, but now it’s gone.”

“Was it a pain?” inquired M’Kayla

“No. More like a release of tension, sort of a relaxation”

“Maybe” put in Vicki Channing “maybe your body is just making another adjustment, becoming more comfortable with the crystal”

“I don’t think so” was the answer, as Kathy frowned in annoyance at what she still didn’t know. “The feeling had this sense of distance. It’s hard to put into words”

M’Kayla was the first to get a glimmer of the true meaning, because of her greater experience.

“Umm, Kathy, it might be something to do with Astrid Vorpal. It’s happened before, after contact with rogue crystals. The courier, at least for a time, will have an increased sensitivity, to the one who tried to dominate her”

“You didn’t tell me that! Why not?”

“I tried to cram in as much as I could in our session, but once isn’t enough for everything!”

Unconsciously, Kathy’s lips drew back slightly from her teeth, in a semblance of a snarl. “Well, if it is the case that I can sense this frelling bastard, that could be an advantage. Maybe something happened to him?”

"No way to tell yet, and it’s probably not worth risking a three way for me to find out. But stay alert for any more “twinges.”

"Oh, I will, I most definitely will. "

Just then VMC Sr. poked his head back into the area where the women had been working. After handing the computer disks over to Vicki, for the accounting work she had done while M’kayla and Kathy had been in training, he had retreated to his own private study. Vicki had commed him once to let him know about what they had been working on after that, but since then the three women had had no contact with him at all.

“Vicki, sorry, I let time get away from me again. We got anything at all in this place to eat? It’s getting late.”

With a start Vicki looked at the time. How had she not realized how much time had passed? “I’ll check, Dad. Leftovers at least”

Victor Sr. gave his daughter a grin. “Better make it a
lot of leftovers then. I think I heard the guys returning from the “chapel”. They sound as if their experience was, uh, really spiritual this time.”

“Oh good grief, you men!” snorted Vicki.

143

Elia continued to probe Grav’s hippocampus. “I see a young lady Xavvian, you called her ‘Lissie’. The two of you were to be wed but your parents intervened. They forbade you from marrying below your class.”

Grav was surprised at this, he had convinced himself that Lissie had been erased from his memory. Reminded of his long lost love, he broke down weeping.

Elia felt guilty at using such a memory but she felt that it was for the best, the released memory should help Grav in the long run. For the time being, she took him in her arms as the vessel approaced Laxis Prime.

144

Port Authority on Laxis Prime had noted and approved the arrival of Granthiaxav’s ship. The ship’s communications officer had contacted tKani’sav, with the result that transportation, and a trusted escort had been arranged.

Granthiaxav himself arrived in a much more subdued mood than tKani’sav had expected. He had expected Elia, in this case, to have been, shall we say, a little more physical. He wasn’t ever to know that it had started out that way, but Elia had changed her mind(and a bit of Grant’s attitude as well).

After introductions had been made all around(Xavvian again for Martel, and a very warm handshake, with inviting smile, for Robert), tKani’sav got things started. He handed Elia a printed summary of the situation as the Laxon and couriers knew it so far. Being a page at a glance reader, with an eidetic memory, got her through it quite quickly. She sat back, gazed around the room at the four others.

“So, tKani’sav, just what do you have in mind?”

He cleared his throat. “I have, within the last few hours, been in communication with Vicki Channing on Valis 5. You know her father has aided us discreetly in the last year or two, ship plans and computer hardware, in exchange for economic data and a little industrial espionage. We figure he mans to get VMC back. Anyway, the Channings have that woman Kenezr had been mentoring, turns out Kenezr’ implanted a specialized crystal in her. But here’s the kicker, and I think it’s why so many people are interested, he implanted without here knowledge(here Robert and Martel started in surprise), and, the woman is Kathy Swanson. Elia my dear, you’ve learned about her parents haven’t you, although you aren’t a courier yourself?”

“Indeed I have. An interesting choice.” Literally innocuous, her words could be interpreted any number of ways.

“Because of Prof. Kenezr’s misguided actions Kathy Swanson has come to the attention of Astrid Vorpal” Mention of that name brought a coldness to his voice, along with low growls from Martel and Granthiaxav. So what things SEEM to boil down to now is that there are two forces arrayed against us and the Swanson woman. There’s the Wayre here on Laxis Prime, and Vorpal out there, with all the power and influence he still has, even in exile. With your talents I do not wish to order you, but I would like to give you a choice. Which would you prefer to go against?"

In a low aside Robert whispered to Martel “Pity we just can’t set the two against each other and destory them that way!”

Elia M’hall also had fine hearing, and she turned to the young man who had been speaking so facetiously. “My very dear Robert” she murmured, in a voice that made him feel suddenly quite warm, “what makes you think I can’t do both?” She turned to Granthixav “I know you need time to do systems checks and other diagnostics after that speed run that brought us here. Would it be at all possible, when they are completed, to take me on to Valis 5?”

The Xavvain captain looked at this strange woman who had turned his emotions inside out and back again replied in a neutral tone “Yes, it would be possible. I will let you know as soon as we are ready. It should be in around a standard day from now. Will you do me the honor of having further conversation along the way to Valis 5?” Martel and Robert felt stabs of jealousy.

“You needn’t worry gentleman” Elai spoke, without even having looked at the two. “Things will be perfectly proper. After all, you will both be coming as well.”

Their spirits rose again at her words.

145

On Galava Soca, a neutral jungle world, a strange creature stirred in the downpour. This creature was the result of many years of experimentation, purposely created to act as an organic containment vessel. It was never intended to host two streams of consciousness but the program’s benefactor insisted. He had refused to wait for a second one to be prepared. The creature’s mind, once strong enough to keep both streams of consciousness in check, had recently been weakening.

The creature’s creator had no idea whose consciousness had been implanted, whomever it was must have been a great danger to his benefactor. He had reasoned that they were probably of some importance, too, what with him having been removed so far from civilization to conduct his work. He tried not to think about such things, doing so gave him headaches. He wasn’t even sure of the identity of his benefactor, just that a Dr. Hennings was acting as a go-between.

146

Oh, that creature is cool, Jeff Olsen. Several ways it could go.

ivylass, I hope you approve of how I have handled the chapel situation. ____________________________________________________

Kathy, M’Kayla, and Vicki Channing could hear the three men approaching before they saw them.

“Are they singing?” Kathy inquired of Vicki.

Vicki gave another, delicate snort. “Sounds like it, but I haven’t a clue as to what it is.”

“Is singing part of the experience at you human’s chapel?” M’Kayla then asked.

Vicki looked at the both of them, as the voices grew louder, and this time she laughed full out. “I forget that you didn’t get the joke. They weren’t going to a religious * establishment, they were going out drinking." She noted the surprise of the other two. "It’s just a gag we use here on Valis 5. I remember reading a book of history from waaaaay back on Earth. It mentioned a similar joke, about how patronizing a brothel was called ‘visiting the Abbess’. Oh nononono, that isn’t part of this gag(“At least I don’t think it was,” she said to herself*)… But Kathy, you saw how tense things were getting, especially how worked up your Tobermory was getting. I figure my brother and Kal decided they all needed a break, and to get away from us women.”

“He’s not my Tobermory you know!”

“Whatever”

The men had finally arrived. Tobe and Kal it seemed, had become very fast friends, because the green Xavvian and the brown captain were leaning against each other in support. Victor Jr. stood alone, and didn’t seemed to have imbibed quite as much.(Here Kathy noted that Victor was actually quite a nice looking guy) But he too, along with the others, was belting out a tune. There were three songs going in three different languages. The men thought it sounded harmonious. To the women it sounded like three men singing three songs in three different languages.

“My dearest Kathy” burbled Tobermory, “how goes the lesson?”

Kathy rolled her eyes “Well, while you three were out having fun, at least somebody here was keeping abreast of the situation, and making plans! Or did you forget the danger we could all be in?”

The three men didn’t seem in the least abashed, but they did accept without comment the alkadote pills that Victor Channing Sr. slipped them on the sly. As they walked away to “freshen up” for whatever meal had been prepared, Kal had to shake off a viscious potted plant that he’d stuck his hand into.

After some more eye rolling the three women looked around again at each other and really started to howl with laughter. “Oh my!” gasped Kathy. "“Maybe we all needed that!” and she began humming to herself an ancient Earth tune once known a “Give Me That Old Time Religion”

147

“Listen up people!” barked Verless as he strode onto his bridge. “We should be reaching Valis 5 in less than a standard day. President Vorpal is most anxious that there should be no delays, for his business there is of the utmost importance.” Here the captain paused and glared around at his bridge crew. "You all know he HATES for things to go wrong, so if you don’t want to share the fate of Ensign Petrie be sure you keep your eyes front, and no questions. The crew quailed slightly at the mention of last year’s most promising young officer.

"Now I’m sure there will be no trouble but since President Vorpal does have enemies there will be new standing orders, for each time we approach planetary orbit. All life pods will be primed and ready for launch, just in case. I and I alone will carry the keys, so that there can be no disloyal desertion. In the event there is an “abandon ship” order it is my hope we can save you all at least.But if anyone is forced to be left behind, it will be the most troublesome of you, or whoever doesn’t obey orders without question. Am I understood?"

“Yes Sir!” they all chorused.

“Contact officer” notify me by comm one half hour before we leave non-space!"

“Yes Sir” was the repeated response.

Captain Verless strode away, fairly sure there would be no foulups from his bridge crew. He’d misled the Vorpal as to how long it would take to reach their goal, because he hadn’t wanted him to think things were rushed, and maybe start “using” the hostages early. With the crew well in hand and the president sure to be in dreamland until well into the next day. He hoped he would have no difficulties. He made another staged visit to the kids in their cell, managing to let them know what he had done. He looked in on Kenezr for the same purpose. EVerything seemed to be going well for the escape, which would be made the instant the ship left non-space. His comm unit chirped and he flipped it on irritably. “What is it?”

“Captain Verless, how the frell much longer am I going to be cooling my heels waiting for the President? He’s paid me well but I’m going to have my own agenda on Valis 5. Now he isn’t even answering my calls!”

The captain realized he should not have relaxed so soon. He had forgotten about that mercenary bastard Largo being on board. This was going to make things more difficult!

148

Thanks, Baker, took me a while to work out how to handle that. :slight_smile:

In a small outpost nestled in a clearing, Dr. McDaniel awoke to an alarm eminating from his lab. Oh, no, not again. He got up, stretched, dressed, then headed for the lab wing. Just as he had feared, his “pet” had been weakening again. McDaniel picked up the supplies he needed, donned a suit to protect him from the inclement weather, then headed out to find his pet.

This isn’t at all what he had expected out of the deal. Henning had effectively stranded McDaniel in the middle of nowhere with just enough to get by. The outpost was equipped with everything a genetic engineer could require and a replicator to supply everything else. McDaniel always had fresh rainwater to drink and could hunt for his food if desired. None of that really mattered, though. As nice as the outpost was, it was still essentially a prison and he had just about enough of it. All he needed was a way out.

149

Very nice, Baker. I think we’re getting to the final battle on Valis 5!

150

Not to mention Kathy Swanson finding out what really happened to her parents.

151

“We’re ready to go,” Granthixav was on the comm to Elia M’hall from his ship. Repairs had been made and supplies were on board for the trip to Valis 5. Granthixav had also stripped out unessential equipment. This trip was for speed.

Elia tucked away the comm-link into a nearly undetectable pocket near her wrist. “Boys, it’s time to go. You have your personal belongings together?” Martel and Robert had been escorted to their apartment and back by tKani’sav’s men.

“Yes.”

Next, Elia turned to tKani’sav. “You will need to hold down the fort here. Notify me if you detect any ships following us.”

With that, Elia M’hall, Martel and Robert boarded a transport to Granthixav’s ship. Valis 5 was less than a day away.

152

Verless knew he was going to have to think fast and sound believable. Largo was no fool. How to get him out of the way? He took a deep breath.

“Capt. Largo, I’m glad you called. I was with the President a short while ago and we spoke on your role once we reached Valis 5.”

“My role ?” the comm link bellowed, “I’m only along for the ride now. As soon as we get out of this stinkin’ non-space I’m taking my speedster and blasting off on my own. I’m not under contract to Vorpal any longer, so I want to get that fastericking Tobermory.”

Capt. Verless allowed a touch of frost to creep into his voice. “May I remind you that I am captain here and you can’t make departure plans without my permission?”

“Then I’ll go over your head to Vorpal!”

“The President is sleeping now, conserving his energies and alertness for our work on Valis 5.”

“Probably drunk or tanked up again. What a sot. Even with his family I can’t figure out how he was in allowed to be in charge.”

“Capt Largo, on an open channel it might not be wise to speak so freely.”

“Are you threatening me?”

“Of course not, simply giving good advice. But if you are willing to calm down and listen, I can fill you in on what I first started to say. How would you like to get your revenge on the Xavvian *and * get what you would deserve for it?”

“Now you are talking my language.”

“Then, I have some work I must finish now, but can you meet me at your vessel in the cargo bay, in, say, two hours?”

Largo grumbled some more but gave in and agreed to see Capt. Verless. The captain didn’t quite run back to his own quarters, not wanting to draw uneeded attention. But he did move very fast. He would need every second he could get before their appointment, if he was to have ready the little scheme that had suddenly popped into his head.

153

“What the mother are you playing at?” Largo growled. Vorpal had entered the cargo bay with an anti grav gurney, on which Kenezr lolled, and four children huddled near.

“You wanted to get back at Vorpal,” Verless said, locking the cargo bay door behind him. “We’re taking his hostages to Valis 5 ahead of him. Then he can pay ransom to get them back.”

Largo stared at him, then began to snicker. The snicker grew into a guffaw, and the guffaw into a full throated howl as he fell to his knees.

“You are a sly one, Verless,” he said when he could get his breath back. “What’s your crew going to say when they realized their captain has deserted?”

“My first mate has orders to open a 'pad in exactly three hours. Your orders are to get us to Valis 5 as far ahead of The Jewel as you can,” Verless held up a hand as Largo began to scowl. “Don’t worry, that will be my first and final order to you. Now, how fast can your bucket of bolts go?”

“As fast as you can get the passengers loaded and override the portals.”

Verless and Largo looked at each other, an understanding growing between them. It wasn’t quite a friendship, but alliances have been formed with less.

154

Amongst other things Capt. Verless had done with his time was arrange for the Jewel of Novon to drop from non-space precisely on a mark he had given. Since his speech on the bridge the crew had not questioned him in the slightest way. Almost as soon as the larger vessel shuddered into real space, Verless sent the override signal that opened the docking bay doors. Largo’s ship shot out and was quickly gone. It’s departure was noted with surprise and consternation that increased exponentionally, when the discovery was made that their captain had been on it. On top of that Security was ringing the bridge about a “prisoner escape.” They actually could care less about the escape, and even the loss of the captain could be dealt with. But one thing that had them in a cold sweat of fear was the thought of telling President Vorpal about the incident. The man was of a decidedly “kill the messenger” bent. Would anyone have the nerve to volunteer? All eyes turned with sympathy to the luckless first mate, who began to wonder if a fast, painless suicide might not be better than facing Vorpal.

Aboard Largo’s ship the two uneasy allies were deep in their own thoughts. Verless didn’t like having to work with Largo, after all, he was, when needed, a killer for hire. Verless didn’t know about tKlana’ska, but he’d heard of others. But he needed him now. His ship was better for a getaway than a clumsy escape pod would have been. And he could use Largo’s murderous intentions towards that Tobermory he seemed to hate so much. Let Largo do the tracking, Tobermory was sure to have allies, and the old saw still might hold true “the enemy of my enemy is my friend.” With any luck he might be able to convince those with Tobermory that his intentions were honest, if not entirely honorable. The passengers would be his trump card, if they managed to get to Valis 5 alive and unharmed.

For his part Largo had it pretty well figured out that Verless would double cross him if he could, and had no real intention of delivering the brats and the professor back to Vorpal. That was fine, he could deal with that, he’d have done the same himself. But he appreciated, in his own fashion, that favor that Verless had done him in allowing him to “spit in the eye” of the President in Exile. The information had had gathered so covertly would now be put to profitable use by those in the Protectorate opposed to Vorpal. And as soon as he was done with Tobermory, Verless would help him deliver it. That would be his price, rather than the ransom.

Julie and Jimmie were watching over the younger kids and Prof. Kenezr. His appearance was shocking to them, but he’d managed to assure them that he wasn’t going to die on them, and that he had friends where they were going.

Julie was glad now that it was Jimmie she was with, who’d been regarded as geeky, and not some stupid boy with delusions of dramatic hero-hood. One who might have tried to use foolishly the device the captain had slipped them. Jimmie understood that it would be dangerous to pull a stupid escape stunt while they were still in space. Julie sat down beside where the three youngsters were huddled together in uneasy sleep, and, feeling her presence, Jude murmured the single word “Mama”.

155

I did not of course mean to imply that Julie is the mother, just that to the kid, in his sleepiness, she felt like it.

156

Now that we’re on page 4, I think one final recap is in order.

157

Okay, I’ll do it tonight. I have a family thing until about 7:00PM CDT, then I’ll try and get it out before I to to bed. But don’t let that stop our authors from writing between now and then! Especially you Jeff Olsen. I wanna hear more about the “pet”. It has me very intrigued.

So look for the recap between 10:00 and 11:00PM CDT

158

Kathy suddenly found herself in an unfamiliar place. White tile floors, walls like stainless steel, harsh lighting. It was like being in a morgue. As she walked around, her footsteps sounded hollow, as if there was a great distance between her ears and her feet. She turned and faced a set of drawers; her eyes were drawn to a certain pair of drawers. Somehow, she knew that’s where her parents were. Well, their bodies anyway. Then she felt voices pleading, “Help us! Set us free!” It was her parents calling her again but not from inside the drawers. Their bodies were in there but the rest of them was somewhere else. The vision disappeared as quickly as it had come.

“Kathy! Kathy!” Everyone in the room was calling her name, Tobe being the loudest. “You had another visit from your parents, didnt you?”

“Oh, Tobe, they’re still alive! Their bodies are in some sort of cryogenic chamber but they’re alive!”

M’Kayla prompted, “There’s something wrong, isn’t there?”

“Yes. Their physical presence is there but I don’t where the rest of them is, they were calling from somewhere else. I got the impression of them being very wet.”

On Granthixav’s ship, Elia’s head was thrown back and she bit her lip. Martel rushed to give her some first aid for the bleeding. “What was that?”

“I’m not sure, exactly. I think someone on Valis 5 was the target of a massive Kine-based communication. I’ve always been sensitive to Kine but I’ve never felt anything that powerful before.”

159

The first mate slumped on the floor; blood flowing from his mouth and nostrils. Vorpal was awake again. When he stepped onto the bridge and asked for Captain Verless, the bridge crew looked sheepishly to the first mate, who told President Vorpal what happened.

Vorpal turned to the helmsman, “Get the coordinates of that ship!” The coordinates were given and Vorpal positioned himself in Captain Verless’ command chair.

Rage was visible on Vorpal’s face as it turned red. His body was shaking dramatically. His eyes squeezed shut.

Aboard Largo’s ship Captain Verless was getting a headache. He winced in pain.

“What’s the matter with you,” asked Largo.

“It’s nothing. Don’t worry about me. You just fly this thing. I’m fine. I… I…” But, the Captain’s thoughts were no longer his own. “I should have known I couldn’t trust you, Largo!”

“What the frell are you talking about?”

Captain Verless drew his weapon and fired. Most of Largo’s head splattered on the ships controls.

“Now. Where are those children?”

160

Here is the latest recap. As I said with the last two, if you note any errors of detail on my part, let me know!
For this recap I went post by post through the thread and tried to include one or more plot points. I obviously couldn’t repeat the thread word for word. The ones I included are meant to attract interest, and, if need be, to go back and read the whole post, to discover the context.

I’m glad I did it that way, or I wouldn’t have reread the detail that ivylass included on 5/31-10:15PM. Verless did[ send a message outside the ship, to Kal Trontiann. But the question now is, in spite of it’s priority code, had Trontiann seen it yet? After all, the guys have been to “chapel.”

And what will happen when Elia, Granthiaxav, Robert and Martel arrive on Valis?

One question, will tKani’sav discover is Alkani, is dead or alive? If he’s alive, can he be taken back from Wayre?

If anyone is interested, I copied all three recaps into a single document. That way, if a character has been seen in more than one you can see all their info together, and not have to flip back and forth. Should you want a copy of this document(it’s long remember) let me know and I will try to email it to you.

Alkani his status is still not resolved after the Wayre message.Baker(5/30-8:36PM)

Beck, Jimmie Older boy who helped defend three younger children against kidnapping at their school. Doesn’t think of himself as braveJack Ketch(5/20-4:37PM)

Captain’s Code Used by Capt. Verless to send a message to Kal Trontiannivylass(5/31-10:14PM)

crydef A computer file, Defense Tools and Strategies For Use Against Crystal Couriers, belonging to tKani’sav, opened on the sly by Robert and Martel. Unknown to them tKani’sav left it open to them on purpose.NoClueBoy(5/28-3:36PM)

crystals Modifying a crystal frequency can ease the pain of a rogue crystal contact, but it makes the courier easier to locate.ivylass(5/28-11:47AM) Description of a crystal discipline learning session.Baker(6/1-2:50PM)

drowser seeds Small plant seeds, the are used by Capt.Verless to knock out Astrid Vorpal. He stuffed them in a martini olive. Before the President passes out Verless also misleads him as to their arrival time at Valis 5. ivylass(6/2-11:27AM)

Galava Soca Jungle world. Currently home to a mysterious creature and it’s scientist creator. The former was created to be an “organic containment vessel” and has two “streams of consciousness” housed in it.Jeff Olsen(6/3-10:31AM)

Granthiaxav He does have a high sounding title “First heir of the House of Xandel, Territory of Xancour”, but is unsure if his holding still exists(maybe rebellion problems?)Jeff Olsen(5/29-1:54PM) When probed mentally by Elia M’Hall he doesn’t feel that her discovery of the sabotage against his ship is proof of special power.Jeff Olsen(5/30-10:23PM) See also Lissie

Hennings, Dr Vorpal contemplates turning the “care” of the little girl Nadia over to Dr. Hennings, who is presumed pederast, as a form of persuasion to gain Kathy Swanson’s cooperation.Baker(5/29-8:46PM) He does speak about “examining” the prisoners.Baker(5/31-9:49PM) Hennings is the go-between for the doctor on Galava Soca and the as yet unamed person who commissioned the creature.(But I bet I know who)Jeff Olsen(6/3-10:31AM)

Kine Thought to refer to telekinetic power, it seems that telepathy is also involved. As Elia refers to Kathy’s vision as an “attack” it may be that the intentions of whoever sent it are not good.Jeff Olsen(6/6-2:20PM)

Largo He is angry at being left out of the loop by Vorpal.Baker-(6/4-11:24AM) As a result his opinion of Vorpal is low.Baker(6/4-9:24PM) Largo agrees to help Verless and the hostages(including Kenezr) escape, as his ship would be better than an escape pod. The two men have just formed an uneasy alliance.ivylass(6/5-11:55AM), when Largo is killed by Vorpal, acting through his mental control of Verless’s body and mind.Jack Ketch(6/6-4:01PM)

Lissie a Xavvian girl Granthiaxav once planned on marrying… But she was beneath his class and his parents forbade it. Elia M’Hall discovers this memory when doing her mental probing of the mind of Granthiaxav.

McDaniel, Dr. The genetic engineer who created the creature on Galava Soca. He is fed up with being stranded on that jungle planet, and very much wants a way offworld.Jeff Olsen(6/4-11:35AM)

M’Hall, Elia Is not only versed in languages but also the social customs of many cultures.Jeff Olsen(5/28-2:53PM) Her business card gives her the title “Senior Troubleshooter” and her contact box number is 007Jeff Olsen(5/29-1:54PM) She is a page at a glance reader, has an eidetic memory, and has excellent hearing. She has information about the parents of Kathy. She tells Robert and Martel that they are coming along on the flight to Valis 5Baker(6/2-9:22PM) When she is around she is deferred to.Jack Ketch(6/4-1:49PM), also Baker(6/2-9:22PM)

Mystic Masters, chapel of the At the urging of VMC Sr., Trontian and VMC Jr. take Tobermory to this mysterious place, saying only that it could be “helpful”ivylass(5/29-12:05PM) The true nature of the Mystic Masters is revealed here. Baker(6/3-8:55PM)

Pussyquathiaxav female aide to GranthiaxavJack Ketch(5/28-2:53PM0

Stavropoulos, Lt. Nick Leads the team that kidnaps five children from their school on Ceres. A harder man than his commander(Verless)Baker(5/28-5:28PM) He is rougher than needed with the children and is reprimanded by VerlessJack Ketch(5/29-4:37PM)

Stewart, Julie older girl, who, along with Jimmie Beck, tried to protect the children from kidnap. She is afraid but is trying not to show it in front of the little ones.Jack Ketch(5/29-4:37PM) Julie will do almost anything to helps the little ones.Baker(5/29-8:46PM) She has respect for Jimmie for not trying to play the hero and get them all killed. She is aware that Jimmie has a device given to him by Verless.Baker(6/5-8:35PM)

Swanson, Kathy Kathy learns how to control her crystal, and that Astrid Vorpal does know where she is.Baker(6/1-2:50PM) M’Kayla tells Kathy more about crystals when Kathy “feels” Vorpal pass out from the mickey that was slipped into his drink.Baker(6/2-12:02PM)

Swanson, Mr. and Mrs Kathy had a vision that tells her that her parents are still alive, but what she saw is confusing to her. It seems to tell her that their minds and bodies are at separate locations.Jeff Olsen(6/6-2:20PM)

tKani’sav is contemplating the recruitment of Robert and Martel into his service, which is why he left the *crydef[/] file open for their perusal. It was a test, and the two took the bait.Baker(5/30-8:36PM)

Verless, Capt. wishes to respect his President but has problem with dirty work.Jack Ketch(5/28-2:03PM) He plans to help the children and Prof. Kenezr escapeBaker-(5/29-8:46PM) and ivylass(5/30-2:44PM) Verless visits Kenezr in his cell to further plan the escapeBaker(5/31-9:49PM) Capt. Verless, although reluctant to harm children, can bully a crew with the best of them, as when he gives the bridge crew orders here.Baker(6/4-11:24AM) Is assumed to be unaware that Vorpal could, or would, come after him with the power of his rogue crystal.Jack Ketch(6/6-4:01PM)

Vorpal, Astrid Enjoys planning torture, seems to be a nasty sadistBaker(5/29-8:46PM) Vorpal (kills?) the first mate of Capt. Verless for not preventing the escape of the latter. He reaches out with the power of his crystal and takes control of the mind of Capt. Verless, using his body to shoot Largo.Jack Ketch96/6-4:01PM)