Decade: A Long, Long Time from Now

CATHERINE IN THE 25TH CENTURY

by PearlAnn SnowStar

“Easy there. Don’t try to get up.”

She turned and noticed an older man about the same age as her father. He looked like a doctor dressed in white, and he seemed friendly.

“What hospital am I in?”

“You’re in the medical bay quarters on a space station which is above Earth.”

“What!” Did she hear him correctly?  “A space station?”

“Yes, can you recall anything about what you were doing before you woke up here?”

“I…I was taking an airplane trip to meet with a client, Mr. Jefferson. I work for my father’s law firm. My father and I were working on legal documents for his newly acquired hotel and recreational area in Maine. Since he couldn’t make it to New York City for the final signing, I was flying out to meet him. I chose to fly, as it would have taken four hours to drive.

“My father and Mr. Jefferson met each other in college. Mr. Jefferson trusted my father and me to handle his corporation’s legal matters, even outside New York City.”

“I see. You don’t remember any unusual aircraft, say a spaceship flying next to the airplane? Or boarding such a craft?”

“What? No, never.”

“Biddie-biddie-biddie.”

She turned to face the noise and saw a little robot man had entered the room. He had what appeared to be a metal cap or metal haircut. She gasped.

The doctor turned and faced the robot. “Twiki, I didn’t call you in here.”

“Biddie-biddie-biddie. I know, but you may need assistance.”

Catherine quickly closed her eyes. After a few seconds, she opened them. “This is not a dream,” she whispered.

The doctor turned and gently touched the top of her right hand. “No, it’s not a dream. My name is Doctor Huett.” He motioned for Twiki to come up closer.

Doctor Huett gently explained, “This is Twiki, an ambuquad. Ambuquads normally work in the space mines but can be used as an ambulatory transportation assistance. His name, Twiki, is short for his designation by the ambuquad facility in New Chicago that built him. His robotic designation is TWKE-4, serial number n22-23t. Twiki has been acquiring so much more knowledge besides what was needed for his duties in the mines. He was assigned to me in the medical area. I’m helping him learn life form biology. He has proven to be very curious about humans and other species and likes to pick up data about the past.”

Catherine sat straight up.

Doctor Huett tried to stop her from getting out of bed. “No, no, you must understand, you were in a cryotube, which we recovered from the Zeta Reticulons spacecraft. You have to give your body time to adjust.”

Catherine felt a headache coming on.

“What is your name?” Doctor Huett asked.

“Catherine Chandler.”

“What was the year you took this airplane trip?”

“May 12, 1980.” Catherine felt dizzy.

“I see.”

“Biddie-biddie-biddie. Referencing data from 20th century Earth. Biddie-biddie-biddie.”

“What is it doing?’ Catherine looked at the bizarre robot.

“An amazing thing. He can access whatever records we have from the past. As the engineers advised me, it seems Twiki can learn and retain useful information about all kinds of things. He seems to acquire more than his AI programming.”

“Biddie-biddie-biddie. I have information about airline flights from 1980. TWA, New York City, New York to Portland, Maine. Biddie-biddie-biddie.”

Catherine looked at Doctor Huett. “Why does he do that ‘biddie biddie-biddie’?”

“Oh, that is something the technicians have been trying to figure out. When he first went online, he started to do that. Since his duties in the space mines required only manual assistance, they let it go. Then, when they noticed he was not fully acting like the other ambuquads, they checked him out. They would have decommissioned him if I wasn’t there. I was curious about the little guy and asked if I could take him back with me. For a few months now, he’s kept acquiring information, and it turns out he can be an invaluable assistant, once you get past certain of his quirks. I think he does that when he gets nervous or when doing a data search. I’m just a doctor and if the technicians can’t figure it out, well, it is what it is. I’ve grown to accept him as he is.”

“He gets nervous? Isn’t that a…” Catherine started to say as she stared at the robot.

“Biddie-biddie-biddie. Got it, Doc. TWA flight. May 12, 1980. After 10 minutes of a 45- to 50-minute flight, the craft disappeared off of the radar. Reports of UFOs in the area. No crash debris.” Twiki paused, then continued, “I’m referencing old historical data from the 20th century. Biddie-biddie-biddie. Yes, I see a Catherine Chandler on a flight record, along with other passengers, on a scheduled flight at 7:05am. Which never arrived.”

“What! No, wait, the plane crashed?” Catherine asked.

Twiki continued, “According to the information, we show the flight as disappearing off the radar in between New York City in the state of New York in the country of United States of America and the city of Portland in the state of Maine…”

“But if it crashed, there should have been wreckage. And what about the other passengers? The crew?” Catherine inquired.

“Biddie-biddie-biddie There is no information from the past about finding any passengers or crew. According to the information, they believe it crashed into the ocean. No wreckage or bodies were ever recovered.

“Biddie-biddie-biddie. Yours was the only cryo we found in the Zeta Reticulons spacecraft that was intact. The craft looked like it was damaged either by space materials or in a fight.”

Catherine laid back. “What year is this?’

“It’s May 31st, 2454,” Doctor Huett answered.

Catherine let out a slight moan. “I’m over 500 years old now!”

“Biddie-biddie-biddie. You look amazing for a human over 500 years old.”

“Twiki, please.” Doctor Huett sighed.

“Catherine, may I ask how old you are? Before waking up,” Doctor Huett inquired.

“Twenty-five. I was going to turn twenty-six in June.”

“Biddie-biddie-biddie, Born in the year 1956 in New York City, state of New York, country of United States. Date?”

“What? Oh, June 12.” Catherine sat up.

“From what I was told, the space patrol crew doing their rounds found a damaged spacecraft floating through space. It was confirmed that it was a Zeta Reticulons craft, and it was possibly drifting through space for about 500 years or so. It’s very unusual for their craft to sustain the damage it had and still maintain functions. The crew was shocked to find only one cryo chamber, yours. But, if they hadn’t arrived, the cryo chamber would have eventually gotten loose and floated out into space.” Doctor Huett paused.

Catherine looked at Doctor Huett. “What are Zeta Reticulons?”

“You would have called them grays in your time period. That, though, is not fair for all the grays. We were interested in the Zeta Reticulons because of how they treated humans in the past. As incubators for their experiments with breeding babies. It seems that they’ve lost the ability to have children and found Earth humans to be a good species to experiment on.”

Catherine had a shocked look on her face.

“Anyway, in the centuries that followed, what with humans finally going into space and colonizing the Moon, Mars, and other planets, we eventually were accepted into the Galactic Alliance. Although some species of reptilians, insectoids, and a host of others still think we are barbaric. Anyway, that form of grays, the Zeta Reticulons, after coming to Earth since our beginnings millions of years ago, finally stopped all abductions. That was an event that happened in 2322, the year we claimed our right to be in space and to be treated as higher intelligence.” Doctor Huett looked at her. “Since your time, there have been climate changes and political disasters. It’s going to take time to get used to being here in this century.”

“I was abducted by aliens and now I’m obsolete.” Catherine despaired. “Am I going to be a lab rat?”

“What? Oh, no. We will make sure you are well vaccinated for any potential health threats. Once you are acclimated to your situation, I believe you can live out the rest of your 150 years here, in this time, doing things you would love to do. What are your interests? Perhaps we can start there…”

“So, I’m the only one in a …cryo they found, no one else, no…grays, Zeta…”

“Reticulons.” Doctor Huett smiled. “It seems you were very lucky. The space patrol noticed the cryo chamber was starting to malfunction, and their ship’s doctor managed to gently get you out of the chamber and started to revive you.”

“I don’t feel lucky.”

“Well, you are. When they couldn’t wake you up, they immediately headed to the Earth Space Station and contacted me. I felt that you would come out of cryogenics with a little help from us in the medical facility. We know what type of cryogenics the Zeta Reticulons were using.”

“But there is so much to learn, to catch up to.” Catherine felt tears coming to her eyes. “I’m like a caveman to a modern person…I….”

Doctor Huett smiled. “…are like a newborn in a new world. Be open to the possibilities.”

“And my father, he must have been so heartbroken. My mother died when I was ten. After a few years, I was probably declared dead. And the others on that flight. What happened to them?”

“Biddie-biddie-biddie. Catherine, babe, it’s going to be all right. New programming is hard for some humans, but you seem very intelligent.”

“Twiki.” Doctor Huett shook his head at him. “Let her get used to all that I told her now.”

“How many days, since they found me in this cryo tube, how many days was I…”

“It seems that you were in some type of coma, even though your bodily functions, like your body temperature, started to become normal. We had to keep you isolated for fear of any contamination on your part or ours.”

Doctor Huett’s voice was calm. She felt like he was trying to reassure her, but it wasn’t working.

“How long?” Catherine looked at him as she wiped away the tears that started to fall.

“It has been seven days.”

“Can I ever go back to living on Earth?”

“Well, the atmosphere has changed a bit, but all indications are that you can.”

“Of course, you are going to have to get used to the rules of society now and adjust to lots of new things,” a woman’s voice was heard to say.

Catherine, Doctor Huett, and Twiki turned around and noticed a white woman with brunette hair standing in the doorway. She was wearing what looked like a space suit, which had padding on the shoulders, arms, breast, and stomach area, as well as on the knees.  But it was not bulky. The woman was holding what looked like a space helmet under her right arm. She was so pretty.

“Biddie-biddie-biddie. Wilma, babe, great to see ya.”

“Wilma. Did you…?”  Doctor Huett started to ask.

“Don’t worry, Doctor Huett. I went through the sterilization procedure. And hi, Twiki.”

“Then let me introduce you two.” Doctor Huett smiled. “Catherine Chandler, this is Captain Wilma Derring.”

“Hello, Captain Derring.” Catherine tried to smile.

“Wilma is fine. I have questions to ask you. What do you know about the Zeta Reticulons? Do you remember being put into the cryo chamber?”

“Wilma, hold on.” Doctor Huett walked up to her. “She is still trying to get used to being more than twenty-five by at least 500 years.”

“So, you may not remember the abduction. If you were abducted. Or if you accepted their offer of some type of adventure?” Wilma looked at Catherine.

“All I remember was that I was on an airplane with other passengers, and that was it. I was in my seat. It was in the non-smoking section and not by the window.”

“Airplane?” Wilma frowned. “The primitive transportation device of the past? ”

“Airplanes are not…were not primitive,” Catherine whispered.

Wilma lifted her left arm and started to talk into what looked like a watch on her wrist.

Catherine laid back and closed her eyes.

“Catherine, are you dizzy?” Doctor Huett asked.

She couldn’t answer. The room was swirling.

* * *

Catherine looked around her. She was sitting in a chair next to Wilma. She wore the same white uniform as hers, but with a light-yellow patch on her right shoulder, she wondered what Wilma was thinking, as she looked so serious.

She noticed a woman in a brown spacesuit at the front, sitting by a console. She was moving her fingers over some type of computer keyboard. Next to her was a man, also wearing a brown spacesuit. He was looking at the computer in front of him, also typing something on his keyboard. They almost seemed like brother and sister. Brown hair, white skin, and both having a healthy physique.

She looked across the room and noticed a black woman with short black hair. She was wearing a light gray spacesuit and was intently observing something on a small video screen.

Five years. It took me five years to learn and become an advisory lawyer. And here I am on a spaceship. I’m not sure if this is wise.

“Penny for your thoughts.”

She looked up and saw a very handsome white man with dark hair and sparkling eyes. He wore a black spacesuit. He had a huge grin on his face.

“Joe, please, sit down, we will be going through the wormhole in a few minutes.” Wilma looked at him.

“OOOOH, Wilma Derring, Captain Wilma.” He chuckled. “New recruit?”

“No,” Catherine finally spoke up. “I’m not with space patrol.”

“Oh!” Joe smiled. “You must be the Earth Advisory Lawyer I asked for. Do we shake hands or bow or what?”

Catherine tentatively reached out her right hand and Joe shook it.

“Joe Maxwell, at your service. I’m a Senior Advisory Lawyer, the one who hired you.”

Catherine took a deep breath. “Catherine Chandler.”

“So, is it Catherine, or Cathy for short?” he inquired.

Suddenly an alarm went off and a mechanical voice spoke. “Wormhole crossing. Please be seated and secured.”

“Talk later,” Joe said as he moved to sit in the seat next to the black woman.

“You can call me Cathy,” Catherine called out to him.

* * *

After what seemed like hours, the ship came out of the wormhole. Catherine did not feel so good.

“Deep breaths. The first time I went through a wormhole, I nearly threw up.” Wilma gently touched Catherine’s arm. “You’ll get used to it.”

“I’m only doing this two times. The next time is when I return to Earth. Then, I’m done.”

“Not made for space, is that it?” Joe asked.

She looked up at Joe. “No, I’m not.”

“Well, the Searcher is more than a patrol spaceship, she is an amazing exploration cruiser, too. With great luxuries like a nice ten-minute shower with real water.” Joe winked at Wilma.

“Edie, can we take a break?” Joe directed his question to the black woman, who stood up.

“Captain Edie to you, Mr. Maxwell, need I remind you? Better yet, Captain Woods.”

Edie turned to the two sitting at the front console. “Janet and William, how does it look out there?”

The white woman spoke up, “Captain, no alerts, but the break should be short until we reach Throm’s moon. This is unpatrolled space.”

“OK, Janet. Short break announcement.” Edie looked at the young man. “Keep an eye out for any trouble, William.”

“Yes, Captain.”

Catherine couldn’t wait to release her meshed seat belt. She felt like a fish caught in a net, as it went over her whole chest area, also pinning her arms at her side and stretching down to her knees. While not uncomfortable, as it allowed some movement, she felt trapped. One click from the button by her right hand and the darn thing retreated.

Joe extended his hand out to her. “May I show milady the break area?”

Catherine took his hand. “Thank you.”

He let Catherine go, but by the time he turned toward Wilma, she was up and stretching.

“You two may need to go over the agreement between the Throms and Earth.” Wilma had a neutral expression on her face.

Joe just shook his head. “All business, that one.”

Catherine chuckled. “We do have to discuss the Throms. And I have to get used to disappearing computers.”

She lifted her left arm, looking at the wristwatch on her wrist, and hesitated. Wilma reached out and pressed the green button. A 3D holographic computer appeared and the button turned a bright red.

She looked at Wilma. “Thank you.”

“And press the red and boom!” Joe laughed. “Well, not boom, but the computer disappears!”

Wilma sighed.

Catherine blushed. “I’m still getting used to all…this.”

“After five years here?” Joe looked puzzled. “It should be a piece of cake. Plus, you don’t look bad for a woman over 500.”

“I’m actually 30 in my eyes.” Catherine gave him a look. “Anyway…”

“Easy there, just curious about who I’m going to work with.” Joe smirked. “You seemed to do a pretty good job on Earth and this case is complicated.”

Catherine looked at the 3D computer hologram. “In that, the Throm planet now has three species, humans, the Tangata manu, which are the beings who look like birds, and one person, a being resembling a lion, of a species yet to be determined. Not to mention the multis, those of two or more different species. The humans who came to the planet about 100 years ago are split into two human colonies. The one causing the most trouble is the main community, which lately elected as its President Mr. Pater, who wants to have full control over the planet. Which does not surprise me. The second human community that is closer to the Tangata manu has a leader of a council of humans led by Jacob Wells. They do not side with President Pater.”

Joe nodded. “And we of the Galactic Alliance, which includes Earth, want to make sure no massacres, fights, or wars break out because of our fellow humans.”

Catherine continued, “It appears the Tangata manus want to be left alone, in peace. Their leader, Hawk, claims he has the ability to truly destroy any enemy if need be. While he doesn’t want our help, his people do, so he accepts our aid. We must come in and help make a peace plan between the groups, or this situation could be taken advantage of. However, this Galactic Alliance has no real authority there, and neither do we. They are so far away from our galaxies. Mr. Maxwell, this can turn…”

“Ugly, yes. But call me Joe.”

He motioned to Catherine to follow him. As she followed him, with Wilma behind them, Joe continued, “This planet is rich. It’s like a young Earth. Similar gravity. Kind of cool, so far as we know, no drastic climate changes like on Earth. Almost like an Earth Two, and I can guarantee that many greedy rich people on Earth can’t wait to eat it up.”

“That is why the two non-human groups and the humans led by Jacob Wells are so adamant that there must be a five-member council to keep peace and order among the groups.” Catherine looked at Joe. “That makes sense. But it seems that 500 years later, people are still people.”

“Well, the more things change, the more people fight for a piece of the gold.” Joe sighed. “The thing is, this planet is so unique. Yes, there are other Earth-like planets out there, but this one has one sun, it’s in a system of nine planets, and the atmosphere, while a little bit different, like having more oxygen, is like Earth’s. Even the gravity is so very close to ours. And it has one moon like Earth’s.”

“I notice this lion person, this…”

Joe smiled. “Vincent, yes, he was born on a spaceship from his planet of origin just before their ship crashed into Throm thirty-three years ago. He was placed in a newborn chamber just before the crash. There were 12 crewmembers, and only five survived for a little while. His mother managed to live for about a year. She had severe injuries, yet still managed to nurse Vincent, with the help of Jacob Wells and his human community. Also had help from the Tangata manus. Four others survived, but only for a few months.

“The new human community, by the way, the one led by Jacob Wells, is called Hamlet. Jacob Wells wants to be called Jacob. The original colony, now run by President Pater, is now called Milton.”

“What was the original colony’s name?” Catherine inquired.

“Originally called New Life. President Pater hated that name.” Joe brushed his hair with his fingers.

“Didn’t anyone ask the survivors where they came from?” Catherine asked.

“With the survivors badly injured, no one wanted to question them. If they mentioned where they were from, no one wrote it down. Plus, their spacecraft was so damaged, no one could get any information from its computers. Vincent just accepts he is now a Throm and that is it.” Joe looked at Catherine. “Me, I think some in Hamlet do know, especially Vincent, what species he is, but are keeping quiet for some reason.”

“It seems Hamlet is the one we should work with first,” Catherine said as she pressed the red button on her wristwatch. The 3D computer disappeared.

“And here we are,” Joe exclaimed. Joe moved toward some doors that were marked with a simple food design of a plate, with a knife and fork on it. The doors opened to a breakroom that had a window that showed the view outside of the ship. Some people were sitting in chairs by tables, which were next to the window. To the left was a small kitchen area.

“Biddie-biddie-biddie.”

Catherine nearly jumped out of her skin. Joe started to laugh, but she glared at him. She turned around to look at Twiki. “Didn’t I tell you not to sneak up on me like that?”

“Biddie-biddie-biddie. Yes, so I announced myself.”

“’Biddie-biddie-biddie’ is not an announcement. You should do something else, like ahem, or something that sounds like you’re clearing your throat.”

Wilma and Joe were both trying to compose themselves.

Catherine looked at them. “Twiki seems to follow me almost everywhere as if he is my personal escort.”

Wilma chuckled. “Well, he seems attached to you, and you seem to tolerate him.”

Catherine shook her head. “He has been helpful these past few years. Doctor Huett was so nice and kind to allow him to be my personal assistant, but it seems…”

“Biddie-biddie-biddie. I know, you need space.”

Joe busted out laughing. “Oh, I like this ambuquad.”

Joe, Catherine, and Wilma saw an empty table with four chairs. They took their seats. Twiki moved a chair to the side and stood next to Catherine.

* * *

A few hours later, Catherine was seated in a transport shuttle heading toward the planet. She pulled on the mesh seatbelt, trying to get comfortable. Wilma was sitting in the right seat in front, piloting the shuttle. A black man dressed in brown occupied the seat to Wilma’s left.

The shuttle had three extra seats on each side. Catherine was in the first seat, which was behind the black man. Joe sat next to her. The seat next to Joe was empty. Across from her were three serious-looking women; one was black, another a part mouse and part human being, and the third was maybe Asian.

Catherine felt a bump.

“Here we are!” Joe said. He looked at the crew, then at Wilma. “Going to introduce us to your posse?”

Wilma got up. “I’ll make introductions when we get into…”

She was cut short by a laser blast that hit the shuttle.

“Captain Deering, we are under attack,” the black man said.

Wilma just rolled her eyes. “Darien, return fire.”

As a small battle broke out, Catherine wondered what she had gotten herself into. She heard a loud noise outside. It sounded like a bird of prey.

“Here he comes to save the day!” Joe cried out.

“Who?” Catherine asked.

“Hawk,” Wilma replied.

Catherine was concerned. She noticed Wilma’s crew pulling out their laser weapons.

“Hawk will be killed,” Catherine said.

“Nope,” Joe answered her. “That was his ship that made that noise.”

Darien spoke up. “No more enemy fire. Man, that ship of Hawk’s…”

“I know.” Wilma looked at her other crew. “Keep those weapons handy, just in case.”

“Who could have known that we landed by Hamlet instead of by the Tangata manu community?” Catherine looked at Joe.

“Seems we have a spy from Milton that somehow managed to get on board the Searcher. They do have their own space shuttles. So maybe one of them…” Joe looked at Wilma.

Wilma shook her head. “Aside from Hawk’s vessel, the space shuttles they have are only for local transportation, not for long trips. And, as far as we know, their shuttles are used as transportation devices for the planet and its moon. There is no wormhole navigation or anything like that. I suspect that they noticed our ship coming into orbit. They waited until our transport shuttle left the main ship and watched us coming down and anticipated where we were going to land.”

“Definitely Milton, I can feel it.” The Asian crewmember had spoken.

“Zhu, you are an empath, so I will trust that feeling for now. But we should try to keep an open mind.” Wilma looked at Joe and Catherine. “This was why you needed space patrol. Once before, when someone was bringing supplies to trade, they landed here, as well.”

“What happened?” Catherine had a concerned look on her face.

“They nearly died,” Wilma said matter-of-factly. “A shuttle came from nowhere and attacked theirs. Luckily, two ships came to their aid. Hawk was in his ship. Vincent was in a shuttle from Hamlet. Hawk and Vincent destroyed the attacker. The traders managed to contact their spacecraft, which sent down a shuttle to also help them out.”

Catherine looked at Joe. He said, “Forgot to mention, this has been going on for a year. The first exploration ship came here five years ago. They found these people had some space technology, like their shuttles. Mostly the people in Hamlet and the people of the Tangata manu, who never told us the name of their village. Milton had only one then. Somehow, Milton managed to either make or get five more that we know of. Hamlet had five, as well, until last year, when Milton destroyed one and took prisoners. They were executed. Their bodies were left by Hamlet’s front entrance.”

“You put me into the middle of a war.” Catherine was mad.

“Not quite a war. The Galactic Alliance thinks Earth can handle this, as it’s humans causing the issue. If we can get Milton to agree to our plan of an elected five-member council, it might help to regulate things. We wanted the council to be represented by a person from Milton, a person from Hamlet, a person from the Tangata manu, a multi-species person, and a person chosen to be objective, from Earth. But Milton rejects that idea. They want all five members to be from Milton.”

Catherine was shocked. “President Pater is trying to take control of this world?”

Wilma spoke up. “Only President Pater speaks for Milton. He won’t allow us to talk to anyone in his community. We tried last year and found our negotiators…murdered.”

Catherine felt scared. She looked at Joe. “I’m no fighter. I’m a lawyer.”

“No, you’re not a fighter,” Joe firmly said. “But on Earth, when once again New Russia and Central China wanted to invade and take over the whole Asian Alliance, you got them to cool down and accept a treaty.”

“That took a year! I was lucky to have Twiki with me, as well as security. I and my fellow advisory lawyers were in constant danger. I’m a great negotiator, as well as a treaty lawyer, but I never ever wanted to go through that again.” Catherine was angry. “When you contacted me three months ago, you assured me that I would be safe and that this was a breeze compared to that. You lied.”

Joe squirmed. “I didn’t lie. I just didn’t think it would get this bad. Milton only attacked supply shuttles and space patrol shuttles. When a shuttle with negotiators landed here two months ago, they weren’t attacked.”

Catherine frowned. “That is odd. How did they know they were negotiators?”

Joe shrugged. “Maybe one of the supply ship crew? Someone who supports Milton?”

Catherine looked him in the eye as she said, “Or someone tortured someone to get that information.”

“Captain Derring,” Darien said, “Communications from Hawk, Vincent, and Devin Grace, advising us that it is safe to come outside.”

Wilma looked at him. “Is it?”

“Yes, Captain, it is,” Darien said.

“Well, let’s get this show on the road, shall we?” Joe looked at Catherine.

Catherine nodded. But she was definitely going to have a conversation with him later.

***

Once outside, Wilma took the lead, followed by Catherine and Joe, then Zhu. Darien and the Mouse-Human, named Minnie, stayed on board to guard the transport vessel.

Catherine looked around her. They were in what appeared to be a forest. She noticed the damaged trees, most likely from the laser fight. Ahead of her, on a trail, a bird man dressed in black was walking next to the most handsome man she had ever seen. There were also some humans following them. But she couldn’t take her eyes off the lion man.

Get a hold on yourself, Cathy. What is wrong with you? Taking a deep breath, she braced herself as Wilma greeted the group.

“Hawk, Vincent, and citizens of Hamlet, thanks for your assistance.” Wilma motioned behind her. “This is Senior Advisory Lawyer Joe Maxwell and Advisory Lawyer Catherine Chandler. Also, space patrol’s empathic lieutenant, Zhu Xao.”

Hawk nodded his head.

“I’m Vincent,” the lion man said. Vincent turned and introduced Winslow, Jamie, and Devin.

Then Vincent looked at Wilma. “I can assure you that we tried to keep things safe in the inter woods.”

“Inter woods?” Catherine looked at Vincent.

“Yes, we call them inter woods. Our three communities are surrounded by the woods. They have trails that lead from one community to the next. The way to Milton is behind you.”

Catherine thought that Vincent had the most soothing voice.

“My father, adopted father, Jacob Wells and his wife, Margaret, are waiting to meet with you, along with other members of the city’s council. I will lead you to Hamlet. It’s only a five-minute walk from here.”

Hawk spoke up. “On the way, you will pass the trail to my village. Some of my people are in Hamlet to attend the meeting.”

“Which is?” Joe asked.

“The village of the Tangata manu.” Hawk turned and started walking.

“We shouldn’t have left Twiki on the Searcher,” Joe whispered. “We definitely need his help in scanning the area.”

“Twiki is here, in a way.” Catherine smiled. “He’s listening.” She pointed to the wristwatch on her left arm.

Vincent let Wilma follow Hawk. He then gracefully and swiftly moved next to Catherine. Catherine couldn’t help but blush as Vincent escorted her. Joe shook his head as he took up the rear with Zhu.

* * *

Did I lose my mind?

Catherine was on a balcony, looking up at the moon. The balcony jutted out from the side of a mountain. She noticed a bright light in the sky, which must be the Searcher. The guest bedroom was behind her. She knew the balcony was safe, as it was enclosed with a security screen.

What a day it had been. The meeting with the council of Hamlet and the Tangata manu had gone well.

She heard a buzz.

“Biddie-biddie-biddie. Cathy, should I answer?”

“Yes, Twiki, but first, do you know who’s at the door…panel?”

“Biddie-biddie-biddie. Hot hunk Vincent.”

Catherine rolled her eyes. “Twiki, please open the door panel.” She didn’t want to move, as the night sky was so beautiful.

“Biddie-biddie-biddie. Hi, Vincent, your babe awaits on the balcony.”

“Thank you, Twiki,” Vincent replied.

Catherine sighed.  She turned, and nearly jumped out of her skin. Vincent stood right behind her.

“I have got to get used to the fact that you move like a quiet cat.” She looked at Vincent as he moved to her left side.

He looked up at the stars. “So peaceful, but you are not.”

“Biddie-biddie-biddie. I’ll leave you lovecats alone. Doing scan.”

Catherine shook her head. Vincent chuckled.

“I wonder what possessed me to have Twiki come down here and stay with me,” Catherine said. She looked into Vincent’s eyes, so blue, so mysterious. Breathe, Cathy. Be logical like the lawyer you are. You just met him.

“He is the best companion in these turbulent times,” Vincent said quietly. He seemed to be looking into her soul.

“I’m glad Hamlet and the Tangata manu agreed to have Space Patrol set up security this far out. Since Milton is causing so much trouble, it would be safer.”

Vincent nodded his head. “Hawk and Koori, along with the advisors from the Tangata manu, agreed it would be for the best. And Hamlet feels it would help us be safe from any attacks by Milton.”

“It’s been so…amazing.” Catherine returned her gaze to the stars. “I’m never one for science fiction. And the only fantasy I dwell in is poetry, and the classical music I listen to.”

“You do read Shakespeare.”

“Yes, but never would he have come up with worlds that look like this. I’m still getting used to it all.”

“You are doing amazingly well.”

“Yes, well, you should have seen me these past five years. Learning new things, new legalities. Getting back to being a lawyer, albeit an advisory lawyer, but still having to deal not only with contracts, but with reconciling people and parties. And aside from the over-five-hundred thing, I’ve decided to just go with being 30 and wondering what is next.”

“You are brave and strong, Catherine.”

She looked at him. “You seem to know what I’m feeling. That is so…unnerving, as we just met.”

He nodded. “It’s a bit…unusual for me, as well. But, from the moment I first saw you, it was like I knew you from somewhere long ago. I felt an empathic connection starting.”

“Zhu seems to think we are fated souls who have to be together.” She blushed and looked away. “It took me a while to get used to the fact that she is psychic. I deal with real life. Yet, it was as if she could sense…me.”

“Zhu has a gift. Hawk’s people call it a gift of the Divine. The person can see and read souls, so therefore, they are near to the Divine.” Vincent leaned against the railing, facing her. “That was a wise decision, to have us seek security from the Space Patrol.”

She smiled. “If we cannot get Milton to agree to a joint council, and if they are causing trouble, then why not?  President Pater cannot keep trying to coerce your communities through murder and torture and whatever else. Long ago, in the century I came from, we had wars and criminals. We, too, had to have a police force to protect us from them. It felt so wrong for Milton to stop this peaceful plan. One that would get Throm into the Earth Alliance, then eventually into the Galactic Alliance. Although, those alien species of the Galactic Alliance, some are so…”

“Aloof?”

She nodded. “Seems they are still getting used to people from Earth. Just like I’m still getting used to this new life.”

“Yet you are still unsure of your choice to stay down here.”

“Joe thinks I’m taking a chance with all the skirmishes going on. But I did it on Earth. I lived in Japan when I was working with the Asian communities to try to come up with a new Asian Alliance treaty. It stopped New Russia and Central China’s takeover of the smaller communities like Japan.”

“Beings are beings. Some good, some bad.”

She studied him. “Do you know who you are?”

He grinned. “I’m a Throm.”

She gave him a look. “Why the secretiveness about your species? Is it because, even after all these years, you fear you may be putting your new home in danger? Or were your parents and the others running away from an oppressive government? Or planet?”

He put up his left hand. “All I ask is that, for now, think of me as a Throm. I have a brother, Devin, who is not of my blood but is of my heart. And I have adopted parents, Jacob and Margaret Wells. Plus, many friends, like Winslow and Jamie.”

His hand went down as she laughed.

“OK, OK, Vincent, I get it. You’re just like Hawk and his mate Koori and their people, who won’t divulge the name of their village.”

“The Tangata manu and my people believe that names are sacred, and in the wrong hands a name can be used against them.”

“Really?”

He nodded. “However, it seems very few humans have magical abilities.”

“Huh.” She studied him. “With all the science and technology you have, you still believe in Fae and the supernatural?”

“It is much like the Indigenous Peoples of your Earth. Science and magic, astrology and astronomy do not have to be enemies. Each one must bend like a tree in the wind to acknowledge the existence of the other and work together. Not one is more valid than the other.”

“And both have things that are nonsensical, as well as people who follow their belief blindly, thinking others who do not believe are wrong.”

“Yin and Yang.”

She gently touched his arm then quickly put her hand down, as she felt an electric shock.

He looked at her intensely.

What was that? “Well, it is getting late.” She felt a little unnerved. “Why the visit?”

“To see if you are comfortable and if there is anything else we can do for you.”

“Thanks for stopping by. I’ll be fine. I should…”

“Get some sleep.” Vincent smiled.

They stood there looking at each other, not wanting to move.

“Biddie-biddie-biddie. Cathy, I set the alarm for 800 hours.”

Both Vincent and Catherine turned to face Twiki.

“Biddie-biddie-biddie. Oh, boy… Ahem?”

Catherine and Vincent laughed.  They walked back into the guest room. Vincent turned and closed the balcony’s door panel.

“We still call it 8:00am here in the community,” Vincent said.

“What does the Tangata manu call it?”

“Just early morning time third section.”

She looked at him, puzzled.

“Third hour after sunrise.” He smiled. “Have a good night, Catherine.”

He turned and walked toward the door panel. She followed him. Just when he was about to open the door panel, she placed her hand on his.

“Be safe, Vincent. But a warning?”  Why am I still feeling such a sensation of tingling when I touch him?

“A warning?” He looked puzzled.

“It’s hard for me to get up so early.”

“Biddie-biddie-biddie. I’ll wake her up!”

Vincent chuckled. Looking at Twiki, he said, “I’m sure you will, but just in case, I’ll stop by and call on you, Catherine.”

Catherine just nodded yes.

He opened the door panel and turned when she called out, “Good night, Vincent.”

“Good night, Catherine.”

She watched as he went down the corridor for a moment, before closing and securing the door panel.

“Biddie-biddie-biddie. Cathy, you think he’s hot.”

She looked at Twiki. “Why would you…”

“Biddie-biddie-biddie. Heart racing, electric static between the two of you.”

“I swear, even if you have no facial expressions, you are grinning.”

Cathy walked over to the bed and turned down the sheets. Then she went into the bathroom to get ready for bed. A few minutes later, dressed in her pajamas, she lay down in bed.

“You know, Twiki, previously, I really wanted to return to Earth.” She looked at Twiki. “Now, I think I’m going to stay here awhile. Throm seems to be a place where I could make a life.”

“Biddie-Biddie-Biddie. Can I stay with you?”

She smiled. “Of course you can. Doctor Huett said you will be a great help to me, and you already have been, and are. You make sure I’m safe. You listen to me and do not share secrets.”

She reached out to Twiki and tapped him on the head. “Besides, I think Hamlet and the village of the Tangata manu need a lawyer. Someone to go over the treaties and make sure that no one, from Earth, from the Galactic Alliance, or wherever, takes advantage of them. Especially with Milton being so violently opposed to having anyone help Hamlet and the Tangata manu.”

She paused.

“Biddie-biddie-biddie, You’re a fine lawyer, Cathy. With Space Patrol, these two communities can be safe from Milton and all dangers.”

“I hope so. I’m looking forward to an interesting life here. I’ll discuss it with Wilma and Captain Edie.” She chuckled. “Edie. She and the Searcher are also staying to keep this part of Throm safe. At least for a year.”

“Biddie-biddie-biddie. Captain Woods rarely allows anyone to call her Edie. You have a friend.”

“Yes, I do.” She paused and grinned, then continued, “And Vincent…”

“Biddie-biddie-biddie. Gonna have to learn to do the chicken dance.”

“What?” She turned to look at him. “Why would…”

Then it dawned on her. She grabbed a pillow and tossed it at him. “Twiki, I’m not even sure if that will happen.”

“Biddie-biddie-biddie. Vincent might be.”

Was the little robot laughing? She stared at him as he picked up the pillow and gave it back to her. Twiki then walked over to his spot in the room and shut down.

Zhu said I’m Vincent’s fated soulmate. I really don’t know him but, if true, maybe I found a great guy to be mine. Maybe it can work out. A life here, with Vincent… a girl couldn’t do better than that.

_________________

The characters of Dr. Huett, Wilma Derring and Twiki, as well as the spaceship Searcher, are from the TV series Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, which aired September 20th, 1979 to April 16th, 1981 (2 seasons). With respect to that series, some changes have been made, Koori, Hawk’s mate, is not killed. His people in the series are called the Tangata manu and they live on Throm. Hawk’s ship is just known as Hawk’s Fighter.

Buck Rogers is now Catherine Chandler.