Chapter Thirty

Ensign Kepler checked the control displays on the drop shuttle. The atmospheric interference had cleared up several hours ago and the crew of the Boadicea had immediately launched the drop shuttle. The captain had given the honor of commanding the ship to Ensign Kepler. The captain had barked something about earning the privilege and Commander Saberhagen had agreed. Kepler took it as a compliment and any praise from the captain was hard won and meant a lot to him.

Kepler peered over his shoulder. Through the open cabin door he could see the children they had just rescued. Their guide, Deke Jacobs, sat in the front row, a bandage around his head and cradling the laser rifle he had used to signal the ship through the interference. The sound of happy chatter from the children gave Kepler a proud feeling, the feeling that he had done a good job. His only task now was to pick up the children who had been separated from the others and trekked out into the jungle. The crew had heard some vague story about strange aliens and bandit miners. The story seemed to Kepler very unlikely, but the captain had told him to expect a couple of prisoners…so the story just might be true.

Peering at his sensor screen, Kepler homed in on the clearing where the children waited. Through his cockpit window he could see four children, along with two dejected looking adults, both men. He could have sworn that some of the trees on the edge of the clearing were moving, but he dismissed it as a trick of the light.

Kepler set the ship down as lightly as a leaf dropped by a breeze and a cheer rose from the kids in the cabin behind him, making him smile. It had been a couple of long days since the kids had shut down the machines causing the atmospheric interference. The captain had ordered the kids in the jungle to return to the crashed ship, but one very determined young lady had set him straight. She insisted that they were fine where they were and expected rescue soon.

Kepler pressed the button to lower the rear ramp of the ship. It opened with a hiss of pressurized air and a electric whirring. Hushed whispers of aliens and pirate miners passed through the newly-rescued students. They craned their next toward the back of the ship hoping to catch a glimpse of anything exotic. Instead they were greeted with a gentle surge of warm, moist air and the sounds of the jungle outside.

Two marines leapt from the ship, rifles ready, the moment that the ramp clanged completely open. Kepler rose from his seat and began walking toward the back of the ship. He scolded several children for standing in the aisle and gawking. Kepler emerged just in time to see the marines escort the two men toward the back of the ship. One, dressed in a silver, insulated suit glared at him. The other man gave him a weak smile as the marines hustled them past and into the ship.

Kepler approached the four waiting children. They looked dirty and tired, but otherwise unharmed.

“Hello there,” he greeted them. “I am Ensign Kepler. Are any of you injured?” he asked.

They all shook their heads wearily.

“Well, that is good. Now which one of you is Mr. Blake?” Kepler asked.

Devon perked up. “That’s me, sir.”

“Ah, very good. If you would come with me, we have a small cabin reserved for you for the trip back up to the ship.” He turned to the others. “We have seats for the rest of you as well,” he said with a smile.

Jacinda began to say something, but Devon put his hand on her arm. He stood up and approached Kepler, looking irritated.

“Excuse me, Mr. Kepler. I’m sure you are only following orders, but there is no way that you are going to separate me from my friends. I don’t need any special treatment.” Devon’s voice was strong and confident, but showed no trace of anger.

“Uh…I’m sorry sir, but the arrangements have already been made,” Kepler stuttered.

“Well, Mr. Kepler, this is your chance to collect a favor from someone who’s family owns a lot of stock in the company who runs your ship,” Devon said with a grin.

Kepler relaxed when Devon smiled. “Of, course, sir, I am sure we can accommodate you. Perhaps we could let Mr. Jacobs recuperate in the private cabin for the trip up. He was injured” Kepler said.

“That sounds like a great plan,” Devon said as he patted Ensign Kepler on the arm.

Kepler turned on his heel and walked back up the ramp into the ship. Devon whistled and Sammy rose on his spindly legs. He motioned for the others to join them and followed Kepler up the ramp.

Devon and the others turned once they had boarded and watched the ramp slowly close, sealing out the bright sunlight and early smell of Forrestal. They were filled with great joy that everything had turned out well, but felt a bit of loss at the same time.

Their adventure had not begun or ended as they expected, but none of them would ever regret it. They had discovered more than just bandit miners and mysterious aliens. They had discovered friendship, and they knew deep down that this was something that would last.