Disclaimer: The main characters are not mine, this is an amateur effort written purely for the fun of it, and no money has exchanged hands. It is not intended to breach the copyright of Paramount and Pet Fly Productions.

 

Authors notes:  Whew well here is the next section of Star Rangers.  As per the course for this series Retribution turned into three stories instead of two so here is the first installment.  I’m sorry it took me so long to finish this, I’ve been busy moving into my new lab building and trying to convince my half a million dollar instrument that it really didn’t mind being torn apart and reassembled.  And of course while it fusses the samples are piling up.  It’s also allergy season here with orange and red alert smog days.  Trying to write with a sinus headache is so not fun.   I hope not to keep you waiting so long for the next chapter.  Thanks to all who have written asking about the series.  Enjoy the story.

 

< > denotes telepathic exchange

 

Star Rangers:  Trouble Magnet

By Crystalphoenix

 

Arthur Wessington, CEO of Wessington Industries and possibly the most powerful man in civilized space, stared out the window of his penthouse office and brooded.  His plan had been perfect.  A few false records and Rainier and the UET would have believed that Dr. Sandburg was happily playing in the dirt at Dr. Stoddard’s dig site, while the good doctor would have believed that his esteemed colleague was safely back at Rainier.  Wessington would have had nine months to avail himself of the anthropologist’s expertise before returning him, with a few altered memories, back to his life with no one the wiser.  But Sandburg had not cooperated, evading capture then crash landing on a hostile world had put a major crimp in what should have been a foolproof plan.  And if that had not been enough the young man had compounded the problem by getting himself bonded to a sentinel, one with skills and connections to make Wessington’s life difficult.  A sudden disappearance would have serious repercussions.  Also thanks to the meddling of that fool Conway the UET was no longer the oblivious dotards they had been.  With the Katsura summit looming closer the safety of one Blair Sandburg had become a priority.  The number of near misses the young man had suffered during the last year had not gone unnoticed.  Red flags had gone up across the board and everyone was under close scrutiny.  Wessington’s success hinged in part on the number of agents he had hidden in key locations within the UET.  Those agents were now in jeopardy as the UET geared up for a full-scale internal investigation.  Stone’s people would not rest until they uncovered the traitors hidden in their midst.  Wessington had recruited the corrupt and greedy with promises of wealth and power.  But occasionally those he had needed were of a higher caliber.  For those of a more ethical bent, blackmail or threats to loved ones had secured their services.  It was these latter that would be his undoing.  With Stone and his agents combing the rank and file for saboteurs it was only a matter of time before one of these weak links crumbled.  Already Admiral Crimshaw had been implicated.  Pity, Crimshaw especially had been an invaluable asset keeping him apprised of UET actions.  Oh well, his legitimate interests were only a small fraction of his true empire.  It was time to pull Crimshaw and let the admiral take full control of the pirate fleet he had been up ‘til now leading from afar.  The man was a brilliant tactician who had been less than thrilled with being stuck behind a desk after the war.  His talents had been easy to buy.  A chance to plan combat missions and stroll the deck of a battleship was all the incentive he had needed to change sides.  Yes, it was time to cut his losses.  Stone was no fool; he would inevitably discover the link between Crimshaw and himself, exposing his entire operation to the UET.  His time as a legitimate businessman was at an end.  Wessington smiled; fortunately he had other avenues to pursue.  That brought him back to the problem of Dr. Sandburg.  He no longer had to worry about hiding his activities from the UET and he no longer cared whether the galaxy fell to war or not.  War was actually very good for business.  And there were plenty of worlds outside of the UET’s jurisdiction with which to do business.  Contingency plans were already in place.  His legitimate holdings were now in the hands of a few trusted minions and a ship was waiting to whisk him off to his hidden fortress.  Once out of the UET’s reach he would make arrangements for the acquisition of one troublesome anthropologist.  It was time he and Dr. Sandburg met at last.

 

 

The large black jaguar moved silently through the thick jungle growth, all his senses on alert.  Pausing at the edge of the clearing it searched for any sign of danger before stalking forward and flowing up the steps of the ancient temple.  Stopping before the doorway to the temple it gazed upward at the sky.  Tension radiated from the lithe body and a menacing growling began low in the animal’s throat as it watched the distant storm clouds gather.  The sky darkened as the clouds grew nearer and hovered over the temple. Rearing back its massive head the large black cat screamed its battle cry as lightening streaked the sky and thunder rumbled through the clearing.

 

With a gasp Jim jerked awake, the sense of impending danger still gripping his mind and body.  Instinctively, he sent his senses out scanning for any sign of trouble.  The calm heartbeat and even breathing of his guide steadied him as he rose gracefully from the bed and padded down the stairs to confirm physically what his senses were telling him.  Standing at the door to Sandburg’s room the sentinel watched the sleeping form and felt the last of his anxiety fade.  Through their bond he knew that the guide was sleeping peacefully.  No nightmares plagued the slumbering man and no enemy threatened.  Finally, assured that all was well, Ellison returned upstairs to try and get a few more hours rest.  Somehow he knew that the impending storm from his dream was real.  The jaguar’s warning had been clear; danger was coming their way.  With no clear target the only thing that the sentinel could do for now was wait and watch.  Like the great black cat that was his spirit guide he would defend those in his care.  Let the storm makers beware. 

 

On the spirit plane the black jaguar watched in approval as his charge returned to his slumber.  His warning had been received and understood.  Those who sought to threaten the guide would pay for their arrogance.  Contented the large cat moved into the jungle foliage and vanished.

 

 

Simon Banks rose wearily from his desk as a loud crash echoed from the bullpen.  Pausing in the doorway to his office he surveyed the damage.  A furious Jim Ellison was staring at the wreckage of what had moments before been a working com unit. Simon sighed as he watched the ex-commando begin to mutter and pace before his desk. The other rangers of Major Crime had wisely retreated from the infamous Ellison temper.  Why did the good ones also have to be the ones guaranteed to give their superiors migraines?  Jim had been touchy and out of sorts for days now.  Sandburg seemed able to calm him down but since the anthropologist wasn’t here it fell to Simon to try to get to the bottom of things.  Sometimes he hated being the boss.  “Ellison,” he bellowed getting the pacing man’s attention, “my office.” 

 

Retreating behind his desk he waited for the angry ranger to enter.  He didn’t have long to wait; a few moments later Ellison reluctantly entered his boss’s domain.  Handing him a cup of fresh coffee Banks pointed to a chair in front of his desk.  “Want to tell me what that was all about?”

 

Accepting the cup Ellison dropped into the offered chair and ran a hand over his short-cropped hair.  “Sorry Simon.  Some idiot from the DA’s office lost my statement on the Anderson case…again.”

 

“There’s more than just the incompetence of the DA’s staff bothering you Jim.  You’ve been edgy for the past week.  Is there something I should know about?”

 

Ellison took a deep breath and let it out slowly trying to regain control of his chaotic emotions.  “Yes, no...maybe.”

 

“Well that’s helpful.  Try again lieutenant.”

 

“It’s just …I’ve been having these dreams.  There’s something coming, something bad and there’s nothing I can do to stop it.”

 

Simon leaned back in this chair and studied his best ranger.  Ellison was completely serious.  OK, so scratch the ‘it’s only a dream speech’.  This was one of those sentinel mumbo jumbo episodes he didn’t want to know about.  Only it looked like he had no choice but to get involved.  Ellison was strung tight if he didn’t lighten up he’d snap and an out of control Ellison was not something Banks wanted to see.  “OK, so you’re getting warning dreams but not enough information to stop what’s coming.”  At the sentinel’s nod he continued.  “Have you talked to Sandburg?  What does he have to say?  He is the sentinel expert.”

 

Ellison gave an inelegant snort.  “Sandburg says that some things are meant to be.  The dreams are to warn me to be ready but I can’t stop what going to happen.  He wants to take me on some sentinel retreat.  Something about letting my inner sentinel run free and restoring balance.”  He slammed the cup onto the edge of the desk.  “Damnit Simon he expects me to wait around until some psycho makes a grab for him and then ride to the rescue.  Knowing that he’s in danger and not being allowed to protect him...it’s driving me crazy.”

 

“You’re sure whatever it is has to do with Sandburg?”

 

“When does it not?  Yeah, Simon, I know it’s Sandburg; I just don’t know what or when.”

 

“Ok so trouble is coming after our resident trouble magnet.  If you can’t stop it then you had better get ready to act when it goes down.  And I have to tell you Ellison from the looks of you, you’re a far cry from being ready to charge to the rescue.  You’re exhausted and if you were any tighter wound I could use you as a piano wire.  My advice is to listen to the kid and do whatever you have to do to get your head together, and Jim you know that you can count on us to help.  If someone threatens Sandburg he’ll have more than just a pissed off sentinel to deal with.  Do I make myself clear ranger?”

 

For the first time in days some of the tension drained from the sentinel’s body.  “Yes, sir and thanks.”

 

The two men sat in companionable silence finishing their coffee when suddenly Ellison’ head tilted slightly and his body tensed in what Simon secretly called his listening pose.  A small smile curled one corner of the sentinel’s mouth and the tension drained from his body. 

 

Simon smiled and reached for another coffee cup.  “Let me guess Sandburg’s in the building?”

 

Ellison laughed and nodded.  “Yes, and he’s excited about something.”

 

“Oh lord, I’m not sure I can handle an excited Sandburg.  The kid bounces enough as is.”

 

“Too late Simon he’s here.”  Jim turned just as his excited guide burst into the office.

 

“Jim you won’t believe what happened.  Oh man is that fresh coffee?”  Taking the filled cup from a bemused Simon’s hand he took a sip.  “I can’t believe it...I mean I never expected…it’s just ...wow.”

 

Seeing a grinning bouncing Sandburg eased the last of the sentinel’s anger.  “Then why don’t you tell us chief?”

 

“And sit, all that bouncing is making me dizzy.”

 

“Sorry Simon.”  Perching on the edge of a chair he gave the two older men a sheepish look.  “Um, sorry about bursting in on you, I was just so excited.”

 

“I’ll forgive it this time Sandburg on one condition.  You tell us what has you walking on cloud nine.”

 

“The IAA is having their annual convention on Oceanus and they want me to be the keynote speaker.”

 

“IAA?”  Banks looked at Ellison but the ranger shrugged not recognizing the initials either.

 

Sandburg sighed.  “The Intergalactic Anthropological Association.  The top anthropologists in the galaxy are going to be there and the committee picked me to give the keynote address.  It’s a great honor.”

 

“Congratulations Sandburg.”

 

“Way to go Chief.”

 

“Thanks, Jim this will be the perfect time for that retreat we talked about.  Oceanus is a closed world only scholars and scientists are allowed to visit and then only by invitation.  The main continent is a wilderness preserve.  We’d have the whole thing to ourselves.  It would be both isolated and safe, the perfect setting for you.  You can get off can’t you?”  He turned to Simon.  “It’s really important Jim do this Simon.”

 

Banks held up one hand.  “Easy Sandburg I was just telling Jim that he should take the time off and get his head together.  This sounds like just the thing.  Since I was planning to be gone next week I’ve arranged for extra help so things here are covered.  Take all the time you need.”

 

“What do you mean you were planning to be off next week?  Aren’t you spending the week with Daryl?”  Sandburg studied his pseudo-boss in concern. The emotions he was picking up were not good.

 

“Daryl and I were supposed to have a father and son fishing getaway next week but things have changed.  My ex-wife decided that he needs more cultural broadening and is taking him with her and her current flame to Hedon.”

 

“Uh, Simon how old is Daryl?”

 

“Fourteen, why.”

 

Blair shook his head.  “I hope your ex-wife has a good lawyer because if she plans to take a fourteen year old to Hedon the only place she’ll be seeing is the inside of a jail cell.”

 

“What do you mean Sandburg?”

 

“No one under twenty-one is allowed on Hedon.”  He glanced at the two rangers.  “Surely you knew this?”

 

“Actually Hedon rarely has need of a ranger unit Chief.  Most visitors are too busy being pampered to cause trouble and for the few that do the local law handles things quietly and efficiently.  The only times I’ve been on planet I was well over twenty-one and off duty so I never paid close attention to the rules.”

 

“Same here,” Simon agreed.  “So how do you know about this?”

 

“Naomi took me there when I was seventeen.  She felt it was time to complete my erotic education and there are some things a mother can not teach her son so she took me to a friend of hers on Hedon.  The previous year had been rough and she thought a trip to the pleasure planet would be a nice holiday.  Only when we landed on Hedon she was arrested and I was placed in protective custody.  If she hadn’t been friends with one of the planetary officials she would still be in lock up and I’d have been raised in one of the communes until I was of age.  Naomi’s government friend provided me with planetary identification stating that I was twenty-one and we ended up having a great time.  I learned quiet a bit on that trip; I even did a paper on my experiences there.  But for a while it was scary.”

 

“Let me get this straight.  Your mother took you to a brothel when you were seventeen for training?” 

 

Sandburg nodded.  “She felt it was her duty as a mother and woman to insure that her son knew the proper way to treat his sexual partners.”

 

“Ok, I don’t want to know.”  Simon waved a hand to halt any further explanation.  “So you’re saying that Joan will be arrested if she tries to take Daryl to Hedon.”

 

“Yes, the Hedonites have few rules but those regarding children are sacred.  Sex with a minor is punishable by death on Hedon, it rates ahead of sexual violence and murder as the worse crimes imaginable.  Bringing a child into the city is tantamount to being a child molester in their eyes.  Not good.”

 

“Wait a minute Chief I’ve seen minors in some of the houses.  This doesn’t make sense.”

 

“That’s because those you saw were not minors, Jim.  There are two dominant races on Hedon, human and Lyraldans.  The Lyraldans retain the appearance of children their entire lives and like the other residents of Hedon have an appetite for sensual pleasures.  Those kids you saw could have been twenty-one or a hundred and twenty-one.  Also some of the houses use shapeshifters.  Whatever they were they were not children.”

 

“Okay that aside, I can not let Joan take Daryl to Hedon.  So how do I convince my ex-wife that exposing my son to the Hedon culture is not a good idea?”

 

“Well you could always just explain the facts to her.”

 

Simon looked at Blair in disbelief then turned to Jim.  “He’s obviously never been married nor does he know about ex-wives.”  He turned back to Blair.  “Trust me Sandburg the last thing I want to do is try to tell my ex-wife she made a mistake.  That would not go over well.”

 

“Simon by now she must know that she goofed.  Most travel agents make a point to inform their clients of obscure laws that could trip up the unwary when booking off world excursions.  I’m sure that she would welcome an alternative to canceling her trip.”

 

“And just how do I do that Sandburg without making her defensive?  She’d rather cancel the trip than admit to me she made a mistake or god forbid needed my help.”

 

“So tell her you have a once in a life time opportunity for Daryl and would she please reconsider.”

 

“And just what opportunity is that?”

 

“Well, I think an all expense paid trip to a closed world complements of the royal family qualifies.”

 

“What?”  Blair laughed at the identical expressions of confusion on Jim and Simon’s faces.

 

“You and Daryl come with Jim and me to Oceanus.  It really is a once in a lifetime opportunity that few people ever get.  Daryl gets his cultural broadening, not to mention a dynamite topic for that cultural studies paper you say he’s been agonizing over and the two of you get to spend some time together.  I’ll even arrange for that fishing trip you were hoping for.  While Jim and I are away working on the sentinel thing you and Daryl can catch a big one.  What do you say?”

 

“I say what’s the catch?”

 

“Simon I’m wounded, there’s no catch.  I have a standing invitation to visit and bring anyone I like along.  Did I mention I’m on good terms with the royal family?”

 

“Yeah, Chief I believe you did.  You just didn’t mention they had decided to adopt you.”

 

“Hey what can I say, people like me.”

 

Simon studied the grinning anthropologist and tried to picture his ex-wife’s response to Blair’s offer. “Okay Sandburg, this just might work.”

 

“If it’d help I’d be happy to call and extend the invitation.  In fact I was hoping to convince you to change your plans and join us anyway.  It would be great experience for Daryl not to mention looking good on his records.”

 

“Thanks Sandburg that might make things easier.”

 

“Consider it done.  Oh man,” Blair glanced at his watch and bounced out of his seat grabbing for his backpack.  “I’ve got to go.  I have a million things to do.  And Jim, try to chill out man all that worry and angst is giving me a headache and no more destroying helpless office equipment.  Later guys.”  Then the anthropologist was out the door and gone before either of the other two men had a chance to speak.

 

Simon looked from the now closed door to a laughing Ellison.  “What just happened?”

 

“That was hurricane Sandburg, sir.  You get use to it after a while.”

 

“So do you think he can really convince Joan to change her mind?”

 

“Trust me Simon it would take a stronger person than your ex-wife to resist the Sandburg charm.”

 

“So what’s Oceanus like?”

 

“I have no idea sir.”

 

“Oh, this should be good.  Sandburg and a teenager loose in space.”

 

“It won’t be so bad Simon.  I mean what can happen on a closed world full of academics?”

 

“Famous last words Ellison.”  Simon lifted his coffee cup in a toast.  “To the Sandburg zone, may we survive the encounter.”

 

Ellison clinked his cup to his boss’s then sipped his coffee.  One thing he could say about life with Sandburg it was never boring.

 

 

Joan Banks glanced around the deserted bullpen and sighed.  She had spent a restless night agonizing over what to do about her son.  She had made a gross error and now she had to swallow her pride and face her ex-husband.  Dr. Sandburg’s offer was too good to let her pride stand in the way.  Darryl deserved this chance even if it meant she would have to let him spend time with his father. 

 

“Excuse me,” the soft voice broke through her tangled thoughts and she turned to find a curly haired young man standing next to her.  The young man smiled.  “You look a little lost.  Can I help you with something?”

 

The young man seemed to radiate polite concern and Joan felt some of her confusion ease.  “Yes I was looking for Captain Banks.”

 

“I’m sorry Simon is in a meeting with the Chief.  He should be back in an hour or so.  You can wait in his office if you’d like.”  He grinned mischievously.  “We’ll raid his coffee stash while he’s not looking.”

 

Joan laughed as she was escorted to the office.  Moments later she was settled comfortably on the sofa with a cup of fresh coffee in her hands.  “Thank you mister…?”

 

“Sandburg, Blair Sandburg.”

 

“You’re Dr. Sandburg, from Rainier?”  Joan was stunned this man wasn’t that much older than her son.

 

“Actually yes I am.  I’m sorry have we met?”

 

“No, well not in person. I’m Joan Banks.”

 

“Oh, you’re Daryl’s mother.  It’s nice to finally meet you.  I was just not expecting it to be here.”

 

“Well, I wanted to talk to Simon before meeting with you this afternoon.  I must admit Dr. Sandburg to being a little stunned by your offer.  Now seeing that you work with my ex-husband I must confess to being a little concerned.”

 

Blair sat down next to the nervous woman and studied her for a moment.  Suspicion, fear, uncertainty, and hope flowed from the tense figure.  “Mrs. Banks as I explained earlier I am a doctor of xeno-anthropology, xeno-psychology and linguistics at Rainier and I have been invited to be the keynote speaker at the Intergalactic Anthropological Association, which is holding its annual convention on Oceanus.  If you would like to drop by my office at Rainier I’d be happy to show you my diplomas and the IAA’s invitation to prove it.  I also happen to be a guide.  Lieutenant Ellison is my sentinel so yes I do spend a lot of time hanging around with cops and since Jim is a member of this unit I know your ex-husband.  It is because I know Simon that I invited Daryl to come along on this trip.  When I invited lieutenant Ellison and Captain Banks to accompany me to Oceanus, Simon told me he was hoping to spend the week with his son.  I thought this would be a great opportunity for Daryl and extended the invitation to him as well.  Rainier has a policy of trying to involve young scholars in fieldwork whenever possible.  I had been planning to invite one of my students to accompany me but decided to make Daryl the offer instead.  This is not a pretense for Daryl to sneak away and spend time with his father.  I am offering him a chance to experience and interact with a closed society that many scholars would kill to see.  I expect him to make the most of this opportunity.  Simon told me he has been struggling with a paper for his cultural studies class.  This trip is perfect subject matter for his project.  I’ll even help him with the assignment if he wishes.  Captain Banks also told me that you wanted Daryl to have more exposure to different cultures; that’s what I’m offering him.  But if for some reason you or Daryl don’t want this opportunity then please tell me now.  I have a number of TAs that would love to take his place.”   

 

“I’m sorry Dr. Sandburg I didn’t mean to imply that there was anything underhanded going on.  It’s just...”

 

“What do you object to, Daryl going off world without you or that he will be with his father?”

 

Joan opened her mouth to lambaste the forward young doctor for his impertinence then stopped.  Dr. Sandburg’s calm blue eyes seemed to see into her soul baring all the darkness she hid there.  “You know don’t you?”  She whispered.

 

The curly head nodded. “Joan you love your son and want what’s best for him.  You’re afraid that if Daryl spends time with his father then he’ll want to be a cop like Simon.  What makes you think that Simon would want Daryl to be a cop?”  He shook his head at her stunned expression.  “You don’t want Daryl to be a cop, Simon doesn’t want Daryl to be a cop but what you’re both forgetting in all this drama to protect Daryl is that it’s not up to you.  You can either have a son who lives the life you dictate for him and is miserable or you can have a son who follows his dreams and lives the life that makes him happy.  If Daryl is really destined to be a cop neither you nor Simon will be able to stop him.  If you really want to help your son then give him opportunities to explore who he is and what he really wants.  Show him the universe is filled with infinite variety and that he can be whatever he chooses. You were right to want to expose him to different cultures.  That is what I’m offering you, a chance for your son to experience a culture few ever see and the chance to spend some time with a father who loves him.  A time to ask all those question a growing boy needs to ask a male figure he trusts.  The choice is yours.  I hope for your sake and Daryl’s you make the right one.”

 

Rising the shaman left the stunned woman to process what she had been told.  She wanted to deny what Sandburg had said.  People had told her such things before and she had always been able to shrug them off.  But there was something about Sandburg that couldn’t be denied.  Whether it was the wisdom she saw in the blue eyes or the way he dug out her deepest feelings and made her face them, she wasn’t sure but this time she had to listen.  Daryl was too important to let her fears blind her any longer. She needed to talk to Simon.  Really talk not the yelling and accusations that usually passed for communication between them.  No she and her ex-husband needed to be honest with each other.  Their son deserved no less. 

 

A few minutes later Simon entered his office to see his ex-wife sitting on the couch.  Preparing himself for one of their usual rows he was pleasantly surprised when she looked up at him with solemn eyes.  “I’m sorry Simon, I’ve been a fool can you ever forgive me?”

 

Taking his ex-wife in his arms Simon assured her that whatever was wrong they could work it out.  Outside Ellison turned to his guide and partner and smiled.  “You do good work Chief.”

 

“All part of the service.  Let’s go home Jim.  I’m tired.  I need peace and quiet and dinner.  It’s your turn to cook.”

 

Chuckling Ellison escorted his weary partner home.  “Whatever you need Junior.  Whatever you need.”

 

 

Daryl Banks was barely able to contain his excitement as he looked around the busy spaceport.  He couldn’t believe this was happening.  Not only was he getting to spend the week with his dad but they were going off world.  He glanced up at his father and wondered once again what had gotten into his parents. For the first time since the divorce they had all sat down together and talked, really talked.  They explained Dr. Sandburg’s offer and actually asked him what he wanted to do.  Then they had discussed his hopes and dreams.  They were actually interested in what he Daryl wanted to do with his life.  For a moment he had feared that his parents had been possessed or replaced by clones then he realized that they really wanted to know.  So he had told them of his dream.  He wanted to help people like his father.  Once he thought that meant being a cop but now he wasn’t sure if that was what he wanted to do with his life.  Being a cop was hard and he had seen what being married to an officer of the law had done to his mother.  He wanted a family one day and didn’t want his future marriage to end up like his parents’.  The guidance councilors at school said he had plenty of time to make up his mind.  They advised him to study the people around him whom he admired and find out everything he could about as many different careers as possible before making a choice.  Daryl had been pleasantly surprised that both his parents sanctioned that idea.  They wanted him to be happy, to not rush in but to take the time to find the job that was right for him.  Neither would be disappointed if he chose not to follow in their footsteps.  He had been relieved by their pronouncement; he loved his parents and didn’t want to disappoint either of them.  And now he was getting to actually go off world.  When he had told his cultural studies teacher that he was going to Oceanus with Dr. Sandburg she had been beside herself with excitement.  She had lent him a vid recorder and explained just how lucky he was to be accompanying such a well-respected scholar to what was essentially a closed world.  Daryl was determined to take reams of notes and document everything for his teacher.  Not to mention the dynamite paper he was going to write about his trip.

 

“Well it’s about time you two showed up.”  Daryl glanced up at his father then followed his gaze to the two men approaching them.  He recognized lieutenant Ellison immediately but the longhaired man bouncing along at the ranger’s side was a surprised.  This had to be Dr. Sandburg but instead of the sixty plus academic he had been expecting the guy looked twenty something.  Dressed in the multi-layered style that was all the rage on campus he looked more like a college student then an honored professor.  Sandburg practically vibrated with energy and the dark blue eyes sparkled with humor as he smiled up at Simon.

 

“Chill Simon, you’re supposed to be on vacation.  We’re booked on the Empress, I have the tickets right here and we have plenty of time to board.  The last shuttle doesn’t leave for twenty minutes.”  Ignoring the glare from the large captain he turned to Daryl and smiled.  “Hi, you must be Daryl.  I’m Blair.  Glad you could join us.  I need all the help I can get with these two.”

 

“Very funny Sandburg.  Now can we get this show on the road?”

 

Sandburg sighed.  “Some people just don’t know how to have fun.  Come on our gate is this way.”

 

“Tell me again Chief why we’re taking a luxury yacht that takes two days to reach its destination instead of jumping straight to Granger Station?”

 

“Because Jim, it’s free and it’s against policy to use police property for personal travel.  Since I don’t happen to own a spacecraft, we travel like any other civilian.  Besides the Empress makes a layover at Baghdad.  I thought it’d be fun to tour the bazaars while we’re there.”

 

“Oh, lord save me.”

 

Sandburg snickered at the distressed look on Banks’ face then turned and gave Daryl a wink.  “Don’t worry Simon we’ll protect you.”  Ellison exchanged a resigned looked with his boss but wisely kept quiet.

 

Picking up his travel pack Daryl joined his father and lieutenant Ellison as they followed after the energetic professor.  This was going to be fun. 

 

 

Simon Banks watched as Sandburg unlocked the door to their cabin and resigned himself to being stuck in close quarters with the other two men and his son.  He doubted he’d be getting any sleep tonight.  Following his son into the cabin he stopped and stared around the luxury suite in shock.  A comfortable sitting room complete with entertainment center sat to the left and a small eating nook and kitchenette was tucked away to the right.  He could see doors leading to three other rooms further back. One led to the rooms facilities the other two were bedrooms.  Seeing the stunned expression on the captain’s face Sandburg snickered.  “Let me guess you expected to be sleeping on the floor?”

 

“Well I wasn’t expecting the presidential suite Sandburg.”

 

“One of the perks of traveling under the royal seal, they want their visitors to feel special.”

 

“Consider me spoiled chief these beds are actually comfortable.” 

 

Blair followed Jim’s voice and found his sentinel stretched out on one of the double beds in the left bedroom.  Dropping his pack beside the adjacent bed he plopped onto the soft mattress and gave a little bounce before flopping over to lay sprawled across the bed.  “Ah, heaven.”

 

Simon watched the two and tried to hide a smile, looked like vacation mode was finally setting in.  Turning to Daryl he motioned toward the door.  “Looks like this room’s claimed let’s go check out next door.”  Stashing their gear in the second bedroom, which sported the same large comfortable beds as the first they wandered out to the sitting room.  A few moments later Blair and Jim joined them.

 

Settling onto the plush sofa Blair activated the room’s data station and began scrolling through the ship’s listing of activities.  “So what do you guys want to do first?  This ship’s got everything…shops, gardens, tons of restaurants and clubs, a fully equipped gym and a casino.  Oh man, they’ve got a z-ball facility.”

 

“Z-ball,” Ellison leaned over his partner’s shoulder and studied the screen. “I love that game.”

 

“You guys know how to play z-ball?”  Daryl looked from Ellison to Sandburg his eyes bright with excitement.  “Isn’t that played in zero gravity?”

 

“Yeah, it’s great man.”  Sandburg pushed a few keys and a simulation of a z-ball match began playing on the screen.  It’s kind of like basketball in that the object of the game is to move the ball down the court and make points by dropping it through a metal hoop. But unlike basketball full contact blocking is allowed.  Kind of like basketball meets hockey but played in three dimensions and without gravity.”

 

“I’ve always wondered what zero gravity was like.  Can we do that?” Daryl pointed to the fast moving players.  “I mean it looks hard.”

 

“Don’t worry Daryl we don’t actually have to play a game to book the court.”  Blair reassured the teen.  “We’ll just work out a little in zero grav.  Jim and your dad can give you some lessons; let you get a feel for what maneuvering in no gravity is like.  It’ll be fun.”

 

“Only you would think floating around weightless is fun Sandburg.”

 

“Ah come on Simon, you said you wanted to give Daryl new experiences.”

 

“All right book the room but you and Ellison get to do the training and no splattering my son over the walls.”

 

Blair shared an amused look with the sentinel then agreed.  “You got it Simon.”  Then he leaned over and whispered loudly to Daryl.  “Actually I think it’s the skin tight suits he objects to.”

 

“I heard that Sandburg.”

 

The anthropologist just grinned cheekily and Simon decided to cut his losses.  “Just book the room Sandburg.  Then how about giving us a tour of this tub and see if we can’t round up some breakfast while we’re out.  I think I’m going to need to keep my strength up.”

 

“Sure thing Simon, I’ve registered us for eleven, that gives us plenty of time to grab some breakfast and tour the ship.”

 

 

Simon pulled at the skintight material clinging to his body and wondered again how he had let Sandburg talk him into this. Like all rangers he had to pass a quarterly zero grav training course but that didn’t mean he liked it.  But one look at his son’s excited face and all thoughts of protest had faded.  So here he was parading around in what was to all extents a second skin.  He tried to relax as he followed the others out of the locker room and down the long corridor to the workout rooms. 

 

Watching Sandburg Simon smiled.  The kid moved with unselfconscious grace.  The tight suit revealed the compact muscled body that was usually concealed by the baggy multi-layered clothing he generally wore.  There was strength in the compact frame that would have surprised many of the cops down at the station.  Many of their associates looked at the kid as a weak link, a helpless civilian.  Simon smiled no one who knew Sandburg would ever make that mistake.  Brilliant, quirky he might be but weak and helpless were not in his vocabulary. 

 

Towering over the smaller man at his side Ellison also stood with total disregard for the revealing clothing he wore.  The tight material hugged the hard planes of his body revealing a form that the ancient Greek gods would envy.  Broad shoulders, narrow waist and perfectly sculpted muscles that spoke of a lifetime of weight training.  He moved with an economy of motion and an almost feline grace.  The ex-commando was the perfect example of leashed power held perfectly in check. 

 

Simon smiled as he caught the appreciative glances the two were receiving from the two women and two teenage girls in their party.  And Ellison and Sandburg weren’t the only ones receiving admiring glances.  The tight suit showed off his own muscular build to perfection.  He might be older than the other two men but life as a ranger demanded he be fit.  He saw the lovely dark skinned Darla giving him a sideways glance and smiled.  On their tour of the ship they had met Darla and Irene at one of the terrace cafes.  In true Sandburg fashion it had taken the young professor less than fifteen minutes to get their life story.  Darla and Irene were taking Darla’s daughter Maria, Irene’s son Daniel and Daniel’s girlfriend Cindy on a multi-planet cruise.  The anthropologist had wasted no time in inviting them to join them for breakfast and then for a few zero grav maneuvers.  Seeing his son relaxing and laughing with the other teens Simon had to admit that Sandburg had made the right call.  Of course having the attentions of Maria’s lovely mother hadn’t hurt either.  Simon smiled as he caught the fiery haired Irene giving Ellison a lingering look.  Seems he wasn’t the only one to pick up an admirer.  The skintight suits clung to the women’s forms showing them off to perfection.  Maybe this wouldn’t be such a chore after all if he had such lovely scenery to gaze upon.

 

Stopping before a large metal door Sandburg entered their clearance number into the lock panel beside the door.  With a whoosh the portal opened revealing a large round metal room beyond. With a wide grin Sandburg flexed his knees and launched himself into the room.  Rolling into a ball he tumbled toward the center of the room then with a sudden straightening of arms and legs he halted hanging upside down facing the doorway a wide smile on his face. “Come on in the water’s fine.”

 

“Show off.”  Stepping up to the doorway Ellison gave a slight flex of his knees and glided into the room.  He allowed himself to drifted until he was beside his partner then a small movement of a hand stopped him.  He hung motionless beside the grinning Sandburg a small smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.  “Come on Chief let’s help the newbies.”

 

Gracefully Blair flipped over to hang beside his partner then as one they drifted toward the floor one on either side of the doorway.  The magnetic strips embedded in the soles of their boots clicked as they secured themselves to the metal floor.  Reaching out they helped the women and teens make the transition to the weightless environment making sure each was secured to the metal walls before turning to help the next person in.  Once everyone else was in Simon took a deep breath and glided into the room pressing the close button behind him.  With a rumble the metal door rolled closed leaving them floating in the large metal ball. 

 

For the next half hour Ellison explained the basics of zero gravity maneuvering to his captive audience.  Using Sandburg as a living example the ex-commando demonstrated the proper way to move in zero gravity and the comic results of moving in a less than controlled manner.  Once assured that his pupils understood the basics he allowed them to try out their new skills.  The sentinel kept a careful watch on his charges, pulling them to the side whenever they became disoriented or nauseated.

 

Ellison pulled to a halt as he heard the door to the room open.  Turning he saw two young men, one blonde the other dark, standing gazing into the room.  “Sorry I guess we’re early.”

 

Recognizing the patches on the young men’s suits as one of the college z-ball teams Sandburg grinned and waved the two in.  “We’re almost done.”  He glanced at Ellison and raised an eyebrow.  At Jim’s nod he turned back to the two men. “Say we were hoping to get in a little practice.  You two up for a game.”

 

“Sure why not.”  The blond smiled. “We’re always up for a challenge.”

 

“Great give us a minute to get everyone out then we’ll play.”

 

After the women and teens were safely out of the room Simon paused and looked at his two men.  “I hope you two know what you’re doing.”

 

“We’ll be fine Simon. There’s a monitor set up out in the viewing area.  You’ll be able to watch the whole thing.”

 

With the innocent bystanders safely out of reach the four men met in the center of the room.  Blair had set the room’s timer for a twenty minute game and placed a game ball in the starter slot.  Unlike a basketball there were protrusions on the round surface of the ball to act as handles.  Two metal rings snapped into place at each end of the room forming goals.  The four men took their places and waited as the timer counted down to game start. 

 

Simon and the others gathered around the view screen and waited.  With a soft buzz the game timer started and the ball was launched into the room.  Then to Simon’s eyes all hell broke loose.  Sandburg rocketed forward, snatching the ball he curled forward and somersaulted toward the floor at the last moment he unrolled and kicked off the metal surface angling toward the goal.  The opposing team was on the move closing on their quarry from both sides then suddenly they both swerved as Ellison magically appeared between them.  The quick stopping motion sent both opponents spinning into the wall.  Sandburg dropped the ball through the goal.  Joining his partner he watched their opponents retrieve the ball and begin the task of trying to move it to their own goal.  As one the two partners moved to intercept.

 

For the next twenty minutes the battle raged both sides gaining and losing ground.  Simon forgot about who was winning and studied the sheer grace and art of the players.  Sandburg was all speed and agility with a dancer’s grace.  Ellison was controlled strength and coiled power which could explode into a tempest without warning.  Together they were a force to be reckoned with.  The opposing team played as the professional they were pushing Ellison and Sandburg to the max.  Simon could see fatigue beginning to slow down the combatants and was relieved when the game buzzer sounded ending the match.  The four exhausted men met in the center of the court and shook hands smiles on all faces.  Glancing at the scoreboard Simon was not surprised to see a tie.

 

Floating gracefully to the floor the blonde turned and offered his hand to Ellison.  “Great game.  I’m Todd Mathews and my partner there is Edward Riggins.”

 

“Jim Ellison and the bouncy one over there is Blair Sandburg.”

 

“Pleased to meet you.  Where did you guys learn to play?  I can’t remember working so hard outside of a pro game.”

 

Ellison chuckled as he carefully stepped out of the room then turned to steady Blair.  Transitioning from zero g to normal gravity was tricky as it took a moment for the muscles to adjust.  “I use to play in the commandos and kept it up after joining the rangers.  A group of us play a couple of times a month.  It helps to keep up our zero grav skills.”

 

Sandburg grinned.  “The Rainier team lets me work out with them.  It’s a great way to keep in shape and keep in practice.  I never know when I might be sent to a site that’s in a low grav or no grav environment. ”

 

“Well if the two of you ever want a change in professions, give us a call.  The coach is always looking for new blood.”

 

“Thanks we’ll keep that in mind.”  Turning to his partner Ellison gestured toward the locker room.  “Come on chief lets get cleaned up and find Simon.  I’m starved.”

 

With a wave goodbye Sandburg followed his partner’s retreating form.  “I know just the place they have these organic…”

 

“No rabbit food Sandburg.  I want real food…steak and potatoes.”

 

“Jim man that stuff will kill you.”

 

Standing outside the locker room door Simon hid a smile as the bickering partners drew closer.  “How about you two get cleaned up and I’ll pick the restaurant.  Captain’s prerogative.”

 

“Hey, no fair pulling rank.”

 

“With you Sandburg I take whatever advantage I can get.  Now get changed or I’m taking the ladies to lunch without you.”

 

Thirty minutes later Simon cut into the big juicy steak on his plate.  Ignoring Sandburg’s muttered comments on the dangers of red meat and clogged arteries he let the succulent morsel melt in his mouth.  Sometimes it was good to be the captain.

 

 

Simon glanced around at the colorful tents comprising Baghdad’s trader’s market and wondered again how he had let himself be roped into this.  One minute he had been enjoying a delicious lunch and the next he was agreeing to chaperone four teens and one bouncy anthropologist on a planetary excursion.  What had he been thinking?  Simon sighed, the truth was he had taken one look at the excitement on his son’s face and hadn’t had the heart to disappoint him.  Then there was Sandburg; the anthropologist was determined to visit the bazaar, which in turn meant that Ellison wouldn’t be far behind.  When Darla and Irene had declined Sandburg’s invitation to accompany them planet side, preferring an afternoon spent in the ship’s spa instead of traipsing across a hot, dusty planet, the teacher had offered to take the teens along.  Once the grateful mothers had given their permission Simon had been trapped.  There was no way he could deny his son the same opportunity.   So here he was in the middle of a crowded bazaar running security for four excited teens and one trouble magnet anthropologist.  Glancing sideways he saw that he was not alone in his concern.  Ellison was on full alert carefully scanning their surroundings for any sign of threat.

 

Baghdad was a trader world attracting all types of beings from all across the galaxy.  The brightly colored tents sprawled from the spaceport to the heavily fortified gates of the city proper where the inns, taverns and city garrison resided.  Planetary laws were flexible.  Anything and everything was for sale on Baghdad if one had sufficient credits and knew where to look.  It was not the type of place where the naïve or unwary should venture, at least not without a heavily armed escort.

 

The Traders were a close knit group that followed their own moral code.  They had settled Baghdad because it offered them security and privacy.  Baghdad was a world of contrasts.  Fierce storms formed above the seas dumping torrential rains on the mountains ringing the continent, rains that fell on the unyielding rock and never reached the dry lands beyond the mountain ranges.  The wide desert plains were dangerous for those unfamiliar with them as enemies and conquerors had soon learned.  The Traders had learned the secret of living on the desert world.  For while the mountains blocked the life giving waters from making it inland they also channeled the precious liquid dispensed by the violent ocean storms deep underground where it pooled in large lakes.  From these lakes flowed subterranean rivers that spread across the land.  Periodically the waters from the underground rivers made it to the surface in the form of springs.  The Traders knew where the life giving waters resided and built their settlements around them while the more wealthy and powerful built stone fortresses in the mountains above the subterranean reservoirs.  More than one lawman had lost his life trying to pursue a fugitive across the unforgiving landscape.  Those sheltered by the Traders were rarely caught.  While slavery was outlawed in the UET there were still those who would pay good money for healthy young adults.  Simon had no intention of letting those in his charge disappear into the desert to be sold to some off world buyer.

 

Simon’s thoughts were interrupted as a scruffy young boy came running around the corner of a nearby tent slamming into the teens and knocking Cindy to the ground.  He scrambled to his feet and made a dash for it only to be plucked up by the collar of his shirt by the fast moving sentinel.  “Everyone alright.”  Ellison scanned the group but saw no sign of injury then turned to the struggling boy in his grip.  “Settle down, I believe you have something that doesn’t belong to you.”  Reaching into a pocket he retrieved a leather wallet and handed it to Cindy.  “I think this is yours.”

 

“Jim let him go.”  Obeying his guide Ellison set the boy down but stayed close.  Sandburg moved forward and knelt down before the frightened boy.  He spoke softly in a language whose roots traced back to ancient Arabic then placed a handful of credits in one grubby hand.  The youth studied the kneeling man a moment as if weighing his worth then drawing himself up to his full height he touched one hand to his forehead then brought it to rest against his chest.  Speaking softly in the same language he made a small bow then turned and ran off soon losing himself in the crowd.

 

“Sandburg what the hell was that all about?”  Simon shook his head as Sandburg rose gracefully to his feet.  “That kid picked a pocket and you reward him?”

 

“First rule of trade Simon, make friends with the local thieves guild if you want to keep your cargo.  By showing proper respect for the guild they are now honor bound to insure the safety of our property.”

 

“You pay them and they won’t steal from you?”  Daryl shook his head.  “That’s weird man.”

 

“It’s the custom here.  Besides a guild that cannot be trusted to keep its word doesn’t last long.  Even thieves have rules.”

 

“If you say so Sandburg but I’d still rather throw them in jail.”

 

“When in Rome Simon.”

 

“Yeah, yeah just make sure you stay where Ellison and I can see you.  I don’t trust this honor among thieves routine.”

 

“No problem man.”  Turning the anthropologist led his charges further into the warren of tents leaving the two nervous officers of the law to follow.

 

The next hour was spent wandering among the booths admiring the wide variety of goods on display.  They were just passing a tent selling intricate silver jewelry when one piece caught Daryl’s eye.  A delicate hummingbird hung from the end of a silver chain.  The work was exceptional making one expect the creature to come to life and fly away at any moment.  Joan Banks had a fondness for hummingbirds; she would love it.  Seeing the young man’s interest the trader came forward and presented the piece for a closer look.  “Ah, the young sir has good taste.  This is one of our best pieces; the artist is a true craftsman.  It is a steal at only one hundred credits.”

 

Seeing the question in his son’s eyes Simon stepped forward only to be stopped by a touch on his shoulder.  Giving the larger man a meaningful look Sandburg stepped forward and took the piece from Daryl’s hand.  Trying to hide a smile Ellison pulled Simon back and prepared to enjoy the show.  Gazing at the piece of silver in his hand Sandburg shook his head sadly.  “Such a waste of good metal.  The artist is obviously of low talent but since the boy fancies it I’ll give you five credits.”

 

Daryl stared at Blair in disbelief but wisely kept silent.  A gleam appeared in the trader’s eye at Blair’s words like a hunting dog that has caught the scent of his quarry.  Sputtering in outrage he prepared to get down to the fine art of haggling.  The teens stared openmouthed as the two combatants spared back and forth.  Blair berated the trader, his kin and the skills of the craftsman while the trader bemoaned the plight of his eight wives and passel of kids and demanded him to find a better bargain anywhere else in the bazaar.  With each pass of insults and whining the traders price dropped and Blair’s rose. 

 

Finally Blair gave the trader his best condescending stare and sighed.  “Far be it from me to see your urchins homeless and starving…thirty credits.”

 

“It’s robbery I say but for the sake of my hungry children…deal.”

 

The trader made a show of carefully wrapping the necklace and handing it to Daryl as Blair received the credits from Simon and passed them to the trader.  Then the ritual completed both men broke out in smiles.

 

“Marvelous, it has been a long time since I have met a bargainer of such skill.  You must have trader blood.”  Smiling he handed Blair a small cup of tea then lifted his own cup in salute.  “Health and long life to you young sir.”

 

Blair raised his cup.  “Health and prosperity to your house Trader.”

 

The trader chuckled as he studied the confused faces of the teens.  “I see they no longer teach the art of haggling in your schools young ones.”  He turned to Blair.  “It is a rare tourist these days that remember the ancient skills.  They pick up a bauble and put down the first price asked.”  He sighed.  “It is very depressing.”

 

“I thought you’d be happy to make them pay a higher price.”  Maria asked in confusion.  “You’d make more money that way.”

 

“Ah but trading is not just about the money young one.  It’s about the skill of negotiating a fare trade and a true haggler shows he knows the value of the object he is buying.”  He pointed to Blair.  “This one showed that he knew the value of my brother’s work and insured that he paid for what that work was worth.”  He smiled.  “Besides I haven’t enjoyed myself so much in days.”

 

Saying farewell the group left the satisfied merchant and moved back into the crowd.  “Where did you learn to do that?”  Daryl asked once they were out of earshot of the trader.  “Man I almost died when you started going off on him like that.”

 

Sandburg laughed.  “My mom and I lived with a spice merchant here for a month when I was a kid.  He taught me.”

 

“Wow I’d heard of haggling in class but to see it first hand.”  Daniel grinned and held up a vid camera.  “And I got it all on tape.”

 

Daryl slapped the other teen on the back.  “Great can I get a copy of that?  Ms. Grant, my cultural studies teacher would