Chapter 7       Dr. Martin withdrew the needle from Nara's abdomen. Placing the used syringe on a utensils tray, he drew the sheets back over Nara's body. "That's all we can do." he announced to those assembled. "Think it will work?" asked Stan. "In theory it should, but in all honesty only time will tell." The box-like device on Stan's belt beeped. He plucked it from his belt and pressed the red button on its side. "Remes here." "Remes, this is Takagi. Get on the horn to fleet command. We have a code one emergency." "More good news." mumbled Stan. "What was that?" asked Kaz. "Nothing. Can you give me any details, Lieutenant?" "Not at this time. Better contact the Eltorian High Council while you're at it, this could be a danger to them too." Stan turned his head sideways, locking Zairum in his gaze. "Something tells me that's not going to be a problem." "How so?" asked Kaz. "Councilor Zairum is standing right next to me." The comm line was silent a second. "Lieutenant?" "You're at Nara's hospital room, right?" "Yes, sir." confirmed Stan. "Good. Send that message to fleet command and then stay put. I'll meet you there. I've got something I'd like the councilor to look at." "Roger that, Lieutenant. See you soon. Remes out." "Any idea what this may be about?" asked Zairum. Stan shrugged, "He sounded spooked so its got to be big. Everyone stay put, I'll be back after a make my little call to the fleet." * * *       Vince Pellegrino finished wiring the last connection. He was never an electronics whiz, but he had picked up a few pointers from people like Colleen and Jared. None-the-less, the upgrade to his armor was still progressing far too slowly. He'd just got word that the platoon was preparing to mount an attack against the terrorist base. If he didn't get these adjustments done, he wouldn't be able to go. "You don't give up, do you?" Vince turned from the table he was working at. "It's not in my nature, Alexis. You should know that by now." She nodded as she approached. "I do. That's why I came." "I thought you couldn't watch me do this." Alexis took the tool Vince held in his hands. "I thought I couldn't. But then I realized that you'd do this regardless. And rather than sit back and watch you run off half-cocked in mis-wired jumparmor, I thought I'd do everything in my power to make sure you come back in one piece." Vince stared into her eyes for a moment. "Thank you." She pushed passed him and surveyed the armor that lay out before her. "Now then, why don't you tell me what you're trying to do here?" * * *       "Does it look familiar?" asked Kaz. Zairum peered at the screen while tapping a finger on his chin. Kaz, Mandy, Stan and Sue patiently waited for him to answer. "The materials and styling are Eltorian, of that there is little doubt." Kaz and Mandy had arrived a few minutes ago. They had borrowed the use of Dr. Martin's office to discuss the contents of Mandy's disk with Zairum. "Do think this is for real?" "Sure looks authentic." blurted Stan. "True enough." stated Zairum. "I am forced to agree." "But are you certain?" asked Sue. "What if this an elaborate hoax to keep us from focusing on their real objective?" Zairum pushed a few buttons on the desk console. The data stream skipped to the bottom of the file, where a long, complex series of numbers and symbols were written. "A valid concern." stated Zairum. He punched in a few more keys, then produced a thin card-like device from the folds of his robe. Having inserted it into the console's drive, Zairum tapped the enter key once. The screen flickered as thousands of numbers and symbols scrolled across the screen. "A decryption program?" asked Sue. "Correct." stated Zairum. The computer worked at the code a few more minutes, then finally produced one short sentence. "Arsis, agent of the High Council, passcode: terra, current assignment: deep cover operative." read Mandy. Takagi glanced back at her, "You speak Eltorian?" Mandy shrugged, "That, and eight other languages." "Impressive." commented Zairum. "This encryption code is to our knowledge unbreakable. It is only used by these types of operatives." "In other words, its the real deal. No 'if', 'and', or 'but's about it" added Stan. Kaz looked at him. "The call went out just like you wanted, our people our mobilizing as we speak."       "Then there's just one detail left. Counselor, what does this spy look like? We don't want to accidentally kill our benefactor." Zairum stared blankly at him. "I do not know. For security reasons, such details are kept hidden. You must find him though, his help in taking the complex could prove invaluable." Kaz shook his head. "Why do we always have to do things the hard way?" "Do not lose hope so easily. I believe there is still a way to identify him." He turned his gaze to Mandy. Like an animal caught in headlights, she froze with a wide-eyed expression on her face. "Me!?" "The disk was given to you." Mandy scrambled, trying to talk her way out of going into combat. "Yes, but..." "You saw the Eltorian that planted it?" "Yes, but I..." "And you could identify him if you saw him again?" "She has a photographic memory." interjected Kaz. "Perfect." replied Zairum. "But..." said Mandy. "Looks like its settled then." added Stan. "But..." "You'll ride with Worthington." ordered Kaz. "But..." Kaz bolted from the room with Stan, saying "We'll need to confer with Algernon on the best way to dispose of the device once we find it." "But..." Zairum exited shortly after them. Worthington clapped Mandy on the shoulder, "I'll pick you up at the South entrance." "But..." Sue pointed a finger at her as she left the room. "Don't be late. Remember, we've got a solar system to save." Mandy stared at the open door to the office, her mouth hanging open and her arms hanging by her sides. "Oh no." * * *       "He went where!?" yelled Kaz, scarcely believing the answer he heard just moments before. Remes and he had arrived at Algernon's office only to discover that he had come to his main research complex. Once they arrived there, they discovered he had taken a rather rash course of action. "Through the ring system." answered the lab tech. He pointed to the rebuilt ring system. Several times larger than the first, it looked big enough to fit a shuttle or scout ship through. "Why?" demanded Remes. "He didn't say. He just ordered us to start it up and input the targeting coordinates he supplied." An stunned Kaz asked, "And you didn't think to ask why?" "The professor isn't used to being questioned in his own lab." answered the technician. Kaz planted his hands on his hips and muttered under his breath, "I can't believe he did this. He knows we have an emergency. What the hell is he playing at?" "How long ago did he go through?" asked Remes. The technician checked his watch. "I'd say about three and a half to four hours ago. He took a fully-armed security team and a modified scout ship with second ring system set up inside it." "Well, at least it sounds like he'll be back." offered Remes. Kaz rolled his eyes. "Do you have any idea - any idea at all - when he'll be back?" The technician signed deeply. "Look, I just work here. Its not in my job description to keep tabs on every little thing the professor does. Now if you'll excuse me, I have work to do." He stalked off without another word. Kaz threw his arms into the air. "I don't believe this!" "Try to relax," suggested Stan, "he could be back any minute, ya know?" Kaz signed. "Pardon me if I don't believe that. I'd sooner believe there's a greater chance of me becoming Admiral of the fleet than Algernon getting back here in time."       The machinery behind them sprang to life as the ring system became active. Stan stared at Kaz. "Shut up." said Kaz. "I wasn't going to say anything...Admiral." Kaz shot him hard stare. Stan pointed to the developing rift. "Here he comes." The room became filled with a white light as the rift fully formed. Shortly after, armed figures began stepping through it. From their uniforms Kaz surmised they were the security team Algernon took with him. Finally, the scientist himself stepped through followed by two others. Kaz focused on one of them. "Cy!" As the rift closed down, he snapped into focus with a familiar red-head following behind. Kaz and Stan run toward them. Cy greeted him with a hearty handshake and slap on the shoulder. "Good to see you again!" he said. "Good to see everything again!" He looked around the lab. "Made a few changes since I've been gone?" "We had to, you went and destroyed our last research facility." snapped Algernon. "Watch it Prof." muttered Remes. "He's just making a joke." replied Cy. He grabbed hold of Stan's hand. "Good to see you again, my friend." Stan winced as he frantically pointed toward his hand. "Hand hurts! Hand hurts! Hand hurts!" "Oh, sorry about that. Guess I'm just excited to be back." "You're entitled." said Remes as he nursed his squashed hand. "My heart is all a flutter for you." muttered Ellen from behind the Professor. "I see you still have your sparkling personality." answered Remes. Ellen turned her nose up at him with a curt "Bite me, small fry." "Where?" asked Stan with a mischievous grin and click of his teeth. "Knock it off." stated Kaz. He looked to Sterling, "Its good to have you back." Turning his gaze to Algernon, "Not bad Professor, just when I think I know you, you turn around and surprise me." "One does what one can." replied the Professor. "Now we need to get down to business..." "Wait!" interrupted Sterling, "Where's Nara?" Kaz was about to answer when Algernon waved him off. "I'll handle this, you have other concerns. When your done with those, you know where to find me." He grabbed Sterling's arm and lead him from the room, starting what would likely be a lengthy explanation of the events since Sterling's departure. * * *       Cy gripped Nara's hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. "I can't believe this happened." "You were gone for 8 months." offered Dr. Martin. Cy stared at him, "Is there anything I can do?" "Nothing." began Dr. Martin, "And you don't need to. I'm happy to report that both she and the children are going to be just fine. She just needs to rest, her body has been through quite a trauma." "Children? As in more than one?" asked Cy. "Well yes, she's carrying twins." "Twins?" said Cy with wide grin. He gave Nara's hand another squeeze. "Way to go honey!" he whispered. The doctor cleared his throat, then said, "Yes, well, I think you may have had something to do with it as well." Cy smiled even wider. "I don't know how to thank you." Dr. Martin picked up Nara's chart, scrawled a few things on it, then hung it back on the end of her bed. "If you absolutely feel the need to thank someone, I'd suggest one of the twins. The enzyme it created saved the life of its twin and your wife." Algernon rested a hand on Cy's shoulder, "Well, it seems at least one of them takes after you." Algernon chuckled to himself as Cy nodded in agreement. "I guess so, huh?" The Professor composed himself before taking his leave. "Since everything has stabilized here, I need to get going. A solar system to save and all that." Algernon began to leave when he suddenly thought better of it. "You want to come, Cy? This could prove an interesting challenge, and your expertise would no doubt be helpful." Cy looked from Algernon to Nara, then back to Algernon again. The Professor smiled while he halfway raised a hand. "You want to be here when she wakes up, I understand. I'll stop by later to update you on what you missed." "I look forward to it." said Cy. Algernon nodded and left the room, muttering under his breath, "Assuming, of course, there is a 'later'." * * *       Zairum paced nervously outside the door. He ran several scenarios through mind, trying to figure out the easiest way to accomplish his task. He stopped in front of the door. Focused intently on it then walked over to it and knocked. A muffled voice allowed access. The door slide open. Sterling sat next to the bed holding Nara's hand in his own. She smiled broadly when he entered. "You are awake?" he asked. "For an hour or so." explained Nara. She gazed over to Cy. "I didn't expect to find him here, but as surprises go it was most definitely a good one." "Is there something I can do for you Councilor?" asked Sterling. "Oh, no. I just came to see that everything is well." Sterling seemed a bit puzzled by the gesture. "Well, thank you, sir. Its good of you to show concern for us." Zairum made a dismissive gesture as he crossed the room. "Think nothing of it. I was wondering..." "And how is our patient?" Zairum was cut off as Dr. Martin entered the room. "Doing much better, thanks to you." replied Nara. "As I told your husband earlier, it was one of the children, not me." Nara smiled patiently. "Don't sell yourself short, doctor. Someone still had to figure out what was happening and how to use it to my advantage." Dr. Martin picked up her chart, scanned it quickly, then put it down. "Any thoughts about names for the children." "A few." said Cy, "You know, Dean is a good name." suggested Dr. Martin. "Its nice." commented Nara. "Where'd you come up with it?" "Its mine." replied the doctor. "Wait a minute," said a disbelieving Cy, "That means your full name is...Dean Martin." "Yes, and what of it?" Both Dr. Martin and Nara gave him a confused look. Cy smiled sheepishly, "Nothing, it just sounds a bit comical. That's all." He stifled a laugh. Nara turned to Dr. Martin and found her confusion mirrored on his face. "Yes, well, as I was saying," interrupted Zairum, "I wanted to talk to you about a matter of personal interest." Sterling turned his attention towards him, his curiosity peaked. "I'll be back later." said Dr. Martin as he left the room.       "Go ahead, Counselor." Zairum took in a deep breath, then began, "A long time ago, before I was appointed to the High Council, I met..." "Sterling? Are you in there?" called Professor Algernon. Zairum's face flushed blue, the Eltorian equivalent of a reddening face. "Just one moment, Counselor." Sterling called out to Algernon. "I'm right here, Professor." The gangly scientist shuffled into the room. "Ah, there you are. Might I have a moment? It is vitally important." "Of course, Professor." The Professor stepped in front of Zairum, effectively cutting him off from Sterling. "As you know, a strike team is departing within the hour to deal with the terrorist base here on Venus. I want you to go with them." Nara tightened the grip she had on Cy's hand. "I just got him back, Professor, can't you go instead?" "My apologies, Nara, but Cy is better suited to this type of work. Besides, I've already gone above and beyond my duty once today. Best not to push my luck." "I don't know Professor. I'm not a soldier anymore." said Cy. "You'll be along in an advisory capacity, technical and scientific support mostly." Cy looked to Nara. "What do you think?" "The fate of the solar system is a stake." reminded Algernon. Nara relented. "Just come back to me in one piece." "I will." said Cy. He kissed her goodbye and left with Algernon. A disgruntled Zairum stood in the corner. "Oh yes, do not mind me. I'm only your father. Of course you do not know that because I seem unable to get even two minutes of your time." he hissed. Nara giggled from her bed. "This is amusing?" asked Zairum. Nara composed herself. "It was a very good first try." she said reassuringly. "And when he comes back, you can try again." Zairum slumped into the chair next to her bed. "I did not think it would be this hard." "Well that's just the way life is." "Then why live it?" asked Zairum. "Because nothing worth having is ever easy." Zairum nodded his head. "There is a certain logic to that. You will make a good mother." "And you a grandfather." returned Nara. On to Chapter 8