A Date with Sherry
Chapter 11
Josh headed out the next day to Argon Prime to meet with the Security Director.
[Director] “Welcome Mr. Galen I wasn’t expecting you so soon?”
[Josh] “I’m here on company business Sir. I want to expand Alpha Security and open a new department in our new Station making weapons. Nothing large or explosive small arms then later on possibly security drones for the Argon Government and their trusted allies.”
[Director] “You know Mr. Galen you’re not a politician yet but you got the smooth talk of one. The only difference is I think you still mean what you say. You know I’ve stayed in this office through the last four administrations because I have one rule for my workers and myself and the President we never lie to each other! No madder what it is! And what is said in confidence stays that way. Do you think you can live by these rules Mr. Galen?”
[Josh] “Yes Sir I can. But you should know I all ready have a lot secrets Sir are you sure you want me?”
[Director] “If you mean that you are from Alpha Prime I’ve known about that since your family flew into our system. And I know you are someway tied to the Ancients or they are somehow involved in you being here. If that that is what you’re worried about or is there more?” The Director asked as Josh sat with a blank look on his face.
[Josh] “Well that’s about all of it. How many know about who I am?”
[Director] “I met your family at a meeting not long after you arrival to our systems. I’m not sure if anyone knows who you are. I remember seeing you with your parents. I’ve had dealings with the Ancients before. They have an agenda all there own. Like the time they interfered with the destruction of the Xenon. I still have a bad taste in my mouth about that. Giving an order to stop the destruction of a robot race bent on killing every living thing in the universe just wasn’t easy for me to give. But I did and I still don’t like it! I’m just not sure what your here for and that bothers me. A wise man told me to keep my friends close and my enemy’s closer. Which are you Josh?”
Josh looked straight at the Director. “I’m a friend to the Argon people. I’m here and my home is with the Argon people Sir and I’ll do whatever it takes to protect them. We were sent here to help and my family was killed for it. An Argon man saved my life and gave me a home. The other races were mad at my dad when he told them where they came from so they attacked our ship. For the different Races to have been made by humans called the Ancients was too much for their leaders and religions. We were to help the races prepare for a race of Destroyers that make the Xenon look like friends. They have superior weapons and ships and will kill ever thing in the universe except earth.
The Ancient that brought us here made one of the races I don’t know which one and he wants to keep them and the Argon people safe. The Destroyers search space for life and destroy it when they find it. My Mom told me about the Destroyers and the Ancients while we were stuck in a secluded section of the Universe looking for a gate.
The Ancients were from earth they learned how to travel through time and space and how to renew there body’s so time was no problem so they became bored she said and started a contest. So they started their own races some were made and destroyed and remade a little different till they liked what they had then they let them go and evolve into what we have today.
The contest developed into my race can defeat your race contest killing off untold billions of lives before they banned the warring between their races. They keep close watch over each other after a few of the Ancients were killed of by rival members and formed an alliance. But like all alliances they had enemies within there own ranks. One who wanted revenge made the Destroyers and like an plague they sweep through the universe killing till they turned the Gates off leading to the different systems. Leaving the Destroyers strained to search out space for life by flying from sector to sector killing whatever they find in their path.”
[Director] “How long do we have Mr. Galen?”
[Josh] “I don’t know but I do know we can win. They are just machines and machines can be destroyed even if they are smarter than a can opener. We just need to know how. I plain on using the Xenon as test subjects every chance I can and please call me Josh.”
[Director] “Good! I like you outlook you have the authorization to start production of weapons on your Station Josh and welcome onboard I look forward to working with you. I‘m going to send you to our research department talk to the Doctor you helped with the PPC. He’s been hounding me to get you onboard since he met you. Talk to him he knows what we need and what needs changed or modified. He’s also the man that will give the final ok on you weapons department. Good luck!” As he shook hands with Josh. An aid came in and led Josh to the where the Doctor in charge of research was waiting on him.
[Doctor] “Come in Josh I been looking for you to come through this door ever since I met you!”
The Doctor and Josh discussed the size of the department the layout and safety requirements needed for weapons production. Josh had decided to call Sherry while he was on Argon Prime and invite her to lunch. After a talking with the doctor and getting the plans laid out for the department and a list of needed improvements it was time to leave. Lunchtime was long overdue for Josh and a good dinner was what he wanted now.
[Josh] “Sarah contact Sherry I want to invite her to dinner.” A few minutes later.
[Sarah] “Sherry is on the line.”
[Josh] “Sherry I’m on Argon Prime at the Government Offices and I want to take you out to dinner if you have the time. And I need you to show me a good place to go I’m starved.”
[Sherry] “I just got back from a meeting dinner sounds nice. I need to freshen up a little I’ll send my driver to pick you up.”
[Josh] “Good I’ll be looking for him.”
[Sherry] “I need to take a quick shower and get ready Josh invited me to dinner.”
[Sherry’s roommate] “Paint your toenails Sherry.”
[Sherry] “Why He’s not going to see my toe’s with these shoes.”
[Sherry’s roommate] “He might want to see you with your shoes off.” As she laughed dodging a pillow Sherry tossed at her.
The driver picked Josh up and returned to Sherry’s apartment building. Josh watched as he piloted into a secure area and parked. A few minutes later the driver received a brief message and stepped out and waited beside the vehicle door. Sherry stepped out onto parking area as the driver opened the vehicles door saying. “When you’re ready to leave Madam just beep.”
[Sherry] “Josh I know a nice little restaurant that serves great food we can walk to if you like?”
[Josh] “That’s fine with me the weather is pleasant and the moon is out tonight a walk sounds nice.”
As Sherry took Josh by the hand and walked down the sidewalk chatting and making small talk. Josh noticed the driver following a little behind them.
[Josh] “Is he your bodyguard?”
[Sherry] “Yes He’s one of them I have three for now that watch out for my safety. One’s a female that travels with me. The other two are drivers that watch me whenever I leave my room. My family and the president placed them with me for security and they do make me fill safer knowing they're there.”
Josh noticed a Man up ahead with a small hand written sign. [Freighter pilot with valid license need work have family to feed!]
[Josh] “Sarah scan the man with the sign and ID him and get his background for me.”
As he neared the man Sarah informed Josh. “The man had been a freelancer that lost his ship to Pirates and was injured. All there remaining resources were spent on his physical recovery. He his wife and daughter were transported from the trading station to Argon Prime after being regarded as destitute. They have been living in a shelter for two weeks now. His name is Jack and has a good record and standing with the Argon with a valid pilot’s license.”
[Josh] “Sherry I want to talk to this man a minute.”
As they neared the man the guard closed to an arms length behind them.
[Josh] “Sir I see you’re looking for work as a pilot and I need Pilots. My name is Josh Galen and I am in need of a few more freighter pilots for my stations. If you want a job meet me in next 12 hours at the spaceport near the government offices. Ask the dock-master where my ship is I’ll tell him to be looking for you and your family. I’ll pay you a good salary and expect the same in return for it. Take this as a gift. [As Josh handed him a gold token] Look me and my company up I’ll be looking for you at the dock.”
As the two-resumed there walk Sherry stated. “Josh you just handed that man a 500 credit token and offered him a job.”
[Josh] “Yes I did.”
[Sherry] “What makes you think he want just keep the credits and never show?”
[Josh] “The credits are a gift. If he wants to help himself he’ll show up and I’ll put him to work and try to help him out. If doesn’t show at least I tried to help.”
[Sherry] “Why this man?”
[Josh] “Because it’s was the right thing to do.”
[Sherry] “I know that but why this man and not someone else.”
[Josh] “Have you ever-just felt you needed to do something to make a difference for the good of someone, you know being led by the sprit?”
[Sherry] “Of course I have.”
[Josh] “Well that’s the way I felt when I seen him. I had Sarah do a quick check on him. He had a bad run-in with some Pirates and is lucky to be alive. They lost everything because of the Pirates and I plain on helping them get back on their feet.”
[Sherry] “You never cease to surprise me Josh.”
[Josh] “Is that a good thing?”
[Sherry] “This time it is.” As she placed her arm around Josh’s waist hugging him a little.
After entered the diner and ordering, while waiting on their meals Sherry asked? “Josh when are you going too your power plant?”
[Josh] “I don’t know right off. Did I forget something?”
[Sherry] “No I wanted to see the plaint and how you are able to produce energy cells without crystals. I know the Boron are pleased with the production the plaint puts out. How do you do it?”
[Josh] “Are you here for business or pleasure?”
[Sherry] “I’m sorry Josh the President and I were talking the other day about the station it just crossed my thoughts as I seen this ad about clean energy. I’m here to enjoy a dinner with you.”
[Josh] “I take you on a tour of the station if you’ll come with me tomorrow when I leave. We’ll be gone for three or four days I have to take care of some business at the new home of Alpha Security. I want to show you the station anyway it’s one of a kind.”
[Sherry] “What do I need to take?
[Josh] “You can pack light but it’s all up to you and your needs.”
[Sherry] “My needs are simple and trouble-free and I like it that way. I’ll be there with my bags and toothbrush.”
[Josh] “Great then I’ll call you when the Man and his family arrive or right before I leave.”
As the two were leaving Sherry gave Josh a little kiss on the cheek as she headed back to her apartment. Josh headed for public transit stop and a ride to the docking port where his ship was. Josh thought to himself he should be careful not to let the affection from a lovely woman mislead him into doing something he would regret later.
Josh found himself sitting in his ship still thinking about Sherry and did she want to see him or see what she can find out about his technologically advanced equipment. After a second cup of coffee Sarah informed Josh the Pilot and his family were approaching the ship.
Josh opened the hatch as the steps went down to the landing pad and replied. “Glad to see you made it come onboard. I’ll have a drone load your belongings.”
[Jack] “I want to think you Mr. Galen My Wife and I want to work all we can to get our family back on our feet and pay you back for the token.”
[Josh] “The token was a gift you owe me nothing. We have an excellent childcare and learning center for you child. The station has lots of part time, full time and fill in jobs. If you want you both can fill out applications and look at the job listings at this table. Jack you have a job as a pilot local or long hall whichever you want the pay listings are listed with the jobs. You need to pick your living quarters out and the furniture you’ll need along with what you need for your household. I’ll give you a 10,000-credit loan into your account to spend. You can pay back the loan back by having10% of your weekly salary placed into a savings account. 5% for the loan and 5% for you till the loan is repaid.”
[Jack] “I don’t what to say? Thanks for everything the loan sounds great. I checked your company out you have people waiting in line to work for you. Why are you helping us? I’m glad you are I just don’t understand why someone as important as you would even look my way.”
[Josh] “I’m so successful because I believe in good over evil. I have read the book and the good ones win. For me to have walked by you and not helped you would have been wrong for me. I serve a higher power than the rest of the world. It guides me like a close friend if your interested I’ll give you a book to read with all the answers you’ll ever need. Someday you’ll be able to help someone up that life has knocked down. I hope you’ll take the time to help someone up. Remember we all need a helping hand from time to time including me.”
Josh went to the front of the ship and called Sherry telling her they were ready to depart and were waiting on her.
[Sherry] “Did the pilot show up?”
[Josh] “Yes he did along with his wife and daughter. They're all loaded and ready to go. They didn‘t have much just a few bags. Are you ready to leave or do you need some more time?”
[Sherry] “No I’m ready I’ll be there in a few minutes.”
Several minutes later Sarah announced. “Josh Sherry is approaching the ship with her luggage escorted by a security guard.”
Josh met her outside the ship. “Glad to see you made it this is my ship the Exaireo let me help you with your things.”
[Sherry] “Is this the same ship you captured the Xenon capitol ship with?”
[Josh] “Yes it is. [As Josh loaded her things explaining.] I captured the ship because the Argon Navy did all the work I was just in the right place at the right time. We were in Teladi Space trying the ship out on Xenon fighters as the monster came through the East Gate. It was like a wounded animal trying to get to Xenon space. We fired on the ship till it turned to attack. Then we lead it out of the trade lanes and disabled the drive. From there on it was simple. Come on you can set up here with me in the cockpit the view is spectacular looking out and on the rear monitors.”
Josh took his time to enjoy the view of Argon Prime as they headed out into space. After exiting the Gate and docking at the new station Josh and Sherry watched as Jack and his family headed off to their apartment and a new start.
Josh and Sherry decided to stay on the station and get some much-needed rest before heading out on their trip. As Josh went to his room the nagging question of Sherry’s motive laid heavy on his mind. She knew a lot about his activities and his companies. She had been following his activities or researched his file either way the big question was why? And not knowing bothered Josh.
Alpha Security Chapter 11
Moderators: TheElf, Moderators for English X Forum
-
collins50
- Posts: 196
- Joined: Sun, 25. Dec 05, 19:51
