Ben sat in the chair staring out the window at the city below. What the hell am I doing here? he wondered. He should have been on that ship which had already disembarked for the Borgus Mountains to pick up Em—the man from the suspended animation chamber and that woman—what was her name? Vi something or other. Instead, the Galaef had asked him to come along to this meeting with Thorne and Hurd, which had something to do with Z crystals, and keeping political relations flowing smoothly. What was he going to do, say 'No' to the most powerful man in the Universe? And why did the Galaef want him to come along anyway? It occurred to Ben that the Galaef was starting to view him as a comrade, a friend, someone to hang with and talk trivial nonsense or sometimes Archaehistory or politics or whatever. Yeah, Ben was sure the Galaef was starting to like his company and maybe that was good and maybe that was bad. Time would tell.
Besides, this little side trip might not be so terrible, since he was, of course, interested in the political happenings of the city of Newusa. Today's action is tomorrow's history and with the discovery of Em, Archaehistorians all over the Galaxy were going to take an interest in planet Ar, especially Newusa and the complex located beneath the city park.
Since Ben was the Archaehistorian involved, it would be his responsibility to write an accurate account of not only the archaehistory extending back several thousand years, but to also show the present day setting and how everything had evolved to this point. It wasn't a project that was going to be too difficult or time consuming since he had already written most of the archaehistory of Earth and it was now in his computer at the University. He would have to add in the history of Ar and the new discoveries—the computer complex, Em and whatever they could find out about him, and the development of Newusa, but since this would be a general theme with not too many specifics, it could be done rather quickly. Later, after a lot of research on the findings, more detailed books could be written.
Ben stopped staring out the window and once again looked around the room. The only thing that interested him was the painting of a man which hung on the wall in back of Hurd and just over his head—you could almost line them up. The painting was obviously very old and was framed in a vacuum-sealed case for the sake of preservation.
"Who's the man in the picture?" asked Ben.
Hurd's eyes lit up, and he spun his chair around until he was looking up at it. "Why that's Teddy Roosevelt," he answered.
"Teddy," quipped Ben. "Let's see, . . . the ancient Earthians had a toy they called a teddy bear. I wonder if there's a connection."
Hurd quickly spun his chair around until he was facing Ben. "Absolutely not," he said with vigor. "This was a great man, a leader, a president, a warrior. Why he would lead his men into battle charging up hills to kill his enemy."
Ben started to chuckle.
"Why are you laughing?"
"Oh, I'm sorry," said Ben as he lied. He was thinking about the absurdity of war and politics. "I was just thinking of something Myra had said earlier. I assure you it has nothing to do with what you just said." Ben became serious. "And actually since I'm an archaehistorian studying Earth, I would like to know more about this man. Perhaps when we have more time you could give me the specifics."
"Why not?" answered Hurd in a seemingly courteous manner. “Since you will be writing the history of ancient Earth and Ar, you must add in Teddy Roosevelt, otherwise your history will be incomplete.”
“That important, huh?”
“Yes, sir.”
Because of his renown as an archaehistorian and because of the job description that came with it, politicians were oftentimes trying to influence what he wrote, especially if it had to do with their city or planet. Since Ben had come to Newusa he quickly found that Hurd was no exception. Ben was told of Hurd's rise to a glorious leadership over the city of Newusa by several different sources, including Hurd himself. And all the accounts of Hurd's rise to power and his commitment to the city appeared to be slanted. In fact, none of them ever reported anything derogatory nor negative in any manner.
With this in mind, and knowing there are always two sides to a story, and sometimes more, Ben went out amongst the citizenry of Newusa to hear what they had to say. And indeed, they told a different story. Among others, he especially remembered an older saleswoman who told him of 'the good life' before the discovery of the Z crystals in the Eastern plains. And then she told him what happened after the discovery. She talked of the greed and corruption, and how it had infiltrated the city council bringing with it hardships and even unwarranted deaths to friends and family members.
Before the discovery of the crystal the people of Newusa had democratic control of their city. Every year, depending on whether it was an odd or even year, one or two of the city council positions would come open for election or re-election to a three-year term. A councilperson could only be re-elected two times giving him or her a total of nine years. If there was failure on the part of a councilman to represent the people's needs, then he or she could be impeached and would never be allowed to run for city council again.
It was a good system, but after the discovery of the Z crystal a great deal of money came under the control of the city council and the corruption began, especially when Hurd came into power. He slowly started weaseling his way into the city's money dealings and then one day he seized the opportunity to become the chief planner of the mining operations. It was rumored that he set up a smuggling operation in which crystals were taken to another planet and sold on the black market.
With this money he was able to buy the right people, mainly high officers of the city patrollers, the wardens of the city prison and the crystal pits, and the city's mayor—an office which he eventually abolished. With this kind of power he was able to take control of the city, and finally, due to the outcry of the public, he declared a state of emergency in which he claimed dominion over the city until it was able to once again revert to its normal form of government, which, of course, never came to be.
From that point in time, the situation grew worse. Hurd started taking control of the city businesses. He cut back on salaries and raised the prices of goods. He formed a curfew and put more restrictions on the people. Finally he built a control tower on top of one of the taller buildings in the center of the city and brought in the scent.
For his final act of control and for his amusement he created "The Run." It reminded Ben of a historical document from Ancient Earth which told of a people, called the "Romans," who fed people to a beast called a "lion." Due to the condition of the records Ben had been unable to determine whether this event took place in the United States or on a continent called, "Europe."
Nevertheless, it didn't matter where it took place; it was, indeed, a grim picture of mutilation and suffering, as with "The Run."
Yeah, this man was a real sweetheart of a politician.
Ben settled back in his form-fitting chair, which was placed directly in front of Hurd's desk, and folded his arms. What next? he wondered.
Hurd started twirling his black mustache while nervously tapping the fingers of his other hand on the desk top, then he started talking about the rebel faction in the city.
Ben had already tuned him out, but caught the end of it. " . . . we have our way of dealing with them."
"So I've heard," said Ben.
Just then the Galaef walked through the door with two of his bodyguards. Ben noticed Mordrous was absent and wondered why.
"Good news," said the Galaef. "They picked up Em near the base of the Borgus Mountains about ten minutes ago, and they're bringing him in."
The bodyguards positioned themselves, one on either side of the room.
"Well, I'm glad we got him back," said Ben. "It doesn't seem right to have perhaps the greatest Archaeological discovery of all time running around the countryside making a nuisance of himself."
It was when Hurd broke out in laughter that Ben realized he may be getting too comfortable with the Galaef, but then the Ga
laef laughed too, and said, "Yeah, I'm just sorry we lost him in the first place. We could've been on our way home by now."
Hurd, still twirling his mustache, but faster now, asked, "Will you be leaving today?"
"Yes, as soon as we have Em safely aboard the Commander."
"What about the ancient complex beneath the city?"
"I'll leave some men behind to head up the research operations. A group of archaeologists and computer experts will be arriving in a couple of weeks to study it."
It was understandable that the Galaef wasn't as interested in the computer complex as he was in Em. Finding a legend, a live human being that may be hundreds of years old, and who had already exhibited some amazing abilities, would intrigue anyone who loves to solve mysteries.
"There is certainly no inconvenience to the city," said Hurd apologetically. "I have hopes that your discoveries will be beneficial to the Federation. And," he added, "I am happy that it has been our planet and our city that has contributed to your findings."
The Galaef smiled a politician’s smile. "We are grateful for your assistance." He walked over to the front of Hurd's desk. "Since we have been here, operations have gone smoothly with your help. And now that we have recaptured our mystery man from the suspended animation chamber, we will need to be leaving soon." He looked up at the picture of Teddy Roosevelt just above Hurd's head. He studied it for a moment and then looked back at Hurd. "But before we do, Thorne said you have something important to discuss with me. If it has anything to do with the crystals, you know I'll do whatever I can to help with any problems which may have come about."
Hurd stood up and stroked the hair on his head a couple of times. "I would like to wait until Thorne gets back," he stated. "It's something we should discuss together." He paused and then said, "But there is one favor I would like to ask."
"Yes?" asked the Galaef being noncommittal.
"There was a girl with Em, a known traitor to the city, a rebel who needs to be dealt with."
"Yes," said the Galaef anticipating his question, "you can have her."
"And what will you do with her?" asked Ben in a mumbled voice, "send her through the impossible Run?" He hadn't meant to ask the question out loud. It just seemed to blurt out before he realized it was audible.
"We will give her a choice," responded Hurd. He attempted to cover his shock, but Ben could see it in his face. "Rebels must be dealt with for the good of the city," he said. "You're an archaehistorian. You must understand that."
"I've studied enough history to understand many political situations." He was tired of playing games with this over-inflated egomaniac. "And I understand that politicians love to paint a pretty picture of themselves, even when it's far from the truth, . . . such as yourself, for instance."
Hurd's face turned red. "You've been listening to false rumors!" he blared.
"I don't think they're so false," said Ben calmly. “And you know what I find amusing? Once when I was reading some literature from an ancient earth dig I came across a description of a villain who had a long, black handle bar mustache, which he constantly twirled as he was thinking of his evil deeds—past, present, and future. Now I wonder, is that a coincidence with no significance, or is it a sign of your true nature?
“Ben!” said the Galaef.
Obviously the Galaef was thinking that insulting the head councilman of the city of Newusa was not a good political tactic, especially when he had control of the Z-crystals.
Ben was sure the Galaef was going to continue, maybe with a reprimand to Ben and an apology to Hurd, but just then Thorne walked in and everyone became quiet.
Thorne turned his head both ways, observing the room. He looked at the Galaef, who had turned to see who it was, and then at the two guards.
What happened next took less than a second. Thorne raised both his hands, which were clenched as fists into the air, uncurled his fingers, which flared toward the ceiling, and fired two small palm stunners.
Two blue streaks flashed out, at ninety degree angles to each other, one of them hitting the Galaef full in the chest, spinning him around and slamming him across the top of Hurd's desk while the other one brought down the guard directly to the left.
In an instant Thorne adjusted his right hand and with another bolt brought down the other guard who had just drawn his phasor. As the guard fell toward the floor, the muscle spasms, which gripped his body, caused the phasor to go spinning wildly across the room. It was lying about five feet from Ben when it stopped whirling across the El Carpet.
At first Ben couldn't believe what he was seeing. Was Thorne out of his mind? Was he suicidal? Was there some logical reason for what he was doing? But Ben remained in shock for only a moment. He started to rise from his chair . . . if he could get to that phasor . . .
But he didn't.
Thorne pointed his left hand at him. "You won't make it," he said.
And Ben knew he was right. He sat slowly back into the chair waiting to see what would happen next.
"Get the phasor," said Thorne.
Hurd hurried around the desk and picked up the phasor.
Thorne walked to the desk, grabbed hold of the Galaef, and sat him in a chair. "I now declare myself," he said seriously, "the Federation's new Galaef."
"You won't be able to get by his personal body guard," said Ben.
Thorne smiled in a knowing manner. "Actually, that's not true," he retorted. "You see these two lying on the floor . . . They're the only two not working for me."
"It must be an extremely intricate plan if you think you can pull this off."
"Intricate with many purposes," Thorne said and pointed at Taul. "This man has been neglectful of his duties—duties that have been placed on his shoulders for the good of the Galaxy." He paused. "That's just one of many," he added.
"Then you've done the right thing," said Ben. From everything he had read or was told which involved all the failsafe systems built into the Galaefship it was virtually impossible to overthrow the Galaef. Thorne was obviously a . . . what was that ancient Earth term? Cracked? A nut?
"You don't really think I'm stupid enough to believe you're on my side . . . do you?" asked Thorne.
"Wait a minute," said Ben. "I'm not on anybody's side. I have nothing to do with politics. But if I did, I'd say you'll make a fine Galaef." He looked from Thorne to Taul. "And now that it's over, I need to get back to work."
"Get back to work?" yelled Hurd. He pointed at Ben and looked at Thorne. "I want this man," he said angrily.
"You want me?" Ben suddenly didn't like where this was going. "What do you mean, you want me?"
"Well?" asked Hurd looking at Thorne.
Thorne shrugged his shoulders. "He's yours," he said.
"What do you mean I'm his?" Ben lowered his voice to a growl. "I have nothing to do with the politics on this planet or anywhere else in the galaxy. I’m not a politician and you have no right to treat me as one. I’m a private citizen, and you must let me go."
"Can't do that," said Hurd.
"Look, be reasonable," said Ben with a subtle threat in his voice. "I'm not one of your rebels who's trying to bring you down. I'm just an Archaehistorian doing research and writing a history about your planet."
"That’s exactly what I mean," said Hurd.
"Look, if you're upset about the history thing, I'll write whatever you want."
"The history's not important, anymore," said Hurd. "The fact is I just want to give you a choice."
Ben looked inquisitively at Hurd, even though he knew what was coming.
"The Run or the pit," he said with great pleasure.
Ben looked at Thorne. "I'm just a history teacher," he said. "I have nothing to do with politics." Ben was becoming angry and frustrated. Suddenly these fools were in control of his fate, and he didn't like it.
"This time you got too close to the top," said Thorne, "and it broke off."
Ben didn't appreciate his wittici
sm, which was nothing more than a boring cliché.
"Make your decision," yelled Hurd. "You have fifteen seconds, and then I'll make it for you."
"But . . ."
"Stop pleading. You sound like a coward." And then he added, "twelve seconds."
Ben looked at Thorne and then back to Hurd. He hadn't been pleading. He was trying to show them some logic. But then logic is a foreign concept to these ignorant politicians, he thought. Anger started welling up in his mind. “You think I’m a coward when I’m trying to talk logic and common sense. I’ll tell you what, if you think I’m such a coward, why don’t we settle this like men—a duel, and you can name the choice of weapons.”
“I don’t have to fight you,” said Hurd. “I own you.”
“Then I guess we know who the real coward is. And you certainly don’t have the bravado of Teddy Roosevelt.” Ben pointed at the picture.
Hurd’s face became flushed with a crimson red. “You have five seconds to make up your mind.”
“Okay,” said Ben, “the pit.”
Hurd shook his head back and forth. "That would have been a good choice, but you’re too late. Your five seconds expired. So I’m going to choose for you, and I choose the run."
“That wasn’t five seconds,” said Ben with an angry voice.
“Too late,” repeated Hurd. He pushed a button on his desk and said, “Send in my guards. I have a new runner for tomorrow’s run.”
The guards quickly entered the room, and as Ben was being escorted out he heard Hurd ask Thorne, "What are you going to do with the Galaef?"
"I will be personally escorting him to the crystal mine," said Thorne, "I need to set up a safe environment for him—isolation and no hard labor."
"But . . ."
"I need him, because I need Myra," said Thorne anticipating Hurd’s protest. "Myra is the holder of the key, and she has fled, . . . probably to her home planet. The computer keeps giving me false information and that means the Galaef is the only one who can tell me which of the two million planets is her birthplace."
Hurd started stroking his mustache quickly. "It's dangerous keeping him alive."
"Yes, it's dangerous, but it's only for a few days. If I have to I'll use the mind machine. But it needs to be done in the secrecy of the pits where no one can observe what I'm doing," he paused. "After that . . . . “
The door slid shut before Ben could hear anymore.
Chapter Twenty-Nine