Prologue
I am still on the alien ship, in a tank designed to hamper my mental abilities, being cerebrally scanned by the green creature. All my past was being sent by the green alien to a big monitor directly above my head and several other monitors attached to strange looking equipment for monitoring vital statistics and other medical purposes. The ship was moving through space at top speed heading toward their planet. There were several other creatures surrounding the tank I was in. A big Gray was standing there loaded down with blasters and a wicked looking long blade. His eight arms were crossed as if upset and his facial expression of pursed lips and squinted eyes one of irritation. I read his emotions and they were of great concern tinged with excitement and a little fear. A Blue was standing toward my left. His head raised with chin up as if to show he was above the rest; however, his eyes were moving too much, quickly darting here and there, showing he was fearful about something. His eight hands were clasped together as if to keep them from giving away that he was in deep fear. Twin little yellow aliens were together using their arms to hold me up in the tank. They acted as one in all their movements and when talking spoke the same together as if they were one creature. Other green and purple aliens were scattered around the room keeping busy at the equipment.
***
Two big yellow aliens walked into the room and in one mixed harmonic voice asked Gray, “How is the battle going?”
Gray furiously answered, “They know our strengths and weaknesses now. Tapping into our computer gave them enough information to be nearly our equals in battle. They are an angry race and they want their hero back immediately. They are using weapons that we did not know they had. Half the fleet was destroyed in minutes. We have asked for a momentary truce. We have found out that they are not worried about winning or losing. They have five other races that are giving them support and mobilizing for battle. Soon the sky will be filled with their ships. We are, for the first time, in trouble.”
Little Yellows added, “They have only one demand of us. ‘Give us back our Freddy.’ It is their only request. We have told them why we attacked and what we found out but they know we have been stealing their people for many years and gathering information. They are sorry for the mistake but believe we were going to attack anyway. They asked what type of ‘Mother Ship’ they destroyed. Their ‘Specials’ are very talented and knew before we answered.”
In panic Green asked, “They know it was an invasion?”
Little Yellows said, “Yes, and now Freddy knows. Thank you.” They moved there tentacles tighter around my head before saying to me. “It is our races belief that we should dominate the universe.”
I said, “Then you will fail for it is built into our race not to be dominated.” I shut my mind down.
Blue said, “We have little time before they restart their attack. Green, please continue.”
Green said, “I cannot. He has found a way to close his mind completely to me.”
Little Yellows said to me, “Open your mind little one or be tickled.”
I kept my mind closed but lost concentration when the tickling started. “Darn.”
Green smiled, “Shall we continue then. Thank you, Yellows.”
Chapter 1
Tammy
I awoke from a sound sleep remembering all the wonderful things I had seen while on vacation. Disney World and the Smithsonian were great. I could have done without the press conferences and they, the politicians, actually made me go through a ticker tape parade. That was horrible, wet, cold, and thousands of bits of paper stuck to my hair. I received lots of presents and things that I had to return. What would I do with a luxury BMW? I won’t be of legal driving age for three more years. I must admit that I was treated real nice but underlying thoughts were “he could make me rich,” and “what if he’s reading my mind.” It was really good to get back home and away from all the wide-open minds. I wonder how Tammy’s handling the move to home.
I bounced up and out of bed and began getting dressed. It’s been a year since that last vacation. This was going to be a big day for me. I was finished with my second building moving ship and the new Moon Dome. Preparations were completed at the sight on the moon and I was really happy that all my plans were coming together. Today the moon, tomorrow Mars, and then the stars. Tammy may want to come along today. I’ll ask her.
After winning custody over my life, nearly three years ago, everything sure has changed and not the way I expected. First I was sent away to a wilderness to make my home; though I can’t blame that on anyone except myself. I befriended a town. I made friends with the President. I have my own Naval Base that I call “Home”. But, most of all I saved the world form a giant rock. It’s enough to make you sick.
At this point I was supposed to be finishing my home on Mars. No military influence, no government, just me living alone on Mars doing and building whatever I wanted. Then I was going to another planet. Instead, now I’m helping the “Earth Force,” nice way to say the military, set up a city and base on “MY” moon. Then the plan is for me to help put a city and base on “MY” Mars. I was going to be blissfully alone and now I have one hundred and thirty eight guards. May as well call them babysitters as they’re watching me even when I sleep. “I’m thirteen years old now and I don’t need babysitters!”
In my mind I heard Katie, “Freddy, you say that but just the other day you almost fell off the peer again. If it wasn’t for little Timmy’s quick thinking and levitation you’d have broken both you’re legs or worse.”
I telepathed back, “I know, Katie. Sometimes I feel that stupid rock ruined my entire life.”
“I know dear. Why don’t you go back to bed, it’s just after 2 AM.”
“I’m not tired. I’m going out to work in my shop for a while.”
“Ok sweetheart. Be good.”
“No. It’s no fun.” I was laughing inside and Katie could hear it so she knew I was kidding. Besides, someone would follow me out and be with me anyway. I have no privacy at all except in the shops special rooms.
I put my mental shields up so I wouldn’t bother Katie.
Katie Swanson is one of my best friends. She’s a very beautiful African American woman with eyes that look right through you. She is very intense, average height, and short hair with one long thin braid in the back. She’s the oldest of five, four brothers. She’s a minor telepath with enhanced hearing and sensing. She came with the Seal Team and has been by my side since the first week here. Her telepathic ability has grown but she still has a hard time dealing with it because her natural shields are real weak. I’ve developed a personal shield for her to ware so she can concentrate during the day and sleep at night but she’s on watch right now so it’s off.
I headed down stairs and she was waiting for me.
She asked, “Want something to eat first. When you came out yesterday you went right to bed.”
“Sure. Thanks.” I headed for the kitchen and of course there was a sandwich waiting for me. Katie must have told the night cook I was coming down. I thanked him and took a bite. Pure heaven. Roast honey ham sliced so thin you can see through it, with mayonnaise, lattice, tomato, an egg, and American cheese. Tammy would love this.
“One of the little benefits of being guarded.” Katie said as she sat down across from me.