Chapter 2
As Chase brought down his birthday present, the Spydyr was swarmed by dock workers in their orange and green jumpsuits. As usually happened after a flight the exhaust vents and engine areas and all around them were charred. Before he could even begin to open the ship the workers had repainted and shined it back to its purple sheen. As he pushed the open button the ship did something amazing. The top seemed to just, evaporate! Then the twin bed sized cockpit he was laying on rose up and stood him on the ladder. Then it receded back into the ship and the top suddenly, yet slowly like mist, reappeared. ÒHow do you like honey?Ó His mother, Vanessa Asher, asked.
ÒLove it mom, it flies like a dream, has smooth handling and is comfortable. I just love it!Ó He thanked and hugged his mom and then began to search for his father to thank him. He finally found him at another dock, the one for large, escorted ships. ÒDad,Ó he ventured, Òwhat's going on?Ó A ship with 9 escorts suddenly came into view.
ÒThat is one beat up ship!Ó His father exclaimed. And it was. the hull was tattooed with what looked like un removable, maybe Ion particle cannon, scars. The exhaust and engine areas were almost eaten through with the heat of long travel with no docking. A voice crackled off the intercom. ÒPlease aid us in repairs and fuel kind gentlemen. We have traveled for days with hardly any food or water.Ó The voice crackled. Was that a hint of humor Chase detected, or pleading? He couldnÕt tell.
ÒPut rest here for a few days, sir. We will aid in all your needs.Ó His father responded.
ÒAll our needs,huh? Hehehumgh.Ó the voice was laughing but trying to cover it up. ÒWell we will just set down our ten ships in your gracious presence... We have approximately 700 men all together.Ó
As the ships engines turned off the fuelers and shield repairmen rehabilitate each ship in about 7 minutes. Just then the sound of an airlock opening could be heard. As the shadows receded the clear, muscular figure of Anton stood, eyes transfixed on Chase, slowly stalked forward.
ÒSecurity...!Ó Sam hollered into the special com link on his collar.
Almost instantly Anton was surrounded by 20 guards. Smiling devilishly Anton snapped his fingers. Again, almost instantly, the guards were doubly surrounded by big burly men all wearing combinations of green and purple. The double that number of Dragons were surrounded by guards. This same pattern went on until there were no more guards and the Dragons were on the outer circle. It was about a four to one fight, with Dragons being four.
Ò Send Chase out to me and no one will have to die!Ó Yelled the leader of the Dragons. ÒWell,Ó he cackled Òalmost no one.Ó This brought uproarious laughter from the Dragon ranks.
ÒChase, listen carefully, IÕm going to take a very drastic action. You must stay alive; if you die there will be no inheritance and the business will be lost. Promise me youÕll do as I say.Ó When Chase hesitated he persisted. ÒPromise me! You and your motherÕs lives are at stake.Ó At the mention of his motherÕs life he nodded. His voice was barely above a whisper, ÒIÕll do as you say, father.Ó
ÒGood. Now, go and tell you mother to board the fastest strongest shielded ship we have, and to take the best pilot we have. Tell her to then take off and go to Happiness in the Joy system, in Clander territory. I will meet her there and we will return here to keep up the business. As for you, take Spydyr and go anywhere. Take 4 Hornet fighters as escorts. Just get as far away from here, and your mother, as possible.Ó
ÒYes, sir. I will see you again. Someday, somehow. I will!! Ò With that he turned and left. 5 minutes later with, fortunately, no violence, just persistence on AntonÕs part. A ship was heard taking off.
ÒWhy you...Ó
ÒUh uh uh, no fowl language.Ó Then Sam stepped into the grid locked
area. ÒMen, fight for your lives, weÕll never let them take Chase, will we boys?Ó
ÓNEVER!!!Ó Was the unanimous response.
Ò Then, Fire at will!!!Ó Caught off guard the DragonÕs numbers were lowered quickly, but the experienced fighters were soon back on top. The Gunshots muffled the sound of 5 ships going into hyper space. To all except one Flame ship that stealthily followed.