Contract on Jadan’s Life
“You’re scaring me. You sound as though you believe the presentation with all your heart and soul. How can—?”
He interrupts her. “I do believe—I studied the evidence. Excuse me. I’ll be back. I need to go to the men’s room.” He gets up and strolls down the hall. A stranger walks up behind him and asks, “Are you expecting an invitation?”
“Yes.”
“From who is the invitation—?”
“From Eath.”
“You are correct—come with me.”
“Kia thinks I’ll be right back. May I make a quick call to her room?”
“Make it short and sweet,” says the man. “They’re ready for us, and we can’t keep them waiting.”
OFGRAT HEADQUARTERS
The AeroBus arrives, and Jadan removes the hood. He goes through the entire interview and receives the invitation. Chills overrun him as he repeats the Life Oath. The ceremony is over, and the men come down to greet him. He is surprised when Commander Rogg Jasen and Colonel Leahn Baanar are among them.
The introductions are complete, and he goes to the two and says, “What a pleasant surprise seeing you two. I am more pleased with my decision.”
“Glad you are on board. By the way, where’s Relo? We planned to extend him an invitation this evening, but we can’t find him,” Baanar says.
“He’s out of town, but I expect him back in the next couple of days. Would you like me to contact him? I can ask him to come back now.”
“Tell him to finish his business, but people are waiting for him when he returns. Alert me when he gets back,” Commander Jasen says.
“I think we need to get you back to the Medical Center. You need to think up a good reason for being gone so long,” Baanar says. “One of our teams discovered a spacecraft in a remote valley in the mountains of Sukish. The discovery landed a long time ago, and the team says the craft is intact and by all appearances arrived by a plan since no evidence of a crash exists. A camouflaged net, of an unknown material, covers the machine, but vines grew over and concealed the ship. At present, some of our top engineers are attempting to turn on the power, but the lettering on the controls is a language none of us recognizes. Eath Marshon says you, and Relo are the ones we need to help with the operating software and the onboard computers. We’ll discuss the topic further when Relo’s on board.”
Jadan returns to the AMC. He gets out of the AeroBus and starts up the stairs in a run. He hurries down the hall toward the elevator and steps aboard. A moment later, he exits on Kia’s floor. She moved to a regular room on the fourth level. He nears the door and detects Kia talking in a loud voice.
He overhears Gramps tell her, “I plan to take you to the compound when you graduate.”
He stops, backs up to the wall out of sight, and listens.
“The woman in one of the zoomed in shots at one of your compounds reminded me of the picture of Gramma at the condo.” She studies his facial expression.
He stays stoic. “Kia, a logical explanation exists for all this, but this is not the time or place.”
“Did Mom, Dad, and Riah go to any of the complexes?”
“I said this is neither the time nor place for this discussion. We need to concentrate on getting you well and out of here.”
“This minute, my health is the least of my concerns. By now, most of the people on this planet viewed the videos. What do I tell my friends? With the last name of Nuggen, I’m afraid of what some psycho might want to do to me to get even with you. Is Gramma alive and at the compound?”
He realizes Gramps will be leaving soon, and he steps into the stairwell nearby.
“I must go now,” he says, getting up to leave. He ignores her questions but pauses and turns. “I’ll prepare living quarters for you at the mountain resort. I’m sure you’ll love the place. You can continue your genetic studies in your own private science research lab. He walks into the corridor and leaves.
He enters Kia’s room and views her sitting with her face in her hands. She is crying. Without a word, he eases over, sits down beside her, and puts his arm around her shoulders. “All will be okay,” he says as he tries to comfort her. “I stood outside the door and listened to some of the questions you asked him. I can’t believe he demonstrated such indifferent. He owes you an explanation.”
OFGRAT HEADQUARTERS
The thirty minutes pass fast, and Boze taps his glass several times to get the attention of the group. “Now, let’s get down to business.” He waits until each finds their seat and sits down. “Let me say, I’m grateful for the privilege to host this historic get together between members of The Commission and OFGRAT. We participate in common objectives, to form a government of the people, for the people. The cooperation of our groups can accelerate the exponential efforts. We requested the meeting for this purpose, so let me share an important fact with you. Each member goes through a more in-depth and thorough security and background check than the supreme chancellor’s closest advisors and personal bodyguards. In addition, we take a Life Oath wherein we pledge to protect the names of other members and the business of the society with our lives. We’ll expect no less from any new associates. Should this be a problem for any of you, I ask you to speak up now.”
He pauses for a moment, but no one speaks. He continues. “Several distinctions exist between our groups. I’ll cover them at this time. First, we allow Annunaki, Blendeds, and Commonuers into our membership, if they meet our criteria. Second, we are not attached to a fraternity or any other organization. We’re independent. Third, our sole purpose for existing is to gain information necessary for a government of the people. Fourth, female members are equal in every way with males. They can and do hold office—they go on missions—they carry their share of the load. Fifth—we invite new initiates we believe can make significant contributions to the cause. Should these differences be problematic, we need to understand now.” He pauses and glances at Kaamren. No one speaks. “Both groups are aware we recognize some who are members of the two. We all realize why each group wants a mole—the collection of information. We suggest we pursue an alliance, which would make those activities unnecessary. Questions…?”
Jaan stands. “Yes—I would like clarification—are you recommending The Commission and its members be absorbed by OFGRAT or are you suggesting we agree to a pact to cooperate with one another?”
“Our preference—” Boze says, “is for your organization and its membership to become part of our faction.” He pauses to appraise the impact of his statement. He can tell by the frowns, The Commission members are sharing with one another the proposition is improbable. “Should that not be acceptable, we’re open to negotiating a coalition.” Again, he waits to evaluate the assembly. Perceiving doubt, he turns to Kaamren and says, “Would you like to address the group?”
He yields the podium. “Thank you, Boze. I’m aware some are reluctant in both groups. We need to pick up the pace, now the mystery broadcasts aired. The government crackdown on dissidents will accelerate. All are in more jeopardy than ever before. In the past, the resistance represented a nuisance to the bureaucrats, but now we’re a threat. Strength in numbers is a fact, and each of us realizes we need to combine our efforts if we’re to survive. I can’t endorse The Commission’s absorption by OFGRAT, but I do support an association with details addressed by a committee of twelve, such as this. To minimize distrust and ensure cooperation and distribution of all information, I propose members-at-large. They’ll be granted complete and free access to all knowledge of OFGRAT and The Commission, excluding the frivolous fraternity stuff, which is unrelated to the resistance. A full sharing of the data and resources of each will take place, and the members at large will hold full membership in both organizations, including total privileges. They will be vital to the success of the pact.” He pauses and offers the podium to Boze.
“I concur with Kaamren. A formal coalition is the best alternative at this time. I must admit the member at large concept solves several issues of concern for me. Do we agree to form an association is the direction we should pursue? Those who concur, signify by raising your right hand.” Boze pauses as everyone in the group complies. “Good, the plan is unanimous. We’ll spend the rest of the meeting working out the basics of the accord to submit to both our memberships for debate and ratification. This agreement will be the skeleton. The meat on the bones will happen during the next twenty-one days. Prior to starting, Kaamren—would you and your associates like to preview the third mystery broadcast scheduled to air this evening?”
“Yes—as a matter of fact, we would,” he says, and the other five nod.
“This evening’s programming will feature three points. First is a continuation of the financial monitoring of our stars. Second, we’ll disclose the Fresh Start List. Third...”
“What’s the Fresh Start List?”
“I can tell you, but I prefer to let the video explain like the transmission to the population this evening. I want you to evaluate the presentation for effectiveness. Number three will be a film of the troops attacking the demonstrators, and killing unarmed protestors carrying signs,” Boze says.
Without any further comments, the video begins, projected on each of the four walls. The now-familiar ticker tape starts across the bottom on the screen with the occasional orange display showing the message, ‘YOUR TARIFF PAYMENTS AT WORK.’ The exhibit fades into the engineering drawings from the previous day’s broadcast along with an artist’s rendering of the completed spacecraft.
“Who’re the two hundred and two booked on the craft? What you’re going to learn next is the official list extracted and deciphered from classified files on the CDC. The Fresh Start is the authorized program name. Pay attention to the individual names. They live in extravagant luxury in the Escapades. On display, are the script accounts for the third time.”
ELSEWHERE AT OFGRAT HEADQUARTERS
For forming the Quad Pack and its activity without knowledge of the leadership, Dr. Marshon, Betta Kahnn, Renny, and Bannon Eas receive formal reprimands. OFGRAT’s leaders planned a secret mission to The Dome when they learned of the unauthorized one under way. They delayed theirs to prevent possible conflicts. An OFGRAT team intercepted them at the MagnaTranz stop on their way back.
They returned, multiple times, from the exit point of the Quad Pack with a total of eighteen escapees from The Inner Dome. The last two rescue missions came back empty. The indications are no more will come. The final two individuals picked up reported a patrol found them as they escaped through the hole. Three of their group died with two more captured.
The conclusion, the exit no longer provides a way of escape.
They went to a secure locality for processing. They remain in protective custody until assigned to a safe haven.
A SECRET LOCATION DEEP IN THE ESCAPADES
“This emergency meeting is now in session,” says the Chair of the NEX, Abi Ziere. “Is everyone here, Master Recorder?”
“No, your Excellency, two are missing. Supreme Chancellor Jerka and Vice Chancellor Adue failed to show.”
“Are any of you aware of the whereabouts of either?” he asks with impatience.
Raefell Nuggen breaks the silence, “Sir. I searched for him for several days, and I can’t find him. His staff tells me he’s away on a family emergency and can’t be disturbed. I believe they’re covering something, and I assure you I’ll find the real reason. Vice Chancellor Adue isn’t here at my request.”
“Explain yourself,” Ziere says with displeasure.
“Yes, I will, sir. Supreme Chancellor Jerka is proving to be ineffective in his office. My follow-up meetings with him, concerning The Dome Project, yielded no workable action plans. The missing engineering files still evade us, and the job site is, in reality, shut down. In short, I’m calling for a vote of ‘No Confidence. I don’t believe the vice chancellor is up to the task. We’ve lost critical time—with the crisis coming. Our hopes of escape are fading fast.”
Intense arguments erupt between the pro Jerka forces and the Nuggen supporters. Ziere bangs his gavel on the podium time and again and little by bit order returns to the room.
Over the next several hours, the discussions are forceful but disciplined. They reach no agreement regarding the two absentees. The Chair instructs the group not to discuss the gathering or the topic with them. They table the subject for further investigation.
“Let’s get to the real reason for calling the meeting,” Ziere says. “The resistance movement is out of control. We must turn up the heat. I want this thing stopped now. Nuggen—you’re in line to replace me at the end of my term. You’re going to inherit the problem. You’re the ideal person to take charge of quashing the rebellion at once. I submit my recommendation to the floor for a vote.”
Subsequent to the election, Nuggen becomes the official head of a task force to destroy the resistance. He enjoys full authority to use whatever means necessary to restore order and control to the NEX.
TANA’S PLACE
Two men meet at the entrance, walk inside, and find a booth where they can talk in private. They sit, and the server brings their drinks and leaves No one else is near.
“I want you to handle a contract for me,” the tall, slender, blond headed man says.
“Who’s the mark?” a short, stocky, dark-haired man asks.
“He is a student at Abydos University named Jadan Kanzz.”
“What’d he do?”
“He made the mistake of falling in love with Raefell Nuggen’s granddaughter. Error…he made a big blunder. He should understand the danger.”
“Kind of a drastic action for a simple romance, don’t you think?”
“You can take far-reaching actions about things, which don’t suit when you’re Nuggen. He wants the deed done in a hurry, and the death must be ruled an accident.”
“An accident huh—you doubled my fee.”
“Remember who you’re contracting with—his price’s ten thousand script points and not one more. An intelligent man wouldn’t consider crossing him or try to renegotiate. His price is fixed—I suggest you agree.”
“Okay, half now and the balance when the job is completed.”
“You get twenty-five percent today and seventy-five when the situation is done. The terms are non-negotiable.”
KREST OF BOZZA
Relo bids farewell to Rue and catches the northbound MagnaTranz. At the Express Mail Terminal, he gets off and searches for Ryner. Not finding him, he goes to Kedra’s house. He passes the pub but decides to glance in and determine if he is still around. He walks to the door and stops outside. Inside, sounds like a riot. Men are yelling and cursing. They try to shout over one another. He listens to the bartender bang on the bar with something heavy. The noise gets the crowd’s attention. “Listen up folks—you can come here and view the Tello and discuss the political situation, but you can’t rebel in my place. To continue the discussions, appoint a moderator and he or she’ll allow you to talk and express your views one at a time. Am I clear?”
The crowd settles into a low buzz. A loud voice says, “I nominate Ryner.”
“Yeah—I’ll second the motion.”
A host of yeas comes from the horde before he rises and says, “I’m honored, but I can’t stay. I depart in less than two hours for Abydos—sorry. Until next time...” He stands to leave. He starts out the door and stumbles into Relo, and almost knocks him down. “Oops—sorry,” he says as he grabs him by the shoulders and steadies him.
“Do you always abscond in such a hurry?”
“Not always—when I’m being nominated to moderate a riot, I go. A little more booze and things are expected to get out of control. The last mystery broadcast shared more than they can handle. They’re ready to lynch someone. Come on, let’s get out of here.”
“I thought you liked a good squabble?”
“A quarrel is one thing—this is something else. Someone’s going to get hurt before the evening’s over. My guess is the guy who keeps trying to debunk the three broadcasts.”
They walk away and Relo says, “I need to take care of some business. What time do I need to be at the terminal to get a ride to Abydos?”
“In an hour and a half—I must leave soon after.”
“Okay, I’ll catch you later,” he says as he turns and walks toward Kedra’s house.
Within minutes, he’s standing on her porch ringing the buzzer. A voice over the intercom says, “Yes?”
“My name’s Relo Kazza and I am a close friend of Jadan Kanzz. He asked me to stop by and explain why he left so fast last time.”
The door opens. “Come in,” she says. “How is he?”
“He’s doing fine.”
“How is Kia?” He senses a hint of jealousy in her voice.
“She’s improving. I understand Jadan’s time in the area proved eventful.”
She laughs. “You might say so. He brought things to life next door.”
“He said he tore up the new clothing you picked for him. He hated about ruining the outfit and leaving the note. He thought he would come back to continue his search, but circumstances make the plan doubtful. I came instead.” Jadan is right. She is quite charming. Her posture suggests, ‘I stand strong—I stand proud’.
“Too bad, I anticipated meeting him again,” she says with disappointment. “I obtained replacements for the shirt and slacks he ruined. Give me a moment and I’ll get them, and you can take them to him.” She hurries from the room. Soon, she returns with a wrapped box.
“He asked me to pay you for them.”
“Tell him he can take me to dinner and a movie next time he’s here.”
“I’ll tell him.”
“Are you in a hurry?”
“I’ll be leaving town on the Mail Express for Abydos in about an hour.”
“Take a seat, and I’ll fix you a snack and beverage, if you would like.”
“I accept your generosity. A point of interest, Jadan and Ryner, the man he fought, became friends. In fact, he is an engineer on the train and arranged my transportation here and back.”
“I find the reality interesting. From the damage to Jadan’s face and clothing, I would not believe they would become friends. Sometime, I want to go to Abydos—I never traveled far from here.”
“Inform me when you’re coming, and I’ll give you the grand tour.”
“Your offer is enticing. I, above all, want to visit the museum. I’m interested in archaeology and the vestiges of our past. Books about the topic and Tello specials aren’t like being present.”
“For real, you like historical relics?” he asks with surprise. He would never imagine this delicate, entrepreneurial, intellectual beauty would be fascinated with prehistoric people. He considers telling her about the ancient files but decides not to. “I never went to the museum. Come on up and I’ll take you.”
“I hired a young lady, who can manage my shops while I’m gone. I plan to get away soon for a fourteen-day vacation. Abydos would be an interesting place to spend the time. How do I reach you?” A strategy is forming in her mind.
They exchange electro mail addresses.
“What do you think of the mystery broadcasts?” Kedra asks.
“If they’re true, I think they’re real indictments of our top-ranking government officials.”
“What do you mean if they’re factual? Do you doubt the authenticity of the data?”
“Do you consider them to be realistic?”
“You sound like a politician—answering a question with another and staying uncommitted,” she says with a chuckle.
“Well—do you believe the evidence?”
“In fact, I do. I examined added confirmation, which convinces me the facts are real, and I’m delighted the population is in such an uproar. Even so, history shows the people will lose interest in less than thirty days—in particular, if the government creates a large enough diversion.”
“What supplementary substantiation did you evaluate?”
“I’m not at liberty to—let me say this—an overwhelming number of facts exist, if you’re knowledgeable as to where to dig,” she says.
“Yes—you’re right. I found added verification as well. I hope the revolution continues—I wish the loss of life to be minimal. An associate of mine died when the troopers attacked the demonstrators outside the government compound.” Relo restrains himself. This charmer holds him on the verge of saying too much. He met her a few minutes ago, and he senses a strong connection. “I must go. I enjoyed our short time together, and I’m anxious to meet you in Abydos.”
“I became so engrossed in our tête-à-tête, I never fixed you the beverage and snack I offered.”
“I preferred the conversation.” He smiles, gets up, and walks toward the door.”
“Likewise, I assure you.”
At the door, they stand for several seconds staring into one another’s eyes. A mutual bond developed.
ABYDOS MEDICAL CENTER
Kia and Jadan return to her room from her walk. They and the therapy are building her strength and coordination. She is sitting in the chair beside her bed when her mom and dad enter. They stayed away since the mystery broadcasts began.
“I’m glad you two stopped by.” Noticeable sarcasm is in her tone. “We need to talk—and I want straight answers.”
“Perhaps I should leave,” he says.
“No—you stay,” she stares into her dad’s eyes and asks, “Did you two cover up the knowledge about Gramps’s compounds?”
Her parents exchange glances, but the long silence tells her they are not going to cooperate anymore than Gramps did. “Is Gramma alive and living at in the Escapades?”
A startled expression covers her father’s face, but again, quiet prevails.
Kia stands at her chair and points toward the door. “You two can leave now, and don’t come back until you’re ready to tell me the truth.”
Her parents stand, staring at one another with shocked disappointment.
“Go—now.” She raises her voice as she continues to point toward the door.
In disbelief, they go away.
She sits in her chair, with her elbows on her knees, her face in her hands, and begins to cry in heartbroken sobs.
Jadan walks over and kneels beside her. He pulls her face to his shoulder and whispers, “Go ahead—cry.”
Minutes later, Riah enters the room, and she is still crying. “What happened? I met Mom and Dad on my way in, and they didn’t speak. They were upset.”
He motions for him to be quiet and sit.
A lengthy cry and Kia lifts her head and wipes her eyes. She glances over and says, “Hello Riah—I’m glad you are here. Did you say they didn’t address you when they passed?”
“They glared right at me and didn’t acknowledge my greetings. What happened?”
“You and I did not discuss the mystery broadcasts. What do you think of them?”
“What do you mean?”
“Do you believe the three compounds are real, and they belong to him?”
“I think they do. I embrace faint recollections of fishing trips with Gramps when young. The lake near one of the complexes is familiar.”
“Did he, Mom, or Dad ever mention the facilities or The Escapades?”
“Not as I recall. Why did they leave so upset?”
“I asked them some pointed questions. They refused to comment, and in my anger, I ordered them out of my room and told them not to come back until they decide to be honest with me.” Tears begin to cloud her eyes once more.
Jadan is still kneeling beside her. “You two need to talk alone. I’m going to run some errands, get a shower, and change clothes. I’ll be back later.” He kisses her on the lips and gets up to leave.
“Please, hurry back.” She pleads.
He pats Riah on the shoulder as he goes by and flashes him a sympathetic smile. He walks across the hall to the elevator, pushes the down button, and waits.
A man at the end of the corridor speaks into his microphone. “Get ready. He’s waiting for the lift now.”
The unit stops. Jadan greets the two people on board as he enters and pushes the control pad for the ground floor.
“Activate the five-second timer, now,” the man says into his device.
Prior to the doors' closing, he presses the button and resets them. He faces the people in the elevator and says, “Please forgive me. I left my communicator in my girlfriend’s room.” He steps off, makes out screams, senses the draft, and turns to witness a cavern where the closures should be. Seconds later, he recognizes a bone-chilling crash echo up the empty shaft. His blood drains from his face, and nausea overtakes him.
Riah rushes into the hallway to find out what happened.
A shocked Jadan stares at him in disbelief.
The man at the end of the corridor exits down the stairs.