00061

Almost two dozen miners, accompanied by several human and robot guards, pushed carts full of fuel ore down the tracks of the "unsafe" mine tunnel, the tunnel with warnings painted or pasted on the walls. At the end of the tunnel, the rubble from a huge cave-in blocked the path- and the tracks. Swiftly, the miners cleared off the rocks and stones of the debris/ which turned out to be really not much debris at all, not as much as it appeared to the glancing eyes. Rather, the rock pile had hid the rest of the “dangerous” tunnel behind the faked cave-in.

One of the robot guards turned on the switch inside the newly-opened section of the shaft, and overhead lights flashed on.

At the true end of this winding shaft there was an elevator platform. Those miners at the front of the group rushed to push their heavy carts onto the lift, and then each of these first miners stood with his cart on the lift. Not all the miners could fit on the elevator at one time, so the rest stood at attention, eager to be the next bunch to go down below, to do secret work at the ore processor, and to show their loyalty by not talking about it afterward.

The guards had split up. Some went down with the miners on the lift as it lowered. Others remained watching over the prisoners on the upper level- prisoners who were oblivious that they were prisoners.

Soon a lone miner brought the elevator back up for those waiting, announcing it was okay for another group. And then, another company of eager miners hurried onto the platform to go downward with their carts of ore. This went on for a few trips, and soon, some of the first of the miners to descend now began to come back up on the lift. There were as yet some miners who had not yet had a chance to ride down. These returning miners brought along their empty carts, having already unloaded their load of rocks somewhere below. These miners rushed back down the tunnel from which they had come with their empty carts, using the tracks that branched off from the platform. The miners would hasten to reload and come back with more ore. A few of the guards tried to keep up with them, but soon gave up on that notion. Yeah, well, these loyal miners didn't need guarding, anyway.

The miners kept talking to a minimum. This was, after all, a secret project. However, no matter how much they intended it otherwise, it seemed impossible to do all this work in quiet. The mining carts themselves, riding the rails, made enough noise squealing along the metal. And then, of course, they had to shout and chant the occasional cheer for their Governor, who allowed them this honor of working on a secret project for him.

With all this coming and going, two newly arrived miners found it very easy to push along ore-laden buggies and mix in with the rest, as if they, too, were members of this very-loyal and trustworthy bunch. The guards, giving orders and directions, never even looked over their way.

George (aka No. 317) and No. 248 tried to hide their joy, because this plan of theirs, well thought out-mostly by 248 after some small research, and then implemented by the two of them at the nearest opportunity- gave them hope of being able to escape this slavery den.

At first, the miner George had his serious doubts that they would be able to find out all they needed to know regarding the ore processor's schedule, but they did find out, and so fast at that. First, 248 had set his mind to finding out which miners worked at the secret processor. He had observed and quietly noted over the next several days that many of Gov. Bright's most loyal miners, such as No. 25, seemingly vanished completely from the mines. No. 248 figured he knew where they went. Then he paid attention to whenever this happened, and how often. This was how 248 and George spent their free time, whatever there was of it, anyway- spying on the loyal miners, and deducing the schedule of the ore processor's operating days.

Having compared their own work schedules with each other, the miner George and No. 248 knew when the both of them had free times at the same time, and they decided on a meeting place for those such times, to share notes and to make further plans about how to go about escaping, and also to pray for success.

Haply, the secret processing operating times turned out to be fairly straightforward and regular in nature, so it was easy figure out and to pick a time when both had no work, and also when the processing plant would be in use.

George followed after 248 along the railways, pushing his heavily loaded cart, waiting in the line with No. 248 to get on the lift, to go down together, to slip away from the main group, to find the exhaust vent shaft, and to go from there to freedom!

The line advanced some more as other miners came from below, pushing empty carts off the lift and onto the exit rails.

George waited patiently for his turn... Once the two had made good their escape, according to what George plotted, then George intended to hunt down his past and find out who he really was, and who was Nina, whom he dreamt about on more than one occasion. He hoped he would like what he found out about himself. And Nina.

Finally, George’s and 248's turns to ride down the elevator neared... 

One miner after another pushed his buggie of ore onto the lift, and then it was the miner just ahead of 248 who was next, and then 248's turn came, and he pushed on his own cartload and stood beside it, and after that George's turn. George had enough room to be able to squeeze in also among No. 248 and the other miners onto the platform-

However, unexpectedly, as if from nowhere, a human guard pushed his way ahead, taking George's spot upon the lift.

Annoyed, but not deterred, George aimed his cart, to shove it onto the platform anyway, and to force himself, wedge himself into the crowd on the packed lift, but the guard frowned and stood in front of George's buggie, blocking him. The guard shook his head. "What are you doing, miner? Don't be so anxious to get to work. Relax, take the next lift. I am sure the Governor will understand."

Frustrated, George the miner aka No. 317 relented. "Yes, Sir." Now what? As George watched the lift descend, carrying No. 248, he sighed. The pair suddenly found themselves split up! Well, a problem, but a minor one. Surely he and 248 would be able to find each other again downstairs, and still carry out their plan. Okay, probably No. 248 would have to play along, act like he truly belonged on the trusted crew, while waiting for George. Naturally, 248 wouldn't be just hanging out idly by the bottom of the elevator until George arrived. Instead, he would have to take the ore and dump it off at the designated spot, but then No. 248 could find a place to duck into and so conceal himself until his partner in their Operation Freedom showed up.

At last the elevator came back up with several miners and their empty ore carts. Once they disembarked, George made sure to get on the lift this time- Since he headed the line, there presented nothing to block him from accomplishing getting on the elevator this time, of course... And, as at the previous times, guards also hopped on to take the ride down with the miners.

Down, down they went.

Much to George's surprise, he saw 248 actually did wait for him right at the bottom of the elevator. And with No. 248 were several of the guards- both human and robot, blasters drawn- including the guard who had pushed ahead of George on the trip before with No. 248. Some pointed their weapons at 248, and some aimed at George as he came down on the lift. And there in that crowd of guards were the two robot guards who had chased them out of this hidden tunnel the last time they were here. George saw all this from where he stood on the lowering lift, before it even touched bottom. So did the other miners, who then noticed just who these two were- and they immediately recognized the two.

"It's Nos.317 and 248!"

248 hung his head, not looking George in the eye. "Sorry, No. 317, I guess we didn't think out this part of the plan. I never expected them to catch us mingling with the other miners here."

The lift completed its descent. The other miners proceeded off the lift, sparing some glares at George and 248. They didn't know what was going on, but they saw the guards surrounding them, and they also knew these two did not belong here with the trusted miners! Especially No. 317- Only the most loyal miners were on this secret duty. "Imposters!" they called them between sneers and scowls while they went past the two.

317 sighed and walked over to 248, not putting up a struggle, resigned. "How did you guards know what we planned and that we aren’t members of the group? We covered our numbers with grime and dirt, in case you’d notice them and realize it.”

The guard who had pushed his way onto the lift ahead of George answered him. "When there had been some intruders down here days earlier, you were one of the suspects, No. 317. But No. 248 surprised us, but not you. I have been following you tactfully about for some time today, and so now, here we are."

248 shrugged. "Yes, we are. Now what? Will you feed us to the Eaters?"

"I wish. But 317 shows great talent at his dangerous job of digging out pure fuel deposits when they are uncovered. He is a master at it, and has yet to blow himself up. Since he's been doing that job, we have lost fewer miners in pure fuel accidents, except for when miner first stumbles upon a deposit. 317 is an asset, even though a bad miner. I don't know if Somebody Up There is watching out for him, or if, because he obviously lacks the proper zeal for serving the Governor like he should, maybe he instead watches out for himself selfishly and, whereas a regular miner is so excited about to work and he doesn't take the time to be careful, No. 317 is less excited, and so uses more care in digging up the pure fuel."

248 nodded. "I see. That's what you think of 317, an asset. Now, what of me, then? I have a feeling I will be learning the same trade which No. 317 has been doing. If so, perhaps I can be his apprentice or something."

The guard laughed. "As if we would trust you two working together. But you are half right. No sense in tossing you to the Eaters, either. You can be No. 317's backup, in case he finally does go boom. But you will be operating solo, and you must figure out the tricks of the trade on your own, or blow up trying. You certainly won't be working alongside 317." He told the other guards, "Okay, we got 'em. Let's go.”

The guards took the prisoners back up on the lift to the tunnel above. They kept their blasters on them all the way up and all the way through the rocky corridors to the detention center.

The detention center consisted of a chamber carved into solid rock, with several miner-sized cages with exceptionally thick bars. These cages lined both sides of the chamber walls. A few cages held miners already, but only one to a cage.

The guard said, "Sometimes we must lock up a miner, maybe for punishment or for incompetence and repeated failures in meeting quota goals. Sometimes we just keep them here until we set up a gladiator fight for them, to teach them a lesson. But the bars are very thick, and very strong, a special alloy, too hard to smash through even for a miner If you do try, you will be caught before you can even make a dent in the bars."

They put George in a cage at one end, and 248 in another cage at the other end, both at the farther ends of the chamber. The cage doors were slammed in their faces and locked.

The guard smiled at George. "Don't get any ideas that these locks are the weak link. They are just as strong as the cages. I hope you like your new accommodations. You will continue to work, but then, when you finish your shift, you will immediately be brought back here and caged. And then you will go to work again, when it is time to go. And then be brought back here again. And so forth. Don't waste your time thinking you can get out of here. This is how you will spend the rest of the days of your life. I hope you have a nice time."

George told the guard, "I do see a bright side in all of this, at least.'

"Oh? Do tell.”

“At least we won't have to attend those stupid pep rallies for the Governor anymore."

The guard turned away in disgust, not responding.

In his cage at the other end, 248 laughed heartily, "Amen to that, No. 317, amen, brother!"

George considered the situation. His and 248's plan failed, but George refused to give up. He must find a way out so he could find out who he really was, and who was this Nina... Already George had another escape plan forming in his mind...”

(c) drk 2012

00060

Gov. Bright approved of Mita Morgan’s curiosity and interest in some of the older buildings of Sparkle City. "With all the problems caused by that house church, it is a delightful diversion to find a newcomer concerned with our past." He prepared to give her a quick history of what seemed the distant past, right there in the hallway. True, the city wasn't much more older than a decade old, but already some of the early structures had been abandoned and fallen into unsightly disrepair. "I wish my niece showed more

interest in our historical sites. I know she appreciates our parks and memorials, but it's good to know our whole past, even about sagging buildings, and what they had once been.”

Osmo Martin and the Security Leader politely waited in the hall as Gov. Bright launched into a discourse of the old, delapidated building's significance. He turned out to be a fairly good story-teller. Mita Morgan could almost see, as he told her about them- the first people settling on this world, unsure if their stay would be temporary or permanent, in order to explore more of the planet. This had happened shortly after the rescue team for Dr. Hope Martin had found the space station lab which had been sucked through the wormhole. The settlers/explorers set up hasty camps of pre-fabricated houses and labs, sponsored and supplied by Martinology, and then they set off to find anything that could be useful and helpful for those on the Earth.

The mineralogist of the team found the nearby hills and mountains- nearby the future site of Sparkle City- to be practically nothing but rock. Instead, he wanted to explore that blue-gray mountain in the distance, and he led a group of like-minded men and women to the place. The team found on the surface of the side of the mountain, halfway up, a few fascinating reddish, sparkly rocks, and they decided to dig further, to find out how much of this stuff was in the mountain. (It turned out, those back on Earth later discovered, that the planet seemed to contain many veins of the strange red sparkly rock.)

When initially the rocks had been found, the team puzzled as to any value their find might have, besides possibly for use in decoration. Then, the mineralogist excitedly discovered that, digging only by hand, he had uncovered larger, similar rocks. But a few of these uncovered stones were almost solid red. They sparkled much more brilliantly. These rocks appeared to be purely one substance, one element, not mixed with impurities like those they had found on the surface.

The mineralogist took a shovel to dig out the rest of the whole pure stones from the soil for testing back at the lab.

One of his team ran over to where they had earlier set down their supplies when arriving at the mountain, nearly fifty yards downhill, to get the recorder and make archive the event. It could be something historical. He called to the mineralogist to wait for the camera to be ready, before digging out more rocks.

So, setting the recorder on a tripod, the historian angled it upward to the spot on the mountain where the others leaned over to watch the mineralogist dig out his find. The recorder operator double-checked his settings, and prepared to dash back up the slope to rejoin them (and thus to be sure to be immortalized on the recording their discovery, if it turned out to be important). Before he reached them, however, suddenly, a bright flash wiped out the whole group above, leaving only the filmer behind, and he with much scorching and burns. It turned out that they had found a rock of pure energy fuel, with very little of the normal impurities in the rock which made power fuel ore reasonably stable.

Immediately, the rocks were recognized as being a potential fuel, a powerful energy!

And so, Earth sent some more people to conduct tests (cautiously, now) on the reddish, sparkly rocks of the blue-grey mountain, and they soon realized how the ore, when mixed with impurities, became an impressive and much-needed- and controllable- energy resource. And because of that, Earth sent lots of cheap building materials and supplies to the settlers, to encourage them to stay long and to mine the fuel ore. (This was before the Leaders became so tight-fisted, Gov. Bright made sure to point out to Mita Morgan.)

A crude barracks for human miners was swiftly constructed near the site of the explorers' first encampment by the sea. They kept far enough from the mountain, just in case any more pure fuel rocks exploded, perhaps with an even larger blast, which could possibly blow up the whole mining mountain. Since the pay was good, they took the job and the dangers that went with it, digging out the ore from under the mountain. After working hours, they went back to their barracks, where they could rest and relax, and at least know that during their off-hours they were far enough from the mountain so as to be safe.

And then more people arrived, looking for work, and becoming miners. And others followed them to the World of Hope- merchants and builders of semi-private houses and masons and food-preparers, setting up a sort of civilization. What was a camp for earlier explorers became a boom town, and that was how Sparkle City began, and that old claptrap building about which Mita Morgan asked had at one time housed the original miners.

"Many of our houses at that time were constructed with native rocks, not the fuel ore kind, of course, which are in abundance in this area, until a steady flow of cheaper building materials from Earth proved more cost-effective. And experimental Enviro-Gens were set up in the zone, as well, and not only here, but also in other parts of the globe," said the Governor. “Step by step, the World of Hope’s environment became more people-friendly over the years. However, the dust from the ore, slightly radioactive, accumulated in the human miners' bodies, and took its toll. It was worse than expected. So the humans stopped mining the ore and abandoned their barracks. Their old living quarters, full of dust, went unused. Nobody tore it down, because, by this point in time, there was almost a whole town here, and if the barracks were demolished, all that ore dust would be stirred up and possibly contaminate everything, perhaps causing health difficulties. The townspeople didn't want to take that chance, so they just left the abandoned building stand there all these years and mostly forgot about it. It wasn't a structure that was built very well, and yet, there it is, still standing.

"Earth didn't know what to do, meanwhile, because mining the ore proved bad for the health of the human miners. The Leaders tried to get the mining done with robots, but, well, robots aren't that good at such tasks requiring problem solving, especially not the robots back then. Nobody wanted to mine the ore anymore- too risky health-wise. An accidental explosion was always a possibility, but degenerative health was a certainty, if one stayed mining the fuel ore. Radiation poisoning treatments in those days were not as good as these days, of course. And using hazmat suits would be impractical."

The Governor rubbed his cheek, recalling those days. "I had been appointed Governor at that time, and I saw Sparkle City became less and less important before my very eyes, because the ore was no longer being gotten. But yet Earth wanted and needed the ore. I suggested sending hardened criminal to the World of Hope to do the mining, and we found a way to enhance their bodies so they could dig much, much ore, and not be affected by the accumulation of the dust. We used robot guards and human guards for the criminals, and the human guards were rotated to other duty outside the mines on a steady basis so as not to develop health problems. And so, we were back in business, you might say, digging out the ore. All in all, I'd say the mining operations work fairly well now, except Earth won't send us what we deserve in help and supplies- but I am sure everyone present already knows that.”

Gov. Bright noticed her expression, that she had something she wanted to tell him about that building. "But you didn't ask me about the place because you were concerned about its history, did you? Why do you want to know about it, then?"

Mita Morgan answered, "I think people are using it again, and not miners. Bad people."

"Who?" asked Gov. Bright, having an inkling whom she meant.

She told Gov. Bright and Security Leader Clyden how she had spotted that woman Francis, probably from the house church, in the vicinity of the old miners' barracks, and how she and Sheila had lost her very close to the building. Mita Morgan said, “I am more than willing to make a bet that that is where the house church people are meeting for their illegal practices!”

"But that would be foolish of them, with all that dust-" Sec. Ldr. Clyden began.

Osmo Martin, meanwhile, listened silently. Inwardly, he fretted for his friends, if Mita's hunch proved correct.

Gov. Bright, however, suddenly realized Mita Morgan must be right. "Of course! As a temporary place, it is safe enough to hide out there! And nobody would expect anyone to make their headquarters there- No wonder we haven't been able to hunt them down. Why didn't you think of this, Sec. Ldr. Clyden?

"My Security Agents are systematically hunting for their hiding spot, Gov. Xavier. We will find them eventually, no matter where they are.”

"It is better that we find them immediately, rather than eventually, before they can do more mischief,” the Governor replied. “Anyway, you gather all your Security Agents ASAP for a raid on the old miners' barracks. I think we may finally have them!"

Before Sec. Ldr. Clyden could respond, Mita Morgan asked, "What about Osmo, Gov. Bright?"

"What about him? His ankle is still mending," said Clyden.

Mita Morgan replied, "Oh, but you must bring him along! I am sure he will want to be in on the action. Besides, I know for a fact Sheila worries about where Osmo's loyalties lie, considering how some of his friends have joined up with the house church. Well, now he can prove to her how loyal he is to Gov. Bright. Right, Osmo?"

"Um-"

"An excellent idea," the Governor agreed. "Security Leader Clyden, please be sure to bring along Osmo."

Clearly annoyed, Sec. Ldr. Clyden agreed. "Okay, Gov. Xavier. Well, c'mon, Punk, get into uniform. We got us some drug-dealing dissidents to catch!"

Uh oh, now what can I do to help Albert and Jane? worried Osmo Martin. He didn't know what to do. He had looked into whether the drugs were planted at the Grametz raid or not while his ankle repaired itself (as Jane Ashton had suggested when he was hanging over the edge of the bridge), but he had found nothing. And no wonder, since, if those drugs really were planted there at the raid, how would Osmo be able to prove that? Security Leader Clyden had many more years of experience hiding things than Osmo Martin had of searching and finding things. And now this- would the Security Agents plant evidence there at the first miners’ barracks, as well, if the house church was there?

Osmo Martin silently growled, Oh, why can't Mita mind her own business?

And, just out of sight, X-9, having carried upstairs to Sheila her shopping spree prizes, had quietly snuck back down the steps to eavesdrop. Uh oh, what to do? he wondered. He yanked his robot tracking device from his head port and tossed it aside into an unnoticed corner of the foyer while the people talked in the hall. Then the robot hurried out the door.

(c) 2012 drk

00059

During the next few days, Sheila Bright tried to soothe her anger over the stunt the protesters pulled during her Uncle's speech for the anniversary of Sparkle City. She and Osmo Martin went bowling. They went to the Tourist Trap. They did this and they did that. And yet, it still ate away at her. How could Mrs. McCleer betray Uncle Xavier like this? And how could Osmo's friends Albert and Jane do the same, and be a part of that group that Mrs. McCleer (probably the instigator) stirred into such unbecoming action? Who knows, maybe using drugs explained it all.

Well, there was one therapy for her anger she hadn't yet tried- shopping! Since Osmo's ankle still mended, and anyway, who wants to take a man along when shopping for shoes, she invited Mita Morgan to accompany her on a spree. (Maybe time away from Osmo Martin would prove profitable for Sheila, she reasoned, because, while he never condoned what his two friends did, yet he never really condemned their deeds very strongly, either. Naturally, that irritated Sheila, too. After all, it was her Uncle whom these trouble-makers continued to oppose!)

X-9 joined the ladies. The robot’s new assignment- as Sheila Bright’s personal butler- actually had been an old job of the robot, back when Sheila was much younger.

Sheila Bright didn't give him much attention, not like the way Mrs. McCleer had. He followed dutifully behind them.

Sheila and her friend, carrying many bags and boxes of shoes and purses. Sheila and Mita Morgan visited every shop along the plaza, and it was a given that each of the girls would buy at least one pair of shoes or a purse at each of these places. The robot seldom spoke, patiently waiting every time while they tried on dozens of styles of shoes before finally selecting a pair. 

Sheila complained as she and Mita Morgan did this, that here on the World of Hope shoe supplies and selections and styles were, unfortunately, too limited.

Each new store lessened Sheila's foul mood. She complained less and less, and, instead of complaining, she told Mita of all the positive accomplishments of her Uncle, Gov. Bright. This was one of Sheila's favorite topics, and one which she knew a lot about. But she held on to some of her complaining mood, nevertheless.

"Imagine, Mita, how Mrs. McCleer and Jane Ashton are so, so in the wrong, and don't realize it. I think my Uncle does whatever needs to be done for the good of the World of Hope, and if some citizens go bad, they pay the consequences. It is that simple. So, his approach is misconstrued in a bad light, and Uncle Xavier is made into a bad man. But I also think Mrs. McCleer is crazy, due to her loss, but that doesn't excuse her for backstabbing Uncle Xavier- nor does it excuse Al and Jane, for that matter. My Uncle has done so much for the people, and those Earthers won’t recognize this. Look how Earth never sends enough robots, so Uncle Xavier must take the robots that are supposed to be doing things like garbage and recycling collection, and instead he uses them in other places where they are more needed, like being guards at the mines or working with hazardous materials in the Enviro-Gens. Of course, the streets look a bit ratty here and there, and the sanitation is lacking, yes, but the fuel ore is being mined, and our climate is becoming more and more friendly for us."

Mita Morgan empathized. She had heard all this before, when Sheila had told Osmo Martin the same things time and again, many times, but she agreed with her whole-heartedly. "Some folks just have no common sense, Sheila. I don't know what accounts for it, but some people are dumb as rocks! Oh, what I wouldn't give for some chocolate right about now."

"Good idea," Sheila Bright agreed. "Too bad we finished the chocolates Osmo had gotten me for my birthday. Let's buy some more. And let's find a place to sit for a bit. My back's killing me. I guess it's good we are getting new shoes- my old shoes must be wearing out and that's why my back hurts. I know of a place in the seedier section of town. It's near the sea, and almost as old as Sparkle City itself."

"Sounds wonderful. The sea is very relaxing. Let's go!"

Sheila and Mita found Sheila’s truck and X-9 dumped their wares into the vehicle. All three got in, and Sheila Bright peeled out, heading for the tiny, rundown shop near the sea.

In the locality of the shop, many of the nearby buildings exhibited much signs of wear and tear. In the early days, many buildings here were made of whatever was on hand. Native rock, so plentiful all about, had been quarried from the nearby hills and mountains to the west to provide much of the construction material. However, a very large building in the background, next to the sea, proved the exception, having been made mostly of pre-fabricated materials brought from Earth. At one time the building must have looked very efficient and cost-effective, but now it sagged and rotted tin the open air adjacent to the large Sea of Fun, which, incidentally, was now full of breeding fish- those imported from Earth, and also new species fashioned here on Hope.

Sheila Bright tried to ignore the annoying structure by the relaxing sea. A blight even on this rundown neighborhood!

The two young women entered the chocolate shop. Ah, now here was a true delight! They bought some candy bars and got some mochas and sat at a small cafe-style table and chatted. X-9 stood by, listening, awaiting for any orders to help in any way he could. Mita Morgan sipped her cup. "Mmmm. I haven't had anything this good since the day I came here on the Space Dart- Hey-" She spit out the mocha in surprise, jumping up from her seat and staring out the grimy, streaked shop window at the pedestrian traffic along the walks in front.”

“What- what is it, Mita?" Sheila Bright hopped up also and peered out the pane, puzzled. "I don't see anything. Just the everyday people going about their daily routines. And a really dirty window that needs cleaning."

"See that lady in the blue sweater? I know her. When Albert Zoeniga invited me to help out at the hospital awhile back, he and Jane introduced me to some other volunteers, including that lady there. I think her name is Francis. Anyway, he let it slip and mentioned that she attended some church he went to. I bet she is one of them, one of the trouble-makers. She might even know where the whole gang of them congregate! This could be a big break in catching them!"

"Let's make a citizen's arrest, then, and get Security Leader Clyden to find out!” said Sheila Bright. She shot out the door. Mita followed. The ladies left behind their chocolates and mochas at the table. X-9 gathered up their stuff and hastily left the shop, right behind the pair.

Mita Morgan and Sheila Bright saw Francis turn down an alley. They also turned down that way, and were surprised to see that so many vendors had set up booths and kiosks there in this unfamiliar passageway- no doubt without the proper permits. But that couldn't concern them now. They tried to keep up with Frances, but she had had a big lead on them. Still, she seemed to be unaware they tailed her, but she must be a fast walker, very fast. She turned to the left. They kept her in view. X-9 kept them in view, rushing to keep up with them.

After several twists and turns, Sheila and Mita rounded another corner, and came to a dead end, and yet they could swear Francis had gone this way, but now she was gone. X-9 caught up with them, as they were discussing this perplexing outcome of events.

"Where did she go? Where can she be?" wondered Sheila Bright.

"I suspect she knew we followed her, and shook us somehow off her trail,” suggested Mita Morgan.

"Here are your chocolates, ladies. I made sure to bring them with us," X-9 informed them.

"Good, X-9, at least that's something." Not really panting, since she kept in shape, nonetheless Sheila breathed heavily, annoyed all over again, thinking of the house church group and their illegal activities and protests. "Now we must find our way back to the truck."

"If you fear getting lost, I am sure I can find it for you, Ma'm," X-9 told her.

But Sheila Bright located her truck herself after about five minutes of searching. Mita took a chocolate bar from X-9 and chewed it. She said, "What do you make of that, Francis got away! What bad luck is that?!"

Frustrated, Sheila answered, "Let's change the subject. That little jog got us nowhere, and now I am all mad again, thinking of Mrs. McCleer's treachery. I want to instead think on pleasant things."

"Okay, Sheila, I know where you're coming from."

X-9 was about to say, Of course you know where she is coming from; we just came from there- but then the robot realized Miss Morgan merely used an idiomatic phrase, and luckily stopped himself in time from commenting.

When the girls returned to the mansion, X-9 retrieved all their things from the truck while Sheila and Mita went on ahead into the Governor’s House.

Mita Morgan smiled when she saw Security Leader Clyden in the hall with Gov. Bright and Osmo Martin, going over security matters. She greeted Tretl Clyden with a big hug that made Clyden uncomfortable.

Sheila said "Hi" to everybody and grabbed some boxes and purses from X-9 as he came in. She hurried upstairs and try on some outfits and see how her newly purchased accessories brightened her new outfits. "X-9, bring up the rest of my things, please,” she ordered on the way up the steps.

"Yes, Ma'm.”

Sheila Bright rightly assumed Mita wouldn't join her immediately, because Mita Morgan wanted to greet Sec. Ldr. Clyden first.

Clyden asked Osmo, meanwhile, "Is your ankle better? When are you going to be able to get back to regular duty?"

"It feels fine, now, Sec. Ldr. Clyden. I think I can go back to regular duty anytime," Osmo Martin replied.

"That's good news," said Gov. Bright. He asked Mita, "Have you ladies had a nice day of shopping?”

“Oh, yes, it was a nice day," she answered. She said nothing about chasing Francis, but she inquired, "What is that big old claptrap building in that seedy area, where there are the older, original buildings and homes from when Sparkle City began?"

Gov. Bright found her question interesting. "Why, Mita, I didn't realize you were that interested in the history of Sparkle City. How refreshing. I wish Sheila felt more concern for the history of our fair city, instead of merely enjoying the here and now. Unless it's a story about something I did to help make our little world better, I suspect she couldn't care less."

X-9, meanwhile, had paused at the foot of the staircase, listening to what Miss Morgan had to say. Why did she ask about that old building? Why did that concern Miss Morgan? What if- that was where that Francis- and Mrs. McCleer- were holding secret meetings with the church group? If he were human having illegal meetings, that’d be the place to use. Perhaps this Francis ducked into the large, sagging building to lose the tailing young women- Was that idea in Miss Morgan’s brain- and was it why Miss Morgan asked? And- why did it concern X-9? He was only a robot, after all. But he realized he felt concern for Mrs. McCleer.

Did he- - have Seymour's Syndrome, that robot disease?

From above, Sheila Bright called, "X-9, where are you?! Bring me my shoes and purses!”

“Yes, Ma'm, right away, Ma'm." The robot hurried up the steps, carrying the packages.”

(c) drk 2012

00058

Inside his telecommunications chamber, Gov. Xavier Bright concluded another regular report to Earth. He sat alone before the screen. After he finished, he asked Earth Agent Doris, "What can you tell me of the much-needed supplies I ordered through Mr. Martin? I had forwarded a request list to Gunther Martin, but I haven't heard a peep about the matter since then."

"One moment, please."

Doris' image disappeared, replaced shortly by the face of Earth Leader Arthur Bigges onscreen.

“Yes, Gov. Bright? What can I do for you?"

Gov. Bright repeated his inquiry. "Leader Bigges, Mr. Martin promised to reason with the Committee to send the supplies I've asked for."

Rather than answering, Leader Bigges instead asked his own question. "Let me change the subject, Gov. Bright. What's going on with the house church people? The news here is that your administration is persecuting them needlessly... no reason at all.”

“What?! You know better than that, Arthur. These people- It's some kind of cult, led by Bro. Simon. Even though he is imprisoned on Earth, his followers carry on with his shameful ways, doing things which are just like the bad things he did."

“Such as...?"

"You need not ask. You already know. Bro. Simon has been arrested on Earth for possessing illegal drugs. His followers also are users and dealers. Recently, my Security Leader raided the home of one of the members of the house church. He discovered the whole family was involved in drug use and drug trafficking. Besides that, they stir up trouble and are trying to get the subjects- the citizens- Hope's honest, loyal citizens- to revolt."

"Is that so?" Bigges didn't bother to look at Xavier Bright, as though he dismissed out of hand what the Governor told him. The Earth Leader paged through a folder in front of him on his desk. From it he took out a sheet and held it up to the screen. "Can you make this out, Gov. Bright? It is a summary of complaints, made by tourists visiting the World of Hope, having witnessed what they regard as harassment of the church group during a peaceful demonstration at the rocketport. You blasted them with a water cannon!"

The Governor crossed his arms, becoming defiant as usual. "Really? What do the tourists know of the troubles that cult has caused here on our world? If you think they are merely some eccentrics who want to worship God, then why can't they come worship at our state-sponsored worship center? All are welcome there. Isn't the center good enough? Or, do they hide something? Is their worship not as on the saintly level as they would have us believe? No, these folks enjoy getting attention, causing strife, and dealing in drugs. And that's why Security Leader Clyden used the water cannon- completely harmless- on the mob. He managed to break up their protest and to scatter them. They were deliberately blocking and halting the loading of the fuel energy ore onto the freighter. You want to get the shipments of ore to Earth on time, correct?"

Earth Leader Bigges said, "I want to show you something, Gov. Bright." He played a clip which now filled the whole field of the Governor's screen. It showed a closeup of Nina McCleer being interviewed by some interviewer who remained offscreen.

"Mrs. McCleer,” said the female interviewer, “you and the house church of the World of Hope have been protesting Gov. Bright and his administration, and angering him. Why?"

"I- we will continue to carry out protests, until he returns to us our loved ones. During the last few years of his time as Governor, people have vanished from the streets, or from their homes. Kidnapped, we believe! We want Gov. Bright to return them to us! Xavier, if you see this, and I am sure you eventually will, I am begging you, please send back George!"

"But wasn't your husband killed in a cave-in at the fuel ore mines?" asked the offscreen interviewer.

"No. I don't believe it. I never have. George was on the World of Hope to assess how well Gov. Bright ran this place. Mr. McCleer was to recommend whether Earth should retain Gov. Bright in that position or not. I suspect my husband planned to send an unfavorable report, and Gov. Bright wanted to stop him. He doesn't want to give up his spot as the leader of Hope. He always wants to be the one in charge of anything. I think that may be why my husband has been taken from me!" Nina pointed a finger at the screen. "Xavier, when you hear this, I want you to know, I accuse you of kidnapping George and forcing him into being a slave miner!"

Bigges' face returned onto the screen.

A vein visibly throbbed in Xavier's forehead.

Earth Leader Bigges said, "Apparently, Mrs. McCleer gave a secret interview at an undisclosed place, and some reporter, probably one sent on assignment from the Earth News Bureau, conducted the interview. There's more, of course, but you get the idea. Somehow the reporter smuggled it back to Earth, probably via a tourist, so that your news board couldn't get hands on the interview and, shall we say, edit it somewhat."

"What is your point?"

"Xavier- Gov. Bright, Earth is concerned about this whole situation with Mrs. McCleer and those people protesting. Why is Mrs. McCleer so insistent that her husband is now a miner? I don't understand. Did you treat a representative sent from Earth on official business with such contempt? Did you tell us the facts about his fate?"

He waited for an answer, but Xavier Bright didn't respond.

Leader Bigges shook his head, disgusted. "This whole business with Mrs. McCleer, being so public and all, puts us all in a bad light. It makes us look bad because Earth took you at your word as to what had happened to Mr. McCleer."

Impatient, Gov. Xavier Bright wanted to know, "Am I getting those supplies I requested, and when?”

“The Committee is still discussing it," answered Leader Bigges.

"Discuss a little faster," sneered the Governor. "Without those supplies, how can I get Earth its full quota of its precious ore in a timely manner?"

Bigges replied, "I think if the production falls, then you won't even need the same amount of supplies that you are getting now, since less work is then being done, and hence less supplies would be needed."

Gov. Bright nodded. "Why send any supplies? Then we won't be able to get any work done, and we can save money on freight by sending no ore to Earth. Think of the financial advantage in that!"

Bigges had had enough. He lost his temper and self-control first, ahead of the inwardly seething Xavier Bright. "Now you listen here, Gov. Bright-"

The screen split in two, and on the second half, alongside with Bigges' face, Gunther Martin popped into view. "Arthur, calm down!" Gunther advised Leader Bigges. "You and the Committee must be realistic!”

“Listen to him, Arthur, he's making sense," Xavier Bright said. "Mr. Martin, have you been listening the whole time?"

"Of course. I work with the Committee whenever I can." Gunther  Martin clearly felt no need to apologize for eavesdropping.

Earth Leader Arthur Bigges fumed about the Governor, but kept quiet and he let Gunther Martin have his say.

"Arthur, we must work with Gov. Bright, not against him, to keep production running smoothly. His ways may sometimes alarm the Committee or even the Council, but, as we have said more than once during a meeting, he gets the job done."

Gov. Bright suggested, "Arthur, he's right. He knows what he is saying. Mr. Martin didn't get to where he is by being an undiplomatic clod. We shouldn't fight each other. After all, we both share the same goal."

"Hmmm," grumbled Arthur Bigges. "Okay, Gov. Bright, we'll try to work faster on the matter and see what we can do about the extra supplies. But I cannot promise anything.”

“That's all I ask," Xavier Bright told him. "And I will do what I can, to see the full quota of ore continues to reach Earth on time, but neither can I promise anything."

"Okay, Gov. Bright," Gunther Martin scolded. "Stop antagonizing Ldr. Bigges." Gunther Martin changed the subject. "Gov. Bright, I heard my son hurt his ankle in the line of duty. How is he?"

"He is fine, in very good health," Gov. Bright assured him. "He is being trained to be capable to deal with difficult situations, and to be able to uphold the law. Do not worry for Osmo, Mr. Martin. He is in good hands. We are looking out for his welfare, I most assuredly guarentee you. Meanwhile, I hope you can help us get our needed supplies.”

The way Xavier Bright guaranteed the well-being of his son, for some reason, it sent a foreboding chill down Gunther Martin's spine.

“Yes, Gov. Bright, I am counting on you to watch out for him,” he said uneasily.

(c) drk 2012