Chapter 3 - New enemy or new friend?
Next morning
Sun was shining on Yuma City and once again emptying the streets successfully. Temperature was still rising. Behind the town, Ramrod was flying here and there. From time to time the space ship changed the target dramatically.
In the cockpit were sitting four person. April, Colt, the new captain Fireball and the newbie - John. More than an hour were they now practicing how to adjust to each other when flying Ramrod. Colt had the conversation with Robin in head, so he was politely to John during breakfast, or better said, he reduced to conversation on minimum. The others were just wondering, how could Robin so exhaust Colt, that he's even forgetting to make jokes about John!
Now, he had to concentrate on flying, but his thoughts were still running to the captain on his left side. He has to tell him, that's sure, but when and bloody hell - HOW?
Also April thoughts were flying here and there. Yesterday, after that terrible dinner, she pretended, she's very insulted by the stupid row in Control Room and left into her chamber as soon as possible. In the chamber she threw away the insulted pose. Switched on her personal computer, typed only one word - Satanists and waited on the result. In a minute, list of more than a million web pages containing the word occurred on the monitor. *Not so easy as it seemed on the beginning. Hm, next try!* She typed: Satanists and their habits. New list was obviously shorter, only about 2000 pages, but still longer than necessary. April only sighed and started with the first page. She paled when reading it. *Aghrr. How horrible! Lets try another.* She was somewhere about the number twelve, when somebody knocked on the door. First, she overheard the knocking, but it's rising intensity finally attracted her attention.
"Who is it? If it's you John, you can go away! I'm sleeping!"
"Shh, April, it's me. Can I enter?" a familiar voice asked.
"Fire! Come in!"
"April, I want to speak about John..." when *he* noticed what's on the monitor. "Oh, you have already started!"
"Of course Turbofreak, what are you thinking about me?"
"Fine, soon, together with Colt, I will visit the doctor."
"So you know who is it already! Looks like I'm not the only one who started."
"I don't know the name now, but very soon. Anyway, ahm, April, we will need your help."
"Well, just say what shall I do."
"Hmmm"
"Fire?"
"We will need someone to distract John, while are we away."
"You can't be serious Fire! After what happened in the Control Room..."
"Louder April, louder. They can not hear you in Jarre... I agree he had insulted you, and not only you, but we have more important things to do. Try to forget, pleeeease." After saying that, Fireball made puppy eyes on April.
"Hey, Turbofreak, I can not stand that look. Give it away!"
"Will you?"
"Don't look at me that way!"
"Will you?"
"Oh, tell me, how can I refuse a racer with such eyes?"
"Thank you April."
"You looked really cute. I'm not wondering any more, that Saber fell in love with you and not me. April noticed what has she just said when it was too late. A tear was running down Fireballs cheek already. "Sorry Fire, I didn't wan-"
Fire wiped the tear away. "No April, it's OK. Tell me please, can you respect me now, when you know about me and Saber?"
"What is this for a question?"
"I mean, since the day Colt has found us, he's acting rather strange. I don't know how to describe it exactly, but..."
"Hm, I haven't noticed anything. Anyway, of course I can respect you."
"And if you knew something terrible from my past, would you respect me even then?"
"Fire, what terrible could you have done? Saying, you're doing homework and dreaming about cars instead of it?"
"April, I'm not joking!"
She looked on the person in front of her. Pale, scared, insulted, sad. *No, he's not. But he is somehow strange, hm.* "Fireball, whatever will happen, I will respect you, I promise."
"Thank you April. I will not disturb you any longer. Good night."
"Night Fire."
After *he* had left, April was browsing on the net for two more hours, when she decided, there's also tomorrow and went to bed. She was laying there and thinking about the events of the day. *Terrible day. I don' t know how will I manage to stay with that idiot alone. Ah, wonderful perspective.* Sleeping decided not to come so soon. *Daddy could find someone more suitable.* Sleeping still refused to come. *What does it mean, we should forget about Saber and take it as it is?* She started to become sleepy somehow. *The information about the Satanists - strange.* The last thought was: What was Fire meaning with his terrible past?
Now in the cockpit, she could not avoid the feeling, that Fire, but also Colt are hiding something. Her concentration was also very low.
To summarize, in the cockpit were sitting: one cowboy distracted by the captain, one navigator thinking about the death of the previous captain and life of the contemporary one, one soldier trying to understand the whole not-so-easy system and the captain and one captain, trying to manage the whole circus somehow. It's not necessary to write about the result. When Fire with all *his* effort avoided a hard contact with the ground, it was clear to everybody, that they will not be so lucky next time.
"What about some concentration, from all of you?"
"Sorry. Yes. Good." were the quiet answers.
Not after a long time, the ship was flying fluently, without any dramatic changes of target.
"Hey, captain, our army-boy is learning pretty fast. What about a next lesson?"
"Hm, maybe, you're right Colt. So hold your hats, Challenge phase!" said Fireball and pushed the red button.
Before John could either protest against his nick-name, or ask what the hell is challenge phase, the inner part of Ramrod started to move.
"What i-"
"Don't worry army-boy, we're just changing our little spaceship into a little robot. Ji-ha!"
The training lasted for several hours. On the end, they all were exhausted, mainly from temperature, because the air-condition was still damaged. Ramrod with sweating crew landed on the private air-port of the Cavalry base.
"Very good job form all of you. We will be able to fight against the Outriders in a few days again."
Meanwhile, April left to the shower. To be the *only* girl on board is sometimes an advantage!
"You're quite fast John, I must admit."
"Thank you Sir, but you were right, this is a wonderful spaceship."
"Hey, I'm not interested into hearing this terrible compliment exchange, so I'm offering myself to prepare the lunch Turbofreak, ahm, captain."
"No way Colt. After that, hm, interesting dinner, I'm suggesting we will find a small restaurant somewhere in the city. Than I can go to Eagle."
"Are you going to refer him about our army-boy here?"
"Mr. Wilcox, I'm asking you the first and last time. Don't call me army- boy!"
Colt has been ready to answer in his usual way, when robins voice in head stopped him: "When I saw you for the first time, you were annoying, impertinent..." so he said only: "Sorry, it's just we're very informal here, usually using nick-names and I don't know you long enough to realize how you really are."
*WOW, yesterday, if his glance could kill, I would be death in ten seconds and now he even apologizes.* "You didn't insulted me Mr. Wilcox, I'm just more used on formalities."
*Robin has a real influence on Colt. This must be her job.*
"Guys, the bathroom is free now!"
"John, you can go next."
"I don't deserv-"
"Of course you do, go now!"
So John left to the bathroom and April came instead of him.
"Have I missed an interesting conversation?"
"And how interesting. Colt apologized to John for calling him army-boy."
"WOW, Robin is doing a great job."
"Anyway. What was wrong with you?"
"Sorry pal, I was just thinking about Robin and me."
"Colt, you had probably a wonderful night, but please, try to concentrate next time. And you April?"
"I found something about the Satanists. I still don't know enough, but slowly I'm becoming a feeling it was not them on the cemetery. Their habits are somehow different. You knew about it Fire, am I right?"
"Hm, yes."
"Are you two still planning to visit the doctor?"
"We two Fireball?"
"I had no time to tell you until now, sorry. I've got the name of the doctor, now."
"How have you found it so fast Turbofreak?"
"Hm, in a copy of the protocol about Saber."
"In the copy of protocol? But Fire, Daddy said it's top secret. He refused to show it even to me!"
"Shhhh. Two days ago I was in Eagles office. He wanted to speak about the future of our team. He was late and I found the protocol accidentally. The whole thing has been suspicious to me from beginning, despite my feelings. Eagle has a copy machine in office, so.....I forgot about it because of the arrival of John, but this morning I could not sleep, so I has read it."
"Accidentally!"
'That's not important now. We have the name. When the mood calms, we will visit him. In a few days I hope."
"The shower is free!"
*******
After all Starsherifs relieved themselves from sweat, they were on way to a near restaurant. Short distance from the Cavalry base made from it an often place of meetings the employees of Cavalry. Small, comfortable, not very expensive, so the officers together with the soldiers could be seen there sharing their thirst. Room divided into boxes provided enough of privacy.
Siting in one of the boxes, Fire decided to continue in breaking the barrier between them and John.
"So John, how do you like Ramrod after the training?"
"Wonderful spaceship Sir. But still it look a little complicated to me." answered John in his usual formal tone, maybe with less coldness.
"Ah, John, forget the formal tone. we will probably work together for a long time. You're John, I'm Fireball, also called Fire or Turbofreak by those two. In Colt's case, if I remember, we never used Wilcox."
"And what about the first name - Bill, am I correct?"
When hearing his true name, Colt grimaced.
"Please, don't use it!"
"Why, Bill sound good to me."
"It's personal, please, just don't use it."
Johns face suddenly lost the cold expression. With eyes sparkling with humour, he asked.
"What about an exchange? Army-boy for Bill?"
Fire together with April had to cover their mouths with hands to prevent an explosion of laughter. Colt was just sitting there and staring on John. April first found enough of self control for normal speech.
"You learn quickly."
"I have to Miss Eagle. If not I would be probably still a poor soldier.
Ah, John, I agree, we hadn't the best start and we have to clear some things but how about forgetting it. Call me April, as the others."
"A.....OK, Miss Ea- I mean April."
"When hearing that particular sentence a conversation now more than a year and half old occurred in Aprils head: "Miss Eagle, it is-"
"Oh, no way Miss Eagle. We will spent a lot of time together in the future. You can call me April. And your first name is?"
"I'm known as Saber Miss Ea-, I mean April."
*No, it can not be. He speaks the same, please not.*
She wiped tears from eyes. The others were looking worried on her. Not realizing, John returned to previous form.
"Miss Eagle, have I said something wrong? I didn't want to."
"No John it's not your fault. Just...when I met Saber for the first time, our conversation was the same."
Luckily, the waiter with full plates broke the conversation. When eating, everybody was silent and silence ruled until the end of lunch. They left the restaurant, every lost in own thoughts. Fire looked on watch and realized, it's time to hurry up.
"Oh almost 2 o'clock. I have to hurry. Bye so far"
John waited a minute after Fire was gone and started.
"Miss Eagle, I'm apologizing one more time..."
"You don't have to John. It was really not your fault. And call me April."
(((((((
Eagles office
Samantha was heading to Eagles office. Knocked and entered to the office of Eagles secretary without waiting. An unknown young woman was sitting there and typing something - Eagle had a new secretary, this was her first day. The old one left, because she felt no so safe around Eagle. Few strange letters, a strange man, some old friends from Cavalry. Something was going on around Eagle. Samantha knew nothing about it of course, but a new change in her surroundings made her a little nervous.
"Is Commander Eagle here?"
"Who are you?"
"I'm Fireb- I'm captain Hikari."
"He's expecting you already."
Fire knocked on the door of Eagles private office.
"Enter."
Samantha opened the door and stepped into. The office didn't change much during the last year.
"You're late!"
"But Sir-"
"I said, I'm expecting you at 2 p.m. exactly. Now it's 14.02."
"I'm sorry sir. We were..."
'I don't care where have you been or what were you doing. Next time be punctual. Now sit down."
Eagles serious expression vanished after this words.
"I didn't want to be so hard, but changes are expected here in Cavalry and maybe you will become a new boss."
"Sir, does that mean t-"
"That doesn't mean nothing. But the political conditions are changing. Anyway, I together with Whitehawk am still your superior. So?"
"We had the first training today. It's too soon to speak..."
"You can speak. How is he so far?"
"Not bad. He's skilful and learns quickly. He will be able to replace Saber in the space ship."
"And in the collective?"
"I can not answer, sir. Not now."
"Why?"
"We don't know each other enough and he's so.....so different."
"I was searching for someone different. If he were similar to Saber, you would waste all your time on comparison."
"I understand you sir, but some of his opinions are disturbing us totally."
"For example?"
"His way how to treat the non-soldiers..."
"So there's the problem. How many rows were there yesterday?"
" "
"Answer!"
"Two, sir."
"Serious?"
"Not at all, but April starts to support Colt."
"My April?"
"Yes, sir. Except the non-soldiers, he can not accept women."
"Hm, so yesterday it was an interesting day. And today?"
"The situation bettered. One day, we will maybe become friends. Don't know. It was strange."
"What do you mean with strange?"
"John forgot his prejudices, April ignored how has she insulted her yesterday and Colt was even kind to John. Really strange."
"So maybe you will finally able to form a new team. Your vacations are over. The Outriders are back, we don't have more time. Tomorrow at 6 p.m. expect me on board of Ramrod. I will give you information about your new mission."
"So soon?"
"The Outriders are not asking when? Be prepared, tomorrow evening you will leave Yuma."
*Wonderful. I don't know who will be more happy. Colt or Robin. It's clear now, we have to visit the doctor today. It will be late tomorrow.*
"That will be all. You can return to Ramrod."
"Thank you sir."
"Bye Fireball, tomorrow at 6 p.m.."
*******
Fireball returned from Eagle very worried. *He* just called the whole team together. April was curious, but Fires expression puzzled her.
"So Fire, how was the meeting?"
"Not very good. Tomorrow evening, we're leaving Yuma."
"Hey phartner, you must be kidding."
"It's not a joke Colt!"
"But Robin, she has just arrived.......I can not leave her now..."
"I'm sorry cowboy, it's not my fault. The Outriders are back, that's all I know so far."
"So, that's the definitive end of peace. I was afraid, it will happen. Is Jesse also with them?"
"I don't know April. Eagle will come here tomorrow and tell us more. At 6 p.m.."
"Hm, it's not clear to me, how can he take such a risk and send us into action? Nothing against you Arm- John, but we will need more time than one day."
"Colt, somehow, I have a feeling Eagle doesn't want send us into action. He has to."
"That's ridicules Fire. No one can force daddy to do it."
"I don't know how to explain, but Eagle was trying to say, that changes are going to happen in the Cavalry. John, don't you know something about it?"
"Hm. In the last weeks, it has been spoken about some changes in the leadership and structure of Cavalry, but no one knows anything particular."
"Why that? Is Cavalry not effective enough or what?"
"I think it's connected with the changing of political conditions."
"Eagle mentioned something in those lines. Tell us more, because of war and hm others, we were ignoring politics."
"Aha. Maybe I shell start from the beginning. When you were sent to Jarre, to offer there peace and cooperation, one more secret mission has been prepared - to Calishia. It's a planet system discovered two years ago."
*Calishia, yeah! I know it's the last discovered planet system, but I have heard this name somewhere else. Where?*
"It contains sun and seven inhabited planets. Five from them are bigger than Yuma, so a high number of people is living there. The political situation is unstable, I don't know more."
*Calishia, Calishia, wait a second!
- bigger part of the income of Osakura family comes from trading with Calishia and it's not always transparent!"
"And how is it possible that you know about it Saber?"
"That's not important-"
Of course, Saber had some contacts there, now I remember! *
"They offered us support in war against the Outriders, but they had some demands. Changes in structure of Cavalry, something with the Starsheriffs, especially Saber Rider. He was the number one on their list. It has never come to serious meetings, because of Jarre kingdom joining to us and defeating of the Outriders, their army support became useless. Now, after the Outriders are back, we will probably need their help and will accept some of their demands."
"How is possible, you know so much about secret operations?"
"I was working on a ship, that was used to exchange messages with them. But, don't forget, my information are more than two months old. I don't know exactly, what's going on right now."
"Does that mean, daddy will lose his job?"
"I don't know what exactly will change, so be prepared on everything."
This was too much for the cowboy. He was thankful for everything Eagle made for him and now, this should be Eagles reward?"
"Why do we need help from them? We defeated the Outriders one time, It should not be a problem to repeat it once again!"
"Maybe you're right Colt, but don't forget one. If they decide not to support us, at least neutrality should be. They're not so insignificant. If they decide to support the Outriders, we will become a lot more troubles."
After hearing that sentence from John, everybody became still for a moment. Terrible pictures of future full of war and violence, fear and horror were running through their heads. Now, more than ever before were they feeling the lost of Saber. What to do? What to do? That was the question.
"I'm afraid, we will not solve the situation, when sitting here. We should know more, if we want to help Eagle. I'm suggesting, we will make a free evening, because we're starting with serious work tomorrow."
"Cap-Fireball, I'm going to give good bye to some of my friends, I suppose, as a Starsheriff, I will not see them for a longer time. Would it be a problem, when I return in the morning?" *This should give you time for some action. If Eagle was correct, you would do it tonight...*
"Of course, John. Just be back before 7.00 am. *Wonderful, with army-boy out of house, April can go with us to visit the doctor. What a chance! But is it a real stroke of luck, or...*
"Ah, Fireball, I will go to Robin, could you please accompany my?"
Fire looked surprised on cowboy. This was really not a question *he* was expecting from Colt. "Hey, do you have any troubles cowboy? She's not preg- "
"Surely not! I just want to have someone responsible on my site, when I tell her, we're leaving, So she can kill him and I will survive." answered the cowboy with an evil grin on the end. Luckily, Fire could not see what was going on in Colts head, because a picture of Colt kissing an other boy, a good friend, would probably scare also a person with much, much stronger nerves, than Samantha had in the last days.
"Miss E-April, what will you do?"
"Don't know, maybe read a book, or just enjoy out last free evening..."
"You can go with me, I would be glad to introduce to my friends."
"Or you can go with us to visit Robin."
"So many offerings, which one to choose..." April pretended to think about it for a moment. "I have not seen Robin for a pretty long time...sorry John, but your evening will be probably with fun and laugh and I don't feel I'm able to have fun now, sorry."
"Never mind, it was just a suggestion." *Oh shit, she's planning to go with those two. If they run into some trouble, Eagle will kill me. On the other side, we will see... *
*******
Meantime, somewhere
Jesse entered the room, where Marco and Simona were waiting on him. He waved with a sheet of paper.
"So, here it is. Everything I could find about Lt. Walters. Look on it!"
He gave them the paper. A pair of red haired heads bowed over the paper and started to read it.
"Hm, looks like Eagle doesn't trust them, not very surprising..."
"Boys, listed to this: He was working on Messanger, the space ship used for exchange between Cavalry and Calishia. Don't you think there will be more in him?"
"My dear sister, I'm afraid we will become an answer sooner, then we want. Eagle is forced to send them into action as soon as possible. They don't have much time."
"I must admit, it's astonishing, that they were waiting for so long. If I were them and my captain would die by such strange circumstances, I would not sleep until I find the answer. But what are they doing? Just crying and waiting!"
"Jesse, dear, that was too hard. Try to imagine how Samantha must feel. She lost the only person she was trusting, she's probably scared and lonely and fears somebody will find out her small secret." This is not a thing, that can force you into action."
"I feel very sorry for them. It was unfair to mix them into all this and let them go thorough it. If there just had been a different way..."
"The death of your father was also unfair, not to speak about the death of my parents. But if we stop now, their death was useless. Don't forget it Marco! They are strong and will manage it somehow, also Samantha!" Jesse has already come red in face, a very unusual color in his case.
"There is nothing to say against it sweetheart, but maybe we can make it easier for them, with some information, for example?"
"You must be completely mad? They would not trust a word from me, Marco was out of game from the beginning and we can not dare to risk and send you again Sim. The one time in desert has been dangerous enough. If they recognize you..."
"Hey, their captain was lying dead in front of them. They are probably not even remembering there has been somebody else. Anyway, a real contact is not necessary, if we just leave there a small box...."
Jesse was feeling, he's loosing ground under his feet. This can not be true...He turned to the third person in room and with a defeated tone in voice asked: "Marco, would you trust an information, that has been found so accidentally?" but knowing the asked one long enough to know very well what the response will be. He was defeated in this battle before it has really started.
"My situation is quite different, but probably yes, after verifying it."
"Of course yes! Jesse, just imagine! You have lost your captain, best friend, the only one you trust and love. You know something has been wrong, terribly wrong. Now you find something, what can help you solve the whole mystery. What would you do?"
"Fine, fine, I'm giving up. I'm glad, you're on my side Sim. You can make believe that black is white if you want."
"I love you, Jesse." said Simona smiling and kissed him gently.
"But this is bringing us to an important question. How much should they know?"
"Not very much for the beginning. Maybe the photocopy of the list of their demands. I think, we are still having it somewhere. This will force them into trying to find more and simultaneously describe their new enemy."
"Hm, but Marco, don't you think Walters has already said everything to them?"
"Somehow, I have the feeling no...he was sent there by Eagle and surely became instructions, what to say...
(((((((
Evening in Ramrod
Three starsheriffs were sitting round the table and finishing their dinner. The fourth one had already left. Everybody was eating quite quickly, without realizing the real taste of food. Not exactly astonishing, the thought of meeting with doctor Andersen and maybe a new step to the solution of the mystery by Sabers death blew anything others from their heads away. Johns leaving made it all easier. April was not forced to stay with him in Ramrod and could join Fire and Colt. It looked like a stroke of luck..... She would be nearly happy, if not the reason of their visit. They decided to do the washing up after coming back. Doing it now would be just wasting of the costly time.
"Fire, are you sure doctor Andersen will be there? It's nearly 7 p.m., who can work for so long?"
"Don't worry April. He's doing some kind of research, he never leaves until 9."
"Ok pals, let's go, or I change my mind."
"Colt?"
"Ah...hm....err....I just don't feel very good when doing something Eagle has forbidden, Turbofreak. He has enough of his own troubles, without us."
"And we don't! Colt, what's wrong with you? Saber died in the most mysterious way possible and you, the born rebel, are thinking if trying to solve it is forbidden or not! This is Robins work!"
Colts face became red from shock and fury.
"Listen Turbofreak." he began with dangerously calm voice and continued with growing intensity of sound "First, maybe I don't have the motivation you have, second, what is Robin doing is not your business, third, I'm thankful to Eagle for everything he has done for me and fourth, I have enough of my own troubles!" He was screaming the last words.
For a moment were Fireball and Colt starring on themselves furiously. Fire gave up as first. Sighed and asked with a quiet voice.
"You were not distracting John when inviting me to Robin, were you?"
"No."
"I can go alone with April and we will meet us by Robin, if you want."
"Ah, Turbofreak, we started it together, we will finish it together. I'm going with you. Army-boy is not here, so who will ever find out?"
"Fine, Fire huge him and give him a kiss, so we can finally leave!" finished April with a sarcastic voice.
They left Ramrod and were heading to an old army jeep, that Colt used to borrow during vacations on Yuma, when John running to the big ship crashed all three of them down. He jumped quickly back on feet and continued running, while saying over shoulder to team mates:
"I'm sorry, it's my fault. I've forgotten my wallet. Stupid, isn't it? Have a nice evening!"
His team colleagues were watching shocked on him until he vanished in Ramrod.
"Hm, guys, shell we continue? Or do you want to stare on our ship?"
"Ah...right April. Colt, can I ask you for something? Please, only this one time....be careful when driving." *So John now knows when were we leaving. The question is, will people from Cavalry be there as first, or am I mistaking in Johns case totally?*
Once in jeep, they left the area of CC. A pair of eyes from Ramrod was looking on them. *So, so, they are really leaving, probably heading to Dr. Andersen. If I were them, I would be. What to do now? Hm.....*
The drive was quick and quiet as the dinner before. Streets of Yuma were getting full. High temperatures killed the day-life in streets, so people were now happy to can stay outdoor. They arrived to the hospital complex and Colt parked near it. Fireball checked information written on a small piece of paper.
"Hm, it should be the building behind the main one, third floor - his study is there."
The building was dark, in no window could be find light, but the starsheriffs were too distracted with thoughts on Dr. Andersen and Saber to realize it. Samantha gulped. So, it's becoming true, they are really going to meet someone, who can tell more about Saber. Was it an accident or...Colt's elbow in her ribs brought her back to present.
"Look Turbofreak, no door-keeper, that's strange."
"Hm..."
The main entrance was not locked, so they entered the building. In front of them were three lifts. They used one of them to get to the third floor. Slowly, even through the exciting from the visit, all three of them started to feel, something is wrong here. The building was too dark, too silent, as no body was there. Now occurred in Samanthas head the picture of the dark building, with no light. Does that mean, the doctor has already left? But why is the building not locked. It doesn't seem, anybody else could be here. Her instincts were warning her. She had only once a feeling like this. During the adventure with Sincia, when they were exchanging the Outrider spy for girls. She felt the trap then, she was feeling it now. Only the vision of Saber dying in front of her, the pain and longing for solution of this mystery prevented her from listening to her instincts and running away.
"Boys, som-"
"Shh, April. We just HAVE to find out!"
On the third floor, they left the lift. In front of them were two corridors with a dozen of doors on each of them at least. Where to start? Luckily, April found a newsboard with names together with numbers of their study- rooms.
"One more time, what's the name of the doctor, Turbofreak?"
"Andersen, Steven Andersen."
"Hm, it should be the door number 32."
Knowledge of the door number made the quest for Dr. Andersen much, much faster. And there they were. Pale, nervous, standing in front of the door No.32. After a second of waiting Samantha elevated her hand and knocked. No answer came. She repeated the action, this time with more intensity, but same result, so she tried the door. It was not locked. Sam looked apologizing on her friends and entered the dark room.
"Doctor Andersen?"
Colt, one step behind his new captain also entered and switched the light on. The room in front of them looked like after a big fight. Table turned over, broken chair, paper covering each inch of ground and an open window.
"Doctor Andersen?" shouted now worried Samantha. "Colt, what do you think?"
Colt looked around as an experienced tracker. "Somebody has kidnapped him, he was fighting........but no blood is here, so he's probably still alive."
"Hm, I hope you're right, but for how long?"
"Don't know Turbofreak, you're asking too much...."
"Let's see in those papers, maybe we will find something about Saber, boys." said April quietly.
When going through the first third of papers, it became clear to everybody, that find exactly what were they looking for is an unreal idea.
"That's hopeless, it's not possible to find anything in this mess, we- " sounds from the opened window stopped Samantha in the middle of the sentence. It were sounds, that didn't surprised her, she was expecting them the whole evening, the sound of arriving police cars. She only wondered, they are coming so late. "Away from here, quickly!"
Luckily for them, the building had also a second exit, so they could escape unseen. Once sitting in the jeep, Colt asked: "What now, back to Ramrod?"
"No way! We have to go to Robin. She's the only one, who can provide us any alibi. Let's go!"
*******
Robin's room in hotel
Our heroes has arrived like a tornado. As first, Colt explained Robin very shortly the reason of arrival nearly the full company and also learned her what to say to people from CC, who are probably following them. April with Fireball tried to put more order into Colt's chaotic instructions, but they only perplexed her more. Robin understood just they're having a big problem, nothing more. Before she could ask for more information, furious Eagle ran into the hotel room.
"Why am I not surprised to see all of you here! In Ramrod! Now!"
"But Commander, we are in the middle of an interesting con-"
"No but! Shut up cowboy and follow me. Robin, you should give him good bye. You will not see him for a long time."
"Commander, what are you trying to tell me?"
"They will be send on secret mission, soon, very soon, but maybe not soon enough. Follow me offenders, I'm really curious, what are you going to tell me!"
Glare of surprised and angry Robin was promising Colt, this will have consequences, bad consequences.
*******
Ramrod again
The three culprits were sitting round a table, while Eagle was whirling around them like a vulture. Very furious vulture.
"It was strictly prohibited to you to do anything! If I remember correct, it was me, who has said to you to let the matter be! Yesterday and also today! Are you aware of what have you done?"
"But dad, w-"
"Shut up! Half of the cavalry was against Fireball as a captain. They were arguing with age, non-military training, impatience, hot head, etc...And your first deed as a captain is what?"
"Sir, "
"Shut up! This will change their mind, I'm sure! All of you should become a sack!"
"Sir, "
"Why are you interrupting me?"
"How did you find out?"
"That's not important."
"Has somebody told you, we had left Ramrod, or that three suspicious person are in hospital?"
"What is this for a question? Anyway, it's not important."
"Sir, we know very well, what is John doing here!" was Colt first comment since arriving to Ramrod.
Eagle pretended he overheard the last sentence. "This conversation is on the end. I'm changing my mind. You will leave Yuma in one hour. Your target is planet Prometheus. An old Outrider base has been there, but it was destroyed during war. Now, we became information, it's operating again, they are maybe even preparing a Renegade. Your task will be to collect as many information as possible and to destroy the base on the end. Any questions?"
"Dad, John is not here."
"I would not count on that." answered Fireball instead of Eagle with a sarcastic voice.
Eagle was once again pretending he had overheard it. "I'm expecting a report. We will speak about your punishment after you return. Good bye!" He left Ramrod furious, but deep in his mind worried for the future of the team. *The idea of sending John was good, it was the order to send them into action so soon, what has ruined everything. He should slowly win their trusting, a matter which can take more than weeks, one day was not an enough long time. It was clear, that the welcome will not be very friendly. Now, after what happened, they will probably never trust him. But was he really the right one? Something is not correct here...... *
"John, come here." The captain was calling the newest member of the team. No response. "John, I know you are here. I'm waiting." Nothing. "JOHN, it's an order, I'm not in mood for such playing!!"
"Here I am captain." John entered the room with a smile.
"So, I see, your evening with friends has been canceled." said Fire sarcastic.
"Ahmm....I has been called back..." he silenced after catching the hostile glares of the others.
"Of course." Samantha took a resting time for a minute to thing over, what was she going to say. "It's time to clear the table. In one hour we are leaving to chase the Outriders. To do that, we have to be a team and trust to each other as much as possible. Our situation was more than complicated from the beginning and this episode didn't help. So, we know very well you're a spy sent here by Eagle." She said the last sentence not with hate, it sounded more like a reminding a well known fact.
John was ready to defend, but the tone of the last sentence changed his decision.
"Yes, I'm. You know it obviously, so why to deny it?"
The easy admission surprised all of them, Samantha including.
"I was not expecting, this would be so easy, I have to admit."
"Captain, you have said it already, we're going to action and such play can only harm.
"So, we're one at least in this point. Why have you agreed with it?"
"Sorry, but this is really not your business."
"Oh, it is, John, it is. Maybe I should make it easier for you, so thank you."
Both shocked, April and Colt only gasped. John look questioning on Fireball.
"What do you mean with thank you?"
"Turbofreak, you must be completely mad!"
"Really? John, if doctor Andersen had been there, we would have had enough time to speak with him. Unfortunately, he has been probably kidnapped, so we found just a giant mess. Now am I asking, why gave you us time, when you are such a loyal spy of Eagle. You're playing a double game, am I right?"
John sighed, looked on all three starsheriffs, like he was judging them and finally, with a silent voice asked.
"Will you promise me, that what will I tell you now, will never leave this room?"
"I promise it to you John." answered Samantha "But I can not speak for April, or Colt."
"All of you! That's the only condition I have."
"Good, Lt. Walters, I also promise." joined April.
They all looked questioning on Colt.
"Good, good, if you want it, so do I."
"Hm, so, listen to me. I was not telling the truth, when saying I don't know more about the Calishian demands. Most of them are not important now, except one. The No. 1 on the list of people, who should vanish from Cavalry, was Captain Saber Rider."
"What?"
"How could they?"
"Why?"
"I don't know why. I know just, he was the rock on which have the conversation between CC and Calishians always broken. After he died in such strange circumstances, the moral of half of our troops has neared to zero point and people in CC are doing nothing. It's impossible, it's unfair! I know, you will probably never understand my bound to army, but still, listen. My soldiers are in such mood, that after seen an Outrider, they would probably run away. This is not acceptable for me! Someone plays here a dirty game and the Cavalry is pretending nothing happened. I want know who, that's why I gave you time. I'm just afraid, that Eagle has found out."
"WOW, I was really not expecting such reasons, still John, how can we trust to you? Try to understand our situation."
"I know, your situation is pretty difficult, but what can I do?"
"Good question, probably nothing. This can solve only time...."
"That's exactly what are we missing Turbofreak! We don't have time."
"OK, OK, calm down Colt. This will be my the first serious decision as a captain. In next few days, it will be impossible to do anything in investigation the death of our captain." Samanthas voice slipped a little by the word death "We will fight against the Outriders, so our personal business MUST go by side. John, I'm still not sure if trust you with Saber or not, " her voice slipped again, this time by name of her lover. "but I'm fully convicted about your flying abilities. So, I'm suggesting for a while to both of you," she turned to Colt and April "to forget, that this is a spy from Eagle and consider him as a pilot, navigator and a new member of team Ramrod. Do you agree?"
"I don't think it's a good decision, but you don't have any other way, so I agree. Still don't forget lt. Walters, after finishing this mission, we will continue. I don't like the way you put it aside, Turbofreak."
"It's unbelievable, that daddy is not trusting us. How can he?"
"April, we knew from the beginning, that Eagle will do something like this. How can it be such a surprise for you?"
"Maybe I was hoping, he will not dare. Anyway, I agree, if you promise me one thing John."
"That is?"
"Never, never more try to be so overprotective. Some women like it maybe, but I'm not one of them. Will you?"
"Ahm...April, I have only two duties when doing this job. To inform Eagle about every your step and to watch over you, April. I should protect you and prevent any danger. Do you understand?"
The question, was necessary, decided John after seeing April face.
"Daddy is slowly forgetting, where are the borders. At first he sends you here to spy us and now.....ah, I should not solve my family problems here. Good, I know my father, he will be furious after he finds out, what you have done for us, so you don't have any other way and have to watch over me. Try not to show it at least.
"Fine, so my dear crew, it looks like we can start our new mission. Oh, John what do you know about it?"
"Nothing."
"Good, so to inform you briefly, our target is an old outrider base on planet Prometheus. The Outriders are there again and they are preparing also a Renegade. We should go there, collect as many information as possible and destroy it. That's all we know and we will probably become no more information. So, on your places, we can start!"
Once again, like so many times before, the sound of working engines could be heard in the near of the base. After becoming a permission from the control tower, the big space ship left the airport. Eagle was watching on the vanishing mark of the cause of so many problems.
The flight was quiet and peaceful. No one on board was saying anything, the events of last hours were giving everybody enough material for thinking. Fireball/Samantha used the computer for count, how much time will it take to get to Prometheus.
Next morning
Sun was shining on Yuma City and once again emptying the streets successfully. Temperature was still rising. Behind the town, Ramrod was flying here and there. From time to time the space ship changed the target dramatically.
In the cockpit were sitting four person. April, Colt, the new captain Fireball and the newbie - John. More than an hour were they now practicing how to adjust to each other when flying Ramrod. Colt had the conversation with Robin in head, so he was politely to John during breakfast, or better said, he reduced to conversation on minimum. The others were just wondering, how could Robin so exhaust Colt, that he's even forgetting to make jokes about John!
Now, he had to concentrate on flying, but his thoughts were still running to the captain on his left side. He has to tell him, that's sure, but when and bloody hell - HOW?
Also April thoughts were flying here and there. Yesterday, after that terrible dinner, she pretended, she's very insulted by the stupid row in Control Room and left into her chamber as soon as possible. In the chamber she threw away the insulted pose. Switched on her personal computer, typed only one word - Satanists and waited on the result. In a minute, list of more than a million web pages containing the word occurred on the monitor. *Not so easy as it seemed on the beginning. Hm, next try!* She typed: Satanists and their habits. New list was obviously shorter, only about 2000 pages, but still longer than necessary. April only sighed and started with the first page. She paled when reading it. *Aghrr. How horrible! Lets try another.* She was somewhere about the number twelve, when somebody knocked on the door. First, she overheard the knocking, but it's rising intensity finally attracted her attention.
"Who is it? If it's you John, you can go away! I'm sleeping!"
"Shh, April, it's me. Can I enter?" a familiar voice asked.
"Fire! Come in!"
"April, I want to speak about John..." when *he* noticed what's on the monitor. "Oh, you have already started!"
"Of course Turbofreak, what are you thinking about me?"
"Fine, soon, together with Colt, I will visit the doctor."
"So you know who is it already! Looks like I'm not the only one who started."
"I don't know the name now, but very soon. Anyway, ahm, April, we will need your help."
"Well, just say what shall I do."
"Hmmm"
"Fire?"
"We will need someone to distract John, while are we away."
"You can't be serious Fire! After what happened in the Control Room..."
"Louder April, louder. They can not hear you in Jarre... I agree he had insulted you, and not only you, but we have more important things to do. Try to forget, pleeeease." After saying that, Fireball made puppy eyes on April.
"Hey, Turbofreak, I can not stand that look. Give it away!"
"Will you?"
"Don't look at me that way!"
"Will you?"
"Oh, tell me, how can I refuse a racer with such eyes?"
"Thank you April."
"You looked really cute. I'm not wondering any more, that Saber fell in love with you and not me. April noticed what has she just said when it was too late. A tear was running down Fireballs cheek already. "Sorry Fire, I didn't wan-"
Fire wiped the tear away. "No April, it's OK. Tell me please, can you respect me now, when you know about me and Saber?"
"What is this for a question?"
"I mean, since the day Colt has found us, he's acting rather strange. I don't know how to describe it exactly, but..."
"Hm, I haven't noticed anything. Anyway, of course I can respect you."
"And if you knew something terrible from my past, would you respect me even then?"
"Fire, what terrible could you have done? Saying, you're doing homework and dreaming about cars instead of it?"
"April, I'm not joking!"
She looked on the person in front of her. Pale, scared, insulted, sad. *No, he's not. But he is somehow strange, hm.* "Fireball, whatever will happen, I will respect you, I promise."
"Thank you April. I will not disturb you any longer. Good night."
"Night Fire."
After *he* had left, April was browsing on the net for two more hours, when she decided, there's also tomorrow and went to bed. She was laying there and thinking about the events of the day. *Terrible day. I don' t know how will I manage to stay with that idiot alone. Ah, wonderful perspective.* Sleeping decided not to come so soon. *Daddy could find someone more suitable.* Sleeping still refused to come. *What does it mean, we should forget about Saber and take it as it is?* She started to become sleepy somehow. *The information about the Satanists - strange.* The last thought was: What was Fire meaning with his terrible past?
Now in the cockpit, she could not avoid the feeling, that Fire, but also Colt are hiding something. Her concentration was also very low.
To summarize, in the cockpit were sitting: one cowboy distracted by the captain, one navigator thinking about the death of the previous captain and life of the contemporary one, one soldier trying to understand the whole not-so-easy system and the captain and one captain, trying to manage the whole circus somehow. It's not necessary to write about the result. When Fire with all *his* effort avoided a hard contact with the ground, it was clear to everybody, that they will not be so lucky next time.
"What about some concentration, from all of you?"
"Sorry. Yes. Good." were the quiet answers.
Not after a long time, the ship was flying fluently, without any dramatic changes of target.
"Hey, captain, our army-boy is learning pretty fast. What about a next lesson?"
"Hm, maybe, you're right Colt. So hold your hats, Challenge phase!" said Fireball and pushed the red button.
Before John could either protest against his nick-name, or ask what the hell is challenge phase, the inner part of Ramrod started to move.
"What i-"
"Don't worry army-boy, we're just changing our little spaceship into a little robot. Ji-ha!"
The training lasted for several hours. On the end, they all were exhausted, mainly from temperature, because the air-condition was still damaged. Ramrod with sweating crew landed on the private air-port of the Cavalry base.
"Very good job form all of you. We will be able to fight against the Outriders in a few days again."
Meanwhile, April left to the shower. To be the *only* girl on board is sometimes an advantage!
"You're quite fast John, I must admit."
"Thank you Sir, but you were right, this is a wonderful spaceship."
"Hey, I'm not interested into hearing this terrible compliment exchange, so I'm offering myself to prepare the lunch Turbofreak, ahm, captain."
"No way Colt. After that, hm, interesting dinner, I'm suggesting we will find a small restaurant somewhere in the city. Than I can go to Eagle."
"Are you going to refer him about our army-boy here?"
"Mr. Wilcox, I'm asking you the first and last time. Don't call me army- boy!"
Colt has been ready to answer in his usual way, when robins voice in head stopped him: "When I saw you for the first time, you were annoying, impertinent..." so he said only: "Sorry, it's just we're very informal here, usually using nick-names and I don't know you long enough to realize how you really are."
*WOW, yesterday, if his glance could kill, I would be death in ten seconds and now he even apologizes.* "You didn't insulted me Mr. Wilcox, I'm just more used on formalities."
*Robin has a real influence on Colt. This must be her job.*
"Guys, the bathroom is free now!"
"John, you can go next."
"I don't deserv-"
"Of course you do, go now!"
So John left to the bathroom and April came instead of him.
"Have I missed an interesting conversation?"
"And how interesting. Colt apologized to John for calling him army-boy."
"WOW, Robin is doing a great job."
"Anyway. What was wrong with you?"
"Sorry pal, I was just thinking about Robin and me."
"Colt, you had probably a wonderful night, but please, try to concentrate next time. And you April?"
"I found something about the Satanists. I still don't know enough, but slowly I'm becoming a feeling it was not them on the cemetery. Their habits are somehow different. You knew about it Fire, am I right?"
"Hm, yes."
"Are you two still planning to visit the doctor?"
"We two Fireball?"
"I had no time to tell you until now, sorry. I've got the name of the doctor, now."
"How have you found it so fast Turbofreak?"
"Hm, in a copy of the protocol about Saber."
"In the copy of protocol? But Fire, Daddy said it's top secret. He refused to show it even to me!"
"Shhhh. Two days ago I was in Eagles office. He wanted to speak about the future of our team. He was late and I found the protocol accidentally. The whole thing has been suspicious to me from beginning, despite my feelings. Eagle has a copy machine in office, so.....I forgot about it because of the arrival of John, but this morning I could not sleep, so I has read it."
"Accidentally!"
'That's not important now. We have the name. When the mood calms, we will visit him. In a few days I hope."
"The shower is free!"
*******
After all Starsherifs relieved themselves from sweat, they were on way to a near restaurant. Short distance from the Cavalry base made from it an often place of meetings the employees of Cavalry. Small, comfortable, not very expensive, so the officers together with the soldiers could be seen there sharing their thirst. Room divided into boxes provided enough of privacy.
Siting in one of the boxes, Fire decided to continue in breaking the barrier between them and John.
"So John, how do you like Ramrod after the training?"
"Wonderful spaceship Sir. But still it look a little complicated to me." answered John in his usual formal tone, maybe with less coldness.
"Ah, John, forget the formal tone. we will probably work together for a long time. You're John, I'm Fireball, also called Fire or Turbofreak by those two. In Colt's case, if I remember, we never used Wilcox."
"And what about the first name - Bill, am I correct?"
When hearing his true name, Colt grimaced.
"Please, don't use it!"
"Why, Bill sound good to me."
"It's personal, please, just don't use it."
Johns face suddenly lost the cold expression. With eyes sparkling with humour, he asked.
"What about an exchange? Army-boy for Bill?"
Fire together with April had to cover their mouths with hands to prevent an explosion of laughter. Colt was just sitting there and staring on John. April first found enough of self control for normal speech.
"You learn quickly."
"I have to Miss Eagle. If not I would be probably still a poor soldier.
Ah, John, I agree, we hadn't the best start and we have to clear some things but how about forgetting it. Call me April, as the others."
"A.....OK, Miss Ea- I mean April."
"When hearing that particular sentence a conversation now more than a year and half old occurred in Aprils head: "Miss Eagle, it is-"
"Oh, no way Miss Eagle. We will spent a lot of time together in the future. You can call me April. And your first name is?"
"I'm known as Saber Miss Ea-, I mean April."
*No, it can not be. He speaks the same, please not.*
She wiped tears from eyes. The others were looking worried on her. Not realizing, John returned to previous form.
"Miss Eagle, have I said something wrong? I didn't want to."
"No John it's not your fault. Just...when I met Saber for the first time, our conversation was the same."
Luckily, the waiter with full plates broke the conversation. When eating, everybody was silent and silence ruled until the end of lunch. They left the restaurant, every lost in own thoughts. Fire looked on watch and realized, it's time to hurry up.
"Oh almost 2 o'clock. I have to hurry. Bye so far"
John waited a minute after Fire was gone and started.
"Miss Eagle, I'm apologizing one more time..."
"You don't have to John. It was really not your fault. And call me April."
(((((((
Eagles office
Samantha was heading to Eagles office. Knocked and entered to the office of Eagles secretary without waiting. An unknown young woman was sitting there and typing something - Eagle had a new secretary, this was her first day. The old one left, because she felt no so safe around Eagle. Few strange letters, a strange man, some old friends from Cavalry. Something was going on around Eagle. Samantha knew nothing about it of course, but a new change in her surroundings made her a little nervous.
"Is Commander Eagle here?"
"Who are you?"
"I'm Fireb- I'm captain Hikari."
"He's expecting you already."
Fire knocked on the door of Eagles private office.
"Enter."
Samantha opened the door and stepped into. The office didn't change much during the last year.
"You're late!"
"But Sir-"
"I said, I'm expecting you at 2 p.m. exactly. Now it's 14.02."
"I'm sorry sir. We were..."
'I don't care where have you been or what were you doing. Next time be punctual. Now sit down."
Eagles serious expression vanished after this words.
"I didn't want to be so hard, but changes are expected here in Cavalry and maybe you will become a new boss."
"Sir, does that mean t-"
"That doesn't mean nothing. But the political conditions are changing. Anyway, I together with Whitehawk am still your superior. So?"
"We had the first training today. It's too soon to speak..."
"You can speak. How is he so far?"
"Not bad. He's skilful and learns quickly. He will be able to replace Saber in the space ship."
"And in the collective?"
"I can not answer, sir. Not now."
"Why?"
"We don't know each other enough and he's so.....so different."
"I was searching for someone different. If he were similar to Saber, you would waste all your time on comparison."
"I understand you sir, but some of his opinions are disturbing us totally."
"For example?"
"His way how to treat the non-soldiers..."
"So there's the problem. How many rows were there yesterday?"
" "
"Answer!"
"Two, sir."
"Serious?"
"Not at all, but April starts to support Colt."
"My April?"
"Yes, sir. Except the non-soldiers, he can not accept women."
"Hm, so yesterday it was an interesting day. And today?"
"The situation bettered. One day, we will maybe become friends. Don't know. It was strange."
"What do you mean with strange?"
"John forgot his prejudices, April ignored how has she insulted her yesterday and Colt was even kind to John. Really strange."
"So maybe you will finally able to form a new team. Your vacations are over. The Outriders are back, we don't have more time. Tomorrow at 6 p.m. expect me on board of Ramrod. I will give you information about your new mission."
"So soon?"
"The Outriders are not asking when? Be prepared, tomorrow evening you will leave Yuma."
*Wonderful. I don't know who will be more happy. Colt or Robin. It's clear now, we have to visit the doctor today. It will be late tomorrow.*
"That will be all. You can return to Ramrod."
"Thank you sir."
"Bye Fireball, tomorrow at 6 p.m.."
*******
Fireball returned from Eagle very worried. *He* just called the whole team together. April was curious, but Fires expression puzzled her.
"So Fire, how was the meeting?"
"Not very good. Tomorrow evening, we're leaving Yuma."
"Hey phartner, you must be kidding."
"It's not a joke Colt!"
"But Robin, she has just arrived.......I can not leave her now..."
"I'm sorry cowboy, it's not my fault. The Outriders are back, that's all I know so far."
"So, that's the definitive end of peace. I was afraid, it will happen. Is Jesse also with them?"
"I don't know April. Eagle will come here tomorrow and tell us more. At 6 p.m.."
"Hm, it's not clear to me, how can he take such a risk and send us into action? Nothing against you Arm- John, but we will need more time than one day."
"Colt, somehow, I have a feeling Eagle doesn't want send us into action. He has to."
"That's ridicules Fire. No one can force daddy to do it."
"I don't know how to explain, but Eagle was trying to say, that changes are going to happen in the Cavalry. John, don't you know something about it?"
"Hm. In the last weeks, it has been spoken about some changes in the leadership and structure of Cavalry, but no one knows anything particular."
"Why that? Is Cavalry not effective enough or what?"
"I think it's connected with the changing of political conditions."
"Eagle mentioned something in those lines. Tell us more, because of war and hm others, we were ignoring politics."
"Aha. Maybe I shell start from the beginning. When you were sent to Jarre, to offer there peace and cooperation, one more secret mission has been prepared - to Calishia. It's a planet system discovered two years ago."
*Calishia, yeah! I know it's the last discovered planet system, but I have heard this name somewhere else. Where?*
"It contains sun and seven inhabited planets. Five from them are bigger than Yuma, so a high number of people is living there. The political situation is unstable, I don't know more."
*Calishia, Calishia, wait a second!
- bigger part of the income of Osakura family comes from trading with Calishia and it's not always transparent!"
"And how is it possible that you know about it Saber?"
"That's not important-"
Of course, Saber had some contacts there, now I remember! *
"They offered us support in war against the Outriders, but they had some demands. Changes in structure of Cavalry, something with the Starsheriffs, especially Saber Rider. He was the number one on their list. It has never come to serious meetings, because of Jarre kingdom joining to us and defeating of the Outriders, their army support became useless. Now, after the Outriders are back, we will probably need their help and will accept some of their demands."
"How is possible, you know so much about secret operations?"
"I was working on a ship, that was used to exchange messages with them. But, don't forget, my information are more than two months old. I don't know exactly, what's going on right now."
"Does that mean, daddy will lose his job?"
"I don't know what exactly will change, so be prepared on everything."
This was too much for the cowboy. He was thankful for everything Eagle made for him and now, this should be Eagles reward?"
"Why do we need help from them? We defeated the Outriders one time, It should not be a problem to repeat it once again!"
"Maybe you're right Colt, but don't forget one. If they decide not to support us, at least neutrality should be. They're not so insignificant. If they decide to support the Outriders, we will become a lot more troubles."
After hearing that sentence from John, everybody became still for a moment. Terrible pictures of future full of war and violence, fear and horror were running through their heads. Now, more than ever before were they feeling the lost of Saber. What to do? What to do? That was the question.
"I'm afraid, we will not solve the situation, when sitting here. We should know more, if we want to help Eagle. I'm suggesting, we will make a free evening, because we're starting with serious work tomorrow."
"Cap-Fireball, I'm going to give good bye to some of my friends, I suppose, as a Starsheriff, I will not see them for a longer time. Would it be a problem, when I return in the morning?" *This should give you time for some action. If Eagle was correct, you would do it tonight...*
"Of course, John. Just be back before 7.00 am. *Wonderful, with army-boy out of house, April can go with us to visit the doctor. What a chance! But is it a real stroke of luck, or...*
"Ah, Fireball, I will go to Robin, could you please accompany my?"
Fire looked surprised on cowboy. This was really not a question *he* was expecting from Colt. "Hey, do you have any troubles cowboy? She's not preg- "
"Surely not! I just want to have someone responsible on my site, when I tell her, we're leaving, So she can kill him and I will survive." answered the cowboy with an evil grin on the end. Luckily, Fire could not see what was going on in Colts head, because a picture of Colt kissing an other boy, a good friend, would probably scare also a person with much, much stronger nerves, than Samantha had in the last days.
"Miss E-April, what will you do?"
"Don't know, maybe read a book, or just enjoy out last free evening..."
"You can go with me, I would be glad to introduce to my friends."
"Or you can go with us to visit Robin."
"So many offerings, which one to choose..." April pretended to think about it for a moment. "I have not seen Robin for a pretty long time...sorry John, but your evening will be probably with fun and laugh and I don't feel I'm able to have fun now, sorry."
"Never mind, it was just a suggestion." *Oh shit, she's planning to go with those two. If they run into some trouble, Eagle will kill me. On the other side, we will see... *
*******
Meantime, somewhere
Jesse entered the room, where Marco and Simona were waiting on him. He waved with a sheet of paper.
"So, here it is. Everything I could find about Lt. Walters. Look on it!"
He gave them the paper. A pair of red haired heads bowed over the paper and started to read it.
"Hm, looks like Eagle doesn't trust them, not very surprising..."
"Boys, listed to this: He was working on Messanger, the space ship used for exchange between Cavalry and Calishia. Don't you think there will be more in him?"
"My dear sister, I'm afraid we will become an answer sooner, then we want. Eagle is forced to send them into action as soon as possible. They don't have much time."
"I must admit, it's astonishing, that they were waiting for so long. If I were them and my captain would die by such strange circumstances, I would not sleep until I find the answer. But what are they doing? Just crying and waiting!"
"Jesse, dear, that was too hard. Try to imagine how Samantha must feel. She lost the only person she was trusting, she's probably scared and lonely and fears somebody will find out her small secret." This is not a thing, that can force you into action."
"I feel very sorry for them. It was unfair to mix them into all this and let them go thorough it. If there just had been a different way..."
"The death of your father was also unfair, not to speak about the death of my parents. But if we stop now, their death was useless. Don't forget it Marco! They are strong and will manage it somehow, also Samantha!" Jesse has already come red in face, a very unusual color in his case.
"There is nothing to say against it sweetheart, but maybe we can make it easier for them, with some information, for example?"
"You must be completely mad? They would not trust a word from me, Marco was out of game from the beginning and we can not dare to risk and send you again Sim. The one time in desert has been dangerous enough. If they recognize you..."
"Hey, their captain was lying dead in front of them. They are probably not even remembering there has been somebody else. Anyway, a real contact is not necessary, if we just leave there a small box...."
Jesse was feeling, he's loosing ground under his feet. This can not be true...He turned to the third person in room and with a defeated tone in voice asked: "Marco, would you trust an information, that has been found so accidentally?" but knowing the asked one long enough to know very well what the response will be. He was defeated in this battle before it has really started.
"My situation is quite different, but probably yes, after verifying it."
"Of course yes! Jesse, just imagine! You have lost your captain, best friend, the only one you trust and love. You know something has been wrong, terribly wrong. Now you find something, what can help you solve the whole mystery. What would you do?"
"Fine, fine, I'm giving up. I'm glad, you're on my side Sim. You can make believe that black is white if you want."
"I love you, Jesse." said Simona smiling and kissed him gently.
"But this is bringing us to an important question. How much should they know?"
"Not very much for the beginning. Maybe the photocopy of the list of their demands. I think, we are still having it somewhere. This will force them into trying to find more and simultaneously describe their new enemy."
"Hm, but Marco, don't you think Walters has already said everything to them?"
"Somehow, I have the feeling no...he was sent there by Eagle and surely became instructions, what to say...
(((((((
Evening in Ramrod
Three starsheriffs were sitting round the table and finishing their dinner. The fourth one had already left. Everybody was eating quite quickly, without realizing the real taste of food. Not exactly astonishing, the thought of meeting with doctor Andersen and maybe a new step to the solution of the mystery by Sabers death blew anything others from their heads away. Johns leaving made it all easier. April was not forced to stay with him in Ramrod and could join Fire and Colt. It looked like a stroke of luck..... She would be nearly happy, if not the reason of their visit. They decided to do the washing up after coming back. Doing it now would be just wasting of the costly time.
"Fire, are you sure doctor Andersen will be there? It's nearly 7 p.m., who can work for so long?"
"Don't worry April. He's doing some kind of research, he never leaves until 9."
"Ok pals, let's go, or I change my mind."
"Colt?"
"Ah...hm....err....I just don't feel very good when doing something Eagle has forbidden, Turbofreak. He has enough of his own troubles, without us."
"And we don't! Colt, what's wrong with you? Saber died in the most mysterious way possible and you, the born rebel, are thinking if trying to solve it is forbidden or not! This is Robins work!"
Colts face became red from shock and fury.
"Listen Turbofreak." he began with dangerously calm voice and continued with growing intensity of sound "First, maybe I don't have the motivation you have, second, what is Robin doing is not your business, third, I'm thankful to Eagle for everything he has done for me and fourth, I have enough of my own troubles!" He was screaming the last words.
For a moment were Fireball and Colt starring on themselves furiously. Fire gave up as first. Sighed and asked with a quiet voice.
"You were not distracting John when inviting me to Robin, were you?"
"No."
"I can go alone with April and we will meet us by Robin, if you want."
"Ah, Turbofreak, we started it together, we will finish it together. I'm going with you. Army-boy is not here, so who will ever find out?"
"Fine, Fire huge him and give him a kiss, so we can finally leave!" finished April with a sarcastic voice.
They left Ramrod and were heading to an old army jeep, that Colt used to borrow during vacations on Yuma, when John running to the big ship crashed all three of them down. He jumped quickly back on feet and continued running, while saying over shoulder to team mates:
"I'm sorry, it's my fault. I've forgotten my wallet. Stupid, isn't it? Have a nice evening!"
His team colleagues were watching shocked on him until he vanished in Ramrod.
"Hm, guys, shell we continue? Or do you want to stare on our ship?"
"Ah...right April. Colt, can I ask you for something? Please, only this one time....be careful when driving." *So John now knows when were we leaving. The question is, will people from Cavalry be there as first, or am I mistaking in Johns case totally?*
Once in jeep, they left the area of CC. A pair of eyes from Ramrod was looking on them. *So, so, they are really leaving, probably heading to Dr. Andersen. If I were them, I would be. What to do now? Hm.....*
The drive was quick and quiet as the dinner before. Streets of Yuma were getting full. High temperatures killed the day-life in streets, so people were now happy to can stay outdoor. They arrived to the hospital complex and Colt parked near it. Fireball checked information written on a small piece of paper.
"Hm, it should be the building behind the main one, third floor - his study is there."
The building was dark, in no window could be find light, but the starsheriffs were too distracted with thoughts on Dr. Andersen and Saber to realize it. Samantha gulped. So, it's becoming true, they are really going to meet someone, who can tell more about Saber. Was it an accident or...Colt's elbow in her ribs brought her back to present.
"Look Turbofreak, no door-keeper, that's strange."
"Hm..."
The main entrance was not locked, so they entered the building. In front of them were three lifts. They used one of them to get to the third floor. Slowly, even through the exciting from the visit, all three of them started to feel, something is wrong here. The building was too dark, too silent, as no body was there. Now occurred in Samanthas head the picture of the dark building, with no light. Does that mean, the doctor has already left? But why is the building not locked. It doesn't seem, anybody else could be here. Her instincts were warning her. She had only once a feeling like this. During the adventure with Sincia, when they were exchanging the Outrider spy for girls. She felt the trap then, she was feeling it now. Only the vision of Saber dying in front of her, the pain and longing for solution of this mystery prevented her from listening to her instincts and running away.
"Boys, som-"
"Shh, April. We just HAVE to find out!"
On the third floor, they left the lift. In front of them were two corridors with a dozen of doors on each of them at least. Where to start? Luckily, April found a newsboard with names together with numbers of their study- rooms.
"One more time, what's the name of the doctor, Turbofreak?"
"Andersen, Steven Andersen."
"Hm, it should be the door number 32."
Knowledge of the door number made the quest for Dr. Andersen much, much faster. And there they were. Pale, nervous, standing in front of the door No.32. After a second of waiting Samantha elevated her hand and knocked. No answer came. She repeated the action, this time with more intensity, but same result, so she tried the door. It was not locked. Sam looked apologizing on her friends and entered the dark room.
"Doctor Andersen?"
Colt, one step behind his new captain also entered and switched the light on. The room in front of them looked like after a big fight. Table turned over, broken chair, paper covering each inch of ground and an open window.
"Doctor Andersen?" shouted now worried Samantha. "Colt, what do you think?"
Colt looked around as an experienced tracker. "Somebody has kidnapped him, he was fighting........but no blood is here, so he's probably still alive."
"Hm, I hope you're right, but for how long?"
"Don't know Turbofreak, you're asking too much...."
"Let's see in those papers, maybe we will find something about Saber, boys." said April quietly.
When going through the first third of papers, it became clear to everybody, that find exactly what were they looking for is an unreal idea.
"That's hopeless, it's not possible to find anything in this mess, we- " sounds from the opened window stopped Samantha in the middle of the sentence. It were sounds, that didn't surprised her, she was expecting them the whole evening, the sound of arriving police cars. She only wondered, they are coming so late. "Away from here, quickly!"
Luckily for them, the building had also a second exit, so they could escape unseen. Once sitting in the jeep, Colt asked: "What now, back to Ramrod?"
"No way! We have to go to Robin. She's the only one, who can provide us any alibi. Let's go!"
*******
Robin's room in hotel
Our heroes has arrived like a tornado. As first, Colt explained Robin very shortly the reason of arrival nearly the full company and also learned her what to say to people from CC, who are probably following them. April with Fireball tried to put more order into Colt's chaotic instructions, but they only perplexed her more. Robin understood just they're having a big problem, nothing more. Before she could ask for more information, furious Eagle ran into the hotel room.
"Why am I not surprised to see all of you here! In Ramrod! Now!"
"But Commander, we are in the middle of an interesting con-"
"No but! Shut up cowboy and follow me. Robin, you should give him good bye. You will not see him for a long time."
"Commander, what are you trying to tell me?"
"They will be send on secret mission, soon, very soon, but maybe not soon enough. Follow me offenders, I'm really curious, what are you going to tell me!"
Glare of surprised and angry Robin was promising Colt, this will have consequences, bad consequences.
*******
Ramrod again
The three culprits were sitting round a table, while Eagle was whirling around them like a vulture. Very furious vulture.
"It was strictly prohibited to you to do anything! If I remember correct, it was me, who has said to you to let the matter be! Yesterday and also today! Are you aware of what have you done?"
"But dad, w-"
"Shut up! Half of the cavalry was against Fireball as a captain. They were arguing with age, non-military training, impatience, hot head, etc...And your first deed as a captain is what?"
"Sir, "
"Shut up! This will change their mind, I'm sure! All of you should become a sack!"
"Sir, "
"Why are you interrupting me?"
"How did you find out?"
"That's not important."
"Has somebody told you, we had left Ramrod, or that three suspicious person are in hospital?"
"What is this for a question? Anyway, it's not important."
"Sir, we know very well, what is John doing here!" was Colt first comment since arriving to Ramrod.
Eagle pretended he overheard the last sentence. "This conversation is on the end. I'm changing my mind. You will leave Yuma in one hour. Your target is planet Prometheus. An old Outrider base has been there, but it was destroyed during war. Now, we became information, it's operating again, they are maybe even preparing a Renegade. Your task will be to collect as many information as possible and to destroy the base on the end. Any questions?"
"Dad, John is not here."
"I would not count on that." answered Fireball instead of Eagle with a sarcastic voice.
Eagle was once again pretending he had overheard it. "I'm expecting a report. We will speak about your punishment after you return. Good bye!" He left Ramrod furious, but deep in his mind worried for the future of the team. *The idea of sending John was good, it was the order to send them into action so soon, what has ruined everything. He should slowly win their trusting, a matter which can take more than weeks, one day was not an enough long time. It was clear, that the welcome will not be very friendly. Now, after what happened, they will probably never trust him. But was he really the right one? Something is not correct here...... *
"John, come here." The captain was calling the newest member of the team. No response. "John, I know you are here. I'm waiting." Nothing. "JOHN, it's an order, I'm not in mood for such playing!!"
"Here I am captain." John entered the room with a smile.
"So, I see, your evening with friends has been canceled." said Fire sarcastic.
"Ahmm....I has been called back..." he silenced after catching the hostile glares of the others.
"Of course." Samantha took a resting time for a minute to thing over, what was she going to say. "It's time to clear the table. In one hour we are leaving to chase the Outriders. To do that, we have to be a team and trust to each other as much as possible. Our situation was more than complicated from the beginning and this episode didn't help. So, we know very well you're a spy sent here by Eagle." She said the last sentence not with hate, it sounded more like a reminding a well known fact.
John was ready to defend, but the tone of the last sentence changed his decision.
"Yes, I'm. You know it obviously, so why to deny it?"
The easy admission surprised all of them, Samantha including.
"I was not expecting, this would be so easy, I have to admit."
"Captain, you have said it already, we're going to action and such play can only harm.
"So, we're one at least in this point. Why have you agreed with it?"
"Sorry, but this is really not your business."
"Oh, it is, John, it is. Maybe I should make it easier for you, so thank you."
Both shocked, April and Colt only gasped. John look questioning on Fireball.
"What do you mean with thank you?"
"Turbofreak, you must be completely mad!"
"Really? John, if doctor Andersen had been there, we would have had enough time to speak with him. Unfortunately, he has been probably kidnapped, so we found just a giant mess. Now am I asking, why gave you us time, when you are such a loyal spy of Eagle. You're playing a double game, am I right?"
John sighed, looked on all three starsheriffs, like he was judging them and finally, with a silent voice asked.
"Will you promise me, that what will I tell you now, will never leave this room?"
"I promise it to you John." answered Samantha "But I can not speak for April, or Colt."
"All of you! That's the only condition I have."
"Good, Lt. Walters, I also promise." joined April.
They all looked questioning on Colt.
"Good, good, if you want it, so do I."
"Hm, so, listen to me. I was not telling the truth, when saying I don't know more about the Calishian demands. Most of them are not important now, except one. The No. 1 on the list of people, who should vanish from Cavalry, was Captain Saber Rider."
"What?"
"How could they?"
"Why?"
"I don't know why. I know just, he was the rock on which have the conversation between CC and Calishians always broken. After he died in such strange circumstances, the moral of half of our troops has neared to zero point and people in CC are doing nothing. It's impossible, it's unfair! I know, you will probably never understand my bound to army, but still, listen. My soldiers are in such mood, that after seen an Outrider, they would probably run away. This is not acceptable for me! Someone plays here a dirty game and the Cavalry is pretending nothing happened. I want know who, that's why I gave you time. I'm just afraid, that Eagle has found out."
"WOW, I was really not expecting such reasons, still John, how can we trust to you? Try to understand our situation."
"I know, your situation is pretty difficult, but what can I do?"
"Good question, probably nothing. This can solve only time...."
"That's exactly what are we missing Turbofreak! We don't have time."
"OK, OK, calm down Colt. This will be my the first serious decision as a captain. In next few days, it will be impossible to do anything in investigation the death of our captain." Samanthas voice slipped a little by the word death "We will fight against the Outriders, so our personal business MUST go by side. John, I'm still not sure if trust you with Saber or not, " her voice slipped again, this time by name of her lover. "but I'm fully convicted about your flying abilities. So, I'm suggesting for a while to both of you," she turned to Colt and April "to forget, that this is a spy from Eagle and consider him as a pilot, navigator and a new member of team Ramrod. Do you agree?"
"I don't think it's a good decision, but you don't have any other way, so I agree. Still don't forget lt. Walters, after finishing this mission, we will continue. I don't like the way you put it aside, Turbofreak."
"It's unbelievable, that daddy is not trusting us. How can he?"
"April, we knew from the beginning, that Eagle will do something like this. How can it be such a surprise for you?"
"Maybe I was hoping, he will not dare. Anyway, I agree, if you promise me one thing John."
"That is?"
"Never, never more try to be so overprotective. Some women like it maybe, but I'm not one of them. Will you?"
"Ahm...April, I have only two duties when doing this job. To inform Eagle about every your step and to watch over you, April. I should protect you and prevent any danger. Do you understand?"
The question, was necessary, decided John after seeing April face.
"Daddy is slowly forgetting, where are the borders. At first he sends you here to spy us and now.....ah, I should not solve my family problems here. Good, I know my father, he will be furious after he finds out, what you have done for us, so you don't have any other way and have to watch over me. Try not to show it at least.
"Fine, so my dear crew, it looks like we can start our new mission. Oh, John what do you know about it?"
"Nothing."
"Good, so to inform you briefly, our target is an old outrider base on planet Prometheus. The Outriders are there again and they are preparing also a Renegade. We should go there, collect as many information as possible and destroy it. That's all we know and we will probably become no more information. So, on your places, we can start!"
Once again, like so many times before, the sound of working engines could be heard in the near of the base. After becoming a permission from the control tower, the big space ship left the airport. Eagle was watching on the vanishing mark of the cause of so many problems.
The flight was quiet and peaceful. No one on board was saying anything, the events of last hours were giving everybody enough material for thinking. Fireball/Samantha used the computer for count, how much time will it take to get to Prometheus.