Chapter VI of Lands Beyond

     By the time a guard came to escort me back to my cabin, my head was swimming with everything that I had learned. It was still a mystery as to why the shuttle now had a defense mechanism and somewhat independent intelligence, but I now knew that the foreign computer systems had reacted to the current system in a strange and unpredictable manner.

     The engines, as well, had reacted strangely to the new additions. The engine, of course, was the energy source of the force-field. According to the computer’s calculations, the engines now had five times their original speed, as well as a higher fuel capacity and far lower fuel consumption.

     The new metal sheeting was of an extremely strong and durable alloy, specially designed for craft that would be constantly entering and exiting atmospheres. It was also designed to withstand under severe enemy fire with minimal damage. This alone made it quite valuable, and it was in high demand and hard to get hold of if you were not rich.

     Of course, this begged the question of who exactly was Leuven Rhys Makkedah, and what was his part in all of this?

     The guard showed up before I could research this, however, and I decided that it was probably for the best. If my captors were criminals on the run, then I would find out sooner or later. The same if they were a military escort or patrol, or even pirates. There was nothing I could do about it if they were any of these, and besides, surely I was smart enough to draw accurate conclusions from my own observations.

     Three days later, as I was inspecting the fuel lines, a warning klaxon began to sound. I carefully put everything back in place before turning to see what was going on. Several guards and pilots were running everywhere, speaking into little handsets as they ran. My guard motioned me inside so that we could talk.

     As soon as we were inside, he said, “We need to move your ship into a corner and line the fighters up in front of it.”

     “Why?”

     “Just get it moved and I’ll explain.”

     Sensing the urgency of the situation, I did as I was told. I underestimated the power that my shuttle now had, and we shot forward frighteningly fast. I had to bank hard to avoid hitting the wall. Slowing down, I managed to ease it gently into a corner. The guard exhaled in relief as the pilots began to maneuver the fighters into position in front of us.

     I turned to him for an explanation. He obliged as soon as he had made a report to the commander.

     “There is a foreign government dignitary coming aboard. We are currently very near their territory, and if they caught sight of this strange contraption, they may try to confiscate it from us. They are just touchy enough to start a war over it, even if there is no reason for it.”

     “Ah, I understand. Where I come from, we have had a civil war started over a disagreement. Even though it happened a very long time ago, there is still a line separating one side from the other.”

     “That is sort of what happened here. I believe that they are still trying to fight a war that ended centuries ago.”

     Nothing more was said as we sat and waited for the dignitary to arrive. When he did, I was surprised to find that he was a very young man, and from the looks of him, very petty, sullen, and highly disagreeable. My lip curled involuntarily. The guard smiled.

     “I see that you share my opinion of our distinguished visitor.”

     I turned to him. “Was he chosen for this position because of his rank, family influence, or personal ability?”

     “I believe that the answer would be family influence. They have no rank to speak of, but they are very rich and own a large number of businesses and are in control of at least two shipping companies and three mines. They are powerful enough that even Commander Makkedah is wary of upsetting them.”

     This was something to think on and I said nothing more.

     I do not know how long we sat there, but it was a very long time. I was beginning to wonder if we would have to stay the night in the shuttle when I saw the dignitary appear in the landing bay. He appeared to be very upset about something. The commander followed closely, apparently contrite and trying to appease and satisfy the boy. I frowned in distaste at the unseemly display.

     When the foreign ship was safely away, Commander Makkedah straightened and began to bark orders. Soldiers and crewmen alike scattered to do his bidding. One crewman came forward with a mop bucket and appeared to ask him something. The commander laughed heartily, nodding to signify his acceptance. At once, the crewman began to meticulously clean everywhere the ship and dignitary had touched.

     I would have laughed, but the situation was far too serious to be taken so lightly. I know very little of politics, especially foreign politics, but even I knew that this could be dangerous and possibly even foolhardy. It is never a good idea to make fun of those in power. Especially if they are touchy and eager for a fight.