Chapter Two
Mabraant, Mabra System, Fazaal Sector, Gaashox Quadrant
The four engineers ambled across the hangar toward their ships, which appeared as if they had just been brought out of the finishing shop. The paintwork shone like polished metal and the silver components glistened under the hangar lights.
As Zaack’s gaze passed over his ship, he noticed something different about them. “Hey Grogaan, when did those markings appear on the tail fins?”
“Yesterday. I thought we needed a personal identity, and as we all admire the eagle for its majestic beauty and skill as a predator, I considered it quite appropriate for our small squadron.”
They were dark blue shields with the head of the Grederant eagle in green at the centre. In its open beak was a large dark green Kopaz gem, and beneath the eagle’s head a number preceded by the letter K: One on Grogaan’s ship, two on Zaack’s, three on Doraant’s, and four on Eldaan’s. Below the shield, he had painted the word Kopaz.
“Damn good choice Grogaan,” said Doraant. “It’s perfect, but why Kopaz?”
“That’s a personal choice I thought you wouldn’t object to. The Kopaz gem was Miranda’s favourite, and I did it in her memory.”
“We like it,” they said in chorus.
“It gives us that unique identity, but what happens if we get enlisted in the Academy? Surely they’ll not like it?” said Zaack.
“If that day ever comes, we’ll be providing our own ships, so even if they don’t like it, they’ll have to live with it. They can call us by another squadron name once we graduate, but they won’t be able to force us to remove the emblems,” said Grogaan.
“That’s true,” said Zaack.
“Let’s get to it then,” said Grogaan.
The first job was to fit the sensor array followed by the targeting computer, both of which were awkward tasks. Once in place, they fitted the rest of the smaller components, including proton torpedo racks, laser cooling fins, undercarriage units, and finally the new canopy locking system.
When that was finished, the two engineers checked over the whole ship for loose wires, connectors or missing components. When satisfied, they connected the system test units, conducted full functional checks, and finished the last test just before lunchtime. It had been a busy morning and Grogaan was feeling a little drained. He yawned deeply.
Eldaan appeared at Grogaan’s side. “Tired?” he asked with a hint of sarcasm.
“Yeah, I had a restless night, and it’s catching up with me. I’m getting quite hungry too!”
Eldaan was about to respond when Zaack called out from under the other starfighter, telling him to stop talking and return to the ship with the tester unit.
Eldaan sighed heavily. “He hasn’t stopped moaning all morning, and it’s beginning to drive me crazy.”
Grogaan frowned. It was unusual for Zaack to be so moody, so when Eldaan return to his ship, he listened as the two had a minor fracas. They were good friends even if they did argue, but their arguments were always light hearted. Zaack’s tone, however, was tinged with anger and frustration. He knew something was bothering his friend, something serious.
When Zaack’s ship was finished they headed over to the Daspin Cantina for dinner. They all chose their favourite: Juicy Monkrat steak in red wine sauce. The main topic of conversation during the meal was how the work had progressed on their fighters, and the anticipation of the forthcoming test flight.
After finishing their meal and a second glass of fruit juice, the four young men headed back to work. By the end of the afternoon the two remaining ships were finished. With one final physical check carried out, and all panels fitted and locked, only the uploading of astrogational, navigational, and other flight data onto the ship’s computers was left to do.
Grogaan had obtained star charts for the Ladorran Quadrant, and an area of the galaxy that Collatin had referred to as the Galactic Extreme or Outer Rim, which he only uploaded into his ship. The outer rim was an area that bordered the Ladorran and Gaashox Quadrants, and contained the perilous Mantoa asteroid belts. He was disconnecting the cable from the last interceptor just as the others came into the bay, looking for him.
“Have you finished loading the data yet?” asked Zaack. “It’s time we were going.”
“Just finished the last ship.” Grogaan switched the computer system off, removed the data disk and slipped it into his pocket. “We’ve just got to carry out the functional test to make sure the navigational systems are reading and processing the flight data correctly, and then the ships are ready for the flight tests.”
“When will be able to do that?” said Eldaan, unable to hide his excitement.
“If the systems check passes without a hitch, tomorrow. I checked our work schedule with Trindall and we have the whole day to ourselves, so make sure your get some rest tonight.”
“Sounds good to me. Are you going to the Klaret?” asked Doraant as they stepped outside the building.
“No, I’m going to have an early night,” said Grogaan. “I’ll see you all in the morning.” As he started walking home, he realised the day had passed without him having become melancholy or depressed, considering the news he received from the Academy, and he felt surprisingly happy. He was however feeling very tired, both physically and mentally. It had been a busy few weeks, with the additional work he had put in on their ships in the evenings and weekends, as well as undertaking three trips to Breolis Seven.
“What about you Zaack, are you coming?” asked Doraant.
“Sorry guys, not tonight. I’ve got something important to deal with and I can’t put it off any longer.”
When he turned round, he saw Grogaan ambling along the road, so he ran after him. “Hey Grogaan, there’s something I’d like to talk to you about, that’s if you don’t mind.”
Grogaan rarely refused a request from his friends unless he had no choice, and so he waited for him to catch up. They had known each other for fifteen years, and Zaack regarded Grogaan as the brother he never had. He had often spent holidays with the Learman’s, even gone on trips with them. His parents died when he was two years old, and although his grandparents raised him, the Learman family had made him feel so special, and treated him as part of the family.
“What’s bothering you Zaack? Is everything alright?”
“Not really,” he sighed. “I have a serious problem hanging over me, and you’re the only person I can trust to talk to about it.”
Despite their long and close friendship, Grogaan was surprised. “I thought you’d speak with Trewern. After all, he is your cousin, and you were more like brothers.”
“Yeah, but the fact is, he is the problem, the devious lying creep.”
“What?” Grogaan shook his head, shocked by what he heard.
“Family loyalty is something he no longer regards as important.” Zaack paled.
It was the first time Grogaan had ever seen him so worried. Zaack had always been the tough one, the positive type, and very similar to Grogaan in many ways: Nothing ever seemed to ruffle his feathers.
“So what’s he done that’s so bad?”
Zaack sighed heavily, his shoulders dropped and he looked devastated. “Trewern got involved in a finance scam that backfired, and he’s in serious trouble with the authorities. For some spiteful reason, he implicated me in the deal and I’m now in trouble to the sum of ten thousand credits. And that’s not all. I only have ten days to repay the debt or face prosecution.”
Grogaan was dumbstruck. He knew what this would mean for his friend: No chance of joining the Academy and losing his job at Mabraant Engineering. He could see this was tearing him apart, and knew his emotional state would impact on the flight test in the morning, which could have dire consequences not only for Zaack, but for all of them.
“I know it’s hard, but try not to worry about it. I’ll do all I can to help. My mother knows some influential senators, and come to think of it, Trindall does too. I’m sure I could get them to intervene o
n your behalf.”
“Thanks. You really are a good friend, the best.” Zaack felt deeply grateful to his friend, and even managed to offer a smile.
“And if they can’t, well damn it, I’ll sort it out myself.”
Zaack looked at his friend through sad, but appreciative eyes. “Now don’t go doing anything foolish.”
“Foolish? Who said anything about being foolish? You know me better than that. Anyway, you’re friendship is more important than my ambitions or needs.”
Zaack interrupted him. “Hey, now wait a minute. No way are you going to sell anything, especially your ship.”
“There are limits to friendship,” he said, and when he saw his friend’s shocked expression he burst into laughter. “Don’t look so worried. I have other things I can dispose of, and I don’t want to hear anything more about it, right?”
Zaack nodded. He was feeling really bad, but overwhelmed at his friend’s determination to help him out of trouble.
Grogaan placed his hands on his friend’s shoulders. “Now go home and get some rest. I don’t want you worrying about it anymore. You focus on the flight tests and leave this problem to me.”
Zaack nodded. He had cheered a little, but remained concerned about what might come to pass despite Grogaan’s assurances. “Friends like you are hard to come by. I’ll see you tomorrow, and thanks. I mean it. I really do.”
“Yeah, I know. See you in the morning.”
Grogaan watched his friend for a few moments as he walked off in the opposite direction. It was at times like these he wished he and his friends could just fly off and explore the galaxy, and leave all of their troubles far behind. He knew it would not solve anything, and most probably cause more problems.
“By Asaph’s beard I’ll get him out of trouble, even if I’ve got to fly to Breolis Seven and kill another dragon.” He kicked a large stone sending it careering off the road and continued walking home. Now he had something else to focus on, he hoped he would be able to keep his mind off his own problems.
As he walked, he recalled some of the stories Collatin had told him about the Uprising, and how the ‘Confederation of Star Systems’ succeeded in defeating the Belocian Empire against overwhelming odds. His longing to take the starfighter into space for his first battle became even more intense, but he wondered if he would ever get the chance now the MDA had turned him down a fourth time.
Little did Grogaan know that events were unfolding in a way that would change the course of his life forever.
When Grogaan arrived home, he threw his leather jacket onto the table in the hallway, and called to his mother to see if she had returned home.
“I’m in the kitchen,” she answered, her voice muffled by the closed doors.
He went into the kitchen and sat near to where she was preparing his favourite pastries for dinner. He looked at her intently, elbows on the table, and his chin resting in his hands. “Do you know any senators?”
Kareana stopped what she was doing, and walked over to sit near her son. She wiped a smudge from her face, and rested her hands in her lap. “Why do you ask?”
She then listened carefully while he told her about the problem and the consequences. “It never ceases to amaze me how some people behave, and to do that to a cousin! It’s a shameful thing to do,” she said shaking her head gently. “And you would like me to have a word with one of those senators to see if anything can be done to resolve this issue?”
“If it’s not asking too much.” Grogaan knew the chances were low, but he wanted to clear his friend’s name through the proper channels if possible. If not, he would sort it out himself. He was not going to let his friend suffer for something he had not done.
His mother was unsure if she could do anything to help, but after hearing how much it meant her son and knowing that he had been with Zaack at the time, Kareana knew she had to do something to help. Her main problem would be convincing the authorities of the young man’s innocence. She rubbed her chin while pondering the situation. “Let me see. Oh yes! Senator Larront owes me a big favour,” she revealed smiling happily. “I’ll speak to him in the morning. I’m sure he’ll be able to arrange something.”
“Thanks mum.” Grogaan gave her a big hug and a kiss on the cheek. He picked a peach from the bowl and ate it while his mother returned to preparing the evening meal.
“So how was your day at work?”
He wiped a trickle of juice from his chin, and saw the concern etched into her features. “The day was just great. We finished all of the work on the ships and provided Trindall doesn’t change our work schedule, we’ll be taking them for a flight test tomorrow morning.” Despite the happiness in his voice, there was no hiding the underlying sadness that permeated his spirit.
“That’s good news.” She turned to face him. “I was worried about you this morning. You left in such a depressed mood.”
Grogaan smiled. “Yeah, I sensed that. Well, I’m feeling a lot happier now, and if all goes well tomorrow, I don’t see why things can’t improve for the better.”
“I do hope so.” Kareana stopped what she was doing. She had never asked him where he had obtained the money to buy the ships, let alone carry out the modifications he had told her about. Now she wanted to know everything, just in case the authorities began asking questions. “It must have cost a small fortune to buy and modify four starfighters. How did you raise the funds?”
Grogaan had been waiting for this moment, knowing his mother would ask sooner or later. He explained that they had purchased a lot of the components, including the starfighters from Mabraant Engineering at prices much lower than usual.
His mother frowned at him, dissatisfied with the answer.
He took another bite of his peach while he thought how best to tell her the rest. Taking a deep breath to calm his nerves, he exhaled slowly and then told her about Collatin, Breolis Seven and the hidden base.
Kareana’s eyes widened in surprise. “You mean you’ve been off planet?”
Grogaan nodded sheepishly, knowing she would have done anything to stop him. “It’s the closet inhabitable planet outside our system, and only takes about four hours to travel there at standard lightspeed.”
Kareana glared at him in astonishment.
“Collatin allowed me to use his base because he doesn’t anymore, except in emergencies. I did some exploring when I went there a couple of years back. The planet is uninhabited, except for the usual animals, birds, and reptiles. There are however, several species of large wild creatures, including something called a Zogal dragon.”
Seeing the worried expression on his mother’s face, he continued to explain. “They can grow as big as a two storey building and are very ferocious, but they live out in the isolated desert regions far from the base. The Zogal dragon produces pearls to help protect the primary and secondary gut from the grit and stones it ingests. The secondary gut usually contains the largest pearls. Most of them reach only two centimetres in diameter, and can be quite varied in colour. Sometimes, if you're lucky, you'll find one or two about three centimetres. They're rare and quite valuable.”
“I obtained quite a few of the stones after killing two dragons with the ship’s laser cannons. The meat is regarded as a delicacy on some worlds and is an acquired taste, but I like it, especially when spit roasted over an open fire.”
His mother gave a look of distaste at the thought of eating a lizard.
“Anyway, Collatin purchased a good few of the stones from me when he last came to the system, and that is how I obtained enough money for the ships and all the components required, plus a little extra for other things.”
“So that’s where you’ve been disappearing to.”
Grogaan nodded, assuring her it was quite safe and there was no need to worry. He had been using one of the MCFs Trindall kept at his home, which he had extensively modified.
“No need to worry! With you so far on your own, and with those raiders, it’s just not safe.”
“It’s safer than you think. A single fighter doesn’t draw the attention of the raiders, because there’s no profit in it.”
Kareana was not convinced, but did not pursue the argument. “Well, thank you for telling me. It makes me feel a lot happier knowing.” She got up and paused, curiosity getting the better of her. “Just how much are those pearls worth?”
“The largest ones can be worth around half a million credits. The smaller ones are usually about a hundred thousand depending on the colour.”
His mother was astounded. “That much?”
Grogaan nodded, but felt bad for not having told her before.
His mother shook her head slowly. “Goodness me,” she exclaimed. “I don’t suppose you have any left do you?”
“Check your credit deposit at the central bank tomorrow; you might have a little surprise.”
Kareana frowned at her son. “Care to elaborate?”
“No. It’s a surprise.” Grogaan had deposited enough for her to never have to work again.
“Now then, how would you like some Pargaran stew for tea?”
“Yes please. Call me when it’s ready. I’ll be in my room.”